By Rich Pollack

Crime in southern Palm Beach County’s five small coastal communities remained low in 2014, changing only slightly from a year earlier.
Overall crime in the county dropped about 4 percent while crime in larger South County cities including Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach also dropped.
In the smaller towns of Highland Beach, Gulf Stream, Ocean Ridge, Manalapan and South Palm Beach, there were only a total of three fewer total crimes — 132 in 2014 versus 135 in 2013, according to a report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement last month.
Three small coastal towns — Gulf Stream, Ocean Ridge and Manalapan — each saw the number of crimes drop slightly, while the number of reported crimes in Highland Beach increased from 33 to 37 and the number of crimes in South Palm Beach rose from 11 to 18.
“That’s the beauty of living in these coastal communities, they’re generally safe,” said Ocean Ridge Police Chief Hal Hutchins.
There were no reported violent crimes — homicides, rapes or robberies — in the coastal communities.
The number of burglaries in the five small coastal towns combined increased by just two, with 27 reported in 2014 and 25 reported in the previous year.
In Ocean Ridge, the number of reported burglaries dropped from 13 in 2013 to eight in 2014.
Hutchins attributes much of the decrease to improved awareness of crime-prevention measures by residents and a concerted effort by his department to be proactive in keeping crime down.
“The fact that people are using their alarms, locking their doors and taking valuables out of plain sight is a huge help,” he said.
While the number of reported burglaries remained the same as in the previous year in both Highland Beach and Manalapan — four and three respectively — South Palm Beach saw the number of break-ins increase from five to 10, while Gulf Stream had two burglaries in 2014, compared to none in 2013.
Larcenies — or thefts — made up the bulk of all crimes committed in the five coastal towns, representing about 66 percent of the total number of crimes. Many of those, according to local police agencies, were thefts from unlocked vehicles or property missing from homes or businesses.
“We stay consistently low in all crimes,” said Highland Beach Police Chief Craig Hartmann. “We encourage our residents to report all crimes no matter how minor so we can stay aware and address any problems in our community.”
Burglaries represented about 20 percent of the crimes, while assaults and motor vehicle thefts represented the remainder.
Larger cities in southern Palm Beach County, including Delray Beach and Boca Raton, saw crime decreases higher than the 4 percent statewide average, with the number of crimes dropping by about 12 percent in Delray Beach and by 9.5 percent in Boca Raton. In Boynton Beach, the number of crimes dropped by about 3.5 percent. In Lantana there was a slight increase of less than 2 percent.
In Delray Beach, Police Chief Jeff Goldman says a number of factors beyond his department’s control play a role in the rise or fall of crime, but credits increased community engagement, the department’s offender-based policing strategy and intelligence-led policing for helping to make a positive impact.
“We can never zero out crime,” he said. “What we challenge our people to do is know where crime is occurring.” Ú

The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency covers nearly 2,000 acres. Most of the city’s taxable values are in that district. In late April, the city requested the CRA analyze the financial effect if subarea No. 1 was no longer part of the district. The request grew to include all 8 subareas. The CRA is seeking proposals to do the analysis. If boundary changes are made, they would go into effect for the 2016-17 financial year. SOURCE: Delray Beach CRA

