Last month, Lantana rolled out a slate of community events to take place throughout the year.

    “We developed the  ‘Enjoy Lantana’ program in hopes to encourage our residents and tourists to enjoy our great town parks and our beautiful beach area,” said Nicole Dritz, the town’s community planner.

    Here’s a list of what’s coming:

    • Movie at the Beach, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. March 13

    • Bark in the Park, 9 a.m. to noon, May 9

    • World Oceans Day (at the beach), 8 a.m. to noon June 7

    • July 4 Celebration (at Bicentennial Park), 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 4

    • Haunted Nature Preserve (at the Lantana Nature Preserve), 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 16

    • Winterfest (at the Recreation Center), 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 4.

    For information, call 540-5000 or visit lantana.org.

— Staff reports

Cynthia Brown has been instrumental

in lining up the authors for the Festival

of the Arts Boca since it began in 2007.

Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

    At this year’s Festival Of The Arts Boca, you’ll find ballet, banjo, Bernstein and, of course, books.

    From March 6 to 15, stars of the American Ballet Theater and other major companies will perform. Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck will plunk. Leonard Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie, will reflect on West Side Story and her father’s musical legacy. And authors of both fact and fiction will discuss their books.

    For the books and authors, thank Cynthia Brown. A festival volunteer since its inception eight years ago, the coastal Delray Beach resident and mother of three spends a good part of her year conjuring a roster of writers she’d like to bring, contacting their agents, finding who’s available, how much they charge and steering them through their appearances.

    “I usually pick the most expensive speaker first and work from there,” she says. “We try very hard to present people with different ideas and opinions so we’ve got an interesting program.”

    This year, Brown has gathered novelist Richard Ford, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, environmental journalist Michael Grunwald and cancer researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee, among others. 

    “Sometimes they’re not available and money’s a limitation,” she concedes. “These people are not inexpensive. That’s the limitation. It would be wonderful to have Colin Powell, but that’s not ever going to happen.”

    Does she have a favorite from her years of volunteering?

    “The favorite of everybody would be Doris Kerns Goodwin, who is just the way she seems,” Brown says. “She’s a genuine, warm, interesting person, and she’s interested in people.

    “But I’ve been surprised, frankly, by how accessible everybody is. Nobody I’ve dealt with has been anything other than gracious and easy to work with.”

— Ron Hayes

    Q. Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?

    A. My son is engaged to a Midwestern girl and I realized then that Midwesterners just have solid values. They’re very community-oriented, and I’m grateful for that. Growing up in Columbus, I couldn’t wait to get out, and now I look back and think, ‘That was really something special.’

    Q. What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

    A. I worked on Wall Street for a while and I’ve always done something. I still sell clothes in trunk shows three or four times a year. In the early ’90s, when I was living in Atlanta, I helped start a group in Georgia called Georgians For Children, a child advocacy group that would gather statewide data and work to improve their lives. I’m very proud of having done that.

    Q. What advice do you have for a young person selecting a career today?

    A. Think about what’s important to you and what you like to do, and if you do that you’ll be happy in what you’re doing. Do what interests you.

    Q. How did you choose to make your home in east Delray Beach?

    A. I moved here when I downsized. I was living in Boca Raton, and it wasn’t even a conscious decision. I had a bull mastiff, Tembo (Swahili for elephant), and this was a place that would allow a bull mastiff, and it’s been perfect.

    Q. What is your favorite part about living in Delray Beach?  

    A. I love the fact that it’s just easy to live here. Everything’s convenient. We have great restaurants, lot of things to do and it’s pretty.

    Q. What book are you reading now?

    A. I’m finishing Richard Ford’s latest novel, Let Me Be Frank With You, and then I’ll move on to the next, probably Smarter Than You Think.

    Q. What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax? 

    A. I like classical music for relaxing, or blues. But if I really want to relax I listen to absolutely nothing. I listen to the wind in the leaves.

    Q. Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions? 

    A. My mother and father. They had some really good advice about things. My mother used to say — they were both birdwatchers — my mother used to say, ‘When things get tough, get working.’ My father used to say, ‘When you’re feeling down, go birdwatching.’ And those are two really good pieces of life advice.

    Q. If your life story were made into a movie, who would you want to play you?

    A. Meryl Streep.

    Q. Who/what makes you laugh?

    A. Lots of things. Where would we be without laughter? I’ll tell you what, though, I’m going to miss Jon Stewart. 

By Jane Smith

    The state plans a massive upgrade to the Woolbright Road interchange during a two-year process.

    The $8.98 million design-build project is expected to start in August, according to Barbara Kelleher, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Transportation in Southeast Florida.

    Woolbright Road will be widened from Southwest 18th Street (west side of the interstate) east to Southwest Second Street. At times only one travel lane would be open in each direction, said Andrea Pacini, spokeswoman for Interstate 95 interchange improvements. 

    State transportation representatives already met with local public agencies, such as Boynton Beach Fire Rescue. 

    “Obviously there will be some navigation issues during rush hour and peak travel times,” said Ray Carter, Boynton Beach Fire Chief. “FDOT makes sure we have access, no big problems are expected.”

    Carter said the FDOT representatives always contact his department before they start a project and “they keep us informed of changes or delays.”

    Plans also call for dual left-turn lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions onto I-95, widening the northbound ramp to receive the dual eastbound turn lanes and transition to one lane, rebuilding the south exit ramp to allow traffic to flow freely onto westbound Woolbright, retrofit bridge railings to meet current criteria for Woolbright Road bridges over I-95 and CSX tracks, and milling and resurfacing Woolbright within the project limits. 

    Other improvements call for bridge construction, barrier walls, curbs, sidewalks, guardrails, drainage, utility relocation, overhead signs, signage and pavement markings, signals, lighting and retaining walls.

    The state won’t have to buy any additional land for this project, Kelleher said. 

    The design will be led by BCC Engineering Inc.’s Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando offices and the contractor is Community Asphalt Corp.’s West Palm Beach office. 

    Community meetings will be held in the summer a few weeks before construction starts, Kelleher said.

    “I use Woolbright Road. This will hurt in the short term, but it will be good in the long term,” said Jesse Goldfinger, owner of Woolbright Road Farmers Market. 

    “We are not strangers to construction in South Florida,” he said. “Infrastructure is important. Why don’t they close it down completely and take six months to get it done? I mean — two years, really?”

    His market sits just a block east of the construction, but it could become a staging area. He also said he’s happy that roadwork will take place because “traffic is only getting to be worse. As winters get colder up North, more people will come down here.”

    As with a few others interviewed for this story, he commented on the increased traffic during the season. “Woolbright Road is a popular interchange. It goes directly to the beach,” he said.

    The Florida Coalition for Preservation had not heard about the Woolbright Road project. The coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to quality of life and environmental issues created by continued development of South Florida’s barrier islands and coastal communities. 

    “I guess when the state is footing the bill, citizens don’t have much input. … Sounds like a mess to me,” said Kristine DeHaseth, coalition executive director. “I hope steps are taken to minimize the overall traffic impacts and the intrusions into neighborhoods by folks trying to avoid traffic gridlock.” 

INSET BELOW: Rob Van Winkle

By Christine Davis

    Remember last fall when this column covered an item about Rob Van Winkle, aka “Vanilla, Ice,” who was looking for an investor for 4020 S. Ocean, Manalapan? The idea, marketed via a YouTube video produced by Realtor James Arena, was that the investor would buy and renovate the house (currently owned by Ken Brown), and Vanilla Ice would manage the project and feature it on his TV show. 

    At this point, Arena and Van Winkle bill this investment opportunity as a demo and rebuild, but the heat is on due to a court-ordered auction of the property. As such, the Vanilla Ice offering might melt away.

