Citrus, vegetables had a good 2012 in Florida, according to new state agriculture statistics - Daily Journal

Some interesting factoids about a sector of the economy we take for granted many times. Did you know the following? Click title for link to full article.

According to the report, Florida:
—Is first in the nation in the value of production of oranges, grapefruit, fresh market snap beans, cucumbers for fresh market, cucumbers for pickles, squash, sweet corn, fresh market tomatoes, sugarcane for sugar and watermelons.
—Ranks second to California in the total value of fresh market vegetable production, with $1.1 billion worth of veggies produced.
—Ranks seventh in the nation for agricultural exports; the state exported $4 billion worth of commodities. Fresh and frozen meat, along with vegetables, were the top products sent to other countries.
Yet citrus is still the state's leading crop. The value of the state's orange crop continued to rise, with $1.5 billion in sales, up from $1.3 billion the previous year. Citrus growers gave Florida 66 percent of the total U.S. market share — and about 95 percent of the state's orange crop is used for juice.
Total citrus acreage is down 2 percent from the previous survey and the lowest since 1966. Florida has lost trees due to citrus greening, which is spread by an insect and causes trees to produce green, disfigured and bitter fruits. Once a tree is infected, it dies in a couple years and cannot be saved.

HUD asks West Palm Beach to pay back $3M | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

This Elliot Kleinberg article makes me think of a couple of things. One reflects favorably on Lake Worth and the other is a question mark. In stark contrast, the Lake Worth CRA has won awards and has had all sorts of sterling audit reports on how it handled the $23 million NSP2 grant from the federal government. That is something that we can point to with pride. The other thing it brings up is the question about what has happened to those FEMA dollars the Feds were still asking the city about. Weren't we going to have to cut a $1 million plus check to them? Last I heard, the city is appealing that. Has anyone heard anything different? Click title for link to article.

WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Top Stories - Serious pothole problems fixed in Lake Worth

Channel 12 makes themselves out the hero in this story. I have noticed the pothole situation being less of a problem now, but they still exist. At least there is a hot line to call. Click title for link to article and video. The number to call in is at the end of the story.

Lake Worth Casino Building and Beach Complex Announces Full Lineup of Festivals/Dance Nights

Lake Worth, FL (Sept 11, 2013) – The Lake Worth Casino and Beach Complex, already enjoying tremendous success as a premiere beach and wedding destination, is expanding their reach to join in the City of Lake Worth’s campaign “The Art of Florida Living.”
Two signature festivals will become a new tradition with the already announced Lake Worth Beach Art Fest the weekend before Thanksgiving, and the launch of the Lake Worth Beach Sand Sculpting and Seafood Fest in January. This creative new event features the experts who produce the world famous Ft. Meyers Sand Sculpting events; bringing the same level of professional sculptors, plus an amateur sculpting contest, nautical vendors and a beachfront seafood festival.
“Adding these events to the beach brings synergy to the cities vision of becoming the premiere arts destination in the county,” said Mayor Pam Triolo. “The beachfront in itself is the perfect destination already, but by adding these new events, we will bring new audiences who might not otherwise go to the beach,” she added.
Additional events include by popular demand the return of Community Dance Nights. “The former casino ballroom hosted hundreds of community dances through the years. Once we reopened last March, the community begged for these dances to return, so eight different themed dance nights will take place in the ballroom for audiences of all ages to swing, jitterbug and tango!” concluded Triolo.
The popular beach bonfires return, but with an all new look and feel, including live music and a beer and wine garden. The kick-off of “Seaside Celebrations and Beach Bonfires” will be November 8 with the Lake Worth favorite The People Upstairs.
All events, except the Community Dance Nights are free. The dance night price varies per event. Advance reservations are recommended for the dance nights by calling 561-533-7395. The full list of events is below and is on the City of Lake Worth Website www.lakeworth.org.

