The Cultural Plaza is at the intersection of Lake Ave and Federal Hwy.
There is a video below of one of the City's crime walks last year.
You may find this interesting: last year published this blog post about all the media that showed up at a protest against PBSO (see image below) and here are the media that showed up to report on it:
Palm Beach Post reporter John Lantigua
NBC5/WPTV's Katie LaGrone
CBS12/WPEC (don't recall reporter)
A Spanish TV station reporter
A reporter from the Broward New Times
Various photographers and independent reporters
But how many in the media do you think showed up to cover this crime walk and other ones, not including The Lake Worth Herald? Zero. None. Nada. Zilch. But the media was falling all over themselves to cover a protest? Note that each one of these crime walks was covered by our paper of record, the Herald.
This is one of the signs carried high at the protest against PBSO:
Sign courtesy of the ever-dwindling Anarchist 'community'.
These crime walks get many in the community to come out and walk the walk. Capt. Silva in the video is now leading Wellington's PBSO. On the upcoming walk would be a good chance for everyone to meet Capt. Baer who now leads Lake Worth's District 14. For more on that look in the right-hand column for "PBSO District 14 headquarters".
The Broward/Palm Beach New Times' website is so full of ads and come-ons of late it might slow down your computer quite a bit but if you want to check out who the "19 Best Environmentalists" are use this link. If you're not interested in learning who they are this might intrigue you: 2 of the 19 are from Lake Worth and both were heavily involved in the failed campaign to get the Anarchist Ryan Hartman a seat on the Lake Worth City Commission.
Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell, if you didn't know, beat Hartman in a runaway landslide. Anyhow, can you guess who the two "Best Environmentalists" in Lake Worth that made the list?
But. . . guess who wasn't on the list? Brace yourself. Drew Martin of Lake Worth.
Below is a list, just "off the top of my head" of what Mr. Martin has done lately:
Martin is a regular at meetings about the Ag Reserve
He's also a regular at Palm Beach County (PBC) Commission meeting and makes public comment quite often
Not a Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) goes by without his attendance
He was, and maybe still is, an elected official here in PBC; although the position has no salary
How many presentations on "sheet flow" have we all been given?
Not a week goes by, it seems, Martin doesn't have a letter to the editor or "Point of View" in The Palm Beach Post
And the list could go on and on. How did this happen that Martin didn't make the list?
To read the entire article and watch the news segment use this link. Here is an excerpt:
"SUBURBAN LAKE WORTH - You'll soon have a new place to get help for a medical emergency without going to the hospital. Delray Medical Center is opening a standalone emergency department in suburban Lake Worth. NewsChannel 5 got an inside look before the center opens. It has everything you'd expect in a hospital emergency room: X-rays, triage and trauma rooms, a cat scan, a lab to process blood work. Hospital leaders say the $10 million project should make it easier for you to get treated.
This new ER will open on May 3rd. It is located at 6250 Lantana Road west of the Great Walled City of Atlantis.
Last year published this blog post about Lierre Keith, a recovering ex-vegan and environmentalist who wrote the book, The Vegetarian Myth. Along with damaging her own health she concluded that mass farming and agriculture aren't quite the answer people have been led to believe. Whether you believe she is right, wrong, or not sure, know that Lierre Keith caught hell for speaking her mind and is probably still catching hell after the release of her book in 2009.
If you're interested in reading why you might want to eschew that vegetarian lifestyle and try an awesome dinner at Callaro's read the excerpts below from an article titled, "Vegetarian and 'Healthy' Diets Could Be More Harmful to the Environment":
"Eating lettuce is over three times worse in greenhouse gas emissions than eating bacon," said Paul Fischbeck, professor of social and decisions sciences and engineering and public policy.
“Lots of common vegetables require more resources per calorie than you
would think. Eggplant, celery and cucumbers look particularly bad when
compared to pork or chicken.”
[and. . .]
"However, eating the recommended 'healthier' foods — a mix of fruits, vegetables, dairy and seafood — increased the environmental impact in all three categories: Energy use went up by 38 percent, water use by 10 percent and GHG emissions by 6 percent. 'There’s a complex relationship between diet and the environment,' Tom said. 'What is good for us health-wise isn’t always what’s best for the environment. That’s important for public officials to know and for them to be cognizant of these tradeoffs as they develop or continue to develop dietary guidelines in the future.' "
So consider going to Callaro's and try a pulled pork sandwich and meet the awesome staff just waiting to assist you:
[Please Note: The meeting mentioned below is not open to the public. This meeting is for elected and other government officials involved in solving the sober home problem. Not long after this meeting on May 2nd pay attention to news about public meetings that will surely follow in many communities, including Lake Worth. Stay tuned.]