    In January, Van Winkle did talk with the town of Manalapan’s administrators about the possibilities of demolishing and rebuilding the property, but in mid-February, “Mr. Brown came in and told town officials that the Vanilla Ice deal fell through,” said Lisa Petersen, town clerk.

    A live auction is currently being advertised by Fisher Auction Company, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 11 a.m. by order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida — West Palm Beach, with a case number naming Brown as the debtor.

    “My firm is handling the auction on behalf of secured creditors for the bankruptcy court,” said Lamar Fisher. “To prequalify, bidders must put up $500,000 48 hours in advance of the auction, which will be held at the house. Starting bid is $6.5 million.”

    Bernice Lee, attorney for the Plan Propenent (Wendy Brown), said that “the plan (to auction the property) has been orally confirmed by the court, and parties can bring bidders.”

    And that’s the plan for Vanilla Ice, who also is facing burglary charges on Hypoluxo Island. “We are still pursuing the project,” he said. “We have a few investors that are going to be at the auction.”

Coastal Living used a photo of Boynton Beach when touting Delray Beach as one of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.

Photo provided

    Delray Beach is ranked No. 4 on Coastal Living’s list of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns, but this year, it’s aiming for the No. 1 spot. And through March 31, just cast your vote and you can make that happen. 

    “It’s great to be nationally recognized for something the locals have known all along,” said Delray Beach Mayor Cary Glickstein. So, spread the word on social media with #CLHappyTown and vote online at coastalliving.com/happytowns2015. 

    Coastal Living will feature the No. 1 Happiest Seaside Town in the July/August issue and on coastalliving.com.  

    Never mind that the photograph used initially online and in the print edition actually is of, gasp, Boynton Beach.

    The Delray Sands Resort in Highland Beach has started hosting Sunday Champagne Brunch in its Latitudes restaurant. The menu includes the chef’s signature French toast, eggs benedict, an omlette station, carving station, and desserts. Pricing starts at $44.95 and includes bottomless mimosas. Call 866-278-2008.

    For the second year in a row, Advanced Dentistry South Florida in Delray Beach earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award, which honors excellence among service and health providers who maintain superior service ratings and reviews. “Only about 5 percent of the dental offices in South Florida has performed consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List founder, Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”

    David W. Roberts of Royal Palm Properties will host his annual Showcase of Homes on Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 5 p.m., which will feature about 40 open houses in Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Call 368-6200.

    Group P6’s sales center for 327 Royal Palm is now open. Comprising 25 three-bedroom residences ranging in size from 3,177 to 3,500 square feet, will feature Italian designer kitchens and private elevator entries into each apartment. Other amenities will include a rooftop area with an infinity pool, fire pit and ocean and golf course views. 

    The property, at 327 E. Royal Palm Road, Boca Raton, was designed by architect Derek Vander Ploeg. Pre-construction prices start at $1.3 million. Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty’s development division is the exclusive sales and marketing representative for the project, which is set to break ground this year. For information, visit 327royalpalm.com or call (844) 327-2622.

    Wooven Dry Cleaning was accepted as a certified affiliate of America’s Best Cleaners organization. Wooven was required to undergo on-site inspections to determine if it met the organization’s minimum requirements of cleanliness, machinery equipment, stain removal and finishing quality. Wooven will face monthly quality tests and quarterly mystery shopping reports, testing for customer service and quality. About 30 cleaners were certified by the organization for 2015. Wooven has two locations in Boca Raton: 1189 S. Federal Highway and 222 Yamato Road, Suite 103. Call 954-968-6657.

Lisa and Chris Ruth of FirstLight Home Care.

Photo provided                                        

    FirstLight HomeCare, owned by Gulf Stream residents Chris and Lisa Ruth, provides quality affordable, nonmedical in-home care for adults who live in southern Palm Beach County. For seniors, new mothers, those recovering from surgery and others in need of assistance, its services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, driving to doctors’ appointments, personal care and travel companionship. 

    “We only hire extraordinary people who will provide exceptional care,” Chris Ruth said. “Our entire culture is based on putting client’s needs first and providing the best care possible.” For information, call 271-4644.

    On March 11, Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will host attorney Jeff Brown, who will speak on the right to die, “Kevorkian to 2015 today.” On April 8, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will speak on crime and terrorism, and on May 13, Florida Atlantic University President John W. Kelly will discuss the state of the university. The talks will be held at the City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton, on the second Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. For costs and to make reservations, visit goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 852-0000. 

    The Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University has received the Ticho Prize from the Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Charitable Foundation to stimulate student interest in psychiatric medicine and to enhance education in psychiatry. Scholarships from the endowment fund will be awarded annually to a promising student who is graduating from the university’s medical school to encourage him or her to pursue a career in psychiatry.

    In February, Kaufman Lynn Construction was named to the University of Florida’s inaugural 2015 Gator100. Sponsored by the University, the Warrington College of Business Administration and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Gator100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by the university’s alumni.  

    Kaufman Lynn Construction, founded by Michael Kaufman, a 1981 graduate, was ranked 60th with a compound annual growth rate of 39.61. Kaufman Lynn Construction is a 26-year-old, South Florida-based, full-service construction manager and general contractor.  Currently ranked as the eighth-largest general contractor in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, the company specializes in the educational, municipal, multifamily, senior living, health care, faith-based, retail and commercial market sectors. Reflecting on the company’s founding and growth throughout the years, Kaufman said, “What first appear as fundamental failures or deflating disappointments invariably prove to be the catalysts to growth and positive change.” 

    The Institute for Regional Conservation held an event at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, featuring James Kushlan and Kirsten Hines, authors of Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens. Their book, an illustrated information guide, advises South Florida gardeners on almost 400 plants to plant, more than 200 birds to attract, garden design and management. Also during the event, the institute demonstrated how its “Natives For Your Neighborhood” website can help with implementing some of the book’s suggestions.

    For the second year, Concierge Palm Beaches received the Best of Boynton Beach Award in the Personal Services category by the Boynton Beach Award Program. Tailored to meet its clients’ needs, Concierge Palm Beaches offers services that include private property management, vendor management, home inspections, rental-property management, alarm contact and response, and seasonal home care. The Boynton Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses and works with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and advertising and marketing groups. Call 880-8283.

    Evelyn & Arthur, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, will recognize World Kidney Day, March 12, with a special fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. One hundred percent of sales of the shop’s orange pashminas and 10 percent of every sale that day will go to the foundation. Shoppers will receive 10 percent off all purchases, and a sneak peek of fashions presented at a Planet trunk show, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shop’s Palm Beach location, 100 N. County Road. Call 833-1551.

INSET BELOW: Laurie S. Silvers                                           

    Laurie S. Silvers, founder of Hollywood Media, will speak at the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County 20th annual Giraffe Awards celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, The Women’s Chamber presents these awards to honor women in Palm Beach County who have “stuck their necks out” for other women by taking on leadership roles.

    Silvers, a founder and past CEO of the Sci-Fi Channel, practiced law for 10 years. She served on the board of trustees of the University of Miami, the board of directors of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and the International Board of Governors of the Children’s World Blood Bank. She is a mentor for at-risk teenage girls with the Women of Tomorrow organization. 

    The event will take place at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Call 659-0285.

INSET BELOW: Steve Rosen                                           

    Lang Realty agent Steve Rosen has been named the company’s first South County regional manager. In his new position, Rosen will be a non-competing manager overseeing all offices from Manalapan to Boca Raton.  

    From 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, Lang Realty will host its annual Open House Extravaganza giving prospective homebuyers an opportunity to tour more than 300 area listings, priced from $200,000 to more than $4 million. Additionally, Lang Realty will be partnering with Place of Hope with a donation to the organization for each participating residence that is sold. Place of Hope is a child welfare organization that provides services, hope and healing opportunities for area children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect. For information, call 989-2100. 

