By Joe Capozzi

In what town officials call “a huge win,’’ Briny Breezes has received a $330,000 state grant to help pay for an ambitious flood and sea level rise protection plan.
The plan is one of 98 projects statewide awarding nearly $20 million through the Resilient Florida Program, including five others in Palm Beach County. 
Delray Beach received $100,000 for a citywide vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan. Palm Beach County received $500,000 for vulnerability assessments in unincorporated areas, but for now the assessment will not include the pocket immediately south of Briny Breezes behind Nomad Surf Shop, or any other areas in the Coastal Resilience Partnership of Southeast Palm Beach County, a county official said. 
For other local vulnerability studies, $192,475 went to West Palm Beach, $105,000 to Palm Beach and $28,500 to Palm Beach Shores.
For Briny Breezes, where the property tax rate is already at the maximum allowed under state law, the grant will help pay for the plans and studies needed to prepare construction-ready documents for enhanced sea walls, an improved stormwater drainage system and other 50-year adaptation measures. 
“It is a huge win for Briny Breezes,’’ Michael Gallacher, president of Briny Breezes Inc., told residents in a newsletter. 
The grant money will function as a reimbursement, so the town will have to spend money on the projects first and then use the grant to recoup those costs, Town Manager William Thrasher said.
Combined with $145,000 from the town and corporation, the grant money will help Briny Breezes complete a sustainability study, using state-mandated modeling, and a stormwater master plan. A townwide survey of underground utilities has already been completed.
The corporation paid $30,000 to the engineering firm Brizaga for a 144-page flooding adaptation plan, completed in April 2021, to get a head start on its strategies.  
“This grant will get us to the next step. It is basically the final step before actually looking at sending out bids. It will give us a picture of how much it might cost,’’ Thrasher said.
“It’s a multifaceted project that’s going to take multiple years to develop. We are fortunate to receive the grant. That also indicates that others believe that we need to be doing similar work,’’ he said.
Though construction costs will be in the millions, Thrasher said he’s optimistic the town will receive assistance from federal and state grants. 
“I believe in the project,’’ he said. “I believe it’s necessary and I believe there will be additional funds granted to the town of Briny Breezes for the re-establishment of its sea
walls.’’
However, in order to be eligible for future assistance, Thrasher told the Town Council at its May 26 meeting that it would be good to create and begin putting money into a reserve fund specifically for the project expenses. Those dollars could be used to meet any matching grant requirements.
Mayor Gene Adams agreed with the concept.
“I do think it’s important for us to start to set aside money because everyone I’ve spoken with talks about cost sharing on it,” Adams said.
The town needs to discuss how it might build reserves — money that’s not there now — to qualify for the much larger grants needed to pay for future work, Thrasher said.
If the grants don’t come through, a future council could designate those reserves for other purposes, he said.

Larry Barszewski contributed to this story.

By Larry Barszewski

More than two years after the coronavirus first surfaced and after more than a year of vaccinations, the virus can still disrupt the workings of local governments.
The Town Commission in Manalapan canceled its May 24 monthly meeting because there weren’t going to be enough commissioners on hand. At least one commissioner had COVID-19 and several others had been exposed to the virus, Vice Mayor Stewart Satter said.
“There would not have been a quorum at [the] meeting due to this,” Town Manager Linda Stumpf said.
The Manalapan cancellation follows a similar situation in Lantana, where an April 25 Town Council meeting had to be canceled after council members were exposed to the virus.
In Manalapan, where commission meetings typically last an hour or less, the cancellation didn’t have major consequences. The only items on the agenda were reports from staff and a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would give people receiving a town-approved variance or special exception more time to complete their work.
The canceled meeting was a first due to the pandemic for the Town Commission. The town continues to take precautions, strongly requesting that people attending commission meetings and other Town Hall visitors wear masks inside the building. Stumpf said May 23 she was aware of only one current COVID-19 case among town employees.
Of note in Manalapan in May:
• Town officials had to revise trash collection schedules for several days as the town lost two sanitation workers and a supervisor was taken ill, Stumpf said. Three new employees have been hired, she said. Residents are asked to have their trash out on pickup days by 5 a.m. or the night before.
• The Police Department had four vacancies as of May 13, with one officer accepting a job with school police and a sergeant going into the private sector, Police Chief Carmen Mattox wrote in his report for commissioners. Those were in addition to two existing openings.
Mattox said he was processing applications from a retired Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy and two officers with out-of-state experience. Another applicant is to attend police academy training in June and be available for employment in July, he said.
“We are staffing as manpower allows. Due to staffing shortages, vacation requests are not always approved,” Mattox wrote to commissioners.

Endless, the 43-foot Bristol sailboat that came ashore during windy weather on March 3, was finally removed from the beach in Ocean Ridge on May 4. Numerous inflatable floats and three Sea Tow boats were used to lift and tow the sailboat off the sand. The process took two days and at times drew at least 50 spectators. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

By Price Patton

DELRAY BEACH — JoAnn Kern Peart, a longtime champion of preserving the charm of Delray Beach’s historic places, died on May 4. She was 72.
She was a native Floridian who spent most of her life in Delray Beach, beginning at the age of 6 months. She attended Virginia Intermont College and the University of South Florida. 
Mrs. Peart worked to preserve Delray Beach’s history by serving as a co-founder, longtime president and board member of the Delray Beach Preservation Trust; president and longtime member of the Delray Beach Historical Society; member of the city’s Historic Preservation Board; and president and member of the Lake Ida Neighborhood Homeowners Association.
During her service on the Delray Preservation Trust, she fought the overdevelopment of a precious segment of the Old School Square Historic District, which contained some of the city’s oldest and most important buildings. Later, she led the two-year effort to get the Old School Square Arts District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Among the buildings she helped save were the 1924 Cason Cottage on the campus of the Historical Society, the 1924 Willie Franklin House in the West Settlers Historic District and the 1928 Clint Moore House on North Swinton Avenue.
She also chaired the City Commission-appointed Historic Task Team, which helped strengthen the city’s preservation ordinances.
She selflessly gave her time and attention to many causes and to her many friends and family.
For years, she helped manage the family business, Universal Beach Services, founded in 1973 by her husband, John Frederick Peart. He won contracts to clean beaches from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, as well as contracting with Palm Beach County municipalities and private beachfront homeowners.
The business will continue to be operated by her son Clayton Russell Peart of Delray Beach, who worked for his father and has run the business since 2012. Mr. Peart, her husband of 38 years, predeceased Mrs. Peart, as did her parents, Joe Russell Kern and Ann Sells Kern.
She is survived by two sons, Curtis William (Joanne) Peart of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and Clayton; a daughter, Ann Margo (Christopher) Cannon; grandchildren Julie Elizabeth Peart, Jack William Peart, John Peart Cannon and Elizabeth Ann Cannon; a brother, John (Patricia) Kern of Juno Beach; three sisters, Mary Kevin Reynolds of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Kathy Sherrard of Stephenville, Texas, and Janet Kern of McKinney, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. 
A memorial service was held May 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Delray Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Delray Beach Preservation Trust and Trinity Delray.

