By Henry Fitzgerald 

Fresh off a 17-award performance in the Florida Press Club’s annual competition, The Coastal Star has been named a 15-time finalist in the upcoming Florida Press Association awards.

The groups have different purposes — the FPA serves newspaper organizations and the FPC individual journalists — but both competitions recognize good journalism being done in the state.

The FPC presented its awards at a January ceremony in West Palm Beach, with The Coastal Star reeling in five first-place, five second-place and six third-place awards and an honorable mention. The competition covered the period from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025.

The FPA award winners for the 2025 calendar year will be presented this summer. The finalists were announced March 27. Besides reporting and photography nominations, The Coastal Star is a division finalist for the general excellence award — a prize it won last year for its 2024 coverage. 

In the recent FPC competition, The Coastal Star’s first-place awards went to Jane Musgrave for business news, Larry Barszewski and Musgrave for breaking news, John Pacenti for public safety reporting, Faran Fagen for sports feature stories, and Sharon Geltner for her arts news entry. 

The newspaper also received second- and third-place awards in the prestigious Lucy Morgan Award category for in-depth reporting: for coverage of the Brightline train collision with a Delray Beach fire truck and for stories about safety on State Road A1A. 

“I’m very proud of the work you all did,” Barszewski, the paper’s editor, wrote to the staff. “I’m especially glad a number of you were able to be there and be recognized by your peers for your outstanding work.”

Musgrave’s first-place business award was for a story about Larry Ellison purchasing the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa and one on wealthy buyers who think nothing of razing multimillion-dollar homes to build even bigger and better.  

She and Barszewski won first place covering a double murder at 365 Ocean, a boutique hotel on A1A in Boca Raton.

Pacenti’s first-place award included coverage of five drownings due to rip currents off the coast of Palm Beach County and angry beachgoers in Ocean Ridge fed up with pooches pooping on the beach. 

Fagen won first place for a story about children with special needs playing baseball in the Miracle League of Palm Beach County and one about a champion squash player at Saint Andrew’s High School. 

Geltner earned first-place honors for her story about the Palm Beach County arts community after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 100% of the state’s arts grants. 

Larry Barszewski contributed to this report.

Boca teen uses talents with art and speech to build positive self-images in younger kids

American Heritage School ninth-grader Ayel Morgenstern at home in Boca Raton with several of her paintings. Art and heart are core to her service projects. Tim Stepien/ The Coastal Star

By Faran Fagen

I am unique.

I am loved 

I believe in myself. 

Don’t give up. 

I love myself. 

Be positive. 

I am enough.

While 15-year-old Ayel Morgenstern cheers them on, students at Pine Grove Elementary School in Delray Beach write positive affirmations and decorate shatterproof mirrors on hand-painted canvases to remind themselves: They are more than enough.

Each student receives a positivity kit, including a Kind bar, affirmation journal, stickers, pens, an inspiring bracelet and custom mirror canvas, giving them tangible tools to reinforce self-compassion long after the session ends.

It’s one of the latest  service projects that Ayel, a high school freshman at American Heritage School, has launched in an effort to put more hope into the world.

“The Mirrors of Positivity program equips young leaders to build resilience, practice self-compassion and spread kindness, to create a positive ripple effect in schools, homes and communities,” Ayel said.

The visit to Pine Grove — which has booked Ayel for a return visit — is an example of how the ripples have reached beyond her home city of Boca Raton.

When she was 6, Ayel heard on the news that people had vandalized tombstones at Jewish cemeteries. She wanted to help so she asked her mom, Lauren, for rocks because in the Jewish faith you place a rock on a tombstone when you visit. She hand-painted thousands of rocks, which were sent across the country. Each rock was painted with a lady bug for good luck or a heart for love.

After the Parkland school shootings in 2018, Ayel painted rays of sunlight on benches called “Sunny Seats,” in honor of the 17 slain victims of the massacre. Glitter covers the bench legs, and a beaming sun spills over the tops. “We will dance again,” one bench reads.

Ayel Morgenstern painted Sunny Seats to honor Parkland school massacre victims. She started a nonprofit called The Heartful Hub. Photos provided and by Faran Fagen/The Coastal Star

The 17 original seats were dispersed in the city of Parkland to places like the library and Publix. Now her seats and benches have homes around the country.

Ayel follows the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world.

“My Jewish values are strong and as a young Jewish leader I am determined to not only repair the world but also change the world,” she said. 

Currently, she is spearheading two projects for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The first initiative is “Wish Upon a Wand” — a little art and a lot of magic.

“I believe art is healing and every patient deserves a little magic, which is why I hand-painted wands with love and attached them to reusable drawing boards for each recipient,” Ayel said. “Every child deserves to be creative and, of course, have a little magic because art is just as powerful as medicine.” 

She also painted a triptych panel piece with the phrase “Catch the Love.” Each panel is painted a different color with hearts as a reminder to patients and families that “love is all around them and to never stop catching that love.” 

Already in 2026, her more than 700 Sunny Sacks — bright yellow sacks filled with nonperishable items and basic essentials — have reached thousands in the community through donations to the Boynton Beach Soup Kitchen. She enrolled her younger brother, Avi, like her an honors student at American Heritage, in this project.

Lauren Morgenstern says what makes her most proud are not Ayel’s accomplishments but the “love and compassion she brings to everything she does. ... Ayel’s dreams are limitless and she continues to create with such sincere and genuine purpose. Ayel’s journey and her deep commitment to service reflects her maturity beyond her years as she has always been an old soul.“

Lauren often drives Ayel —  hovered over homework in the passenger seat — to her projects. Oh, and not to forget: She has two TED Talks under her belt, about following your dreams and making them a reality.

“I believe that every spark and every idea holds potential,” Ayel said. “This potential can be thought of as energy. This energy is just waiting to be transformed into impact. I see my initiatives as potential.”

Ayel will join a Royal Ballet intensive program in London this summer.

Ayel’s first time on stage was through dance, and she still dances competitively and for her school. In February, she was accepted into the 2026 Royal Ballet Summer Intensive Program in London.

Starring on stage served her well in her TED Talks, which the organizing conference distributes online.

In her first talk, in the fifth grade, she shared that all of her ideas start as tiny dots … which grow into connections that are powerful and impactful.