    Students in grades 3 through 12 are invited to participate in this year’s Fair Housing poster, essay and video contest: “Fair Housing: Together We Build Our Neighborhood.” Students are asked to create works that convey the message that it is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing because of race, color, religion, familial status, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status and gender identity or expression. Entries must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on March 13. Winners will be announced on April 1, and prizes will be awarded April 15 at a reception hosted by the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Inc. For contest rules and information, visit pbcgov.com/equalopportunity/ or call Kathi Dillard at 355-4927.  

Christine Davis is a freelance writer. Send business news to her at cdavis9797@comcast.net.

INSET BELOW: Rob Van Winkle

By Christine Davis

    Remember last fall when this column covered an item about Rob Van Winkle, aka “Vanilla, Ice,” who was looking for an investor for 4020 S. Ocean, Manalapan? The idea, marketed via a YouTube video produced by Realtor James Arena, was that the investor would buy and renovate the house (currently owned by Ken Brown), and Vanilla Ice would manage the project and feature it on his TV show. 

    At this point, Arena and Van Winkle bill this investment opportunity as a demo and rebuild, but the heat is on due to a court-ordered auction of the property. As such, the Vanilla Ice offering might melt away.

    In January, Van Winkle did talk with the town of Manalapan’s administrators about the possibilities of demolishing and rebuilding the property, but in mid-February, “Mr. Brown came in and told town officials that the Vanilla Ice deal fell through,” said Lisa Petersen, town clerk.

    A live auction is currently being advertised by Fisher Auction Company, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 11 a.m. by order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida — West Palm Beach, with a case number naming Brown as the debtor.

    “My firm is handling the auction on behalf of secured creditors for the bankruptcy court,” said Lamar Fisher. “To prequalify, bidders must put up $500,000 48 hours in advance of the auction, which will be held at the house. Starting bid is $6.5 million.”

    Bernice Lee, attorney for the Plan Propenent (Wendy Brown), said that “the plan (to auction the property) has been orally confirmed by the court, and parties can bring bidders.”

    And that’s the plan for Vanilla Ice, who also is facing burglary charges on Hypoluxo Island. “We are still pursuing the project,” he said. “We have a few investors that are going to be at the auction.”

Coastal Living used a photo of Boynton Beach when touting Delray Beach as one of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.

Photo provided

    Delray Beach is ranked No. 4 on Coastal Living’s list of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns, but this year, it’s aiming for the No. 1 spot. And through March 31, just cast your vote and you can make that happen. 

    “It’s great to be nationally recognized for something the locals have known all along,” said Delray Beach Mayor Cary Glickstein. So, spread the word on social media with #CLHappyTown and vote online at coastalliving.com/happytowns2015. 

    Coastal Living will feature the No. 1 Happiest Seaside Town in the July/August issue and on coastalliving.com.  

    Never mind that the photograph used initially online and in the print edition actually is of, gasp, Boynton Beach.

    The Delray Sands Resort in Highland Beach has started hosting Sunday Champagne Brunch in its Latitudes restaurant. The menu includes the chef’s signature French toast, eggs benedict, an omlette station, carving station, and desserts. Pricing starts at $44.95 and includes bottomless mimosas. Call 866-278-2008.

    For the second year in a row, Advanced Dentistry South Florida in Delray Beach earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award, which honors excellence among service and health providers who maintain superior service ratings and reviews. “Only about 5 percent of the dental offices in South Florida has performed consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List founder, Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”

    David W. Roberts of Royal Palm Properties will host his annual Showcase of Homes on Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 5 p.m., which will feature about 40 open houses in Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Call 368-6200.

    Group P6’s sales center for 327 Royal Palm is now open. Comprising 25 three-bedroom residences ranging in size from 3,177 to 3,500 square feet, will feature Italian designer kitchens and private elevator entries into each apartment. Other amenities will include a rooftop area with an infinity pool, fire pit and ocean and golf course views. 

    The property, at 327 E. Royal Palm Road, Boca Raton, was designed by architect Derek Vander Ploeg. Pre-construction prices start at $1.3 million. Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty’s development division is the exclusive sales and marketing representative for the project, which is set to break ground this year. For information, visit 327royalpalm.com or call (844) 327-2622.

    Wooven Dry Cleaning was accepted as a certified affiliate of America’s Best Cleaners organization. Wooven was required to undergo on-site inspections to determine if it met the organization’s minimum requirements of cleanliness, machinery equipment, stain removal and finishing quality. Wooven will face monthly quality tests and quarterly mystery shopping reports, testing for customer service and quality. About 30 cleaners were certified by the organization for 2015. Wooven has two locations in Boca Raton: 1189 S. Federal Highway and 222 Yamato Road, Suite 103. Call 954-968-6657.

Lisa and Chris Ruth of FirstLight Home Care.

Photo provided                                        

    FirstLight HomeCare, owned by Gulf Stream residents Chris and Lisa Ruth, provides quality affordable, nonmedical in-home care for adults who live in southern Palm Beach County. For seniors, new mothers, those recovering from surgery and others in need of assistance, its services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, driving to doctors’ appointments, personal care and travel companionship. 

    “We only hire extraordinary people who will provide exceptional care,” Chris Ruth said. “Our entire culture is based on putting client’s needs first and providing the best care possible.” For information, call 271-4644.

    On March 11, Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club will host attorney Jeff Brown, who will speak on the right to die, “Kevorkian to 2015 today.” On April 8, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will speak on crime and terrorism, and on May 13, Florida Atlantic University President John W. Kelly will discuss the state of the university. The talks will be held at the City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton, on the second Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. For costs and to make reservations, visit goldcoasttigerbayclub.com or call 852-0000. 

    The Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University has received the Ticho Prize from the Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Charitable Foundation to stimulate student interest in psychiatric medicine and to enhance education in psychiatry. Scholarships from the endowment fund will be awarded annually to a promising student who is graduating from the university’s medical school to encourage him or her to pursue a career in psychiatry.

    In February, Kaufman Lynn Construction was named to the University of Florida’s inaugural 2015 Gator100. Sponsored by the University, the Warrington College of Business Administration and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the Gator100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by the university’s alumni.  

    Kaufman Lynn Construction, founded by Michael Kaufman, a 1981 graduate, was ranked 60th with a compound annual growth rate of 39.61. Kaufman Lynn Construction is a 26-year-old, South Florida-based, full-service construction manager and general contractor.  Currently ranked as the eighth-largest general contractor in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, the company specializes in the educational, municipal, multifamily, senior living, health care, faith-based, retail and commercial market sectors. Reflecting on the company’s founding and growth throughout the years, Kaufman said, “What first appear as fundamental failures or deflating disappointments invariably prove to be the catalysts to growth and positive change.” 

    The Institute for Regional Conservation held an event at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, featuring James Kushlan and Kirsten Hines, authors of Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens. Their book, an illustrated information guide, advises South Florida gardeners on almost 400 plants to plant, more than 200 birds to attract, garden design and management. Also during the event, the institute demonstrated how its “Natives For Your Neighborhood” website can help with implementing some of the book’s suggestions.

    For the second year, Concierge Palm Beaches received the Best of Boynton Beach Award in the Personal Services category by the Boynton Beach Award Program. Tailored to meet its clients’ needs, Concierge Palm Beaches offers services that include private property management, vendor management, home inspections, rental-property management, alarm contact and response, and seasonal home care. The Boynton Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses and works with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and advertising and marketing groups. Call 880-8283.

    Evelyn & Arthur, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, will recognize World Kidney Day, March 12, with a special fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. One hundred percent of sales of the shop’s orange pashminas and 10 percent of every sale that day will go to the foundation. Shoppers will receive 10 percent off all purchases, and a sneak peek of fashions presented at a Planet trunk show, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shop’s Palm Beach location, 100 N. County Road. Call 833-1551.

