Boca Raton will receive $32 million as the result of the nationwide settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers of so-called “forever chemicals” that are in tap water.

The city was one of a number of cities in South Florida — Delray Beach is getting $15 million — and in other states that had sued manufacturers of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, which are linked to a variety of health problems including thyroid disease, liver damage, some cancers, weakened immunity and reduced fertility in women.

In addition to tap water, the chemicals are in a wide variety of products, including non-stick pans, carpets, clothing, cosmetics and pizza boxes. They have been present for decades.

Boca Raton will receive $29 million from 3M and $3 million from DuPont. The city retained the Ferraro Law Firm of Miami in 2023 to join in the litigation.

The settlement funds will be used to help pay for the construction of a new $55 million water treatment system that will remove more of the chemicals from the water. The city’s current system already removes some of them.

Even so, the city says that tap water is safe to drink and complies with current federal standards.

The city does not anticipate a water rate increase after the construction is completed in about 2031.

— Mary Hladky

Aspiring lifeguards at the city of Boca Raton’s Junior Lifeguard Summer Camp wait out a passing storm by moving from the beach and competing to see who can hang onto the monkey bars the longest. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Mary Hladky

Peggy Gossett-Seidman calls it the “sad little orphan fountain.”

Lovely but modest, it sits within a roundabout on Camino Real in front of the main entrance to The Boca Raton.

The fountain came to the attention of Gossett-Seidman, a Republican state representative whose district includes Boca Raton, earlier this year when she was speaking with constituents who live nearby.

“Many, many dozens of people said, ‘What is happening with that fountain,’” she said. They thought it was in poor condition and needed attention.

So Gossett-Seidman made it her mission to find out what can be done to improve it.

“It is my new pet project because truly it can use an uplift and maybe renovations and repair,” she said.

Thousands of vehicles a day use the roundabout, which also opens to the Camino Real bridge to the barrier island and the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club.

Gossett-Seidman’s efforts began with some sleuthing to find out who owns the fountain and is responsible for its upkeep.

Gossett-Seidman learned from Susan Gillis, curator at the Boca Raton Historical Society, that the fountain was in place in 1930. Gillis has photographs documenting that.

But famed architect Addison Mizner, who opened the Cloister Inn within what is now The Boca Raton in 1926, was not responsible for building it, Gillis said. Possibly the Cloister Inn’s second owner, Clarence Geist, built the fountain.

After ascertaining that Camino Real is a county road, Gossett-Seidman enlisted Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward, whose district includes Boca Raton, to help her find answers.

“It’s an interesting dig into history,” Woodward said.

Woodward learned that the resort has paid for the fountain’s water and electric usage for years. The reason for that is not yet clear.

She and Gossett-Seidman also have yet to learn who owns the fountain or who is responsible for its upkeep.

Even though facts are in short supply for now, Gossett-Seidman and Woodward are agreed that they should come up with a plan to improve the fountain and to find a source of funding for that project.

“Everyone wants to see it improved,” Gossett-Seidman said. “Marci and I are making sure we get all of the people together.”

“I think the appetite is there to make something better,” Woodward said.

The resort also is on board.

“We plan to participate in whatever is going to happen with the fountain,” said Sara Geen Hill, executive director of communications and brand management. “It is in front of our main entrance. We want to make sure it is beautiful.”

Now is the time to do that, Gossett-Seidman and Woodward said. That’s because the city is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. The resort’s centennial is next year.

“This fountain seems a good way to memorialize the whole era in Boca Raton,” Woodward said.

How much it will cost to do that depends on how extensive the renovation is.

Both agree that the fountain is not in terrible shape, so improvements may not cost a lot.

“I don’t think it would be a large project to fund,” Woodward said. “It is not like it is in disrepair. It could use a little love, sprucing up.”

The county and state might be willing to help, they said.

Gossett-Seidman said she may be able to get a state appropriation or grant funding since the project would involve historical preservation.

County funding also is possible because the County Commission designated Camino Real from the Intracoastal Waterway to Dixie Highway as a historic district in 1997, Gillis said.

Gossett-Seidman thinks the stars are aligned on the project.

“I have had nothing but positive response all around,” she said. “I am very grateful to everyone for helping me out.”

The fountain is a worthwhile cause, she added. “It is a little jewel.” 

Boca Raton is moving three historically notable homes from their location at 498 Crawford Blvd. The buildings are (l-r) Singing Pines, the Ricketts House and the Rickards House. Staff photo

By Mary Hladky

The historic Singing Pines Children’s Museum building soon will be moving to a new location.

The home, the second oldest in Boca Raton that still exists, will be relocated to Meadows Park in September.

Two other historically notable homes will be moved at that same time. The Rickards house also is going to Meadows Park, at 1300 NW Eighth St. The Ricketts house will go to the Boca Raton Cemetery and Mausoleum at 451 SW Fourth Ave.

The project will cost the city $4.2 million.

All three have been at 498 Crawford Blvd., on the city’s downtown government campus, for years. The city originally decided to move them to make way for a new building administration and code enforcement building.

Since then, the city has entered into a public-private partnership with Terra and Frisbie Group to redevelop the 30-acre downtown campus. Plans for the new city building now are on hold and the city will be moving some existing recreation facilities off-site to free up space for its new downtown campus vision.

The relocation of the now-closed children’s museum was controversial, with the city’s Historic Preservation Board saying the city should not “shove it in a park that nobody uses.”

The City Council overruled the board, after city staff said that when the city designated the building as historic in 1988, it was not because of its location. The current site is not the original one.

The museum building was built in 1913 or 1914 at 301 SE First Ave. by William Myrick on property purchased from Henry Flagler’s Model Land Co.

The museum opened in 1979 but closed in 2019 as operational costs increased. The COVID-19 pandemic stalled efforts to reopen it.

