The sunset provides a colorful background for yoga on the beach at the Seagate club. Jan Engoren/The Coastal Star

By Jan Engoren

With Van Morrison’s Moondance setting the tone, Delray Beach yoga instructor Corey Heyman welcomed her Full Moon class of yogis and yoginis to the Seagate Beach Club with dabs of essential oil — either full moon or grounding.

About 25 people, mostly women, got towels and Fiji water (courtesy of the Seagate) and laid down their yoga mats in the sand — with the ocean and anticipated full moon in front and the sun and anticipated sunset in back.

Class began with a 10-minute meditation and gentle stretching followed by “not too many chaturangas,” due to the uneven surface of the sand.

Madeline Burger, Seagate’s director of wellness and fitness, said the genesis of yoga on the beach grew out of the coronavirus pandemic when the club recognized a need for stress reduction and mental health wellness.

“We wanted to create a sanctuary for people to come, move, breathe and connect,” she says, “and to create a sense of community. Corey is a key player in the wellness community here in Delray Beach and we, and her students, love having her here.”

The 60-minute, vinyasa flow class is open to the public and includes a lunar meditation, moon salutations and yoga poses, followed by a moonlight savasana.

Heyman, 32, founded and runs the Coco Market — a wellness-centered event — the first Sunday of every month at Old School Square.

“I’m grateful to have this platform in which to shine and build more community,” she says. “By offering their space, members and services to the public at large, the Seagate Beach Club has elevated this experience for anyone who is interested.”

She says finding yoga has connected her more to her body and to her spirit.

“Yoga allows me to feel something greater — more of a spiritual element,” Heyman says. “It has made me stronger, and the stillness has given me a sense of peace.”
Heyman, who formerly worked in the substance abuse community, took a yoga class with her dad in 2019 and says, “I realized this was meant for me. It was divine intervention. I found peace I never had.”

She completed her teacher training during the pandemic, and her parents were her first clients.

At the Seagate, Heyman times her lunar yoga classes so attendees can see the sun setting in one pose and the moon rising in the next.

Two of her devotees are Gina Oriend, 48, who works in hospitality management in Delray Beach, and Joy Rico, 70, a retired dermatologist.

Oriend, who has a background in dance and gymnastics, says she was searching for yoga on the beach when she met Heyman.

“Corey has an inviting aura about her and a calming presence,” she says. “She has come into her own through yoga. Her classes are low-key and not intimidating and she is good at what she does.”

Rico, a member of the Seagate Country Club, says the yoga classes are one of the best reasons to join the club.

She especially likes being outdoors and witnessing nature. “Even if you just sit on your towel and breathe, you are doing yoga,” she says.

Rico credits Heyman for creating a welcoming event.

“Corey is respectful of her students, a great leader with a positive outlook.

“Here and with Coco Market, she created a community of beautiful, like-minded people. She’s a thoughtful and creative person, working to better her community.”

Namaste.

If You Go
What: Full-moon yoga
Where: Seagate Beach Club, 401 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach
When: 6:30 p.m. March 24, 7 p.m. April 23 and May 22
Cost: $20
Info: seagatedelray.com/events; 561-330-3775

Outdoor yoga
Yoga at the Beach, through Boca Raton Community Center: full moon yoga classes, sunset yoga classes and workout yoga at Red Reef Park East and West. yoga-at-the-beach.com; 561-393-7807
Leslie Glickman and Yoga Journey: Yoga in the Park, 9 a.m. Saturdays at Sanborn Square in Boca Raton. yogajourney.com; 561-479-7819
Bamboo Garden Yoga: 88 SE Fourth Ave., Delray Beach. Registration required. 561-665-1770; bamboogardenyoga.com
Wild Sky Yoga with Sara: Beach yoga at the south end of Delray Beach, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursdays, from November to May. 561-305-4952

Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@hotmail.com.

Dr. Joseph Ricotta, national medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy for Tenet Healthcare, recently completed his 350th transcarotid artery revascularization procedure since 2018.

TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat carotid artery disease.

“Performing 350 successful TCAR procedures displays our team’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art treatment for patients with carotid artery disease and preventing stroke,” said Ricotta, professor of surgery and program director of the vascular surgery fellowship at Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine Delray Medical Center. “It gives us the unique ability to offer all available treatment options to people in need, including TCAR, carotid stenting, surgical carotid endarterectomy, and medical management under one umbrella.”

Being able to provide this lifesaving treatment is humbling, Ricotta said. In 2020, he received the national TCAR Clinical Operator of Excellence distinction, awarded by Silk Road Medical, the manufacturer of the TCAR device. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, he has earned consistent recognition as a National Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and has written more than 300 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
     
Palm Beach Health Network has introduced a new tagline: “Stronger Together. For You.”

Its network includes six hospitals: Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Delray Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center. The network also includes free-standing emergency rooms, imaging centers, surgery centers and a team of physicians. 

“We are thrilled to unveil our new tagline, ‘Stronger Together. For You,’” said Maggie Gill, group president for Tenet Healthcare. “This mantra represents our continued commitment to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive health care services in Palm Beach County. We are proud of our long-standing role as a pillar in the community.”
  