INSET BELOW: Laurie S. Silvers                                           

    Laurie S. Silvers, founder of Hollywood Media, will speak at the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County 20th annual Giraffe Awards celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, The Women’s Chamber presents these awards to honor women in Palm Beach County who have “stuck their necks out” for other women by taking on leadership roles.

    Silvers, a founder and past CEO of the Sci-Fi Channel, practiced law for 10 years. She served on the board of trustees of the University of Miami, the board of directors of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and the International Board of Governors of the Children’s World Blood Bank. She is a mentor for at-risk teenage girls with the Women of Tomorrow organization. 

    The event will take place at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Call 659-0285.

INSET BELOW: Steve Rosen                                           

    Lang Realty agent Steve Rosen has been named the company’s first South County regional manager. In his new position, Rosen will be a non-competing manager overseeing all offices from Manalapan to Boca Raton.  

    From 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, Lang Realty will host its annual Open House Extravaganza giving prospective homebuyers an opportunity to tour more than 300 area listings, priced from $200,000 to more than $4 million. Additionally, Lang Realty will be partnering with Place of Hope with a donation to the organization for each participating residence that is sold. Place of Hope is a child welfare organization that provides services, hope and healing opportunities for area children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect. For information, call 989-2100. 

    Students in grades 3 through 12 are invited to participate in this year’s Fair Housing poster, essay and video contest: “Fair Housing: Together We Build Our Neighborhood.” Students are asked to create works that convey the message that it is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing because of race, color, religion, familial status, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status and gender identity or expression. Entries must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on March 13. Winners will be announced on April 1, and prizes will be awarded April 15 at a reception hosted by the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Inc. For contest rules and information, visit pbcgov.com/equalopportunity/ or call Kathi Dillard at 355-4927.  

Christine Davis is a freelance writer. Send business news to her at cdavis9797@comcast.net.

By Steven J. Smith

    GULF STREAM — A homemaker, volunteer, loving wife and mother with a passion for life, Jane Gunther embodied the ideal to which every parent should aspire, according to her daughter, Debbie Gunther.

    “She was a Donna Reed mom,” Gunther said. “She was always there for us. Very active, loved to play tennis. She was also a fanatic about animals. We had two dogs, two cats, every rodent you can name, fish, turtles. My mother just loved animals.”

    Jane Gunther died of complications from heart failure on Feb. 17 at her home in Gulf Stream. She was 91. 

    She was born Jane Davis in Jersey City, N.J., on Feb. 7, 1924, and although she received an associate of arts degree in interior design from Skidmore College, she never took up a career, opting for a homemaker’s life. 

    The family lived in Dix  Hills, N.Y., until 1972, when she and her husband, the late Coulby Gunther, retired to Coral Gables. 

    Her greatest joys, her daughter said, were her family and friends. She is survived by three daughters, a son, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

    “She loved children, which is why she and my father built the Gunther-Davis Cottage for abused children at the Haven in Boca Raton,” Gunther said.

    That organization is now known as the Place of Hope, whose mission is to provide a stable and loving family environment for hurting children and their families. 

    Executive Director Charles L. Bender III remembered a visit from Jane and Coulby Gunther when it changed hands some years ago.

    “They wanted to make sure that her name would remain in perpetuity within the cottage,” Bender said. “I told them that it would. She was a very, very sweet lady. They are a tremendous family with a lot of love for her. It was so apparent. We’re glad the family name will remain here.”

    Gunther added her mother’s life touched the lives of many others. A lifelong volunteer, she devoted her time to various hospital auxiliaries and animal welfare causes and was nominated three times for the Boca Raton Junior League Woman Volunteer of the Year award.

    “Everybody loved her,” she said. “She accepted everyone — grandchildren, step-grandchildren — as her own. The woman was all heart. You don’t find women like her anymore. She was a true lady, the epitome of the word. Dignified, with an approachable warmth about her.”

    Gunther said her mother’s cat, Nutmeg, was one of her last and closest friends — so close, in fact, that the two died within 60 hours of each other.

    “Mom’s doctor said her spirit was with Nutmeg and when he died, she let go,” she said. “It’s obvious that those two had a plan with God. It’s hard to find a woman with the kind of class she had. Yet she was so down to earth. 

    “I remember we once looked for an independent living facility for her. This one place was very high class, where all the women had their diamonds and jewels on. She said, ‘I could never live here. These women are too stuck up!’ She had a wonderful upbringing.”

    While I have always found Rich Pollack to be a very competent reporter, I take issue with his article, “Manager steps down after negative IG report.” It is misleading and doesn’t address reasons for Kathleen Weiser’s departure. Many Highland Beach residents have been long-standing critics of Weiser’s management style and performance.

    Pollack’s excellent article in the February 2013 issue, “Residents critical of Weiser’s management of library director,” described a series of actions that many believe were intended to force the resignation of our library director, Mari Suarez.

    Residents complaining to the IG opposed the commission raising its spending limit from $350,000 to $1,350,000 without a referendum, but didn’t know it was in violation of our town charter. 

    Pollack’s article gives credence to Town Attorney Glen Torcivia’s contention that he “repeatedly asked for records from the town clerk’s office to be sure the spending cap could be increased by ordinance and received nothing to indicate otherwise.”   

    Torcivia and Weiser should have known our charter and spending limits. For counsel to complain about getting poor legal advice from the town clerk is ludicrous. The IG got it right.

    Of principal concern was Weiser’s use of “professional services contracts,” described as follows. Identify a project and solicit architects to submit letters of interest, which include qualifications, but no proposal or pricing. A committee selects a winning architect and negotiates a price for the architect’s services. Once a design plan is approved, the architect contracts for the construction.   

    In the case of the Town Hall renovation, only one bid was secured. The renovation budget was $850,000 and the final cost will be closer to $1.3 million. Weiser also authorized a change order that increased the architect’s “fixed price” contract 50 percent. 

    The process is flawed and subject to abuse. Weiser used this process for the library terrace renovation. The committee chose an architect who bid $18,000 but agreed to $15,000 and estimated the renovation would cost over $200,000. The commission rejected the proposal and directed Weiser to secure three bids for a design/build contract. Four bids were received and a contract is in process of being awarded in an amount not to exceed $150,000.

    Suggesting that the death of Dennis Sheridan caused a political shift that led to Weiser’s departure is incorrect. I met with Sheridan for almost two hours just before his fatal illness struck. While the subject of the meeting was the library, most of the time was spent discussing Weiser. The vote to accept Weiser’s resignation was 4 to 1, and I believe Sheridan would have voted with the majority.

    The separation agreement prohibited the parties discussing it, however The Coastal Star quoted Vice Mayor Ron Brown extolling Weiser’s virtues and saying, “Thank God we had her here as long as we did.” Brown is a staunch supporter and the lone vote opposing the agreement. The article also gave credence to Weiser’s contention that her departure was political, creating a false impression.

    The Coastal Star needlessly dredged up history from 2011 that compromises Beverly Brown. The commission was intimately aware of her history and competence when it unanimously appointed her interim town manager.

    In summary, the IG report and the death of Dennis Sheridan had little to do with Weiser’s departure. While there are residents that share Brown’s high opinion of Weiser, there was substantive justification for her departure.

Mike Stein

Highland Beach

    St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will host a free lecture on “Everglades Restoration: The Big Picture” at 7 p.m. March 16.

    Shannon Estenoz, the director of Everglades restoration initiatives for the U.S. Department of the Interior, will give insights into why Everglades restoration is important, discuss how the program is progressing and what South Floridians can expect moving ahead.  

