Delray Beach Lawn bowlers, preservation group prevail at Veterans Park
City Commission’s decision could add years to construction of Atlantic Crossing
By Anne Geggis
Lawn bowling scored a reprieve from plans to convert the area’s last remaining courts at Veterans Park into a parking lot to expedite the construction of a mammoth downtown development’s next phase.
A shortened construction timeline that would mean fewer traffic stoppages along major downtown corridors — paired with a promised $1 million contribution to upgrade the park — was not enough to persuade the Delray Beach City Commission to allow the developer to use city property for its plans.
The mixed-use project could shorten its construction work by two years if the city agreed, a developer’s representative said.
“It does expedite the construction portion of this overall phase to completion by two years, which would reduce disruption to the neighborhood, and gets the benefits of the … added tax base on the tax rolls much quicker,” said attorney Bonnie Miskel, representing the developer, Edwards Cos.
Atlantic Crossing opened its first phase in May 2023 after
See VETS PARK on page 10
Boca Raton
Along the Coast
Spacious homes with large lots and mature trees, like this single-family home in Manalapan being shown by Realtors Angelo and Antonio Liguori, continue to bring high prices. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
Property values:
By Charles Elmore
Headwinds like higher interest rates have slowed single-family home sales nationally, but high-end buyers, many paying cash, continue to make a splash along Palm Beach County’s southern coast despite a limited inventory, agents say.
A Boca Raton waterfront mansion sold for $40 million this spring, reported as a high for the city. A $50 million sale in May in Highland Beach ranked as the loftiest price in that town, according to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office website.
And a town record was set June 27 in
Homes sales fetch high prices despite slowdown in volume after pandemic
County taxable values up 10%
Page 10
Condo prices lose bit of sizzle
Page 11
Gulf Stream, with the recording of the sale of a 12,717-squarefoot residence at 3223 N. Ocean Blvd. for $39 million, county records show.
“The market peaked so high with COVID-19 that when it leveled off, people thought, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s going to crash,’” said Pascal Liguori, broker associate with Premier Estate Properties in Delray Beach.
“It didn’t.”
To be clear, not every municipality has exceeded its top individual home sale
Spellbinding history shows quirks in city’s mousy name
By Mary Hladky
Boca Raton. Boca Ratone. Boca de Ratones.
That isn’t a conjugation of the city’s name, just a sampling of the variations that have appeared over time.
It’s safe to say, the city’s pioneers could have put a spell-check app to good use.
And, with all the different spellings,
it should come as no surprise that one incorporation wouldn’t be enough.
The city is preparing to celebrate its centennial next year, the birth of Boca Raton marked by its incorporation as a town in 1925.
But the history books show the city was first incorporated as a town a year earlier, under the name “Boca Ratone.” The Boca Raton Historical Society decided to have
price reached during or shortly after the pandemic, as reflected in appraiser records. Delray Beach’s highest price was $34 million in October 2021.
For Ocean Ridge, the top price shows up as $27 million from December 2021.
Manalapan’s blockbuster $173 million sale from June 2022 remains its top number.
Compared with the most intense moments of the pandemic, buyers have tended to be a bit more methodical, less inclined to jump at just any offering, and the overall number of homes sold has been limited by how few are for sale, real estate
some fun with this muddle by holding a “Boca Ratone Family Fun Day” on June 22 to commemorate the first incorporation.
“It’s something most people don’t know about,” society curator Sue Gillis said.
“We wanted to commemorate this earlier incorporation before Addison Mizner ever set foot in town,” Shannon Patron, the
See NAME on page 18
BUDGET CRUNCH
Veto of state grants leaves arts, cultural venues stunned but determined to rebound Page AT5
Two deaths in water Inlet and beach fatalities highlight need for caution.
Hypoluxo Island, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream and Coastal Delray Beach
The city’s current seal.
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Editor’s Note
Boynton
Inlet
area is risky; more signs should say so
On June 13, my morning walk was interrupted by the sound of emergency vehicle sirens and hovering helicopters.
Th is happens along the beach with some frequency: migrants smuggled ashore, boating accidents, medical emergencies and drownings.
This time it was the heartbreaking death of an 8-year-old who fell from a sea wall while fishing just before dawn at the Boynton Inlet.
The emergency response from multiple agencies was impressive. The first responders were dedicated and focused on their duty. Unfortunately, the result was tragic: A little boy who reportedly loved fishing with his father was pulled under by the inlet’s swift current.
It’s difficult to say if anything could have been done to prevent this tragedy. According to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, an investigation is continuing.
There are no railings along the sea walls on the west side of the A1A bridge. I’m sure the lack of barrier is popular with the people fishing. But it’s notable, as I walk around the area, that there are no warning signs about the inlet’s swift currents and no life rings or other accessible flotation devices. The signs at the inlet are all about closing times and what to do with injured marine life.
A nd signs can only provide information, not safety.
A nd they can’t be everywhere.
At least six visitors to Florida have died after being caught in rip currents since May. Another of these deaths happened along
Corrections
Manalapan’s beach just north of the Boynton Inlet. In this case a 56-year-old Boynton Beach woman was pulled offshore and drowned while swimming with her friends. It’s possible there have been other rip current fatalities in our area this summer. Unfortunately, social media are often the only way locals — and local news media — learn of the deaths.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than one-third of the 97 rip current and surf zone fatalities across the U.S. in 2023 happened during June and July. The agency cautions never to assume the ocean is safe, even if the weather is nice.
Those of us who live and swim here know the dangers and have learned what to do if caught in a rip current: Stay calm; call and wave for help; swim as best you can parallel to the shoreline until free of the current’s pull.
It sounds simple, but of course it’s not when you feel you’re being swept out to sea. Tip one is the most important: Stay calm.
With the state’s rapid population influx and increasingly popular tourist destinations, there will likely be more water-related deaths before the summer is over.
Learn to swim. Teach your children to swim. Our state, after all, is surrounded by more than 1,300 miles of coastline. Stay safe.
Sandoway, Gumbo Limbo volunteer stands front and center for visitors
By Brian Biggane
W hen Danuta Fein and her husband moved from just north of New York City to Delray Beach seven years ago, Danuta wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but after working as a nurse for 36 years, she knew it wasn’t that.
“I didn’t really have to work, which for some people sounds wonderful, but when you’re used to working, you’ve got to find a life,” said Fein, 64.
“So it was, What can I do here? I’ve always loved nature, so I ended up looking for volunteer opportunities online. And one day I saw Sandoway was looking for volunteers, and I came here for the interview and found I just love this place.”
Part of the attraction was the building that houses the Sandoway Discovery Center. Built in 1937 and restored in 1997-98, the two-story house is the rare structure just across the street from the beach that is still standing after more than 85 years.
— Mary Kate Leming, Executive Editor
A story about Evergreen Cemetery on the cover of the Around Town section in the June 2024 edition of The Coastal Star incorrectly identified the first person buried in the cemetery. Her name was Bertha Rachel Lyman, the infant daughter of M.B. and Mary Lyman, who died in 1893. Also incorrectly identified was where the steamer Inchulva sank in 1903. It sank off the coast of what is now Delray Beach.
A nd she likes the people, both staff and visitors. As the person who works the door every Thursday, Fein is typically the first staff member visitors see and she does what she can to make them feel welcome.
“I’m doing the admissions, the sales and the gift shop, answer questions, directions, whatever,” she said.
With only four fulltime people on staff, the center depends heavily on its volunteers, and Suzanne Williamson, the director of education and volunteer coordinator, said Fein is among
NOMINATE SOMEONE TO BE A COASTAL STAR
Send a note to news@ thecoastalstar.com or call 561-337-1553.
her most valuable.
“She takes charge when she comes in, makes sure everybody has what they need,” Williamson said. “It’s really busy in the summer but she’s really good at managing the chaos.
“She’s so warm when people come in, greets them with a smile. And she’s really good with kids. And I love having a former nurse around. Especially in the summer,” when people need to stay hydrated.
W hen the center needs an enforcer, she can be that, too.
“She even kicked one guy out for not paying,” Williamson said.
W hile Fein takes charge inside the building, other volunteers keep busy outside.
“Some really enjoy the animal care,” she said, “and some enjoy doing landscaping. We have amazing landscapers here who have transformed the property. We have a gorgeous garden.”
Open Tuesday through Sunday, Sandoway hosts schoolage children from summer camps on a daily basis and has people of high school and college age volunteering to help with the larger summer workload. A big attraction is the feeding schedule: Sharks and stingrays are fed daily at 1 p.m. and the rest of the aquarium animals at 2 p.m.
Fein enjoyed her experience at Sandoway so much that she
also has become a volunteer at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.
“I just love sea turtles,” she said. “I’ve had some amazing experiences coming across them while we’ve been on vacation, and I just love that they have the hospital there.
“They closed for a little while, and when they reopened all of a sudden, they needed volunteers. So, I’m like, yeah, I can do that.”
Again, Fein said, she “kind of gravitated” toward the front desk, answering phones and welcoming visitors. Admission is not an issue, because Gumbo Limbo is free to enter, whereas Sandoway costs $10.
Fein also volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for three or four years when her daughter was involved up North.
“Until you volunteer you don’t really realize the joy in it,” she said. “Because in my opinion, that’s what you get out of it. That’s why you end up doing what you do.
“You have to pick something you’re happy about doing. I tried to pick something completely different than what I did for my career, because I’d done that. But when you find it, it’s like effortless to just keep doing it.
“It opens up a whole new world.”
Danuta’s husband, David, works for a Fort Lauderdalebased company, Atlantic Coast Enterprises, training customer service reps for Jiffy Lube stores up and down the East Coast.
Daughter Allison does social media marketing for a pharmaceutical company in Boston and son Daniel is an oncologist, also in Boston. P
Danuta Fein with the shell collection at Sandoway Discovery Center. The retired nurse wanted her volunteer work to be completely different from her former career. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
LETTERS: The Coastal Star welcomes letters to the editor about issues of interest in the community. These are subject to editing and must include your name, address and phone number. Preferred length is 200500 words. Send email to editor@ thecoastalstar.com.
Letter to
the Editor
Thanks for the June edition story on ‘predatory parking’
Thank you so much for the article on “predatory parking.” I think we have fallen victim to the same scam. My 23-yearold son borrowed my car and we were slapped with a fine. I, of course, questioned him and he said he drove through the lot on Second but did not park. They had a picture of my car, so … It would be great if the public could be notified as to which lots in Delray Beach or other areas are “private lots.” Dealing with these parking companies is extremely frustrating and often futile. It is my impression that they bank on the fact that many folks will just pay instead of embarking on a time-consuming process.
The residents and visitors to Delray Beach should be given the opportunity to vote with their wallets. The only way companies like this will change their practices is through public pressure. In short, we should know which lots we should not even enter to look for parking unless we are willing to engage in the aftermath.
— Tracy Souder, Gulf Stream
Along the Coast
A1A’s new name has Margaritaville twist
By Anne Geggis
From now on, State Road A1A will be dedicated to the man who drove home how changes in latitudes can change one’s attitude.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 27 signed a bill that passed unanimously in both chambers of the state Legislature designating the oceanside road that extends from Key West to the Georgia line as “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.”
The legislation also calls for the Florida Department of Transportation to erect suitable markers for the designation by Aug. 30.
Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, who sponsored the Senate bill identical to the one DeSantis signed, toasted the beloved balladeer synonymous with beach bumming.
“With this road naming, we are paying tribute to Jimmy not only as a musical icon, but also as a fierce protector of Florida’s natural treasures and our precious manatees,” Book said in a prepared statement.
Buffett died at age 76 in
September from skin cancer.
“It truly is ‘a sweet life, living by the salty sea,’ and we could not think of a better way to honor one of our most legendary Floridians than by memorializing him along Florida’s coastal highway,” Book said. Buffett’s fifth studio album, released in 1974, was A1A
DeSantis also signed a bill calling for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop a “Margaritaville” specialty plate.
The plate that recalls Buffett’s most famous song will raise money for the Singing for Change charitable foundation that Buffett founded. P
Tri-Rail adds express commuter train to and from downtown Miami
Tri-Rail, the South Florida commuter rail service, launched its weekday express service between West Palm Beach and downtown Miami on July 1.
The train will stop only at its station in Boca Raton, at the one servicing Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport and at the Metrorail transfer station, which will allow it to shorten the trip time to 95 minutes southbound and 90 minutes northbound, about a 30-minute reduction.
Travel time from the Boca Raton station is 70 minutes to Miami and 64 minutes back.
The express train goes directly into downtown Miami and passengers do not need to change trains at the Metrorail transfer station.
The train will depart the West Palm Beach station at 6:30 a.m., stop in Boca Raton at 6:55 a.m. and arrive at MiamiCentral at 8:05 a.m. The return trip will depart MiamiCentral at 5:35 p.m., reaching Boca Raton at 6:39 p.m. and stopping in West Palm Beach at 7:05 p.m.
The one-way fare from West
Palm Beach to Miami is $8.75; round-trip is $17.50. One-way from Boca Raton is $6.25 and round-trip is $12.50, all the same as before. Monthly passes are available as well as discounts for children, seniors and employees of certain companies.
“We are thrilled to unveil this new enhancement to our train service,” David Dech, executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates TriRail, said in a news release.
“By offering a one-seat ride and reducing travel time, we aim to provide an enhanced commuting experience for our passengers and attract new riders to Tri-Rail.”
Tri-Rail began planning the new service before Brightline eliminated on June 1 a monthly trip pass that had greatly reduced its fares. Brightline also de-prioritized riders who use the higher-speed train as a commuter service, concentrating instead on those taking trips to and from Orlando.
— Mary Hladky
The next edition of The Coastal Star will be delivered the weekend of Aug. 3
Jimmy Buffett
Delray Beach News
Beach gunfire disturbance — Delray Beach police responded to reports of multiple rounds of gunfire shot in the air near the beach as June 21 turned into June 22 near South Ocean Boulevard and East Atlantic Avenue, said police spokesman Ted White.
A large group of young adults had gathered near the beach around midnight and dispersed when the shots went off, White said. No one was hurt, but the incident remains an active investigation, White said. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Detective Kyle Kinney at 561-243-7828.
Another would-be DDA board member in question
— A whistleblower whose complaint resulted in a Downtown Development Authority board member’s ouster now faces the same question of ineligibility that she raised about the ousted board member she replaced.
And the twist is that the ousted board member is the one who raised the issue about the whistleblower’s eligibility.
Got that?
Businesswoman Mavis Benson was appointed to a seat on the DDA board June 18 after her complaint about how board member Rick Burgess was ineligible to serve resulted in his ouster in April. But before Benson was seated, City Attorney Lynn Gelin said Benson was ineligible based on Burgess’s report — for the same reason the City Commission kicked Burgess off the board that oversees marketing for Delray Beach’s downtown.
Neither Benson nor Burgess pays taxes on property in the downtown district as DDA board guidelines require, although Burgess has since moved his business.
To fill two other seats, the City Commission chose Harold Van Arnem, in the investment business, and Jim Knight, who runs the real estate brokerage business Knight Group. Two incumbents who wanted second, three-year terms, Mark Denkler and Christine Godbout, did not get nods.
Police chief’s employment extended — Chief Russ Mager is going to extend his 28 years with the Delray Beach Police Department past the 30-year mark, after he agreed to continue leading the force for two additional years after his planned retirement in December.
Mager, a Tallahassee native who grew up in South Florida, entered the Deferred Retirement Option Plan program in January 2020, so that his last day would have been Dec. 31, 2024. But City Manager Terrence Moore has announced Mager is staying on, considering the flux at the city’s Fire Rescue Department.
Fire Rescue Chief Keith Tomey was fired from his job in May and Kevin Green has taken the reins on an interim basis there.
“I’ve determined that the continuation of stable organizational leadership structure for the time being in the Delray Beach Police Department is in the best interest” of the city, Moore wrote in his June 14 newsletter.
Golf course updates carry $15 million price tag — Renovating the city-run Delray Beach Golf Club rose to the top of city priorities at the City Commission’s May goal-setting session, and Missy Barletto, public works director, gave a status update at the June 18 commission meeting.
Full-scale renovations are needed for irrigation, tees, fairways, and maintenance building facilities, she told commissioners. Consultants also recommended new maintenance equipment and increasing annual operational resources.
The city has re-engaged Sanford Golf Design to provide design, bidding and construction services, Barletto said. A 2020 contract with the consultant ended when the city considered pursuing a public-private partnership to run the club at the point that 60% of the contract had been completed.
Barletto showed the commission a list of golf course projects that total more than $15 million. A replacement of the water main, which would cost $1 million, might not need to be done, Barletto said.
— Anne Geggis
Along the Coast Property values increase at slower rate, but still chug along
By Mary Hladky
After soaring for two years, taxable values of Palm Beach County properties are now heading back to earth.
Countywide property values increased by 10% 9.99% to be exact a very healthy amount but lower than last year’s nearly 14% jump and 2022’s 15.2% increase that were fueled by a hot real estate market and spikes in new construction, according to the July 1 preliminary tax roll released by Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks.
This marks the 13th year in a row that taxable values have increased in the aftermath of the 2008 Great Recession.
“The overall increase in taxable value has slowed compared to previous years,” Jacks said in announcing her office’s estimates in late May, before the updated calculations were made in June. “Market values for some building types have begun to flatten in Palm Beach County. …”
That includes the residential market, which is “somewhat flat” but not declining, she told county commissioners June 11.
One factor is the 2021 collapse of a Surfside condominium in Miami-Dade County, which resulted in new laws requiring regular inspections to make sure buildings are safe and have adequate financial reserves to pay for maintenance and repairs. The changes forced many condo boards to increase maintenance fees and impose
Continued from page 1
more than a decade of planning.
Previous commissioners had agreed with what Miskel outlined at a June 4 commission meeting. That proposition would have redesigned the park and had it back in working condition after construction was finished — in addition to a $1 million investment from the developer to redo the park. Those plans would have converted the current parking area into additional green space.
Commission changes tack
But, in probably the most dramatic reversal so far resulting from a new majority elected to the dais this year, the commission gave the developer’s proposal a thumbs-down. It would have meant eradication of the area’s last lawn bowling courts for at least four years.
The decision was a victory for the Delray Beach Preservation Trust, which in December had passed a resolution asking the commission to halt plans to change Veterans Park.
Newly elected Mayor Tom Carney voted against Atlantic Crossing’s plans for residential, retail and office space when he was previously on the commission in 2012. He said
Taxable values up across area
The July 1, 2024, preliminary tax roll from the Palm Beach County property appraiser includes increases in existing property values and adds the value of new construction. It helps municipalities prepare their budgets and set tax rates.
SOURCE: Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
special assessments.
Owners who can’t afford the higher costs are selling at a loss, which will result in a decline in condo values over the next few years, Jacks said.
But condos that already required reserves and conducted regular maintenance will not face this problem, she said.
The overall picture, however, is positive. Total taxable value in Palm Beach County is at $318 billion and the county’s market value now exceeds $500 billion for the first time. New construction added to the tax rolls this year totaled more than $5 billion.
“Five billion is the highest I have seen in my time in office,” Jacks, first elected in 2016, told the commission. “New construction is strong. More apartments are going up
everywhere. I don’t see that stopping.”
Of the county’s 39 towns and cities, Boca Raton continues to have the highest taxable value at $37.6 billion, followed by Palm Beach at $32.1 billion.
All southeastern Palm Beach County municipalities saw taxable value increases, although less than the gains of the last two years.
Briny Breezes saw the largest percentage increase at 11.3%, followed by 10.9% in Delray Beach and 10.3% in Ocean Ridge.
South Palm Beach was at 10%, Highland Beach at 9%, Lantana at 8.9%, Boynton Beach at 8.7%, Boca Raton at 8.5%, Gulf Stream at 6.6% and Manalapan at 5.7%.
Briny Breezes Town Manager Bill Thrasher said a couple
he considered the Atlantic Avenue development east of Federal Highway that is taking up several city blocks too big back then. Twelve years later, he recalled that the commission majority agreed to it after getting certain promises.
“I was part of the original deal … part of the discussion that we’re not going to be touching the park and I think
of new mobile homes were installed last year, “which is significant for Briny,” and called the jump in the town’s taxable value from around $85.5 million to $95.2 million “a material increase.”
South Palm Beach Town Manager Jamie Titcomb noted the town’s increase is right in line with that of the county as a whole.
“Our value increase is really just straight positive growth in valuation of all properties,” he said, adding that the town has not seen much new construction (just $903 according to the preliminary figures).
Manalapan’s modest percentage rate increase reflects the countywide slowdown in taxable value growth, said Assistant Town Manager Eric Marmer.
“The entire housing market has stopped moving at the freight train speed of the past few years,” he said, noting that Manalapan remains “one of the most sought-after places to live in the country.”
Taxable value increases are great news for municipal leaders as they work to finalize their budgets for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
Local governments use taxable values to calculate how much property tax money they can expect at various tax rates. They then set their proposed annual budgets and tax rates.
An increase in taxable value means they will collect more money from property owners even if they keep their tax rates
John Everett, 76, of Atlantis.
He picked the sport years ago as one he could play if he lives to 100, as it challenges eye-hand coordination as players try to hit a small, white ball using a weighted, slightly oblong, softball-sized bowling ball.
“I see a lot of honor in the commission,” Everett said.
Carney, Vice Mayor Juli Casale and Commissioner Tom Markert ran for office promising to constrain development’s effects on residents and leave the park as it is.
A missed opportunity?
Miskel, however, said the plan to use Veterans Park temporarily — and relocate the lawn bowling eventually — represented the best way to minimize the effects of construction on residents.
And part of her presentation included slides showing parts of the park in poor condition.
the same as last year.
Unless governments lower their tax rates, homeowners will face higher property tax bills at a time when inflation and rising interest rates are straining family budgets.
To prevent a tax increase entirely, elected officials would have to use the “rolled-back” rate, which state law requires them to calculate and advertise. That rate would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year — except for the extra revenue coming from new construction.
But municipalities are loath to use that rate, because they all face rising costs. For example, Boca Raton, a rapidly growing city with resident demand for quality services, usually lowers its tax rate by a minuscule amount, which allows city leaders to say they have cut the rate while still benefiting from increased revenue.
Homeowners with homesteaded properties, however, don’t feel the full brunt of rising property values because state law caps their taxable value increase at 3% a year. Nonhomesteaded properties are capped at 10% annually.
The taxable value numbers are based on market conditions as of Jan. 1. They will be submitted to the state Department of Revenue. Local governments finalize their tax rates during public hearings in September. P
that was kind of a sacred promise,” Carney said. “And I am going to stick with that. We are not going to touch the park and if it makes construction go a little longer, I’m very sorry.”
A dozen lawn bowlers in the audience — wearing the same white pullover shirts with their logo emblazoned on the breast — were ecstatic at the action.
“We’re very pleased,” said
This “minimizes the intermittent closure of area streets” — including Atlantic Avenue, northbound Federal Highway, Northeast Seventh Avenue and Northeast First Street — from “often shutting down, which happened with the first phase,” Miskel said.
Commissioner Rob Long supported the proposal.
“It feels like an offer that’s
being made by a developer to make a $1 million investment in our park and substantially mitigate the impact of an already approved project,” Long said. “ … We know from the construction of the first phase of this, it really does impact residents in a substantial way.”
Residents who spoke evoked the historic nature of the current complex that opened in 1962 and Atlantic Crossing’s history that has involved the city giving up roadways and agreeing to increased height and density for the development.
Sandy Zeller, 80, noted that the city and Atlantic Crossing had been in a lawsuit and the settlement doesn’t mention changes to Veterans Park.
“It does not allow Edwards to come back to the city seven years later (after the settlement) and say, ‘Oh, here’s some more things that we want the city to give us,’” said Zeller, who is on the executive board of the Preservation Trust. “This proposal was categorized by Edwards and Atlantic Crossing as a public-private partnership. This is not a public-private partnership. They’re asking the city to give away valuable park land for private development.”
The Edwards Cos., based in Columbus, Ohio, could not be reached for comment. P
VETS PARK
John Everett of Atlantis was one of a dozen lawn bowlers at a June 4 Delray Beach commission meeting seeking to keep the courts at Veterans Park. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Along the Coast Condo sales lose a little of their sizzle in tighter market
By Rich Pollack
Snowbirds Stu and Lisa Cantor enjoyed the Highland Beach condo they rented for almost a decade.
So it wasn’t surprising that when the unit in the Boca Highland Beach Club and Marina community became available, they jumped at the opportunity to buy it.
“We really liked where we were and we liked being there,” said Stu Cantor, 71, who still has a home on Long Island in New York. “We had built up friendships and we really wanted to stay.”
The Cantors are among the many luxury condo buyers who still wanted to own along Palm Beach County’s southern coast, where the market is showing signs of slowing as homes in general stay on the market a little longer and the number of months of inventory supply increases.
Despite a tightening market and factors such as higher homeowner association fees and assessments, as well as higher interest rates, condos are still selling — just not as fast — and prices for premier units in high-end buildings often continue to climb, according to local real estate agents.
“People are still coming to Florida,” says Mark Hansen, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker who specializes in luxury condos in coastal Palm Beach County and who is on the board of the Beach Condo Association of Boca Raton, Highland Beach and Delray
HOMES
Continued from page 1
professionals say.
For context, existing home sales nationally fell 1.9% in April compared to March and to the same month a year before, according to the National Association of Realtors.
It’s hard to blame sellers for testing the top of the range in asking price, though some properties can sit for a bit while buyers shop around or wait for a price reduction, said Nick Malinosky, sales associate for Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
“It’s got to be accurately priced and hit the target,” Malinosky said.
For example, a property he thought was priced correctly at around $5 million in Boca Raton attracted plenty of interest recently, he said.
“We showed it 16 times in two weeks and now it is under contract,” he said in mid-June.
“That’s a very healthy market for this time of year.”
It would be difficult indeed to match the mania from the period after COVID-19 prompted lockdowns and states of emergency. If people had to work from home, those with means in places like New York,
Beach.
In Highland Beach, for example, the number of condo and townhome sales over $1 million increased by about 8% during the first five months of 2024 compared to a year earlier, with 27 units sold, according to the Florida Realtors association.
One of the highest-priced condos in Highland Beach was a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2,842-square-foot unit in the Toscana community that sold for $4 million in August 2023, according to Redfin, a Seattlebased real estate firm that tracks sales.
In Boca Raton, 95 condos and townhouses sold in the first five months of this year for over $1 million, an increase of 44% from the same time period last year, according to Florida Realtors.
A 9-bedroom, 8.5-bath condo just shy of 7,500 square feet at Boca Raton’s 1000 South Ocean sold in November for $13.6 million, according to Redfin.
In Delray Beach, condo and townhouse sales seem to have stayed flat, with the number of those over $1 million — 60 units — slipping by just under 5%, Florida Realtors said.
In May, a three-bedroom, three-bath Delray Beach condo with an Intracoastal Waterway view sold for $3.2 million, according to Redfin.
In South Palm Beach two condos sold for over $1 million in the first five months of 2024, down from five during the same period last year.
A 2,800-square-foot condo
on the ocean sold in December for just over $3 million.
As the market softens, inventory is slowly increasing but remains tight in part because of uncertainty that is causing sellers to step back.
Hansen said he’s had clients — both buyers and sellers — who have been talking to him for a year and a half but have yet to make a decision on moving.
“They say they decided to stay put,” he said.
The number of baby boomers living in condos is also a factor in keeping the inventory tight.
“Baby boomers are holding tight,” says Marie Caradonna, a luxury waterfront property specialist with Coldwell Banker’s Delray Beach office. “They’re just not selling.”