Lake Worth Casino and Beach Complex Schedule of Events

Seaside Celebrations and Beach Bonfire Kick-0ff
With The People Upstairs
Friday, November 8 6 pm – 9 pm Live music, two beach bonfires (one for the little ones to roast marshmallows) and beer and wine garden.
Free Admission Lake Worth Beach Complex
Veterans/USO Community Dance Night
Wednesday, November 13 6 pm – 9 pm Salute to America’s Veteran’s. Dance to the tunes from the Great American Songbook and hits from the USO dance hall days. Featuring Charisma – “Barry & Maxine” and entertainer Mel Seba. $20 per couple/$12 per person. Includes 3 hour parking, complimentary dance lessons, snacks and soft drinks. Cash bar available.
Casino Ballroom
Lake Worth Beach ArtFest Saturday, November 23 & Sunday, November 24 10am – 5 pm both days Over 100 fine artists and crafters, craft beer and wine garden, kids zone and live music.
Free Admission Lake Worth Beach Complex
Seaside Celebrations and Beach Bonfire
With Reel Tings Steel Drum Band
Friday, November 29 6 pm – 9 pm Live music, two beach bonfires (one for the little ones to roast marshmallows) and beer and wine garden.
Free Admission Lake Worth Beach Complex
Community Dance Night
Wednesday, December 4 6 pm – 9 pm Traditional Ballroom Dancing – featuring Charisma – “Barry & Maxine” $20 per couple/$12 per person. Includes 3 hour parking, complimentary dance lessons, snacks and soft drinks. Cash bar available.
Casino Ballroom

Seaside Celebrations and Beach Bonfires

Ongoing – second and fourth Fridays through May 9
Music, two beach bonfires (one for the little ones to roast marshmallows) and beer and wine garden. *No bonfires March – May due to turtle nesting season. Free Admission Lake Worth Beach Complex
1950’s Sock Hop - Community Dance Night
Wednesday, January 8 6 pm – 9 pm Put on your bobby socks, saddle shoes and poodle skirts and dance to the 1950’s sounds of Cricklewood. $20 per couple/$12 per person. Includes 3 hour parking, snacks and soft drinks. Cash bar available. Casino Ballroom
Chaos at the Old Casino...A Night of Murder and Mystery! Thursday, January 16 6 pm
Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show presented by Actors With a Clue! $55 per person. Includes 3 course dinner, show, gratuities and parking. Cash Bar available. Advanced Reservations required by calling 561-207-8947
Lake Worth Beach Sand Sculpting and Seafood Festival Friday, January 24 12 – 9 pm (Includes a Beach Bonfire) Saturday, January 25 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, January 26 12 noon – 5 pm Professional and amateur sand castle sculptors compete for cash and prizes; view the work in progress and enjoy an ocean side seafood festival, Lil’ Guppies Area, Live Music and more. Free Admission
Daddy Daughter Date Night Friday, February 7 6-10 pm Call 561-533-7363 for more information and reservations. Casino Ballroom Valentine’s Day Community Dance Night Wednesday, February 12 6 pm – 9 pm Dance to the romantic sounds of your favorite crooners and nostalgic big bands. Includes a rose for the ladies and Kilwin’s chocolate favors. $30 per couple/$17 per person. Includes 3 hour parking, snacks and soft drinks. Cash bar available. Casino Ballroom

Community Dance Night

Wednesday, February 26 6 pm – 9 pm “Dancing through the Decades with Cricklewood.” Enjoy all types of dance music from swing to doo wop. $20 per couple/$12 per person. Includes 3 hour parking, snacks and soft drinks. Cash bar available. Casino Ballroom
One Year Anniversary Celebration and the return of Johnny Cool and The Mobster Swing Band Wednesday, March 12 6 pm – 9 pm $30 per couple/$17 per person. Includes 3 hour parking, snacks and soft drinks. Cash bar available.
Latin Themed Community Dance Night Salsa, Merengue, Balero and Tango to the sounds of Latin Beat
Wednesday, March 26 6 pm – 9 pm Bring your flappers, Charleston and Swing the night away. $20 a person. Includes 3 hour parking, food bites and dancing! Cash bar available. Jazz Community Dance Night

Wednesday, April 6 6 pm – 9 pm Bring your flappers, Charleston and Swing the night away with the Frank Hubbell Jazz Trio $20 a person. Includes 3 hour parking, food bites and dancing! Cash bar available. Call 561-733-7395 or visit www.lakeworth.org for more information. 

Deerfield Beach is wrestling with religious holiday displays - Sun Sentinel

Chaz Stevens, two-time High Noon in Lake Worth guest, is mentioned in this article about Deerfield Beach's holiday displays on city land. It seems to me that they are still trying to straddle the issue rather than address it. Here is where Chaz and his Festivus pole are mentioned in the article. Click title for link.