DELRAY BEACH — Dickie McCusker died surrounded by family in his Delray Beach home on May 2, four years after a cancer diagnosis. He was 67.
Dickie was born on Nov. 25, 1954, with a twin sister, Diane, in Braintree, Massachusetts. Parents Richard McCusker and Rosemary Sheehan raised the twins and five more children — Tim, Mark, Kathryn, Michael and Megan (who are also twins) — in Wellesley, Massachusetts. They spent their summers making memories at Oyster Harbors Beach on the Cape.
Dickie moved to Boca Raton with his family in 1965, where they resided in Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. He attended elementary school at Hillsboro Day School, and then attended Alexander D. Henderson School at FAU. He was a graduate of Boca Raton High School, Class of 1973.
During his younger school years Mr. McCusker played in a garage rock band. He carried this talent with him throughout his life, as he became an accomplished drummer, singer and guitar player.
After high school, Mr. McCusker packed up his VW camper van — along with two friends, Paul Nolan and Jeff Cutts — and set out to explore life on the road, leading the hippie lifestyle characteristic of the ’70s generation. After the many places they traveled, their final stop was Cape Cod, where he worked at his cousin Jep’s restaurant.
Eventually, his journey took him to Boulder, Colorado, where he attended the University of Colorado. He then went on to study law at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. He passed the Florida Bar in 1983 and practiced in the federal courts in the Southern District of Florida. He was also licensed to practice law in Massachusetts.
Dickie met his law partner, Ken Hemmerle, while working in a law office in Boca Raton in 1985. The pair established a law firm in Fort Lauderdale and practiced together for 30 years. He later established a home office in Delray Beach.
Dickie was a champion for the “little guy,” practicing law with integrity, a big heart and a good soul.
What he loved the most in his life were his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Erin. Dickie first met Lisa Withall in high school. Little did he know that she would be the love of his life when they reconnected at a party in Old Floresta in Boca Raton in 1990. After dating for two and a half years, they were married. Three years later they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Erin, into the world.
Dickie was a devoted father spending time with Erin, who was the “apple of his eye.” He was also a wonderful son-in-law, who dropped what he was doing to join Ted Withall for a game of golf or to visit Ted and Helen Withall.
Dickie had a love for life, nature and his music. He was an avid reader, loved to cook, and was a huge foodie. He spent his free time running on the beach and many of those years with his dog, Tybee. He rarely missed a day practicing yoga, his favorite being Bikram.
He continued to perform with his friends and band members Greg Welch, J.P. Goss, Jimmy Pearl, Kenny Ropp, John Gillespie, Michael Biro and Paul Norris up until the pandemic.
Dickie did not miss a beat in living life to its fullest. His energy and fun-loving spirit will be missed by his family and friends.
Dickie is survived by his wife and daughter, Lisa and Erin McCusker; siblings Diane McCusker Dopheide (husband Jeff and daughter Caitlin); Megan McCusker Shalvoy (husband Mike, daughter Meredith and son Sean); Kathryn McCusker Johnston (husband David and daughter Hannah); Tim McCusker (wife Carol Marinelli McCusker); Michael McCusker, and Mark McCusker. Other survivors are cousin Thomas Jeptha Smith, sister-in-law Robin Withall Cox, and nephew J.J. McDonough (wife Elizabeth Ziegenfuss and sons Kane and Van).
The family is grateful to Bertha Prosper of Vitas Hospice for her loving care.
Please join us for a celebration of Dickie’s life from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at Chapel 4, 200 SE Seventh Avenue, Delray Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donate to one of Mr. McCusker’s favorite charities:
• World Central Kitchen, donate.wck.org, led by chef Jose Andres, first to the front lines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises.
• Make A Wish Foundation, wish.org, creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

— Obituary submitted by the family

DELRAY BEACH — Maude Erskine Banta — gardener, volunteer and enthusiastic letter writer — died at her home on May 15. She was 97.
Maude Erskine was born Aug. 13, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to James Douglas Erskine and Marguerite Maxwell Ogilvie. She was the oldest of three sisters and was raised in a loving multigenerational home. She was a lifelong Dodgers fan, even after they left her hometown.
She graduated from Packer Institute in Brooklyn and attended Wells College in Aurora, New York.
During a family summer vacation, she caught a glimpse of a handsome redhead and knew she had met her future husband, John Stuart Banta. The couple wed in October 1943 and were married for 57 years.
Maude worked at The Colony hotels in Maine and Florida, splitting the year going north and south, as a director of purchasing. She also prepared flower arrangements for the lobby, dining rooms and for guests with extended stays, and wrote the Colony newsletters. Mrs. Banta was dedicated to the family’s hotels and worked well into her 80s.
Mrs. Banta was a devout Christian who was on the altar guild at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, Maine, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. She traveled with her church group to Honduras to help girls in need.
She was a docent at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach and the Taylor-Barry House in Kennebunk.
Mrs. Banta was dedicated to health and wellness before it was in vogue, playing tennis or golf throughout the year. She and her husband could be seen pedaling their bikes through downtown Delray to the tennis courts. In her later years she swam laps daily.
Maude traveled throughout her life and shared her travels with her family through her keen photography and written journals. She was an avid gardener and an environmentalist at heart who could be found many afternoons with a basket of flowers draped over her arm.
She is survived by her loving family: her sister, Margot Atwood; her daughter, Carol Banta Walker; her son, John Erskine Banta; her five grandchildren, John Edward Martin, Hilary Martin Roche, Paige Martin, Aloveiz Heredic and Nick Banta; her goddaughter, Barbara Backer; her four great-grandchildren — who fondly called her GG — and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Banta was an avid writer of letters to family and friends, and occasionally to people she hardly knew. Her letters were full of humor and details and could brighten the recipients’ days. In lieu of flowers, please write a letter to a friend or family member.
A memorial service was held May 24 at St. Paul’s.