    Estenoz coordinates the Department of the Interior’s restoration efforts and is executive director of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Her 17-year Everglades career includes roles as program director, executive director and regional director for local, national and international nongovernmental organizations and three terms as national co-chair of the Everglades Coalition.

    She will speak in St. Gregory’s Harris Hall, at 100 NE Mizner Blvd.

— Steve Plunkett

By Tao Woolfe

    The height and density of downtown buildings, traffic congestion, annexation and the expansion of Florida Atlantic University are among the top issues in the Boca Raton City Council race.

    Questions about those issues were fielded by the three candidates running for Seat C, the only open seat on the council, at a recent debate sponsored by the Federation of Boca Raton Homeowners Associations.  

    All three candidates — retired lawyer and businessman Frank Chapman; real estate agent and political consultant Jamie Sauer; and IBM computer security engineer Jeremy Rodgers — say they would limit the height of future high-rise buildings, believe in annexing unincorporated areas if it’s done thoughtfully, and would encourage FAU’s expansion if student housing is built to accommodate the influx of students.

    Those issues were brought up again at a debate sponsored by the Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club. Only Sauer and Rodgers showed up for that debate. Chapman declined the invitation.

    Developers and development of Boca Raton is the hot topic. Lots of behind-the-scenes politicking is going on in that arena.

    Both Chapman and Rodgers claimed at the homeowners’ forum that they had been approached by developers and asked to drop out of the race. Sauer’s campaign contributors include prominent developers, development attorneys, Realtors and local businesses. Sauer so far has raised $42,000.

    Chapman has loaned himself $102,000 and raised $430 from contributors and Rodgers has loaned his campaign $28,350 and raised $5,525 from contributors through Feb. 6, according to the financial reports filed with the city. 

    Both men have said that Sauer is beholden to the developers who are supporting her.

    Sauer, 34, denies that the contributions would sway her opinions as a council member. She describes herself as an independent thinker and would limit building heights to 100 feet. Sauer, who is active in the Junior League and the Boca Raton Historical Society, also has the backing of other longtime political players.

    Keeping Boca’s quality of life while fostering responsible growth is her key message.

    Chapman, 47, has been criticized for bringing big league-style negative campaign practices to the race. Negative campaigning by Chapman drove a fourth candidate out of the battle to gain former Vice Mayor Constance Scott’s seat.

    Sidelined was Armand Grossman, who dropped out after a mass mailing and website raised questions about a real estate course he ran.

    Chapman advocates better communication between residents and the council. He would hold regular Town Hall meetings and seek residents’ input before making decisions about future development. He is calling for a moratorium on downtown apartment buildings and says homeowners are more committed to the city.

    Rodgers, 36, and a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve, said he would bring honor, courage and commitment to the job. He said that unlike the other candidates, he has served on the city’s Finance Advisory Board and regularly attends City Council meetings. 

    Rodgers wants to see the city become a technical hub and to attract more medical, technology and research companies and jobs.

    All three candidates have longstanding ties to Boca. Rodgers, the “newcomer” of the group, has lived here since attending Florida Atlantic University in 1997. Chapman and Sauer grew up in Boca. 

    Seat D was also up for bid, but Councilman Robert Weinroth automatically won that race because no one challenged him. He has been serving out the term of City Councilman Anthony Majhess. Majhess vacated his council seat to launch an unsuccessful bid for mayor.

    Because he is unopposed, Weinroth’s name will not appear on the ballot.

Three compete for Seat C

    The following candidates are competing for a three-year term on the Boca Raton City Council:

Frank Chapman

Age: 47

Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Marital Status: Married, three children

Political/Community Service Experience: Former chairman of the Boca Raton Middle School Advisory Council, former chairman of the Addison Mizner Elementary School Advisory Council

Important Issues: Traffic, high-rise development

Quote: “We need to fundamentally rethink how city hall manages our city. Invest in infrastructure and partnerships that will bring capital, talent and technology together to create jobs and transform our economy. Demand new accountability on contracts, budgets and projects.”

Website: votefrankchapman.com

Jeremy Rodgers

Age: 36

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer engineering from Florida Atlantic University

Marital Status: Married, three children

Political/Community Service Experience: Financial Advisory Board member

Important Issues: Jobs, education, managed growth

Quote: “City Council would be the perfect place for us to make a difference, shape the future of our community and teach our children about public service in the process. Make the best choice. Boca deserves better. Vote March 10.”

Website: electrodgers.com

Jamie Sauer

Age: 34

Education: Bachelor’s in finance and master’s in political science at the University of Florida

Marital Status: Married, two children

Political/Community Service Experience: Boca Raton Historical Society board member, Junior League of Boca Raton board member

Important Issues: Beach renourishment, population growth, keeping taxes low, maintaining public services

Quote: “I’m a consensus builder. I’ve worked on town hall summits throughout the state tackling such issues as economic development, seniors, education, homeland security and the environment. We’ve gotten people together from all sides and built policy from that. I can bring that to the City Council.”

Website: jamieforboca.com

By Rich Pollack

    Highland Beach town officials are once again going back to the drawing board as they continue searching for professionals to design and enclose two terraces at the public library. 

    After discovering last month that a company recommended by a selection panel to design and build the structures was owned in large part by the daughter of Library Director Mari Suarez, Highland Beach commissioners agreed not to award the contract. 

    “We couldn’t accept the quote that was given,” said Commissioner Carl Feldman. 

    Instead, commissioners at their March 3 meeting decided to reject all bids and once again seek new proposals. 

    “It is abundantly clear that the facts and circumstances resulted in the appearance of impropriety,” said Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker.

    The proposal from Reel Builders LLC included services for design and construction and came in at $144,671, which was the lowest bid. But commissioners, on the advice of Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, agreed not to award the bid after learning that Suarez’s daughter, Maria Williams, owned 49 percent of the company. 

    The other 51 percent of Reel Builders in owned by Suarez’s son-in-law, Dax Williams. He told town officials in February that he would be willing to reconfigure ownership of the company in order to resolve the issue should the town decide to re-bid the project. 

    In a letter to commissioners, Torcivia cited a section of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics that prohibits relatives of town officials or employees from entering into a contractual relationship with the town. 

    “If the contract is awarded to Reel Builders, there is a possibility that Library Director Mari Suarez may be in violation of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics,” Torcivia wrote.

    While the code clearly prohibits employees’ children from contracting with the town, it does not contain clear language regarding in-laws.

    Town Finance Director Cale Curtis said he was aware at the time of bidding that Williams was connected to Reel Builders and related to Suarez. He said the town, however, did not know that Maria Williams had a 49 percent ownership interest in the company. 

    The commission’s decision to reject the bid is just one more setback for the project.

    Last summer the town issued a request for qualifications for an architect to develop plans and received several responses. A selection committee recommended contracting with the architectural firm of Bridges, Marsh & Associates at a negotiated price of $16,000. 

    Following concerns voiced by residents over whether an architect was necessary for such a small project, town commissioners rejected the staff recommendation. 

    When informed by the town building official that the town code required an architect for the project, commissioners asked staff to issue a request for proposal for the design phase. Only one bid was received and that was in excess of $25,000. 

    Frustrated by the lack of other responses, commissioners rejected the bid and decided on yet a third approach, which was to seek a company to do the design and build work for the project. 

    Now, with the rejection of the latest bids, the town will try for the fourth time to get the project back on track.

By Rich Pollack

    Voters in Highland Beach will be selecting a vice mayor on March 10 and will have a chance to approve spending on two water service-related projects, one replacing aging water mains and another designed to improve the quality of water. 

    Incumbent Vice Mayor Ron Brown, 68, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and commercial airline pilot, will be facing a challenge from clinical psychologist Bill Weitz, 69.

    Brown is president of the Bel Lido Isles Property Owners Association and has been vice mayor for the last three years. 