By Jane Smith

The rift between the Delray Beach City Commission and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency board continues to widen.
During an April 29 meeting to discuss common goals, the two sides sat on opposite sides of the table. Mayor Cary Glickstein set the tone quickly after welcoming everyone including the CRA commissioners and staff.
“Since you guys have the money, and we don’t have the ability to do a PowerPoint, Mr. (Don) Cooper (city manager) will give a rudimentary presentation.”
The mayor circled around his main point and then he bluntly said, “We are broke.”
The showdown-style seating indicated the unease between the two groups.
“I was going to say that I hear both sides and I think we are not meshing well. The CRA is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing,” said Vice Mayor Shelly Petrolia. “But what has happened is that we found ourselves on the other side of the coin, short because we can’t do our job.”  
Added Cooper: “I don’t have the ability to add police officers, code enforcement officers, people necessary in other parts of the city because most of the taxes are going to the CRA.”
Glickstein said he asked a demographer friend at the University of Miami to compare the CRA to similar agencies statewide. He ticked off three items including this one: No CRA receives the high percentage of property taxes as the Delray Beach one collects.
“It’s not a question of if the CRA will make it to its sunset date in its current configuration,” he said, “but when is that transition going to start to occur.”
The meeting’s direction surprised some CRA board members.
“I appreciate the opportunity to come in,” board chair Herman Stevens said to the mayor. “I didn’t foresee that we would talk about the relevance of the CRA. So I wasn’t prepared to engage in that conversation … I didn’t see this coming like this; I don’t think it’s fair.”
To outside observers, Delray Beach has a booming downtown. Special events seem to take place every few days; the city has a thriving nightlife and eateries to satisfy every taste.
City commissioners, though, say residents, retailers and restaurant operators complain about the street-closures for the special events. City staff say they lack enough time and money to keep the downtown streets safe and clean.
Shortly after the joint meeting, the city requested the CRA analyze the financial effect from reducing its eastern boundary from Ocean Boulevard to the Intracoastal Waterway and then to Federal Highway and eventually to cover the entire CRA district.
That would put more tax money into city coffers and reduce the CRA’s intake from the wealthy beach area.
During a CRA board meeting on May 14, Executive Director Jeff Costello told his board the analysis would be based on county property records and the boundary changes, if made, would be in place for the CRA’s 2016-17 financial year.
“We left the workshop discussing adjusting our budget to take on more financial responsibilities and the boundaries seemed more of a long-term discussion,” CRA Vice Chair Annette Gray said. “The next day the memo came out where they want the boundaries to be. They are just placating us.”
When the CRA was created 30 years ago, a base property value was set for the 2,000-acre district, appraised then at $280 million. The agency receives the difference in property taxes between the base and the current values, now closer to $1.2 billion. That difference translates into nearly $7.7 million for the agency annually, while the city collects $1.7 million.
The CRA board on May 28 approved by a 5-1 vote the proposal that Costello had prepared. Stevens voted no and Gray had left the meeting.
The agency plans to advertise June 1 that it is seeking the analysis, with replies by June 22. The report is estimated to cost $50,000, Costello said.
A second report, requested by the CRA board, would compare the agency to CRAs nearby. Costello estimated this report to cost $7,500.
A third optional report would cover the agency’s role as a Delray Beach economic engine. No cost estimate was given.
The two groups will meet again in July although the date has not been set.
At the city’s request, the board agreed on May 14 to add $1.1 million in its next financial budget to cover six items, including $500,000 for the Clean and Safe program.
 Two weeks later, CRA chair Stevens continued to object to the fast pace at which the city was moving.
“We need to have town hall meetings, charrettes to tell the residents what is going on,” Stevens said at the CRA’s May 28 meeting. “After 30 years, it is suddenly doom and gloom. I have a big problem with how this is proceeding.”Ú

Bailey Jane Souaid graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton on May 23. Commencement exercises took place at the Chapel of Saint Andrew on the school’s campus. Bailey was president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and honored as a five-time letterwoman for both the football and basketball cheer squads. She also was captain for both teams. Bailey has been accepted to her grandfather and mother’s alma mater, the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
ABOVE: (l-r)Taylor Kinmon, Syd Silverman, Keith Mahler, Alexis Rupp, Cary McCool, Daniel Young, Meagan Downes, Taylor Ventrice, Adrian Rius and Bailey Souaid.  Photo provided

A doll of a fundraiser for the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County netted $50,000 — a 39 percent increase from last year — and saw nearly 150 local girls serving as volunteer models. Almost 1,000 American Girl fans and their friends and families turned out for the event. ABOVE: (l-r) Emme Modica, Caroline Calder, Dorothea Zarcadoolas, Alysha Fenelus, Olivia Nangle, Emma Warren, Joey Inskeep and Jaya Kinsey. Photo provided

Boca Raton Historical Society show explores the area’s love affair with the shore

By Lucy Lazarony

A new exhibition at the Boca Raton Historical Society explores the role of the beach in the history of Boca Raton.
The “Life’s A Beach!” exhibit, which will be up through the end of August, includes everything from archaeological artifacts found on Boca Raton beaches to a display of vintage swimsuits and photographs. The exhibit highlights the beach’s role in the city’s economic, political and social history throughout the 20th century.
An anthropologist by training, curator Susan Gillis chose photographs and other historical objects that reflect the significance of the beach and the social mores of the people living near it.  
  