In some cases, Caradonna says, condo owners are choosing to rent their units out rather than sell, with some rents going anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000 or more a month.
Jackie Feldman, a luxury estate agent with One Sotheby’s International Realty in Boca Raton, says there are three key reasons why inventory is growing.
“Properties are not moving as quickly as they were due to high interest rates, increased assessments and HOA fees, and because it’s an election year,” she said. “I’ve had so many people say they’re going to wait until after the election.”
A change in the economy, Feldman says, has a bigger impact on condo sales than on
Chicago and California figured the time had arrived to get near the water in a location with no state income tax.
Luxury home sales in Palm Beach County increased 115% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period a year earlier, the biggest jump in any major U.S. market tracked by Seattle-based real estate firm Redfin Corp. Redfin defines luxury as homes in the top 5% of market value in a metro area, which can be a county. Such upper-end sales can have ripple effects across communities. They can raise home values for others, perhaps
single-family home sales.
“When the economy is tight, the condo market is the first to slow down because of fees,” she said.
HOA fees and special assessments can keep buyers away, she said.
Dramatically increasing HOA fees as well as recent large assessments coming as a result of rising insurance costs and building recertifications have been a factor in a slowdown of condo sales, real estate agents say.
Assessments and condo fees are driving some condo owners to move to single-family homes, Feldman said, but at the same time there are many single-family home owners buying condos who are not put off by the fees.
“I have people who only want the concierge aspect of a condo,” she said.
While there are estimates that close to 90% of luxury condo sales are cash deals, Feldman says she is seeing more new buyers taking out loans and mortgages, especially on the higher end.
“They want their money working for them,” she said. “They’re getting a better return on their investment.”
While condos throughout Palm Beach County’s southern coast are generally staying on the market longer, some are scooped up within days of being listed.
Then there are some that are sold directly from seller to buyer and never get listed at all.
Recently completely remodeled units in higher-
Out-of-town home buyers, like one seen here at a Lake Ida property with Realtor Antonio Liguori (right), continue to be curious about total lot size and the ability to expand their new homes.
Jerry Lower/ The Coastal Star
welcome for those who want to sell. At the same time, such higher valuations can drive up property taxes and insurance costs for those who want to stay put and make it difficult for people with more typical incomes and resources to find affordable places to buy.
The influx of avid buyers kept coming until the push factor of COVID-19 eventually eased and the market began to readjust. Take Ocean Ridge. Its median sales price for homes of all types peaked at $3.6 million in October 2022, according to Redfin, compared to $2.9 million in May 2024.
end buildings — those with beach clubs, for example — are at a premium, according to Caradonna.
“They fall off the market quickly,” she said.
Caradonna said she recently sold a condo in Highland Beach’s Coronado for $1.375 million in just two days to a younger couple from the Northeast.
That ninth-floor unit, she said, has a direct ocean view, was completely remodeled and had all the “bells and whistles.”
The seller of that unit actually stayed in the building, buying one of the few condos in Coronado with a double balcony directly from the seller, who moved north without the property being listed.
“It was her dream place,” Caradonna said.
That sale illustrates a scenario that plays out often in high-end condos where an older resident decides to sell in order to be closer to family — or in some cases the resident dies — and the buyer is a baby boomer within the condo building who doesn’t want to leave.
“Direct sales happen because condos are a community where word travels fast,” Feldman said.
Caradonna’s seller wanted to stay in the condo community where she was most comfortable just like the Cantors, the snowbirds who bought the condo in Boca Highland Beach Club and Marina.
“We really like it there,” Stu Cantor said. P
In number of homes sold, Ocean Ridge’s recent high was 23 in March 2022, falling to five in May 2024, Redfin reported. Inventory remains tight.
Delray Beach’s median sales price for single-family homes stood at $925,000 in May, up 15% from the same month a year earlier but below a spike to $1.4 million in January 2023.
The number of Delray Beach homes sold in May was 80, unchanged from a year earlier and below a five-year high of 112 in May 2021, according to Redfin.
Highland Beach’s median sales price sat at $815,000 in May, under a recent peak of $1.5 million in March 2023, using Redfin’s numbers. The number of homes sold was 13 in May 2024, about the same as the 14 sold in March 2023, but far less busy than the 55 changing hands in April 2021, for instance. The median days on the market in Highland Beach stood at 167 in May, up 79% from the same month of 2023.
Boca Raton’s median singlefamily sales price dipped slightly to $1.1 million in May, from a five-year high of $1.2 million the month before, Redfin said. The number of homes sold in May 2024 was 128, down 10% from
a year earlier and well below a five-year peak of 245 in June 2021.
The median number of days a home was on the market in Boca Raton landed at 85 in May, up 20% from a year before.
Unlike the COVID-19 boom, when anybody who ever thought of selling was giving it a whirl, it’s a time of tighter inventory, said Corcoran Group agent Steven Presson in Delray Beach.
“I would have 30-plus listings before, now I have 10 or 12 or 15, because there’s less listings to be had,” he said.
If people like the homes they are in, those who have a mortgage are not necessarily eager to trade one with near 2% interest for something like 7%.
It shows in the number of properties on the market.
By Presson’s count, there were 20 properties for sale in Ocean Ridge in mid-June. Make it 10 in Gulf Stream. Those numbers might be double at other times, he said.
It adds up to a market where volumes are settling down, but big-ticket sales are still happening.
“During COVID, we were driving like 95 miles an hour,” Presson said. “Now we’re going 70 or 75.” P
Ocean Ridge
Commission opts for higher preliminary tax rate, expects to lower it later
By Sallie James
Ocean Ridge residents could pay a tax rate as high as $6.00 per $1,000 of assessed value under a tentative proposal town commissioners OK’d during a July 1 budget workshop.
But don’t swoon from sticker shock just yet: The town’s final tax rate is expected to be lower. Town officials are required to submit a maximum rate to the county by July 31, explained Town Manager Lynne Ladner. And in this instance, commissioners decided to give themselves some wiggle room in case more tax dollars are needed.
“It’s not our intention to go there but we can’t go back up,” explained Vice Mayor Steve Coz. “It’s our intent to lower it.” The final tax rate won’t be approved until September and residents will have a number of opportunities to weigh in.
Property owners in Ocean Ridge currently pay a town tax rate of $5.40 per $1,000 in taxable value.
The preliminary tax rate is bound to send off alarms, Ocean Ridge resident Roland Steies warned during public comments.
“You are exposing yourself publicly to $6 and that will encourage public discussion on that,” Steies said.
The good news is that the town’s overall taxable value is 10.3% higher than last year, higher than the county’s overall 10% increase,
according to preliminary figures released by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office. Ocean Ridge’s total taxable value for 2024 is almost $1.7 billion, the property appraiser reported.
Ocean Ridge is expecting an estimated $9.1 million in property taxes if the tax rate remains at its current rate of $5.40 per $1,000 assessed value, Ladner said.
Figuring out what to spend that money on is the next step, said Commissioner Ainar Aijala Jr.
The fiscal year 2025 estimated $12.5 million budget includes a range of long- and short-term projects with different levels of urgency and necessity.
“We have to figure out how much of that is left over (after expenses) and what we want to spend it on,” Aijala said.
The town has plenty of choices.
Commissioner Carolyn Cassidy supports hiring a lobbyist for $30,000 to help the town succeed in getting more money from the state.
“There’s a great return on the investment if it works the way we hope it will work,” Cassidy said.
Ocean Ridge recently lost out on an anticipated $250,000 to help fund the cost of a much-needed $500,000 water valve project when Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly used his veto power to cut the money from the state budget last month.
A budget workshop last year
revealed that the town had lost track of hundreds of valves that are part of its drinking water distribution system. As a result, the valves have fallen into disrepair and when a water line ruptures, it requires crews to dig along the water line until they can find and then uncover the buried valve.
The proposed project would find, raise, excise and pour a concrete collar for each valve so that all valves are in working order and visible.
Other tentative expenses include:
• $190,000 to hire two police lieutenants
• $75,000 for a water distribution engineering plan
• $750,000 for a water main replacement project
Town commissioners will discuss potential FY 2025 expenditures again at an 11 a.m. workshop on July 25, and during a 2 p.m. workshop on Aug. 5. Both workshops will be held at Town Hall.
The commission is slated to hold two budget hearings, both at 6 p.m., on Sept. 9 and Sept. 23 at Town Hall, before adopting the final budget and tax rate.
Property tax bills also include sums paid to the Palm Beach County School Board, the South Florida Water Management District, park districts and other entities. P
Anne Geggis contributed to this story.
Town may be ready to shift code enforcement from police department to a civilian
By Anne Geggis
A house in disrepair — for years now — is among the reasons that Ocean Ridge town leaders plan to consider dedicating a new position to keeping properties looking shipshape.
A Town Commission budget discussion June 3 pointed up the need for code enforcement to become a town employee’s designated job again. It turns out code enforcement hasn’t been assigned to a specific person since a police officer doing the job retired last year.
And it shows, Commissioner David Hutchins said.
“We want people to realize they have to take care of their property,” Hutchins said, noting that the house at 62 Harbour Drive North with missing roof tiles and a garage door that doesn’t close hasn’t been inhabited for years.
Even if commissioners are pointing at it, the house has not generated any code enforcement complaints since the current owner, Michael Hemlepp of Delray Beach, purchased the property in 2018. His attorney, John Nadjafi, said his client intends to tear down the building, but has run into delays designing the new home and finding the equipment and workers to do that.
“There are a lot of reasons construction projects get delayed,” Nadjafi said, citing the supplychain woes during the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.
Regarding the new staff position, Town Manager Lynne Ladner warned it is more dangerous to have someone who doesn’t wear a uniform doing code enforcement.
“Code enforcement is considered to be one of the higher risk professions,” Ladner said. “I have been to a code enforcement officer’s funeral. … He was shot, attempting to serve a friendly notice to someone about their yard.”
But police officers are not thrilled about doing it, either, and being in uniform unnecessarily escalates the situation, officers said during a discussion at the June 3 Town Commission meeting.
“Because we’re knocking on the door and saying, ‘Hey, you put out your debris in your yard’ … the homeowner might see that as something petty,” Ocean Ridge Officer Aaron Choban said.
Chief Scott McClure explained further: Sending police out to cite people for dirty roofs does not build community trust and rapport.
“Having someone with a gun and a badge tell you your house is dirty, it’s not the way to build good will,” McClure said, noting that his officers are stretched thin on road patrol, keeping dogs off the beach and checking for crime.
“We’ll handle complaints, but I think code enforcement should be strictly a civilian function. Our focus is keeping residents safe,” he said.
Among South County municipalities, the handling of code
Ocean Ridge News
Bingham was honored by Mayor Geoff Pugh (background), who declared her 95th birthday on July 21 as Betty Bingham Day. After the speech, Town Manager Lynne Ladner and others presented her with flowers. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
Activism keeps her young as she prepares to turn 95 — No matter that her official birthday wasn’t for nearly three weeks. Ocean Ridge leaders celebrated local activist and longtime town resident Betty Bingham’s 95th birthday at the July 1 Town Commission meeting with flowers, hugs and a special proclamation designating July 21 as Betty Bingham Day in town.
The nonagenarian accepted the honor with grace, smiles and humor.
“I want to thank you all,” Bingham told the commission. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m chugging along.”
Originally from Baltimore, Bingham moved to Florida in 1971, eventually settling in Ocean Ridge where she has lived for more than 40 years. She is widely considered an expert on town history, and currently serves as an appointed member of the town’s Board of Adjustment. Bingham also served on the Town Commission for 12 years and spent another five years on the Planning and Zoning Board. She spent much of her younger years in banking and as a travel agent.
Bingham acknowledged that her activism keeps her young.
enforcement has taken on different forms. In Gulf Stream, for example, the police take note of homes that don’t comply with the code and notify town administration, which mails out official notices.
South Palm Beach has a company doing its code enforcement, as does Briny Breezes. Highland Beach has the job attached to its Building Department, but police do the job when a code officer is not working. Boca Raton has a separate code enforcement division within City Hall, which works closely with police, according to city spokeswoman Anne Marie Connolly. Boynton Beach also has a civilian division within City Hall.
Delray Beach, however, is trying something new to beef up its civilian community services division that handles property not meeting code, said Police Chief Russ Mager.
If a police officer sees a quality-oflife issue, such as an unleashed dog, he or she will be empowered to write a ticket for the infraction that comes with a fine, Mager said.
Dr. Victor Martel, an Ocean Ridge resident since 1997, said the town should either enforce its codes or take them off the books. Since state law in 2021 made it so that complaints can’t be anonymous, he said he has seen the situation getting worse.
“This one house, the roof is close to black,” Martel said. “They are nice people. I’m not going to say anything, but it should be taken care of.” P
“I do enjoy working and doing things around town,” she conceded.
Of the proclamation?
“I think it’s kind of cool,” she said.
Garbage contract extended through 2029 — Waste Pro will continue to be Ocean Ridge’s approved garbage hauler for the next five years, but the company’s maximum annual fee adjustment will be linked to the Consumer Price Index.
Town commissioners on July 1 unanimously agreed to renew the company’s contract through 2029 for solid waste and recycling services with a few tweaks.
Commissioners also adjusted the company’s maximum annual fee increase to 5% instead of 3% after Waste Pro officials said rising operation costs necessitated the increase to continue providing the same level of service.
Commissioners linked the maximum annual increase to the CPI after Vice Mayor Steve Coz wondered what might happen if annual inflation reached only 1%, instead of 5%. He suggested an adjustable rate to address such a scenario.
— Sallie James
Tasers coming for all police officers — Ocean Ridge police officers will all have tasers assigned to them, instead of their cruisers, after Ocean Ridge commissioners agreed to the proposal at their June 3 meeting. They unanimously approved a $176,851 contract with Axon, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that will include 16 new tasers, more than double the current arsenal of seven.
Ocean Ridge was the only South County police department that had not assigned a taser to each officer, according to Gulf Stream Police Chief Richard Jones, who left his position as Ocean Ridge’s top cop in 2023.
— Anne Geggis
Betty
Family dedicates towering memorial at Gumbo Limbo
By Steve Plunkett
In a combination outdoor lawn party/celebration of life, the family of Jacob Kosowsky dedicated the opening of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center’s rebuilt observation tower after its dispiriting nine-year absence.
The tower is now called “Jacob’s Outlook” after parents Sharilyn Jones and Stephen Kosowsky donated $250,000 to rebuild it.
“Now a permanent fixture in Boca Raton, it stands as a testament to Jacob’s enduring legacy,” Stephen Kosowsky said at the invitation-only gathering of more than 100 family and friends on June 9.
“Its heights reach towards the sky, reminding us of his aspirations, dreams and limitless potential he carried within him,” Jacob’s father continued, his voice breaking. “Its foundation is solid, much like the values Jacob embodied — integrity, resilience and a deep sense of respect for the environment.”
The tower gives a bird’s-eye view from 40 feet up of Gumbo Limbo’s mangrove hammock, the Intracoastal Waterway and even glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean. An ADA-compliant, six-level switchback ramp offers a 700-foot stroll to the top. Also an option: five flights of stairs with 71 steps.
A plaque at the top will dedicate the outlook forever:
A vista to inspire the soul from the depths of the ocean to the skies above
In loving memory of Jacob Kosowsky
May you be moved by its beauty and hold it in your hearts Jacob, then 21 and a junior at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, died in a car accident in 2018. The Boca Raton native and Boca High
graduate had grown up spearfishing, boating, snow skiing, playing soccer and climbing the tower, which originally was built before he was born.
“He was an outdoors kid, and that love of nature and sublime adventure stayed with him throughout his life,” his mother
told the crowd assembled on the nature center’s grounds.
“It is our wish that this tower, Jacob’s Outlook, will be a reminder to each of us to allow that profound understanding to live with deep meaning and harmony.”
Jacob’s sister, Mia, who was a year behind him at Vanderbilt
and has since graduated, told everyone that that Sunday was also her birthday.
“Shortly after we knew that this was going to be happening, and my parents were trying to figure out when we were going to be celebrating the opening, I couldn’t think of a better way to share this (day) and share something with my brother,” she said. “So cheers to you, Jake — woo!”
The city’s official ribboncutting that opened the tower to the public was June 13.
The path to rebuilding the tower was neither quick nor easy.
Engineers in 2015 declared it and the adjoining boardwalk unsafe, and they were removed. The boardwalk was rebuilt and reopened five years ago.
Around that time, six 40foot wooden posts for the tower were embedded in concrete, but construction stopped when city officials decided the
replacement would have to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The nonprofit Coastal Stewards, then known as the Friends of Gumbo Limbo, proposed building an “inclined elevator.” Kosowsky and Jones pledged the $250,000 in return for naming the tower after Jacob, and Howard and Merele Kosowsky, his grandparents, gifted $100,000. Their extended family and family friends raised almost $208,000 more for the project.
City officials later scrapped the elevator plan in favor of the multi-level ramp, which they estimated would cost $1.4 million. They and Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District officials were shocked in early 2022 when they received only one bid — for $2.6 million.
The project was rebid and West Palm Beach-based Walker Design & Construction Co. won the $2.4 million job. The Beach and Park District covered $1.9 million.
Stephen Kosowsky thanked everyone for the support.
“Our dearest Jacob, you are forever in our hearts. Your spirit soars with every breeze that touches this tower, and your love continues to guide us,” he said. “Though you’re no longer with us in body, your presence is felt in every corner of our lives, and your legacy will forever stand tall, like the tower we dedicate in your honor today.”
Before leading the guests to the viewing platform, Jones told them the event’s signature cocktail — a mix of light, dark and coconut rum with triple sec and pineapple juice — was “a fave of Jake’s.”
“And whatever you have in your hand at this moment, let us all toast to Jake and the big love he has brought here today,” she said. P
Family and friends toast the memory of Jacob Kosowsky during a private celebration of Jacob’s Outlook — the new observation tower within Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Stephen Kosowsky admires one of the photos of his son that were on display.
An ADA-compliant, six-level switchback ramp offers a 700-foot stroll to the top. Also an option: five flights of stairs with 71 steps.
Delray Beach
Big problem, few dollars: City must decide how to use opioid settlement funds
By John Pacenti
Florida’s portion of the massive national settlement with opioid manufacturers netted Delray Beach more than $239,000 so far. But a leading advocate — and chair of a key advisory committee — says municipalities would be better served partnering up with the county than going it alone in providing services.
“It’s best if we put all of our money together to have the best outcomes and the most impactful changes in abating this epidemic,” said Maureen Kielian. She chairs the Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders Advisory Committee for Palm Beach County.
“Why would Palm Beach Gardens, for instance, want
to open an ASU (Addiction Stabilization Unit)? They can’t afford to, whereas we could do it and service these folks.”
There was some confusion among officials and stakeholders about how much in settlement funds Palm Beach County and its municipalities will receive through 2039. On June 27, the county’s drug czar — John Hulick, head of the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders — clarified that the total is $122 million, of which $25 million has been distributed.
The wild card in all of this is the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision June 27 rejecting the settlement portion with Purdue Pharma because it would shield its owners, the Sackler family, from liability for civil claims related to the manufacturing
of OxyContin. How that will affect the $50 billion settlement with the states is unknown, but Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote, “There may be a better deal on the horizon.”
The Sacklers’ ill-gotten gains are badly needed in a settlement that involves multiple opioid manufacturers and pharmacies.
Of the 7,769 overdose deaths in Florida in 2022, 6,157 were attributed to opioids, according to the state Health Department reports.
Delray Beach spokeswoman Gina Carter said the city since 2022 has received $239,554. The City Commission was set to address how to use the money at its June 18 meeting, but the matter has been pushed to the July 16 agenda, she said.
Ariana Ciancio, a mental health specialist with the Delray
Beach Police Department and a member of the advisory committee, said nobody has talked to her about how the money could be spent.
Mayor Tom Carney did not return a phone or text message for his thoughts on the issue.
Commissioner Angela Burns, also on the county’s advisory committee, said she would call for a workshop, saying the whole subject area is new to her.
“Staff is working on something now,” she said. “I’m looking for something that would be educational.”
That’s exactly what Kielian fears, saying that goodintentioned educational efforts from the days of “Just Say No” have been ineffective.
“These are — again — oncein-a-lifetime funds. We don’t need any more nonsense
poster contests, stress balls or tchotchkes — that’s costing lives.”
The 18-member committee, including many on the front lines of the crisis, has recommended that 90% of the money go to housing, recovery support, job training, youth assistance and prevention. The rest would be earmarked for acute crisis care, such as medical detox.
Burns did say the amount Delray Beach has to work with currently is “just not a lot of money.”
“You hate to start a program and then have to end it because the funds run out,” she said.
Delray and drug recovery
Still, Delray Beach remains one of the top centers for drug treatment and recovery in the nation, if not the world. The city is home to 35 certified providers, according to the Florida Association of Recovery Residences.
It also played a starring role in the fraud scandal that rocked the industry some eight years ago and saw operators, associates and doctors go to federal and state prison.
At the advisory committee’s June 13 meeting, Kielian criticized proposals to use the money for programs such as foster children aging out of the system.
“I want to be very clear, I’m very empathetic towards that population; however, that’s not what the settlement is for,” said Kielian, also the head of Southeast Recovery Advocates.
She also worried the county could see the money as a piggy bank to shore up unexpected budget demands — such as funding its portion of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new law banning homeless people from public spaces.
There are no safeguards that prevent states or counties from using settlement funds on programs already funded — and then moving the money supplanted back to the general fund, she said.
Comedian and political commentator John Oliver dedicated a May episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight to the opioid settlement, saying some states are funneling it to law enforcement.
The advisory committee on June 13 adopted a motion calling on the county to use the opioid settlement for what it is intended to do.
County Commissioners Gregg Weiss, Michael Barnett and Sara Baxter have said they lost siblings to the opioid crisis.
County Mayor Maria Sachs said at a May 21 workshop on the subject that she would follow the recommendations of the advisory committee.
“People need a house, job training, meds and treatment — right there in their community. Those who have been through it, lead us,” she said. P
Lantana
By Mary Thurwachter
Town edges toward adding stormwater utility fee
Although the Lantana Town Council hasn’t officially voted to add a stormwater utility fee yet to cover the cost of drainage projects, officials are getting their ducks in a row to implement one. To that end, the town heard from the consulting firm it has hired, Chen Moore and Associates, during a June 10 workshop.
The fee is likely to cost property owners between $5 and $6 a month, according to Brent Whitfield, a project manager with Chen Moore and Associates.
Town Manager Brian Raducci
said the utility fee has been a topic for the past eight to 10 months and was discussed at the council’s visioning session on April 19.
“Stormwater utility has a cost that has continued to grow,” Raducci said. “We anticipate it will be a larger part of our cost of operations in the future with probably the need for additional construction down the road. It’s time to take a good look at this.”
Lantana’s annual stormwater operations and maintenance costs are $320,030, according to a study done by the engineering firm.
That study also showed that the average monthly rate
of utility fees for 130 Florida municipalities is about $8. The fee is assessed based on the impact of stormwater generated from property within the town. The impact is calculated based on the amount of impervious area (land area covered or paved), and this is shown as an Equivalent Residential Unit or ERU.
In Palm Beach County, monthly stormwater rates range from $4 in Palm Springs to $19 in Wellington, with an average among eight municipalities of $8.91 (Palm Springs, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach
and Wellington).
The council is expected to adopt a preliminary rate at its July 8 meeting. That rate would be sent to the county property appraiser by July 28 to be included in the TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice mailed to property owners in August. The final rate can be less, but not more, than the TRIM notice rate. The TRIM notice also includes all proposed property tax rates affecting a property.
The council is likely to have another workshop on a stormwater fee on July 22 when feedback from residents will be collected. First and second readings of the ordinance would
be Aug. 12 and Sept. 9.
Although public comments were not accepted at the June workshop, one Hypoluxo Island man waited until the end of the Town Council meeting that followed the workshop to voice his objection during public comments.
“To go ahead and put an additional tax on the residents in my mind is not fair,” said Jordan Nichols. He also said hearings and meetings on important topics such as this should be postponed until February or March, since many island residents are away during the summer months. P
Infrastructure, beautification and development are budget priorities
By Mary Thurwachter
A first look at Lantana’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year gives residents a good idea of the Town Council’s priorities — and is an early indicator that the town’s current tax rate of $3.75 per $1,000 of taxable value is likely to remain the same.
During the town’s first budget workshop on June 18, Town Manager Brian Raducci said the top three priorities are maintaining infrastructure, continuing with beautification projects, and responsible development. Other important
Lantana News
goals include attracting and retaining valuable employees, continuing to attract businesses (especially along Ocean Avenue), continuing to support the library, resuming the dune restoration project, and installing an ADA-accessible ramp at the beach.
Stephen Kaplan, the town’s finance director for 17 years, shared pertinent numbers. For example, the town’s certified taxable value for 2023 was $1.792 billion and the estimated taxable value for 2024 is $1.952 billion (including $8.8 million in new construction). That’s an
Lantana Marine Safety Supervisor Marc Fichtner gave awards to (l-r) senior ocean lifeguard Sam Janssen and lifeguards Jasper Castaldo and Catherine Girard for their rescues of two swimmers. Photo provided
Lifeguards lauded — Three Lantana lifeguards were given lifesaving awards for their efforts to rescue two swimmers during a strong rip current on May 5. Awards were presented at the June 10 Town Council meeting by Marine Safety Supervisor Marc Fichtner to Sam Janssen, Jasper Castaldo and Catherine Girard.
The rescues began after Girard observed a swimmer caught in the current. She swam out to assist the distressed swimmer and Castaldo went out to help another struggling swimmer farther offshore. Janssen saw that Castaldo needed help with the second victim and went in to help him.
County firefighter/paramedics arrived and both victims were checked and determined to be OK.
“Thanks to the lifeguard team remaining calm and professional throughout the ordeal, an almost certain loss of life event was avoided,” Fichtner said.
Speed bumps to stay — After studies that showed the speed cushions on West Pine Street and on West Ocean Avenue have proved effective, the Town Council voted to make the traffic calming measures permanent. The speed bumps were installed in October 2022 and residents said they have been helpful in slowing drivers. — Mary Thurwachter
8.9% increase, or $159.7 million.
Kaplan said property tax revenue — assuming a $3.75 millage rate and a 95% collection rate — will be approximately $6.9 million.
The finance director reports that all of the town’s $6.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds has been committed for operating and capital needs. ARPA money has to be obligated by the end of this year and spent by the end of 2026.
Lantana hopes to seize on grant opportunities, something at which it was very successful
this year. It received $2.3 million with help from grants writer Ryan Ruskay of RMPK Funding.
Lobbyist Mat Forrest helped the town secure $1.3 million in state appropriations and Congresswoman Lois Frankel and her staff aided Lantana in collecting $2.2 million in federal appropriations.
In April, the town submitted a $1.9 million federal grant application to upgrade its water treatment plant.
Lantana’s budget is broken down into three categories, including 67% for personnel, 26% for operating expenses and
7% for capital projects. The town has no debt.
A second budget workshop is set for July 8 and the Town Council is expected to set the preliminary tax rate at its meeting that day. The preliminary rate will be included on notices sent out by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office to property owners in August, alerting them to what their proposed taxes are estimated to be.
Public hearings on the town’s budget and tax rate are set for Sept. 9 and 18. P
Manalapan Town considers cutting guard’s
time at Point to 12 hours to save money
By Anne Geggis
The cost of staffing a private security guard at the entrance of Point Manalapan has the town considering dialing the detail back to one 12hour shift instead of around-the-clock coverage.