The Rickards house, built in the 1890s by the city’s first settler, Thomas Moore Rickards, looks like the original that was once located on Palmetto Park Road. But it was completely rebuilt and so has less historical importance.

The Ricketts house was built in 1940 and became the real estate office for developer Arvida Corp., founded by Arthur Vining Davis. It is planned to be placed on the southeast portion of the cemetery property along Southwest Third Avenue.

If no problems crop up, the relocation project, including landscaping, will be completed in January. 

By Mary Hladky

Eighty-one candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to become Boca Raton’s next city manager, with the recruitment firm hired by the city recommending that eight be considered semifinalists.

City Council members likely will decide on July 15 which ones they want to interview. The interviews will take place on Aug. 12 and they could select one that day.

The recruitment firm Mercer Group Associates had recommended the city speed up its selection process, concerned that high-quality candidates might accept other offers.

The successful candidate will replace George Brown, who has served for 43 years with city. He was promoted to the top job on Jan. 1, 2024, after 21 years as deputy city manager.

Two of the top candidates are high-ranking city employees.

Jorge Camejo is a former executive director of the Community Redevelopment Agency, which oversees the downtown, and director of development services who became executive director of the Hollywood CRA before rejoining the city earlier this year as a deputy city manager.

Jim Zervis was hired by the city in 2024 as chief financial officer. He was promoted to deputy city manager earlier this year but retained his financial title. He previously served as chief administrative officer for Kern County in central California, which at the time had a $3.5 billion budget. He also has held high-ranking roles in other cities and counties.

Two other candidates from Florida are Shaun Gayle, Miramar’s assistant city manager, who also has held other titles in that city since she was hired in 2014; and Treasa Brown Stubbs, Lauderdale Lakes’ city manager, who similarly held other titles with the city since joining it in 2004.

The others are:

• Sonia Alves-Viveiros, now city manager/business administrator for the township of Edison, New Jersey, and formerly city manager in Englewood and city manager for the township of Maplewood, both in New Jersey;
• Harry Black, currently a fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration in Washington, D.C., and formerly city manager of Stockton, California, founder and general manager of Maximus Management Group in Cincinnati, and Cincinnati city manager;
• Eric Brackins, assistant city manager of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and formerly city manager of Norris, Tennessee, and budget analyst for the Louisville, Kentucky, finance department;
• J. David Fraser, interim county manager of Adams County, Colorado, and formerly executive director of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, city manager of Boulder, Colorado, and executive director of the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities. 

By Mary Hladky

The Boca Raton City Council has rejected a special magistrate’s non-binding recommendation that would have cleared the way for a landowner to fill in largely submerged property along the Intracoastal Waterway so that it can be developed.

The case involves William Swaim, who has made many efforts in South Florida, including in Ocean Ridge, to reclaim submerged land. Such land has become attractive because almost all highly valuable waterfront property already has been developed.

Swaim acquired the 4-acre Boca Raton property at 3000 NE Eighth Ave. in 2019 and has said it would be worth $43 million if filled in for development.

In 2024, the city’s Public Works and Engineering director, Zachary Bihr, spotted a truck dumping fill material on the property — on the mainland side of the Intracoastal across from the south end of Spanish River Park — even though Swaim did not have permits to do so. He was issued a stop work order and a notice of city code violation.

Swaim then filed for permits to clear and fill in the property, according to case documents, but the city found many deficiencies in the permit applications.

Swaim asked for a special magistrate to hear the matter under the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act.

On May 16, Special Magistrate Mark Bentley, a Tampa attorney agreed to by both sides, concluded that the city had acted inappropriately. In two examples, the magistrate said the city had “effectively frustrated (Swaim’s) efforts” by not responding to his permit applications for more than 100 days after he filed for them and by “constant ‘moving the goalposts.’”

The magistrate determined that the city’s code enforcement order unreasonably burdened Swaim and recommended that the order be nullified, that the city issue the permits and, if it did not, that the city purchase the property at an amount based on the land being filled in.

In response, the city strenuously denied that it had done anything improper. The special magistrate’s conclusion that Swaim was unreasonably burdened was “based on numerous erroneous factual and legal conclusions,” its pleading states. In another instance, the city said the findings were “factually and legally incorrect.”

The matter landed before the City Council on June 10 when City Manager George Brown recommended that the city reject the special magistrate’s recommendation.

Swaim’s attorney, Hope Calhoun, argued against that action.

“This project owner just wants to get on developing his property and have the permits requested issued,” she said. “We are just trying to get this property to a space that can be developed as it should be.”

Swaim said the property was “high and dry” until the mid-1950s when the soil on it was illegally removed by a neighboring property owner.

Council member Andy Thomson suggested it might “make sense” to postpone the vote so that council members could meet in a closed-door executive session to discuss the matter and consider a settlement.

Council member Marc Wigder and Mayor Scott Singer were willing to hold an executive session, but wanted to proceed with a vote.

City Attorney Joshua Koehler said the council could vote and hold the executive session later.

The council rejected the special magistrate’s recommendation by a vote of 4-1, with Thomson dissenting.

Swaim and Calhoun did not respond to questions from The Coastal Star about what action Swaim might take in response.

By Steve Plunkett

The Florida Department of Transportation will add buffered bike lanes to 1.3 miles of Federal Highway in downtown Boca Raton and create a new mid-block pedestrian crossing by Mizner Park just south of Plaza Real.

In a June 4 informational meeting at the Downtown Library, state officials outlined their plans for the estimated $5.5 million project, which is scheduled to start next summer and finish in the fall of 2027.