Heather Havericak was recently named the chief operating officer of Delray Medical Center. She will manage daily operations and oversee the development and implementation of long-range plans, goals and objectives for the hospital.

Previously, Havericak was at Broward Health, where she served in various leadership roles for 17 years. 

Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.

Event founder Susan Berkowitz-Schwartz (center in red) with some of the attendees at a past All People’s Day event at Pompey Park in Delray Beach. Photo provided

By Faran Fagen

When Susan Berkowitz-Schwartz moved to Delray Beach almost two decades ago, she and her husband made it their mission to visit as many cultural festivals as possible, for research as well as enjoyment.

She planned to bring to South Florida her All People’s Day, an arts festival that had much success unifying people of different cultures and backgrounds in New Jersey.

“People said no one would come, that people would stick with their own festivals, and I said, ‘they will come,’” Berkowitz-Schwartz said. “I invited all these people who organized all the local festivals and they came — and brought their family and friends.”

The first nonprofit All People’s Day at Pompey Park in Delray Beach welcomed 300 people. Now, with the 15th annual event set for March 30 at Pompey,  650 people are expected. Many of them are children.

“Every year, the same core people come, and every year we have new people,” said Berkowitz-Schwartz, the founder and president of All People’s Day. “We want everyone to be exposed to all the culture and art in the world.”

APD is a celebration of art, music and dance, with a wide array of activities for both children and adults.

Some of the highlights planned for this festival include puppet-making, 14 song and dance performers, Craft Dough People workshop, and an All People’s Day family mural where kids and their parents connect to other families.

“All People’s Day is about connecting people from many different cultures through the arts because the arts touch people’s hearts,” said Berkowitz-Schwartz.

She is no stranger to the unifying and healing powers of art. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she learned to express herself through art. Although she had difficulty reading, her mom encouraged her to develop her skills through painting, drawing and sculpting. She eventually got her master’s in art therapy.

“I found that I was good at something,” she said. “Everyone needs to know that they’re good at something and that they can find it.”

The main portion of the festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features 14 diverse song and dance performers. Among those set to perform are Cecilia St. King, whose songs have spiritual messages; the Delray Divas, doing African-American step dancing; South Florida Taiko Drummers; Pink Slip, European duo singers; Rosa Showers, who offers total body fitness including the audience; Angel, a Caribbean-American singer; Rod MacDonald, a European folk singer; Simone Huete, leading Zumba that includes the audience; Kailani C, a young dancer; the Gay Men’s Chorus, and Carol Garrett singing Jewish songs.

A free indoor event on Easter weekend, the festival will have 50 interactive booths — many showcasing nonprofit organizations — and free food from local restaurants representing diverse cultures.

Among restaurants scheduled to participate are Ziree Thai & Sushi; Paella De España; Bud’s Chicken & Seafood; Maoz, featuring vegetarian cuisine; Goldstein’s Haitian Café; Agliolio, featuring Italian food, and Furin Thai.

Prior to the main events is the kids’ free Craft Dough People workshop for ages 4 to 11 held from 9:30 until 11 a.m.

“The lesson is that we’re all made from the same materials and therefore we should all be treated with equal respect,” Berkowitz-Schwartz said of the workshop.

Free parking is again available, but this year guests will be asked to park a block away at S.D. Spady Elementary School because of Pompey Park renovations.

Vendor registration is required and can be done by contacting Berkowitz-Schwartz at apd22@bellsouth.net.

If You Go
What: 15th All People’s Day Diversity Festival
Where: Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second St., Delray Beach
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 30
Cost: Free
Info: allpeoplesday.org

For more information or to learn more about sponsorship, visit allpeoplesday.org.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show stretches along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach and offers hundreds of boats, yachts and other watercraft. Photo provided

By Steve Waters

The 42nd Palm Beach International Boat Show is the ideal venue for people looking to buy a boat, update one they currently own with the latest in electronics, engines and other marine equipment, or simply see the boating industry’s newest products.

The show is March 21-24 along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach and features more than 800 boats and marine accessories worth more than $1.2 billion.

“One of the things I like most about the Palm Beach show is it’s not Miami,” said Michael Brown, the president of Dusky Marine in Dania Beach, noting that frequent Interstate 95 shutdowns going south affect his employees and visitors trying to get to Miami Beach. “The traffic to the Palm Beach show moves from either direction.
“The show is very easy to get to and the parking is easy.”

Dusky has exhibited at the show for more than 20 years. Brown said Palm Beach is the company’s most profitable show, coming as it does after the Fort Lauderdale show in the fall and Miami’s in February.

“It’s always been my best show, because it’s the end of the boat show year,” he said. “Plus everything is outside and it attracts my kind of customers. They can drink a beer and not worry about spilling it as they walk around.”

The vessels on display on land and in the water range from 8-foot inflatables to new and used superyachts of nearly 300 feet.

The luxurious yachts, which are lined up side by side along floating docks, are impressive to look at, but you need to be a serious buyer to get invited aboard. Companies such as Galati Yacht Sales have a variety of makes and models at the show, including Viking yachts, Princess yachts, Prestige yachts and Vahalla center consoles.
Edmiston will have its Helios 2 and A2 for sale at the show. The Helios 2 is a 168-foot Palmer Johnson that was built in 2002 and refitted in 2023. It has five cabins that can accommodate 10 guests and it has a range of 4,000 nautical miles cruising at 12 knots. The price is $15.9 million.