“I shared my story, connected with the audience, and proudly used the microphone because my voice is my power,” Ayel said. “Three years later, I had the honor of being chosen to give my second TED Talk about dreaming big … beyond the possible. Here is the most exciting truth about dreaming big: The world doesn’t just need dreamers — it needs you. Your ideas, passions, quirks and unique perspectives are essential pieces.”

Ayel gave her second TED Talk about a year ago.

As for Mirrors of Positivity, it has already reached more than 125 students and aims to double its impact by the end of 2026, expanding into additional schools and community centers across Palm Beach County. The program debuted in May  2025 at Delray Beach’s Achievement Centers, where it resonated well with the students and staff.

It also resonated with the students at Pine Grove Elementary, where an administrator sent this email after Ayel’s recent visit:

She shared stickers and inspiration during a recent visit to Pine Grove Elementary in Delray Beach.

“The joy and excitement you brought to our students was evident: our students are still talking about your visit and have already been asking when you might be coming back.”

Ayel was impressed with the students.

“They are engaged, ask inquisitive questions and truly value not only what I am sharing, but also what is being given to them,” she said. “At the end of the day, they just need to remember to look at their reflection in the mirror to realize they are more than enough.” 

Carrie Rubin and Terry Fedele are the chairwomen for the Impact 100 Palm Beach County Grand Awards Celebration. Impact 100 has donated nearly $8 million via 124 grants to area nonprofits since 2012. Photo provided

By Lou Ann Frala

Impact 100 Palm Beach County, now in its 15th year, unites a collective of women annually with a common aspiration: change the lives of residents who are served by local nonprofit organizations. Simple, right?

The diverse group, whose membership fluctuates and evolves each year, has given nearly $8 million via 124 grants to area nonprofits since 2012.

On April 28, the end of the fundraising year for the group, grant finalists across five categories — family; education; art, culture and historic preservation; health and wellness; environment and animal welfare — will make their presentations and learn the members’ decisions on awarding top grants of $100,000.

 A record 120 groups bid to make the finals. 

“Celebrating 15 years of Impact 100 Palm Beach County at our Grand Awards is both a milestone and a moment of momentum,” said Co-Chairwoman Carrie Rubin. “What began as a shared vision among women committed to meaningful philanthropy has grown into a powerful force for change — nearly $8 million invested in our community to date. 

“This anniversary year is a testament to what’s possible when women come together with purpose, and it inspires us to think even bigger about the impact we can make in the years ahead.”

The collective touts a “zero-to-hero” membership model. Each year begins a clean slate as women from across southern Palm Beach County are sought to either recommit or join anew, pledging a minimum of $1,000 each toward that promise of potentially transformative grants for local projects.

“Projects” is the key word, says Impact 100 Communications Director Lisa Sunshine. Grants are awarded based on the specifics of the finalists’ projects, regardless of the name or pedigree of the applicant. “Small name but big project? We try to look for projects that are truly transformational.” 

The record number of applications shows that there’s “a lot of need out there. At least one grant will be given in each of the five categories.”

“As we celebrate 15 years of Impact 100 Palm Beach County at the Grand Awards, what stands out most is the extraordinary ripple effect of collective giving,” said Co-Chairwoman Terry Fedele. “Each grant represents not just funding but belief — in organizations, in innovation, and in the future of our community. This milestone year is a powerful reminder that when women come together with intention, the impact is both immediate and enduring.”

The distinguishing aspect of receiving money from Impact 100 PBC is that it comes with a grant management team, Sunshine says. The money, given in increments over a two-year term, is tracked and monitored. “We manage our own grants. Every woman’s money is going to a project that’s going to make a real impact.” 

If You Go

What: Impact 100 Palm Beach County Grand Awards Celebration

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 28

Where: Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton

Cost: $100 for nonmembers

Information: 561-336-4623; RSVP by April 16 via impact100pbc.org

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov with (l-r) Kelley Morris, president of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and Memorial Foundation; Beth-Ann Krimsky, board chair of the foundations; and Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov — a Boca Raton resident — has made a seven-figure gift to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, expanding pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine services and establishing the Barkov Sports Medicine Program at the Hollywood-based hospital.

The orthopedic program, ranked No. 1 in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, serves more than 18,000 Broward County student-athletes and provides a full range of care from emergency treatment to rehabilitation. 

The Panthers’ star center, who hasn’t played this season while rehabbing a surgically repaired right knee, supports Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital through philanthropy and personal engagement. For every goal and assist he makes, he pledges a donation to the hospital foundation. He also donates the use of a suite at the Panthers’ home arena in Sunrise for patients and their families. 

Walk in My Shoes to stroll through Boca Raton

In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lauren’s Kids has embarked on its 11th annual Walk in My Shoes, a 1,500-mile trek across Florida — while concurrently launching a survivor oral history storytelling initiative called the Voices Project.

The walk began March 31 in Key West and will travel to Pensacola before ending May 1 at the Capitol in Tallahassee. 

It will pass through Boca Raton on April 6. People can participate in the 5-mile walk to Sugar Sand Park at 300 S. Military Trail, with the opportunity to walk another 5 miles back to the starting point at Bloomingdale’s in Town Center at Boca Raton. Participants can receive an Uber code to cover the cost of a ride back to the starting location.

Lauren’s Kids founder/CEO and former State Sen. Lauren Book is leading the journey to Tallahassee. The walk brings together people from child advocacy centers and sexual assault treatment programs, as well as educators who teach Lauren’s Kids’ Safer, Smarter Kids abuse prevention curriculum program, law enforcement, sex crimes prosecutors, community and elected leaders, and families. 

The Voices Project, a  recording unit traveling with the walk, will capture anonymous accounts from survivors.

They are also invited to submit audio recordings of up to five minutes by emailing voices@laurenskids.org.

Register to walk or to participate in the Voices Project at LaurensKidsWalk.org. Live-stream updates and photos are available on the website. 

Kravis gala raises money for arts programming

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted 500 guests March 5 for “The Conjurer’s Ball: An Evening of Illusion and Magic.” The evening featured a performance by Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger and raised money in support of Kravis Center artistic and education programs. 

George Snow’s Cowboy Ball supports local students

The George Snow Scholarship Fund hosted its 32nd annual Cowboy Ball on March 6, presented by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, to raise money for scholarships and support services for students with financial need. 

The evening included the presentation of the Community Service Award to Steve and Debbie Schmidt and the Corporate Community Service Award to the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation. 