"This week I met with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Julian Castro to discuss our concerns about the proliferation of sober homes in South Florida. Secretary Castro conveyed that his staff is preparing for the May 2nd stakeholder meeting in Delray Beach with Assistant Secretary Gustavo Velasquez, HUD's top Fair Housing advisor. This meeting will be an excellent opportunity to share your sober home stories [emphasis added] and highlight the need for guidance on sober home regulation. In that regard, I encourage city participants to ask questions based upon ordinances that you would like to enact."
[and. . .]
"I am hopeful that our May 2 meeting will provide the agencies with more insight into the sober home issues affecting our cities and that the update can give some direction on how local governments can maintain the character of neighborhoods and safeguard the rights of recovering addicts. Addressing the sober home issue remains a top priority for my office and I look forward to your continued input and engagement as we move forward with this process. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact my District Director, Felicia Goldstein (Felicia.Goldstein@.mail.house.gov) or Legislative Assistant, Grant Dubler (Grant.Dubler@.mail.house.gov) on my staff.
A less-than-stalwart Lake Worth commissioner made the front page of the Post a little while ago. His effort to confuse and create a panic in the community with his cryptic message of "burden of safety" failed miserably. Why? Because Vice Mayor Maxwell called out Commissioner McVoy right then on the dais. See that in the video below:
The comments made by Mr. Parrilla in the video below are what seemingly have commissioners Ryan Maier and McVoy both cringing with fear (this link will further explain the dramatically emotional moment):
Very briefly, this is about an unfortunate incident, a breach of protocol by Maier, at the recent Gay Pride Parade in the City. Mr. Parrilla was a witness to what occurred and let his feelings be known in public comment.
On the subject of civility, let's take a stroll down memory lane to September 9th, 2014, at a City Commission
meeting where Mr. Bob Lepa and Ms. Peggy Fisher, as members of the general
public exercised their right to Free Speech:
They both spoke about this image that appeared in another blog here in our charming City:
On that blog this was a GIF (moving action) image depicting Mayor Triolo "engulfed in flames".
Another charming image from the same blog. Greg Rice, Loretta Sharpe, Mary Lindsey, and Your's Truly's name on a bullet.
The search for "civility" by Maier and McVoy is more about not wanting to hear Free Speech from people they disagree with than any real call for civility. Why? Because if they truly cared about civility they would have both roundly denounced the images above.
In the week's (4/21) Lake Worth Herald*is an article by Representative Dave Kerner about guns. If you didn't know, he is not running for re-election to that seat and is instead focused on having a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission. Below are excerpts from Kerner's article in the Herald:
"During this past legislative session, your Florida Legislature grappled with several issues important to Floridians. From an 82 billion budget, to increased accessed to affordable healthcare, the lives of every Floridian was impacted in one way or another during the sixty day legislative session.
A large part of the issue driven debate centered upon 3 National Rifle Association bills that would have dramatically altered the landscape of Florida law, and the safety of our community."
[and. . .]
"As the press has reported, and I will confirm, I was the lead opponent of each of these bills. As a former police officer and special prosecutor, and as the son of a career Lake Worth Police Department Deputy Chief, I have spent most of my life around weapons. I value and respect the 2nd Amendment, along with every other concept within our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
There are times in our lives when we have to stand up loudly and resolutely against someone or something, with the knowledge that the repercussions will be severe. For me, one of those times was in opposition to the 3 NRA bills discussed [in the Herald article]."
[and. . .]
"I am proud to announce that all 3 NRA bills died this year, although they advanced very far into the legislative session. Certainly, the death of these 3 bills was not the result of my efforts alone, but a result of the democratic process. I take comfort in that, and you should as well."
*To pick up the print edition of the Herald go to the City's news stand across the street from the Starbuck's downtown. A nice man named Andy will assist you.
The Sugar Monkey is in Lake Worth. It's located at 2402 North Dixie Hwy (at the corner Columbia Drive and Dixie across the canal from West Palm Beach). Here is information about this exciting new business opening:
"Jennifer Reed, chef-owner, focused her full time attention to the sugar monkey after eight years working for Daniel Boulud. As Executive Pastry Chef of Café Boulud Palm Beach, she received numerous accolades for her work. The raves continue as the sugar monkey infuses classic French training with Jennifer’s playful midwestern spirit. The sugar monkey is routinely featured in Palm Beach Illustrated, The Palm Beach Post, Boca Raton Magazine, on Wild 95.5 FM and provides artisan concrete “mix-ins” for all of Shake Shack’s Florida stores."
Until our Grand Opening, we'll be here every weekend (Thursday-Saturday from 10-6) with all of your favorite... https://t.co/bZKuh38Fsh
Take a few minutes and visit their Facebook page or stop by and check out this new bakery. Welcome our new pastry chef to the little City of Lake Worth.
Mayor Triolo (second from right) had a scheduling conflict, as you can see in the image above.