The A2 is a 154-foot Feadship that was launched in 1983 and refitted two years ago. It has room for 12 guests and is priced at $16.9 million.
Fishing boats are plentiful at the show. Dusky Marine is known for its rugged center consoles and will have several on display on land. Regulator, Grady-White, Pursuit and other popular builders of center console fishing boats also will have several models at the show. If your boat needs new outboard motors, the newest and biggest engines will be on display.

If you get hungry, dozens of food concessions offer a variety of dining choices, from seafood to tacos and burgers, as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items. The show also offers free how-to fishing seminars as well as educational sessions on issues within the yachting industry.

There are five show entrances, from Lakeview Avenue at the southern end to the entrance at the northern end of Flagler Drive. Show hours are noon-7 p.m. March 21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 22 and 23, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 24.

Tickets for the show are digital and can be purchased online at pbboatshow.com. Active military and veterans can attend the show for free on March 24.

A one-day Windward VIP ticket, $390, allows entry into the show one hour early March 22-24 and includes access to the Windward VIP Club at the Lakeside Pavilion on Flagler Drive, which features an open bar and gourmet food.

The show offers convenient, affordable parking in a number of municipal garages and private lots, with free trolley transportation.

If You Go
What: Palm Beach International Boat Show
When: March 21-24
Where: Along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach
Admission: Adults, $33; ages 6-15, $17
Info: pbboatshow.com

Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol.com.

The three-story estate has plenty of balconies overlooking the pool as well as the outdoor entertainment areas with multi-level terraces.

This special property at 1840 S. Ocean Blvd. has been recently updated and is part of a stunning ocean-to-Intracoastal Manalapan compound with beach house that is situated on almost two acres. It has 150 feet of direct ocean frontage and 150 feet of direct Intracoastal frontage.

As you pass along the private, paved drive, you will arrive at the porte-cochere at the main entry. Off to the south are four attached garage spaces.

The home offers eight total bedrooms, 10½ bathrooms, an elevator, wet bar, fireplace and eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar. Included in this estate is a luxurious primary wing plus private office and gym. Many upgrades including new flooring, all new baths and new impact sliders.

The main home has a split bedroom plan with a primary suite wing that overlooks the Intracoastal and has its own lanai.

Who wouldn’t enjoy bathing or soaking in this tub with a sunrise to the east or a sunset over the Intracoastal?

The manicured grounds feature a resort-style heated pool curling under one of the outdoor terraces as well as a spa. There is extensive landscaping which includes a sprawling lawn overlooking the Intracoastal. Boaters will especially appreciate the large dock and new sea wall affording easy ocean access via nearby inlets.

                             The estate of 20,106 total square feet has a dock on the Intracoastal side and a beach house on the east side of A1A overlooking the ocean.

 Offered at $29 million. Nicholas Malinosky, Douglas Elliman, 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. 561-306-4597; nicholas.malinosky@elliman.com

Enticements to develop Milani land aim to scuttle county’s plan

By Rich Pollack

Highland Beach town leaders have offered the Milani family several favorable land-use adjustments in exchange for their vocal opposition to development of a beachfront park on land they sold to the county specifically for a park.

In their continuing efforts to persuade Palm Beach County commissioners to halt development of the 5.6-acre Milani Park at the south end of Highland Beach, town leaders sent Lucia Milani a multi-pronged proposal that would make it easier for her family to develop adjacent property in exchange for the family publicly speaking out against the plan.

“If you’re naming a park after someone and you now say you no longer want the park, that has credibility,” said Highland Beach Town Manager Marshall Labadie.

Labadie said the Milani family and the town have yet to come to agreement on all of the terms.

The town’s effort came in advance of a planned public meeting about the proposed park with Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward set for Feb. 1.

Included in the proposal would be an extension of a 30-year-old settlement between the town and the family that expires in 2025 and essentially grandfathers in land use improvements on two parcels owned by the family. A five-year extension on Milani property east of State Road A1A would enable construction of three homes on the parcel that under current code is only permitted to include one single-family home.

The proposal includes a three-year extension of the settlement agreement on the west side of A1A, with two one-year additional extensions. The town is also offering to allow the family to build townhouses on that property that would exceed the height limit set under the settlement agreement but is acceptable under current height limits. Those proposed land use adjustments have been previously requested by the Milani family.

Also included in the proposed agreement is a zoning change the town would offer on the property, now zoned for public use, should the county agree to sell the property back to the Milani family if it abandons plans to build the park.

What that zoning change would be and what it would allow have been sticking points in the discussions, town leaders have said.

The town would also transfer the Cam D. Milani naming rights from the park to the old fire station, which will be used as a public meeting facility once construction of the new fire station is complete.

In exchange for the land use changes, the Milanis would be required to attend public meetings and voice opposition to the development of the park, put their opposition in writing and put together a good faith offer to the county for purchase of the park property based on appraised value.

The family sold the property to the county more than 30 years ago for $4 million.

“I think this is a real good start,” Town Commissioner Don Peters said. “We have to build up trust with Mrs. Milani.”

In a recent email to The Coastal Star, she said she preferred not to comment on “ongoing public processes.”