Temple Beth El centennial celebrates in Purim style

On March 1, 100 years to the day since Temple Beth El was founded, more than 110 guests filled the Lake Pavilion in West Palm Beach for the Centennial Gala: Purim Style — a celebration described as one of the most memorable in synagogue history.

“It was a night for the ages,” said Caren Winer, co-chair of the event with Jill Weiss. “Seeing our community come together — dancing, laughing, reflecting on our history and committing to our future — was incredibly moving. It was everything we hoped this milestone celebration would be.”

The night was highlighted by an announcement about the new Beth El Center for Jewish Life and the launch of the “100 Shares Campaign.” One hundred donors are invited to contribute $1,000 each, becoming Century Founders in Temple Beth El’s next chapter.

Cultural Council awards Innovation Fellowships

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County has announced the recipients of its 2026 Artist Innovation Fellowships. Launched in 2020, the biennial program provides money that empowers artists to advance their careers.

The artists are Sonya Sanchez Arias, George Bayer, Virginia Blische, Michelle Drummond, Jill Hotchkiss, Quinn Miller, Ashley Osorio, Quimetta Perle, Elizabeth Price and Elizabeth Straight. They will receive $10,000 each, the largest individual award to date for this fellowship program. New this year, fellows will also be trained as cultural tourism ambassadors for the area, as many travel far and wide for exhibitions or performances, residencies or other opportunities.

Tayari Jones to speak at Love of Literacy event

New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones will be the featured speaker at the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s 35th annual Love of Literacy Luncheon April 9. 

Jones’ novel Kin was released Feb. 24 and is an Oprah’s Book Club pick, as is her novel An American Marriage, which was also named one of the 100 Best Books of the 21st century by The New York Times. 

Tickets are $200. Call 561-767-3370 or email Communications@LiteracyPBC.org. 

Bus tour shows benefits from Impact 100 grants

Impact 100 Palm Beach County members took a bus tour Jan. 31 to visit six nonprofit organizations that have received $100,000 grants from the women’s philanthropic organization.

“Experiencing these programs in person reminds us why we give,” said Janean Mileusnic, president of Impact 100. “It’s not just about the grant, it’s about the ripple effect in our community.”

The tour was chaired by Helen Ballerano and Gulf Stream resident Ingrid Kennemer.

The six nonprofits on the tour: Morningday Community Solutions, Tomorrow’s Rainbow, Place of Hope, Milagro Center (GEMS: Girls in Engineering, Math & Science), Delray Beach Children’s Garden, and Roots & Wings Inc. at Plumosa School for the Arts.

Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.

ABOVE: Teachers from Forest Park Elementary in Boynton Beach (l-r) Lynda Campbell, Jacqueline Anderson, Marie Volcimus, Regina Smith and Barbara Callahan. Photo provided

The Junior League of Boca Raton honored 30 teachers from seven Title 1 elementary schools for their work in fostering a culture of reading in their classrooms. Each received a refreshed classroom library with 100 books. Teachers from Boca Raton Elementary, Citrus Cove, Forest Park, Freedom Shores, Galaxy E3, Orchard View and Poinciana were honored. Speakers included Junior League of Boca Raton President Victoria Matthews and Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition.  

ABOVE: (l-r) Bill McFee, Matt Saady, Maria McFee, Dan Guin and Kat Saady. Photo provided

Guests sampled Belgian and Trappist beers and met representatives from their respective breweries: De Dolle, Ommegang, St. Bernardus, Rochefort, Barrel of Monks and more. 

ABOVE: (l-r) Sherry Zepatos, Pam Higer-Polani, Ted Hoskinson, Jan Savarick and Kim Champion. Photos provided

The Roots and Wings Goes To Hollywood: 10th Anniversary event raised $385,000 for its literacy programs. The evening celebrated a decade of impact for the nonprofit across Palm Beach County schools. ’This milestone is about more than celebrating 10 years. It’s about recognizing the thousands of students and educators whose lives have been impacted through this work,’ said Ted Hoskinson, founder of Roots and Wings. ’Seeing a sold-out room of supporters rally behind literacy and teacher recognition reinforces just how deeply our community values education.’ Founded in 2016, Roots and Wings now collaborates with 20 Title 1 schools and serves 1,600 students through targeted literacy programming and teacher recognition initiatives.

ABOVE: Pamela and Robert Weinroth. 

ABOVE: Nancy and Eric Brinker. Photos by CAPEHART

Promise Fund brought together nearly 150 community leaders, philanthropists and health care advocates committed to expanding access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer care for women across Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties. Breast cancer survivor and Komen for the Cure founder Nancy G. Brinker and her son Eric Brinker announced a $1 million commitment. Their gift helped bring the organization’s fundraising total for the season to $5 million. Dr. Herbert Wertheim then announced that he would match the Brinkers’ $1 million commitment.

ABOVE: Alicia Dahill and Wertheim. 

ABOVE: (l-r) Ariella Jonas, Dr. Javier Ley and Azuela Ley. Photo provided

The annual fundraising event brought together donors, alumni and community leaders in support of Caron’s mission of support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Caron President and CEO John Driscoll reminded the gathering about the organization’s legacy and mission: ’What began as one family opening their home to people struggling with addiction has grown into a global recovery community. Together with our alumni, staff and supporters, we are carrying that legacy forward by helping the next generation of families find hope and healing.’ The Partner in Recovery Award was presented to Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County state attorney, in recognition of his leadership in protecting individuals and families seeking recovery from addiction. 

ABOVE: Paul and Lynn Lawless. Photo provided by CAPEHART

Community leaders, Palm Beach Atlantic University supporters and distinguished guests gathered for a cocktail reception for former U.S. Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and John Kerry, who greeted attendees ahead of the evening’s program at the school’s DeSantis Family Chapel. Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, moderator of the Speaker Series, welcomed guests alongside university President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn. ’We are grateful to bring together voices from across the political spectrum in a spirit of civil discourse and engagement,’ said Schwinn. ’Moments like these reflect PBA’s commitment to meaningful conversation and leadership.’ 

ABOVE: Lisa Bruna B-Major Award winners (l-r) Elias Cohen Jimenez, Josefina Ezcurra and Michael Li. Photos provided by CAPEHART

The nonprofit orchestra’s gala broke its record, raising $1.2 million to support the symphony’s education and outreach initiatives, honor student achievements, celebrate orchestral music and recognize donors and sponsors. The Golden Baton Society Award was presented to James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui.  