Last December in Deerfield, resident and blogger Chaz Stevens asked for and received permission to erect an 8-foot tall aluminum pole made of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans.
It was a "Festivus" pole, the symbol of a secular, fictional holiday celebrated in December and created on the television show "Seinfeld."
He put it outside Fire Station No. 1, right next to the Nativity.
It was his way of standing up for the separation of church and state, he said, since the city hadn't responded to requests to take down the Nativity.
"If you can't beat them, join them," he said. "I fought stupidity with stupidity."

Moon, high tides, cause coastal flooding - Sun Sentinel

More evidence of sea level rise and seasonal, for now, consequences related to it. It is especially prominent in parts of Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. Click title for link - here is something from the article.

Jurado said coincidentally, the problem of coastal flooding is being addressed at a summit on sea level rise, being held this week at Florida Atlantic University.
She said it will be addressed again next month when officials of Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties gather to consider the ramifications of climate change – and when the next coastal flooding event is expected.
"It really does underscore the importance of the conferences, when they're being held during coastal flooding events," she said.
Actually, there are two tidal factors that cause the coastal flooding: One is called a perigean tide, caused by the moon being closest to the earth; the other is the normal monthly high tide, caused by the full or new moon, said Jim Lushine, a weather expert and retired weather service forecaster.

Resolution on flood maps in western communities stalls due to... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

More reaction and fallout from changes in the FEMA flood maps and resulting increases in insurance rates. Click title for link, from the article:

All of Palm Beach County’s cities can provide information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which updated its maps for the first time in 30 years and released preliminary versions in June.
In particular though, the maps show large areas that once appeared relatively free of major flood concerns to be at high risk for flooding. Among the locations: Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and The Acreage.
The Western Communities Council on Thursday briefly talked about a resolution it had drafted noting that the cities believed there were problems with those maps. It had intended to approve it but didn’t have a quorum.

I wonder if anyone from Lake Worth is involved with this or are we just completely not affected?

New biking gizmos and gadgets worth checking out...

Click title for link to a Daily Mail article - more smart phone applications.

Water Supply Cut Off After Man Urinates In Reservoir « CBS Seattle

Sharing this as an example of bureaucratic over-reaction to a silly incident. The moral of the story: Be careful where you pee. Click title for link.

OCTOBERFEST

Hi Everyone,

Excitement is in the air.

Only another week until our OCTOBERFEST. The festivities are planned for Saturday, October 26th, 1:30-4:30 in the First Church of Nazarine parkinglot on N. D street between Lucerne and 2nd Ave N.

We will have food, refreshment, music, activities and public service and organisation's displays.

Our goal is to get more involvement in our neighborhood and greater numbers at our Tropical Ridge Neighborhood Association meetings.

We could use help at the table and barbeque (even one hour if you have it to spare). 

We are also in great need of the cardboard tubes, from inside toilet paper rolls, for a children's activity we have planned. The more tubes the better.

Call me (leave a message if I'm not there), Carolyn Deli (561-586-4999) if you can help or if you need the tubes picked up.

Hope to see you all there,   Carolyn

Michael Koretzky - Journalist 10/18 by High Noon in Lake Worth | Politics Podcasts

Join your host Wes Blackman as he welcomes Michael Koretzky to the High Noon in Lake Worth studios. According to Michael, he has been a freelance editor, writer and designer since 1997, worked for the Star and National Enquirer tabloids and was managing editor of the world's largest jazz magazine, as well as editor of a national personal finance website. He interned at the Palm Beach Post too, back in the day. Check out more of his background here. We plan on talking about the trajectory of traditional print media and communication in the digital age.

Click title for link to live show between 12 and 1 p.m. tomorrow (10/18) or for the archived show after it airs. Leave questions as comments below.

Bowing to Hammock, Thrasher and Hutson Will File Bills to Restore Vacation-Rental Regulations | FlaglerLive - Your News Service for Flagler County News Palm Coast News Bunnell Flagler Beach Beverly Beach and Marineland

Backlash being felt on vacation rentals and the bill that took away local communities ability to regulate them. Vice-Mayor Maxwell, as the current chair of the Palm Beach County League of Cities has mentioned this issue as one that organization is working on - along with the proliferation of sober houses. Here is a bit from the article. Click title for link.