Public input meeting
County Commissioner Marci Woodward is hosting a community meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Highland Beach Library to address the proposed development of Milani Park. Overflow parking at St. Lucy Catholic Church. Follow the issue at
thecoastalstar.com

Two seats are up for election on March 19. The winners will serve three-year terms. The seats are elected by voters citywide.

Related: Seat C

Two seats are up for election on March 19. The winners will serve three-year terms. The seats are elected by voters citywide.

Related: Seat D

By Mary Hladky

How can downtown Boca Raton become more enticing and vibrant, and what should be part of a new plan for a city government campus?

When the city’s Community Advisory Panel asked residents to offer their input at a Jan. 18 “community conversation,” they packed the Downtown Library meeting room.

“I’m thrilled to see such a turnout,” said Linda Marenus, advisory panel chair.

The panel’s board will meet on Feb. 7 to create a presentation on residents’ ideas that will go to the City Council to help guide its decision-making on how to improve the downtown and the adjacent government campus, she said.

Council members attending the session were equally pleased that so many residents attended.

“This is more than I expected,” said City Council member Fran Nachlas. “I am happy so many people are participating in this discussion.”

“The success here is that the community is engaged in their own future,” said City Council member and Community Redevelopment Agency Chair Marc Wigder.

The meeting follows a City Council decision last fall to revive long dormant plans to improve the government campus on 30 city-owned acres north of West Palmetto Park Road between Dixie Highway and Crawford Boulevard where City Hall, the Police Department, a community center and the Downtown Library now stand.

While the library is relatively new, the other buildings are old and deteriorating.

A consultant submitted two options for a new government hub in 2019, but the projected $200 million cost stunned council members, who said they wanted to find ways to trim the cost. The start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 brought the project to a halt.

But the opening of the Brightline station east of the Downtown Library in December 2022 has spurred city officials to revive the idea of a government campus re-do.

They anticipate that the station will prompt redevelopment of the area, presenting an opportunity to use public-private partnerships to do so that potentially could generate funding to defray the cost of a revamped government campus.

A proposed cultural arts complex in Mizner Park, now slated to open in 2028, also is expected to spur redevelopment and interest in the downtown.

Residents were free to offer any suggestion, but to spark ideas, the panel offered lists of possibilities. Residents could affix green or red stickers to the suggestions they liked or disliked.

They were nearly evenly split on adding mixed-use development, but turned an adamant thumbs down on apartment complexes and affordable housing. They also were against a sports arena and convention center.

The addition of public art drew some support, but most residents offered no opinion.

They wanted more tree canopy, native landscaping and a community garden, but opposed electric vehicle charging stations.

Coffee shops, mom-and-pop stores and restaurants got positive nods, but the addition of major retailers and commercial office space were almost universally opposed.

A downtown shuttle service, shared use paths for walking and biking and bike paths with protected lanes got their approval.

The recreation/sports category drew strong resident reaction. A skate park received overwhelming support as users of the existing Tim Huxhold Skate Park near City Hall voiced their opinion loud and clear that a skate park should be part of any planning.

Green space, walking trails, tennis courts and playgrounds won support, but residents split on pickleball courts.

They also wanted a farmer’s market, live music and food truck events.

After affixing the stickers, residents divided into groups to talk with each other about their priorities and then shared them with all attendees.

Although opinions were not uniform, some areas of consensus emerged.

Residents want green space and more trees to improve the ambiance of downtown, better walkability and more and better bike paths. They also want more locally owned and operated retail stores and restaurants that give residents a reason to come downtown.

They don’t want high density or high-rises.

Brightline also was on their minds.

City officials plan to hire consultants to plan a pedestrian bridge that Brightline passengers would use to get to and from the train station and downtown. Several groups strongly endorsed the bridge, but one dissented without explaining why.

Officials are looking for ways to boost the city’s economy by enticing passengers to get off the train and visit stores, restaurants and cultural attractions.

One group suggested restaurant discounts for train passengers. Another idea was having the city partner with Brightline to offer day passes that would reduce the cost of visiting museums and special events in the downtown.

Residents will have additional opportunities to weigh in as planning proceeds.

One month after city staffers outlined how they intend to improve the safety and appearance of Sanborn Square, Boca Raton City Council members have tweaked the plan.

Staff had recommended removing the unsightly temporary barricades along Federal Highway that were installed about two years ago to prevent drivers — by accident or intentionally — from jumping the curb and injuring people using the popular downtown square.

They would be replaced by concrete Jersey barricades that, rather than lining the street, would be staggered in ways that soften their appearance. They also could be painted or covered with murals.

But Council member Yvette Drucker strongly objected, saying she did not like the look of Jersey barricades even if they were painted.

So Assistant City Manager Chrissy Gibson proposed a change. Relatively low-cost Jersey barricades would still be used, but 25 concrete planter boxes would be added to enhance the aesthetics, she told the council on Jan. 8. The project would cost $78,000, and the barriers and planters could be obtained in three to four months.

Drucker was less than thrilled, saying the combination is a better option but falls short of what other cities are doing.

But since this is a temporary fix, “I can live with it,” she said.

The city plans a $4 million renovation of the square that will begin in about three years.