— Obituary submitted by the family

By Jane Smith

Delray Beach has no way of telling if its city employees are accurately reporting their paid time off, Internal Auditor Julia Davidyan reported to city commissioners at their May 17 meeting.
As examples, she said the city had overpaid an employee 240 hours of sick pay and had continued to pay one employee who passed away $2,537.60.
Davidyan blamed the shortcomings on the city’s manual payroll system and said an automated payroll system with a proper audit trail is needed to ensure accurate reporting.
The question now is how soon can the city find the money to pay for a new system, estimated to cost $100,000. Once purchased, it will take six to nine months to put in place for employees to use.
City Manager Terrence Moore told commissioners he would try to find the money in the current year’s budget. He will let them know the “specifics of what needs to be done” in his June 10 letter to them.
Delray Beach has an estimated $65 million annual payroll, said Juli Casale, deputy vice mayor, who asked Davidyan to review the payroll system in August. “We have to be accountable to the taxpayers,” Casale said.
Davidyan reviewed payroll records for the previous budget year that ended Sept. 30.
Davidyan found the majority of the payroll records were processed accurately. But when she pulled 40 employee payroll records, she found internal controls were needed over payroll and paid-time-off processing.
“There’s no way to detect who was responsible” for the overpayments that were made, Mayor Shelly Petrolia said at the meeting. “I can’t understand how that happens.”
For the past two budget years, the city’s former external auditor, Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, pointed out the deficiencies in the city’s payroll processing system, but the city took no action even though city officials agreed with the external auditor’s recommendations.

Palm Beach County engineers showed county commissioners pictures of the broken shaft that forced closure of the George Bush Boulevard bridge in Delray Beach for most of March and April. Photo provided

By Joel Engelhardt

In their first detailed account of efforts to fix the George Bush Boulevard bridge, county officials told commissioners on May 17 that initial repairs were halted in late March when consultants determined that key parts needed additional work in the shop.
The bridge reopened April 29 after a 57-day shutdown. The cost of repairs, borne by four consultants, came to $206,910, an amount paid from Palm Beach County reserves.  
Additionally, the county took a first step toward replacing the bridge, issuing a formal notice May 12 for a $5.5 million project to study design and financing options for a new bridge and then, in phase two, to design the replacement bridge. 
In his presentation to commissioners, Assistant County Engineer Steve Carrier showed pictures of the broken shaft that stopped the bridge in midair and was shipped for rebuilding to Steward Machine in Birmingham, Alabama.
After shipping the part on March 7, the county hired New York City-based Hardesty & Hanover, which has offices in Fort Lauderdale, to oversee repairs.
H&H recommended replacing additional drive-shaft parts in mid-March. But when the parts were installed on March 28 and 29, H&H halted work because tolerance limits were exceeded and shipped the parts back to Steward for adjustments. 
Workers reinstalled the parts from April 4 to April 8 and began testing, with the bridge reopening to traffic April 29. 
The county also hired H&H for $72,000 over 12 months to continue monitoring the bridge.
After his presentation, Carrier announced plans to add detection equipment and an audible warning system to enhance safety at the county’s eight drawbridges. The move comes after West Palm Beach resident Carol Wright fell to her death Feb. 6 after the state-owned Royal Park Bridge in downtown West Palm opened while she walked her bike across it.
The county also plans additional training for bridge tenders, public service announcements, better signage and cameras to detect people in harm’s way.
In South County, the county owns movable bridges at Palmetto Park Road, Woolbright Road, George Bush Boulevard, Linton Boulevard, Ocean Avenue in Lantana and Camino Real in Boca Raton.
While movable bridges are inspected annually, the details are not readily available to the public, The Coastal Star reported in May. The county cited the newspaper a $1,025 fee to redact security information and make available a single inspection report.

By Joe Capozzi

South Palm Beach officials are taking tours of the West Palm Beach water treatment plant to gain a better understanding of the quality of the town’s drinking water supply. 
Council members Ray McMillan and Monte Berendes took separate tours May 23. Mayor Bonnie Fischer and council members Robert Gottlieb and Bill LeRoy said they expected to take tours in early June. 
West Palm Beach supplies drinking water to South Palm Beach under a contract that expires in 2030. 
Invitations for the tours were extended by Darrel Graziani, assistant director of West Palm Beach public utilities, as part of outreach efforts nearly a year after unacceptably high levels of the blue-green algal toxin cylindrospermopsin were discovered in the water supply.
In May 2021, the city waited eight days before warning customers in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach and South Palm Beach not to drink from the tap, sparking concerns about why the notifications weren’t sent out sooner.
At the time, the city said it needed eight days to conduct a series of tests to confirm the contamination, which posed a risk to physically vulnerable customers. 
But even after West Palm Beach finally disclosed the problem on May 28, South Palm Beach residents were left in the dark. They didn’t receive text messages or robocalls from the Palm Beach County Health Department, though West Palm Beach residents did, Fischer said.
In presentations to the Town Council in December 2021 and May of this year, Graziani said the city pledged to improve the notification system in the event of another problem. He also presented testing data showing vastly improved water quality over the past year. 
On May 10, he invited the Town Council to tour the water treatment plant at Australian Avenue and Banyan Boulevard. A council meeting and tour were scheduled at the plant for May 23. 
But on May 20, the town was forced to cancel the meeting/tour because the city, citing security concerns at the plant, refused to allow The Coastal Star or other members of the public to attend.
Under Florida law, council meetings must be held in public. As an alternative, the city agreed to host separate tours with individual council members. 
Berendes and McMillan said the hourlong tours they took separately on May 23 reinforced their beliefs that South Palm Beach is getting quality drinking water. Both council members said they believe the problem in May 2021 was an isolated incident.
“They put in a lot of stopgaps so we don’t have those scares anymore,’’ Berendes said. “The water starts out not too pretty, but it comes out perfect or as close to perfect as you can get. I think they are doing more than they need to do to give us better quality water.’’
West Palm Beach relies on surface water that flows 20 miles from Lake Okeechobee to canals and Grassy Waters Preserve to Lake Mangonia and Clear Lake. 
The city uses powdered activated carbon, post-filtration chlorination and ultraviolet disinfectant to make sure its drinking water is safe.
“When you see the amount of filtration and the different chemicals and how they use ultraviolet light tubes, it’s just phenomenal,’’ McMillan said. 
“I feel totally confident that we are in good hands with our water.’’ 
Fischer, who has long been suspicious about the quality of the town’s drinking water supply, said she hoped the tour would give her a better understanding of the treatment process. 
Gottlieb said the timing of the tours will also help council members as they prepare in coming years to consider possible alternatives for drinking water when the town’s contract with West Palm Beach expires.
“It’s time to review options and to make sure our residents get the best quality with good delivery,’’ he said.
Options include staying with West Palm Beach or contracting with other providers such as Palm Beach County, Manalapan and Lantana.
“It’s good to take a tour and see how they operate,’’ Gottlieb said.

