For more information on the Boca Raton Presidential Debate: Privilege, price accompany presidential debate | Philanthropists propelled Lynn University to world stage | Work transforms theater and gym for media-heavy event
_____________________________
By Mary Thurwachter, Managing Editor
Boca Raton will become the center of the political universe on Oct. 22 as President Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney come to Lynn University for their third and final debate.
We’ll have to wait and see if there will be a defining moment, a signature sound bite or a major gaffe. But we do know that the historic event will put Lynn University — a 2,100-student liberal arts school — on the map, and shine a spotlight on Boca Raton and Palm Beach County.
Some 3,000 members of the press, political pundits and VIPs will fly in from all over the world; many are expected to spend several days.
As Tom Collins reports in this edition, hosting a presidential debate may be viewed as a civic privilege, but it comes with a hefty price.
In preparation for the big night, Lynn has raised millions to cover debate-related costs, and Boca Raton has set aside up to $250,000 for security provided by the city’s police and fire departments.
Palm Beach County is kicking in $150,000 in tourism dollars and small businesses are doing their part, too, by contributing $255 each to be recognized as business sponsors.
One of the reasons Lynn was chosen to host the debate was its 2-year-old Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center.
Tim Pallesen in this edition reports how Boca Raton got the 750-seat theater — designed to look like the inside of a violin. It is a tale of high society and philanthropy. Boca Raton is proud to have an abundance of both.
But Boca Raton has so much more than a state-of-the-art performing arts center and the generous and forward-thinking folks who worked so diligently to make it happen.
It also has a community that has come together to make sure it is ready and eager to shine in the spotlight.
Comments