Deputy Mayor Monica Mayotte was more supportive. “This looks much better, much more pleasing,” she said. The three other council members also supported the combination.

— Mary Hladky

By Rich Pollack

For more than a decade, Highland Beach town leaders have been searching for a way to increase the cap that requires voter approval to spend more than $350,000 on any one project — a provision incorporated in the town charter in 1991.

In 2012, commissioners passed an ordinance raising the cap to $1 million only to discover — after a critical Palm Beach County inspector general report — that any change in the limit needed voter approval.

Then two years ago, voters shot down a proposal that would have raised the cap based on a percentage of the town’s total budget, after strong opposition from an influential group of residents.

Now town leaders — who say residents will benefit once the financial handcuffs are removed — are hoping the third time will be the charm.

“It will give us a more direct and efficient path to tackle small capital projects,” Town Manager Marshall Labadie said.

Voters will have a chance to raise the spending limit to what town leaders say is manageable when they go to the polls March 19 to vote on three referendum issues.

Town leaders say they are optimistic all three questions — raising the cap, approving $3.5 million to line sewer pipes, and letting the supervisor of elections oversee the town’s election canvassing board rather than requiring commissioners to be on it — will get the green light.

“It appears voters are willing to give full consideration to the referendum issues,” Labadie said.

To make changes to the spending limit more palatable to voters, town leaders propose a cap of $900,000 per project, with adjustments for inflation each year beginning next year.

The $900,000, says Vice Mayor David Stern, equals what the $350,000 limit set more than 32 years ago would equate to in today’s dollars.

“This just makes sense,” he said. “It’s very clean, it’s very clear and it’s very much needed.”

Stern has said in the past that one of the reasons the last effort to increase the cap failed was that it was difficult for voters to understand.

Jack Halpern, who leads the vocal Committee to Save Highland Beach, the political action committee that opposed the idea in 2022, says his group supports raising the spending limit this time because it’s simple and makes sense. The group is also in favor of the two other referendum issues.

“The spending cap has needed to be raised for years,” he said. “It’s ridiculous.”

Labadie said the $350,000 cap, one of the few spending limits on local elected officials in Florida, makes it challenging for Highland Beach to get things done.

With the town starting its own fire department, increasing the spending limit takes on a bit more importance because of the high cost of replacing equipment and apparatus, he said.

Labadie said inflation is also driving the need to increase the spending cap.

“Items that were previously under $350,000 now exceed $350,000,” he said.

Labadie said that increasing the cap will take away some of the concerns that come with presenting important spending issues to voters.

“There’s a real risk to day-to-day operations of systems if you have a referendum and don’t get voter approval,” he said.

The historic Singing Pines building that housed the former Boca Raton Children’s Museum will be moved along with two other old homes. 2018 file photo

By Mary Hladky

Three buildings that have long housed the Boca Raton Children’s Museum near City Hall will be relocated to make way for a new structure to house the city’s building department.

The museum, which offered educational programs to children and was operated for many years by the Junior League of Boca Raton, closed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and never reopened. It is located on city-owned land at 498 Crawford Blvd.

City officials have been looking for a place to move the historically significant buildings, but ran into obstacles when objections were raised to placing them in Hughes Park or Sugar Sand Park.

Now, officials have settled on moving the Singing Pines and Rickards houses to city-owned Meadows Park at 1300 NW Eighth St. The less significant cottage building, known as the Rickett House, will go to the city cemetery for use by staff.

As of January, no date had been set to move the historic buildings or to begin construction of the new city building, said city spokeswoman Anne Marie Connolly.

The department currently is housed immediately north of the Police Department at 200 NW Second Ave. Other city offices also are in that building.

The Meadows Park location is acceptable to community residents and the Boca Raton Historical Society, said Susan Gillis, the society’s curator.

“As long as they are saved, we are happy,” she said.

The city is still deciding how the Singing Pines and Rickards houses will be used, but does not intend to operate a children’s museum, Connolly said.

The Singing Pines house, built in 1913 or 1914 at 301 SW First Ave., is the most historically significant building because it is the second-oldest home in the city that still exists, Gillis said. It was built by William Myrick on property purchased from Henry Flagler’s Model Land Co.

The Rickards house, built in the 1890s, looks like the original that once was located on Palmetto Park Road. But it was completely rebuilt and so has less historical importance, she said. It was built by the city’s first settler, Thomas Moore Rickards, who made his first expedition to Florida in 1876.

The parking lot in front of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is closed until the spring while three ADA-compliant parking spaces are created and a ramp between them and the center is built. ‘This is a big construction project with many moving parts,’ Nature Center Manager Leanne Welch said. The work includes adjusting the slope of the parking lot and creating crosswalks. The center’s front and side doors are being replaced with wider, accessible doors, and both restrooms will be completely renovated. A trailer restroom is available outside. Some parking spaces at Red Reef West, just south of the center, have been designated as ‘Reserved for Gumbo Limbo.’ At the same time, work continues on rebuilding the 40-foot-tall observation tower and its new multilevel access ramp. ‘We are hopeful that we can celebrate the completion of all of the projects at the same time in the spring,’ Welch said. Graphic provided

The Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District will turn 50 years old in March and is busy making plans to celebrate.
On April 11 district commissioners will have a meet-and-greet session at Sugar Sand Park.
“We’ll display some of the old drawings and some of the old photos and things like we have inside some of the cases at Sugar Sand,” Briann Harms, the district’s executive director, said at the board’s Jan. 15 meeting.
Other ideas include a park cleanup barbecue and even a trivia contest.
“There’s a lot of history in the district. ... Some people like trivia — I do. So, it will be fun to learn about our community and about the history of our parks along the way,” Harms said.
At their Jan. 2 meeting, commissioners reelected Erin Wright to chair the district, Robert Rollins to be vice chair and Craig Ehrnst to be secretary-treasurer.
They also voted to pay $1,806 a month for January, February and March to keep the restrooms clean at the Glades Road soccer fields they rent from Florida Atlantic University, up from $1,492 a month last year, a 21% increase.

—Steve Plunkett

The Silver Ray from Silversea Cruises launches this summer with dining options that match the destinations.

New ships cater to passenger demand for best of all worlds

By Tao Woolfe and John Hughes

If you’ve been yearning to get back out on the seven seas, you’re in good company. People have shaken off the coronavirus blues and are cruising again in record numbers, according to travel industry reports.

The post-pandemic customer has evolved, however, and is especially interested in high- end, “mindful” cruises, as one company puts it.

“Luxury cruises are the quickest growing segment of the cruise industry,” said Jeff Dash, CEO of Dash Travel and Cruises in Delray Beach, which specializes in cruises and has been in South Florida for 40 years.

Travelers want to go to ports of call that add an extra layer of interest to the trip — such as historic or environmental significance, Dash says.

The Antarctic, for example, is a newly popular destination.

Le Commandant Charcot, a luxury cruise ship from Ponant, aims to attract high-end adventurers who want to learn about the planet. The cruise line lays claim to having the most advanced ice-breaking technology on the ocean, in addition to scientists and researchers onboard collecting data and sharing their findings.

Dash describes Ponant as a small, interesting French luxury line that focuses on smaller audiences and specialty destinations such as the polar regions. Le Commandant Charcot has room for 200 passengers.

The limited number means that guests maintain their privacy and enjoy the feeling of being on a private yacht — able to call at iconic ports as well as secret harbors, accessible only to smaller ships.

People want to see the Antarctic because “it’s on their bucket list,” Dash said.

The travel industry suffered mightily during the pandemic and subsequent COVID outbreaks — such as last winter’s surge — but is making up for lost time and money, Dash said.

The market, which peaked in 2019 at 29.7 million customers and went down to 20.4 million customers in 2022, roared back to life in 2023 with 31.5 million customers, he said.

“The expectation is that the market will go to 37 million customers in five years,” Dash said.

For 2024, at least 14 new luxury ships are under construction by many of the traditional sailing companies, such as Cunard, Seabourn, MSC, Regent and Viking.

A few ships are being produced by completely new cruise lines. Among them are small ultra-luxury ships such as the Explora I — built by a relatively new cruise line, Explora Journeys. Launched in 2023, the Explora I accommodates fewer than 1,000 guests and weighs 64,000 tons. The Explora II is due to be finished and launched with a tour of the Mediterranean later this year.

The traditional global routes are always available, but many of today’s travelers want an experience deeper than overeating and overdrinking for a week.

“Many of the luxury and expedition cruises now have specialists on board to offer lectures,” Dash said.

Viking is among them, offering resident historians and guest lecturers to shed light on a destination’s history, art and architecture. Guests have access to an extensive library as well.

Dash has seen a lot of advance booking and says most of the space on his 2024 cruises is sold out.

Here are some details about the luxury ships that have joined their respective fleets, and those that will grace the seas later this year:

The Ilma by Ritz-Carlton, to launch this fall, has a stunning pool area. Photos provided

Ilma
Last October, Ritz-Carlton launched the Evrima and entered the cruising industry with the same promise of elegance for which its luxury hotels are known. This year it is expected to double its fleet with its second superyacht, the Ilma.

Late to the cruising business, Ritz-Carlton is something of a trendsetter ship-wise. Luxury hoteliers Four Seasons and Aman are also planning to launch ships in 2025.

Prices for the Ilma’s inaugural voyage, to and from Athens in September, start at around $7,400. Amenities include an attached marina that allows guests to be in the water while also on the water.

All 224 suites have private balconies, butler service and 24-hour in-suite dining. The ship has boutiques, fitness studios, spas and bars.

Guests can also learn about destinations from experts and immerse themselves in local culture as shared with artists and musicians at ports of call.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

Silver Ray
When it launches this summer, the Silver Ray (Silversea Cruises) is expected to further demonstrate that the luxury cruise business is back in the black. The Silver Ray is the sister ship of the Silver Nova, which launched last year and was lauded as a luxury-cruise game changer for its asymmetrical deck design and its “S.A.L.T.” dining experiences.

The name is an acronym for Sea and Land Taste — a program that matches menus with destinations and emphasizes the cuisine of a region.

At a starting price of $6,150, the Silver Ray promises the same “Nova class” experience: 728 guests plus 544 crew sharing the 801-foot vessel. silversea.com

Explora II
Last year, Explora Journeys (an outgrowth of the MSC shipping conglomerate) became the newest line hoping to exploit the nascent luxury sea-travel niche. Like others offering exclusive service on the seas, Explora Journeys eschews the word “cruise,” preferring instead “an ocean journey.”