ABOVE: Florence Seiler and Robert Bickford.

ABOVE: Lori Thal and Mark Lippman.

ABOVE: (l-r) Billy Marino, Ed Ventrice, Nathan Nachlas and Bill Donnell. Photo provided

The sixth annual Backyard Battle brought together nearly 100 members for friendly competition and community impact. The evening featured backyard-style games such as golf challenges, ax-throwing, cornhole, air hockey, and more. ’Men Giving Back was founded on the idea that philanthropy should be both meaningful and fun,’ said Billy Marino, a board member and Backyard Battle event organizer. MGB has donated more than $3.5 million to dozens of charities throughout South Palm Beach County since its inception in 2020. The organization focuses on four core areas: children, mental health, education, and food security. 

Twins Viktoriya and Oksana Gruzdyn, originally from Ukraine, run a South Florida-based company that focuses on cellular health and recovery. They are known on social media as the Scuba Twins because they have completed more than 40 dives, including shark dives. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

Palm Beach County is becoming a magnet for next‑generation health and wellness. Two new ventures — each taking a different approach to longevity — have opened their doors, bringing advanced research and applied technologies to local residents.

Twins Viktoriya and Oksana Gruzdyn have founded a longevity and cellular health practice called the rapid immunocellular repair program, a science-backed, supplement-free approach designed to help the body repair itself.

The twins, originally from Ukraine, work to help the body repair itself by reducing immune-driven inflammation and restoring cellular function through therapeutic nutrition. 

Rather than managing symptoms, they aim to remove what is damaging to the body and provide cells with the raw materials they need to heal.

Members of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, the two focus on the intersection of biology and nutrition, using strategies to reverse inflammation, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders and hair loss, while increasing energy.

Oksana Gruzdyn studied at Wayne State University in Michigan, and, as an immunology researcher, has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers.

“We believe that at the lowest level of our bodies, we are all made out of the same cells,” she explains. “Once you fix the cells, the whole body heals.”

The twins say their approach can help reduce inflammation and support people over 40 with chronic conditions.

The sisters work with people with autoimmune diseases, using diet and food to create healthy cells in the body. 

“Our mission is to help create an optimum environment so the body can heal itself,” Oksana says. “We work to improve our clients’ lifestyle with a custom, scientific and all‑natural approach, identify what’s causing the illness or inflammation and create the right environment for healing on a cellular level.”

For more information, visit viktoriyaandoksana.com.

Another new entrant to the county is taking a different approach to longevity.

Radence, a concierge science venture, brings the latest scientific and technological advances into its precision medicine practice backed by RA Ventures, a health care incubator focusing on personalized disease prevention and early detection.  

The company works with patients’ current physicians, providing access to research and precision data most physicians don’t have. 

Using advanced testing protocols, AI-informed risk mapping and disease interception strategies, Radence partners with a clinical advisory board that has affiliations at Mount Sinai Health System, Weill Cornell Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, among others.

Focusing on the top four disease categories responsible for most premature mortality and morbidity — cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration — the practice will open its first Precision Health Hub in West Palm Beach in May.

The membership-based practice seeks to identify and intervene on disease risk earlier than traditional models. Radence has a team of 50 MD/PhDs who review the latest medical and scientific literature daily, to provide the latest treatment options.

“This is our secret sauce,” says David Medvedeff, CEO of Radence. “A typical practitioner can’t keep up with the volume of research published on a daily basis.  Our team brings us the most impactful results, and we integrate them into the treatment plan for our patients and help find the right specialist for them.”

While the membership price is quite high ($50,000 annually and another $50,000 as a one-time initiation fee), Medvedeff feels that eventually prices will come down and the practice will “democratize.”

Some critics of such precision medical practices point to the high cost of membership and/or services, and whether the outcomes justify the cost. There are also privacy concerns with so much data being collected.

These high-ticket practices widen the health care gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” reinforcing the belief that health care is more of a luxury than a right.

If cost is not an issue, these concierge services can also provide an emotional benefit — a feeling of being cared for individually, a relief from worry and a sense that the latest in cutting edge medical care is at your disposal.

After all, who wouldn’t want the reassurance of knowing their health is being examined with a fine-tooth comb? 

Currently, Radence’s  membership includes a dedicated concierge and full care coordination, including transportation to appointments, in-home blood draws, proprietary testing and risk profile development, health monitoring and data integration, as well as genetic testing and counseling.

Medvedeff says what distinguishes the company from competitors is its ability to provide customized services, from scheduling appointments and reviewing results, to collaborating with the client’s doctors and providing access to a network of specialists.

“We want you to be the healthiest version of yourself for as long as you possibly can,” he says.

The company has plans to expand and is recruiting both locally and nationally. 

For more information, visit Radence.com.

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

BeninMed, a medical practice founded by Dr. Samantha Benin and Dr. Andrew Benin, will welcome patients at 9250 Glades Road, No. 108, Boca Raton, this summer. 

The couple’s practice combines traditional internal medicine and cardiology with a proactive approach to prevention, longevity and overall wellness. 

Samantha Benin specializes in cardiology and internal medicine with a focus on preventive cardiology and cardiovascular risk reduction. 

Co-founder Andrew Benin is an internal medicine physician focused on preventive care and the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.  

— Christine Davis

Frank Schmidt (front right) and members of the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman Association with the lionfish they caught spearfishing on local coral reefs. Photo provided

By Steve Waters

April can be a tough month for divers who love to hunt for lobster and shoot grouper with their spearguns.

Florida’s lobster season closed April 1 and remains closed until the two-day sport season, more commonly known as lobster miniseason, at the end of July. And the grouper season has been closed since Jan. 1 and doesn’t open until May 1.

That makes this month a good time to have all your dive gear serviced or upgraded so you’ll be ready for miniseason, which is July 29-30, and the regular lobster season, which opens Aug. 6.

After everything is good to go, why not test out your dive equipment by jumping in the water and spearing some lionfish?

Native to the Indian and southern Pacific oceans, lionfish were first documented off South Florida in the 1980s, the result of an aquarium owner dumping the fish.

Spread by ocean currents, lionfish now range from North Carolina to South America and are in the Gulf of Mexico and much of the Caribbean. They’re also in Florida Bay, the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River Lagoon.