    Weitz served on the town’s Board of Adjustment and Appeals until he stepped  down to run for vice mayor, and is a seven-year member of the board of directors of the Enclave. He is a former president of the Florida Psychological Association.

    Incumbent commissioners Lou Stern and Rhoda Zelniker ran without opposition and retained their seats. 

    Voters will also be asked to give town officials the go-ahead to spend up to $5 million on the two water projects. 

    A referendum on whether the town proceed with the water projects is necessary because Highland Beach’s charter requires voter approval of any capital project over $350,000. 

    The first project, if approved, would enable the town to move forward with the replacement of 6,700 linear feet of water mains serving side streets. The mains that would be replaced were installed in the late 1940s and are near the end of their life expectancy. 

    “This is an investment to ensure sustainability of our potable water system,” said Public Works Director Ed Soper. “Because of the age of the system, we recommend being proactive.”

    While there have been no water main breaks recently, the goal is to avoid emergency situations where repairs and replacements could be costly and likely inconvenience residents throughout the town. 

    As part of the project, crews likely will be replacing the current mains — made of a combination of asbestos and cement — with more durable high-density polyethylene pipes.

    If passed, the ballot measure would also allow the town to go ahead with the installation of a lime slurry/carbon dioxide system at Highland Beach’s water treatment plant, which would improve the aesthetic quality of the water. 

    “These projects are for the safety and well-being of the entire community,” said Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker. “If there is a water main break it will impact every resident. We want to be proactive.” 

    To fund the projects, the town would seek a 20-year loan, likely to have an interest rate of below 2 percent, through the state of Florida. The town is planning to use ad valorem taxes — deductible from federal income taxes for residents — to pay back the debt, which would be reflected in tax bills. 

    Town officials estimate property owners will see an increase of only about $15 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

    “In the long run, these projects will save tax dollars for every resident of Highland Beach,” Commissioner Lou Stern said, adding that costs to implement the projects in future would likely be higher than they are now. “It’s a health and safety issue as well as financial issue.”

Two vie for vice mayor position

    The following candidates are competing for a three-year term on the Highland Beach Town Commission:

Ron Brown 

(Incumbent)

Age: 68

Education: Bachelor’s in business management from Indiana University, master’s in international relations from Troy State

Marital Status: Married, one child

Political/Community Service Experience: Vice mayor of Highland Beach, former member of Highland Beach Code Enforcement Board, president of Bel Lido Property Owners Association

Important Issues: Town improvements, infrastructure maintenance

Quote: “I’d like to continue to try to make the quality of life better for our residents. I would like to have our 2.9-mile-long walkway repaved. Right now we’re trying to get a referendum to get water mains to all of our side streets, which I think is imperative.”

Bill Weitz

Age: 69

Education: Bachelor’s in psychology from Lehigh University, master’s degree in clinical psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Ph.D in clinical psychology from the University of Miami

Marital Status: Single

Political/Community Service Experience: Former president of the Florida Psychological Association

Important Issues: Maintaining a low tax base, re-establishing ethical practices in government, supporting transparency in decision-making, promoting open communication with residents

Quote: “I want to ensure the proper supervision and oversight to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in town management. I also want to make sure that public projects are prioritized properly and funded reasonably and that we don’t put a tremendous tax burden on the population. I also want to return civility to town meetings. I think it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable.”

By Sallie James

    Boca Raton has discontinued its red light camera program in the wake of recent litigation that red-flagged the issuance of traffic tickets by a third party vendor.

    At a Feb. 10 council meeting, City Manager Leif Ahnell announced the city was ending its program. Council members, aware of the litigation, said they understood.

    As of Nov. 1, Boca Raton had stopped citing red-light runners in anticipation of a ruling from the 4th District Court of Appeal on a Hollywood case involving red light cameras. 

    The 4th DCA subsequently refused to rehear an October ruling that found Hollywood could not assign ticket-writing duties to third party vendor American Traffic Solutions, the same company that Boca had contracted with to issue traffic tickets.

    As a result, city officials decided to discontinue their own red light camera program. Palm Beach County, Hallandale Beach, Margate and Coral Springs have also scrapped red light camera programs.

    Boca Raton had installed the cameras at six intersections.

    “The 4th DCA upheld the decision that was against the city of Hollywood,” City Council member Scott Singer said. “That court decision stated cities should not delegate any component of the red light camera ticket issuance to third parties, so that would require cities to entirely use their staff for all phases of the ticket issuance process. It would be significantly more expensive.”

    As a result, Singer said he supported ending Boca’s program.

    Council member Robert Weinroth also supported terminating the program in light of the 4th DCA’s action.

    “It did what it needed to do, which was to increase the awareness of needing to stop at red lights,” Weinroth said. “It was well worth the program. Less than 10 percent of the people who got a ticket at the red light camera came back and got a second ticket.”

     The program wasn’t making the city any money anymore, either, Weinroth said.

    When Boca’s program first started, the city made more than $1 million during the first 15 months, but the profits dried up. All the money subsequently went to either American Traffic Solutions or the state, Weinroth said.

    Kate Coulson, a spokeswoman for American Traffic Solutions, deemed the program a success.

    “Boca Raton’s Red-Light Safety Camera Program was started with the goal of changing driver behavior and that’s exactly what it’s done,” Coulson wrote in an email. “Since the program’s launch in May 2012 violations per camera per day have fallen by over 80 percent.  We have enjoyed working with the city to achieve their public safety goals.”

    Hollywood is appealing the 4th DCA ruling to the Florida Supreme Court. Ú

Peggy and Phillip DeZwirek

    Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation received a $2 million donation from Phillip and Peggy DeZwirek to name the Phillip and Peggy DeZwirek Center for Spinal Disorders and Back Pain in the hospital’s new Marcus Neuroscience Institute. 

    The gift will fund programs, technology, capital projects and services for the center. Phillip DeZwirek, a Toronto based financier and philanthropist, was the founder and is Chairman Emeritus of CECO Environmental Corp. of Cincinnati. 

    Through the DeZwirek Family Holding Company, the DeZwireks hold multiple successful private enterprises. Phillip DeZwirek was a founder and Director of Pan Ocean Oil Corp., which he merged with Marathon Oil Company in 1976.

— Staff report

By Sallie James

    To vape or not to vape? That was the question.

    The answer came with a 3-2 vote in February when Boca Raton City Council members tabled a proposal to ban electronic cigarette use in public places, citing concern over a lack of medical information.

    “I really think there needs to be a statewide uniform system of regulation, rather than having a patchwork of municipal ordinances,” said council member Robert Weinroth, at a Feb. 24 meeting. 

    Deputy Mayor Constance Scott proposed the ban, citing concern over carcinogenic byproducts and unpleasant odors after she caught a whiff of someone “vaping.” She wanted the city to treat “vaping” the same way it treats smoking, and ban the practice in workplaces, parks and on the beach.

    Scott said city action on the matter would have demonstrated Boca Raton’s willingness to exercise home rule to enforce an ordinance that would “protect not those who choose to vape but those who choose not to vape.”

    But her proposal went up in smoke after several business owners and residents spoke out against the proposed ban.

    “This is good because now we can wait and see if the FDA regulates it,” said Nick Trovedi, who owns The Vapor Club in Boca Raton. “The FDA hasn’t classified the product as harmful to human health.”

    Council member Scott Singer said he tabled the measure because he couldn’t find any policy statements by the American Medical Association that said e-cigarette usage was harmful.

    “The medical community is split on this. The record is not thorough yet,” Singer said. “If it were a bit more fleshed out I would feel more comfortable here.”

    Business owner Karl Dickey said he believes it should be a business owner’s right to decide if someone can vape inside their business, not something decided by city officials.