This summer the company plans to launch Explora II: 813 feet, 922 passengers, and a guest-to-staff ratio of 1.25 to 1. Basic fares start at around $4,000.

As with others in its class, the Explora II experience promises to include ethical ecological practices. For example, the ship will not stock any single-use plastic, and its green technology includes the potential for using alternative energy sources — part of the parent company’s goal to have zero emissions by 2050. explorajourneys.com

Spa area with pools on the Viking Saturn

Viking Saturn
Last year’s rookie of the luxury-expedition vessels, the Saturn is almost identical to its sisters in the popular Viking fleet. And, in keeping with the sense of exploration for which the line is named, the Saturn will take 925 guests (considered a small crowd by the industry) on Europe’s most enchanting rivers to places travelers want to see but few reach via waterway.

The 745-foot Saturn is decked out in indulgence, with a side of cultural and culinary enrichment served with a glass of one of the ship’s champagnes.

From the single Owner’s Suite that has a private sauna to one of the 465 all-balcony suites, the ship has five price ranges starting at about $2,800.

The Saturn is another of the line’s stars that feature signature Scandinavian designs. vikingcruises.com

Le Commandant Charcot from Ponant cruises is equipped to churn through ice in the polar regions. Photos provided

Le Commandant Charcot
The words “luxury” and “Arctic” are rarely combined in sentences. But here’s one: Ponant features expeditions to the Arctic (and Antarctic) aboard a luxury ship that can churn through sea ice.

Yes, an icebreaker. Not the breath mint; in Ponant’s case, Le Commandant Charcot.

Ponant describes its fleet as offering “luxury cruises for the discerning traveler.”

If your discerning ways are somewhere between the polar regions, the line’s other ships sail to more traditional cruise destinations. 

But it’s Le Commandant Charcot that plows its way into polar cruising history as the first of its kind to use hydroelectric power; it uses recycled energy from its engines to heat the outdoor pool, deck benches and a “snow room.”

The ship is also a workplace: Voyages include research scientists, and sometimes the ship stops just to let them do their work.

Le Commandant Charcot (named for a French explorer) is an exclusive experience at a cost of about $46,500 per person. us.ponant.com

Regent Grandeur
The Regent, Jeff Dash’s favorite luxury line, “has the best food, the best experiences, the best everything,” he says. “The dining experience is great, and the staff is fantastic, the shore excursions offer great variety — something for everyone.”

The Grandeur is a new addition to Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It boasts sprawling suites, multiple dining options and spacious social areas.

The ship set sail for its inaugural season in November, and is scheduled to make 17 voyages to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and transatlantic crossings.

The Grandeur is 735 feet long and can accommodate 750 guests and 550 crew members. It has 10 decks, 373 suites, weighs 55,500 tons, and is 102 feet wide.

Guests enjoy sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, as well as highly personalized service throughout and expansive outdoor spaces. rssc.com

The Antarctic, with its charming penguins, is a popular Viking cruise destination.

Feb. 14: The Valentine’s Day event will offer the opportunity to shop for jewelry, chocolates and orchids and to sit down to a delicious meal with a live auction, all to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Delray Beach. Time is 6 p.m. Cost is $250. Call 561-676-5472 or visit bgcpbc.org. ABOVE: (l-r) Co-Chairwomen Susan Ambrecht, Susan Mullin and Sacha McGraw. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

A three-time Tony Award nominee for roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and 9 to 5, Marc Kudisch also has film / television credits (Mindhunter on Netflix and Billions on Showtime) and opera credits (A Little Night Music and Pirates of Penzance). Kudisch’s fame and success began after he attended Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the Boca Raton-based institute of humanities that celebrates its 30th anniversary of its being renamed this month.

“We try to make the C.A.S.T. party a lot of fun,” said Michael Horswell, the college’s dean, referring to the Feb. 19 Culture, Arts and Society Today party. “We have great entertainment, and this year, we have the headliner.”

Kudisch was in the theater department’s class of 1988 — its first — five years prior to the transformational gift by Charles E. Schmidt and the Schmidt Family Foundation that renamed the college.

“It is more of a friend-raiser — getting the word out about the college and all of our majors and our 13 departments,” Horswell said of the three-hour event that will take place at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center. “We think it’s extremely important for students to continue that tradition of well-rounded exposure to the humanities — to the liberal arts, if you will.”

The benefit for student scholarships will feature cocktails, gourmet food and live numbers with Kudisch. Other entertainment includes the FAU Jazz Band, visual-arts popups and dancing to the music department’s commercial band. The goal is to raise $100,000.

“That allows us to fund the most meritorious students — the standouts who are doing well but still have financial need and the students in need,” Horswell said. Another highlight of the C.A.S.T. party is its three honorees:

• Philanthropist Myrna Gordon Skurnick, who has contributed tirelessly to the arts in South Florida.

• BrandStar, a corporate benefactor that funded the expansion of the college’s studio theater into BrandStar Studios at FAU.

• Charles E. Schmidt and the Schmidt Family Foundation.