A steady breeze from the east for at least a week piled up mounds of sargassum along the shore in mid-May. Warm temperatures make the naturally occurring seaweed reproduce in large numbers, often to the frustration of beach-goers. ABOVE: A resident picks up trash that floated in with the sargassum. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

A steady breeze from the east for at least a week piled up mounds of sargassum along the shore in mid-May. Warm temperatures make the naturally occurring seaweed reproduce in large numbers, often to the frustration of beach-goers. ABOVE: A resident picks up trash that floated in with the sargassum. Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

By Mary Thurwachter

Construction work resumed in mid-May in what town officials hope is the final chapter to the renovation saga at the Lantana Public Library.
“The contractor is out there this morning,” Town Manager Brian Raducci said May 16.
A week earlier, on May 9, the Town Council unanimously approved a $734,227 contract with West Construction Inc. of Lantana to finish the project.
Work on the library had been idle since late December, when it was discovered that the main contractor, Sierra Construction Management & Remodeling of Weston, was operating without a license.
Council member Mark Zeitler, who discovered the licensing problem, said he was relieved when he drove by the construction site at 205 W. Ocean Ave. and noticed the Sierra Construction signs were gone and replaced with West signs.
“I’m glad we finally found a qualified contractor,” Zeitler said.
A plan to turn the work over to a subcontractor, Multitech Corp., failed earlier this year because that company was unable to obtain the bonds required to restart construction.
The town then negotiated with West, which was the second-lowest bidder when the contract was originally put to bid last July.
“It’s good to get the work finished since costs continue to go up,” Zeitler said.
The total projected cost of the renovations is about $277,000 more than originally anticipated, according to Raducci.
“West has agreed to complete this work in 120 days from when the notice to proceed is issued [May 11],” Raducci told the council. “That would be Sept. 8.”
As an incentive to finish earlier, the contract includes a performance bonus if the job is done in 90 days, by Aug. 8. The bonus would equal anything remaining from the $34,963 contingency included in the contract for unexpected expenditures, bond and insurance costs.
“This is obviously very important to the community,” Raducci said of the library project.
“I know we’ve had a couple setbacks and timing is of very much importance. The performance bonus and contingency funds go hand in hand. That performance bonus would be equal to the maximum amount of the contingency, assuming any of the contingency remains.”
On the other hand, if West doesn’t finish within 120 days, a $500-per-day penalty would kick in Sept. 8 and continue until the company completes the job.
The renovations will improve how space is used in the library and add a meeting room and outdoor reading garden. The changes include ADA-compliant restrooms, a centralized circulation desk, special spaces for children and teens and a community center for adult activities.
The contract includes a one-year warranty.
While construction continues, the library is temporarily housed in the recreation center at 418 S. Dixie Highway.
In other news, the council canceled its Aug. 22 meeting, which would have been its second of August. Staff recommended the cancellation, saying it would come at a less busy time of year and would provide staff more time to take summer breaks before adoption of a new budget.

Although the design may change, the plans for a 231-unit complex drew a positive response at a community meeting. The Lantana Kmart on this site closed two years ago. Rendering provided

By Mary Thurwachter

The Lantana Kmart on South Dixie Highway has been shuttered for two years. If developers have their way, the store famous for blue-light specials will be torn down to make way for a 231-unit apartment complex.
Hugo Pacanins, a regional development partner with Morgan Group, shared the proposal for the 18.6-acre site at a neighborhood meeting at Lantana Pizza, another of the businesses in the Kmart plaza. The property is owned by Saglo Development Corp. of Miami.
Besides construction of studios and one- and-two-bedroom apartments, the plans include cosmetic improvements for the other retail portions of the property, including Winn-Dixie.
Four out-parcels — Bank of America, Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King and a vacant restaurant building — are not part of the application.
The Town Council paved the way for the Lantana Village Square development in September 2019, when it approved a necessary change to the comprehensive land-use plan for the shopping center on the north side of Hypoluxo Road. The council will be reviewing a site plan in June. If approved, construction could begin as early as next year, Pacanins said.
Cushla Talbut, an attorney with Greenberg Traurig who is processing the application for the planned development, said the project proposes five four-story buildings with elevators and an entry from Greynolds Circle. Among the amenities would be a dog park, gym, pool, upgraded parking lot and a pocket park on the north end of the property.
Community benefits, Talbut said, would include adding more than 500 trees, four electric car charging stations and public art.
Rents haven’t been decided but it is estimated they will range between $1,700 and $2,800 a month. Ten percent of the project would be designated as workforce housing, with rents designed to be affordable to workers in professions such as teaching, firefighting and nursing.  
While many attendees seemed to like the plans, not everyone approved of the architectural designs.
“Where did they get their inspiration — Lego?” asked Ed Shropshire, a former council member who attended the gathering. He suggested something more in line with Lantana’s seaside fishing village look would be more suitable.
Pacanins said the architectural design was not set in stone and changes were likely.
“Maybe something with more a Key West look,” Pacanins said.

By Tao Woolfe

Staff changes continued their whirlwind pace in Boynton Beach as interim Police Chief Vanessa Snow resigned from the department in May and was replaced as interim chief by Assistant Chief Joseph DeGiulio.
A news release from the city announcing Snow’s departure said the city was “grateful for interim Chief Snow’s commitment and service throughout the years, and we wish her much success in her future endeavors.”
No reason was given by the city for Snow’s resignation, but she and former Police Chief Michael Gregory — who left the city in April — had served during the turmoil following the death of 13-year-old Stanley Davis III last December.
The boy crashed his dirt bike into a median on Federal Highway on Dec. 26 while being pursued by Boynton Beach Police Officer Mark Sohn in his patrol car.
Representatives of the Black community continue to ask the city to fire Sohn. He is the subject of an internal Police Department probe into Davis’ death.
Sohn was cleared of all charges in late March by a Florida Highway Patrol investigation. FHP concluded Davis was unlawfully fleeing an attempted traffic stop and going 85 mph in a 35-mph zone.
Fallout from the incident — as well frustration over the city’s role in the stalled Town Square downtown development — led the commission to fire longtime City Manager Lori LaVerriere in late April.
DeGiulio has served the Boynton Beach Police Depart-ment in various capacities since joining the force as a police officer in 2001. Since then he has served 10 years as a command officer, rising through the ranks as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief.
He recently applied for the interim city manager’s position, but the commission appointed Fire Chief James Stables to that post on April 25.
In his application letter to the commission for the interim city manager’s job, DeGiulio said he could help build rapport between the Police Department and the community.
“Throughout my years of service my goal has always been to improve relationships with the community and the Police Department with effective leadership and innovation,” DeGiulio wrote.
Those skills will be put to the test as the city looks at whether a merger with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office would benefit the city. Many residents have said they would rather reform the city’s Police Department than replace it with the PBSO.
“I look forward to working closely with interim Chief DeGiulio, who will serve as a key member of the city’s executive team and assure the community a seamless transition of leadership in the Police Department,” Stables said in a prepared statement.
DeGiulio received his master’s degree in leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a bachelor of science degree in police studies from John Jay College in New York.
He served as a police officer in New York from 1998 to 2001.
The city will also be losing popular City Clerk Crystal Gibson, who is leaving to care full-time for her family.
Asked if she’s looking forward to a less stressful job, Gibson laughed.
“There’s no such thing as a stress-free job,” she said. “There are just different kinds of stresses.”