Unlike previous such meetings, when legislators focus on listening rather than on making promises, Thrasher and Hutson this time made news: they pledged to the sea of red-shirted partisans that they will each file a bill in their respective chamber to repeal the 2011 law and return the matter of vacation rental regulations to local governments.
“I’m a big property rights person as much as anybody,” Thrasher said, addressing the many homeowners the 2011 law was intended to help by enabling them to rent their homes rather than lose the properties for being unable to meet mortgage payments. “But individual property rights have to be balanced and I’m of the opinion that we’re not going to be able to work it out here.” When he heard the concerns of residents and vacation renters last year, Thrasher proposed that the two sides work things out among themselves before taking it up with lawmakers. They didn’t. “I intend to file a piece of legislation that will repeal this law.”

POST TIME: Retired lawyer key to birth of Lake Worth Playhouse | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Nice article about Richard Sorgini's role in the formation of what became the Lake Worth Playhouse. Ample mention is made of the Municipal Auditorium which was on the third floor of the current City Hall building. One of the wishlist items in the Lake Worth 2020 plan is $1,000,000 towards the restoration and conversion of that building back to an auditorium. Click title for link to article.

WHEN WASHINGTON GOT THINGS DONE By Susan Gibbs

With the government shutdown having sent Washington into a tailspin and validating Americans’ disdain for beltway politics, you can’t help but think about a time in our history when people believed government actually worked.  It may be difficult to harken back to those days, but there was a time when Washington actually got things done.  Our national government set goals, established bold visions of the future and the nation lurched forward making great leaps. 

 

The historical record is filled with examples of when U.S. government funding and vision made global progress a reality.  Railing against government spending and investment in research and new technologies simply cuts against a long record of Washington actually leading the way for the world to see in a variety of areas.

 

It went far beyond the now seemingly extinct collegiality between Senators or the Reagan-Tip O’Neal relationship.  When Washington faced a crisis, it leveraged the apparatus of government putting partisanship aside, to solve a problem.   

 

The microchip, computer, internet, modern highway systems, aerospace technology, rocket technology, the modern electrical grid, and plastics, right down to the disposable razor were all innovations spurred on by the federal government.  True, many of these, including Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System were in fact borne out of some military purpose.  That, however, does not negate the fact that bold ideas and real needs could galvanize Washington toward action. 

 

In the days after World War II when the Cold War was in its infancy, Washington also helped give rise to the concept of the Public Private Partnership.  Back then before the jet age, America needed the fastest, most advanced ship ever constructed to move more troops farther and faster than any nation.  After contentious debate, our leadership in Washington responded by partnering with the United States Lines to design, build and launch America’s Flagship, the SS United States.  Like the 747, the Space Shuttle and the iPhone that followed, theUnited States became a symbol of American innovation and resolve.

 

She was the epitome of her namesake nation on the high seas.  On her maiden voyage she shattered speed records across the Atlantic.  Those records are still unbroken.

 

When President Kennedy challenged us to go to the moon before the 1960’s came to a close, Americans and their government rallied to the cause.  That doesn’t mean there wasn’t doubt and dissention.  Debate is part of our system.  But we drove hard to achieve an historic goal for our nation and humanity that has not been duplicated.

 

It’s hard to imagine such lofty accomplishments emerging from today’s Washington. Today, with the Space Shuttle fleet a series of museum exhibits, we wonder if our quest for bold innovation has permanently taken a back seat to special interest politics and partisan gridlock. 

 

The Obamacare and debt ceiling debates is a sideshow to the larger problem of government dysfunction that is impacting Americans’ faith and confidence in the system.  Some blame Republicans, some the Democrats, still others the Tea Party or Liberal ideologues.  The simple truth is people don’t live on the set of a Sunday talk show.  They live in communities all across the country and they want to be proud again in a nation that can set its sights on building great things, doing what was previously thought impossible and being the nation of bold action it once was.

 

People are waiting for a new sign of American greatness.  Perhaps they should look to the fate of an old one as a barometer of whether Washington is ready to get things done again. 