    “It would be good if the city supported the business community,” Dickey said. He doesn’t believe the state Legislature will take further action on the matter.

    Mayor Susan Haynie, who voiced support for the measure, said she spoke with a restaurant owner who supported an e-cigarette ban and said he believed most other restaurant owners would feel the same way. 

    “People find it to be disruptive in restaurants,” Haynie said.

By Sallie James

    A free, on-call electric cart service may be coming to Boca Raton’s downtown as an alternative mode of transportation to ease a chronic parking crunch.

    The owner of Delray Beach’s Downtowner has expressed interest in expanding his service into Boca. The city is waiting to receive a proposal in writing.

    The electric cars were just one of several ideas addressing mobility challenges that were discussed during the Feb. 9 Community Redevelopment Agency meeting. 

    Other suggestions included updating a downtown transit study to include new usage statistics for a downtown shuttle, a downtown circulator route and the not-yet-built Tri-Rail station near Military Trail and Glades Road.

    During that meeting, the Downtowner’s owner Steve Murray voiced interest in providing electric cart service to Boca, noting that his business already moves about 16,000 people a month in Delray Beach.

    “The parking in Boca is even more of an issue than it is in Delray,” Murray told city officials. “We are a service needed here.”

    Murray started the popular Downtowner in Delray Beach three years ago. 

    The electric cart rides are free. Riders book their rides and tip drivers using a mobile phone app. Cost of the cart service is paid for by advertisers who purchase wrap-around ads that adorn individual electric carts.

    The service specializes in providing many trips in a small geographic area.

    “If you are a mile from Mizner there is no reason you should be driving to Mizner,” Murray told CRA members. “We are really effective transportation.”

    We will pick you up at your house and take you to the door of the restaurant,” Murray said.

    The city will be pursuing grant money for downtown transit opportunities as well as South Florida Regional Transit Authority partnerships.

    During the meeting, Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee vice chairman Mary Czar suggested the city review routes, operating times and ridership on shuttle routes operating throughout the city.

    All are well-used with high ridership, she noted.

    New alternatives could include a Tri-Rail shuttle from downtown Boca to the Tri-Rail station on Yamato Road and a Downtown circulator route that would include Federal Highway, Palmetto Park Road and Mizner Boulevard.

    A 2010 study estimated ridership totals at a high of more than 150,000 and that was before so much residential construction had occurred downtown. Updating that study would provide a much clearer picture of the city’s current needs.

Paul Homer, of Boca Raton, leads a nature walk during Sea Turtle Day at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

on Feb. 28. The event featured a critter corner, craft activities, aquarium feedings, nature walks and a food truck area. 

Photos by Madeline Gray/The Coastal Star

Here is a brief history of the center prepared by Nancy Leeds, a volunteer and member of the center’s board of trustees:

The 1970s

    The city of Boca Raton began to make a special effort to preserve the five miles of coastline and recognized that an outdoor, hands-on interpretive program would be extremely beneficial to the community.

    Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District acquired Red Reef Park.

    The city formed a permanent association with the Palm Beach County School Board to begin an environmental program at Spanish River Park. Gordon Gilbert began teaching environmental programs for students.

    The master plan for Red Reef Park recommended the development of a nature center.  A group of concerned citizens formed the Gumbo Limbo Friends of the Nature Center, an advisory and fundraising committee.

    The city of Boca Raton’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program began in Development Services.

The 1980s    

    The auxiliary group, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center of South Palm Beach County, Inc., was formed from the Gumbo Limbo Friends of the Nature Center and registered its 501(c)(3) organization under federal tax laws.

    The Beach and Park District provided $750,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department (now Recreation Services) to build Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. After its completion and official dedication, the public school environmental program was moved from Spanish River Park to Gumbo Limbo.

    The city entered into an agreement with Florida Atlantic University for an easement deed for the purpose of maintaining future salt water lines (running from the Atlantic Ocean).

    A $200,000 project was completed that added a one-third-mile boardwalk and tower to Gumbo Limbo.

    The Sea Turtle Conservation Program was transferred to Recreation Services and located at Gumbo Limbo.

The 1990s

    The trustees of Gumbo Limbo commissioned artist Sharon Earl to design six stained glass windows to recapture the natural world of 1513. These windows were installed in the north side of the Nature Center.

    Two new buildings, the Florida Atlantic University research lab, and the outdoor tanks were completed. Gumbo Limbo was rededicated as Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex.

    Gumbo Limbo received the Howland Award for Environmental Enhancement from the National League of Cities.

The 2000s

    An extension to the south end of Red Reef Park was added onto the existing boardwalk, and a boardwalk bridge connecting the hammock to the tank area was completed.

    An outdoor classroom with an authentic chickee roof was constructed over the teaching platform near the Intracoastal Waterway along the Ashley Trail.

    A ceremony was held to honor the retirement of Gordon Gilbert, and the 20th anniversary of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center was celebrated.

    The first Sea Turtle Day was held to celebrate 30 years of sea turtle conservation and research in Boca Raton.

    A sea turtle sculpture garden, depicting life-size representations of the seven species of sea turtles worldwide, was completed.

The 2010s

    The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility was permitted by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and opened. Cold weather takes a toll on Florida’s sea turtle population, and the rehabilitation facility took in over 180 patients within the first few weeks of opening.

    New seawater tanks and pavilions were constructed, funded by the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.

    Friends of Gumbo Limbo conducted the Fill the Tanks campaign to provide animals and habitats for the new tanks.

Kayleigh Hernandez, 11, of West Palm Beach, hugs Luna

the sea turtle during Sea Turtle Day at Gumbo Limbo.

Turtle Facts

    If baby sea turtles make it into the ocean after hatching, they still face many hurdles to survive. 

    These include:

    The destruction of their natural habitat through shoreline development, which alters nesting patterns and destroys food supplies.

    The effects of marine pollution, including becoming tangled in fishing gear, and ingesting garbage and plastic products that weaken their immune systems.

    Fishing and poaching.

    Climate change that causes extreme weather and water temperature change. Hotter water affects hatchling sex rations and extreme storms destroy beaches and coral reefs.

    Gumbo Limbo rescues injured turtles, helps them recover and returns them to the ocean. The preserve also finds and protects nesting turtles, and raises awareness through ongoing classes, field trips and research.

By Rich Pollack

    Before he started working on his Eagle project, 16-year-old Boca Raton Boy Scout Charlie Schmidt didn’t know all that much about the Boca Raton Airport. 

    He knew that during World War II what is now an executive airfield used by private planes had been part of a much larger airbase, but he never really had a grasp of the bigger picture. 

    “I knew it was a military base, I just didn’t know the significance,” he said.

    Now the scout from Troop 333 is hoping to help others gain a better understanding of the important role the airport — and a large parcel surrounding it — played during the war by erecting a monument on airport grounds that will honor those who served and highlight some of the base’s history. 

    “It’s important for people to learn about this,” he said. “It is one of the most significant aspect of Boca Raton history.” 

    Last month, Schmidt — who needs to complete a significant community project as part of his efforts to become an Eagle Scout — was back before the Boca Raton Airport Authority with revised plans to calm concerns authority members had expressed during a January meeting about a permanent installation.

    What the teen came back with was a plan to make the memorial more mobile by having it anchored into the ground by 2-foot-long stakes. Should the property where the monument will likely be placed be needed for other purposes, crews could easily move the estimated 300-pound structure with a backhoe.

    Following the presentation, airport authority members gave Schmidt the green light to move forward with the project, but asked that he come back for additional approval once his plans for the memorial are finalized. 

    Airport staff members who work with Schmidt say they are impressed with the dedication and level of professionalism the scout displayed. 

    “He came in with a well-thought-out plan and explained how the airport could benefit from his project,” said Clara Bennett, the airport’s executive director. “He did his homework before he came to us.”