Federal Highway will lose one traffic lane each way — from three lanes to two — from Camino Real to Southeast Fifth Street/Southeast Mizner Boulevard to make room for 11-foot-wide paved sidewalks and 5-foot-wide bike lanes. That stretch currently has 6-foot-wide sidewalks and 4-foot-wide, unbuffered bike lanes. Bicyclists will be separated from motorists by 2 feet of raised concrete and 2 feet of sod; there will be 4 feet of sod between the bicyclists and the sidewalks.

From Southeast Fifth to Northeast Eighth Street/Northeast Mizner Boulevard — already only two lanes in each direction — construction crews will widen the roadway into part of the median to make room for the buffered bike lanes on the outside. A concrete wall will separate bicycles and traffic. The vehicle lanes will shrink from 11 feet wide to 10 feet 11 inches on the outside lane and only 10 feet on the inside. Sidewalks will remain 6 feet wide.

“I’m very, very excited to see the city’s first [improved] sidewalk and bicycle lanes that are going to go in. That’s going to be monumental. And I appreciate it and hope to see more of that within the city,” said Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas, who attended the meeting.

Also in the plan are milling and resurfacing Federal Highway, drainage modifications and replacing the mast arm that holds the traffic signals on the east side of the Camino Real intersection.

The northbound Federal Highway left turn at East Camino Real will be modified from a single left turn lane to dual left turn lanes.

Throughout the project, signs and pavement markings will be upgraded to meet current standards and increase reflectivity, and green pavement markings will be added to enhance safety at bicycle-vehicular conflict areas, FDOT officials said.

The new midblock crossing south of Plaza Real will get upgraded decorative light poles to increase illumination.

As usual, work will be done in phases to reduce the impacts of construction on the community, temporary lane closures will be done during non-peak hours, and access to residences and businesses along with pedestrian traffic will be maintained during construction, the transportation officials said. 

By John Pacenti

Accusations that rocked the Delray Beach apparatchik for weeks came to an end June 27 when an independent investigator found the claim by a recently hired director that her job was threatened by Vice Mayor Rob Long to be “unsubstantiated.”

Still, the investigator — attorney Brooke Ehrlich — found plenty of room for improvement, recommending City Manager Terrence Moore stop his practice of conference calls with city employees and individual commissioners. She also recommended that commissioners stop directly contacting city directors — and, if they do, ensure the city attorney or internal auditor is on the line.

In the meantime and before the investigation’s conclusion, the center of the storm — Rodney Mayo, lightning rod restaurant and coffee shop owner — decided to pour gasoline over the already raging fire by releasing a scathing email that blasted the director who leveled the complaint: Jeri Pryor, the neighborhood and community services director who also oversees code enforcement.

The report redacts Pryor’s name, but The Coastal Star previously identified her as the complainant, citing a leaked document.

Pryor accused City Manager Terrence Moore and Long of telling her in a Feb. 20 conference call to “stand down” on code enforcement for Mayo’s Subculture coffee shop and his restaurant Dada.  She said they “threatened her employment,” according to the report.

Moore and Long react

The 52-page report — obtained by The Coastal Star July 1 through a public records request — also found “unsubstantiated” Pryor’s complaint that Moore directed her to go soft on businesses represented by the Downtown Development Authority.

“With the conclusion of this investigation, the City remains committed to fostering a respectful and supportive work environment,” Moore said in a July 1 statement.

“We look forward to strengthening leadership within Neighborhood and Community Services and across all departments to ensure positive, productive relationships both internally and in service to our community.”

Long emailed a statement, saying the complaint called his integrity into question.

“The report also raises legitimate concerns about the reliability of the complainant’s account. She waited two months to raise her complaint, never brought her concerns to her direct supervisor, and acknowledged that her decision to file was shaped by prior trauma in a different workplace,” Long said.

“Those factors, combined with the absence of corroborating evidence and the consistent accounts of multiple witnesses, speak for themselves. I’m grateful that the facts are now on the record.”

Pryor, when she was working as chief of staff for Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Warren Sturman, filed a complaint against Commissioner Steve Glassman there for using an expletive in her presence on Jan. 9, 2024. Pryor accused Glassman of “violent, hostile and aggressive behavior.”

The investigator ended up recommending that the Fort Lauderdale City Commission adopt a code of conduct, but concluded that Glassman’s comments did not constitute harassment or bullying.

Pryor did not return a phone call for comment.

Not a whistleblower

At times, the report flies far afield from the central complaint to address Pryor’s numerous accusations.

There are pages delving into alleged bad behavior by a developer subject to a noise complaint and how Pryor felt undermined by Moore and Deputy City Manager Jeff Oris at the April 22 commission meeting when commissioners inquired about code violations by Subculture on Northeast Sixth Avenue.

The meandering report was released to The Coastal Star without any supportive documentation or addendums — such as Pryor’s original complaint and her supporting material.

It also made another significant finding: Pryor was not considered a whistleblower. Pryor had claimed protection under the state law, stating that Long and Moore violated the city’s charter by telling her to engage in “selective enforcement.”

“Whether or not (Pryor) engaged in a protected disclosure is unnecessary to examine in this matter, given that ultimately, no adverse employment action has been taken by the City against (Pryor) since the time her disclosure was made,” Ehrlich found.

The phone call

Pryor was hired in January and Moore said he felt the phone call was more of an introduction between her and Long.

Long said he felt the phone call was cordial.

Both men denied putting any pressure on Pryor to go easy on Mayo’s establishments but said the conversation may have addressed prioritizing “big” code violations, rather than “small” ones.

Dada had been cited for using an A-frame sign, which is prohibited by the city.

Pryor, though, said Long yelled at her and threatened her employment.

“I’m telling you right now, lay off of them, just lay off of them,” Pryor claimed Long said. “This person [Mr. Mayo] has been in business for 25 years. You need to leave them alone. This is just a small issue.”

Long disputes that, saying: “The conversation at the center of this investigation was described consistently by both myself and Mr. Moore as brief, professional, and focused on broader goals such as education, voluntary compliance, and rebuilding trust in Code Enforcement.”