Affiliated Development’s project, called The Pierce after the historical barefoot mailman, Charlie Pierce, appears to be back on track, with a final agreement with the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency to be considered June 7. Rendering provided

By Tao Woolfe

The city has reached a tentative agreement with Affiliated Development to build a $73 million complex of apartments, retail stores, restaurants and green space along the west side of Federal Highway.
The agreement — which is expected to be finalized at a special meeting of the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency board on June 7 — was hammered out after months of sometimes testy negotiations.
Two of the main sticking points were:
• A demand by the city that 150 parking spaces, above those required by city code, be provided for the public.
• An agreement on the number of workforce housing units — or affordable apartments — that would be provided.
The developer has tentatively agreed to the extra parking spaces and to provide affordable rental apartment units with this breakdown: 50% (118 units) of the total 236 apartments will remain affordable for 15 years; 30% (about 70 units) will remain affordable for 30 years; and 5% (11 units) will remain affordable in perpetuity.
Affiliated originally wanted to keep all of the increased tax revenue its project would produce, for a 15-year period, as a subsidy to make the workforce housing portion feasible. City commissioners, who act as the CRA’s board of directors, have said that amount would deprive the CRA of needed revenue for other projects. Affiliated has tentatively agreed to taking only 95% of the tax revenues, which would be capped at $7 million over 15 years.
Affiliated would pay the city $5.5 million for the land.
Although Affiliated’s plans for Hurricane Alley Raw Bar & Restaurant and other existing retail stores on Ocean Avenue were not discussed in detail at the May 10 CRA meeting, it was clear from comments that those businesses would remain part of the final plan.
The developer said in March that Hurricane Alley would be moved from its Ocean Avenue location to a new home at the north end of the project, along Boynton Beach Boulevard next to the Florida East Coast Railway tracks.
In answer to a question about whether the developer would hire local residents to help build the project, Affiliated President Jeff Burns said the company would hold job fairs in Boynton Beach to achieve that goal.
The commissioners, and members of the public who spoke during a public input session, seemed enthusiastic about the pending deal.
“This is beautiful — sheer art with trees and green space, not a canyon of concrete,” said Susan Oyer, whose family owned the property where Hurricane Alley is situated and two other adjacent parcels. The family sold the three parcels to the CRA for $3.6 million in December.
It was unclear in March whether Affiliated would be chosen as the developer for the site that sits between Ocean Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard.
Former Mayor Steven Grant worked to nail down an agreement with Affiliated before he left office in March, but that effort ran into resistance from former Commissioner Christina Romelus.
Romelus had asked commissioners to dismiss Affiliated and go instead with Related Urban, the second-ranked applicant that had offered to make a portion of its apartments be affordable workforce housing in perpetuity.
But CRA staff continued to negotiate with Affiliated and is now working on the final agreement.
In other development-related news, the City Commission is looking at imposing a height restriction on city buildings, especially on the east side of town, to make the city friendlier.
The commission is also considering mandating more green space for developments.
Commissioner Thomas Turkin, who suggested both changes, has asked city staff to look into other Palm Beach County cities’ height and green space requirements — and zoning practices — and bring the findings back to the commission in the coming weeks.

The Boynton Beach City Library moved to its current location after a new city hall-library complex was completed in 2020. Photo provided

By Christine Davis

The Florida Library Association has named the Boynton Beach City Library the 2022 Library of the Year. The designation recognizes the library and its staff for tackling unavoidable change by creating innovative programs for the community.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by our professional peers and to be reassured that our library is providing innovative and life-changing programming to the citizens of Boynton Beach,” said Craig Clark, library director. “We have a talented and creative team here at the Boynton Beach City Library, and I am very proud of them.”
To sign up for a library card or to learn more about library resources and programs, call 561-742-6390 or visit boyntonlibrary.org.

***

Boynton Beach City Library archivist Georgen Charnes received the Award of Excellence from the Boynton Beach Historical Society for her service and dedication to the library’s local history archives, which include photographs, personal papers, scrapbooks, small organizational records and newspapers.
When Charnes began as archivist at the library in early 2019, most of the collection was in storage until the new library opened at 100 E. Ocean Ave. in the summer of 2020. She focused on outreach through the internet.
“Our mission is to collect, preserve and make accessible the heritage of the people of our region,” Charnes said. “Over the last couple of years we have focused on getting our materials online, where we have collection descriptions, some newspapers digitized, some photographs and oral histories available.”
Charnes has also helped to “iron out a partnership with the Historical Society,” which she says is “beneficial to the city, the library, the Historical Society and to local people.”
An archivist for more than 30 years, Charnes previously worked at the Nantucket Historical Association. She became interested in archival work during studies toward her library science master’s degree at the University of Kentucky.
“I love handling historical material and I love the stories that each diary, letter and scrapbook represent,” she said. “It’s all that’s left of a person’s life and finding out about them involves some detective work. It’s important to me that people learn about history, because if we don’t, we are doomed to repeat it.”
To view the collection or to donate archival material, contact Charnes at www.boynton-beach.org/library/archives-faq using the “Contact the Archivist” link.

***

Stacey Hallberg has been appointed senior managing director of the Boca Raton and Delray Beach offices of Northern Trust. Hallberg most recently served as managing director of the Delray Beach office.
“Stacey has a proven track record leading diverse and high-performing teams, and we look forward to her leadership and more accomplishments in south Palm Beach County,” said Mike Bracci, president of Northern Trust’s East Florida Region.
Hallberg, a certified financial planner, received her B.S. at the University of Florida. She serves on the board of directors for the Achievement Centers for Children and Families and previously served on leadership boards at Bethesda Hospital Foundation, Delray Beach Historical Society, Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Old School Square and Bethesda Corporate Partners.