 “I’m very interested in how ordinary people live everyday life,” Gillis explains.   
There are photographs of beachgoers in 1915, a glimpse of the segregated beaches in 1940s, and a glamorous poolside photo of ladies at the Cabana Club in the early 1950s.
In the exhibition’s 30 photo murals and interpretive panels, Gillis says she looked to explore “the changes of the beach through time, the impact on the community and what a precious resource it is, that we’ve long taken for granted — especially public access to the beach.”

Boca Raton’s primary ‘beach’ has always been at the end of Palmetto Park Road. Since the 1920s, a pavilion has welcomed locals and visitors to town. This image shows what was known as the ‘lacy pavilion’ around 1948. Photos courtesy of the Boca Raton Historical Society

Maybe most moving is an early shot of Boca Raton when the beach was simply a windswept shore, before the pavilion, before Northern visitors, the beach and the natural beauty of the shoreline beckons.
The exhibition explores the battle between those who wanted more and less development along Boca Raton’s coastline in the 20th century.

The 1960s marked a new era for Boca Raton as high-rises sprang up along the city’s coastline. One of the best marketed was San Remo, south of Spanish River Park on the west side of A1A. Construction began on the first villa in May 1966. Above, Agnes Albers, Liz Matthews, Bert Gavigan and Mary Walker pose for a promotional photograph near San Remo in 1968.

There is a photo of the first mansion on the beach and a photo signaling the arrival of condominiums on Boca Raton beaches in the 1960s, when, as Gillis explains, “You’ve got condos springing up like mushrooms all over the beaches.”

Volunteers of the AWS, Aircraft Warning Service, manned the Boca Raton aircraft spotting tower located in the vicinity of Red Reef Park during World War II. Everyone memorized the silhouettes of Allied and Axis aircraft and manned the spotting tower in shifts. There was a phone line linked directly to Town Hall in case of an unwanted sighting. The tower was demolished in 1946.

Beyond photos there are a number of intriguing historical objects on display, including pre-Columbian artifacts from Boca Raton’s earliest settlers, items from inside a World War II spotting tower where local residents watched for German planes and submarines, and 13 vintage swimsuits reflecting beach fashions from the 1910s through the 1960s from the swimsuit collection of local historian Patsy West.

This is the style of bathing costume seen on the beaches of Boca Raton circa 1900-1915. At left is a woman’s wool suit, which features a dress and bloomers and would be worn with stockings. The man’s suit at right also is wool and has a ‘modesty’ panel. Suits courtesy of Patsy West

The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum is at 71 N. Federal Highway in the city’s original town hall. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. For group tours, call 395-6766, Ext. 107.

Boca Raton’s African-American pioneers recall that during the days of segregation, the ‘black beach’ was north of the Palmetto Park Pavilion. In this photograph, Boca Raton pioneer Irene Demery (Carswell), in very trendy big-legged trousers, poses with her friend at the ‘black beach’ in the 1940s.

This view shows two of the doors salvaged from the demolition of the Cabana Club in 1981. The vent openings came in one of two shapes, seahorses or, naturally, ratones.

The Delray Beach Public Library’s Foothold on the Future Campaign received a boost from an event sponsored by Harvey and Virginia Kimmel. The campaign will help raise money to renovate and expand the children’s department by 5,000 square feet and add new programs and services for little readers. More than 50 attended, and more than $233,000 was raised.
LEFT: Don and Terry Pfeil. Photo provided

The New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist had guests rolling in the aisles during a special appearance to discuss his latest book, Live Right & Find Happiness (Although Beer is Much Faster). The humorist offered an uproarious presentation following a reception and book-signing. Proceeds benefit the library’s Foothold on the Future Campaign to expand the children’s department. ABOVE: (l-r) Alicia Rootes, Savannah Rootes, Barry, Madison Burmeister and Kimberley Trombly Burmeister show a rendering of what the new children’s department will look like. Photo provided

Florida Atlantic University President John Kelly was the Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club’s special guest at the monthly meeting. Kelly discussed his background, changes implemented since his arrival on campus and plans for the future. Questions from the audience followed. ABOVE: Joanne Harrison and Jim Notter. Photo provided by Carol Porter

A fun-filled fundraiser for the Lake Worth-based nonprofit Inspirit generated more than $21,000 for the organization that brings the healing power of music to thousands of elderly, needy, sick and vulnerable residents every year. A crowd numbering 100-plus attended. ‘This is just tremendous,’ Inspirit founder and CEO Ginny Meredith said. ABOVE: (l-r) Lisa and Michael Tiernan, with Meredith. Photo provided by Bill Underwood