The exotic species takes a toll on native reef fish such as baby yellowtail snapper, hogfish and grouper.

“Lionfish can eat anything that’ll fit in their mouths,” said Stephanie Green, a lionfish researcher at Oregon State University.

On reefs where lionfish are plentiful, there has been a 95% decline in some native populations. Local divers can do their part to help native species by spearing as many lionfish as they can. And not just bigger lionfish that are easy to fillet for dinner.

“It’s good to kill the little ones before they become big ones,” said Dan Kurt of Pompano Beach. He shoots every lionfish he sees, no matter how small. “Think of the damage those [little ones] would have done.”

The big ones do have thick, firm, mild-tasting fillets that Frank Schmidt of Lighthouse Point has a delicious way of preparing. He sautés them in a skillet with olive oil, salt and pepper. The fish also make a great ceviche.

Care must be taken when keeping lionfish because they have 18 venomous spines, 13 on the top and five on the bottom. The pectoral fins, which are not venomous, give the fish its name because when they’re fanned out in the water, they look like a lion’s mane.

Getting stung by a spine can cause intense pain. I have watched Schmidt spear lionfish, and he has an effective technique to avoid the venomous spines. Holding the fish securely by putting his thumb in its mouth like you would for a bass or a snook, Schmidt removes the spear. Then he uses shears to cut off all the spines at the base, sticks the disarmed fish in his catch bag and resumes hunting.

Lionfish with their venomous spines sheared off. 

Schmidt told of a diver who had removed a lionfish from his spear, then used his hand to wipe the three-pronged spear tip clean. He didn’t realize that a spine was clinging to the tip and it pierced his Kevlar glove, sending him to the hospital, where he was told to go home and put his hand in hot water.

If you’re diving and get stung by a lionfish, Schmidt emphasized the importance of keeping your cool and not rushing to the surface.

“You’re in so much pain, you could forget your good rules of diving,” said Schmidt, who has been spined. “In 12 feet of water you’ll be OK, but in 60 feet you could get in trouble.”

Given the damage that lionfish can do to fish populations and divers, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has extremely liberal regulations. The season is open year-round, there is no bag or size limit, and a saltwater fishing license is not needed for recreational divers who use a pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, a handheld net or any spearing device that is specifically designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish.

For more information, including a video on how to fillet a lionfish and a schedule of lionfish tournaments, visit myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lionfish.

Lantana Fishing Derby

Early registration is open for the 31st annual Lantana Fishing Derby, which is June 6. In addition to kingfish, dolphin and wahoo, a snapper category has been added with a top prize of $500. The early entry fee is $250. After May 23 the entry fee is $350. Visit lantanachamber.com/lantana-fishing-derby.

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

Drs. Mitch Kolker and Julie Abrahamson and their daughter, Elena, snuggle with Ollie, whom they adopted after he was nursed back to health. Photos provided

By Arden Moore

Hannah Caldwell, Stuart and Crystal Shanefield, plus the wife-husband duo of Drs. Julie Abrahamson and Mitch Kolker do not know one another, but they share a special bond: They all love big dogs and they cannot lie.  

All have adopted large dogs and encourage others to do the same.

Sure, puppies are cute. And small breeds can put the “A” in adorable, but large dogs deserve consideration to be adopted.

Before we share the happy adoption tales, let’s separate facts from fiction about big dogs. 

Fact: Big dogs have tougher times getting adopted than Chihuahuas and other pint-sized dogs in animal shelters. Large dogs often spend three to four times longer at shelters waiting for adoption than small dogs, according to local and national shelter experts. 

To motivate people to consider adopting large dogs, Peggy Adams Rescue League in West Palm Beach conducts monthly big-dog adoption promotions.

“Our adoption fee for large dogs is $150 compared to $300 to adopt a small dog,” says Alex Serrano, director of operations. “We also occasionally waive the adoption fees for large breeds, such as pit bulls.” 

Fiction: Big dogs don’t do well in apartments or small dwellings. 

“The truth is that many large dogs tend to be couch loungers and spend a lot of time during the day napping,” says Sandra Dezelan, founder of Dezzy’s Second Chance Animal Rescue in Lake Worth Beach. She has rescued and successfully found homes for more than 9,000 dogs, with most of them weighing more than 40 pounds.

“Some of these dogs come to us in horrific shape, but we make sure they get the medical care they need and now these dogs are living incredible lives in loving homes,” says Dezelan. “They don’t tend to possess that high energy found in many small dogs.” 

Serrano adds that she wishes pet policies at housing developments were based more on the temperament of the dog and not the size.

Fact: Large dogs tend to be quieter and less easily rattled than small dogs.

Serrano’s own dogs include a Chihuahua named Tuna Tar Tar and a pit bull named Kiwi.

“When someone knocks on my door, my Chihuahua will go off with high-pitched yips, but my pittie will just deliver a deep bark or two,” she says. 

Fiction: All dogs are four-legged athletes.

If you love to run, hike or swim, large dogs are better built for these activities. 

Fact: Big dogs take bigger bites out of your wallet for food, but usually not for the adoption fee. 

“Sure, with big dogs comes the need for more food and of course, they produce bigger poop, but they are definitely worth being adopted,” Serrano says.

Red found a home and a pal when Hannah Caldwell adopted him and introduced him to Rusty.

Adoption success stories

Hannah Caldwell, of Boca Raton, recently adopted a senior large dog from Peggy Adams to join her 13-year-old rescued dog named Rusty.  

“Red is about 11 years old, about 50 pounds and we think he may be a chow/Labrador retriever mix,” says Hannah. “Red had a rough past, being found as a stray multiple times, but he bonded immediately with Rusty. They’ve quickly become good friends and I am grateful they both get to spend their senior years being loved and spoiled by me.” 

Dino is happy that Stuart and Crystal Shanefield adopted him.

Another success: a nearly hairless, full-of-mange Dutch shepherd dog found living in the streets of Miami. Dezelan’s rescue found him and worked with veterinarians to save his life. Then she reached out to Stuart and Crystal Shanefield, of Boca Raton, to tell them about this dog.

“When he was rescued off the streets, he looked like a dinosaur, so we named him Dino,” says Stuart. “He was left for dead, but Sandra saved his life. And today, Dino sports a beautiful brindle-colored coat, is very athletic and very lovable to us.”