"Impact 100 held its awards event last night. Flamingo Clay Studio was one of the very lucky finalists (for a second time.) Impact 100 is a OneWoman/OneVote group of donors who make major contributions to Palm Beach County non-profits. Last night our wonderful Mayor, Pam Triolo, gave a speech to the assembled women in support of our program and the grant to fund it. James Venable, talented videographer, was there to capture the moments. We were awarded $16,000. Thank you Impact 100, Pam and James. This is such a great honor."
It's still not known how much the delay tactics by Maier and McVoy will cost. They both took advantage of Mayor Pam Triolo's absence to force items on last Tuesday's Commission agenda to a date uncertain. You'll see for yourself what Maier and McVoy did in the video below.
The Lake Worth Heraldaddresses this situation in an editorial titled, "The Price of Politics from the Dais". If you don't receive the Herald you can pick up the print edition at the City's news stand across the street from the Starbuck's downtown. Here are two excerpts from the editorial:
"Calculating each and every move and the reactive moves of opponents in an effort to keep each other from advancing their agenda.
It is a dangerous and sometimes costly game for municipalities and elected officials often don't care what the cost to the taxpayer or the municipality. This week, there was a public hearing on the agenda for second reading. The item was passed 3-1 on first reading. With the absence of Mayor Pam Triolo, Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell was chairing the meeting. [emphasis added] Commissioner Andy Amoroso made a motion to hear the ordinance at which time Commissioners Christopher McVoy and Ryan Maier swallowed their tongues."
[and. . .]
"Maxwell asked for a motion, Amoroso made the motion and McVoy and Maier sat there in silence. Waters [William Waters, Director of Sustainability], stated it would have to be re-advertised and when asked, replied it could be several hundred dollars. Maxwell asked for the record to reflect the uncooperative nature of the commission tonight. This tongue swallowing act by McVoy and Maier has cost taxpayers unnecessarily. Political games like this chip away at taxpayer money and breed animosity in the community. McVoy and Maier have in the past shown they will do whatever they can to keep Lake Worth from making any progress."
[and. . .]
"He [Maier] will continue, for the rest of his term to team up with McVoy in efforts be counter productive and stall any progress. Political games will continue to cost Lake Worth taxpayers, at least until the next commission election."
Below is the video showing the delay and obstruction tactic: two commissioners, Maier and McVoy, just sitting there and not saying a word. At the 30 second mark the item begins on the City's LDR's. At the 2:00 mark Commissioner Amoroso makes the motion on the item. At the 2:50 mark you'll hear Vice Mayor Maxwell say:
"Spend how much money to play along here?"
If you didn't know, both Maier and McVoy may or may not be up for re-election next year. Enjoy the video:
Now you know how every City Commission meeting is going to be, at least until March 14th, 2017.
To read the entire article in the Southern Palm Beach County blog use this link. Below are two excerpts:
"Boynton Beach City Commissioners said Tuesday night [4/19] they want to save
the historic high school from demolition, but tabled a decision on a
proposal to do so until about August." [emphasis added]
[Why?]
"The [law]suit accuses the city of breach of contract after commissioners
voted down Juan Contin’s plan to use private money to develop the school
into an events and destination center. Contin, through Boynton Old School Partnership LLC, has filed three
amended complaints in the lawsuit. The court will decide in July if the
latest complaint will be dismissed, and if it is, if the plaintiff can
file another amended one. If the court doesn’t offer another chance, the
lawsuit will be over. But the plaintiff could file an appeal, according
to city documents. Contin is asking for money he would have made if the
project had gone through."
Families are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Theprogram encourages parents to regularly read aloud to their children. By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal in three years and provide their children essential early literacy skills. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Most importantly, sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading. The Lake Worth Library will be holding the Parent Training Workshop on Friday, April 22 at 11:00 at the Lake Worth City Hall Annex meeting room, 414 Lake Avenue. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is available to all families with children between the ages of birth and five years. For more information call the library at 561-533-7354. This program is free of charge.
The president of the Residences (note: not the "Residents") of Lake Osborne (ROLO) spoke at the City Commission last night and things seem to be spinning out of control. This all started when ROLO claimed to be representing their entire area of the City and that couldn't be further from the truth.
In the first video below Mrs. McGiveron responds to what Commissioner Andy Amoroso said in a previous meeting (that video is the second one). Now we discover the ROLO rules for how an elected official gets to speak at their meetings:
The official needs to contact ROLO with a request to speak at their meeting
Then ROLO holds a meeting to see if that official will be allowed to speak
Then ROLO contacts the official with their decision
Really? Kind of reminds you of North Korea doesn't it? Watch for yourself:
Watch the following video to hear Amoroso talk about his "communication" with ROLO. The person he refers to is that staunch 'conservative Republican' who opposes almost any and all economic development in Lake Worth. And yes, she's in ROLO too. She left the room before Amoroso could respond with the following information:
Below is one example of a "Hermit Kingdom" and note the line in the video, "hostility towards the outside world".