The bill for 24-hour coverage for next year is going to $270,000, a bump of about 2% from the current year. The cost for the Point’s security detail increased 30% in 2022 when the commission selected a new company in order to improve guardhouse security visibility.
The publicly funded amenity is a unique one among South County municipalities.
Having a security guard at the entrance of the Point only overnight would cut the bill in about half: $134,000. But it might also mean an increase for residents’ insurance bills.
“We’re trying to figure out if it’s a benefit the community needs and wants and can the police supplement that benefit a little bit without having to spend an additional $134,000 a year?”
said Eric Marmer, Manalapan’s assistant town manager. “So that’s the question.”
Town Manager Linda Stumpf said, “The chief
and I have been talking about it for a while that we didn’t really know if we really need 24 hours” a day.
Police Chief Carmen Mattox noted that the guardhouse itself serves as a kind of deterrent to crime.
Commissioner David Knobel said he wants to be able to talk to residents in the area he represents before the decision gets made.
“It’s not a great time of the year to get public comment,” Knobel said, noting that many residents are out of the area during the summer months.
Mayor John Deese, who lives in that section of town, said that it’s been mentioned to him.
“I’ve heard a lot of positive comments from people about the fact that we have someone there,” Deese said.
A police cruiser parked near there might be just as effective as paying someone to stand there, it was suggested.
Stumpf said she would budget the full, 24hour cost for now and perhaps roll back that line item if Point Manalapan is amenable. P
Delray Beach Mayor challenges staff to hold line on property taxes in new budget
By Anne Geggis
Increases in the value of residents’ homes should not mean paying more to run city government, Mayor Tom Carney said, asking for a budget proposal that won’t require residents to write bigger tax checks than they did last year.
Delray Beach’s tax rate has been dropping for 10 consecutive years, but the amount the city is spending has been on a steady upward trend.
As a result, property owners have been paying more taxes every year as the value of their homes increases. In that vein, Carney challenged city staff to end that trend and come back with a budget with a tax rate that raises no more money than last year on existing property owners. In that scenario, the city would get additional taxes only from new construction.
“I really think we need to be talking
Gulf Stream
about actually saving the taxpayers money by ensuring they are not going to pay any more taxes this year than they did last year,” Carney said.
City Manager Terrence Moore did not make a specific recommendation at the June 11 budget workshop, but he had charts that showed various scenarios.
At current estimates, adhering to Carney’s request would drop the current operating tax rate from $6.36 per $1,000 of taxable value to $5.65 per $1,000. That would mean Delray Beach’s property tax revenues would drop by 11% to $97.98 million, compared with what it would collect if the city kept the current rate. And the amount of revenue that the city takes in would be about $23 million less than it plans to spend.
One of Moore’s charts showed how the general fund expenditures have risen from $117 million in 2017 to $188 million in 2024 — a 60% increase.
Police chief gives rave review to license plate cameras
By Steve Plunkett
Gulf Stream’s license plate recognition cameras are “actually working phenomenally” a year after being installed, Police Chief Richard Jones said.
“What we currently have in place has been very effective,” he told town commissioners on June 14. “Need to knock on wood, we’ve had very, very little criminal activity — almost none — in the last 12 months probably as a result of our enforcement efforts and obviously, the installation of those cameras.”
Jones reported having “one burglary by definition” in May, “but really what it was, was leftover roofing material that was stolen from a job site,” he said. A suspect has been identified and the case was still being investigated, he added.
The chief also said he attended an FBI-hosted conference to learn what the federal agency can do for small departments such as Gulf Stream’s, “as well as give us some training opportunities to see things that we may not be aware of in technology and funding and various other
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society’s director of education, said of the famed architect.
The man who the historical society says was the first settler, surveyor Thomas Moore Rickards, had platted the town as “Boca Raton” in 1896. But the city’s other pioneers don’t seem to have had any allegiance to that spelling.
Gillis counts about 20 different ones, including “Boca Ratton” and “Boca de Ratone.”
And earlier map-makers had problems of their own.
A 1774 map of South Florida shows the original site of “Boca Ratones” on Biscayne Bay. An 1839 map placed the site in two locations at the same time — one on Biscayne Bay and the second at Lake Boca Raton.
The mish-mash of spellings
areas.”
Delray has been able to pay for it with a lower tax rate because taxable property values are increasing even faster. But for the next year, the climb in taxable real estate values appears to be cooling: After growing 13.4% in 2023 and 15.2% the year before, the city’s property values this year are up a smaller 10.9%, according to property appraiser figures.
Moore said he thought that staff could find $8 million in savings strategies in departmental budgets and take $6.8 million from the fund balance, which is currently at a level greater than the target the city set.
Moore, however, noted that some $7.4 million in projected increases are beyond the city’s control: general liability insurance, increases in staff salaries and wages, pension costs and garage rental rates for city vehicles.
The mayor was unmoved from his budget goal, however.
The FBI paid for the full cost of Jones’ trip, he said. Jones was one of 70 invited to attend.
Also at the town meeting, commissioners approved their side of an agreement to extend for five years getting fire rescue services from Delray Beach. That city’s commissioners were to sign off on the deal in July.
Delray Beach has provided Gulf Stream with fire rescue protection for more than 30 years with the latest agreement coming in 2009. The proposed extension has a built-in cost increase that will stay the same as under the current agreement, which is either 5% or the All Urban Consumers United States April Consumer Price Index, whichever is greater.
“So we are pleased with the services we’ve been provided,” Assistant Town Attorney Trey Nazzaro said.
Interim Delray Beach Fire Rescue Chief Kevin Green was “very positive” about his department’s relationship with the town and its residents, Nazzaro said, “and I returned the sentiment and thanked him for his department’s continued service to the town.” P
even made its way into the city’s seal — Boca Raton became a city in 1957 — which is emblazoned with an image of a sailing vessel in an inlet, with the name “Boca de Ratones” on a scroll with the 1925 incorporation date.
At the Boca Ratone Day celebration, events included a demonstration that allowed kids to learn how butter was made before Publix did the work for us.
Other activities included a puppet show, dance lessons, trivia sessions and the serving of a birthday cake.
Kids even got a chance to redesign the city’s misguided seal.
A food tasting with swamp cabbage, coconut canapes and many things mango drew from the historical society’s recipe book The Pioneer Cook In
Southeast Florida, by Donald Walter Curl.
“We thought it was good to celebrate our pioneer heritage,” said Mary Csar, the society’s executive director.
There’s yet another misconception to clear up.
Everyone thinks Boca Raton means rat’s mouth. But linguists say it actually means mouse’s mouth.
Unless it means something else entirely.
“Boca de Ratones” or “Boca Ratones” was a navigational term referring to a rocky or jagged inlet, according to the historical society.
It was applied to the current Lake Boca in early maps even though the Boca Inlet did not exist at the time and was carved out later. P
“I cannot tell you how I think that we have the room to do it,” Carney said. “And I didn’t say it was going to be easy, but I just think the taxpayers deserve to not just pay more taxes because their property values went up.”
Specific details are scheduled to be presented at the July 9 commission meeting.
Right now, the city has a fund balance that is $8.5 million more than the target it set, which calls for the city to have $40.2 million, or 25%, of the general fund budget saved.
Moore highlighted how Delray Beach’s creditworthiness has been upgraded by one of the biggest credit agencies. Moody’s upgraded Delray’s credit from its third-highest rating to its secondhighest, he said.
“Delray Beach has done an excellent job in keeping alignment,” Moore said.P
Summer arrives with no plan for art classes at Crest Theatre
By Anne Geggis
A plan for having art activities in newly renovated classrooms at the Crest Theatre building continued to elude the Delray Beach City Commission in June.
Six arts organizations made proposals in May to bring art classes to the city-owned space that’s been dark for five years, but confusion ensued about how long of a run the city is prepared to offer.
At one discussion, Mayor Tom Carney said that he wanted something to start this summer and only for a short contract. Given that renovations at the Crest Theatre itself haven’t been completed, Carney said he didn’t want a multiyear contract for the classrooms, because it could potentially limit the city from engaging someone who could run activities at both the classrooms and the theater.
At the June 18 commission meeting, Carney instructed the staff to come back with some definitive numbers on what it will cost to fix the Crest Theatre itself and plans for getting activities started in the classrooms.
“We keep dancing around the numbers, we keep dancing around the issue,” Carney said. “Let’s get something definitive. What is it going to take to fix it?”
Two of the major players, Boca Raton Museum of Art and Old School Square Center for the Arts, have dropped out of consideration for running classroom activities. Other discussions have involved the Downtown Development Authority or the city Parks and Recreation Department running the classroom activities.
A June letter to the community from the Old School Square Center for the Arts provides a peek into the behindthe-scenes chaos in the efforts to enliven the building.
“On June 5th, a phone call was made to 3 of the previous applicants, requesting a proposal within seven hours; only to occupy SEGMENTS of the building and fill the classrooms just for the summer months,” the letter reads. “We declined to follow through with this last request, due to the fact that we have never been shortterm thinkers.”
Gina Carter, city spokeswoman, said that the city is homing in on a possibility, although the potential for summer classes was melting away quickly.
“The commission is going to be working with the city manager to come up with a plan,” Carter said. “I can confirm that they are eager to come up with a plan to get the classrooms up and running.”
The discussion has reopened some old wounds about the previous 30-year engagement the Old School Square Center for the Arts had at the downtown center, which has been credited with making the city a draw for art lovers.
The nonprofit arts organization was instrumental in starting performances and other artistic endeavors at the former site of Delray Beach’s high and elementary schools. The old campus is the home of the theater, the Cornell Art Museum, the Fieldhouse (the former gymnasium), and an outdoor performance stage called the Pavilion.
But that run in the cityowned public facilities halted in 2021, when the City Commission ended the group’s lease amid allegations of financial mismanagement. The organization then sued the city, some commissioners personally and even some of its former board members — a suit that went away after a commission less hostile to the organization took office last year. P
Along the Coast
Attempts fail to revive woman pulled out into the ocean
By Anne Geggis
A 56-year-old Boynton Beach woman drowned along an unguarded area on the northeast side of the Boynton Inlet on May 5 as a current ripped her away from an attempted rescue, according to a Manalapan police report.
Bystanders and police tried to revive Anna Lazur after she was pulled out of the water at about 12:30 p.m. that day. She was taken to Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach in critical condition, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Her obituary has since appeared online and a makeshift memorial near where she drowned has sprung up.
Teresa Bowyer, 66, of Hobe Sound, was one of the two friends who went to the beach with Lazur that day. She can’t stop thinking about her friend,
the mother of two sons, whom she called or saw almost every day.
“I didn’t want to go in because it was too rough,” Bowyer said. “Anna was a strong swimmer.”
Red flags, which indicate rip currents are present, were out
across the inlet at Ocean Inlet Park at the time tragedy struck, one bystander said.
Bowyer said the other friend in her trio, Iwona Wroczynska, 64, of Hobe Sound, first went into the water after they noticed Lazur in distress. And then Bowyer said she saw
Wroczynska struggling.
“A big wave came over and separated them,” Bowyer said.
Bowyer said she felt she had no choice but to try to reach Lazur. Going in the water, she found herself panicking.
“I was struggling,” she said.
Wroczynska made it back to shore on her own, but a bystander, Nathaniel Holt, 22, pulled back Bowyer, she said. And then he went to get Lazur.
On the beach, Lazur was unresponsive and a woman who told police she was a nurse, Veronica Jean-Louis, attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and took the patient to the hospital, the report says.
The report doesn’t mention rip currents, but the phenomenon has been blamed for eight deaths in Florida over four days in late June, according to The Weather Channel. These
currents have proven fatal all over the state, mostly in the Panhandle’s Bay County, but also in Martin County.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration describes rip currents as powerful, fast-moving channeled currents that swimmers mistakenly try to resist by swimming straight back to the shore. Swimming parallel to the shore is a better strategy, according to NOAA.
Those are different from rip tides. Rip tides are caused by the swift movement of tidal water through inlets, estuaries and harbors, according to NOAA.
Bowyer said her other friend has sworn never to return to that stretch of the inlet, but she said she’s going because that’s where there’s a memorial to Lazur.
“I just can’t believe she’s gone,” Bowyer said. P
Boy presumed drowned while fishing at inlet with father
By Anne Geggis and Mary Kate Leming
Police are investigating how a fishing outing turned tragic at Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton Beach early June 13, claiming an 8-year-old boy’s life in Boynton Inlet — widely known in the boating community as one of the state’s most dangerous.
The cause of death for Saul Cerrato-Vasquez of West Palm Beach has not been made public because he is a minor, and the official report had not been released as of early July because it concerned an active investigation.
Initial reports were that the boy and his father were fishing on the park’s south jetty on the west side of the State Road A1A bridge over the Boynton Inlet, authorities said. The call for help came at 6:09 a.m.
Capt. Tom Reyes of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said that the victim fell into the water when his companion, presumably his father, turned to attend to some fishing equipment.
The boy is one of six children and was attending Hope-Centennial Elementary School, his mother, Roxanne Batista, said in a tearful, brief conversation with The Coastal Star. She acknowledged setting up a GoFundMe account so her son’s remains can be buried in such a way that they grow with a tree. By early July, the effort had raised more than $3,400.
The 6900 block of North Ocean Boulevard, or A1A, was briefly closed to traffic as the rescue effort involving dozens of first responders ramped up.
Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Border Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to the inlet with divers, inflatable boats, Jet Skis
and helicopters.
Reyes said the mission was declared a “recovery” operation at 7:55 a.m. The body was recovered nearly five hours after the initial call, about 100 yards from where the boy reportedly fell in. The recovery was on the northeast side of the bridge, however.
The jetty at Ocean Inlet Park is a popular place to fish — one of the few places open to fishing 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That morning, there was a
strong current in the inlet with the outgoing tide, but the ocean was relatively calm.
This year, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has responded to four open water incidents in the Boynton Inlet, twice the number of last year at the same time, said Reyes.
One of those incidents involved another drowning, in May (see related story).
“The width and depth of the Boynton Inlet, along with the strong tidal flow that passes
through, can make it very dangerous,” Reyes wrote in an email.
Boca Raton first responders don’t categorize water calls to the inlet in the same way that would allow comparisons, but Michael LaSalle, Boca Raton Fire Rescue’s public information officer, said the level of danger at the Boynton Inlet, from a boating perspective, is far greater than at the Boca Inlet. He would rate it the secondmost dangerous in the state,
LEFT: Divers signal to the
are clear
that
next to Baker’s Haulover Inlet in Miami-Dade County.
Zack Thomas, who writes a blog for Boat Outfitters, which supplies boat builders with custom fabricated accessories, puts Boynton Inlet in the top tier of those that should be used only if you know what you’re doing because of what he calls “machine washing conditions.”P
Photographer Tim Stepien contributed to this story.
ABOVE: Rescue personnel from Palm Beach County and other local and federal agencies search for the 8-year-old boy along the north side of the Boynton Inlet.
Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star
boat driver
they
after placing the body of the boy into a rescue boat.
Photos by Tim Stepien/ The Coastal Star
A memorial with a cross, angel statue, shells and plastic flowers is located in the dune not far from the pumping station at the Boynton Inlet. Coastal Star photo
Ron Reame never planned on getting involved in condo politics when he and his wife moved from Michigan to Highland Beach 13 years ago.
He never planned on having a leading role in overseeing the multimillion-dollar restoration of his building, which became the first in Florida to comply with the state’s new recertification laws.
A nd he certainly never planned to be a leader in a David-versus-Goliath struggle as town residents, especially in the south end, took on Palm Beach County in an effort to stop development of a beachfront park.
But then he ran into his neighbor Doug Hillman and before long they were leading the board of their 122-unit building as well as leading the umbrella board at Boca Highland Beach Club & Marina.
Hillman, who died in early 2023, would become mayor and Reame would later step into Hillman’s roles at Boca Highland, becoming the president of both organizations.
“I wasn’t thinking anything about getting involved in a condo association when I got here,” Reame said. “I’d never been involved in a condo association before.”
A lthough he had been president of his 14-member homeowners association in Franklin, Michigan, he knew getting involved with a condo board would be much different.
Reame has degrees in management from Michigan State University and finance from Wayne State University. He worked for large corporations and ran successful businesses himself. Now he is putting his business background to use as he focuses on keeping the condo
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Ron Reame
‘because I want to be happy in our 3.2
associations running smoothly.
Early in his career Reame worked for big names in the corporate world — IBM and General Motors — before running companies in the equipment leasing and computer industries and getting experience in how to run businesses.
Reame said that he started questioning the way things were being run at his building,
Dalton Place, soon after moving in. He and Hillman, who moved in about the same time, were playing golf one day and discovered they both had questions.
“The more questions we asked, the more we got involved,” he said.
Reame, 78, says his wife, Nancy, understands why he takes on the challenges that come with leading a condo association.
“I do it because I want to be happy in our 3.2 miles of paradise,” he said. “I want to protect my investment and enjoy living here.”
Reame, who chairs Highland Beach’s financial advisory board, enjoys traveling, one reason he’s not more involved in town government.
— Rich Pollack
Q. Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?
A. I grew up in Detroit and attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University with degrees in management and finance. I had solid Midwestern values and came from a working class, loving, Italian family.
Q. What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
A. I have worked for the most part in the equipment leasing sector and in the computer industry, mostly in services, training, and hardware and software. I have a very varied background in business with both corporate America and starting and running and selling small businesses.
Q. What advice do you have for a young person selecting a career today?
A. Unless you’re lucky to invent something that no one else has and that everyone on the planet needs, you’re going to actually have to work really hard to be successful. I’ve found that few people actually know what that means. Hence the reason that not everyone does well in business.
Q. How did you choose to make your home in Highland Beach?
A. We looked from South Beach to up past Jupiter. We fell in love with the Highland Beach location and cohesive beach community and the fact that no one, including people who live in Delray or Boca, knows that we’re here.
Q. What is your favorite part about living in Highland Beach?
A. Superb beachfront location with access to all of
the best parts of South Florida and a well-run community.
Q. What book are you reading now?
A. Kill the Father, by an Italian author, Sandrone Dazieri. A murder mystery.
Q. What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax?
A. I like good old rock ’n’ roll. And for some reason it relaxes me.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your decisions?
A. Make every day count — most important at this age. When I make decisions, I do not take a survey of the people.
Q. Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?
A. I’ve been very lucky to have been surrounded by the best family and friends that one could have. Each is an inspiration in many ways to me.
Q. If your life story were made into a movie, who would you want to play you?
A. I suppose it would have to be Bruce Willis. People say daily that we look alike. Unfortunate medical issues for him now.
Ron Reame of Highland Beach says he got involved with governing his condominium
miles of paradise.’ He says his business background helps. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Along the Coast Municipal
officials won’t have to detail their wealth — for now
By Steve Plunkett
A half year after 10 coastal elected officials from southern Palm Beach County resigned their seats rather than be forced to fill out a more-detailed inventory of their wealth, a federal judge has stepped in and put the new state requirement on hold.
U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian issued a preliminary injunction on June 10 barring the Florida Commission on Ethics from enforcing the new requirement.
Prior to the ruling, mayors and elected officials of Florida’s towns and cities were facing a July 1 deadline to file for the first time the state’s probing Form 6 financial disclosure.
Members of the Florida Commission on Ethics “failed to show that (the) requirement that Plaintiffs file Form 6, as opposed to the previously required and less comprehensive Form 1, is the least restrictive means of addressing the government interests at stake,” Damian said.
More than 170 elected officials filed suit seeking to have the Form 6 rule, also known as Senate Bill 774 or SB 774, declared unconstitutional. It alleges a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment right to free speech for compelling them to make “noncommercial, content-based” speech by saying, among other things, that “My net worth as of Dec. 31, 2023, was $________.”
Damian agreed that the plaintiffs “satisfied their burden of establishing a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits of their claim that SB 774, as applied to them, impermissibly compels contentbased speech in violation of the First Amendment.”
“Therefore, Plaintiffs are entitled to an injunction enjoining enforcement of SB 774,” she wrote.
The judge’s ruling came too late for Briny Breezes Town Council President Liz Loper, who submitted her Form 6 on May 30. But she has no regrets about filing early.
“I don’t have a lot,” said
Briny Breezes
Loper, who is listed first of the 170-plus plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “My husband and I don’t own a lot. We don’t have a lot of liabilities, so for me it was actually very, very easy. It was very simple to fill out.”
Other elected officials who joined Loper in filing Form 6 early included former South Palm Beach Vice Mayor Bill LeRoy, Ocean Ridge Vice Mayor Steve Coz, Briny Breezes Alderman Keith Black, Gulf Stream Mayor Scott Morgan, former Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia, former Delray Beach City Commissioner and current candidate for public defender Adam Frankel, and former Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Monica Mayotte.
The state Ethics Commission advised them that because they had filed Form 6 they would not have to also file a Form 1, Loper said. The commission extended the deadline for city and town officials to file Form 1 until July 15.
Form 6 requires the disclosure of net worth, earnings and tangible assets and has been applied to the governor, state legislators, county commissioners and other officers at the state and county levels since Florida’s Sunshine Law was enacted in 1978. Form 1, on the other hand, lists much less detail of a person’s finances.
Jamie A. Cole, the lead attorney in the federal lawsuit and in a similar lawsuit in a state court in Tallahassee, lauded Damian’s decision.
“This is the most intrusive form of financial disclosure that I am aware of in the entire nation, requiring more disclosure of quintessentially personal financial information than is required of the President of the United States, members of Congress and elected officials in every other state,” Cole, the longtime city attorney of Weston in Broward County, said in a statement.
“Most municipal elected officials receive little to no compensation for their public service, yet they are being asked to disclose their precise net
worth, income and assets. This legislative overreach has already resulted in the mass resignation of about 125 municipal elected officials and, if allowed, would discourage many others from serving their communities.”
Richard Radcliffe, executive director of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, said a total of 34 elected officials across the county resigned because of Form 6 — affecting about a third of the local elected boards.
So, the lawsuit “worked out very, very well for everybody,” he said in a June 18 appearance before the Town Commission in Manalapan, which saw five resignations but is not taking part in the lawsuits.
Elsewhere in South County, Briny Breezes had three resignations and Ocean Ridge and South Palm Beach each had one.
Judge Damian took a dim view of the process by which Form 6 was made law, noting multiple times in her order that state senators and representatives cast votes without having researched the need for a change.
“A review of the Committees’ Analyses reveals that neither includes empirical data nor evidence suggesting that either Committee investigated, studied, or solicited reports on the need for municipal elected officials to comply with the more comprehensive requirement of Form 6,” she wrote.
“Nor does either Analysis demonstrate that the Committees considered alternative, less burdensome means that would have addressed the interests at stake or the purpose or intent of SB 774.”
Despite the injunction, Radcliffe said he thinks the Form 6 requirement will reappear for local elected leaders.
“I’m sure it’s not going to go away. This is something that passed almost unanimously in both houses,” he said. “I think we got a reprieve.” P
Town attorney to head state association
Town Attorney Keith Davis will have to phone in to the July 25 meeting of the Briny Breezes Town Council.
The Florida Municipal Attorneys Association, whose members represent 800 cities, towns and villages across the state, is holding its annual conference July 25-27 in Naples, he said.
“For some reason they are making me president of the organization for next year, so I have to be there,” he told the Town Council last month. Davis, who specializes in representing municipalities, also has Manalapan as a client. The association is an offshoot of the
Florida League of Cities. Among the seminars scheduled for the conference are sessions on “Code Enforcement,” “Keeping Shade Meetings Compliant and Confidential” and “Sea-Level Rise, Resiliency and Land Use.”
“It’s where people like me get smart every year,” Davis said.
Also starting this year, Davis will be an adjunct law professor in Virginia at the College of William and Mary Law School, his alma mater. He’ll spend one week each semester teaching ethics and other subjects.
— Steve Plunkett
Obituary
Dana Christopher Cook
BOYNTON BEACH — Dana Cook died June 8, concluding a full and vibrant life that touched the lives of many people. He was 63.
Mr. Cook is survived by his loving parents, Barbara and Stan Cook; his sisters, Shauna Bowling and Tammie Smolchek; a nephew, Christopher Ratzlaff; and a niece, Olivia Smolchek.
Mr. Cook was much loved and adored by his friends who called him a Renaissance man. He had many friends and was a great friend in return.
He was an avid fisherman and well-known in the Boynton Beach fishing community. He always had a knack for finding the fish and catching the “big one.”
He was also a passionate painter. He loved the arts and his artwork touched many who knew him. Interestingly, he was color-blind. He overcame this challenge by being able to tell the difference among colors by their intensity.
The family will have an intimate ceremony celebrating Mr. Cook’s life.
If you would like to make a donation in his memory go to https://trustbridge.com/foundation/. — Obituary submitted by the family
Along the Coast
Governor’s veto strikes Delray, Boynton projects
Boynton Beach and Delray Beach might be asking what Gov. Ron DeSantis has against them after five of their projects totaling almost $3.5 million were vetoed by the governor in June. In Boynton Beach, state money for three projects was cut by the governor. They are:
• $1,018,400 for Sky Lake neighborhood road resurfacing;
• $600,000 for a new generator at the city’s 911 communications center;
• $591,066 for a Lake Shore bridge canal project.
Delray Beach saw funding vanish for two Legislatureapproved projects:
• $750,000 for underground utility improvements on Swinton Avenue north of Atlantic Avenue;
• $500,000 for roadway restoration work on Southwest Eighth Avenue.
Delray Beach did have one of its appropriations go through, according to information provided by state Sen. Lori Berman’s office.
The city will receive $306,000 for an emergency response mobile traffic barrier and first responder protection. — Staff report
South Palm Beach
After Town Hall negotiations stall, council considers different contractor
By Brian Biggane
After four months of fruitless negotiations, the South Palm Beach Town Council decided at its June meeting not to hire Moonlight Architecture to oversee the design and building of its new Town Hall and has moved on to its second choice, Broward County-based CPZ Architects.
After the decision was made, Town Manager Jamie Titcomb reported CPZ expressed interest in taking over the long-delayed project and contract talks were underway. Titcomb had a proposal in hand by late June and planned to present it to the council at its July meeting.
“The numbers are a bit higher than we had hoped, but it’s a starting point and we’ll go from here,” Titcomb said. South Palm Beach has so far budgeted $4 million for the project.
The council sent out a request for bids in late 2023 and ultimately invited four interested firms to make proposals in February, though by law no monetary terms could be addressed at that time.
Moonlight, which is based in Cincinnati but brought in another firm based in Fort Lauderdale to give its bid a local connection, impressed the council with its extensive background in building with structural insulated panels
(SIPs), which the council had previously determined would be used in the construction.
CPZ, which had five representatives at the February meeting, including a manufacturer of SIPs, emerged tied with Moonlight in voting by the council but ultimately Moonlight was selected.
“It was a very hard decision because CPZ is very professional,” Mayor Bonnie Fischer said at the time. “It was very close, but I scored Moonlight higher.”
Moonlight CEO Andy Roehl said at the same meeting that he was “excited to get going,” but Town Attorney Ben Saver, who has been charged with negotiating a contract for the work, has reported back in the ensuing council meetings that talks were hitting one snag after another.
One significant point of contention was the percentage of the total project costs that would go to Moonlight. Saver said his research indicated a typical architect in the construction of a municipal building would receive 7.4%, but Moonlight was demanding 15%.
The council urged Saver to work for a compromise, with Council member Monte Berendes even asking, “Can it be 14-and-a-half?” Saver replied, “You can always ask. (But) I’ve already said that to them several
times, and this is still what they’ve come back with.” The town instructed Saver to offer no more than 10%.