 

Still the only object in America named for our great nation, America’s flagship the SS United States, sits waiting for renewal at a Philadelphia pier.  This great American symbol has been abandoned by the government whose vision and foresight made her an icon of her age.   

 

The ship could be a half a million square feet of mixed-use waterfront development wrapped in an historic structure that is the last of its kind.  It could create thousands of jobs and produce needed tax revenue.  It could house a world class museum and educational center that celebrates America’s history as well as our enduring quest for technological innovation.  It could be a place visited and enjoyed by countless Americans who want to experience a part of their past while enjoying modern amenities.

 

That’s a bold vision and one worth achieving. Of course, no one in Congress or at the White House seems interested.  They’re too busy slinging insults at one another to care about the United States or other important causes.

 

It’s time we showed the world that our government can get things done again.  If it doesn’t, we risk being little more than a shadow of our former selves.  Opportunities will pass us by as a nation.  We will lose touch with our history and spirit of innovation.  We risk being like our great, rusting flagship - a reminder of a time long gone.      

 

Susan Gibbs is the Executive Director of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs, designer of America’s Flagship.  Learn more about how you can help save the SS United States at www.SSUSC.org.

Board cools to Worth Avenue historic district

I did some work on this a few years ago. There is a section of Worth Avenue that would qualify being placed on the National Register of Historic Places, but it seems that those in charge in Palm Beach want to handle things another way. Click title for link to a Shiny Sheet article.

Scott announces $35 million ports plan | The Florida Current

More money for ports to take advantage of the expansion of the Panama Canal. Click title for link.

Mouth of the South » Blog Archive » FUN WITH DICKS AND JANE

Click title for link to an blog article by Michael Koretzky, who happens to be this week's guest on High Noon in Lake Worth. Show information coming shortly.

Most portions of last night's City Commission meeting 10/15/13

Dead Microphone, Live Camera

We'd all like to know what transpired in this conversation during the break in last night's City Commission meeting (10/15). You are welcome to offer your guess at what dialogue took place. Check out some of the body language, and some of it appears to respond to the music. By the way, with Halloween coming, I thought that Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain" was an appropriate choice. Enjoy!

Florida Realtors gather testimony about flood insurance price... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Major flood insurance increases are on the way. The disarray in Congress is not helping matters and states have taken action in an attempt to delay or change the law. Click title for link to article. Here is the crux of the issue:

Mississippi’s suit is against U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. On Friday, National Association of Realtors President Gary Thomas sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate asking that he defer the “drastic” rate hikes.
“Reports from Realtors nationwide indicate double-digit premium increases, decreasing property values and stalled markets due to increasing premiums and regulatory uncertainty,” Thomas wrote.
Florida has about 269,000 property owners who are affected by the early changes — about 13 percent of all policyholders and by far the most of any state.
In Palm Beach County, just 3 percent of policies, or 4,834 properties, will see rate increases from the act as they lose subsidies from the flood program. But those rate hikes can be substantial — up to seven times higher, according to some examples from the west coast of the state.

Lake Worth shuffleboard building to become element city’s... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

This was part of the City Commission meeting last night (10/15). I will have the video up later in the day. Check out Lona O'Connor's article by clicking the link.

Lions & Zombies & Bears, Oh My!

LAKE WORTH, FL (Oct 15, 2013) – There are some things in life that you just have
to do. Breathing, eating, watching beautiful sunrises/sunsets and experiencing the
1st Annual Lake Worth Monster Mash. It's going to be monsterlicious fun itself and
you have the opportunity to get in on the madness.

On October 26th, 2013 at 6 PM the City of Lake Worth will be overrun by marauding
zombies, clowns, disco divas, saints 'n sinners and everything else in between. The
event has two parts: Part I – The Kids' Crawl Events – a family friendly romp that is
sure to please even the 'big kids' out there. Experience the community-centered
Haunted Village sponsored by Coastline Realty; enjoy face painting, music, a circus
act, puppet shows, trick or treating, outdoor movies, costume contests, food, fun
and the start of a spooktacular tradition in Lake Worth. The fun starts at the Lake
Worth Cultural Plaza, runs from 6 PM – 8 PM and admission is FREE.
Part II: The Pub Crawl and After Hour Crawl. It's part carnival, part Halloween pub
crawl, part adult trick or treating, part insane asylum for the funtastically inclined.
Whether you stick to the Zombie Rampage section of town (Lake Ave from J Street
to Dixie Highway) or trick your way across the other 5 sections (Disco Fever, Saints
n Sinners, Clown Town, Monster Mash) you are bound to find more fun than you
know what to do with.