***

Delray Beach resident Ben Baffer, an operations and project management expert with 34 years of experience in the building industry, has returned to Kaufman Lynn Construction as senior vice president.
Previously, Baffer worked with Kaufman Lynn Construction for more than 11 years, beginning as a senior project manager and later serving as vice president of operations. He left the company in 2019 to serve as a senior vice president at Plaza Construction Co. in Miami.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Kaufman Lynn Construction in this new leadership role,” Baffer said. “I look forward to collaborating with such a talented team … and it’s great to be back in the Delray Beach community.”
Baffer has lived in Delray Beach with his family for the past 21 years, and serves as chairman of the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board.

***

Attorney Erin L. Deady, a certified land planner in Delray Beach, recently assisted local city and county governments in securing funding for six planning awards totaling $1,133,125 from the state of Florida by having their grant projects approved. The grants were announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 
In Southeast Florida, they include three vulnerability assessment update and expansion plans, for $139,350, $192,475 and $178,100, as well as $75,000 for a natural resources adaptation plan.
The funds “are desperately needed by local governments to plan for the impacts of future flood risk and develop projects adapting to the flooding and sea level impacts from climate change,” Deady said. “These plans are required to develop projects for future funding cycles, so the efforts really start at the planning level first.” 

***

Eau Palm Beach has earned five stars in the annual Forbes Travel Guide for the seventh consecutive year for its hotel and the eighth consecutive year for its spa.
“We are thrilled once again to be recognized with the prestigious Forbes five-star rating for Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in 2022, making us only one of six double-star hotel and spa winners in Florida,” said general manager Tim Nardi.
Four Seasons Palm Beach also was recognized. This marks the 24th consecutive year the Four Seasons has received a five-star designation and the sixth year its spa has earned five stars.

***

PEBB Enterprises and joint venture partner Banyan Development, both of Boca Raton, paid $37.5 million for a long-term ground leasehold interest position in the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University.
The lease includes seven multi-tenant office buildings with 308,305 square feet at 3600-3998 FAU Blvd., Boca Raton, according to a PEBB Enterprises news release.
According to newspaper reports, the seller is the international sovereign wealth fund Boca R&D Finance, which shares the same address as New York-based Global Securitization Services. The landlord remains the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, which governs the Research Park at FAU. 
Avison Young’s Keith O’Donnell listed the portfolio on behalf of the seller and led the off-market transaction.
The Research Park, a regional technology business incubator, allows for companies to collaborate with FAU faculty with the goal to strengthen and diversify Boca Raton’s business community.
“This is a unique opportunity to own and operate prime office space adjacent to the FAU campus,” said PEBB Enterprises President and CEO Ian Weiner. “We continue to target new investment opportunities in Boca Raton, which is underserved from an office supply standpoint.”
Current tenants include American Sugar Refining, Xeriant, Baptist Health Surgery Center, FAU College of Medicine Clinical Skills Simulation Center, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Sandow Media, GenesisCare and 4ocean.

***

Miami-based Edgewater Capital Investments purchased a multifamily development site in Boynton Beach for $12 million in a deal that was recorded May 9. The sellers were East Ocean Avenue LLC, 206 Boynton LLC, Boynton Beach Property Holdings LLC, 416 Boynton LLC and First Avenue Boynton LLC.
The 5.1 acres of vacant land at 405 E. Ocean Ave. and 306 SE First Ave. was assembled in multiple transactions from 2013 to 2015 for a total of $2.74 million, and the city gave approval for 371 apartments and 15,757 square feet of commercial space.
Construction of the Villages at East Ocean Avenue did not move forward. Now, under Edgewater, the first phase of the project is scheduled to break ground within a year at 405 E. Ocean Ave. and consist of 336 apartments and about 10,000 square feet of retail, with amenities including a pool, fitness center and clubhouse.

***

Rental rates for homes and apartments have spiked across the nation, and Florida is at the center of the surge, according to a new study from Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University and University of Alabama.
While ranking the 25 most overvalued U.S. rental markets, they found that the first five are all in Florida. And, South Florida heads that list, with renters in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties paying an average $2,832 a month, which is 21.75% above what they should be paying, based on the area’s long-term leasing trends.
Fort Myers is No. 2, with a $2,052 monthly average rent, which is 18.16% above the long-term leasing trend for the area. Tampa (17.08% premium), Sarasota-Bradenton (16.98%) and Port St. Lucie (15.61%) round out the top five. 
“Landlords can charge exorbitant rents because if the existing tenants do not accept the new lease terms, other people will accept them quickly. This all points back to a persistent inventory shortage in rental units,” said Ken H. Johnson,  Ph.D., an economist in FAU’s College of  Business.

***

Lang Realty, through its community outreach arm Lang Cares, delivered more than 13,000 diapers to several South Florida charities through The Diaper Bank Covering South Florida. “There is a great need for diapers throughout South Florida,” Lang’s Pamela Agran and Amy Snook said in a news release. “Our agents, partners and communities rallied together to help make this substantial donation and our first diaper drive such a success.”

***

Salt Life, a store that sells sunglasses and accessories, opened in May at Mizner Park, 327 Plaza Real in Boca Raton. The 1,952-square-foot retail store is between Max’s Grille and Blue Mercury. 
This new store will be joined by others in the next few months.
New restaurants slated to open include the American Social, Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar, Penelope New Orleans Kitchen, Pure Green, Shaker & Pie, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. Also due to open soon are Liv2100 Aesthetics & Hormones, the Shade Store, and Spirits & Spice.
“We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse roster of new tenants in the coming months that will bring an exciting mix of eateries, hot spots and more to downtown Boca Raton,” said Vicki Baisden, general manager of Mizner Park.  

***

The owners of Ellie’s 50’s Diner in Delray Beach announced their retirement in May — and the sale of the landmark eatery.
Bob and Ellie Smela have owned and run the nostalgia-filled spot for 32 years. They announced the sale of the property on their social media site, but assured diners they have time to visit through mid-July when the diner will close permanently.
There was no immediate word on what’s next for the property at 2410 N. Federal Highway.

***

The first South Florida Business & Brews, a networking social for community-engaged professionals, planned to kick off June 1 at NOBO Brewing Co., with Boynton Beach Director of Economic Development David Scott.
Periodic meetings will each have a presentation by a community leader, followed by a Q&A.
Business & Brews, launched in South Carolina in 2015, plans to make stops in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Martin counties over the next 12 months. Visit its events page at www.facebook.com/events/1207543203338295.