“My mother would have been proud to recognize this milestone,” said Dick Schmidt, son of Charles E. and Dorothy F. Schmidt. “She knew the importance of the arts and education, and she made it her mission to make both more widely available.”

If You Go
What: Florida Atlantic University’s Culture, Arts and Society Today (C.A.S.T.) party
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 19
Where: Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle
Cost: $300
Information: 561-297-2337 or fauf.fau.edu/2023cast

By Amy Woods

Palm Beach County Food Bank supporters got an early seat at the table when the organization cooked up the excitement at its VIP reception for the eighth annual Empty Bowls Delray Beach.

The VIP reception included a beautiful display of handcrafted bowls by local artists as well as a silent auction, live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

“The holidays can be a tough time for many, and that does not exclude local neighbors here in Palm Beach County,” CEO Jamie Kendall said. “There are 132,000 food-insecure residents in our county, and we typically find that those who are dealing with hunger are also experiencing chronic illness or other catalysts for loss of income.”

The 2023 Empty Bowls Delray Beach took place at Trinity Lutheran in December, with John and Diane Brewer serving as event chairs and Stephanie Dodge serving as honorary chairwoman.

For more information, call 561-670-2518 or visit www.pbcfoodbank.org.

Altmans make $2.5 million gift to Boca Raton Regional
Corporate leaders Joel Altman and Beverly Raphael-Altman’s $2.5 million gift to “Keeping the Promise — the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital” will be recognized with the naming of the East Courtyard on campus.

The gift is in memory of Sydney Altman, Joel Altman’s father and the first president of the hospital foundation board.

“We are so thankful for the Altmans’ demonstration of generosity toward our billion-dollar campus transformation,” CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “This is another extraordinary gift to Keeping the Promise, and it continues to underscore the belief and trust in our vision and the urgency people in our community feel about the future of health care here.”
Raphael-Altman said, “We have a wonderful insight into the plans and vision of Boca Raton Regional Hospital and believe they have the health and well-being of everyone in this community in mind as they forge their way into the future. We’re proud to be part of this effort.”

For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit https://donate.brrh.com.

Philanthropy Tank, school district team up
The nonprofit committed to empowering young change-makers announced a new collaboration, approved by the Palm Beach County School District board, that paves the way for establishing Philanthropy Tank clubs in high schools across the county.

The measure will create platforms for local students to address pressing community issues. The Changemakers program challenges youths to implement sustainable solutions to identified problems. Philanthropist investors fund the initiatives and mentor students as they launch the efforts.

“If any of you have not had the opportunity to go when they are judging, it’s a fabulous experience,” board Chairwoman Karen Brill said. “I invite everybody to go and see these amazing projects.”

For more information, call 561-910-3893 or visit www.philanthropytank.org.

Cuban scholar receives ‘America 250’ award
The España Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution honored Martha Gutiérrez-Steinkamp with the esteemed America 250 award.

The chapter, in alignment with patriotic activities organized for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, recognized Gutiérrez-Steinkamp for her efforts in fostering a connection with Spain. She is a Cuban-born scholar and a Smithsonian fellow.

“We were proud to host this DAR event to highlight Martha’s accomplishments toward a greater understanding of Spain’s role in the American Revolution,” said Mary Csar, executive director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “She is so deserving of the DAR’s America 250 award.”

For information about the España Chapter, visit darspain.org. For information about America 250, visit dar.org/national-society/america-250. For information about the Boca Raton Historical Society, call 561-395-6766 or visit www.bocahistory.org.

Speaker series to conclude with interior designer
Impact 100 Palm Beach County’s latest speaker series concludes Feb. 20 with a presentation by interior designer Ashley Whittaker.

Whittaker grew up in South County and attended Gulf Stream School.

“Our Impact Talks series reflects our commitment to uniting women and fostering positive change in our community,” Co-President Jeannine Morris said, noting that Whittaker will discuss the inspiration behind her designs. “The journeys our esteemed speakers will share are a testament to the profound difference individuals can make when they are dedicated to creating meaningful impact.”

The free event runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus Presentation Hall.

For more information, call 561-336-4623 or visit impact100pbc.org.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County rang in a record-breaking fifth annual affair to benefit its Delray Beach location. More than $268,000 was raised thanks to the help of Co-Chairwomen Jennifer Coulter, Whitney Garner and Virginia Kinsey. Proceeds will go directly to the club and its bus that transports members from school. ‘It is heartwarming to see the Gulf Stream community come together to celebrate the amazing work of the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach and to make so many generous donations,’ Kinsey said. ‘We know the difference this organization makes in the community, and we are so proud to support it.’

(l-r) Garner, Kinsey and Coulter. Photos provided by Tracey Benson Photography

 AJ and Francesca Lewis

Sponsors Missy Walsh and Jorgette Smith

Boca Helping Hands distributed turkeys and Thanksgiving food boxes to South County clients at its five drive-through locations, in east Boca Raton, west Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth. In all, the organization provided meals for nearly 14,000 in need. ‘We are so grateful to the community each year for their food drives and Thanksgiving box donations,’ BHH Executive Director Greg Hazle said. ‘Their generosity means that people who would not otherwise be able to sit down for a holiday meal can enjoy one with their family.’ ABOVE: Kara Janzen and Anita Kriensky. Photo provided