He continues, “Dino now sleeps in our bed with his head on the pillow. We bring him on vacation in Pensacola because he loves dipping his paws in the ocean. Yes, our world now revolves around him and we couldn’t be happier.” 

Dezelan also alerted Dr. Julie Abrahamson, a dentist, and her husband, Mitch Kolker, a surgeon, of Wellington, about an emaciated and matted rescue she nursed back to health.

This dog turned out to be 100% poodle, now named Ollie, who sports a beautiful white coat and is enjoying a full life.

“Ollie is great,” says Julie. “We were looking for a hypoallergenic dog because our daughter, Elena, is allergic. Ollie is so affectionate, a real sweet dog.”

Arden Moore is an author, pet podcast show host and master certified pet first aid instructor. Check out her sites: petfirstaid4u.com and ardenmoore.com. 

Where to adopt

Looking to adopt an adult dog, especially a large one? Reach out to these local groups:

• Dezzy’s Second Chance: Located in Lake Worth Beach; visit dezzyssecondchance.com

• Peggy Adams Rescue League: Based in West Palm Beach; visit peggyadams.org 

• Tri-County Animal Rescue: Located in Boca Raton; visit tricountyanimalrescue.org

Father Dennis Gonzales welcomes his congregation to St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach. Photo provided

By Janis Fontaine

Father Dennis Gonzales, pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach, says Easter is always the busiest time of year, but he felt new energy at the church in 2026 as Easter Sunday approached on April 5.

“I think people are seeking for truth, are seeking for God in their lives and they’re coming back to church. Not only the Catholic Church, but I have friends who belong to other religious denominations, and they feel the same way. People feel the need for and the longing for God.” 

New research by Barna Group and Gloo says Gonzales may be right. Their studies revealed a shift in church attendance. For the first time in decades, younger adults are surpassing older generations who have traditionally led in church attendance. Both Gen Z’s and millennials’ average attendance is approaching two times per month. Pew Research said about 67% of Americans say they attend services a few times a year or less.  

Father Dennis thinks the political climate, headlines about war in the Middle East and the rise of violent antisemitism both locally and nationally are behind the trend. He hears the fear behind people’s prayers for peace.  

As the first American pope, Leo XIV, prepared for his first Easter as the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, he asked that they consider a new kind of fasting for Lent: “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.” 

Leo has been outspoken in his opposition to war, but Lent, he said, is about “listening, fasting and community.”

He further asked Catholics to listen more because only by listening can we “hear the voice of the oppressed” and the word of God. 

Father Kevin McQuone, an academic who shapes the curriculum for priests at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, said, “It’s a hard thing to have the government be in opposition with something that’s so fundamental to what we believe — that peace is the answer and diplomacy works.”

Father Kevin points to Paul’s letters where he tells us to pray for those who are in authority over us. “We are called to pray and fast for our leaders so that they make wise and just decisions.” 

First Timothy 2:1-2 says: “First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.”  

Certainly, a life of tranquility and dignity is what we all seek. To that end, Father Dennis said, “We need to pray for leaders of the world that the Holy Spirit, the risen Lord, will grant them guidance and wisdom.”

How listening helps

That addresses the big picture. Day to day, Father Dennis said, we need to rethink the way we communicate. And silence plays a part in that. 

“We call it the ministry of presence,” Father Dennis said. His parishioners, he says, don’t want their priests to quote scripture or repeat platitudes or offer solutions to their problems. They just want to be heard; for someone to be present and hear their expression of grief or anger without trying to quash it or explain it away. 

“Sometimes when we are confronted with difficulties, the tendency as a human being, we want to talk right away, we want to advise right away or we find solutions right away to the problem,” Father Dennis said. 

“But most of the time, what people need is just listening ears. When I go to ICU or hospice care, family members ask a lot of questions, but I don’t really have answers to those questions. But the most powerful thing that I witnessed was just being there to listen to them, they feel heard and that’s what the world is really looking for. Someone to listen to them. I think they know there’s probably no solution at hand at the moment. But we still need someone to listen to us.” 

Listening to our neighbors is good practice, Father Dennis said, because it also helps us be quiet so we can hear the word of God.  

But it takes commitment, Father Kevin said. If we want to builder a stronger, safer world, we need to start in our own backyards.  

“What the world needs is to develop trust between neighbors. If we have trust between neighbors, we don’t need to have a ready bomb. But that’s hard. It takes time. But love is patient, and you have to be willing to develop that level of rapport and trust.”

A time to reflect

Father Brian Horgan, pastor at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach, wrote in his weekly note to his parish: “The holy season of Lent offers each of us a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew our relationship with the Lord. It is about opening our hearts more fully to God, allowing His grace to transform us, and preparing ourselves to celebrate the great joy of Easter. I encourage you to bring a friend, invite a neighbor, or come as a family. The more we gather together in faith, the stronger our parish community becomes.”

Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com.

From left, Craig Kindell of Spanish River Church presented a $40,000 check to Andrew Holmes, Alonso Williams and Tom Lukasik from 4KIDS to buy a van. Lynn Hogg and Keith Seago from the church joined the presentation of funds from the 2025 Ride4Orphans. This year’s ride is April 25. Photo provided

What goes around comes around, just like a bicycle wheel.

In 2025, more than 900 people pedaled in the Ride4Orphans charity bike ride, raising more than $100,000. 

Registration is open for the 2026 ride, and for the sixth year, Spanish River Church in Boca Raton will host the event, which starts at 7:30 a.m. April 25. 

The ride was originally founded in 2010 to benefit children in need abroad, including orphanages in Chad and Malawi in Africa, as well as Haiti and India, but it also helps local children. 

Some of the money raised last year bought a van for the nonprofit 4KIDS of South Florida. The van will be used by a home that serves teens with complex behavior and emotional needs. Other local charities that benefit from the ride include Place of Hope and CityHouse. The organization and its riders also support the local charity Jack the Bike Man. 

Registration is open for three rides: 15, 34 or 62 miles. The fee is $45 and goes up to $50 the day of the event. There’s also a family ride escorted by Boca Raton police officers followed by lunch, games, entertainment and a silent auction. Registration is $25, $20 for just lunch and activities.  

All adults and children must register to ride and are encouraged to attend a bicycle safety briefing prior to the ride. 

Info: ride4orphans.com or 561-994-5000.