Tickets are only $15 (pre-event)/$20 (day of event) and entitle you to “gimmes”
(treats from participating bars such as shots, shooters, snacks, etc.) and drink
specials that are ONLY available to ticket holders. Registration starts at South
Shores Tavern (502 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth Fl. 33460). Participants receive a
wristband and map that will open the doors to this little funhouse right in the heart
of downtown Lake Worth. Participating bars/establishments include: South
Shores Tavern, Rhum Shak, Rudy's Standup Saloon, Speakeasy Lounge, Brogues
Downunder, Dave's Last Resort & Raw Bar, Igot's Martiki Bar, Little Munich, Havana
Hideout. Super family friendly stops are Trinkets & Treasures, Studio 205 among
others.

The 'big kids' can also get in on the face painting and trick or treating and can take
part in a number of “incidents” including a Monster Mash Family Feud show,
costume contests, a flash mob, raffles, prizes, live music, food, fun and more. If that
wasn't enough, Beach Zombie Rampage: Kick'n it in the LDUB will also be doing
additional filming for its campy, fun, 3D community based movie. Another chance
for you to be a zombie star.

Proceeds from ticket and shirt sales benefit The Redtrunks (a local water safety &
swim program), Lake Worth High arts programs (t-shirt designs by LW High art
students), and production of the LDUB community-based Beach Zombie Rampage
production.

For more information, ticket locations are available www.lwmonstermash.com or
www.facebook.com/lwmonstermash. You may also contact Keiran O'Shay at
772.261.4360 or email at brains@BeachZombieRampage.com

Sponsored by the Downtown Jewel Neighborhood Association, DCA, LULA, CRA,
Rhum Shak, Speakeasy Lounge, Brogues Downunder, Rudy's Saloon, Lake Worth
Herald, Trinkets & Treasures, Due South, Central Palm Beach County Chamber of
Commerce, Beach Zombie Rampage, Sandbar Massage, South Shores Tavern, Studio
205, The RedTrunks, Sticky Business Signs & Grafix, Studio 205, Dave's Last Resort
& Raw Bar, Igot's Martiki Bar, Havana Hideout and Little Munich, LakeWorth
Playhouse, Unknown Boutique.

Editorial: Approve Holiday Inn near Boynton’s Leisureville

If you don't learn from history, you are bound to repeat it. Let's really hope that the days of arbitrary and capricious decisions are over in our community. Let's not fall into other traps such as this and what has gone on here before. See right-hand column for the most recent example of this here. Click title for link and check out this part in this editorial.

Despite those changes, some Leisureville residents still may not be able to claim victory, and may argue that the hotel would end their bucolic existence. Since this commission contains not only some rookies but some relative newcomers to Boynton Beach, let’s revisit a bad decision.
In 1986, by a 3-2 vote, the commission approved the Tradewinds project that Leisureville had opposed. When a commissioner resigned, his successor joined the two dissenters to reject the project. There was no legal reason to do so. To settle the resulting lawsuit, Boynton Beach had to pay nearly $900,000 a year for 20 years. Consider how that money could have been invested in the city.

I remember during the Greater Bay and Sunset property discussions, people actually thought that the city was limited to a payout of $100,000. Not so my chickadees.

By the way, Leisureville is unique, but bucolic it's not. Lake Worth is also unique, but not bucolic either, by the way. Nor should we be.

Downtown West Palm Beach railroad station could spur shops,... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Check out the development activity surrounding the new All Aboard Florida train stations. Click title for link to article. Click here for link to a video of an executive with All Aboard Florida about what is envisioned. This is the privately-funded train that will have stops only in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.

Video from Last Night's Dixie Hwy. Merchant Meeting (10/14/13)

About 20 or so people from the general public with an interest in what is happening on Dixie Hwy. showed up last night to a meeting at the Shuffleboard Court building. The meeting was organized by the CRA and invitations went to everyone up and down the highway. Many of them were merchants or property owners along Dixie Hwy - the latter group less represented than the former. The group heard from Commissioner Amoroso, Vice Mayor Maxwell, Mayor Triolo, Joan Oliva of the Lake Worth CRA, Director of Community Sustainability William Waters, City Manager Michael Bornstein, Captain Silva of PBSO and others. Mr. Waters gave a summary and introduction to the new land development regulations and what that means for future development along the corridor.