Road closure: 6th Ave South—Federal Hwy to Dixie Hwy—from Friday, 4/22 to Friday, 4/29.
"The City of Lake Worth is nearing completion of the 6th Ave South Roadway Improvements Project.
During the week of April 22nd to April 29th, 6th Ave South between Dixie Hwy and Federal Hwy will be closed
to through traffic to facilitate the installation of traffic calming devices. The new traffic calming devices will
serve to not only create a safer pedestrian and bicycle environment, but also enhance the beautification of the
corridor which has also received new curbing, new sidewalks, new pavement, striping and signage.
Traffic is being detoured to 12th Ave South and to Lake Ave and Lucerne Ave. Please travel safely as you navigate
the detour routes."
It was an honor to have State Senator Jeff Clemens and State Representatives Lori Berman and David Kerner in attendance. They gave the 2016 Legislative Update and you can see that in the video below. They talked about many things: Gov. Scott's veto of the Park of Commerce funding, solar energy initiatives, gun laws and the gun lobbyists, and many other topics. I encourage you to watch the entire 24 minute video.
Starting at the 8:20 mark led up to a hilariously funny line by Rep. Kerner that you have to see for yourself:
Jeff Clemens isn't laughing but he took it all in stride. If you didn't know, Clemens was once the mayor of Lake Worth. He had to make many tough decisions back then; one of many was bringing PBSO into the City.
Another thing is very good news for Lake Worth and surrounding communities. Listen to what Rep. Kerner has to say starting at the 10:50 mark about the C-51 canal and the proposed boat lift bypassing the spillway. Learn more about that using this link. Here is the video:
"Save the date for the Kerner for County Commission Campaign Kick-Off! Thank you so much to my incredible honorary host committee (still in formation) of community leaders, elected officials, and endorsing unions. Looking forward to kicking off my campaign with such great people, and hitting the ground running! Hope you will join us on May 26th."
Happy Anniversary, Publix! Use this link for more information on our local Publix downtown. Read about the start of Publix at the Florida History Network and an excerpt:
"George Jenkins incorporated his first Publix grocery store in Winter Haven on this date in 1930. Jenkins established profit sharing and employee ownership and set standards for cleanliness and customer service. He opened a second store in 1935 and in 1940 mortgaged an orange grove he had acquired during the Great Depression for a down payment on his first full-sized supermarket. According to the company's web site, he equipped the store with innovations never before seen in a grocery store, including air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, electric-eye doors, frozen food cases, piped-in music and eight-foot-wide aisles."
Check back today and later this week for videos of last night's (4/19) City Commission meeting. Mayor Triolo wasn't able to attend and commissioner's Ryan Maier and Chris McVoy took full advantage of that and used more of their delay tactics to force items to a later meeting. You'll be very interested in the 2016 Legislative Update given by State Senator Jeff Clemens and Representatives Dave Kerner and Lori Berman. A 'neighborhood' president continues to unhinge and you'll be amazed at the rules they've put in place to curb Free Speech. Mind-boggling. Read on about the opportunists that, for the most part, didn't show up and pay special attention to the video below—an example of how people shouldn't act when they hear something incredulous at public comment:
There's always the possibility opportunists could try and use any Lake Worth City Commission meeting as a platform to try and gain or draw attention to themselves. And take into consideration Cara Jennings' video from Gainesville that's lost the public's attention, this would be the perfect chance for her to reignite that media flame, once again. And then there will be those few with red and white shirts who oppose almost everything. This time it's Spring Training Braves baseball.
But whatever you do, don't get angry or simply react if you're treated rudely by the "oppose everything" group. That's what they want you to do. Get angry. So what do you do? Smile and wave. Be polite. Offer to get them a glass of cold water. Just be nice.
For instance, the video below is a good example of how not to react: The woman in the video, a staunch 'conservative Republican', starts off by saying, "the reason why Cara Jennings was such a good commissioner" and almost the entire room broke out in either laughter or disbelief. It was a visceral and quick reaction. I'm not blaming anyone, you see, just be a little more careful next time when you hear something so incredulous:
And as to Cara Jennings being "such a good commissioner" there's that little matter of the Greenwashing at the Lake Worth Casino back in 2009/210. Just one example of many that don't square with what the woman in the video said.
Commissioner Amoroso didn't go to Juilliard and you don't need to be a professional actor either to help promote this little City. He made this video and the usual suspects were very critical that the video wasn't professional enough
or that the camera was too shaky. The good folks at the Cultural Council didn't seem to mind.
Here for your enjoyment is Amoroso explaining why Lake Worth has a cool downtown and why you and all your friends, neighbors, and family should go downtown and walk around for a while: Have you heard about the new Cultural Concierge in Palm Beach County? Guess where it's located? Right in downtown Lake Worth and you can read about that using this link.
This information comes from the Loxahatchee Group of the Sierra Club. They will be having their 2016 General Membership Meeting Wednesday, April 20th. More on that below.