Ehlrich’s report claims that Moore and Long contradict each other, but then goes off on an unrelated tangent. At most, the two men’s accounts have insignificant differences.

Commissioner Juli Casale said there had been at least one other incident of Long — her political nemesis on the dais — yelling at a city director.

“The report ignores the fact that this is not the only recent incident of this nature, involving the same city commissioner,” she said. “I am inclined to believe the city employee who had no reason to falsely report the incident and immediately documented it verbally and in writing.”

Long said he doesn't know of any other email from a director making a complaint about him. "I virtually never speak to our directors unless Terrence is present and I have absolutely never disrespected, bullied or given specific directions to them. Any aspersions to the contrary are more politically motivated lies," he said.

Mayo on the attack

Mayo certainly didn’t sit on the sidelines when his businesses were brought into the fray.

He unleashed a June 17 email — at 3:14 a.m., no less — to Delray Beach commissioners, blasting Pryor. Mayo entitled his email, “The Jeri Pryor Dossier — politics is ugly and inept!”

“Can anyone on the Commission or city staff justify the newly hired head of community services Jeri Pryor?” Mayo wrote. “Was there any due diligence, background checks or concern of Mrs. Pryor's past job performance and strange anomalies? Is this the best hire the city of Delray can offer its residents?”

Mayo attached documents that showed poor performance reviews and Pryor’s previous complaint against the Fort Lauderdale commissioner.

“Our staff work hard. They deserve to be protected from persistent offenders when they are merely doing their job,” Casale said at the June 17 meeting.

Moore and Mayor Tom Carney also criticized Mayo’s email as inappropriate.

Mayo said he is concerned his coffee shop has been unfairly targeted for having modest events.

“I had to cancel our chess club, comedy night, open mic night, poetry readings. Everything has been canceled in Delray because I was told I'm going to get another $3,500 violation if I do it.”

When asked why he went on the offensive with the email, Mayo said he is being singled out and targeted for political reasons.

He said Long was going to have his wedding reception at Dada because the commissioner met his fiancée there. But Long cancelled because of the uproar with Subculture and the whistleblower complaint. “He was going to pay full price, no discount,” Mayo said.

“The whole whistleblower thing was about Subculture and me and that started with Jeri and since then, I’ve had nonstop violations, inspections,” Mayo said. “I’ve been scrutinized to the nth degree.”

From storms to blazes to parades, this firefighter on wheels served community for much of a century

ABOVE: Old Betsy was new to Boca Raton in 1926 when the station was at Old Town Hall. Photo provided by the Boca Raton Historical Society 

BELOW: Betsy now resides at Fire Station No. 3 on State Road A1A near Palmetto Park Road. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Ron Hayes

Boca Raton’s oldest fire engine turns 100 next April, but it’s been “Old Betsy” from the day it was born.

On Oct. 21, 1925, the Boca Raton Town Council approved a check for $1,000, the down payment on a $12,500 engine to be built by the American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. of Elmira, New York.

It would be 20 feet 1 inch long, 6 feet 2½ inches wide, and 9 feet 1 inch tall.

It would weigh 9,050 pounds, minus the firemen, hose and water.

It would pump 750 gallons per minute.

It would be unloaded at the town’s railroad station on April 20, 1926, to the delight of elementary school children excused from class to watch.

And it would be called Old Betsy.

•

Why not Old Nancy? Old Mary? Old Sue?

“Old Betsy meant reliable,” says Thomas Wood, who retired in December 2021 after 15 years as the city’s eighth fire chief. “All fire engines are Old Betsy. 

“We know of at least 10 other departments that have an Old Betsy.”

Venice, Florida, has an Old Betsy, and so does Stockton, California.

Davy Crockett fans may wonder if the nickname was borrowed from that other Old Betsy, Crockett’s fabled rifle, but no connection has been established.

Except of course that both rifle and fire engine were famously reliable.

Old Betsy the fire engine was already 48 and retired from active duty when Wood joined the department in June 1974. Now in his own retirement, Wood has been studying the century-long history of Fire Engine No. 1, and on June 11, he shared that history with a full house at a Town Hall Talk in the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum (the city’s Old Town Hall).

•

“Our first two fire chiefs were volunteers,” he said.

Guy Bender served from 1925 to 1934, and Clifford Purdom from 1934 to 1946.

In fact, the entire department consisted of volunteers, and they were paid more in respect and gratitude than money.

The chief was paid $150 a year, the assistant chief $8 a month, and the volunteer firemen $4 per fire and $2 for each drill they attended.

The first paid chief was John F. Loughery (1946-1964), who painted Old Betsy white to match his white hair.

During its almost 100 years, Old Betsy has been painted white, red, white, and finally red again, Wood said.

•

ABOVE: After the 1926 hurricane, Old Betsy responded to a hotel fire in Hollywood and pumped flood water for more than 100 hours. Photo provided by the Boca Raton Historical Society

The engine had been in service five months when it worked its first big job.

In September 1926, a Category 4 hurricane struck South Florida, killing more than 370 people in Miami and Moore Haven. Old Betsy responded to a hotel fire in Hollywood and pumped flood water for more than 100 hours.

It was not Old Betsy’s last encounter with a killer storm.

On Aug. 24, 1992, while Betsy was being restored in a barn down in Homestead, Hurricane Andrew roared through South Florida.

The man restoring the engine was able to move it to a warehouse in Florida City before the 165-mph winds hit.

“When we went down to see the damage later,” Wood recalled, “the tarpaper roof had been torn off the warehouse and the top panel of the garage door was blown in. We borrowed a ladder and looked over the top and were able to see Old Betsy was fine.”