    Right now, plans are for the memorial to be about 5 feet tall and include four or five plaques, each commemorating a different aspect of the airfield’s history. 

    One of the plaques, for example would explain that the memorial “commemorates Boca Raton’s World War II military contributions and the unselfish service of veterans — past, present, and future.”

    Another would explain that the close to 6,000-acre Boca Raton Army Air Field, which included what is now the Boca Raton Airport as well as the grounds of Florida Atlantic University, served as a training facility where army airmen learned how to use radar, a top-secret technology at the time. 

    Schmidt, who has been working with a masonry company on the plans, estimates the cost of the memorial would be around $3,000, money he will be raising from private donations.

    Susan Gillis, archivist for the Boca Raton Historical Society, said there is nothing currently on the site of the airport grounds or at FAU to publicly explain the historical significance of the property. 

    “Boca Raton should be very proud of the contributions the airbase and those who served there made during World War II,” said Gillis, who is helping Schmidt with his research.

    The scout, who is also involved in the Junior ROTC program at Boca Raton High School and is on the school’s debate team, believes the opportunity to work with airport staff and to make a presentation to the authority board has been a great learning experience.

    “This has been a completely unique experience,” he said. “It taught me to be persistent with what I believe in."

Walkers are led by Kiwanis Club of Boca Raton President Ro Robozzi (in red shirt) as more than 150

Key Club students from three Boca Raton high schools — together with Kiwanians, city officials and sponsors —

participated in a one-mile procession to raise money for scholarships to assist the homeless. ‘Our goal

is to provide hope and assistance to homeless students to be able to complete their education

and change their life,’ event Chairman Dick Reed said.

Funds will be distributed through the George Snow Scholarship Foundation.

Photo provided by Barbara McCormick

By Steve Plunkett

    Severe corrosion of metal connectors on Gumbo Limbo Nature Center’s popular boardwalk has forced Boca Raton to close the wooden pathway until it can be repaired or renovated, a task that could take at least six months and more than $1 million.

    Bridge Designs Associates Inc., the city’s consulting engineers, inspected the quarter-mile boardwalk and warned parks officials Feb. 22 that a number of joists under the planks had “no positive means of support.”

    “Because these connection points could fail without warning and the deck could drop, these boardwalks should be closed to the public immediately,” the engineers wrote.

    The next day Boca Raton closed the educational loop trail and its observation tower.  Deputy Recreation Services Director Buddy Parks also asked the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, which pays the nature center’s operating and maintenance costs, for money to replace the boardwalk.

    He included three bids the city obtained last April ranging from $1.3 million to $1.9 million.

    Beach and Park District commissioners wrestled with the request at their March 2 meeting.

    “Is there any price guarantee on these bids?” asked Commissioner Steven Engel asked. “Because if there isn’t, then these bids are virtually useless.”

    Steve Alley, who sits on the board of the Friends of Gumbo Limbo and also leads tours on the boardwalk on Sundays, emailed commissioners to say he thought the city’s replacement proposal was “cost overkill” and that “a more fiscally responsible way” should be found.

    Commissioners told Arthur Koski, the district’s acting executive director, to get consultant Miller Legg to analyze the city’s proposal. Miller Legg already is updating the master plan for the oceanfront Red Reef Park, which includes Gumbo Limbo.

    “I just think that it would be not prudent to make a decision to spend that amount of money without getting all the facts,” Koski said.

    The district spends about $2.2 million a year operating the park.

    Only the loop trail is closed. The northern Ashley Trail, which Alley complained is “far less diverse,” remains open, as does the southern spur from Red Reef’s parking lot.

    News of the boardwalk’s closure spoiled an otherwise upbeat week for Gumbo Limbo. The nature center celebrated its 30th anniversary of its Sea Turtle Day on Feb. 28. And turtle watchers logged the first nest of 2015, a leatherback, on Feb. 26.

    Turtle nesting season is March 1 to Nov. 30.

By Dan Moffett

    South Palm Beach voters will have plenty to think about when they go to the polls March 10 to elect a mayor and decide the fate of four charter amendments.

    Councilwoman Bernice “Bonnie” Fischer gave the town its first contested race for mayor in years with her 11th hour filing to challenge incumbent Donald Clayman.

    “I think it’s time for a change,” said Fischer, who has been the town’s point person on environmental issues since her election to the Town Council four years ago. “The No. 1 priority has to be getting our beaches straightened out. And I also think the mayor should have a greater presence beyond South Palm Beach and get involved in working with our neighboring towns.”

    Clayman, a retired podiatrist, has never faced a contested election in the town. He was appointed to a vacant council seat in 2010, then in December of that year, was the council’s choice to replace Mayor Marty Millar, who was forced out of office over ethics violations.

    Clayman’s supporters credit him with restoring a tone of civility to the town after a contentious period of debate over height limitations. He also has won praise for helping to guide South Palm Beach through some tight budget years when property values and tax revenues plummeted during the nation’s Great Recession.

    Fischer’s run for mayor opens a council seat that will be filled by newcomer Woodrow Gorbach, the only candidate who applied for the office.

    The four charter amendments on the ballot are the result of several meetings of public debate last year, during which council members decided to take some pragmatic steps to ensure that people who are willing to serve the town are able to do so. The amendments eliminate term limits, change the rules for certain special elections and loosen the requirements for hiring town managers.

    Here’s a look at the proposed changes:

    • Eliminate term limits for Town Council members, beginning with those in office after the March 10 vote.

    Like many small communities, South Palm Beach has had trouble finding residents to run for office. The current charter language restricts council members to a maximum of three consecutive two-year terms. If voters approve the change, council members would have no limits on the number of terms they could serve.

    “If you think someone’s doing a bad job,” said Vice Mayor Joseph Flagello, “then vote them out of office.”

    • Eliminate term limits for residents who volunteer for the town’s boards and committees.The change takes into account the learning curve needed for volunteers to get fully involved in working for the town. Supporters of the amendment say it takes time for volunteers to learn their jobs and it makes no sense to lose that competency when they are forced to leave boards because of term limits.

    • Eliminate special elections when a council seat unexpectedly becomes vacant for longer than six months. Under the change, the Town Council would be able to appoint a candidate to the council to serve out an unexpired term of greater than six months. The seat then would be put before the voters during the next scheduled March election.

    The amendment would save the town the cost of holding a special election — as much as $8,000 — and prevent spring and summer votes when South Palm Beach’s snowbird population is at its low.

    • Revise the qualifications for the town manager position.

    Current charter language requires candidates for the job to have at least 10 years’ experience and a specialized management degree. Council members believe this is unnecessarily restrictive and eliminates capable prospects for no good reason.

Two candidates for mayor

    The following candidates are competing for a two-year term as mayor of South Palm Beach:

Donald W. Clayman 

(Incumbent) 

Age: “I’m in my 70s.”

Education: Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine

Marital Status: Married, five children

Political/Community Service Experience: Mayor of South Palm Beach, School Board member of Winthrop, Mass.

Important Issues: Beach restoration

Quote: “We’re losing our beaches all the time. Something has got to be done to alleviate the problem. Our beaches are the most important part of South Palm Beach. We are completely stable financially and the tax rate has stayed stable without any increases. We also have a wonderful police force.”

Bernice “Bonnie” Fischer

Age: 62

Education: Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven; bachelor’s in environmental biology

Marital Status: Widowed, one child

Political/Community Service Experience: Town Council for four years, member of the Coastal Ocean Task Force

Important Issues: Beach erosion

Quote: “I think it’s important for a mayor to get out and deal with other communities and have a good rapport with our neighbors and the League of Cities. There’s a lot more to being a mayor than just staying within the confines of South Palm Beach.”