However, what was a bit disconcerting for residents in Lake Worth was the Anarchist candidate, Ryan Hartman, receiving the endorsement of the Sierra Club after a lunch at TooJay's deli. The endorsement ended up having little or no impact. Vice Mayor Maxwell won in a runaway landslide. Anyhow. . .
If you plan on going to the Loxahatchee Sierra Club event here is that information:
Wednesday, April 20th at 7:00 Pine Jog Environmental Education Center 6301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
One of the presenters is Dr. Z (John Zahina-Ramos) who will talk about the "Environmental and Ecological Benefits of Urban Food Gardens."
Note: All Sierra Club General Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information use this link.
And stay tuned for more information about the urban farming event on April 27th at the Passion Vine Farm located at 1134 19th Ave. North. An RSVP is required. Call 561-281-7982.
*If you plan to use an urban farm as a retail location, please consult the City first to see if there are zoning issues.
Now for one of my favorite videos on my YouTube channel: Then-Lake Worth Mayor (now State Senator) Jeff Clemens at the dedication of Compass on March 20th, 2009. That's right. Seven years ago. Compass has been serving in the City for a long time. You'll enjoy Clemens' joke right at the beginning:
Commissioners Ryan Maier and Chris McVoy are oft-repeated advocates for the homeless in the City. If this City had more money there would possibly be more funding available for issues such as this, correct? Then why do Maier and McVoy attempt to stymie and obstruct nearly all economic development in Lake Worth? On nearly every vote it's 3-2, with Maier and McVoy dissenting, on whether to move a project forward or not—like the Gulfstream hotel for example:
On nearly every vote at the City Commission it's 3-2 on the issue of more economic opportunity. Three vote "Yes" and two vote "No".
Let's look at this logically. Please follow along: IfA = Homeless people are without a home/opportunity, andB = Investment, money, and opportunity, then A + a decrease in B (less investment, money, and opportunity), would necessarily not be advantageous for A (the homeless). Right?
Above is true, then ifA + an increase in B (more investment, money, and opportunity) would create the environment for less A (more opportunity for the homeless). Correct?
Now here is C: There are two projects in Lake Worth that have the potential to bring millions of dollars into the City for many years to come. They are the Gulfstream hotel redevelopment and the Park of Commerce. These are huge opportunities for both the City and its residents.
So, if you support the Gulfstream hotel (C), for example, and you also concerned about the homeless (A) then B (investment, money) would be a solution. Correct?
But why would the Gulfstream hotel and the City's Park of Commerce (C) be objected to by both commissioners Ryan Maier and Chris McVoy? These two projects, all by themselves, have the potential to fill the coffers of the City so it can have money left over to help those such as the homeless. So why would Maier and McVoy object so strongly?
Do they have another plan they think will better help the homeless other than money and investment? If they have a theory better than B they should share it with all of us, don't you think?
Since we're on the issue of the homeless, below is a former Lake Worth commissioner. At the 40 second mark in the video she praises the City of West Palm Beach for all their incredible work to help the homeless there. Unfortunately, at the 1:15 mark she goes off the rails with a terribly unfair characterization of the caring and giving people of Lake Worth:
JoAnn Golden said of Lake Worth residents reacting to the homeless, "I'd be ashamed to say we'd probably take out guns and get rid of 'em".
This is a DVR alert for all you planning folks, the PBS segment airing at 8:00:
"10 Towns that Changed America focuses on ten 'experimental' towns that did not evolve organically over time, but instead were designed (or redesigned) from the ground up by visionary architects, corporations, and citizens, who sought to change the lives of residents using architecture, design, and urban planning. Some of these visionaries were driven by an ideology, others were trying to serve their own financial interests, but all had one thing in common: they believed in the power of our built environment to change the way we live."
The continuing story about the Boynton Beach historic high school, well, continues. Here is the latest from Alexandra Seltzer and an excerpt:
"The commissioners are expected to discuss the site at Tuesday’s meeting and have a choice to make: Begin negotiations with Rick Gonzalez’ for his plan of turning the 1927 building into a community cultural center; throw out Gonzalez’s plan; or table it. Commissioners might go with the latter because of an ongoing three-year lawsuit many thought would be over by now. The suit accuses the city of breach of contract after commissioners voted down Juan Contin’s plan to use private money to develop the school into an events and destination center. If they do table a vote, it would likely come back in August, said City Manager Lori LaVerriere."
If you would like to see the agenda for this meeting tonight use this link and click on "View Agenda".