Old Betsy fought its last major fire at 10:36 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, 1967, when hot tar set the roof of the San Remo’s Villa Verona ablaze, under construction at the time.

A workman was trapped on the roof when the city’s tallest ladder couldn’t reach the top of the five-story building. A smaller ladder had to be raised from a balcony below.

•

Old Betsy was more than 40 years old, and retired from active duty the following year, to be rewarded with the honor all Old Betsys receive: fire department competitions and holiday parades.
At the Tampa Fire Department’s 1995 centennial celebration, it won Best Restored To Original and first place in the balloon race for breaking balloons with its hose.
For the city’s residents, Old Betsy’s appearance at the holiday parade became an annual tradition — and for one in particular, a final bow.
Among the first volunteers to join the new department was Francis M. Thomason, only 19 when he volunteered in 1927. You can see him standing, third from the right, in a photo of Old Betsy taken that August.

•

He served as a firefighter until the early 1950s and, years later, when The Boca Raton News asked him to recall the most memorable fire he had ever fought, Thomason didn’t hesitate.

“My house!”

One evening when his house caught fire, he ran over to the City Hall, which also served as the fire station, and drove Old Betsy home to put out the fire.
Thomason rode one last time on Old Betsy in the city’s 1995 holiday parade and died on Sept. 4, 1997. He was 89, and Old Betsy was 71.

•

That 1995 parade was Old Betsy’s last appearance in the holiday parade.
On Nov. 1, 2001, Old Betsy was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2024, a state historic marker was unveiled outside Boca Raton Fire Rescue Station No. 3 — Old Betsy’s current home — on State Road A1A south of Palmetto Park Road. 

More than 60 people attended retired Fire Chief Thomas Wood’s talk about Betsy in June. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Old Betsy is almost 100 years old, after all, and not the spry young firefighter that arrived in 1926, exciting the local school children.
“It’s missing a water pump, and has a cracked head,” Wood said, “so it hasn’t run in several years. We’ve found a company in Pennsylvania that manufactures the parts to either repair or replace the head.”
Repairs would cost less than $10,000, Wood estimated.
“I spoke with the chief earlier this week, and he spoke with the city manager, but the wheels of government do run slow.” 

The Junior League of Boca Raton has appointed Victoria Matthews as its president and has appointed a new board of directors.

The 2025-26 team was introduced at the league’s annual dinner meeting. Board members for 2025-26 include Debbie Abrams, Darina Bowerman, Daniele Jean, Kristin Martin, Jocelyn Mijares, Shannon Moriarity, Amanda O’Brien, Jackie Reeves, Lee Ann Ryan, Alexandra Scheiber, Christina Seamster, Christa Siciliano and Alex Welsh.

“The Junior League is more than service,” said Matthews, a league member for 18 years. “It’s about sisterhood, leadership and creating lasting change.”

For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit jlbr.org

Nonprofit gives nurses gifts of gratitude 

In honor of National Nurses Day, Her 2nd Chance, a nonprofit social enterprise that empowers women in recovery, delivered more than 1,000 handcrafted mugs to Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

The mugs were made and packaged by women participating in Her 2nd Chance’s transitional-employment program, which provides job skills, workplace confidence, and healing through the process of creating.

“This is more than just a gift,” Her 2nd Chance board member Jim MacCutcheon said. “It’s a symbol of heartfelt appreciation for the incredible nurses who show up every day for others.”

For more information, call 561-405-6346 or visit her2ndchance.org

Financial adviser receives philanthropic designation

Doug Mithun, a Wells Fargo financial adviser, has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy title.

The title marks a significant milestone in Mithun’s commitment to helping clients leave lasting legacies.

“This achievement reflects his dedication to empowering individuals and families to align their financial goals with their personal values and philanthropic vision,” according to a press release. 

Grants enable 10 charities to advance their missions 

The Addison has announced the 10 nonprofit recipients of its “100 Years, $100K Giving Initiative” created to celebrate the venue’s centennial by giving back to the community.

The winners were celebrated at a cocktail reception in June.

“We were incredibly moved by the level of passion and purpose displayed by all the applicants,” said Zoe Lanham, The Addison’s vice president. “This initiative is a reflection of our century-long commitment to serving the community, and we look forward to helping these 10 deserving organizations advance their missions in meaningful ways.”

The following organizations received $10,000 grants to support a future fundraiser or awareness event at The Addison:

• Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

• Boca Raton Police Foundation

• EmpowHERto

• Florida Atlantic University Foundation

•  Friends of Foster Children

• Great Plains Foundation

• Impact 100 Palm Beach County

• JARC Florida

• Sweet Dream Makers

• Twin Palms Center for the Disabled

For more information, call 561-372-0568 or visit theaddisonofbocaraton.com/celebratingourlegacy

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

The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research presented a $3.4 million check to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the corps’ annual breakfast meeting. The event brought together hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers, prominent sponsors and executive leaders and marked the culmination of a yearlong fundraising effort by the corps’ 20,000-plus members across nearly 50 South Florida chapters. ‘The tools at our disposal come from research, and The Pap Corps is our essential partner,’ said Dr. Antonio Iavarone, deputy director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. ‘We could not survive without you.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Jayne Sylvester Malfitano, Susan Dinter, Sally Berenzweig and Dr. Iavarone. Photo provided by Kay Renz

The George Snow Scholarship Fund kicked off a new event that honored two of South County’s most inspiring women — Christine Lynn and Barbara Schmidt. A conversation with both of them was moderated by Terry Fedele and explored deep themes of community, purpose and defining moments. The event also was a call to action to support local youths preparing for college. Every ticket sold sponsored Scholar Packs, large rolling duffel bags filled with college essentials, for the fund’s incoming class. ‘Together, we make it happen,’ Lynn said. ‘It doesn’t matter how much you give, but when you believe in what you believe in and you give what you can, you’re making a difference.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Robin Deyo, Fedele, Schmidt, Lynn and Zoe Lanham. Photo provided by Michelle Lawson Photography

The Boca Raton Historical Society’s signature food and wine event concluded its 22nd year with record-breaking attendance, exquisite vintner dinners and an unforgettable Grand Tasting, all in celebration of the city’s centennial. More than $200,000 was raised for The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. ‘Boca Bacchanal 2025 was a truly special tribute to our city’s centennial,’ said Mary Csar, the society’s executive director. ‘The community’s support helps us preserve Boca’s history while enjoying everything our incredible culinary and cultural scene has to offer.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Olivia Hollaus, Sharyl Curry and Emily Snyder. Photos providedL-R: Thom and Joyce DeVita. 