There was also confusion over what the town would be getting for its investment. In the Moonlight proposal, the town was left with the impression that Moonlight would have its local representative, Eric Schuermann, on site throughout the construction, meaning the town wouldn’t need to hire an owner’s rep. But Moonlight has not since indicated if he would offer any oversight.
At the council’s May meeting, both Fischer and Council member Elvadianne Culbertson, who was not yet on the council when Moonlight was selected, suggested the town might have to pay more for Moonlight’s expertise.
“We’re working with people who really know what they’re talking about,” Fischer said. “At this stage I would hate to start over again.”
Saver said the main problem he perceived was that Moonlight has previously done little if any work with municipalities and was unfamiliar with the idiosyncrasies of negotiating in the public sector.
One example: When Saver sent Moonlight a 17-page proposal, the firm responded with one running 51 pages. Moonlight was also slow to
respond to Saver’s initiatives, sending him one update two hours before the June council meeting, too late for him to pass on any information.
While moving past Moonlight, the council also instructed Titcomb to investigate whether Schuermann might be brought on as a consultant and/or owner’s rep. Saver thought that was a good idea, but the issue will not be dealt with at the present time.
“Other towns would have engineers on staff and they could review and send comments back,” Saver said. “We don’t have that personnel
which is why an owner’s rep makes sense. They could help with construction management and help us where we don’t have the expertise.”
Fischer said she was “very disappointed” that talks with Moonlight had been so fruitless for so long and that starting over would mean “another four, five, six months” just to get the design phase done.
To that, Saver responded, “We don’t want to lose sight of what the end goal is, which is to get a new Town Hall. As long as we can get an end product that we can enjoy, that’s the goal. P
South Palm Beach News
New vice mayor appointed — South Palm Beach Mayor Bonnie Fischer nominated Council member Monte Berendes at the council’s June meeting to serve as vice mayor, succeeding Bill LeRoy, who resigned in April, citing health concerns. Berendes was voted in unanimously, 4-0. The council has yet to fill LeRoy’s seat and there has been no indication it will do so anytime soon.
Quorum concerns — Council member Elvadianne Culbertson initiated what proved to be a lengthy discussion about attendance of members at council meetings, but ultimately no action was taken. Council member Raymond McMillan called into several meetings last year and is in upstate New York again this summer. As Culbertson pointed out, if even one of the other three members was not present at the same time there would not be a quorum to conduct business. Berendes, who makes occasional trips to Wyoming, promised to fly back to make sure three members would be on hand.
Town to cover cost of plaque — Mayor Fischer proposed that the plaque dedicated to Hatixhe Laiqi, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver last November while crossing State Road A1A, be paid for by the town, and the motion passed unanimously. Laiqi’s son Beckham Laiqi had asked for the plaque and offered to pay for it. Town Manager Jamie Titcomb said the approximate cost will be $350.
Budget sessions — The Town Council scheduled a budget workshop for 1 p.m. Aug. 12. The first public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 will be at 5:01 p.m. Sept. 9 and the final hearing at 5:01 p.m. Sept. 16. The June financial report determined the town was 67% through the fiscal year as of June 11 and had spent 63% of its budget.
— Brian Biggane
Boynton Beach News
Nation’s political drama takes stage at commission meeting — Fireworks went off early in Boynton Beach as order broke down at the City Commission meeting held two days before the Fourth of July. Commissioners and the public argued over what could and could not be discussed during the public comment period — leading commissioners to abruptly end the meeting before conducting any city business.
Mayor Ty Penserga cut off a speaker who tried to talk about the “stolen” 2020 election. He referred to rules written in the agenda that say comments are only allowed for “any matter within the scope of the jurisdiction of the commission.”
But Commissioner Thomas Turkin was upset when the mayor let the next speaker — resident David Merker — talk about an item that was on the agenda. “You’re playing God. You’re dictating who can and cannot speak,” Turkin said. “The taxpayer has a right to speak.”
Commissioners took a five-minute recess, but it wasn’t long after they returned that the meeting devolved again. After Merker got to finish his comments, Candace Rojas was next and started talking about Jesus overturning the money-changer’s table, then about the need “to defend the Constitution and restore the Republic.” She also was cut off by the mayor — and ordered escorted out by the police when she refused to stop talking.
Rojas said “Don’t touch me” as the officer approached and Turkin told the mayor, “You’ve got to let them talk.”
Vice Mayor Aimee Kelley then moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
— Larry Barszewski
Boynton Beach
Businesses, travelers face construction nightmare on boulevard
By Sallie James
A $7.2 million construction project to widen sidewalks, create shared bicycle lanes and repave eastern Boynton Beach Boulevard has residents and business owners fuming about the project’s scope and questionable necessity in an area with little pedestrian traffic.
Since construction started in May, traffic along Boynton Beach Boulevard east of Interstate 95 has been snarled with lane closures. Motorists must navigate a slalom course of heavy equipment, traffic cones and road barricades along the road’s stretch from Northwest Third Street to just east of Federal Highway.
And the end is nowhere in sight. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, which is administering the multi-tiered project, completion isn’t expected until sometime near the end of 2025.
Businesses owners say they are frustrated already.
At the historic Ace Hardware near the southwest corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway, business is down about 25%. Employees say it is because the parking lot is so difficult to access amid the chaos of construction.
“It causes a lot of pain,” acknowledged Ace Hardware owner Valerie Pleasanton, whose familyowned store has been at the same location since 1972. “It has killed the traffic here. Our customer base is saying what a pain it is to navigate.”
The improvements are part of the city’s Boynton Beach Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project, envisioned by the city and the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency in 2018 as creating a gateway into downtown. The local contribution for the project is $3.1 million. The approximately $4.1 million remaining includes a $2.2 million grant from the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency supplemented by other federal money.
The project includes:
• Milling and resurfacing Boynton Beach Boulevard;
• Expanding existing sidewalks along Boynton Beach Boulevard to nine feet on the north and 15 feet on the south;
• Modifying area drainage;
• Retrofitting pedestrian lighting at signalized intersections;
• Adding a new pedestrian crossing on the boulevard at Northwest Third Street;
• Installing shared lane bicycle markings on both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Boynton Beach Boulevard and West Ocean Avenue;
• Upgrading pedestrian signals, pavement markings and signs.
The overall cost has more than doubled since the project was conceived due to actual and anticipated increases in construction costs, according to a City Commission agenda item from December 2023.
The project’s aim is to make Boynton Beach Boulevard east of I-95 more pedestrianfriendly while adding value to downtown.
“The beautification of the Boynton Beach Boulevard corridor from US1 to NW 3rd Street is a necessity to physically transform the entrance to the city’s commercial core to a more livable downtown,” Assistant CRA Director Timothy Tack wrote in an email.
The improvements “support the community’s vision for a more complete street at the most significant commercial corridor and the city’s namesake,” he added.
The roadwork is coming as
the city prepares for three major developments to the south of Boynton Beach Boulevard in the area:
• Ocean One, a 371-unit mixed-use development planned for the east side of Federal Highway;
• The Pierce, a $73 million Community Redevelopment Agency-backed complex of apartments, restaurants, retail stores and green space on the west side of Federal Highway, including the relocation of Hurricane Alley Raw Bar and Restaurant from Ocean Avenue to an expanded space on Boynton Beach Boulevard;
• Town Square, expected to be the city’s largest development, which has been approved along the east side of Seacrest Boulevard.
The project is to include 898 luxury apartments, 23,000 square feet of commercial space, a hotel and two parking garages. An earlier phase of the project included the now completed City Hall, library
and amphitheater, along with the renovation of the 1927 Boynton Beach High School into the Boynton Beach Arts and Cultural Center.
Angela Cruz, a Boynton Beach commissioner, a CRA board member and a member of the county TPA board, said the current construction mess will be worth it.
“It’s going to get better. It’s going to be more walkable. It’s going to be a destination,” Cruz said. “It’s an important project because we are trying to create alternative modes of transportation where people can walk more and use their bikes.”
The streetscape project is a sore spot for city activist Susan Oyer, who nicknamed it “the Boynton Beach disaster.”
“It was budgeted for $3 million and it’s now $7 million. You need to put a stop to this,” Oyer told city commissioners during a June 18 commission meeting. “Where are you getting the $4 million for a road
renovation that we absolutely do not want, do not need, and is injuring our city?”
At the Meineke Car Care Center at 319 E. Boynton Beach Blvd., owner Enrique Concha estimated his business has plummeted by 40% since construction started in May. He hopes the improvements are worth it.
“Everyone wants to avoid it. I’m OK with them fixing things, but I believe they could do it faster,” he said.
“It’s been very inconvenient for our customers to make their way over,” said his son, Daniel Concha, a manager, as he gazed at a line of road barriers and cones. “I also don’t like the way some of the businesses have personalized entrances from Boynton Beach Boulevard. Customers are asking what the hell is going on.”
Pleasanton from Ace Hardware wonders about the logic behind the project and worries that construction was ill-timed with the start of hurricane season.
“We don’t have the entertainment or the draw to support 15-foot sidewalks, and they are narrowing the lanes to widen the sidewalks,” Pleasanton said, shaking her head. “And during hurricane season, if we have a really bad hurricane, this is the main evacuation route.”
Some drivers may choose Woolbright Road as an alternate route to avoid the mess, but Woolbright will be experiencing its own traffic problems next year. Plans are in the works for a major construction project at Woolbright and Seacrest Boulevard. It will add a righthand turn lane for eastbound Woolbright Road traffic turning onto southbound Seacrest. The existing travel lanes will have to be moved northward to accommodate the extra lane. P
Pleasanton
A pedestrian navigates signs and construction debris during the revamping of Boynton Beach Boulevard in June. The project is not due to end until late 2025. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Innovative Solutions plans to bring 100 jobs to Boca
In collaboration with IBM, the software company
Innovative Solutions has opened an office in Boca Raton, where the company expects to employ more than 100 people by 2026.
Innovative Solutions, based in New York and using artificial intelligence technology, brings Generative AI (GenAI) solutions, AI-infused managed security services, and an AIinfused observability platform for cloud-based applications and businesses to customers from its new headquarters on Palmetto Park Road at Interstate 95.
Via AWS Marketplace, customers can more easily access offerings developed by Innovative Solutions that embed IBM technology to help modernize businesses.
“Our services combine best-in-class software from IBM with best-in-class cloud infrastructure from AWS, providing real-time value that can’t be found anywhere else,” Justin Copie, CEO of Innovative Solutions, said in a news release. “We’re already based on the East Coast, and are excited to bring more jobs to Boca Raton, which has a rich history in technology.”
Copie said IBM is known for creating a strong sales force and a business philosophy that emphasizes excellent customer service, superior performance and respect for the individual.
“Innovative Solutions could not be more aligned,” he added. “Our partnership with IBM now enables us to do exactly that.”
Innovative Solutions’ first corporate headquarters is in Henrietta, New York, and a third office space is in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.innovativesol.com
Basis Industrial purchased the 2,272-square-foot property at 347 NE Fifth Ave., Delray Beach, on May 24 for $1.57 million. Basis is headquartered in Boca Raton, and the Delray Beach property will serve as its new headquarters.
The seller was 347 Core LLC, managed by John Henry Goldman. Basis Industrial President/COO Anthony Scavo represented the company in the transaction. Scott Pressman of the Keyes Co. represented the seller. Banesco is providing financing for the purchase.
Founded in 2012 by Jay Massirman, Stephen Garchik and Daniel Weinstein, Basis Industrial owns more than 4 million square feet of selfstorage and industrial real estate in Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and in the Boston and Los Angeles areas. In 2023, Basis Industrial was ranked No. 1 on South Florida Business Journal’s 2023 “Fast 50” list — the 50 fastest-growing private companies in South Florida.
John and Barbara Simoni recently sold their 9,486-totalsquare-foot residence at 174 W. Coconut Palm Road, Boca Raton, and the adjacent 0.34acre lot in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club for $19 million.
The buyers are the M Sean Revocable Trust and the M Beth Revocable Trust, both listing Jonathan Bloom as trustee.
The Simonis bought the 0.42acre lot along Buccaneer Palm Waterway for $1.55 million in 1998 and built their home the following year. They purchased the vacant neighboring lot for $2.88 million in 2005. David W. Roberts with Royal Palm Properties brokered the latest deal.
RealTrends Verified, the real-estate performance platform previously known as America’s Best, has published its list of top agents compiled from 2023. RealTrends Verified is part of HousingWire and a sister company to Altos Research.
The rankings were open to real estate professionals who chose to participate in the project, based on their reported sales volume and other criteria over 2023. To be considered for a ranking, an agent must have closed at least 40 transaction “sides” or recorded $16 million in closed sales volume for 2022, according to RealTrends. Teams must have closed 60 residential transactions or $24 million in closed sales volume.
Under the rules of the survey, agents and brokers who handled both sides of a transaction — representing buyer and seller — were allowed to double the final dollar figure when they calculated their total sales volume for the sale. Following are agents and teams from south Palm Beach County who made the lists.
• Agents by sides: Ralph Harvey III, List With Freedom, Boynton Beach, with 2,692 sides, ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in Florida; Paul Saperstein, eXp Realty, Delray Beach, 182 sides, ranked No. 37 nationally and No. 5 in Florida; Nicole Bouchard, Keller Williams, Boca Raton, 137 sides, ranked No. 76 nationally and No. 11 in Florida; Michael Ledwitz, Engel & Volkers, Boca Raton, 109 sides, ranked No. 151 nationally and No. 14 in Florida; and Stacy McNall, Coldwell Banker, Delray Beach, 83 sides, ranked 367 nationally and No. 25 in Florida.
• Agents by volume: Ralph Harvey III, List With Freedom, Boynton Beach, with $826 million, ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in Florida; David Roberts, Royal Palm Properties, Boca Raton, $291 million, ranked No. 21 nationally and No. 5 in Florida; Michael Ledwitz, Engel & Volkers, Boca Raton, $142 million, ranked
No. 102 nationally and No. 18 in Florida; Bonnie Heatzig, Douglas Elliman, Boca Raton, $129 million, ranked No. 120 nationally and No. 21 in Florida; and Marcy Javor, Signature One Luxury Estates, Boca Raton, $112 million, ranked No. 148 nationally and No. 29 in Florida.
• Medium teams by sides: The Julian Soffer Team, Keller Williams, Boca Raton, with 162 sides, ranked No. 165 nationally and No. 10 in Florida.
• Large teams by sides: The Platt Group, Compass, Boca Raton, with 185 sides, ranked No. 256 nationally and No. 22 in Florida; and The Rucco Group, RE/MAX Direct, Delray Beach, 164 sides, ranked No. 341 nationally and No. 35 in Florida.
• Mega-teams by sides: The Saperstein Group, eXp Realty, Delray Beach, with 428 sides, ranked No. 109 nationally and No. 8 in Florida.
• Small teams by volume: Candace Friis Team, Corcoran, Delray Beach, with $216 million, ranked No. 27 nationally and No. 5 in Florida; D’Angelo/ Liguori, Boca Raton, $204 million, ranked No. 30 nationally and No. 6 in Florida; The Randy & Nick Team, Douglas Elliman, Delray Beach, $119 million, ranked No. 121 nationally and No. 23 in Florida; Susan Demerer, Compass, Boca Raton, $89 million, ranked No. 234 nationally and No. 32 in Florida; and The Bloom Haym Group, Boca Raton, $81 million, ranked No. 291 nationally and No. 38 in Florida.
• Medium teams by volume: Pascal Liguori Group, Premier Estate Properties, Delray Beach, with $207 million, ranked No. 28 nationally and No. 4 in Florida; The Senada Adzem Team, Douglas Elliman, Boca Raton, $200 million, ranked No. 32 nationally and No. 5 in Florida; Jennifer Kilpatrick Team, Corcoran, Delray Beach, $135 million, ranked No. 110 nationally and No. 14 in Florida; and Alicia Gold, Compass, Boca Raton, $95 million, ranked No. 236 nationally and No. 28 in Florida.
• Large teams by volume: The Platt Group, Compass, Boca Raton, with $173 million, ranked No. 65 nationally and No. 8 in Florida; The Buchbinder Group, Compass, Boca Raton, $105 million, ranked No. 206 nationally and No. 28 in Florida; Jonathan Postma Group, Coldwell Banker, Boca Raton, $86 million, ranked No. 305 nationally No. 38 in Florida; The Rucco Group, RE/MAX Direct, Delray Beach, $79 million, ranked No. 360 nationally and No. 43 in Florida.
• Mega-teams by volume: The Koolik Group, Compass, Boca Raton, with $234 million, ranked No. 93 nationally and No. 9 in Florida; and The Saperstein Group, Delray Beach, $167 million, ranked No. 160 nationally and No. 15 in Florida.
Customers who filled their prescriptions at Huber’s in
ABOVE: Barnards Carpet One, 950 SW 17th Ave., Delray Beach, has been in the same location, with the same owner, since 1978. Recently, Barnards renovated the entire store, turning the showroom into 8,000 square feet of a comprehensive selection of flooring. It includes state-of-the-art displays for easier selections and a visualizer that allows customers to see the flooring in their own spaces. RIGHT: Ed McCall and Cheryl Barnard. Photos provided
Delray Beach learned the historic pharmacy had closed for good on June 22 after a brief note announcing the closure was abruptly posted on the door, citing financial reasons for the closure.
Store manager Art Ayala said the pharmacy had been at 321 E. Atlantic Ave. for 34 years. The downtown fixture was previously located at 400 E. Atlantic Ave. The store is owned by SBF Investments, which also owns a sister store, Green’s Pharmacy, at 151 N. County Road, Palm Beach.
“The profit just was not there anymore for that type of business. The owners decided it wasn’t worth (additional investment),” Ayala said.
Prescriptions are being transferred to Green’s Pharmacy and can subsequently be transferred elsewhere at the customer’s request, he said. However, prescriptions that were being delivered by Huber in Delray Beach will continue to be delivered, with no change necessary, Ayala said.
“The only difference is that they will say ‘Green’s Pharmacy,’” he said.
The latest in ongoing renovations at the Seagate in Delray Beach is happening at the Seagate Beach Club, where the two-story, 250-seat, 3,500-square-foot oceanfront clubhouse is undergoing a dramatic refresh.
The clubhouse closed for renovations on May 20 and is scheduled to reopen in October.
Guests still have access to the beachside pool, Shoreline Grill, and the outdoor bar and beach service.
The renovation will include architectural and interior design updates by New York’s Dash Design. The interiors will embrace the Colonial style of the building with classic design elements.
The Seagate Beach Club was established in the 1950s. The original structure was damaged during Hurricane Wilma in 2005, resulting in a new two-
story clubhouse.
“The Seagate Beach Club has a storied history in Delray Beach, creating memories for locals and visitors alike, and we are so excited to unveil the new clubhouse in the fall,” said Alex Schnoeller, managing director of the Seagate.
The Seagate recently completed a major renovation to the Seagate Golf Club, including its Joe Lee design 18hole championship course and practice facilities and the property’s 41,064-squarefoot clubhouse.
Renovation of guest rooms, the lobby, dining room and meeting rooms at the hotel will be undertaken in coming months.
Yearning for a staycation?
The Seagate is offering summer discounts to make that a more affordable goal. The hotel’s Stay Golden package includes 30% off room accommodations and two complimentary cocktails to enjoy poolside when booking a minimum one-night stay now through Nov. 13. The Seagate Shotmaker package includes 50% off on a full round of golf along with up to 20% off accommodations and two gratis cocktails when booking through Sept. 30. The hotel is also offering a Fourth Night Free deal through Oct. 31.
The Seagate is at 1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-6654800 or visit seagatedelray.com.
Mark J. Suchinski, former CFO of Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems, was appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer of The Geo Group Inc., a Boca Ratonbased corporation that operates private prisons and immigration detention centers.
Recently promoted by Lifespace Communities, Nicki Anno became assistant executive director at Harbour’s Edge in Delray Beach. Anno joined the organization in March 2023 as an administrator,
together and forge memories that will endure for generations to come. This recognition only fuels our dedication to serving and uplifting our community.”
Members from chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in Belle Glade and Wellington, and members of Omicron Delta Zeta in south Palm Beach County, joined with 90 activists from the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County to visit 16 high schools, where they helped 1,146 seniors register to vote prior to their graduation ceremonies.
overseeing operations of the senior living community’s health center.
“Nicki has been an integral part of our team,” said Harbour’s Edge Executive Director Jim Horsman. “In addition to her health care operations experience, Nicki is passionate about serving our residents and supporting our team members. She is committed to finding solutions to any challenges that arise and creating opportunities where everyone can thrive.”
Gina Carter, the city of Delray Beach’s director of communications, achieved the Florida Municipal Communicators Association’s Certificate of Excellence/Local Government Communicator for her work, training, and participation in the organization’s programming.
“Her innovative approach to engaging with our community through various digital platforms, including social media, the city’s digital magazine, and the city’s new app, has significantly increased transparency and public participation,” said Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore. “Gina’s dedication to clear and effective communication has ensured our residents stay wellinformed and significantly strengthened the bond between our city government and the community.”
Baer’s Furniture Co. Inc. was honored for its commitment to philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Business & Professional Industry Icon event, held recently at the federation’s Zinman Hall.
“Celebrating our family’s legacy and philanthropic endeavors at the B&P Industry Icon event is a profound honor,” said Cathy Baer. “As we stand in our fourth generation of business leadership, we remain deeply committed to nurturing spaces where families can come
“Of course, now that they are registered, our next job is to get them to turn out and vote,” said Pamela Maldonado of the league’s voter services committee. “By encouraging young voters to actually vote, we want to help establish a lifelong habit of voting in every election.”
American Humane, a national animal welfare organization with headquarters in Palm Beach, has kicked off its 14th annual Hero Dog Awards. It’s a nationwide competition that recognizes dogs that do extraordinary things — like saving lives on the battlefield, aiding humans with sight or hearing, and overall contributions to people’s wellbeing.
“Through the Hero Dog Awards, we honor and celebrate the immense hope, courage and quality of life that dogs bring to our lives,” said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We look forward to sharing inspiring stories of these canines with the voting public so we can give our hero dogs the recognition they truly deserve.”
To nominate a dog, visit HeroDogAwards.org through Aug. 1.
Sallie James and Mary Thurwachter contributed to this column.
Send business news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@ gmail.com.
Along the Coast
Rising water temperatures are threatening the health of reefs like this one at Sombrero Key in the Florida Keys.
The coral bleaching shown here occurs when coral ejects the symbiotic plant that lives inside its calcium carbonate shell.
'A silver lining in an ocean of white'
Palm Beach County’s coral reefs are faring much better than some farther south that are plagued by bleaching from warming waters
By John Christopher Fine
Chris Deen — licensed captain, veteran diver and ocean explorer based in Boynton Beach — has the Atlantic for his aquarium.
Despite threats facing Florida’s coral reefs from pollution and warming waters, Deen and other area dive boat captains say the reefs off southern Palm Beach County are holding up remarkably well.
“Coral growth here will be the last coral in Florida. We have the depth
and the Gulf Stream and we protect it better,” says Deen, who operates Starfish — a 34-foot Crusader — out of Boynton Harbor Marina daily, weather permitting.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation in May that designates the northern portion of Florida’s barrier reef, known as the Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area, as a state aquatic preserve, which offers it the maximum amount of protection available from the state.
See CORAL on page AT10
Tots & Teens Kids are nature detectives at Gumbo Limbo. Page AT17
Finding Faith Boca women pack supplies for newborns. Page AT13
On the Water Lobster miniseason is one day longer. Page AT11
Reefs off Palm Beach County are in cooler water at greater depths and are washed by the passing Gulf Stream, giving them a better chance of survival than the shallow reefs in locations like the Keys. Photos provided
New fellowship to help students stay in college
The founder of Bound For College, originally known as Delray Students First, and the founder of Roots and Wings, an organization that supports literacy programs, have joined forces.
Mark Sauer and Ted Hoskinson established the Hoskinson Fellowship with a $50,000 gift.
“Ted and I are working toward the same goal,” Sauer said of Hoskinson’s donation and his work at Roots and Wings. “Our missions complement each other at opposite ends of the public school spectrum. Ted is ensuring that underresourced students attending local elementary schools are achieving grade-level literacy while gaining the confidence they need to thrive in school.
“Once those students reach
high school, it is up to Bound For College to take over and support them with ACT/SAT
In other news, the nonprofit has been honored with the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s coveted Fannie James Pioneer Achievement Award. Established in 2003, the award recognizes significant contributions toward furthering the history of the area’s pioneering days. It is named for the late AfricanAmerican founder of the post office in Lake Worth Beach that operated from 1889 to 1903.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Fannie James Pioneer Achievement Award,” Csar said. “This recognition reflects our commitment to preserving the rich and diverse history of our community, ensuring that the stories of our past continue to inspire and educate future generations.”
tutoring and the mentorship they need to succeed with college applications and scholarship support. The new Hoskinson Fellowship helps Bound For College take that path another step further by awarding financial support to some of our college students who struggle financially once they are in college successfully pursuing their career goals.”
For information about Bound For College, call 561-819-9907 or visit weareboundforcollege. org. For information about Roots and Wings, call 561-4040455 or visit rootsandwingsinc. org.
$200,000-plus raised at annual Boca Bacchanal
Boca Bacchanal, the corkpopping celebration of food and wine, was a sipping success this year, captivating hundreds of connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
The weekend’s worth of events raised more than $200,000 to benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum and delivered an unparalleled experience of cuisine and vino.
“This year’s Boca Bacchanal was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the best of our community’s culinary talent while championing the preservation of our history,” said Mary Csar, executive director of the society. “We’re immensely grateful to all who contributed to making this event a resounding success.”
For more information, call 561-395-6766 or visit bocahistory.org.
Season ends successfully for Downtown Rotarians
The May 31 meeting of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton was filled with love and kindness as the organization welcomed representatives from 17 local nonprofits and awarded each a grant.
A total of $80,000 was distributed, all of which was raised at the Boca Raton Mayors Ball.
“The Rotary funds will help us furnish 12 private bedrooms in our new residential group home in Boca Raton,” said HomeSafe CEO Matthew Ladika, one of the 17 grantees. “We are grateful for the Rotary partnership and investment in children’s futures.”
Other recipients were 4KIDS of South Florida, American Association of Caregiving Youth, American Disabilities Foundation, Best Foot Forward, CityHouse, Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, Faulk Center for Counseling, JARC Florida, Roots and Wings, Kindness Matters 365, Nutrition On Weekends (NOW), PROPEL, Spirit of Giving Network, Sweet Dream Makers, Villages of Hope, and YMCA of South Palm Beach County.
The club capped the season by providing a groovy time at the annual banquet June 12, themed “Love and Peace, Baby!” Members and guests wore festive attire in the spirit
of the ’60s. A highlight of the affair was the club’s clinching of the Rotary Club of the Year at a district conference.
“It is the highest recognition from a Rotary governor, and we were selected from the 45 other clubs in our district,” club President Kim Champion said. “This prestigious honor reflects our community engagement, membership recruitment, participation at Rotary events and many other achievements, distinguishing us from other clubs.”
Another highlight was the installation of Bruce Spizler as the new president.
“I am enormously proud of the club and the tremendous commitment of our members who tirelessly give service above self in Boca Raton and beyond,” Spizler said. “Building on this year’s accomplishments will be my priority, along with my fellow board members, going forward.”
For more information, call 561-299-1429 or visit rotarydowntownbocaraton.org.