To be a volunteer for PBSO or be a Citizen on Patrol (COP), that information is below in this blog post. Here is the latest news from PBSO:
"A 3 day joint operation was conducted by District 1, District 14 [the City of Lake Worth], and District 16 Community Policing and Street Crimes Units between 4/13–4/15 to address prostitution issues within these districts. Day 1 involved undercover deputies posing as “johns” soliciting prostitutes, days 2 and 3 utilized undercover female deputies posing as prostitutes. The operation resulted in the following:
4 felony prostitution arrests
14 misdemeanor prostitution arrests
4 felony warrant arrests
5 misdemeanor warrant arrests
27 arrests for solicitation of prostitution
6 drug paraphernalia arrests
1 stolen gun recovered (PBSO case)
Crack cocaine, heroin, MDMA, Xanax, and Flakka seizures
½ lb. of marijuana seized
1 vehicle forfeiture
$1,460 seized
The operation produced a total of 48 arrests. Great teamwork by all involved!"
To learn more about "Make the Call Y'All" visit the NAPC website.
For more information contact Sergeant Richard Raasch, Community Policing & Street Crimes Unit Supervisor, District 14
Cell: 561-662-2392
Email: RaaschR@pbso.org
If you would like to be a volunteer for PBSO call 561-433-2003. And don't forget about the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program here in Lake Worth. You can read about that in a recent news story that featured Mary Lindsey by NBC5/WPTV's Alex Hagan.
Here is the video from WPTV; The Mary is interviewed starting at the 1:20 mark:
The Palm Beach Post's Jennifer Sorentrue has two recent articles about our culinary treasure: Lori Durante. Here is the article that was in last Saturday's (4/16) print edition and an excerpt:
"[Lori] Durante is one of three local tour operators seizing on a growing trend in the tourism industry — food-themed travel. As many as 40 percent of U.S. travelers plan their vacations around food, according to the World Food Travel Association. In Palm Beach County, 28 percent of all tourists cite culinary motivations as the reason for their visit, tourism officials said. 'Agriculture is a huge industry in our county, and we’re fortunate that our culinary scene benefits from very easy access to an incredible array of farm-fresh products,' said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO for Discover The Palm Beaches, the county’s official tourism marketing corporation. 'We’re home to many celebrated and award-winning chefs who continue to elevate their craft while utilizing the vast variety of locally-sourced, sustainable products.' "
Use this link to read the article that also appears in today's (Monday, 4/18) print edition. Here are two excerpts:
". . .Lori Durante launched Taste History Culinary Tours in 2011, combining the idea of a narrated bus tour with the growing popularity of food tastings. She
started the venture in Delray Beach, and then added tours in Boynton
Beach, Lantana, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach’s Northwood Village
neighborhood and Arts and Entertainment District.
[More information about Lori Durante and her culinary tours. . .]
"About your company: Taste History Culinary Tours of Historic Palm Beach County is operated by the nonprofit Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History. We host cultural culinary tours to West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Lantana, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. [emphasis added] How your business has changed: Technology has caused the biggest change in the nonprofit museum and cultural tourism industry."
If you don't follow Taste History on Twitter, you should. Her Tweets are informative as well as being enthusiastic:
This is a reminder, be polite tomorrow! If you've already read this post please scroll down for new content. And Thank You for visiting.
Below is the first part of the agenda at the Lake Worth City Commission. Pay special attention to item 5A. To see the entire agenda use this link and scroll down. Note there are two meetings; the first one is a closed-door session at 5:00 and the second is the regularly scheduled Commission meeting (first and third Tuesday of the month):
Agenda
Lake Worth City Commission Meeting
Commission Chambers [7 North Dixie Highway]
Tuesday, April 19th at 6:00 PM
1. Roll Call
2. Invocation: Offered by Pastor Jason Fairbanks of the First Congregational United Church of Christ on behalf of Commissioner McVoy
3. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Commissioner Ryan Maier
4. Agenda: Additions/Deletions/Reordering
5. Presentations (there is no public comment on Presentation items)
A. Senator Jeff Clemens, Representative Lori Berman and Representative Dave Kerner: 2016 Legislative update
Commissioner Maier was not feeling well and did not attend the last City Commission meeting. Remember McVoy's vague reference to his "burden of safety" at the last meeting? Maybe all that will be cleared up on Tuesday. And later in the agenda:
10. Public Hearings:
A. Ordinance No. 2016-13 - Second Reading and Second Public Hearing - amend various sectionsand tables of the City's Land Development Regulations
11. Unfinished business
12. New business
13. City attorney's report
14. City manager's report
15. Adjournment
Note: One of more members of any board, authority or commission may attend and speak at any meeting of another city board, authority or commission.
Note: Everyone is invited to attend from any and all neighborhoods in Lake Worth. Read more about this meeting below.
To learn more about the Parrot Cove neighborhood in Lake Worth use this link.