L-R: Denise Alman, Dr. Nathan Nachlas and Fran Nachlas. 

The Delray Beach Historical Society and Heritage Gardens welcomed 350 guests to its annual fundraiser in and around the landscaped paths of the gorgeous grounds. Tastings from 11 area restaurants were provided, as were live music and an auction with one-of-a-kind items. History exhibits were displayed for all to enjoy. Proceeds will go toward the preservation of an archive of more than 100,000 items from the city’s past. ABOVE: (l-r) Geoff and Melissa Braboy, Katie Moyer and Tracy and John Backer. Photos provided

L-R: Singleton Cox, Allyson Sullivan and Kristin Finn.

L-R: Diane Helfrich, Kim Solari Brown and Megan Knott Mignano. 

An inspiring afternoon of celebration and philanthropy took center stage at the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s ceremonial luncheon. The more than $170,000 raised will help the organization continue to empower girls to grow into leaders who make a difference in their communities and beyond. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy went to Nancy Brinker. The other honorees were Christine DelVecchio, Sophia Eccleston, Marti LaTour and Wendy Sartory Link. ‘Each year, the Emerald Awards shine a light on outstanding women whose passion, perseverance and leadership help shape stronger communities,’ said Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. ‘Their stories inspire our girls to dream bigger and lead with courage, confidence and character.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Eccleston, Sartory Link, Brinker, LaTour and DelVecchio. Photo provided by Premier Photo Palm Beach

Nearly 70 golfers teed up to help raise more than $50,000 for the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. The ninth annual event was chaired by coalition board member Nancy Vera, and committee members included Caleb Bowser, John Campo and Travis Foels. ‘I am proud to chair this event and to be part of a community that believes in building brighter futures one reader at a time,’  Vera said. ‘Thank you to all the players and sponsors for your support of this year’s Literacy Links.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Sacha McGraw, Janet Donovan, Brenda Medore and Leanne Adair. Photo provided by Tracey Benson Photography

Boca Helping Hands supporters dressed the part and danced the Charleston at the sold-out event with a 1920s theme. Donning flapper dresses and pinstripe suits, they enjoyed an unforgettable evening of music, auctions, cocktails, dinner and the crowning of this year’s champion, Mike Wohl. ‘Combining the timeless excitement of Monopoly with the energy of the Roaring Twenties made for a truly unforgettable evening,’ said Gary Peters, Boca Helping Hands’ board president. ‘Most importantly, every roll of the dice helps support neighbors in need through Boca Helping Hands.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Peters, Bob Tucker, Wohl, Leonard Wierzbowski, Lisa Pechter and Tara Currier. Photo provided

Tri-County Animal Rescue’s fourth annual furry fundraiser drew more than 200 guests who helped raise money for the nonprofit’s mission of saving, rehabilitating and re-homing abandoned and abused animals. The festivities included a cocktail reception, a plated brunch, lively music and plenty of wagging tails. ‘This event is truly a celebration of love, compassion and the bond we share with our pets,’ Executive Director Suzi Goldsmith said. ‘We are beyond grateful to our guests, volunteers and sponsors whose generosity helps us continue our life-saving work.’ ABOVE: Ted Campbell and Goldsmith. BELOW: Rick Goldsmith and Mary Stern. Photos provided

Granger’s Grille in Delray Beach closed its doors after more than 30 years when the building was sold to developers who plan to put an office building there. Photos provided

By Jan Norris

It’s been a tough year for some longtime restaurants, as well as some newer ones.

In mid-May, Granger’s Grille, a local favorite for more than 30 years in Delray Beach, closed unexpectedly. Writing to customers about the impending closing, owner Marino Pagones said, “This is not how we imagined things ending.”

The restaurant moved from north of Atlantic Avenue to its spot on south U.S. 1 between Southeast Eighth and Ninth streets about nine years ago. 

The mom-and-pop eatery shuttered after its building was sold to developers who plan to put an office building there.

“As a family-owned business this decision was not made by will but by circumstance,” the owner said.

Fans lit up the local social media pages. And in an online forum, the owner hinted the restaurant may reopen elsewhere.

On Atlantic Avenue, another local favorite, J&J Seafood Bar and Grill, announced its closing in June. But only days afterward, it was announced the restaurant would stay open, thanks to a vendor who stepped in to buy it.

The 26-year-old restaurant was a destination for parties, special occasion meals and holidays.

Owners John and Tina Hutchinson didn’t give a specific reason for closing.

Linen vendor Anthony DeSabato and his spouse, Christine, took over without closing the doors, keeping staff and menu the same to start out.

DeSabato said he owned delis in New York about 12 years ago.

As for plans, he said, “We’ll do a nice happy hour. They were closed on Sundays and Mondays; we may open for a boozy brunch Sunday.”

No renovations are planned, he said. “Just minor painting and touch-ups. We like the antique-y look of it.”

He said they want to keep it a “mom and pop” spot. “We’ll do some more modernizing, but it’s a small place, and it’s got a good following.

“I’ve learned business is like a marriage. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here. Just keep it simple. We’re selling booze and fish.”