Open House offers chance to meet church leaders    

Learn more about Spanish River Church and what it has to offer over a free dinner at 6:30 p.m. April 9. Meet the staff and leaders and discover ways to be part of the church family. The church is at 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Visit spanishriver.com or call 561-994-5000. 

Documentary looks at poetry written by children

Temple Beth El presents a screening of the documentary Through Children’s Eyes, followed by conversation with the movie score composer David Shukiar, from 7 to 9 p.m. April 14 at the Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.

This multimedia presentation took the poetry written by children imprisoned in the Terezin concentration camp during World War II and set it to music. The visuals display the art they made, their expressions of hope, fear and resilience. After the film, Shukiar will speak about the project.

Register at tbeboca.shulcloud.com/event/through-children39s-eyes-documentary-screening-followed-by-conversation-with-movie-score-composer-david-shukiar.html. Or call 561-391-8900. 

Participate in Yoga Mass and Sacred Movement  

St. Gregory’s Episcopal, 100 NE Mizner Blvd. in Boca Raton, continues to offer two programs that combine movement and prayer. At 4 p.m. April 16, Yoga and Sacred Movement mixes gentle stretching movements and breath work with reflection on scripture and prayer. Parishioner and yoga instructor Daphne Lombardo leads the program under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Robyn Neville. It is open to seniors and families. 

At 4 p.m. April 25, join YogaMass in St. Mary’s Chapel, a combination of graceful yoga, words of faith and contemplative meditation with Neville and the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren leading. 

Bring your yoga mat and water for both events. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com. 

Lawyers’ lunch to feature prominent jurist, author 

Two legal giants will be honored with awards at the Project Nuremberg Annual Lawyers Luncheon at noon April 23 at Temple Beth El’s Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. 

Bryan Stevenson is founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, about his career defending the disadvantaged.

Bruce Reinhart is U.S. magistrate judge for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Reinhart signed the warrant that allowed agents to remove about a dozen boxes of materials from Mar-a-Lago in 2022 and formerly represented Epstein victims. Tickets start at $100 at tbeboca.org/project-nuremberg. For more info, contact Aileen Spilka at ASpilka@tbeboca.org.

Wear your favorite denim to Blue Jean Shabbat 

Temple Beth El on April 24 hosts a Celebrate Israel Blue Jean Shabbat featuring two services, a multimedia presentation from Project Heroes and an Israeli-themed dinner catered by Artisan Foods. 

It begins at 6 p.m. at 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of blue jeans and to bring a new pair of jeans in children’s sizes 4-16 for the Giving Tree’s clothing closet. 

The program is free. The optional dinner for members is $35 adults, $25 ages 4-12; and for guests, $40 adults $30 ages 4-12 until April 10, when prices rise $5. Register at tbeboca.org/blue-jeans or call Elinor Josephson at 561-314-2833. 

Choral Evensong offers music steeped in tradition

Under the direction of Tim Brumfield, director of music, organist and choirmaster, Choral Evensong is a beautiful service that features the choir of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church performing stirring music steeped in the Anglican tradition. Evensong takes place at 6 p.m. April 26 at the church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-395-8285 or stgregorysepiscopal.org. 

Nonprofit group to offer ’Ruth’ on stage in May

The faith-based nonprofit Torch & Trumpet Theatre Company, “where faith and artistry come together to create life-changing experiences,” presents a special performance of Ruth for Easter. 

This family-friendly production follows the improbable journey of Ruth and Naomi, two destitute widows whose faith in God — and in each other — ignites a chain of events that changes the course of history. The play offers the hope that no matter who you are or where you’ve been, God has a plan for you.

Performances take place at the Church at Deerfield Beach, 701 NE Second St. (Eller St.), at 7:30 p.m. May 1, 2 and 8, at 3 p.m. May 3 and 2 p.m. May 9.

Tickets: $30 adults, $15 children. 954-821-7292; torchandtrumpet.com

CityLead Boca offers chance to lead, influence

Boca Raton Community Church hosts CityLead Boca from noon-1 p.m. May 7 at the church at 470 NW Fourth Ave. This monthly event for the business community is designed to inspire leaders to use their influence to serve others and transform the city. Reservations are recommended. $20 includes lunch. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for networking. 561-395-2400; citylead.com/boca.

Event brings in guests to discuss antisemitism

The fifth annual Countering Antisemitism Summit 2026 was held March 16 at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. Religious leaders, community activists and local residents came together to hear U.S. Rep. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach); U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples) and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. 

Honored guests at the all-day seminar included Segev Kalfon, who was held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza for 738 days following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks against Israel before being released in October 2025, and Shira Gvili, whose brother Ran Gvili was among the first Israelis taken hostage during the attacks and was killed in captivity.

Pastor Lydia Maldonado reminded a crowd of nearly 500 people that the fight against hate is everyone’s fight and there’s only one solution. “Education will kill ignorance,” she said.

The Palm Beach Synagogue hosted the event, which focused on the rise of antisemitic incidents and efforts to combat them. palmbeachsynagogue.org 

— Janis Fontaine

Ravish’s owner says financial struggles forced her to close the restaurant. Photo provided 

By Jan Norris

Ravish in Lantana has closed, a move co-owner Alex Dupuis calls “bittersweet.”

Open for three years under her management, the restaurant gained a following for its shareable-plates menu and lively atmosphere. Special events and parties staged at Ravish drew fans. 

“We were very lucky here and very grateful to everyone who supported us,” Dupuis said.

But this year the results of some rough times for the restaurant have caught up.

“We ran it as kosher as kosher could be for three years. But Hurricane Helene came through and damaged our walls,” Dupuis said. “They’re corrugated metal. We couldn’t keep the heat out or the cold in. This past summer, and this winter, we lost a lot of revenue. We had to shut down for days.”

Ravish struggled to recover, and asked to renegotiate with the landlord for a longer lease. But the rent would have doubled, Dupuis said.

Talks fell apart. “They wouldn’t do it,” Dupuis said.

Legal matters are involved; she declined to discuss them while they are ongoing.

She pointed to others on Ocean Avenue who have left recently, leaving large spaces open. Rents have jumped on the avenue, she said, forcing nearby small businesses out. 

“The Cheese Shoppe and the sunglass shop, Shades of Time, have both left within the last six months,” she said.

Lantana’s town officials have planned for improvements for Ocean Avenue for several years, but businesses have seen little action, Dupuis said. 