"We will be having our April Parrot Cove neighborhood meeting on Monday, April 18, 7:00, at our usual place, The Beach Club at the Lake Worth Golf Course (One 7th Ave. North). Our speaker this month will be Paul Bates of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Paul will be talking about the TNVR or Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return program for the Community Cats in Lake Worth. Free roaming and feral cats are an ongoing issue in many communities and we all know Lake Worth has a high population of unowned cats. Paul will discuss this new program that is currently free due to grants for zip code 33460, how it is different from the old approach, how it works, and what we as neighbors can do to help with control these cat populations. We will also be announcing the Swim Through Parrot Cove Progressive Pool and Garden Tour, which is a members only event coming up in June. As usual, Mitch at The Beach Club will be extending his Happy Hour pricing to our group and it is $.50 wing night. This meeting is open to all our Lake Worth neighbors."
(a) Vacancies. The office of the mayor or of a commissioner shall become vacant upon the death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law, or forfeiture of such office by a member; such vacancy to be declared by the remaining members of the commission. (b) Forfeiture of office or candidacy. The mayor or a commissioner shall forfeit such office or candidacy if lacking at any time during a term of office or candidacy any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter or by law. (c) Filling of vacancies. A vacancy of the city commission shall be filled in one of the following ways:
If there are less than six (6) months remaining in the unexpired term or if there are less than six (6) months before the next regular city election, the city commission by a majority vote of the remaining members shall choose and appoint a successor to serve until a newly elected commissioner or mayor is qualified.
If there are more than six (6) months remaining in the unexpired term and no general city election is scheduled within six (6) months, the city commission shall fill the vacancy by a special election to be held no more than sixty (60) days following the occurrence of the vacancy. If a run-off election is necessary, it shall be scheduled two (2) weeks after the special election.
The other special cities are Jupiter, Wellington, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach:
In the Post's new "In Your Community" section the same cities will be featured over and over again, each and every week. How long before all the other cities rise up and demand equal time?
The Palm Beach Post has started an "In Your Community" segment that appears on page B3, Local section, Monday–Saturday. The first one appeared on Tuesday, March 29th with the town of Jupiter. In the batting lineup Lake Worth will be in this Monday's (tomorrow) edition, again. If you've followed the Post's coverage of Lake Worth you can see how there would be a certain level of trepidation. Do you remember the protest about trash pickup at that trailer park?
Fortunately our other paper of record, The Lake Worth Herald,came to the rescue on that one. Read about that using this link.
Here are the two articles that will likely be in the Post tomorrow: About Governor Scott's veto of money for the Park of Commerce, here is an excerpt:
"As a cash poor city, Bornstein said Lake Worth needs help. From 2002 to 2012, the city lost 1,617 jobs, one of the highest in the county. Despite two setbacks the city intends to apply for the money again. 'We want to understand what was deficient, if anything, or if there was a misunderstanding,' [City Manager Michael] Bornstein said. 'We’re not going to give up and walk away. I’ll just get a bigger fist to bang on the door.' " The other one is a rehashed article with updates on union negotiations. No mention of "secret meetings" or baked ziti either. Since we have the undivided attention of the Post every Monday, here's one of my personal favorites that has never made it into the paper (or any other news organization, for that matter):
To read about the "Gas Line to Nowhere" use this link. Former commissioners, especially JoAnn Golden and Cara Jennings, may not be too keen on providing any quotes though.
This is satire, but it is a summary of the issues talked about in that city. You can see how we sometimes get so wrapped up in issues near to us, that we can't see the good that is all around and the reasons that brought us to where we are in the first place. And, you will be able to understand that there are inherent differences between the two cities that are often compared.
"What a morning I had yesterday! Sheesh! First, I was subjected to seeing a homeless person after my rather expensive breakfast I just had. It's bad enough to have to see a homeless person, but then 2 rehabbers walked by me with baggy shorts and cigarettes. I had to move my wife out of the way to avoid them and I contemplated calling the police. I knew they were rehabbers because they were 22 years old. We then tried to go have coffee at Starbucks patio but it was closed!! Probably some conspiracy involving the Feds, but that's good. I was in fear of my life when I walked by that place! I guess it is for the greater good of our town, so I'll have rondo to the Starbucks 230 feet away now I suppose. So after walking a while we walked by folks arguing about a movie theater being built that will surely ruin their lives. They didn't elaborate further, but yes, this theater would be the worst thing in this town since... Since ever. Anyway, is there a way we can stop trains from passing by our town? I didn't realize I bought my $500,000 home 47 feet from the train tracks, and the noise is ruining my sleep. [emphasis added]
By this time we went to go eat lunch on the ave, but argued about which was worse for our lives. Being near smelly dogs or loud kids interrupting our $58 macaroni. Soon after, rehabbers, puppy millers, snow birds, movie theater haters and homeless people began chasing us, I tried to snap a pic of my plate for Delray raw before we started running!!! The rehabbers and the people who eat with their dogs in baby strollers next to them were catching up to us! We finally made it west of Swinton, which nobody ever really talks about thank goodness. I suppose that isn't the real Delray. Anyway, I will try again today in the hopes that no one ruins my breakfast. You see, I sold my parents home on Long Island and made $990k so I am a big deal now."