A reiteration of a popular Lake Worth Beach restaurant, Not So Bizaare Ave Cafe, also closed in May after less than a year.

Owner Lisa Mercado said it was a combination of one thing after another: a nearby shooting, an election that she says worried everyone, tariffs, and people watching their money.

“We were counting on having a good season to stack up funds through the season, and though we had some amazing nights, it just wasn’t enough to cover us for summer,” she said.

The landlord was great, she said. “He understood the restaurant biz.”

Mercado didn’t want to be indebted or plead for her lease. “It just wasn’t working. You can only work so long for free.”

Also, Todd English’s Lula’s in Lake Worth Beach has closed after less than nine months.

The James Beard award-winning chef opened the Mediterranean eatery in October 2024 to fanfare on Lake Avenue; it never gained footing.

Word is that owner of Lantana’s Ravish, Alexandra Dupuis, will open a restaurant in Lula’s space. (Mercado sold Ravish to Dupuis two years ago.)

Lisabet Summa has seen this downturn in the hospitality industry in other years. As director of culinary operations for Big Time Restaurant Group, which is behind Elisabetta’s on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach and in West Palm Beach, as well as Louie Bossi’s in Boca Raton, she has weathered the years around the pandemic and economic uncertainty.

This time, she said, there may have been too many restaurateurs from out of state coming in and trying to “strike while the iron was hot,” without understanding Florida’s market and seasonality.

“I think the growth of restaurants was organic until after the pandemic,” she said. “I think a lot of people coming from out of town don’t get the highs and lows of season.” 

They may have seen some peaks and dips in the past few years, but “nothing like the higher highs and lower lows” that took place before the pandemic.

“What we’re seeing is a return to normal for us,” Summa said. A lot of people are “falling prey to operating costs that may not have been in their financial plan.”

She said she “wouldn’t want to be a new operator today.”

Gary Rack, owner of Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen and Rack’s Fish House and Oyster Bar in Delray Beach, agrees.

“It’s hard out there,” he said. “Rents are astronomical. We see one-bedroom places going for $2,000.”

He added, “I think people are watching what they spend. Let’s say the customer went out two to three times a week in the past; now, maybe two to three times a month.”

Rack says his playbook of solid, quality food, with a variety at moderate prices, works well for him. 

“People can come from the beach dressed casually, have bar bites and drinks, or dress up and have entrees with wines inside. Farmhouse makes it because it doesn’t have that $60 or $70 entree.”

In summer, he implements his half-price menu at all his restaurants from 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Nearly all items on the menu are half off. 

“We did it to support our locals, and our serving staff. We’re crowded and it’s a good vibe of people,” Rack said.

Newly opened Roka Hula on Atlantic Avenue in Delray has a Polynesian theme and offers entrees with dumplings, above, and shrimp, below.

Atlantic Avenue restaurant capitalizes on Asian trend

Newly opened Roka Hula on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach is capitalizing on a trend of modern Asian restaurants with tiki bars and Polynesian touches. 

This one’s from the True Grit Hospitality group, which is behind the Mexican Calaveras Cantina in Boca Raton and Jupiter, as well as the Cajun-Creole Voodoo Bayou in Palm Beach Gardens. 

Exotic tropical drinks in showy goblets and mugs, over-the-top tiki decor, and “provocative” and interactive dishes carry the theme throughout.

The menu shows dishes such as Korean short rib gyoza, pork soup dumplings, a Japanese A5 wagyu cooked on hot stone, and prawn and lobster curry noodles. Lists for bao buns, nigiri, sashimi and rolls fill out the menu. 

Roka Hula, 270 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. rokahula.com/delray-beach

Taco eatery opens third PBC location in Delray

Talkin’ Tacos, a halal taco spot, has come to east Delray Beach on Linton Boulevard. 

A sensation for its birria tacos and bold seasoning, the taco chain comes from two Miami friends who began a taco truck during the pandemic.It became so popular, they decided to open a shop. The chain now has several locations in several states; this one is the third in Palm Beach County.

Talkin’ Tacos, 551 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach. talkintacos.net

Pizza franchise expands to new site in Delray Beach

The Ah-Beetz New Haven Pizza franchise continues to expand in the county, with a new flagship added in Delray Beach by founder Nicholas Laudano. The 3,300-square-foot space at 1732 S. Federal Highway gives diners a choice of indoor or patio seating, as well as takeout. New Haven, Connecticut, claims this style of coal-fired, thin crust pizza, famous for the white clam pizza. Salads, bowls and appetizers also are on the menu.  “Ah-beetz” is the colloquial pronunciation of the pies.

On the mend 

Louie Bossi’s in Boca Raton is still on the mend from a fire. Work is progressing albeit slowly, Bossi said, as the construction team awaits permits for the rebuild.

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

South Florida, meaning Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, boasts the third- largest Jewish community in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles.

On May 23, Gov. Ron DeSantis did his part to remember the Jewish population when he approved SB 356, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, to declare Jan. 27 Holocaust Remembrance Day. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and the House.

SB 356 says, “In honor of the millions of victims killed in the Holocaust, the Governor shall annually proclaim January 27 to be ‘Holocaust Remembrance Day,’ which may be observed in the public schools of this state and by public exercise at the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor may designate.”

January has been Florida Jewish History Month since 2003, but the first official observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida will take place Jan. 27, 2026. 

Florida schools already have a Holocaust Education Week, held the second week in November. That coincides with the anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom, Nov. 9-10, 1938. Local schools will now be encouraged to teach about the Holocaust and antisemitism throughout the year in an attempt to curtail the rising trend in antisemitism and attacks on Jewish people.

In a Florida Senate session on June 5, Jewish lawmakers said antisemitic threats have surged in the state with reported incidents in 2023 and 2024 above those reported in 2022.