Junior League appoints new president, board Nicole Stelzer will head the 2024-25 season of the Junior League of Boca Raton. The new president has been a member of the league for 15 years, leading several committees, including Woman Volunteer of the Year, and serving four terms on the board of directors.
Regarding the board of directors, new members were installed at the annual May dinner meeting. They are Debbie Abrams, Michelle Coggiola, Gwenn Feliciano, Paige Gantt, Pattie Goldenberg, Victoria Matthews, Valentina Moretti, Amanda O’Brien, Barbara Sageman, Samantha Vassallo and Alex Welsh.
For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit jlbr.org.
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@ bellsouth.net.
Taking the month off It's summertime and everyone needs a vacation. Two of our featured columnists are taking a break for this edition and plan to return in August.
Arden Moore is an author, speaker and master certified pet first-aid instructor. She hosts a syndicated radio show, Arden Moore’s Four Legged Life (www. fourleggedlife.com), and the weekly Oh Behave! podcast on PetLifeRadio.com. Learn more by visiting www.ardenmoore.com.
Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@ hotmail.com.
Ted Hoskinson and Mark Sauer. Photo provided
Stelzer
Celebrations
Lion of Judah Endowment Ultimate Thank You
Keshet Gallery, Boca Raton — April 3
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Forever Lions attended a packed event that recognized the philanthropists’ generous commitments — planned gifts or endowments of at least $100,000. Guest speaker Rachie Shnay, a renowned jewelry designer, had pieces on display and for sale. ‘These remarkable women, through their planned gifts or endowments, are not only securing the future of our Jewish community but also embodying the timeless values of tzedakah and continuity,’ said Randee Rubenstein, chairwoman of planned giving and endowments. ‘As we gathered to express our deepest gratitude, we honor not just their contributions but the indelible mark they leave on the tapestry of Jewish life.’ ABOVE: Forever Lions (l-r, in front) Michelle
back)
Delray Beach Concours d’Elegance Old School Square — April 21
The third annual benefit for the Achievement Centers for Children & Families — and a few other nonprofits — hit the pavement and helped roll in crucial funds. More than 150 historically significant vehicles were showcased to thousands of car enthusiasts while live music played and family activities took place. ‘We are so pleased with the turnout of this event,’ ACCF’s Kerry Filippone said. ‘This partnership combines a love for automobiles and community outreach, creating the perfect mix.’ RIGHT: Delray Beach Concours d’Elegance board members (l-r) Josh Abrams, Filippone, Marc Grimes, Maxwell Zengage, Nicole Grimes, Christopher Nicotra and Alex Berry. Photo provided
Luncheon
Boca West Country Club, Boca Raton — April 17
Nearly $300,000 poured in for local children’s charities at the Boca West Children’s Foundation fundraiser headlined by Food Network chef Alex Guarnaschelli. The sold-out event included a discussion with Guarnaschelli, who shared behind-the-scenes stories. ‘Our guests thoroughly enjoyed Chef Alex’s entertaining, humorous and heartfelt stories,” said Pamela Weinroth, the foundation’s executive director. ‘We were delighted by the warm reception Chef Alex received and truly grateful for the generous support from our sponsors and attendees, all contributing to bettering the lives of children in our community.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Christina Irving, Ashley Craig, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth Torrence and Weinroth. Photo provided
Topping Off Event & Luncheon
HomeSafe gathered a group of dedicated supporters for a celebration of its soon-to-be-reconstructed facility for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The event honored Guardian Society donors — top contributors who have added to the success of the agency’s Healing the Hurt campaign. ‘Because of you, 12 children will be moving into their new home this winter,’ board Chairwoman Tarra Moten said. ‘These kids will be sleeping in their own bedrooms, having family dinners together around the table and playing together in the backyard with a renewed sense of love, safety, belonging and hope.’ ABOVE: Ken and Maggie Rosenberg. Photo provided by Tracey Benson Photography
Merson, Suzanne Grant, Susie Sheftel, Karen Press; (in
Daryl Mogil, Joanne Applebaum, Suzanne Hochberg, Susan Cohen, Susan Gringauz, Jennifer Koenig and Cathy Baer Haubenstock. Photo provided
Bernstein Family Foundation Campus, Boca Raton — April 30
Mizner Park’s newest restaurant, plus summer deals
From the prolific hospitality family of Rodney Mayo’s Subculture Group comes the new Penelope’s — correctly pronounced as the English do: PEN-a-lope’s.
“Our tagline is ‘Southern charm with a French kiss,’” said partner Vaughan Dugan. “It’s Southern food inspired by New Orleans.”
The restaurant takes over the former Kapow spot in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park. Kapow moved across the plaza last year.
Dugan said diners already were eager to sit again at the indoor-outdoor bar for which Kapow was noted, but “it doesn’t look anything like Kapow. Rodney’s done an amazing job, completely transformed it. I’m always impressed with his vision. He never reveals the whole picture, so you wonder, where’s he going with this?”
Mayo said Penelope’s has a cozy vibe, with 125 seats. The restaurant is named for his sister, who died a few years ago.
“It’s a running joke. She corrected everyone on the pronunciation. She thought the common Penelope was a child’s name — and insisted she was no child,” Mayo said. “So, there’s a picture of her as a child in the back.”
Walls also feature cat pictures and the colors of the French Quarter. Inverted parasols hang from the ceiling and move up and down.
“We tried to incorporate some of the Gothic weirdness of New Orleans,” Mayo said.
The menu is approachable, dubbed “New Southern Soul,” with familiar items such as chicken and waffles, pimento cheese dip, oysters a few ways, and burgers. Other dishes are gumbo, shrimp and grits, Jackson Square bouillabaisse, and for dessert, the famous Cafe du Monde-inspired beignets. All are from the hand of chef Kevin Avellaneda.
A nod to NOLA also comes with the cocktails like the Sazerac, Pimm’s cup, and Ramos gin fizz, along with twists on other classics curated by Dugan’s spouse, Angela Dugan, and Myles Robinson, the beverage program creators.
A lso on the menu are vegan and gluten-free dishes and a list of mocktails.
Through September, Penelope’s offers dinner only with late night weekends, but a jazz brunch and lunch service are planned for fall.
A nother restaurant from the group, Shaker and Pie — a bar and pizza spot — is under construction next door to Penelope’s, scheduled for a fall opening. About the frantic construction, Dugan joked, “It’s like having three babies in two years.”
More are to come, including another Subculture coffee shop in Delray Beach, and a new
concept from Mayo for the former C.W.S. Bar and Kitchen in Lake Worth Beach.
Penelope’s, 431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Open daily for dinner, 4 p.m.-midnight; till 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone 561-896-1038; online at penelopeofboca.com.
Summer brings out the special menus, entertainment and deals at area restaurants.
At Corvina Seafood Grill (110 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton), there’s an early bird special. All drinks and dishes — wines included — are half price throughout the summer.
Diners must place their orders between 5 and 6 p.m.
The emphasis is on seafood here from chef Jeff Tunks: branzino, whole red snapper, seafood towers, sushi, ceviche, plantain-crusted corvine, lobster and more. For menus and to make reservations, go to corvinabocaraton.com.
A lso in Boca Raton, Il Mulino (451 E. Palmetto Park Road) has a $58 sunset menu, available Sunday through Friday. It’s a four-course prix fixe menu with specialty Italian dishes. At lunch there’s a three-course version for $35, including branzino filet, or veal in a white wine and lemon sauce. Open for lunch, noon-3 p.m., dinner daily from 4:30 p.m.; multicourse brunch on Sunday, noon-3 p.m.
The restaurant was recently renovated. The popular Italian eatery from New York’s Little Italy got a modern look with art deco accents and upgrades to the seating and open bar layout.
Also new: an air-conditioned patio outdoors.
In Delray Beach, Le Colonial (601 E. Atlantic Ave.) offers a $35 two-course prix fixe Monday through Friday before 6 p.m.
Diners can choose from several rolls, a beet salad or pan-seared chicken dumplings for the first course. Second course choices include roasted salmon, spicy chicken stirfry, yellow tofu curry, or the signature fried rice. A dessert from the menu is an extra $10. Open for dinner daily from 5 p.m. The lounge is open at 4 p.m., with social hour 4-6 p.m. and piano nights MondayWednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Caffe Luna Rosa (34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach) has a special $24 menu most nights. Monday, it’s Cacciucco di Mare — a variety of shellfish and calamari with catch of the day and lobster in an herbed tomato sauce over fine linguine. Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s a lump crab-stuffed lemon sole with vegetables and rice. Thursday features beef tenderloin medallions with shrimp scampi and chef’s potatoes. On Sunday it’s rigatoni and gravy with a meatball and sausage. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
At 800 Palm Trail Grill (800 Palm Trail, Delray Beach), weeknight specials are in place for summer. Two-for-Tuesday means buy one entree, get one at half off. Must be of equal or lesser value. It’s half off bottles of wine under $100 on Wine-Down Wednesday. Thirsty Thursday means it’s
Happy Hour throughout the restaurant open to close, with half off wines by the glass, beer, and most liquors. (This deal also applies to lunch, Tuesday through Saturday.) On Date Night Friday, get a free bottle of select wines with the purchase of two entrees. Open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30-3:30; dinner Tuesday-Sunday at 5 p.m., and Sunday brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Josie’s (650 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach) has daily specials, including Meatball and Martini Mondays, featuring $3 meatballs, $3.50 sliders and $4 off the full-priced martinis: watermelon, espresso and limoncello.
Tuesdays bring 25% off all entrees for takeout or delivery. Use code 25OFF. On Wednesday, it’s 40% off all bottles of wines under $80. There’s a BOGO offer Thursdays, takeout or delivery: Buy one entree, get one halfoff. Use code BOGO. At lunch and until 4 p.m. daily, get a free bottle of French Rose All Day with two full-priced entrees. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Art Basil in Manalapan’s Plaza del Mar (218 S. Ocean Blvd.) has summer specials such as steamed clams or mussels for $14; artichoke Francaise, $12; surf and turf, $15; mussels linguine, $26; lobster mac ’n’ cheese, $20; and seared scallop salad, $25. Other seafoods and salads are on special, as is a summer dessert, lemon cream cake for $9. Live music plays on the patio. Open weekdays for lunch, 11:30 a.m.,
and dinner daily at 4:30 p.m. Ravish in Lantana (210 E. Ocean Ave.) features Martini Monday, 4 p.m. to close. Get $6 martinis and $2.50 oysters. Thursday is ladies’ night, with a never-ending happy hour on drinks. Half off select cocktails, beer and wine, plus discounted food. The restaurant continues its monthly spirits seminars and tastings. Recent ones included rum; an agave one is coming. Also, this summer includes the monthly Collab with Chefs — visiting chefs cook up special menus. See ravishkitchen.com for more info. Open daily at 4 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
In brief
Bella Reina Spa in Delray Beach will begin Teapot Tuesdays on July 16. A program of education about tea with a certified tea master features a lunch and tea service, with information about the flowers teas are made from, and a talk about the “glow” of teas. For reservations, call 561-404-7670 or email info@Bellareinaspa. com. ... Oceano Kitchen, which moved from Lantana to Lake Worth Beach last year, has closed till probably November, says owner Jeremy Bearman. It’s being renovated with outdoor modifications for guests’ comfort.
Penelope’s brings the taste and vibe of New Orleans to Mizner Park in Boca Raton Photo provided
Who could resist this seafood display at Corvina’s in Boca Raton? Photo provided
Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@ gmail.com
Arts
venues shocked but resolute after veto of state grants: ‘We will find a way’
By Sharon Geltner
On June 3, Bill Hayes, producing artistic director of Palm Beach Dramaworks, was ecstatic.
That was the day the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce honored his West Palm beachbased theater company as
Nonprofit of the Year.
“That was a nice lead-in to our 25th anniversary,” Hayes said.
But within 10 days, his joy turned to shock.
On June 12, for the first time in state history, arts and culture funding in Florida’s budget was zeroed out. Gov.
Ron DeSantis vetoed not only the theater’s expected $70,500, but the entire $3.1 million in grants to support 51 Palm Beach County entities.
Statewide, $32 million in grants, in support of 610 arts and culture organizations statewide, disappeared in a literal stroke of a pen.
‘Oceana Phenomena’:
A sea captain paints life on water at Cornell exhibit
By Lucy Lazarony Contributing Writer
The sea is the inspiration for the latest exhibit on display at the Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach.
Oceana Phenomena: Sea Stories and Sea Level Chronicles features abstract paintings, sculptures and a documentary all chronicling Jane Lawton Baldridge’s passion and obsession with the sea. The exhibit runs through Sept. 29.
“Her sea stories are a fascinating window into her life spent on the water and her advocacy for the water on our planet. Our hope is to spark awareness and promote protection of our water resources through this wonderful exhibition,” says Marusca Gatto, cultural arts director for the Downtown Development Authority in Delray Beach.
The exhibit’s Sea Stories are abstract paintings capturing Baldridge’s life as a sea captain. The aim of the paintings is to heighten awareness of the sea’s importance, beauty and fragility.
“My paintings are stories about my life on the water. Perfect days spent scudding along on the wavelets that reflect diamonds or bashing headlong into waves trying to survive the storm,” says Baldridge, who lives and works in Stuart. “I am grateful to have an unusual history of waterborne adventures. I want to share my stories and experiences with the audience.”
Baldridge has been a passionate sailor since the age of 12. She has lived on boats and raced them.
“The peace and calm that came over me was palpable,” she says.
If you are thinking that Baldridge’s abstract
“We moved to the bottom of the national list of funding by states,” said Dave Lawrence, president and CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Less than 10 years ago, Florida ranked third in the country.
The industry’s top advocate in the state, the Florida
Cultural Alliance, saw danger signs in December, but misinterpreted the line-item vetoes, said CEO Jennifer Jones. The sole employee of the alliance, she works with an eight-person board of directors and a lobbying firm on annual
Books,
crafts reflect owners of new Lake Worth store
By Jan Engoren Contributing Writer
After years of searching for a space and as a way to organize his treasure-trove of unique artisan goods and ephemera, John Cutrone, director of the Jaffe Center for Book Arts at FAU Libraries, and his husband, Seth Thompson, an IT support specialist, have decided to pull the trigger and open Convivio Bookworks.
The store, at 1110 North G St. in Lake Worth Beach, sells hand-embroidered textiles, woodworking, traditional artisan goods, specialty foods, handmade books and more.
“It’s been years in the making,” says Cutrone, who has lived with Thompson in Lake Worth Beach since 2000. “We found the perfect space and this gives us the opportunity to move our inventory out of storage, out of our house and even out of my old bedroom at my mother’s house.”
The perfect space they found is located in an old warehouse district along the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. Neighbors include a roofing company, an A/C repair business and a thrift shop.
Emily Theodossakos, marketing program manager at the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, says it is “excited to have an old-school printing press in town.”
“We’ve known John and Seth many years,” she says. “They’ve worked with us on the city’s Dia de Los Muertos festival since 2016. Their dream to open a store has been a long time coming. They were looking before the COVID-19 pandemic, then COVID-19 hit, so now they have the opportunity to realize their vision.
“They’re small business owners who live in the city, are invested in the city and have a good business strategy,” Theodossakos says. “I hope they can stay and operate out of that space for many years to come.”
Cutrone, who started his career as a book artist, began selling a catalog and items in 1995 that related to the seasons: “Spring into Summer,” and “Fall into Winter.” That led to his making the rounds at seasonal pop-up markets such as the Oktoberfest celebration in Miami and at the American German Club in Lantana.
Seth Thompson unmasks the door sign on the store he has opened with John Cutrone. Photo provided
The hues in Stuart resident Jane Lawton Baldridge‘s abstract painting Deep End of the Ocean and sculpture Chonk give the exhibit an unmistakable South Florida motif. Photo provided
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paintings are simply a meditation on the blue of the ocean, think again. The paintings are dynamic studies in different flowing colors.
“This is how she sees it in her mind when she looks at the water,” Gatto says. “She sees all the colors with her work.”
In addition to being colorful, many of Baldridge’s paintings are quite large.
“They’re immersive. You feel as though you are there experiencing it,” Gatto says.
The 5-foot-1 Baldridge likes working with a big, 7-foot-tall canvas.
“Part of it is the challenge. And part of it is some paintings have a larger story to tell,” Baldridge says.
Some of her paintings reflect calm and idyllic days on the water and others represent more challenging days on the ocean. Most of them are a specific time and place; others are a culmination of trips through an area, Baldridge explains.
All of the paintings have varying flows of various colors.
Music
“It’s the movement of water. It’s the movement of the boat through the water, the movement of the spray, all of that,” Baldridge says.
Gatto’s favorite work in the exhibit is a large painting called Kraken
“I like the depth of it,” Gatto says. “As I look at it, it feels like I can really look at the depth of the ocean.”
A series of 12 smaller works is called Atmospheric Changes
In this display, Gatto sees the “full scope of the ocean,” from serene and calm to stormy.
In The Sun Always Rises, Baldridge captures the golden beauty of a sunrise. Alligator Reef has almost a molten feel with its deep oranges and browns. Watershed feels frosty with so much white paint flowing throughout the painting. And waterfalls seem to be crashing out of Gulf Stream
The exhibit’s Sea Level
Chronicles are sculptures of adults, children and animals covered in navigational charts to promote awareness of rising sea levels.
“She uses vintage, upcycled nautical maps,” Gatto says. Baldridge then adds water lines to the sculptures to represent the threat of rising sea levels to animals and people. Small children and animals are particularly vulnerable. Included in the sculptures is a
group of Key West chickens. The chickens walk the streets of Key West and Baldridge wonders, “What will they do when the water comes up? Who will save them?”
Next to sculptures of dogs and cats, she urges: “Don’t leave your pets behind.”
Wisdom of the Waves is an international award-winning documentary on Baldridge opening Aug. 2 in the museum’s Spotlight Gallery.
“It will be running continuously,” Gatto says. “We’ll preview it on Aug. 2, which is a First Friday Art Walk.”
Baldridge hopes people will come to appreciate the fragility of the ocean through her art and outreach.
“I use my artistic voice to help bring awareness of some of the problems that our oceans face and also their importance to the quality of our life and maybe bring people to some solutions that they can manage.”
The Cornell Art Museum is located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. Admission is free. The museum is open Wednesday from noon to 5, Thursday and Friday from noon to 7, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5.
Clematis By Night stages summer shows fresh off national honor
By Bill Meredith ArtsPaper Music Writer
Clematis By Night, the long-standing free Thursday concert series in downtown West Palm Beach, started out in the mid-1990s with more of a wait-and-see attitude than great expectations.
Nearly 30 years later, the event draws throngs to the city’s downtown waterfront near the intersection of Clematis Street and Narcissus Avenue. In USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award poll in May, Clematis
If You Go Clematis By Night takes place at 100 N. Clematis St., downtown West Palm Beach. When: 6-9 p.m. every Thursday Info: 561-822-1515; wpb.org/government/ community-events/ events/clematis-by-night
By Night was ranked third in the nation in the “Best Outdoor Concert Series” category. South Florida offers a year-
round sunny weather advantage, perhaps part of the reason for CBN’s popularity. The poll’s winner was Hot Summer Nights in Vail, Colorado; its runner-up was Somers Point Beach Concert Series in Somers Point, New Jersey, both places the late, great Prince could’ve been referring to in his tune “Sometimes It Snows in April.”
Mark Telesca (marktelesca. com), the Boynton Beach-based vocalist, guitarist and bassist perhaps best-known for his long tenure with the all-star Monday evening jam band at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, brings his self-titled roots music quintet to the stage July 11, in the series’ first performance after its Fourth of July celebration.
“I’ve played at Clematis By Night several times, but never in July before,” says Telesca. “So we’ll prepare for the heat. But West Palm Beach is a good city to work for. They’re attentive, and make sure you know what’s going on regarding everything from the sound system to parking. It’s always a pleasure. I love it when they call. And we’ll
be playing some cover tunes, plus original material from my new CD, ‘Brand New Day.’”
The first CBN took place on June 8, 1995, when then-West Palm Beach Mayor Nancy Graham came up with the idea of an admission-free outdoor event to take place in front of the downtown public library. When more than 300 people showed up on the first night, a recurring series was born.
Bands, mostly local, set up facing west from the sincedemolished library in those days. Before long, the event’s success resulted in regional and national acts appearing as well. Slide guitar maestro Rod Price (1947-2005) was one such performer while touring as a solo artist apart from his internationally acclaimed bluesrock band Foghat.
The performance ledger since then approximates headliners for the annual SunFest, which occurs in part on the same grounds. CBN’s recognizable names have included Cassadee Pope, Smash Mouth, Sister Hazel, The Romantics, Menudo,
the Little River Band, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds in addition to area artists and groups.
A large portable stage now sits where the library used to be, with bands facing east toward the expansive lawn and Intracoastal Waterway.
And for repeat CBN performers like bassist/vocalist Andre Boucher, the event’s atmosphere is part of the package. Now part of the Stuartbased Christian rock trio Called (www.CalledMusicUSA.com), he appeared several times with R&B and funk acts Boss Groove and Sub Groove over the past two decades.
“With all the outdoor concert series nationwide, third is a high mark,” Boucher says of the poll. “But Clematis By Night attracts people from the community across all walks of life. There are locals, plus folks who travel regionally for the series, so it’s always a nice crossrepresentation of the West Palm Beach area.
“And the stage production has always been solid, with sound crews that are friendly and knowledgeable.”
Featured artists this summer include South Florida acts in “4th on Flagler” on July 4, Mark Telesca Band on July 11, East Harbor on July 18, Melinda Elena Band on July 25, Alive Beat Band on Aug. 1, Derek Mack Band on Aug. 8, Poor Life Decisions on Aug. 15, On the Roxx on Aug. 22, and Jimmy Buffett tribute act The Caribbean Chillers on Aug. 29.
The Jane Lawton Baldridge exhibit at the Cornell Art Museum reflects how she uses her artistic voice ‘to help bring awareness of some of the problems that our oceans face and also their importance to the quality of our life.’ Photo provided
Andre Boucher (left), leader of the band Called, has played Clematis by Night for 20 years and says it ‘attracts people from the community across all walks of life.’ Photo provided
Baldridge
STATE CUTS
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retainer, she said.
“The governor recommended $0 for the arts in December 2023 when he released the budget,” Jones said. “I’m not saying I didn’t take it seriously, but I had a lot of faith the process would work, because these organizations are so wellvetted, with transparency and accountability. It was a little bit surprising.”
Jones assumed that when legislators debated and reduced the $77 million to $32 million last spring, that was the final number. “That is the area where we have the most influence.”
Longtime arts advocate and West Palm Beach gallery owner Rolando Chang Barrero had a different interpretation.
“The key individuals who saw this happening (in Tallahassee) are not fools. They look at everything going on. But they are in no position to call out the governor. They still need to work with him. Direct confrontation never works because these organizations can’t work without the state,” said Barrero, president of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida.
“The long game is to get rid of all publicly funded programs, such as grants to bus kids to museums,” Barrero said. “They are trying to derail any culture [initiatives] because it is inclusive of anything that is not white supremacist. … They can’t get these groups to erase DEI clauses, so they stop funding.”
He added, “DeSantis is laying the groundwork to be worshipped by (former President Donald) Trump in case he wins.”
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, said there is only one explanation for the unexpected cut in arts funding.
“The only reason is politics. It’s absolutely devastating. … The return on investment for arts and culture is that for every $1 spent, $9 is generated,” Eskamani said.
Calls and emails to Jeremy Redfern, Gov. DeSantis’ press secretary, were unreturned.
But in an appearance in Polk County on June 27, DeSantis said he zeroed out all arts funding because some of the money would have gone to several “Fringe Festivals,” which he said contained sexual content.
“We didn’t have control over how it was being given. So you’re having your tax dollars being given in grants to things like the Fringe Festival, which is like a sexual festival where they’re doing all this stuff,” DeSantis said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat
Jeff Perlman, former mayor of Delray Beach, described the local implications.
“Now, we’re ‘Wall Street South’… and bringing in companies which expect us to have worldclass culture. It’s enormously shortsighted,” Perlman said.
He believes Delray may feel the brunt.
“Our economic revitalization was led by arts and festivals,”
he said. With the Arts Garage’s decreased funding and “Old School Square being wounded because of politics, sophisticated donors may not write checks. It is a perfect storm.”
Marjorie Waldo, CEO of the Arts Garage, said “it’s very late in the game” to receive the news.
“While grant funding is unpredictable, and we never take it for granted, when you are steadily receiving funding for eight years, you assume it will continue at a similar amount,” she said.
Jill Brown, CEO at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, noted that one in three cultural organizations closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, “and even more closed post-COVID.”
“Our cultural sector has been through so much in the last five years,” she said. “Arts and culture represents 3.1% of the state’s GDP, or $39 billion. That’s above and beyond tourism.”
Lawrence pointed out that 4 million people attended arts and culture events in Palm Beach County last year.
“That’s a staggering figure. We have a $335 million economic impact,” he said.
The industry lacks representation that others have as a matter of course. The late Bob Montgomery founded the Florida PAC for Art & Culture in the 1990s and asked Richard Rampell, a prominent CPA and philanthropist with homes in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, to volunteer as treasurer.
In 2013, Sherron Long, a West Palm Beach resident with several decades of art advocacy experience, became chair of the PAC. In the next six years, it raised a total of just $51,177 and disbanded in 2019.
Rampell said what the county’s arts and culture organizations are missing are towering, powerhouse figures such as Montgomery and the late Alex Dreyfoos, who led the effort to create the Cultural Council and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
“The PAC started with a meeting in Fort Lauderdale with 20 wealthy guys, people who run companies and are interested in arts and arts education in schools. Bob was very generous to a lot of people and when he needed a favor and asked for money in return, they said yes,”
Rampell said.
“We need someone like that with a big following. Bob could ask 100 people to give $5,000 and he would raise it right away. What the arts in Palm Beach County needs is someone who gets a group of people together to lead, go out and ask for money. Bob was never bashful.
“You can’t raise a ton of money in $25 increments,” Rampell concluded.
Similarly, there are no Palm Beach County advocates on the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, which advises Secretary of State Cord Byrd on grant funding. Broward has one, and Miami-Dade has two.
“This feels like spite. It’s antiwoke, anti-gay, anti-anything that seems affiliated with a certain group of people often associated with theater groups. I’m a straight man in the theater and I’m saying it,” said Hayes, of Palm Beach Dramaworks.
“I wish I had the words to articulate the disappointment and shock throughout the arts community,” Hayes said. “The loss of funding is a tremendous blow to every organization, and Palm Beach Dramaworks is no exception.
“But we will prevail despite the obstacles. We have a history of strong fiscal stewardship, which will allow us to remain steadfast in our mission to enrich lives through the transformative power of theater. We will find a way; we have no other choice.”
Joe Gillie, a board member of the nonprofit Old School Square Center for the Arts group, said the cuts will really hurt “small grassroots groups, many of which are ethnically based. That’s sad.”
On June 27, the Florida Division of Arts and Culture met to discuss replacing the lobbyists who represent the Florida Cultural Alliance. According to the state’s lobbyist directory, Anthony P. “Tony” Carvalho and Megan Fay at Capital City Consulting and Capitol Hill Group are FCA’s registered lobbyists. Carvalho and Fay could not be reached for comment.
A week before the vetoes, DeSantis renewed the term of Lisa Burgess, owner of New River Fine Art Gallery in Fort Lauderdale, to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
“I’m a supporter of Gov. DeSantis. I’m not a supporter of what happened with arts funding,” Burgess said. “A lot of people put a lot of effort talking to legislators, convincing them there should be more money for the arts, especially when Florida is operating on a surplus right now. I am extremely disappointed.”