“I don’t know what happened, but things have stalled.”

Lantana Mayor Karen Lythgoe laments the closure.

“It was one of my favorite places. Everybody loved Ravish. It was my kind of place.”

The restaurant was a key piece to promote proposed development of properties across the street that have been bare or vacant.

“It’s a big loss,” Lythgoe said.

Some development plans were presented to the Town Council before the holidays, Lythgoe said, but for reasons unknown on the property owner’s side, fell through.

“We (the town) don’t plan — it’s the landowners.”

Lythgoe said she has no idea what Ravish’s landlord, Phyllis Small, might have in mind for the block-long building, but said there was much work to be done on the property after storm damage.

“I do know nobody wants to pour money into a property without an extended lease.”

Other restaurants on the avenue that have left include the expanded Oceana Kitchen in 2023, and Mario’s Italian in 2020. Both moved to Lake Worth Beach.

Sushi Bon, another longtime restaurant just west of the bridge, left in 2024 after its lease was up.

Dupuis is focusing on her new restaurant, Pomona, on Lake Avenue in Lake Worth Beach, which opened in July 2025.

“We’re growing Pomona. We’ll take a lot of favorite menu items from Ravish to Pomona and hope some of the fans will follow us,” she said.

“We’re doing a lot of events in Lake Worth. The city is very supportive of these.”

As for doing another restaurant, she said her energy is in Lake Worth Beach.

“We had a partner who wants to do the Ravish concept somewhere else, but nothing is set,” Dupuis said.

Blue Anchor blues

It’s been rough seas of late for the Blue Anchor British Pub in Delray Beach.

Last month, the landlord served its owner, Mark Snyder, with an eviction notice, citing rent due of about $70,000.

The state’s restaurant inspectors had closed the popular spot in the 800 block of East Atlantic Avenue in December after a rodent infestation was discovered.

The pub was cleaned up and reopened, then shut down again. This happened several times within weeks before the owner was cited with a stop-serve notice and ordered closed. 

However, the order was ignored and its doors remained open. The state then cited the restaurant for violating the stop-serve. Meanwhile, the eviction notice also was posted.

Repeated attempts to speak with the landlord and the owner have not been answered. As of late March, however, the pub had reopened for service.

The Blue Anchor opened in 1996, and featured an 1840s bar and fixtures brought over from London and reassembled here. It has been a mainstay for Brit food and drink lovers. 

Diners could get fish ’n’ chips, sausage rolls, bangers and mash, and a “royal brekkie.” The pub served Imperial pints of ales and lagers.

British football lovers around the county got up early to watch matches at the bar. The pub also sponsored World Cup watch parties, with fans crowding the pub and nearby parking lots.

The pub also was noted for its ghost stories connected to a departed pub resident of London.

New barbecue joint

Firing up barbecue lovers, Tropical Smokehouse is open in Delray Beach. 

A James Beard-nominated chef, Rick Mace, created the barbecue that’s won numerous awards, including Best Barbecue in Florida by Southern Living.

The restaurant, at 524 W. Atlantic Ave., serves up Mace’s own specialties, including spicy wahoo dip, mojo pulled pork, DemKota Ranch beef brisket, and for the vegetarians, BBQ jackfruit. Jerk chicken, spareribs, and a plethora of sides round out the menu.

The restaurant is a spin-off of the original in West Palm Beach. Meals are available for dine in or takeout.

Lynora’s is expanding again

Another Lynora’s Italian restaurant is coming south to Delray Beach. 

The locally owned chain started 50 years ago in Lake Worth Beach, and has expanded to six locations in Palm Beach, Martin and soon, Brevard counties. The nearest one in South County is in Boca Raton on Glades Road.

The Delray Beach location will be at 650 SE Fifth Ave., a former used car shop. The restaurant will be modeled after one in West Palm Beach in a former garage. 

Known for its fresh pizzas and pastas, meatball and cocktail specials, the longtime family-owned restaurants offer a casual setting with indoor-outdoor dining spaces and a lively atmosphere.

Expected opening is early next year.

Doc’s reincarnation coming 

Doc’s All American will rise once more. 

The iconic burger and dog joint that served downtown Delray Beach residents since 1951 at Swinton and Atlantic, is being renovated as part of the Banyan Group’s mixed-use project for that corner.

Called City Center Delray, the three-story complex will include offices, retail shops and at least one other restaurant, tentatively a steakhouse.

Doc’s will remain where it is, adjoining the larger complex.

Demolition for part of the land where Dunkin’ donuts sits is in the permitting process. A summer 2027 reopening is planned.

In other news ...

Cut 432, a steakhouse on East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, will close at the end of April, according to an employee who asked to remain anonymous.

Cut 432, opened in 2010 by the Modern Restaurant Group, had a lively vibe and focused on prime meats. The group also owns Park Tavern on Atlantic Avenue and El Camino restaurants in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

A rent increase is said to be the catalyst. Cut 432 will be “closing temporarily at the end of April,” the employee said, and “owners are looking for another location — hopefully in Delray.”

Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com.

The layout to this property is exceptional. The main residence has six well-appointed bedrooms, while the guest home includes two additional bedrooms, a full kitchen, a spacious living room, a private entrance, and a dedicated one-car garage that enhances its flexibility for guests, staff, or multigenerational living.

Designed for boating enthusiasts, the waterfront has been dramatically enhanced with a new 200-foot dock and a 24,000-pound boat lift. 

At the heart of the home, a waterfront executive office captures Intracoastal Waterway views and includes an adjacent lounge that creates a private, elevated environment ideal for work, meetings, relaxation, or quiet retreat. This wing stands out as one of the home’s signature spaces, pairing functionality with an intimate, luxury atmosphere.

The main kitchen showcases bespoke cabinetry, upgraded counters and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, including four additional refrigeration drawers. Two newly built, temperature-controlled wine rooms — one featuring a lounge seating area — add architectural drama and a display opportunity for collections.

Offered at $24,995,000. Optional to be sold furnished and turnkey.

Contact The Matt and Nick Team: Matt Moser and Nick Gonzalez, Serhant Florida Realtor. Matt: 954-383-3422; Nick: 561-306-7220. mn@serhant.com.

A primary suite in the main residence is highlighted by luxury finishes, state-of-the-art technology and a large, sleek spa-like bath.