Jan Norris contributed to this column.

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

Ukrainian refugees Khrystyna Balmush and her 10-year-old son, Davyd, are staying with Hypoluxo Island residents Joni Epstein-Feld and Norm Feld, seen here with their dog, Oskar. Bottom right: Keeping Davyd Balmush safe was his mother’ s main motivation for fleeing the war in Ukraine. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Hypoluxo Island couple welcomes refugees from war in Ukraine

By Tao Woolfe

When a Hypoluxo Island couple opened their hearts — and their home — to Ukrainian refugees, they discovered firsthand how a war abroad can unite people at home.
Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Norm Feld and Joni Epstein-Feld decided that they had to do something to help the Ukrainian people.
“Norm wanted to go to Poland and serve food to refugees fleeing the country,” Epstein-Feld said. “I didn’t think that was a good idea.”
Instead, the Felds contacted the Ukrainian Refugee Settlement Project, an interfaith organization in South Florida that unites host families with Eastern European refugees. The couple offered their home as a sanctuary.
In late April, Khrystyna Balmush, 30, and her 10-year-old son, Davyd, arrived on the Felds’ doorstep.
Mother and child had fled the bombing in their small village in western Ukraine near Lviv. They were exhausted and frightened when they got here, having traveled a long and circuitous route through Poland, Mexico and California before landing in Miami.
“They slept in airports for six days,” Epstein-Feld said. “The day she got to Mexico they closed the border.”
Khrystyna used her phone to find help and eventually located the Ukrainian Settlement Project — and the Felds.
After the Balmushes had settled into the Felds’ commodious home on Hypoluxo Island, they walked down the street and were astonished to see small, replica Ukrainian flags planted in the neighbors’ lush lawns.
The island community has shown support in other ways as well. Ann McGlinn-Work has taken the newcomers to Lantana’s Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Sundays, and plans to take them to a Polish Mass on a Saturday night.
“Khrystyna speaks some English but Davyd doesn’t really understand what’s being said in church,” McGlinn-Work said. “The first couple of times he fell asleep on her arm.”
McGlinn-Work said that she will not understand what’s said in the Polish Mass, but that’s OK. The spirit transcends language, she said.

Davyd Balmush plays soccer with his friend and neighbor Michael Betras at McKinley Park on Hypoluxo Island. Betras says soccer transcends the language barrier.

Neighbor Michael Betras said soccer also transcends language.
“I have played pickup soccer with him and he’s really good,” Betras said of Davyd. “I don’t have to say anything — not one word. Soccer is all we need.”
Epstein-Feld said the neighbors have always been friendly, but since the Balmushes arrived, a deeper spirit of kinship has evolved.
“This is really a wonderful community. Everybody has stepped up to help,” Norm Feld said.
And Khrystyna, a single mom who worked in restaurants before the war, has responded in kind. Every week she cooks Ukrainian dishes for the neighbors — borscht and pierogi.
“We must have handed out 20 containers of borscht,” Norm Feld said.
Not all has been rosy for the Balmushes, however.
Khrystyna misses her parents, whom she left behind, and she has heard that two cousins who joined the battle have been badly injured by bombs and bullets.
When the bombing of her village began, Khrystyna Balmush became determined to get her son out of the country.
“The bombs came in my house every day. I heard this — windows breaking,” she said. “I was very nervous.”
Messages sent to her phone told the family to evacuate, she said, but the family had nowhere to go.
“I told my mother I’m going. I must keep my son safe.”
Today, thanks to the Felds, Khrystyna and Davyd do feel that way.
“I say every day to my mother I am safe and OK with these people. Now I have two families,” Khrystyna said. “They are good people who help us every day, every day.”

Ukrainian native Khrystyna Balmush and her 10-year-old son, Davyd, stroll with Hypoluxo Island resident Joni Epstein-Feld, who is providing them with a place to stay during the war in their homeland.

The Balmushes have their own little apartment in a guest house behind the Felds’ pool. They walk around the neighborhood at night to talk about their future in America.
Eventually Khrystyna wants to go to college, maybe to study information technology. First, she says, she needs to take English classes so she can communicate and get a job.
Meanwhile, Epstein-Feld has enrolled Davyd in a local school after weeks of working through red tape.
“He came home today and said he had made three friends,” Epstein-Feld said with a smile. “That is a real accomplishment.”
Neighbors say the Felds are always quick to lend a hand to people in need.
“They are just amazing people,” McGlinn-Work said. “Khrystyna and Davyd couldn’t have found a better spot — or better hosts.”
For their part, the Felds hope others will read their story and become inspired.
“There are not many host families in Palm Beach County,” Epstein-Feld said. “Our hope is that others will offer to host Ukrainian families.”

Boca Raton Airport Authority board members (l-r) Gene Folden, Jim Nau, Bob Tucker, Randy Nobles, Cheryl Budd and Melvin Pollack hold a few of the breakfast food items gathered for Boca Helping Hands. Photo provided

By Amy Woods

More than 300 pounds of food was donated to Boca Helping Hands courtesy of volunteers at the Boca Raton Airport Authority.
Cereal and other breakfast items were provided to help families in need with the most important meal of the day.
“Boca Helping Hands is a vital organization that exceeds expectations while providing for our local community,” Boca Raton Airport Authority Executive Director Clara Bennett said. “We are always so excited to get involved and help our community soar.”
For more information, call 561-417-0913 or visit bocahelpinghands.org.

‘Rebound and Recovery’ focuses on mental health
As the country calls attention to the growing epidemic of mental health issues, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Florida State University on a new initiative.
Titled “Rebound and Recovery,” the collaboration aims to tackle the pandemic-aggravated emotional challenges faced by children and teens. FSU’s College of Social Work, as well as its Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families and Children, will spearhead the effort.
“Once we develop the new curriculum and pilot it with the Boys & Girls Clubs, we’ll be able to share it with others in the county, across the state and beyond,” said Jeff Stoops, an FSU graduate who helped start the center in Tallahassee. “Working together within this unique collaboration, we hope to build a program that is scalable and can have a real lifelong impact on the mental health of our youth and teens.”
For more information, call 561-659-6800 or visit yourcommunityfoundation.org.