She added that “Florida Council members need to do a better job.”
“We all need to work much harder,” she said. “We know that arts and culture are not the top priority at the highest levels of government. The state of Florida needs to do better.”
The youngest person interviewed for this story was the least surprised by the stunning turn of events.
“Honestly, this is exactly like what we went through here,” said rising Florida Atlantic University senior Trevian Javier Briskey, who has worked on DEI initiatives.
In May 2023, Briskey renamed the annual campus drag show “Owl Manor,” after Wilton Manors, because there would be no state funding if he used the word “drag,” he said.
“When it comes to multiculturalism, there are very strict restrictions,” he said.
Jones at the Florida Cultural Alliance said the “tradeoff” to getting grants might be “content.”
“In December, when I saw the $0 in the budget, I assumed it was a placeholder and not a priority. That was disappointing news,” she said.
“Now it is devastating news.”
Sharon Geltner is the author of Charity Bashed, a Palm Beach mystery and social satire, available on Amazon.
More than 50 arts and entertainment venues saw the grants they were expecting from the state of Florida cut by the governor’s vetoes.
HELP YOURSELF AS WELL AS OUR ARTS VENUES
The state of Florida has proclaimed the month of July as Sales Tax Free for theater performances, live music events, ballets, plays, fairs and festivals held between July 1, 2024 and December 31,2024... ... as well as Museums, including ANNUAL PASSES and SEASON TICKETS for ballets, plays, music events and musical theater events. Support your favorite Arts Groups now and give yourself a Tax Holiday this July.
Barrero
BOOKWORKS
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“What excites me most about the space,” says Thompson, “is that John and I get to share what we do — John’s work as a book artist and writer and mine as a potter — but also that we can open it to the community as a place for creativity, a place to come learn new skills and make things by hand.”
The brick-and-mortar Convivio Bookworks sells letterpress and book art, linens and textiles, specialty foods and artisan items such as Shaker herbs and seeds, cuckoo clocks, jewelry, candles, figurines for Dia de Los Muertos, handmade German ornaments and nutcrackers for Christmas, and Millie’s handembroidered tea towels, which sell for $19 and are made by Cutrone’s 97-year-old mother, who gets proceeds from her handiwork.
The store even offers specialty food items such as Swiss chocolate, Nói Síríus milk chocolate from Iceland, a Swedish strawberry rhubarb drink and German hazelnut cookies and coffee.
You can also shop at conviviocatalog. conviviobookworks.com.
Cutrone fell in love with Shaker artisanship after a graduate school internship at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker community in Maine in 1995. Cutrone learned about their way of life and livelihood of
growing herbs, seeds and teas, which he now sells.
Lake Worth Beach resident Nicole Beatty, 48, an artist and calligrapher, was looking for a letterpress printer to create high-end business cards for her business, Sparrow and Grain. A friend referred her to Cutrone and she was taken by him, the online store and the selection of gourmet food.
As an artist specializing in handmade artifacts, Beatty will teach linoleum printing and calligraphy at the store.
“I’m excited for both John and Seth,” Beatty says. “With its international bent, the space will be a beacon to attract different people and cultures together.
“There are a lot of bars in Lake Worth Beach,” she jokes. “We’re excited to have something like Convivio Bookworks.”
While the store is open only on Saturdays for now, Cutrone hopes to encourage community groups to visit and will host small workshops and special seasonal events such as Christmas, midsummer, and cultural and religious holidays.
“We’re not just a shop, but a community space,” Cutrone says. “We’re a place where people can be creative, find interesting things and bring their good stories.”
Convivio Bookworks, 1110 North G St., Lake Worth Beach; open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; conviviobookworks. com
Arts Calendar
Editor’s note: Events listed are current as of June 28. Check with the presenting agency for any changes. Ticket prices are single sales unless otherwise specified.
ART
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. 10 am-4 pm W-Sun. $15, $10 seniors 561-832-5328, ansg. org. Armory Art Center: Summer art camps run through Aug. 2. 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach. 10 am-4 pm M-F, 9 am-5pm Sat. 9am12pm. Free. 561-832-1776 or armoryart.org
Boca Raton Museum of Art: Through Oct. 13: Myths, Secrets, Lies and Truths: Photography from the Doug McCraw Collection, images by Hank Willis Thomas, Spider Martin, Sheila Pree Bright, Liesa Cole, and Karen Graffeo that take a close look at how untruths can affect our perception of reality. Tony Oursler: Creature Features, a multimedia installation, including a film, by the New York artist that looks at hoaxes such as the Cardiff Giant; through Oct. 20: Julie Evans: Eating Sunshine, ceramic works and drawings by the Hudson, N.Y.-based artist. 501 Plaza Real (Mizner Park), Boca Raton. 11 am-6 pm W, F, Sat, Sun; 11 am-8 pm Th. $16; $12 seniors. 561-392-2500, bocamuseum.org
Cornell Art Museum: 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach. Noon-5 pm T-Sun. $15; $8 children 4-17; free/members, veterans, children under 3. 561-243-7922 or oldschoolsquare.org.
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County: Through Aug. 2: Roots and Remnants, sculptures by Sarah Knouse. 601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Noon-5 pm T-F and second Sat. of month Free. 561-471-2901, palmbeachculture.com/exhibitions.
us Lighthouse ArtCenter: Through Aug. 2: Artistry Through the Ages: 60 Years of Inspiration a retrospective of the gallery’s six decades in northern Palm Beach County, with works by Ralph Papa, Manon Sander and Eduardo Gomez Rojas; Stitching Spectacular: Textile Tales from Summer Camp, an exhibit of 36 embroideries by Irem Yazici for a children’s book, plus textiles from Lighthouse summer campers. 9 am-5 pm M-Th; 9 am-4 pm F; 10 am-4 pm Sat. $5 nonmembers. 561-746-3101, lighthousearts.org.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Through Oct. 6: Musha-Ningyo: Avatars of the Samurai Spirit, more than 50 “warrior dolls” evoking Japan’s samurai culture. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. 10 am-5 pm T-Sun. $15; $13 seniors; $9 children; free/members, ages 5 and under. 561-495-0233, morikami.org
Norton Museum of Art: Through July 7: Nora Maité Nieves: Clouds in the Expanded Field, works by the Puerto Rican-born artist, who is the Norton’s 2023-24 artist in residence; Ellen Graham: Unscripted, candid images by the celebrity photographer. Through Sept. 1: Rose B. Simpson: Journeys of Clay, works by the potter based at the Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico. 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. 10 am-5 pm, M, T, Th, Sat; 10 am-10 pm F; 11 am-5 pm Sun. $18 adults; $15 seniors; $5 students; free/ages 12 and under, 561-8325196, www.norton.org
Society of the Four Arts: 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 10 am-5 pm M,W,Th,F; 1-5pm Sun. T/members only. $10. 561-655-7226, fourarts. org.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Thursday, July 11; Saturday, July 13-Tuesday, July 16; Thursday, July 18
Josef Gingold Chamber Music Festival: Violinist and Lynn University Conservatory of Music professor Andrés Cárdenes hosts a chamber music event honoring the memory of Gingold, the Russian violinist who was one of the 20 th century’s greatest pedagogues, and under whom Cárdenes studied at Indiana University. Concerts are set for 7 pm July 11 at the Levis Jewish Community Center in Boca Raton; 7:30 pm and 3 pm July 13 and 14 at the Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall at Lynn University in Boca Raton; 6 pm July 15 at the Delray Beach Public Library; 7:30 pm July 16 at St. Andrews Estates in Boca Raton; and 6 pm July 18 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Music by Beethoven, Mendlessohn, Schubert, Mozkowski, Suk, Falla, Cassado, Sarasate, Boccherini, John Williams and others will be on the various programs. Free. jgcmfestival.com/ event-program.
Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21 Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival: The final weekend of this venerable chamber music event, founded in 1992 and now coming to an end. The last concert lineup, dependably adventurous as usual, features Two Preludes by Shostakovich, arranged from the piano originals for flute, clarinet and bassoon; Massenet’s Meditation from the opera Thaïs; Beethoven’s Ghost Trio, the Brahms Serenade No. 2 as arranged for a chamber ensemble, and the Musette et Divertissment of the French composer Gustave Samalzueilh. Festival founders Karen Fuller (flute), Michael Forte (clarinet) and Michael Ellert (bassoon) brought a unique perspective to the genre of chamber music, which is usually dominated by music for strings, and their six excellent recordings on the Klavier label are a fine tribute to this festival, which has struggled since COVID-19 and now will be sadly missed. Catch them for the last time on Friday at 7:30 pm at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach; at 7:30 pm Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach; and at 2 pm Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. $30. pbcmf.org or 561-547-1010.
Friday, July 26
South Florida Symphony: The orchestra’s chamber music series concludes with Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2 (in A minor, Op. 13), and the lone String Quartet in F of Maurice Ravel. With Huifang Chen and Mei Mei Luo, Brandon Wu and Claudio Jaffé. 7:30 pm, Center for Spiritual Living, 4849 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park. $35. southfloridasymphony.org.
DANCE
Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28
Boca Ballet Theatre: Dan Guin and Jane Tyree’s company present La Sylphide, one of the oldest (1836) ballets in the repertory, with a score Herman Lovenskiold and a story about a soon-to-be-wed Scotsman who follows a sylph into the forests and loses everything in pursuit of an unattainable love. Featuring Emma Von Enck and Anthony Huxley of New York City Ballet. 7:30 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday at the de Hoernle Amphitheatre at Spanish River High School, 5100 Jog Road, Boca Raton. $45$55. bocaballet.org or 561-995-0709.
JAZZ
Saturday, July 13-Sunday, July 14
Florida Wind Symphony Jazz Orchestra: The Florida Atlantic University-based ensemble-in-residence presents two concerts of music from the Big Band era of swing, featuring music by Count Basie, Benny
Goodman, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. At the University Theatre on the campus of FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. $27. fauevents.com or 561297-6124.
Saturday, July 2o
T’s Express: The West Palm Beach-based jazz/ fusion quintet appears at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County as part of its summer jazz series. 7 pm at the Council, 601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Tickets: $25/non-members, $20/members. palmbeachculture.com or 561471-2901.
POPULAR MUSIC
Friday, July 5 KC and the Sunshine Band: Miami’s own Harry Casey put together this funk stalwart 50 years ago (“That’s the Way I Like It,” “Get Down Tonight”) and it still performs more than 100 concerts a year. 8 pm, Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. $40-$80. ticketmaster.com
Wednesday, July 10
Doobie Brothers: The legendary Northern California band, still on the 50 th Anniversary Tour it began in 2021. Featuring Tom Johnston and Michael McDonald. 7 pm, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach. $34-$141. livenation.com.
Saturday, July 13
Sammy Hagar and Loverboy: Hagar, singersongwriter and former frontman for Montrose and Van Halen, is still making the rounds at age 76. He’s joined on this Best of All Worlds Tour by the Canadian arena rockers Loverboy. 7 pm, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach. $39-$291. livenation. com.
Thursday, July 18
Janet Jackson: The youngest singing-anddancing member of the Jackson family brings her Together Again tour to Palm Beach County. 8 pm, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach. $35-$191. livenation.com.
Friday, July 19
Foreigner and Styx: Foreigner, the BritishAmerican rockers with a long string of pop hits in the 1970s and 1980s, and Chicago’s own Styx, also a radio staple during those two decades. The two bands are joined by the British songwriter John Waite, best known for “Missing You.” 6:45 pm, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach. $43$229. livenation.com.
Saturday, July 20
New Kids on the Block and Paula Abdul: The Boston-area boy band debuted 40 years ago; original member Donnie Wahlberg just finished 14 seasons as a cop on Blue Bloods They’re joined by Abdul, the energetic dancersinger, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. 7 pm, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach. $34-$235. livenation.com.
THEATER
Thursday, July 11-Sunday, July 14; Thursday, July 18-Sunday, July 21; Thursday, July 25-Sunday, July 28
Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival: This durable summer exploration of the Bard, now in its 24th year, tackles King Lear for the first time. Actress Amy Simms stars as Lear in this production directed by Trent Stephens. The first two long weekends take place at the Seabreeze Amphitheater at Carlin Park, 750 S. State Road A1A in Jupiter; the July 25-28 encore performances take place at Commons Park Amphitheater, 11600 Royal Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Performances are free admission, but a $5 donation is suggested. Doors open at 6:30, the play begins at 8 p.m. pbshakespeare.org or 561-762-8552. Opens Friday, July 12
Xanadu: This 1980 movie bomb has turned into a popular musical, in large part thanks to its catchy score by Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar (Olivia NewtonJohn). It’s about how a muse inspires a young man who wants to build a roller disco, and we’ll leave it at that. It’s the second production for the talented students at Florida Atlantic University’s Festival Rep. Twelve performances through July 28. At the Marleen Forkas Studio One Theatre on the campus of FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Tickets: $27 adults, students $15. fauevents.com or 561-297-6124. School of Rock: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 2015 musical, based on the 2003 film about a out-of-work musician who poses as a teacher and builds a band of talented fifth-graders to compete in a battle of the bands competition. Through July 28 at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. $48 opening night, $40 regular performances. 561-586-6410 or 561-586-6169, ext. 214.
Movie Review
‘Coup de Chance’: Woody Allen’s buoyant foreign-language debut
ArtsPaper Staff
It would be tempting, in the media narrative of Woody Allen’s now-tarnished career in the United States, to view his first foreign-language film as a necessary retreat. After all, the story goes, the guy can only shoot overseas because no American actors will agree to work with him anymore. Allen’s cancellation is not global.
Maybe there is some truth to this; many actors who had been a part of his stable have publicly regretted it, or vowed to never act in one of his movies again. But remember that since the turn of the century, Allen has shot nine films in Western Europe, whose most idyllic locales have served as much a muse to the filmmaker as to the stories and actors they contain. In the broader arc of his globetrotting oeuvre, and in our good-faith endeavors to separate the art from the artist, his latest feature Coup de Chance (MPI,
Music
$20.99 Blu-ray, $17.19 DVD) feels like a hand he pursued, not a hand he’d been dealt.
At any rate, the mere presence of subtitles is an instantaneous and welcome change for a writer whose most recent features have felt fusty and stilted in their use of language. At least in translated French, Coup de Chance is one
of Allen’s best-written movies of the century, flowing with a seemingly effortless naturalism.
The film starts with a chance encounter (its title in English is Stroke of Luck) between Fanny Fournier (Lou de Laâge), a married Parisian who works in a prestigious auction gallery, and Alain Aubert (Niels Schneider), a peripatetic novelist who
harbored a debilitating crush on Fanny in high school, and who isn’t bashful about revealing his affections all these years later.
Fanny agrees to meet Alain for lunch one day, which becomes a daily tradition of lingering afternoons in the park, catching up on old times and their current, disparate lives. Then she lets Alain cook for her in his bohemian loft, and one thing leads to another.
Fanny never believed herself capable of an affair, but Alain reminds Fanny of her youth, as a rebel whose first marriage, to a drug-addicted musician, led her into the arms of a partner who couldn’t be more divergent: her current husband, Jean (Melvil Poupaud), a shadowy and controlling businessman who moves money around for what we delicately call high-net-worth individuals. He operates in a social set of extravagant wealth in which Fanny has never felt at ease. There are rumors that underneath Jean’s perfect hair
and pearly smile and crisp tailored suits, he has the ability to make someone disappear if they become an inconvenient presence in his life. But surely this is just gossip, right?
For a workhorse filmmaker long accustomed to shooting a movie a year, Coup de Chance arrived in 2023 after a rare three-year lull, for perhaps obvious reasons, and because Allen published two books during this period. Whether it was the extra time afforded in the process or the inviting Parisian air, there’s an extra spring in the filmmaker’s step this time. He seems immediately intoxicated by his characters, circling them in sprawling and elegant single takes, and we grow smitten along with him.
Coup de Chance is certainly set in an insulated, cosmopolitan bubble familiar to Allen’s on-screen worlds, but he exhibits such élan in puncturing it that you’ll be eager to join him.
Versatility pays off for South Florida musician, teacher, producer
By Bill Meredith ArtsPaper Music Writer
When it comes to South Florida’s music scene, musicians know it’s a jungle out there. Gone are the 20th-century days when they could earn a living by exclusively performing within the realm of popular music.
Modern success stories usually involve versatility — as in original songwriting plus cover-song acumen, multiple instruments played within different genres, lead and backing vocal capabilities, and offstage activities that serve as significant musical side hustles.
In a Ford TV commercial, Puerto Rican singer/guitarist Luis Fonsi says that versatility is everything. And such is the case with Hollywood-based one-man band and master of multiplicity Cliff David Greenberg (www. facebook.com/cliff.w.greenberg).
A 54-year-old Brooklyn native, Greenberg is a lead and backing vocalist who plays electric and acoustic upright basses and guitars in settings ranging from his pop cover act The Shin Dig (theshindigband. com) to the pop-jazz ensemble Swing Somethin’. He even played all those instruments on his recent release First Person, an independent, one-man, allinstrumental recording that took the shape of an entrancing, atmospheric audio travelogue.
“I’d been working on the music from that album for years,” Greenberg says, “but let it go for a while before coming back to it. I played drums, basses, guitars, cello, ukulele, piano, strings, percussion, melodica, and some sound effects on it. The album was recorded after my mom had
been diagnosed with cancer and my dad was in a nursing home, and I was going back up north to visit them every week or two.”
Greenberg’s musical extracurriculars include both teaching and production/ engineering work at his homebased 14-year-old Studio 19 in Hollywood. With many of his lessons occurring online, Greenberg may be one of those rare musicians who benefited from the internet supplanting live gigs and inperson interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I teach music on Tuesdays and Fridays at Paideia Classical Academy in Coconut Creek now,” says Greenberg, “but most of my lessons, student and adult, are taught online from Studio 19. Everything morphed through COVID for me, because I’ve had great success ever since by teaching virtually.”
“Cliff is an amazing teacher,” says Sami Strong, The Shin Dig’s
gifted vocalist. “He hops at any opportunity to help someone else find their voice within any instrument. If someone sits down at a piano to explore, or asks a question about theory or musical history, time stops and he jumps in headfirst. He’s given thousands of hours to young hopefuls to equip them with the tools for success. He’s also a great adviser, from breaking into the biz to mastering a track for mass consumption.”
Greenberg first found success in South Florida after moving down from Brooklyn in 1995 and studying music at Broward College. In 1997, he succeeded Phil Kalasz and Mike Hill to become the third electric bassist for InHouse, the successful original pop quintet that played an abundance of Palm Beach County gigs, recorded three albums, and toured out of the state between 1994 and 1999.
Going under the stage name Cliff Wallach by adopting a
If You Go
See The Shin Dig:
• 4-8 p.m. July 14 at the Rhum Shak, 802 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach (561755-7486, rhum shaklwbeach.com)
• 7:30-10:30 p.m. July 20 at Cugini Wine Bar & Art Gallery, 804 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach (814-4244789, cuginiwinebar artgallery.com)
• 9 p.m.-midnight July 26 (and the last Friday of each month) at Paddy Mac’s, 10971 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens (561-691-4366, paddymac irishpub.com).
family last name with InHouse, Greenberg also earned the nickname “Ramen” for his long, cascading waves of blond hair. Gone are those days as well.
“I cut it all off in February of last year,” he says. “I’d been thinking about doing it for a while. I was working on learning the acoustic guitar track to Led Zeppelin’s ‘The Rain Song,’ listening to it over and over. When it came on one more time, it somehow signaled it was the right time to do it.”
Greenberg’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ rokonstudio1) includes his solo instrumental, 12-string acoustic guitar performance of “The Rain Song,” captured at Studio 19 after those long blond locks had rained down onto the floor. It’s a rendition that wouldn’t sound out of place on the gorgeously orchestrated First Person Greenberg’s current project, the original trio Brash with guitarist Sean McMechen and
drummer Eddie Gresely, is something completely different.
“When I was in my 20s in New York, I was a thrash metal musician,” Greenberg says. “Like ‘First Person,’ it’s a different side of me that I also rediscovered during COVID. I still write material in that vein, even if what we’re doing now isn’t exactly thrash, but it’s still heavy and progressive music. Sean lives in New Jersey, so I record my vocals and bass with a click track, then Eddie records the drums at Studio 19 before we send the tracks to Sean to record his parts remotely. We’ll also release videos of each performance, from both studios, along with interviews.”
As far as live performances go, Greenberg’s prime gig is The Shin Dig. A shape-shifting unit that can go up to four pieces, it’s predominantly his longtime duo with Strong in which Greenberg plays acoustic guitar and a footplayed percussive cajon.
“I used to do backing vocals with Sami,” he says, “but not anymore. I look at myself more as an accompanist with her than as a guitar player, and feel like I can do so much more of that without the vocal harmonies. ... She really doesn’t need them. We’ve built up a lot of chemistry over almost 13 years. We play cover songs, but we make them our own.”
“I’ve never met anyone so completely immersed in music,” says Strong. “Cliff is music. He’s found some way to mix music into life lessons and be the sage in our circle. Every moment is a soundtrack; every object is an instrument that holds his attention and affection. And I get the best seat in the house every time.”
Cliff David Greenberg, who leads the pop cover act The Shin Dig, gave up his ‘Ramen’ nickname and flowing locks last year in favor of a more contemporary look. Photos provided
Niels Schneider and Lou de Laâge play old classmates who have an affair. Photo provided by Gravier Productions
CORAL
Continued from page AT1
The 105-mile-long preserve stretches from the St. Lucie Inlet south to Key Biscayne. The new law took effect July 1.
The state is also investing $57 million in its new budget for coral reef restoration and coastal protection.
The threat from runoff
For Deen to get to the reef, he navigates Starfish out through the Boynton Inlet. Not originally meant as a passage to the ocean, the inlet was cut to allow sewage effluent from canals and local discharges to get out into the Atlantic Ocean at tide change. The cut prevented Lake Worth Lagoon — that part of the Intracoastal Waterway that passes through the area — from becoming a noisome, dangerously polluted sewer.
All manner of harmful and toxic discharges come out of canals that crisscross Florida, finding their way to the Intracoastal and ocean. Agricultural runoffs including fertilizer, insecticides, pesticides, urine, feces and other chemical wastes wash through the canals, as do lawn and yard treatments from more urban areas.
Discharges containing nitrogen act as nutrients. Fishermen realize fish congregate around sewer pipes, eating what is flushed out. Some of this has been curtailed by court order, but some municipalities still use large diameter sewer pipes that protrude a mile out into the ocean when heavy rains make holding stormwater impossible.
The nitrogen-heavy wastewater also promotes algae, which can cover and smother sensitive coral.
The threat from warming waters
Water temperature also plays a role in the health of coral.
Recent observations in the Florida Keys, as well as islands throughout the Caribbean, reveal large-scale deaths of stony corals. The diver’s paradise in Grand Cayman Island has dead hard corals with vast areas of bleached coral, attributed to high ocean temperatures.
What Deen has observed diving is what researchers worldwide have reported. Warming seas, with sustained temperatures well over 90 degrees recorded in places such as the Florida Keys, have resulted in coral ejecting the symbiotic plant that lives inside its theca or calcium carbonate shell. Without Zooxanthellae or Symbiodinium, a dinoflagellate, coral bleaches white and eventually dies.
But that’s not the case offshore in South County. “Boynton Beach offers the best reef dives in Florida. There are ledges. The Gulf Stream sweeps in here,” Deen said.
Those findings are echoed by Palm Beach Zoo’s Scientific Dive Team, which is part of the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Disturbance Response Monitoring program. Last year, during the spring and summer, the zoo’s dive team studied the conditions off Looe Key, where it observed “bleached, paling, unhappy coral everywhere,” dive team member John Towey said.
“When we returned to the reefs in Palm Beach County, we were happy to see the reefs were faring better than in the Keys,” Towey said. “Water temperatures were higher but not to the extremes being recorded by our friends and partners elsewhere.”
The Gulf Stream makes difference
While Towey said the local reef is far from perfect, it “may be the saving grace the rest of the reef relies on.” He described it as “a silver lining in an ocean of white.”
Palm Beach County’s offshore areas are affected by strong eddies of the predominantly northward flowing Gulf Stream. The current can be mild or at times run as fast as 4 knots.
The Gulf Stream flow serves as a natural broom, sweeping waters offshore clean. Algae that proliferated due to high nitrogen content of wastewater discharges are often pushed off reefs by storms and surges.
“The reefs here are deeper,” Deen said. Depth as well as the Gulf Stream keep Atlantic Ocean temperatures off southern Palm Beach County at acceptable levels for coral. All but very deep-water corals require sunlight penetration for plants inside them to live.
Temperatures from about 68 to 80 degrees are ideal, as long as there is no sedimentation to choke coral growth. Sedimentation can occur with beach renourishment projects that dredge sand from deeper ocean areas and pile it on beaches that have been eroded by storms.
A veteran dive instructor from the Kyalami Scuba Club, which runs dive boats out of West Palm Beach and Jupiter, also attests to the health of the local reefs. Meme Edwards said “it is surprising how healthy our reefs are. There was some stony coral disease that has subsided. A little bleaching that was monitored by divers and conservation officials, but our reefs stayed healthy.”
During the hot summer months that killed corals in the Florida Keys last year, local reefs remained largely unaffected. “Ocean temperatures at the bottom were 69 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit at 60 feet. Surface water at the top ranged into the 80s. That was consistent all summer,” Edwards said.
Shaun Gallant, owner-partner of the Kyalami Scuba Club, said the reef remained healthy due to lower temperatures at depth.
“We see some brain coral here, not the most obvious, yet my observations showed it was healthy,” Edwards said. “There was no bleaching. Generally, our divers are pleasantly surprised after coming here from diving in the Keys. This is way deeper, from 50 to 60 feet on the shore side of the reef and 80 feet on the outside reef areas. Healthy coral equals healthy marine life. We see a hundred groupers aggregating, sharks, turtles.”
Divers play an important role
Gallant and Edwards described the importance of diver participation with dive operators in observing reef conditions.
“We are a small community. We monitor reef conditions. We notify government and reef conservation agencies if we see anything,” Edwards said. “We’ve helped with turtle entanglements and report any coral that we see dying. I bring people in that do research.”
Recent dives revealed healthy stony corals in the region’s ocean waters. Reef tops are about 50 feet deep. Depending on the area, local reefs are up to a quarter-mile wide. Biodiversity abounds and a wide variety of corals thrive, enabling habitat and food for other species.
Deen and his wife, Julia, remain sentinels of the sea, as does Gallant, observers of an underwater realm that welcomes discovery. It is their passion as well as their means of livelihood.
“Kyalami is a Zulu word that means literally ‘My home,’” says Gallant, evoking the belief that when it comes to conservation, the ocean belongs to all people.
“Or symbolically: ‘my home, your home.’” P
ABOVE: The green and brown shade of a living brain coral off Boynton Beach.
LEFT: A dying brain coral in the Florida Keys shows the effects of coral bleaching.
Photos provided
John Christopher Fine is a marine biologist who lives in Boynton Beach.
Deen
On the Water
Lobster miniseason gets extra day; preparation ensures safe dives
The most exciting time of the year for South Florida lobster lovers is the twoday miniseason, which is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. That’s when divers get their first chance at catching a delicious dinner since the regular lobster season closed on April 1.
The absence of commercial lobster traps and not being poked and prodded by divers armed with snares, tickle sticks and nets for nearly four months usually results in an abundance of bugs that are less wary than normal for what is officially known as the lobster sport season.