While there were many issues discussed that will take a longer time to be solved, the focus ended up being directed at things that could be done quickly to make an immediate difference. Paint, plantings, further organization as a merchant organization, establishing a special identity for the corridor like a "Heritage Highway" designation, etc. You really do owe it to yourself to watch and listen to the video(s) to get a sense of the some of the ideas to make Dixie Hwy. a better place and one that contributes more to the city's tax base.

I couldn't help feeling frustrated when I heard our elected officials talk about how it is a little known secret that our utility rates have gone down three years in a row and that more reductions are on the way. Social media is a way to get that information out to the public, but the city remains slow to get into the game. Meanwhile West Palm Beach, Palm Beach and Delray Beach issue half a dozen press releases every week through a variety of platforms to get their message out.

Sen. Jeff Clemens Wants to Keep Employers From Asking for Social Media Passwords

Senator Jeff Clemens in the news. Not sure if everyone needs passwords to see other people's pictures on Facebook, but he does have a point. Click title for link.

Forgotten Florida: 6 Amazing but Abandoned Places in the Sunshine State | Direct Villas Florida

Just stumbled upon this. Florida has its share of abandoned places and buildings too. Most of these have since been demolished, but interesting none-the-less. Click title for link.

Precautionary Boil Water Notice

A precautionary boil water notice will be issued for the area served by the Lake Worth potable water distribution system described below. The reason for this notice is:
Installation of new fire hydrant. Water will be turned off from 9:00 A.M.to12:00 P.M.
Therefore, as a precaution, the Utility is advising that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient.
This notice affects (16) customers and includes the following addresses:
Wellesley Drive 235-225-221
North K Street 1828-1822-1820
North L Street 1827-1821-1817-1813-1811-1822-1820-1818
18th Ave North 702-701
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
A rescission notice will be sent to residents and the Health Department as soon as satisfactory tests are completed.
Should you have any questions please contact the Water Systems Department at (561) 586-1719 or the Water Treatment Plant at (561) 586-1710.

Abandoned Mark Twain Branch of the Detroit Public Library system...

Click title for more pictures.

Off-topic: The continuing misadventures with Comcast...

Latest Comcast mix-up. About a month ago, I responded to a promotion where Comcast would add a VOIP line for a house phone. They would send a new modem. After I did the installation, I would send the old one back. They were to provide a UPS label so that I could return it free. For this, I would get $20 off my monthly bill for a year. Turns out they didn't send the return UPS label in the original shipment. I called once and the said no problem, this happens sometime, and they would send me a return label. A couple weeks pass. I call them again. I get a "Oh, we're sorry. I see that. We'll send another one out to you." At that point, I was afraid that I was going to get a whole new modem again, raised the question and was assured that "No, we are just sending you a label." Well, today a gigantic box arrived with a new modem, like the one that I already installed.

This is what arrived today.

Mango Meeting and Save the Date

Hi Fellow Mangos!

 

Just a reminder that this Thursday is our Mango Monthly meeting which will be held at 7pm at Compass on North Dixie Hwy at 2nd Ave North across from the Publix.  It will be a short meeting then we invite all to join us at our local hang-out, SouthShores Tavern on M St and Lucerne for the Day of the Dead Exhibit, where there will be a  wine and cheese reception, and you get to meet the artists of the Local on Lucerne Art Project, some of whom are members of our own Mango Groves Neighborhood.

In other news, please don't forget the Food Truck Invasion is tonight, Monday October 14 from 6-10pm at the PNC Bank Lot across from the Plaza.   Also, Evening on the Avenue is this Friday, October 18th from 6-10p.   Mango Groves will be manning the Neighborhood Front Porch Tent!  Stop by and see us!   We will also start sales for the Art at the Eco event, a Mango Groves fundraiser that will be held on Saturday Dec. 7th from 2-7p.   Please visit our event page at www.ArtAtTheEco.com.  

 

See you all around the neighborhood!