Acts included vandalism of Jewish properties and places of worship, hate groups distributing flyers, and even the battery of a 68-year-old Broward man near a synagogue. 

Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, urged her colleagues to “be a light in the darkness” and speak out against hate, warning that silence is deadly and endangers Jewish communities. Florida lawmakers, including the 14-member Jewish Legislative Caucus, are urging public condemnation of antisemitism and hate crimes.

Rep. Debra Tendrich, D-Lake Worth Beach, organized the call-to-conscience news conference on June 5 where Rep. Jennifer “Rita” Harris, D-Orlando, said, “Hate wants us to be
silent.” 

The Antidefamation League of Florida’s Audit of Antisemitic Incidents for 2024 tracked 353 incidents in the state, from harassment to vandalism to assault, down from 463 the previous year but up from 127 in 2020 and 269 in 2022.

The report (available at florida.adl.org/news/48334/) said there were 51 incidents in Palm Beach County in 2024, down from 83 in 2023. 

Boca Community Church offering student activities 

Reaching out to kids this summer is high on the agenda at Boca Raton Community Church, and its youth ministry is thriving. College, high school and middle school students are invited to learn about the Bible. The church hosts three groups: College students meet at 7 p.m. Sundays (July 6, 13, 20 and 27). High school and middle school groups each meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays (July 9, 16, 23 and 30). 

These special events for youths are also planned: 

• BocaStudents HS: Tacos & Trivia Night from 7 to 9 p.m. July 11 for high school students; features fun, competition and everyone’s favorite food. Test your knowledge of pop culture, Bible facts and trivia to win prizes. Register at bocacommunity.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/964/responses/new

• BocaStudents MS: Sky Zone Day for middle school kids takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. July 26 at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 1729 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach. High-flying fun on wall-to-wall trampolines, plus foam pits and dodgeball; cost is $25, which includes two hours of jump time and Sky Zone socks. Register at bocacommunity.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/960/responses/new

• The Sunday Summer Group meets at 9 a.m. July 13, 20 and 27 in the Family Room at the church for a special summer presentation. A casual alternative to Sunday school, each week features a church leader/guest speaker who will focus on a different section of scripture. 

Boca Raton Community Church is at 470 NW Fourth Ave. Call 561-395-2400 or visit bocacommunity.org.

Temple Beth El to host Book, Brunch & Mimosas 

The Temple Beth El Sisterhood hosts Book, Brunch & Mimosas from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 13 at the temple’s Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. 

The Sisterhood and Rabbi Laila Haas meet for fellowship and brunch catered by The Sticky Bun, along with a lively discussion of the book The Third Daughter by Talia Carner.

Inspired by true events, the novel is a dark but important story of thousands of young Jewish women who were trafficked into prostitution at the turn of the 20th century in Buenos Aires. 

Tickets are $41 for members, $47 for guests. Reservations are required. Call 561-391-8900 or register online at tbeboca.staging.shulcloud.com/event/sisterhood-book-brunch--mimosas.html

St. Gregory’s offers another Yoga Mass 

The combination of prayer and yoga poses is offered by St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church again from 4 to 5 p.m. July 26 in a Yoga Mass at St. Mary’s Chapel in the church. The Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren and Father Andrew Sherman lead. All levels are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat.

St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8285.

Cancer support group at St. Vincent Ferrer Church

St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church offers a cancer support group for anyone of any faith (or no faith at all) fighting any form of cancer directly or indirectly, on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in Room D near the gym. The leaders are all cancer survivors. St. Vincent Ferrer is at 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. Call 561-665-8555 or email romans1212@stvincentferrer.com 

Donations, volunteers needed at First United

Changing Lives of Boca Raton sponsors a homeless outreach from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at First United Methodist Church, 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. The group offers clothes, toiletries, food, showers, haircuts, spiritual encouragement and more to the community. Donations and volunteers are needed. 

Changing Lives focuses on improving the lives of those suffering from — or at risk of — homelessness by providing scholarships for sober living facilities and detox, housing stipends, costs for mental and physical care, personal documentation, and more. 

Changing Lives runs a thrift store at 2170 N. Dixie Highway, Boca Raton. Call 561-961-4635. 

Eagle Scouts refurbish church’s Memorial Garden 

The Eagle Scouts at First United Methodist Church, 625 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, have refurbished the church Memorial Garden as part of their scout project, and it includes offering parishioners a chance to add an engraved brick to the garden in remembrance of a loved one. Proceeds will be used to purchase new banners for the Sanctuary and the Gathering Place.

Bricks are $100; find an order form at files.constantcontact.com/2a360acc001/0168ae62-f26d-4ae4-ac63-3d2e91252e5d.pdf

Registration open for Hustle to End Hunger

Registration is open for the annual Hustle to End Hunger footrace on Oct. 4 in John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach. CROS Ministries depends on this annual fundraiser to feed thousands of residents in Palm Beach and Martin counties. All proceeds go to ensure access to healthy food for those in need. 

Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/LakeWorth/Hustle2EndHunger5K

The chip-timed 5K race ($40) begins at 7:30 a.m. A walk and virtual versions are also offered as well as the new “Lil’ Hustle,” a 100-yard kids dash open to ages 7 and younger. 

Volunteers are also needed. Contact Gibbie Nauman at 561-344-4910 or gnauman@crosministries.org.

The event is presented by Genetics Institute of America and Lake Worth United Church of Christ.

Worship Night in Delray

The first family-friendly, community-wide Worship Night in Delray is planned for 7 p.m. July 19 at Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.

A spirit-filled evening of worship, prayer and unity for the whole community will feature live music and words of hope from guest pastors and Cason Pastor David Schmidt, who helped organize the event.

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Go to casonumc.org/calendars or call 561-276-5302.

 — Janis Fontaine