As if that isn’t enough of a reason to go diving for bugs, as they are known because of their insect-like appearance, when the miniseason begins at 12:01 a.m. July 24 and concludes at midnight July 25, the daily bag limit in Palm Beach and Broward counties is 12 lobsters per person. That’s double the limit during the regular season, which opens Aug. 6.
The miniseason is more restrictive in the Florida Keys, where the daily limit is six bugs and no diving is allowed at night. This is intended to reduce the number of divers who descend on the Keys, where spiny lobsters are typically more plentiful, especially in the shallow waters surrounding the island chain. Many lobster hunters catch them in 6 to 10 feet of water using only a mask, fins and snorkel.
This year, Florida residents get an extra day of miniseason. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last month that as part of a $57 million coral reef restoration
and coastal protection initiative, the lobster miniseason will include July 14, exclusively for Florida residents.
“Christmas came early!” said Jim “Chiefy” Mathie of Deerfield Beach, author of Catching the BUG: The Comprehensive Guide to Catching the Spiny Lobster, a how-to book available at many local dive shops and online.
“Adding an additional day on a Sunday before the normal miniseason for Florida residents will be a real shot in the arm for the dive industry. Dive charters and shops were already
Note: Events are current as of 6/26. Please check with organizers for any changes.
JULY 6
Saturday - 7/6 - Sand Sifters Beach Clean Up at Oceanfront Park, 6415 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge. Meet at south pavilion, lower parking lot. Bring water, hat, sunscreen. Bags, gloves, grabbers provided. 8-10:30 am. Free. jefflev02@ gmail.com
7/6 - Outdoor Marine Aquarium
Feedings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. All ages; child must be accompanied by an adult. Daily 12:30 pm. Free. 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
JULY 7-13
Sunday - 7/14 - Intracoastal
Adventures: Intro to Kayaking at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Includes short talk about South Florida’s unique animals/ecosystems. Age 7-adult; each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult. 9-10:30 am. $20/resident & member; $25/non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/ calendar.aspx?CID=47
Monday - 7/15 - Turtle Hatchling Release at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. All ages; child must be accompanied by an adult. Held rain or shine; subject to cancellation due to lightning or severe weather. Every M-Th through 8/29. 8-9:30
Friday - 7/19 - After-Hours Guided Tours at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Guided tour through Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, outdoor aquariums, open-air butterfly garden, nature trail; ends w/sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the beach by the Seminole Chiki. Age 7-adult; child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 8/2 6:30-8 pm. $10/ resident & member; $13/non-resident. Register: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/ calendar.aspx?CID=47
Saturday - 7/20 - Family Fun Snorkel at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Snorkel shallow intracoastal waters, study animals sheltered/protected from ocean’s dangers. Bring your own snorkel, mask, water shoes (no fins allowed). Age 10-adult; child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 8/3 9-10:30 am. $15/member; $19/ non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
JULY 21-27
Sunday - 7/21 - Seining the Lagoon at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Explore grasses/ flats of the Intracoastal Waterway behind Gumbo Limbo. Wear clothes that can get wet. Closed toed shoes required. Age 7-adult; child must be accompanied by
seeing an increase in demand, which will be a great economic benefit.”
Getting in the water before July 14 is now a priority for many divers. The popularity of the miniseason makes safety a critical concern, primarily because many scuba divers have not been in the water since last year’s miniseason. Their diving skills might not be as sharp and their dive gear might not work properly. Cracked hoses that leak air and mask and fin straps that are on the verge of tearing can endanger a diver’s life.
an adult. 9:30-11 am. $15/member; $19/ non-member. Reservations: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
Saturday - 7/27 - Intracoastal Adventures: Advanced Kayaking at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Includes short talk about South Florida’s unique animals/ecosystems. Age 7-adult; each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult. 9-10:30 am. $20/resident & member; $25/non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/ calendar.aspx?CID=47
JULY 23-29
Sunday - 7/28 - Intracoastal Adventures: Intro to Canoeing at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Age 12-adult; child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 9-10:30 am. $20/member; $25/ non-member. Reservations: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
JULY 28-AUG. 3
Saturday - 8/3 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat America: A Boating Safety Course at Spanish River Park HQ Building, USCG Auxiliary Classroom, 3939 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Boating terminology, boat handling, navigation rules, federal & Florida regulations, more. Course provides knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate; possible insurance discount. 9 am-5 pm. $35/adult; $5/teen. 561-3913600; peauxboca@gmail.com 8/3 - Family Fun Snorkel at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd,
who run out of air. In their excitement to catch their limit, some divers who have enough air in their tank to safely get them to the surface see a lobster and decide to go after it.
Using a snare or a tickle stick and a net to coax a bug out of its hiding place in a reef or from under a ledge can take a while. When divers focused on catching one more lobster suddenly realize that they have used all of their remaining air, they typically speed straight to the surface and don’t do a three-minute safety stop to prevent decompression sickness, also known as the bends.
A nd some divers panic and never make it to the surface.
Some boaters, in their rush to get to their lobster hot spots, drive too fast and too close to diver down flags. Boats must make an effort to stay at least 300 feet from dive flags on open waters and proceed at idle speed inside of that distance.
Safety first
That’s why it’s a good idea to go diving before the miniseason. Getting reacquainted with being under the water is also an opportunity to scout for lobsters. If your equipment needs to be repaired or replaced, now is the time to do that rather than waiting until a few days before the miniseason. That’s when dive shops are packed with frantic divers hoping they can get their gear inspected and repaired in time for opening day.
One of the biggest miniseason hazards is divers
Boca Raton. Snorkel shallow intracoastal waters, study animals sheltered/protected from ocean’s dangers. Bring your own snorkel, mask, water shoes (no fins allowed). Age 10-adult; child under 18
Safety-conscious divers fly a dive flag on their boat and have a dive flag on a float that they tow behind them. That not only makes it easier for the person driving the boat to keep track of the divers in the water, it also allows drivers of other boats to see that divers are in the water and to stay a safe distance away. Visit https://myfwc.com/ fishing/saltwater/recreational/ lobster for lobster regulations.
Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol. com.
must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 8/18 9-10:30 am. $15/member; $19/ non-member. Registration: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47
Scuba diver John Strunk shows off some of the big bugs that he caught during a previous lobster miniseason. Steve Waters/The Coastal Star
Outdoors Calendar
Finding Faith
Society founder was confined to bed, wheelchair
By the time she was 10, Mary Virginia Merrick of Washington, D.C., a devout Catholic, thought she would become a nun. But a fall from her playhouse severely injured her back and a couple of years later she was diagnosed with a musculoskeletal form of tuberculosis, meaning she was confined to bed or a recumbent wheelchair for the rest of her life.
Merrick, ever joyful, considered ways she could still serve her lord and savior Jesus Christ. Enamored with the Christ Child story, she decided to focus her attention on newborns and their mothers. She gathered her girlfriends together and told them they would be sewing and knitting clothes and blankets for a poor mother who hadn’t the time or money to make her own.
Her friends joined her with enthusiasm. Who could refuse a woman in a wheelchair who wanted to help someone else?
After the first gift of layettes, the get-togethers continued and Merrick’s legend, like her influence, grew. They say Mary Virginia struck up a conversation with a boy who delivered fresh vegetables from his family’s farm to the Merrick household most days. She asked him about his Christmas wishes. He told her his family was too poor for presents so he didn’t have any, but with a little prodding he told her what he’d most like was a red wagon to haul his vegetables.
Mary Virginia suggested that the boy write a letter to the Christ Child and leave it with her. She told him to encourage his friends to do the same. When the letters came, Mary’s friends found ways to fulfill the wishes, including a red wagon for one special boy.
Mary Virginia’s small acts of charity continue to grow, and the Christ Child Society was officially founded in 1887. She is under consideration by the Catholic Church for canonization, a slow and arduous process.
Today there are 45 Christ Child chapters in 22 states with more than 5,500 volunteers. Florida has five chapters: Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Naples and Stuart.
For more information, visit www.nationalchristchild.org.
—
Janis Fontaine
Mary Virginia Merrick, founder of the Christ Child Society, as a young woman. She died in 1955 at age 88. Photo provided
Finding Faith
Christ Child Society women pack up supplies for newborns, schoolkids
On a Wednesday morning in June, 17 women from the Christ Child Society of Boca Raton gathered in the Community Room at the Downtown Library for some serious business. So why were they all laughing?
“We’ve become very close friends,” former President Scarlett Fave said. “We’re a nice bunch of ladies.”
Serving God by serving others is nothing new. Sages say our burdens become lighter when we share them. Mary Virginia Merrick, founder of the Christ Child Society, said, “Find a need and fill it.”
For these women, nothing is too much to ask if it helps a child. According to the Kids Count Data Center, 16% of all children in the United States — 11.6 million kids total — lived in poverty in 2022. The percentage of U.S. children living in poverty peaked at 23% in 2012.
Every day, new mothers take newborns home from the hospital. For some, everything is ready. For others, nothing is. Working with the Palm Beach County Health Department, social service agencies and hospitals, Christ Child Society members pack hundreds of layettes with essential supplies for new mothers each year, as they did again in June.
Each layette contains at least four onesies, two receiving blankets, a pair of leggings, a hooded towel and washcloth, two sleep-and-play sets, two packages of diapers and a container of wipes, a bib and bottle, a book, and a super soft and fluffy white baby blanket.
“The congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton must be recognized for its contributions,” said Chris Wyns, president of the Christ Child Society of Boca Raton. The church hosts “baby showers” twice a year to encourage parishioners to donate clothes and diapers. “I picked up five huge bags full of stuff.”
This chapter is one of 45 in the United States. Each chapter welcomes nondenominational volunteers who can dedicate a few hours every month to serving the vulnerable children in the community. The Boca Raton chapter was founded in 1991 after eight members of the Palm Beach chapter split off into a South County chapter.
The next edition of The Coastal Star will be delivered the weekend of August 3
The Boca Raton chapter was chartered in 1992 and incorporated in 1996. Annual membership dues are $60.
Each chapter decides independently what project it wants to undertake, with guidance and suggestions from the national foundation. For Lorraine Gigli, a kindergarten teacher for 25 years, promoting literacy is key. She does this by ordering age-appropriate books for the layettes and cheerleading the group’s other annual project: the back-to-school backpack program, coming up this month.
Every school year, the chapter works with Boca Raton Elementary to fulfill its students’ specific school supply needs. The members fill backpacks using their tried-and-true assembly line and donate them to students at the Title 1 school.
The backpack program will meet at the library at 11 a.m. July 17. The program is fully funded through a legacy donation, but new members are always needed and welcomed. Of course, donations are never declined.
For more information about the Christ Child Society of Boca Raton, visit www. christchildbocaraton.org.
Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@ outlook.com
ABOVE: Katie Mylott of Boynton Beach and her mother, Trish Smith of Boca Raton, work on the final count of bags filled with supplies for newborns. Smith’s mother-inlaw is also a member of the Christ Child Society of Boca Raton, putting three generations of family on the team.
LEFT: From left, Lorraine Gigli, Mary O’Connell, Joan Thomas and Deborah Bacarelli fill bags.
Wyns
Photos by Janis Fontaine/ The Coastal Star
Religion Calendar Religion Notes
Note: Events are current as of 6/26. Please check with organizers for any changes.
JULY 6
Saturday - 7/6 - C-Kids Shabbat Program at Boca Beach Chabad, 120 NE 1st Ave. Every Sat 10:45-11:45 am. 561-394-9770; bocabeachchabad.org
JULY 7-13
Sunday - 7/7 - Zoom Bible Study at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. Every Sun 7 pm. Free. Zoom link: communications#accboca.net; 561-9975486; ascensionboca.org
Monday - 7/8 - Women’s Bible Study via Zoom at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason St. Every M 10 am. Free. 561-276-6338; firstdelray.com 7/8 - Rosary for Peace at St. Vincent Ferrer Family Life Center, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach. Every M 5:45-6:15 pm. Free. 561-276-6892; stvincentferrer.com
Tuesday - 7/9 - Tuesday Morning Prayer Service at Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd St. 10 am. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Wednesday - 7/10 - Men’s Spirituality Hour via Zoom at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton. Every W 8 am. Free. For link: 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org
7/10 - Wednesday Evening Meditation Service at Unity of Delray Beach Church Sanctuary, 101 NW 22nd St. Led by Rev. Laurie Durgan. 6:30 pm. Free; love offering. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Thursday - 7/11 - Thursday Morning Telephone Prosperity Coffee presented by Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd St. Led by Charlene Wilkinson. Phone meeting (605-475-6006, passcode 3031030). Free; love offering. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
7/11- Men’s Fellowship at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach Courtyard, 33 Gleason St. Every Th 8:30 am. Free. 561-276-6338; firstdelray.com 7/11 - Women’s Bible Study at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church Youth Room, 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton. Every Th 1 pm. Free. 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org
Friday - 7/12 - Legion of Mary at St. Vincent Ferrer Family Life Center, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach. Every F 9:30-11 am. Free. 561-276-6892; stvincentferrer.com
7/12 - Bible Study w/Dave Kirk at Advent Boca Raton Fellowship Hall, 300 E Yamato Rd. Every F 10-11:30 am. 561-395-3632; adventboca.org
7/12 - Virtual Shabbat Service at Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County, 2475 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach. Every F 7:30 pm. Free. 561-276-6161; templesinaipbc.org
JULY 21-27
Sunday - 7/21 - Workshop: When Fear Speaks, Listen: The Seven Messengers of Fear w/ Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones at Unity of Delray Beach Church, 101 NW 22nd St. 1:30-4 pm. $30. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
JULY 28-AUG. 3
Thursday - 8/1 - Islamic Center of Boca Raton Open House at 3480 NW 5th Ave, Boca Raton. All welcome. Refreshments, tour of the mosque, Q&A. 1st Th 7-9 pm. Free. 561-395-7221; icbr.org
Friday - 8/2 - Adoration & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Mark Chapel, 643 NE 4th Ave, Boynton Beach. 1st F 9 am-3 pm. Free. 561-734-9330; stmarkboynton.com
Boca Raton pastor Bill Mitchell has been appointed to the board of directors of Food for the Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States.
Mitchell is coaching pastor at Boca Raton Community Church, a position to which he transitioned in 2023 after serving as pastor for 20 years.
He brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to service, and “a fresh perspective to the board,” FFTP President and CEO Ed Raine said.
Mitchell continues to facilitate CityLead, which engages local business leaders. More than 300 executives attend his monthly events focused on developing ethical business practices.
Mitchell first got involved with FFTP after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and says he immediately knew he wanted to work with FFTP as much as he could. Now, he’ll serve on the board of directors to pursue their common mission to fight hunger and poverty worldwide.
New shower and laundry trucks in Delray Beach
4998 N orth o ceaN B lvd . • B oyNtoN B each , FL 33435
Phone: 561-276-4800Fax: 561-276-5990 Monday-Friday 9 a m -5 p m
On June 7, the Interfaith Committee for Social Services hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal its new shower and laundry trucks at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. Rabbi Steven Moss from Temple Sinai served as emcee, and Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager and Vice Mayor Juli Casale each made an appearance.
Casale praised founders Judy Fenney and Kathleen Megan of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for caring about homeless and other needy people. The committee began when they encouraged faith-based groups and
Special Events
Barbecue for young adults
Pastor Bill Mitchell, of Boca Raton Community Church, filmed a thank-you to volunteers who helped with a packing event, sponsored in partnership by Food for the Poor and Matthew 25: Ministries, to distribute essentials to families during the COVID pandemic. Photo provided by Food for the Poor
congregations in Delray Beach to fill the gap left by the scaling back of the Caring Kitchen in 2017.
The money for the new trucks came from an Impact 100 grant for $100,000.
Fenney, who is at home nursing a broken humerus, credited all the volunteers. She said the shower truck replaces the old one, a donation from about five years ago. Fenney found a new home for it in Boynton Beach.
The new trucks are both air conditioned, an upgrade in the summer heat. The shower truck has four stalls, and the laundry truck has two industrial-size washers and dryers.
The truck is open at St. Matthew’s Episcopal (404 SW Third St.) from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Interfaith Committee meets twice a month at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
How to help: Cash donations are used exclusively for the Interfaith Committee’s program operations, supplies and expenses. Clothing donations
The One Truth Barbecue, hosted by Pastor Jason Whitener from Grace Community Church in Boca Raton, takes place at his home from 7 to 9:30 p.m. July 10. The barbecue is geared to young adults ages 18-39. The event will have games, food and fellowship. Register at www.graceboca.org or email jasonw@graceboca.org.
Ultimate Frisbee anniversary celebration
For a decade, Ultimate Frisbee has had a home at Boca Raton Community Church, and to celebrate this long-standing association the club is holding the “Ultimate Frisbee: 10 Year Celebration” from 5 to 8:30 p.m. July 13 on the Blazer Athletic Field, 470 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.
This family-friendly event features lawn games, refreshments, dinner (for purchase) and a Frisbee round-robin tournament for those who want to play. There’s plenty of seating for spectators. The event is free to attend, but please register at bocacommunity.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/868/ responses/new
Shred-a-thon
Cason United Methodist Church hosts another Secure Shredding Event from 9 a.m. to noon July 20 at the church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray
needed include men’s underwear and men’s shorts and jeans in sizes 32, 34 and 36. Backpacks are also needed.
Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of positions like sorting donations, clerical tasks, and special events work.
To donate money, volunteer or learn more, visit www. interfaithcommittee.com or follow on Facebook or Instagram.
Comfort dog ministry
If you’re struggling and need a friend with paws and fur for support, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, offers visits with Jemimah, a specially trained golden retriever. You can learn more about Jemimah the Comfort Dog and the national Comfort Dog program at www.facebook.com/ JemimahComfortDog
To schedule a visit, email comfortdog@stpaulboca.com.
Boca pastor joins board of Food for the Poor Jones
— Janis Fontaine
Beach. Bring your old documents and let the Red Shredder team securely take care of them. $5 per bankers’ box size and $10 for a bag. Accepted items include paper checkbook statements, tax returns, bills, receipts and manila folders. No newspapers, X-rays, glass, magazines or food containers. Paper clips and staples are OK. Cash preferred; $25 minimum for credit cards. Call Tricia at 561-788-2822.
Workshop on dealing with fear
Dennis Merritt Jones, the award-winning author of seven books including The Art of Abundance — Ten Rules for a Prosperous Life, leads an experiential workshop at Unity of Delray Beach from 1:30 to 4 p.m. July 21. The seminar is based on his latest book, released in May, When Fear Speaks, Listen: The 7 Messengers of Fear. Jones offers insights that come from his decades of research and writing, study and teaching. In this workshop he teaches mindfulness practices and principles that will help you listen to and learn from the seven messengers of fear: anger, worry, judgment, selfishness, shame, loneliness and uncertainty.
The workshop is $25 if you register by July 14 or $30 at the door. Unity of Delray Beach is at 101 NW 22nd St. at Swinton Avenue. 561-276-5796 or www.unityofdelraybeach.org.
Health Notes
FAU summit brings together scientists who study amyloid-related diseases
Scientists in the field of amyloid-related diseases
recently discussed research and advances at the inaugural Amyloid Related Diseases Summit hosted by Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine.
A myloid proteins cause lifethreatening diseases that can be present throughout the body, including the heart, kidneys, liver and brain.
The most common localized form of amyloidosis is in the brain. Cerebral amyloidosis,
Health Calendar
when symptomatic, usually manifests as either Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, or in stroke.
Treatments are very limited and there are no cures.
The Florida Venture Forum’s 2024 Early Stage Venture Conference, which was recently held in Orlando, awarded a total of $300,000 to six Florida-based startups, and two of the recipients were in South County.
Boca Raton’s HelixVM, the
Note: Events are current as of 6/26. Please check with organizers for any changes.
JULY
6
Saturday - 7/6 - Morning Beach Yoga at The Seagate Beach Club, 401 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Every Sat 8-9 am. $20/person. Tickets: 561330-3775; eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-beach-yogatickets-336433921917
7/6 - Saturdays @ Sanborn: Yoga Class at Sanborn Square, 72 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. 8:45 am registration; 9 am class. Free. 561-393-7703; downtownboca.org
7/6 - Zumba Class at South Beach Park Pavilion, 400 N State Rd A1A, Boca Raton. Every Sat 10 am. Free. 561393-7703; downtownboca.org
7/6 - Yoga Class at South Palm Beach Town Hall, 3577 S Ocean Blvd. Every Sat 9 am. $5/class. 561-588-8889; southpalmbeach.com
7/6 - Yoga at the Beach at Red Reef Park West, 1221 S Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Held on grass overlooking the Intracoastal. No cash accepted on-site. Every W
grand-prize winner, received $50,000 from sponsor Florida Power & Light Co. to fund its business. HelixVM’s online medical marketplace matches people with physicians. Boca Raton’s NanoSense won the Collegiate Award and received $5,000 from both FPL and Space Florida.
NanoSense, based at Florida Atlantic University, makes a device that can detect compounds in a person’s breath that may indicate conditions like lung cancer and asthma.
6:30 and 1st & 3rd Sat 10-11 am. $10-$12.50/class; 60day membership $65/resident, $81.25/non-resident. 561-393-7807; myboca.us
7/6 - Judo Class at Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Warm-up exercises, instruction, practice, tournament training. W 6:30-8:30 pm mixed ages/ranks; Sat 10 am-noon all groups. Per month $21.50/resident; $27/non-resident. 561-393-7807; myboca.us
7/6 - AA Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Fellowship Hall, 101 NW 22nd St. Every Sat 5:30 pm. Free. 561-2765796; unityofdelraybeach.org
JULY 7-13
Sunday - 7/7 - Coco Connections Market at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Monthly wellness market: 30 local vendors, health/ wellness professionals w/various healing modalities; live music; 2 free yoga, meditation or fitness classes per event. 9 am-2 pm. Free. 561-870-4090; thecocoyogi. com/market 7/7 - Yoga at the Beach at Red Reef Park East, 1400
Florida Venture Forum is a statewide support organization for investors and entrepreneurs. Funders for this competition were Florida Venture Forum members Space Florida, DeepWork Capital and FPL’s 35 Mules innovation hub.
On the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 20 through 25, Palm Beach Health Network recognized emergency medical services professionals.
“They are the first responders
N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Held on grass overlooking the Intracoastal. No cash accepted on-site. Every Sun 4:30 pm. $10-$12.50/class; 60-day membership $65/ resident, $81.25/non-resident. 561-393-7807; myboca. us
7/7 - CODA (Codependents Anonymous) Meeting at Unity of Delray Beach Fellowship Hall, 101 NW 22nd St. Every Sun 6 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Monday - 7/8 - Zumba Cardio at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Basic modern western square dancing. Adults. Every M/W 5:30-6:30 pm. $10. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
7/8 - Adult Zumba Class at Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Every M through 8/26 7-8 pm. $6-$7.50/1 class. 561-393-7807; myboca.us
Tuesday - 7/9 - Tai Chi Class at Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. Beginner through advanced. Age 16+. Every T 6-8 pm. $8-$10/ class. 561-393-7807; myboca.us
7/9 - Al-Anon 12-Step Study at Unity of Delray Beach Fellowship Hall, 101 NW 22nd St. Every T 7 pm. Free. 561-276-5796; unityofdelraybeach.org
Wednesday - 7/10 - Tai Chi Class at South Palm
of care for patients as they are transported to our hospitals,” said Maggie Gill, group president for Tenet Healthcare’s East Coast region, which includes Delray and West Boca medical centers.
“These brave people are first to answer the community’s call for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’re proud to take this opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their dedication.”
Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.
Beach Town Hall, 3577 S Ocean Blvd. Every W 9 am. $5/ class. 561-588-8889; southpalmbeach.com
7/10 - Stretch & Strengthening Mindfulness Class at South Palm Beach Town Hall, 3577 S Ocean Blvd. Every W/F 10:30 am. $5/class. 561-588-8889; southpalmbeach.com
7/10 - Wellness Wednesday: Yoga at Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Every W 11 am-noon. $5/class. Registration: 561-654-2220; delrayoldschoolsquare. com/events
Thursday - 7/11 - Alateen Meeting at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 843 NE 4th Ave, Boynton Beach. Every Th 7:30 pm. Free. 561-278-3481; southpalmbeachafg. org
JULY 14-20
Wednesday - 7/17 - Scripps Research Front-Row Lecture Series: Regenerating Tissues to Treat Disease w/ Michael Bollong, Ph.D. 1-hour virtual lecture. 7 pm. Free. Register for link: frontrow.scripps. edu
Tots & Teens Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 6/26. Please check with organizers for any changes.
JULY 6
Saturday - 7/6 - Saturday Morning ART (smART) at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Based on artwork at the Museum, links art making w/learning about art. Age 5+. 10-11 am. $15/member; $25/non-member. Registration: 561-3922500; bocamuseum.org
7/6 - Drop-In Family Storytime at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Up to age 5. Held again Sat 6/15-7/1. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/6 - Drone Discovery Saturdays at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Drop-in program for ages 7-12. Held again 7/13. 10:30-11:45 am. Free. 561-2660194; delraylibrary.org
7/6 - ColorSpace: Teen Art Studio at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Age 13-17. Held again 7/20 11 amnoon. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/6 - Sandoway Discovery Center at 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. All ages. Daily shark & stingray feedings 1 pm; daily aquarium feedings 2 pm; animal encounters 3 pm. T-Sat. Free w/$10 admission. 561-274-7263; sandoway.org
7/6 - Got Gaming Club at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Age 13-17. Held again 7/20 3-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
JULY 14-20
Monday - 7/8 - STREAM on the Go! at Catherine Strong Splash Park, 1500 SW 6th St, Delray Beach. Age 3-5. Held again 7/22. 9:30-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-2660194; delraylibrary.org
7/8 - Pop-Up Pages at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Age 0-5. Every M 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-3937968; bocalibrary.org
7/8 - Play & Learn for Storytime at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Age 3-5. Held again 7/15 & 22 10:3011 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/8 - Summer Meals Service at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Palm Beach County School District serves lunch/snacks to youth age 18 & under. M-F through 7/26 11:30 am-12:30 pm lunch; 2-4 pm snacks. Free. 561-266-0197; delraylibrary.org
7/8 - Peaceful Story Time at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment through books w/related activities. Child attends independently. Age 4-6. Held again 7/15 & 22. 3:30-4 pm. Free. Registration: 561-544-8584; bocalibrary. org
7/8 - K-Pop Club at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Age 13-17. 5-6 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0197; delraylibrary.org
7/8-12 - Environmental Camp at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Grades 5-6. Campers learn the importance of conservation through outdoor activities, hands-on lessons. 8:30 am-2 pm: M-F $200-$250/week. 561-544-8605; myboca. us/2194/Camps
Tuesday - 7/9 - Toddler Tales at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment class: stories, music, movement. Age walking to 23 mos. Held again 7/16 & 23. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/9 - Play & Learn for Toddlers at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Learn literacy skills during playtime. Age walking to 23 mos. Held again 7/16 & 23. 10:30-11 am. Free. Registration: 561-3937968; bocalibrary.org
7/9 - Family Lego Challenge at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. All ages. Every T through 7/30 4-5 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/9 - Teen Tuesday: Adventure Time Craft at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 13-17. 5-7 pm. Free. 561742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
7/9 - Explore The Art of Painting at
Graduation ceremony
Gulf Stream School, Gulf Stream — June 7
ABOVE: Celebrating Gulf Stream School’s 86th graduation, departing eighthgraders Grace Pellerin and Isabella Nazzaro perform ’The Climb’ in the Clough Chapel.