Silence overtook the dining room as a group of 5-year-olds from Sacred Heart School’s William B. Finneran Montessori Academy entered to sing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ for 150 attendees who helped raise more than $12,000 for student scholarships. ABOVE: (l-r) Event hosts Frankie Stevens and Carla Cove, with Principal Candace Tamposi. Photo provided

Symphony of the Americas Society had its annual gathering honoring prominent supporters who have distinguished themselves through outstanding commitment and service to the community. The highlight of the day was the presentation of the first Lifetime Achievement Award to Madelyn Savarick. More than $125,000 was raised by 400-plus guests. ABOVE: (l-r) Cindy Broome, honoree Chris Salamone, Savarick, Kathy Grant and Paul Finizio. Photo provided

Lois Pope, the driving force behind the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C., served as host for the premiere of Debt of Honor, a documentary that Pope produced in collaboration with documentarian Ric Burns chronicling the history of disabled veterans in America. It will air at 9 p.m. Nov. 10 on PBS. Guests numbering more than 150 enjoyed cocktails and dinner prior to the screening. ABOVE: Pope and Burns. Photo provided by Capehart

Bethesda Hospital Foundation’s annual Women of Grace luncheon last November successfully raised more than $450,000 in support of the Center for Women and Children. A promise was made to purchase enough infant warmers for each delivery room — and that promise was fulfilled when 10 of them were unveiled at the recent dedication event. ABOVE: (l-r) Nilsa McKinney, Brenda Medore and Bettina Young. Photo provided

The Rod & Gun Club of Florida had a festive affair at the Gulf Stream home of Bob and Jane Souaid. Members and guests sported large-brimmed hats and colorful attire to watch the 141st Run for the Roses. A gorgeous sunset provided the perfect backdrop for the fireside champagne and buffet dinner, and folks cheered American Pharoah to his Kentucky Derby win in a run for the Triple Crown. Club President Stephen Jara put on an event to remember, complete with wonderful weather under a full moon. Photo provided

The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden saw more than 200 supporters attend a poolside event on the Intracoastal Waterway co-chaired by Jean Matthews and Polly Reed. More than $166,000 was raised for the installation of the Windows on the Floating World exhibit. ‘This was a wonderful event at a beautiful home,’ Executive Director Allen Sistrunk said of Keith and Linda Beaty’s residence. ABOVE: (l-r) Donna Schneier, Beverly Myers and Gisele Weisman. Photo provided by Jacek Gancarz

Against the vibrant backdrop of amazing works of art, nearly 100 women came together for the yearly tradition of the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. They remembered the 2014-15 season and looked ahead to the 2015-16 season. ABOVE: (l-r) Rani Garfinkle and Beth Mishkin, with incoming secretary Marilyn Barry. Photo provided

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine celebrated a long-anticipated event with much fanfare as its inaugural class became the nation’s newest physicians. During the medical school’s first-ever commencement, faculty, family, friends and dignitaries witnessed 53 students become doctors. ABOVE: Richard L. ‘Dick’ Schmidt, an FAU alumnus and benefactor, receives the President’s Distinguished Service Medallion from university President John Kelly during commencement ceremonies. Photo provided

Boca West Community Charitable Foundation’s annual event, which this year starred Jay Leno, raised $1.3 million for local children’s charities. The two-day affair attracted a record 500 golfers and 800 auction attendees. Nearly 1,500 attended the concert. ABOVE: (l-r) Shana Saffer and Anna Palermo, with Neil Saffer and Patrick Mullen. Photo provided

Members elected a new board, honored volunteers and heard a talk on the 25-year history of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center after President Joyce DeVita called the meeting to order and recapped the achievements and goals of the society during the past year. ABOVE: Executive Director Mary Csar (left) and DeVita (right) present Kathy Qualman with a special award during the meeting. Photo provided

An estimated 300 guests gathered to help the Woman’s Club of Delray Beach raise more than $7,000 for six local charities, a youth-leadership program and scholarships. The event featured a selection of both savory and sweet treats offered up by more than 30 male bakers, including city officials, community leaders and law-enforcement officers. ABOVE: (l-r) Lynne Wolffe, Co-President Mary Reis, Trish Jacobson, Co-President Joann Haros and co-master of ceremonies Jim Sackett. Photo provided by JG Images