[UPDATE: Following the good news published yesterday, the Post follows up with a glowing editorial about Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg. That editorial is in the print edition today (Sunday, 4/17) and is not yet available for their online readership. What follows is the news from Saturday:]
You can see this for yourself using this link and the positive article titled, "PBSO volunteers praised for their ‘fire and desire' " also appears in the print edition, front page of the local section, below the fold.
Here is an excerpt:
"[Dennis] Alsgaard was singled out Friday for putting in 2,002 volunteer hours in 2015 — the equivalent of 50 work weeks. Sheriff
Ric Bradshaw said Friday that volunteers contributed 350,000-plus hours
in 2015, resulting in $8 million of value-added services."
Don't you think this article would have been a great one for the Sunday edition?
If you would like to be a volunteer for PBSO call 561-433-2003. And don't forget about the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program here in Lake Worth. You can read about that in a recent news story that featured Mary Lindsey (aka, The Mary) by NBC5/WPTV's Alex Hagan.
Here is the video from WPTV; The Mary is interviewed starting at the 1:20 mark:
Mayor Pam Triolo wearing her Atlanta Braves cap. The mayor and rest of the City Commission voted overwhelmingly in support to "Bring Back the Braves"!
Below is the resolution the City passed with overwhelming and enthusiastic support:
"WHEREAS, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners is considering an effort to work with the Atlanta Braves ('Braves') to return to Palm Beach County; and, WHEREAS,the Braves were located in West Palm Beach for 34 years building a strong local following of fans and supporters; and, WHEREAS, the Braves are one of the oldest baseball franchises winning World Series and was the team of local resident Hank Aaron #44 who broke Babe Ruth’s career home run record in 1974; and, WHEREAS, a Braves Spring Training site in South Central Palm Beach County would provide an opportunity for residents, families and children, and visitors alike to attend professional baseball games; and, WHEREASa Braves Spring Training site in John Prince Park would provide a tremendous economic impact and provide additional tourist bed tax revenue; and, WHEREAS a Spring Training facility would provide an important venue for other sporting and cultural activities to the City of Lake Worth and surrounding communities; and, WHEREAS, significant County and State economic development investments have been made in other parts of Palm Beach County including, Scripps, Roger Dean Stadium, and the recent Astros/Nationals facility; and, WHEREAS,the Mayor and Commissioners and City staff are involved in long term planning activities in our City to promote tourism, economic development, and improved quality of life; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA, that: Section 1: The City Commission of the City of Lake Worth strongly encourages and supports Palm Beach County in its effort to Bring Home the Braves to a Spring Training facility in John Prince Park. Section 2: The City Commission directs that a copy of this Resolution shall be provided to Palm Beach County and the Atlanta Braves and all other parties as deemed appropriate by the City Manager. Section 3: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage.
Remember: "It ain't over till it's over." —Yogi Berra
Just in case you missed this. . . the most viewed blog post of the week, from Friday:
Below is an interesting letter written to the editor of the Herald in this week's (4/14) issue. If you didn't know, the Herald is Lake Worth's oldest business, starting in 1912. If you would like to see more of what's in this week's issue, use this link.
If you would like to pick up the print edition go to the City's news
stand at 600 Lake Ave across the street from Starbuck's. A nice man
named Andy will assist you. Without further ado, here is the letter titled, "Tiny Houses Saved FOR Destruction"*:
"While I applaud community efforts, such as Jill Karlin’s saving of the tiny houses, it should be noted that there are better ways for 'sustainability' than saving plywood structures that are outright dangerous. I had a contract on the property where these houses were originally located and had my licensed General Contractor inspect them as part of our due-diligence. These houses are simply unsafe for South Florida and retrofitting them to make them compliant with not Lake Worth building code but South Florida building code was cost prohibitive. The Lake Worth law prohibiting them from being inhabited had nothing to do with them being tiny or dangerous but that they were illegally built in a single family residential zoning. Just to be clear to the readers. Tiny houses is one thing, the charm and feasibility for someone to live there all nice and neat but these two structures were plain and simple unsafe for anybody and certainly not a safe alternative for dealing with our homeless population. Martin Wiescholek Lake Worth"
*Note that Your's Truly knows very little about this issue of the "tiny houses" mentioned in the letter above; if you have thoughts comment below or send me an email: WesBlackman@gmail.com
![Dr. W. H. Cotton’s ode: “Oh, My Lake Worth, Florida!” [circa 1920].](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL75cv6zJQFjX15ojOIIz9AjnbqH4asHJTYSDhnGnYr7rJZRha1NcNTirj2xPcId158vkz5Hw-wXgOfrlztj8Zr8jLFFCfuEN6PyV44ZlpMRmJ68xbtFL9vzxNiG7xDs_HJvm/s1600/LakeWorthPioneers.JPG)