TOP RIGHT: With Head of School Gray Smith looking on, Patrick Donovan shakes the hand of his son, Nate, as he presents him with his diploma. Donovan is president of the school’s board of trustees.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Danielle Cooper poses with her newly graduated twins, Penton (left) and Maximus, by the old railroad bell following the ceremony.
Danielle Cooper joined the Gulf Stream School faculty in 2006 and her sons were students there for 10 years. Photos by Rachel O'Hara/ The Coastal Star
Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Age 9-12. Held again 7/16 & 23. 6-7 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/9-10 - Sensational Story ‘n More at Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center, 129 E Ocean Ave, Boynton Beach. Children’s books come to life through interactive performance, singing, movement, props. Age 2-5. Every T 10-10:45 am & W 3-3:45 pm. Free w/paid admission. 561-742-6780; schoolhousemuseum.org
Wednesday - 7/10 - Bilingual Outdoor Storytime at Boynton Beach City Library under the Banyan tree, 100 E Ocean Ave. Stories, rhymes, more. May be cancelled in inclement weather. Held again 7/24. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/10 - Reading & Rhythm for 2-3s at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment class: stories, music, movement. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 7/17 & 24. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/10 - Play & Learn for 2-3s at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Help your child learn literacy skills during playtime w/literacy-based toys. Held again
7/10 - Exceptional Explorers at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Age
7-8. Held again 7/17 & 24. 3:30-4:15 pm. Free. 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/10 - Family STREAM Night at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 6-9. Held again 7/24. 6-7 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org Thursday - 7/11 - Sensory Exploration
Play for 2-3s at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment class: stories, music, movement. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Held again 7/18 & 25. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/11 - STREAM Adventures - Cox Science: Exciting Electrons at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Drop-in program for ages 5-17. 1-3 pm. Free. 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/11 - Adventures in Reading at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Literacy enrichment through books w/related activities. Child attends independently. Age 4-6. Held again 7/18 & 25. 3:30-4 pm. Free. Registration: 561-5448584; bocalibrary.org Friday - 7/12 - Baby Bookworm at Boca
Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. New mystery each month. Age 5-6 w/an adult. 11:30 am-12:15 pm. $8/resident & member; $10/non-member. Reservations: 561-544-8605; myboca.us/ calendar.aspx?CID=47
7/13 - Teen K-Pop Dance & Photocard Trading Fest at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Age 13-17. 1-3 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/13 - Kids Art Camp at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Three week camp (once a week) held again 7/20 & 27. 2-3:30 pm. $45/3 days. Application required: 561-654-2220; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events 7/13 - Matilda Jr. The Musical at The Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th St. Performed by summer camp participants. 2 pm & 6 pm. $20/adults; $15/children. 561272-1281; delraybeachplayhouse.com 7/13 - Bones to Books at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Register independent readers for a live streamed read aloud session with pooch pals from Bonafide Therapy Dogs, Inc. Age 7-12. 2:303:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
JULY 14-20
Monday - 7/15 - STREAM on the Go! Math at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Meet at the library dressed as your favorite book character for a short parade to the Delray Beach Children’s Garden. Don’t forget sunscreen & hydration, Age 3-10. 9:30-11 am. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org 7/15 - Quantum Readers Book Club at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 6-8. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
7/15 - Discovery in Motion: Movie Nights - Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (PG) at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 5-7 pm. Free. 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org 7/15-19 - Environmental Camp at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Grades 3-4. Campers learn the importance of conservation through outdoor activities, hands-on lessons. 8:30 am-2 pm: M-F $200-$250/week. 561-544-8605; myboca. us/2194/Camps
Tuesday - 7/16 - Sandoway Shark Adventure at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 8-12. 3-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org 7/16 - Teen Tuesday: Dungeons & Dragons at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 13-17. 5-7 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org Wednesday - 7/17 - STREAM Sprouts at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 3 mo. to 2.5 yrs. 10-10:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Storytime for infants accompanied by an adult. Age 0 months to non-walking. Held again 7/19 & 26. 11-11:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-393-7852; bocalibrary.org
7/12 - Play & Learn for Babies at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Learn literacy skills during playtime. Age 0 months to non-walking. Held again 7/19 & 26. 11:30 am-noon. Free. 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
Saturday - 7/13 - Tot Summer Olympics at Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Ave, Boynton Beach. Series of activities. Age 3-5. 9-10:30 am. $10/resident; $12/non-resident. Registration: 561-742-6220; boyntonbeach.org
7/13 - Saturday Morning ART (smART) at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Based on artwork at the Museum, links art making w/learning about art. Age 5+. 10-11 am. $15/member; $25/ non-member. Registration: 561-392-2500; bocamuseum.org
7/13 - Little Wonders at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Hike, crafts, stories. Age 3-4 w/an adult. 10-10:45 am. $8/resident & member; $10/non-member. Reservations: 561-5448605; myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=47 7/13 - Nature Detectives at Gumbo
7/17 - Curious George Storytime at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Thursday - 7/18 - Mad Science Show: Marvels of Motion at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 3-12. 1:30-2:30 pm. Free. 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/18 - Rhythm Explorers Music Circle at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 5-12. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. 561-7426393; boyntonlibrary.org
Friday - 7/19 - Friday Special Adventure: The Adventures of Robin Hood Puppet Show at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Learn literacy skills during playtime. Age 4-12. 3-4 pm. Free. 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/19 - Conscious Kids: Must Love Shark Teeth! at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Celebrating Shark Week. Age 7-14. 3-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0197; delraylibrary.org
Saturday - 7/20 - ART Tales Story Time at Boca Raton Museum of Art Wolgin Education Center, 501 Plaza Real. Literacy/ visual arts program; Boca Raton Library joins w/book readings. Special art project follows. Age 4-8 w/guardian. 10:30-11:30
Kids, parents learn together as Gumbo Limbo Nature Detectives
By Faran Fagen
Plants, animals, ecosystems — just about any aspect of the environment they can get their little hands on — are discoverable treasures for youngsters who participate in the Nature Detectives program at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
The 5- and 6-year-olds, accompanied by their parents, meet one Saturday each month at the Boca Raton preserve and walk away with a variety of valuable lessons.
“There are multiple highlights for me each time I lead the program, including fostering parent-child bonding, encouraging children’s enthusiasm and curiosity, and instilling a love and appreciation for nature,” said Sasha Calbo, environmental educator for Gumbo Limbo.
Children and parents gain a deeper understanding of the natural world through the monthly themes. They learn about flora and fauna and environmental concepts in an engaging way.
Last year, more than 200,000 visitors took a break from the city bustle to enjoy a walk on the Gumbo Limbo boardwalk, count the thousands of tropical fish in the aquariums, or to relax in the butterfly garden.
7/20 - ColorSpace: Teen Art Studio at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Age 13-17. 11 am-noon. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
7/20 - Bones to Books at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Children read to friends from Bonafide Therapy Dogs. All ages. 1-2 pm. Free. Registration: 561-7426390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/20 - Sandoway Reptile Adventure at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 8-12. 3-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
7/20 - X-STREAM Gaming Club at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Age 13-17. 3-4:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
JULY 21-27
Monday - 7/22 - Creature Feature: Paw Patrol The Mighty Movie (PG) at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Children read to friends from Bonafide Therapy Dogs. 2-4 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/22 - Teen S.T.R.E.A.M. Council at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 5-6 pm. Free. Registration: 561-2660194; delraylibrary.org
7/22-26 - Environmental Camp at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Grades 1-2. Campers learn the importance of conservation through outdoor activities, hands-on lessons. 8:30 am-2 pm: M-F $200-$250/week. 561-544-8605; myboca. us/2194/Camps
7/22-26 - MAP Dance at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Age 5-14. Every M-F through 8/2. 9:30 am5:30 pm. $250/resident; $313/non-resident. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
Nature opportunities abound at Gumbo Limbo, including sea turtle rehabilitation and educational programs.
RIGHT: Jasper Jordan, 6, of Delray Beach, enjoys being part of the Nature Detective program. Photos provided
The program allows children to learn about the wonders of nature together through story times, explorations and crafts.
“We’re trying to get parents involved with their kids to learn about the environment,” said Susan Elliott, environmental program coordinator. “This allows parents to learn along with their kids. We try to do that with as many families as possible.”
More than a thousand families have participated in the program since it began in 2005, with the goals of
JULY 23-29
Tuesday - 7/23 - Booktastic Book Talk: Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Free copy of book upon registration. Child attends independently. Age 7-8. 3:304 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/23 - STREAM Titans Book Club at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Ages 9-12. 4-5 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/23 - Teen Tuesday: Savage, A Game of Survival at Boynton Beach City Library,
providing accessible nature education, encouraging family bonding and inspiring environmental stewardship. The sessions are held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. once a month. The next is July 13, but which Saturday can vary depending on the schedules of the center’s other public programs. The number of families can vary between five
100 E Ocean Ave. Age 13-17. 5-7 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Thursday - 7/25 - Cox Science: Grand Finale STREAM Party at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 1-3 pm. Free. 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org 7/25 - Crafting Adventures at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 5-12. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Saturday - 7/27-28 - Creation Station at Boca Raton Museum of Art Grand Hall, 501 Plaza Real. Limited seating. Noon-4 pm. Free w/admission. 561-392-2500; bocamuseum.org
to express their creative side through craft activities, which can help them enhance their motor skills.
Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo is a cooperative project of the city of Boca Raton, the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, Florida Atlantic University and the nonprofit Coastal Stewards. Gumbo Limbo sponsors extensive school programs. Every year more than 5,000 students studying coastal and marine ecology visit Gumbo Limbo with their schools.
Programs are designed to meet the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and National Core Standard requirements in science education.
and 10.
“The program instills a sense of environmental stewardship,” said Calbo, who has worked at Gumbo Limbo for a little over a year and lives in Boca Raton.
“Families learn the importance of protecting and respecting nature, which can inspire more eco-friendly practices at home.”
Children also learn how
JULY 28-AUG. 3
Tuesday - 7/30 - Teen Tuesday: Friendship Bracelets at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 13-17. 5-7 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
7/30 - Karate Class at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Age 6-17. Every T/Th through 9/5. Beginner: 5:30-6:25 pm; Intermediate/Advanced: 6:30-7:25 pm. $90/resident; $113/nonresident. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
Wednesday – 7/31 - Outdoor Storytime at Boynton Beach City Library
For the Nature Detectives programs, parents must attend with children and classes are subject to cancellation due to not enough registration. Reservations are required through the city’s webtrac site at flbocaratonweb.myvscloud. com/webtrac/web.
Cost is $8 or $10, depending on membership. P
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is at 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-544-8611 or visit www.myboca.us/2096/ Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center.
under the Banyan tree, 100 E Ocean Ave. Stories, rhymes, more. May be cancelled in inclement weather. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Thursday - 8/1 - Wrap Up Foam Party at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 12 & under: 4-5:30; Ages 13-17: 6-7:30 pm. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Saturday - 8/3 - Splash Back to School Party at John H. Denson Pool, 225 NW 12th Ave, Boynton Beach. 12:30-4:30 pm. Free w/ pool admission. 561-742-6645; boynton-beach.org/290/Pool
Community Calendar
Note: Events are current as of 6/26. Please check with organizers for any changes.
JULY 6
Saturday - 7/6 - Summer Green Market at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. More than 65 culinary and artisan vendors, plus live music. Every Sat through 7/27 9 am-1 pm. 561-276-7511; delraycra.org/green-market
7/6 - Pickleball at Hester Center, 1901 N Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach. Combines badminton & tennis. Adults. Sat 9 amnoon; M/W 6-8 pm. $5; $50/30-visit pass. 561-742-6550; boynton-beach.org
7/6 - Calling All Serious Writers! Saturday Zoom Writers Studio presented by Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Every Sat 10 am. Free. 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/6 - Free Fun Saturday at The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum at 71 N Federal Hwy. 10 am-4 pm. Free. 561-3956766; bocahistory.org
7/6 - Freestyle Saturdays Art Class at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Age 18+. Every Sat through 8/3 10 am-12:30 pm. Per class $29/resident; $35/non-resident. Registration: 561-7426221; boynton-beach.org
7/6 - Current Events Discussion at Highland Beach Library Community Room, 3618 S Ocean Blvd. Every Sat 10:30 am. Free. 561-266-9702; highlandbeach.us
7/6 - Virtual Saturday Morning Writers’ Group presented by Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. Held again 7/20 & 8/3. 11 am-12:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/6 - Conversational Spanish at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. Held again 7/13 & 20 11:30 am-1 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/6 - Sick Puppies Improv Comedy Extravaganza Show at Doghouse Theater, 105 NW 5th Ave, Delray Beach. Every Sat 7:30 pm. $20-$30. 954-667-7735; sickpuppiescomedy.com
7/6 - Cortadito - The Guajiro Triangle Tour at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $45-$50. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
JULY 7-13
Sunday - 7/7 - Exhibit Artists
Reception: Be Enchanted at Artist’s Eye Gallery Boutique, 604 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth. Runs through 8/4. 1-3 pm. Free. 561-586-8666; lwartleague.org
Monday - 7/8 - Advanced Squares at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Adults. Every M 2-4 pm. $6. 561-742-6221; boynton-beach.org
7/8 - Business Card Creation Using Canva at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 5-6:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/8 - Monday Movies - Documentary:
Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 5:30-8 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
Tuesday - 7/9 - Career & Employment
Help w/CareerSource PBC at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Assistance w/employment, re-employment, resumes, filing for unemployment, career path assistance. Representative fluent in English, Creole, French. Adults. Every T 9 am-4 pm. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/9 - Workshop: Gelli Plate Printmaking at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. 10:30 am-3:30 pm. $90. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
7/9 - Florida’s Highwaymen: AfricanAmerican Landscape Painters and the Fort Pierce Art Phenomenon w/ Brian McConnell presented by FAU Lifelong Learning Institute at The Field House at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 10:30 am-noon. $30/member; $35/ non-member & one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/9 – Socrates Café at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Philosophical discussions. Every T 1:30-3 pm. Free. 561393-7852; bocalibrary.org
7/9 - The Cinema of Resistance w/ Shelly Isaacs at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every T through 7/30 2-4:30 pm. $60/annual membership; $60/member; $80/non-member; $30/one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau. edu
7/25 – Briny Breezes Town Hall, 4802 N Ocean Blvd. 4 pm. Agenda: townofbrinybreezes-fl.com
Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Age 18+. Every T through 7/30 5:30-7 pm. $60/4 weeks; $20/drop-in. 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse.org
7/9 - Book Talks - Historical Fictionados: Every Rising Sun by Jamila Ahmed at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 6-7 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/9 - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah part of Tuesday Book Group at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 6 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/9 - All Arts Open Mic Night at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 2nd T 8-10 pm. $10-$15. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Wednesday - 7/10 - The Power of Pivot Tables at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Excel and how to use a laptop and mouse. Adults. 10-11:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/10 - Inside theWorld’s Great Museums w/ Carol Jonson at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every W through 7/31 10-11:30 am. $60/annual membership; $60/member; $80/nonmember; $35/one-time guest pass at the door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/10 - German Propaganda Films of World War II w/ Edward Shapiro at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every W through 7/31 12:30-3 pm. $60/ annual membership; $90/member; $120/ non-member; $30/one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/10 - Pastels Made Easy Class at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Age 18+. Every W 1-4 pm. Per class $35/resident; $44/non-resident. Registration: 561-742-6221; boyntonbeach.org
7/10 - Palette Harmony and Artful Mark-Making with Watercolor at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. 2-4 pm. $50. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
7/10 - Appy Hour: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Every W through 7/24 2-4 pm. Free. By Appointment Only: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/10 - Writer’s Corner at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Manuscript critiquing by published authors. Adults. Held again 6/19 6-7 pm. Free. 561-7426390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/10 - Delray Beach Orchid Society Meeting at Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach. Ice Cream Social and plant swap. 2nd W 7 pm. Free. 561-573-2422; delraybeachorchidsociety.org
Thursday - 7/11 - Quilters meet at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Share quilting information, perpetuate quilting as a cultural & artistic form. Sale of quilted items supports the Library. Limit 10 quilters at a time. Every Th 9 am-noon. $1/lifetime membership. 561-742-6886; boyntonlibrary.org
7/11 - Rock Star Fundraising: Elevate Your Game To Gain The Competitive Edge w/ Ben Starling III at Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, 601 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach. 10-11:30 am. Free. 561-471-2901; palmbeachculture.com
7/11 - 3D Printing and Design w/ TinkerCAD Class at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. 1011:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-266-0196; delraylibrary.org
7/11 - Guided Discussion: The Great American Short Story Club II - 19792008 w/ Caren Neile at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, Room 102, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every Th through 8/1 10-11:30 am. $60/annual membership; $100/member; $130/nonmember; $35/one-time guest pass at the door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/11 - Tech Talk Thursdays at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. Every Th 10:30-11:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/11 - By Experience - Titanic: the Musical at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 10:30 am-1 pm. $60/annual membership; $20/member; $25/nonmember & one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/11 - Line Dancing at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Basic modern western square dancing. Adults. Every Th 10:30-11:30 am. $6. 561742-6221; boynton-beach.org
7/11 - First Rate Actors: The Flawless Careers of Paul Muni, Katharine Hepburn, William Powell, and James Cagney w/ Kurt Stone at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every Th through 8/29 3-5 pm. $60/annual membership; $120/member; $160/non-member; $30/ one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/11 - “Through The Looking Glass” Summer Happy Hour at Crazy Uncle Mike’s, 6450 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton. 5-7:30 pm. $30. Dinner reservations: 561931-2889; fullercenterfl.org
7/11 - Intermediate Tap for Adults at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Age 18+. Every Th through 8/1 5:30-7 pm. $60/4 weeks; $20/drop-in. 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse.org
7/11 - Poets on the Fringe at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. Every T through 8/20 4-6 pm. Free. 561393-7906; bocalibrary.org
Friday - 7/12 - Summer Movies for Grownups: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (PG13) at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 2 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.
org
7/12 - Crazy Fingers with The Boca Symphonia at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Part of Summer in the City series. Bring blankets/chairs; chairs for rent $5. 7 pm doors open; 8 pm show. Free. 561-393-7890; mizneramp.com
7/12 - Beginner Squares at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Adults. Every F 7:15-9 pm. $6. 561-7426221; boynton-beach.org
7/12 - Castoffs Square Dance at Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E Ocean Ave. Basic modern western square dancing. Adults. Every F 7:15-9 pm. $6. 561-7426221; boynton-beach.org
7/12 - Sick Puppies Stand-Up Comedy Show at Doghouse Theater, 105 NW 5th Ave, Delray Beach. Every F 8 pm. $30-$35. 954-667-7735; sickpuppiescomedy.com
7/12 - Selwyn Birchwood at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40$45. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 7/13 - Tree Giveaway at Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton. Must be a City of Boca Raton resident to receive a tree. First come, first served, limit 2 trees per household. Call for time: 561-927-8733; communitygreening. org
7/13 - Healthy Cooking Demo w/ Baptist Health South Florida at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 10 am-noon. Free. Registration: 561-2660194; delraylibrary.org
7/13 - Open Figure Studio w/Model at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Age 18+. Held again 6-8 pm 7/25. 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $15. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
7/13 - Inventors Society of South Florida Virtual Meeting. 2nd Sat 1 pm. 1st meeting free. Registration: 561-6765677; inventorssociety.net
7/13 - Abstract Painting with Watercolor at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. 2-4 pm. $50. 561-3309614; artswarehouse.org
7/13 - Hand Crafted Greeting Cards at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Create custom greeting cards w/Cricut Maker & Sizzix Big Shot machine. Adults. 2-4 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/13 - Siempre Flamenco at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40$45. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
JULY 14-20
Sunday - 7/14 - Music in the MuseumSergei Skobin & Diana Skobina at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. 3-4 pm. $8/member; $18/non-member. 561392-2500; bocamuseum.org
Monday - 7/15 - Crafting for Fun & Small Business: Summer Crochet Club at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. Held again 5:30-7:30 pm 7/16. 11 am-1 pm. Free. Registration: 561-3937906; bocalibrary.org
7/15 - Mastering Google Apps at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 5-6:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/15 - The Josef Gingold Chamber Music Festival at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 6-8 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
7/15 - Poetry Open Mic Night at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 3rd M 8-10 pm. $10-$15. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Tuesday - 7/16 - Book Talks - NonFiction/Biographies: The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Culture by Courtney Thorsson at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 2-3 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/16 - FAU Astronomical Observatory public viewing at Florida Atlantic University Science & Engineering Building 4th floor, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 1st F & 3rd T
Wednewday - 7/17 - Book Buzz Adult Book Club at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 10:30 amnoon. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/17 - October 7 and Beyond: The Continuing Search for Middle East Peace w/ Harry Chernotsky at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 3-4:30 pm. $60/annual membership; $35/member; $40/non-member & one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.edu
7/17 - Palm Beach Opera Listening Club: One Story Three Ways: Romeo & Juliet at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Adults. 4 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary. org
7/17 - Crafting in the Library: TBA at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 5-7 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/17 - Urban Sketching from Life at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. 5:30-7:30 pm. $35. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
Thursday - 7/18 - Piloting Drones for Recreation & Beyond at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 10-11:30 am. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/18 - Never Underestimate The Power of A Woman w/ Terryl Lawrence at Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Classroom, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Every Th through 9/8 12:30-2 pm. $60/annual membership; $60/member; $80/non-member; $30/one-time guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca.fau.
edu
7/18 - Crafting for Fun & Small Business: Summer Cricut Club at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 1-3 pm. Free. Registration: 561-3937906; bocalibrary.org
7/18 - Handbuilding Clay Vessels with Coils - 2 Day Workshop at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. Held again 7/25. 5:30-8:30 pm. $200. 561330-9614; artswarehouse.org
7/18 - Playful Poppies in Watercolor at Arts Warehouse, 313 NE 3rd St, Delray Beach. 6-8 pm. $50. 561-330-9614; artswarehouse.org
7/18 - Music in the Museum - Gingold Virtuosi at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. 6-7 pm. $8/member; $18/nonmember. 561-392-2500; bocamuseum.org
7/18 - Summer Sips & Sounds: Music of the 1990s at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, 71 N Federal Hwy. Led by docents from Boca Raton History Society. 6 pm social; 6:30 pm concert. $40/member; $45/non-member. 561-395-6766 x100; bocahistory.org
Friday - 7/19 - League of Women Voters Virtual Hot Topics Discussion: Ballot Amendments. Zoom session. Noon-1 pm. Free. Registration: 561-2764898; lwvpbc.org
7/19 - Billy Buchanan & His Rock ‘n Soul Revue at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Part of Summer in the City series. Bring blankets/chairs; chairs for rent $5. 7 pm doors open; 8 pm show. Free. 561-393-7890; mizneramp.com
7/19 - Double Your Trouble - A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40$45. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 7/20 - The Joe Cotton Band at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $25-$30. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
JULY 21-27
Sunday - 7/21 - Story Central Storytelling Slam at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 4-5:30 pm. Free. 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
Monday - 7/22 - Android Basics for Beginners at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. Noon-1:30 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/22 - Introduction to MS Word Class at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean
7/22 - Monday Movies - Feature Film: Hail, Caesar! at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 5:30-8 pm. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/22-23 - Auditions: How I Learned to Drive at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Production dates 9/19-29. By appointment only: 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse.org
Wednesday - 7/24 - Simple Steps Towards Internet Safety at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 2-3:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-7426390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/24 - Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival: Bella! at Cinemark Boynton Beach 14, 1151 N Congress Ave. 4 pm. $14. 561-220-6735; sasiff.org
7/24 - Trivia Night at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 6-7:30 pm. Free. 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/24 - Art & Jazz on the Avenue on East Atlantic Ave (between Swinton Ave and Federal Hwy), Delray Beach. Live music, art, culture, dancing, dining in the street. 6-9:30 pm. Free. 561-243-1077; downtowndelraybeach.com/artandjazz
Thursday - 7/25 - Crafting for Fun & Small Business: Summer Hand-Sewing & Embroidery Club at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 1-3 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
7/25 - L.E.A.D. Delray Beach - Learn, Engage, and Discover with City Leaders: Quarterly Town Hall Meeting at Old School Square Fieldhouse, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 5 pm. Free. delraybeachfl.gov/our-city/town-hallmeetings
7/25 - 2024 Supreme Court Case Review w/ Jeffrey Gordon Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Part of the Thursday Night Speaker Series. Adults. 6-7:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-3937906; bocalibrary.org
7/25 - Friends Virtual Book Club: A Spool of Thread by Anne Tyler presented by Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6188745394; 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org
7/26 - Summer Movies for Grownups: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (PG) at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. 2 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org
7/26 - Caribbean Chillers at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Part of Summer in the City series. Bring blankets/chairs; chairs for rent $5. 7 pm doors open; 8 pm show. Free. 561-3937890; mizneramp.com
7/26 - Sunset Concert: Mural Fest with Spred The Dub at Old School Square Amphitheater, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 7-10 pm. VIP: $50; General admission: Free. 561-243-1077; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
7/26 - Sam Morrow at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $35-$40. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 7/27 - CPR/AED/1st Aid
Certification Class at Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Ave, Boynton Beach. Age 18+. 1-5 pm. $60/resident; $75/non-resident. Registration: 561-742-6640; boyntonbeach.org
7/27 - Sunset Concert: Mural Fest with Headliner Johnny Dread at Old School Square Amphitheater, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 4-10 pm. VIP: $50; General admission: free. 561-243-1077; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
7/27 - Tree Giveaway at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E Ocean Ave, Boynton Beach. Must be a Boynton Beach resident to receive a tree. First come, first served, limit 2 trees per household. 6 pm. 561-927-8733; communitygreening.org
7/27 - Boynton Beach Night Market at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E Ocean Ave. Live music & entertainment.
7/27 - Start Me Up! A Tribute to The Rolling Stones at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $35-$40. 561450-6357; artsgarage.org
JULY 28-AUG. 3
Monday - 7/29 - Protect Yourself Against Scammers, Spammers & Hackers at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Adults. 5-6:30 pm. Free. Registration: 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
7/29-30 - Auditions: The Prom at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Production dates 10/4-20. First come first served. 7 pm. 561-586-6410; lakeworthplayhouse. org
Tuesday - 7/30 - Crafting for Fun & Small Business: Summer Quilling Club at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Adults. 2-4 pm. Free. Registration: 561-393-7906; bocalibrary.org
Wednesday - 7/31 - The Brill Building: Home of the Great American Songbook w/ Emanuel Abramovits at Florida Atlantic University Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. 4-5:30 pm. $60/annual membership; $30/ member; $35/non-member & one-time
guest pass at door. 561-297-3185; olliboca. fau.edu
Thursday - 8/1 - 3rd Annual Boca
Celebrity Cook-off at Waterstone Resort & Marina, 999 E Camino Real, Boca Raton. 5:30-7:30 pm. $35/advance; $50/at the door. 561-268-2355; hanleyfoundation. org/events
Friday - 8/2 - First Friday @ 5 Concert: Samantha Russell Band at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E Ocean Ave. Featuring food trucks, artesian market, children’s activities and music. 5-9 pm. Free. 561-742-6024; boynton-beach.org
8/2 - First Friday Art Walk at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 6-9 pm. Free. 561-654-2220; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
8/2 - Film Screening: Wisdom of the Waves at Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. 6-9 pm. 561-654-2220; delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
8/2 – The Art of Laughter with Kyle Grooms featuring Jay Moreno at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $35. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
Saturday - 8/3 - Yacht Rock at Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40-$45. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org