 

Mango Groves Neighborhood Association

Prospect of half-cent sales tax hike has Palm Beach County... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Could this be used to augment Lake Worth's 2020 infrastructure program? Check this out from the article, click title for link.

County officials have said increasing the countywide sales tax to 6.5 cents per dollar could generate as much as $100 million a year for the county and its 38 cities and towns. The county’s share of the revenue would be about $50 million, officials said.

Does this mean that the cities would divvy up the remaining monies for their purposes?

Dixie Highway Merchants' Meeting 10/14/13

Columbus

Click title for a link to an excellent resource on the facts and myths surrounding the Discoverer of the New World. This is timely as today is a national holiday which recognizes Columbus. The holiday has lost some of its luster in the past few decades as this historical figure is blamed for the pillaging of this continent and changing the course of history forever so that we can enjoy an industrial, consumer-oriented society that ignores or subjugates those that were here before. For example, this is what our locally based EarthFirst! group thinks of the holiday and the man. Caution: Vulgarity Alert.

Haunted Village at the Lake Worth Monster Mash

Lake Worth Monster Mash:

If you, your group,organization, church or group of friends would like to take part in the Haunted Village being built on the Cultural Plaza on Oct. 26th as part of the 1st Annual Lake Worth Monster Mash, here is your chance.

An exclusive property offered by Jon Faust and Jaana Piira at Coastline Realty, this little bit of monsterlicious fun is a golden opportunity to help the little and big kids in our community have an amazingly spooktacular time.

What do you have to do: commit to sponsoring a tent within the village by decorating it in the Halloween spirit, "manning" it with your best ghoulish/ costumed character volunteers and bringing a few goodies or two for the kids as they pass through. That's it!

It's going to be more fun than you can shake a stick at!

For details, contact Keiran O'Shay at brains@beachzombierampage.com or 772.261.4360

We are also looking for volunteers if you’d like to help, if you would like to add something fun to promote your business/group/cause to the kids or adult goodie bags, or would like to offer a prize for the raffle/costume contests… please let me know.

Always wishing you the best,

Keiran O’Shay

PS:  Feel free to share this or the event invite with your friends, neighbors, church, family and co-workers.  The LW Monster Mash is going to be the start of an annual, community centered Halloween fun day for the people in and around or community.

Circus Experience opens permanent home in Lake Worth | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

This is really cool. We stumbled upon what looked like a trapeze in the industrial area near the FEC tracks last week when getting pictures of the FEC Railroad Freight Depot. Nice to hear that Lake Worth is accomodating. When was the last time we heard that? Click title for link to article and please watch the video.

Acknowledgement Letter from Inspector General

The city responded by July 26th - I have not seen the document yet (as of 7/29 a.m.)

FYI - This post gets a greater than average number of hits and it is especially HOT tonight (10/13/13). Re-posting now due to its regular popularity.

Tegu lizard is new exotic species threatening Florida wildlife | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Forget about our chicken-of-the-tree, this one is pretty ominous. At least more so. Click title for link.

Sunrise at the Lake Worth Beach, courtesy James Stafford Photography

Please watch Full Screen in HD.

The view from Mile Marker 80 and others...

Took a little bit of a break and went to Islamorada over the weekend. We strapped the bikes to the intrepid Volvo and took at 23 mile ride along the Overseas Highway. There were bike paths about 90% of the way, with the exception of bridges and some other small sections. We went south and found an interesting historic marker about the FEC Overseas Railway.

Here we stopped by some Florida lobster traps, which are made up of old milk crates. It's a big industry.

Anyway, a good time was had by all and it's nice to remind yourself of the amazing attributes of our state.

Lake Worth seeks contractor to manage issue at its economy’s... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Important steps forward. Click title for link to Lona O'Connor's article. Here is a bit:

Code compliance is key to a comeback. New, tighter ordinances – 35 of them — went into effect Sept. 1.
“It works in theory, but it hasn’t been put into practice,” Waters said. “That’s part of our challenge.”
Waters has completely rewritten the city’s land development regulations with an eye toward making it desirable for developers to do business here.
Under a steady barrage of resident complaints about vacant houses and other safety hazards, city commissioners in passing the new ordinances have identified stronger code enforcement as a key to making Lake Worth a more desirable place to live.