Laugh with the Library raises more than $230,000
Good humor and laughter were in abundance at the Delray Beach Public Library’s Laugh with the Library, taking place at the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa.
The event, co-chaired by Chiara Clark and Alissa Rabin, is a perennial favorite for its creative, casual, fun-filled night of comedy, cocktails and dinner-by-the-bite. The headliner was comedian Pat McGann.
“The Delray Beach Public Library depends on the success of this fundraiser to provide support for library materials,” said Kae Jonsons, director of development and community relations, noting that more than $230,000 was generated. “The pandemic led to an increase in demand as well as the cost of books, and digital materials have risen greatly.”
For more information, call 561-266-7698 or visit delraylibrary.org.

New board members at Children’s Foundation
Beth Schlager and Stu Steckler have been appointed as board members of the Boca West Children’s Foundation, which funds projects to assist needy children and their families in South County.
The foundation achieves its goals through a network of 30 local charities.
“We have a very dynamic and committed board of directors, and we are thrilled to welcome Beth and Stu to join us in our mission to serve the kids in Palm Beach County,” Chairman Richard Zenker said. “Both of these individuals are committed to improving the community, and they both have significant business and volunteer experience to bring to the board.”

For more information, call 561-488-6980 or visit bocawestfoundation.org.

Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.

From outdoor movies and concerts, to green markets and nature hikes, we want to soak up as much open-air activity as possible before hurricane season settles in and the oppressive heat and humidity drive us indoors. Searching for ideas? Look no further than our calendar listings — assembled each month by Michele Smith and Kathleen Bell. ABOVE: After successfully screening Casablanca in May, Delray plans to show Tom and Jerry on June 25. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Note: Events are current as of 5/26. Please check with organizers for any changes.

JUNE 4
Saturday - 6/4 - Sand Sifters Beach Clean Up at Oceanfront Park, 6415 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge. Meet at south pavilion in lower parking lot. Bring water, hat, sunscreen. Bags, gloves, grabbers provided. 8-10:30 am. Free. jefflev02@gmail.com
6/4 - Summer GreenMarket every Saturday at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave. Fresh local produce, baked goods, gourmet food items, plants, live music, children’s activities. 9am-2pm. 276-7511; delraycra.org/green-market
6/4 - Annual Splash Day at Sunset Ridge Park, 1528 14th Ave N, Lake Worth Beach. Bring sunblock, towel. 11:30 am-2 pm. Free. 561-586-1600; lakeworthbeachfl.gov
6/4 - Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feedings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Daily 12:30 pm. Free. 561-544-8605; myboca.us/2096/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center
6/4 - Crafted On the Ave at Libby Wesley Plaza, 2 SW 5th Ave, Delray Beach. Open-air craft market highlights local small & microbusinesses; merchants/creators of handmade products, art, other crafts/goods. 1st Sat 1-4 pm thru 8/6. Free. 561-651-9565; delraycra.org/events

JUNE 5-11
Sunday - 6/5 - Coco Connections Market at Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st St, Delray Beach. Monthly wellness market; 30 local vendors, health/wellness professionals, various healing modalities, live music, 2 free yoga, meditation or fitness classes per event. 1st F 9 am-2 pm thru 12/31. Free. 561-870-4090; thecocoyogi.com/market
6/5 - Mizner Park Green Market every Sunday at 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 10 am-5 pm. 362-0606; miznerpark.com
Wednesday - 6/8 - Outdoor Storytime at Boynton Beach City Library under the banyan tree, 100 E Ocean Ave. Stories, rhymes, more. Held again 6/22. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-742-6393; boyntonlibrary.org
Friday - 6/10 - Artisans Market every Friday at Mizner Park, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Unique artisan/handcrafted items; fresh produce; locally prepared foods, condiments, baked items; more. 4-9 pm. Free/admission. 561+362-0606; miznerpark.com
6/10 - Concert: U2 by Tribute Band UV at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Part of Boca Raton’s Summer of Music series. 8 pm. Free. 561-393-7700; myboca.us
Saturday - 6/11 - Rock the Marina & Lion Fish Derby at Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Blvd, Boynton Beach. Live music, activities, food offerings from plaza restaurants. Lionfish Derby 8 am-12:30 pm; Rock the Marina Noon-4 pm. Free. 732-8590; boyntonbeachcra.com

JUNE 12-18
Wednesday - 6/15 - Bilingual Outdoor Storytime at Boynton Beach City Library under the Banyan tree, 100 E Ocean Ave. Stories, rhymes, more. Held again 6/29. 10-10:30 am. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org
Friday - 6/17 - Beach Treasures at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Learn about seashells, the animals that make them. Caravan to Red Reef Park, 1400 N State Rd A1A; search for ocean treasures. All ages; child must be accompanied by an adult. 9-10:30 am. Free. Reservations: 561-544-8605; gumbolimbo.org
6/17 - Concert: Yacht Rock - Soft Rock Hits From the Late 70s-early 80s at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Part of Boca Raton’s Summer of Music series. 8 pm. Free. 561-393-7700; myboca.us
Saturday - 6/18 - Zumba Class at Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton. Part of Boca Raton’s Summer of Wellness series. 9 am. Free. 561-393-7700; myboca.us
6/18 - Free Concert: Scott Ross and Blue Ruin at Old School Square Pavilion, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Bring lawn chair/blanket. 7:30-10 pm. Free. 243-7000; delraybeachfl.gov

JUNE 19-25
Sunday - 6/19 - 10th Annual Mizner Park Downtown Drive Car Show at 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Fees & donations benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. 150+ cars. 9 am-3 pm. Free/admission. 561-362-0606; miznerpark.com
Friday - 6/24 - Summer Splash! A Side-by-Side with The Symphonia and FAU Summer Concert Band at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Part of Boca Raton’s Summer of Music series. 6 pm doors open; 7 pm concert. Free. 561-393-7700; myboca.us
Saturday - 6/25 - Sea Angels Beach Cleanup at Ocean Inlet Park, 6990 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge. Last Sat 8-9:30 am. Pre-registration: 561-369-5501; seaangels.org
6/25 - Movies in the Park: Tom & Jerry at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach. Bring lawn chair/blanket. Free popcorn & snow cones courtesy of Delray Beach Police Department. 8:30-10:30 pm. Free. 561-243-7000; delraybeachfl.gov

American Humane’s exotic brunch delighted guests with a bit of everything, including an exquisite menu, a beautiful setting, live music and even a rescued sloth named Mila. ‘Sincere thanks to everyone here today for your love of animals and our work together to protect, promote and preserve the wonderful animals with whom we share this earth,’ CEO Robin Ganzert said in welcoming the guests. A special highlight was a check presentation from Delray Beach-based Delivery Dudes in the amount of $5,000. ABOVE: (l-r) Jean Shafiroff, Lois Pope holding Nicely-Nicely, and Ganzert. Photo provided by Capehart