A respectful gathering at the Gulfstream Hotel

You've probably heard by now that JoAnn Golden et al continue their monkeywrenching and paperwrenching ways to stop the hotel from ever opening again. This tactic is also used to demoralize and depress the public mood. Don't let that happen. It's important that everyone excited about the Gulfstream redevelopment stays excited and involved.

It's also very important to attend meetings and contact your elected officials. 

Remember, there was a time back in late 2012 and early 2013 when the mood was at its most bleak. Almost everyone involved in saving the Gulfstream was demoralized and there wasn't much fight left in us. Or so it seemed.

That was until Loretta Sharpe got angry and forced the issue: a 45′ height limit would doom the hotel and like so many other historic hotels in Florida, become a pile of rubble. Loretta was the force behind the Friends of the Gulfstream PAC which put the focus on the 'height issue' and the hotel's future.

Friends gathering on the north patio of the Gulfstream.

The Gulfstream Hotel is like an old friend too. It's one that has witnessed the ebb and flow of our Lake Worth community. It stands quiet, for now, a sentinel at the west end of the bridge over Lake Worth Lagoon and has done so for 91 years.

I imagined what it will be like in the future when visitors arrive on the 21st Century Brightline or a supersonic airliner for transport to our hotel downtown and juxtaposed that with all those who arrived in the early 20th Century on one of Flagler's trains on the FEC Railway to escape the Northeast cold.

Gatherings like this will be common once again. Much like they were in the era of Henry Flagler.

Like the community that surrounds this historic structure, I believe the hotel's best days are yet to come. That was the spirit of the people who came together to honor that vision, including that of a former citizen, while welcoming the future revitalization of the hotel property. It's alright to be optimistic and please stay involved.

Attend meetings and get involved in our future. We'll forever be a low-rise City with a downtown hotel district—the way it should be.

Where do you get your news about Lake Worth? Consider going directly to the source, the City's website.

Were you aware of all the resources and news available on the City's website? Learn more below:

Lake Worth—"Where the Tropics Begin"

Here is the link to the City's website. When visiting the site one of the first things to do is scroll down to "Special Announcements" for current topics and City news. Take a few moments and sign up for the City newsletter, "Worth Noting":

Learn about "Citizens on Patrol" and other news using this link.

The City is on Twitter also:

Art Al Fresco | Join us where the art meets the sea! |Sat, Sept 17 | 9am - 5pm | Lake Worth Beach pic.twitter.com/PIa0cCtOt6

— Lake Worth (@LakeWorthPBC) September 14, 2016

There's plenty to see and encourage you to go through the site and learn more about what's available. For entertainment and things to do, either ongoing events or new ones, use this link.

Best of luck Laura Tingo. What's this have to do with our Finance Director for the City of Lake Worth?

Update: It's front page news (B1, Local) in today's (9/17) Palm Beach Post that West Palm Beach is adding 10 police officers to patrol problem areas in that city:

     The officers will patrol Coleman Park, the Historic Northwest and Broadway areas, focusing on quality-of-life issues, including open containers, drug sales, loitering and prostitution.
     “They’re going to stop and talk to all the merchants and just be really, really visible,” [Mayor Jeri] Muoio said. “We’re responding to the concerns people have about safety, making sure we’re addressing that.” 

But. . . Lake Worth, a much tinier City just to the south of West Palm, is adding 5 more deputies and so far nothing in the paper. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

The City of Lake Worth is looking for a new media specialist. Laura Tingo and the City decided to go separate ways. It just didn't work out. This minor story about a staff position, for some reason, was in Thursday's (9/15) Post, page B3 in the print edition. However, have you seen this news in the Post?

So far, no news in the Post about 5 more deputies. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

The irony is this: if it wasn't for substandard news reporting the City wouldn't need a media specialist in the first place. Hopefully, the next person who takes the job will be a better fit.

Anyhow, at the end of this blog post is a stroll down memory lane to October 30th last year. The previous Finance Director resigned after only 8 months on the job. Why? Simply because it wasn't a good fit: both for him and the City. But some took the opportunity to go on the attack against City Manager Michael Bornstein with claims he lacked the skill to pick the right people for the right job.

Nonsense. The fact of the matter is you just don't know sometimes.

Someone who looks like the perfect fit will turn out not to be. Or that person may not like the job. It could be anything. Our new Finance Director, Marie Elianor, is on the job about 6 months now. From accounts I've heard many in the City are quite pleased with her performance. She was exceptional during the latest budget workshops. Below is the news from last March in the City's newsletter:

The Worth Noting newsletter is delivered free to your email inbox. Sign up using this link.

     The City of Lake Worth is pleased to announce the appointment of Finance Director, Marie Elianor. Marie is an experienced Florida leader who has worked her entire career at various local and county governments and she’s excited to continue her work in Lake Worth. For Marie, the new position brings new challenges and new opportunities.
     “This is my first experience working with electric utilities,” she said. “That’s something I find very interesting and I’m eager to work with the electric department.”

Now for a stroll down memory lane. . . the Post's beat reporter interviewed City Manager Bornstein on the resignation of the previous Finance Director last year. Bornstein did a good job of summing up the situation. Here are two excerpts from the article:

     After only eight months on the job, Finance Director Nerahoo Hemraj resigned on Friday [October 30, 2015], with city officials saying the position wasn’t a good fit.
     “Lake Worth is a very dynamic place and it’s not for everybody,” [emphasis added] said City Manager Michael Bornstein.

[and. . .]

     As for the city’s next permanent finance director, Bornstein said the city will be searching for someone willing to take on a “dynamic” challenge.

About sums it up, doesn't it?

[Pinned Post] RUMOR CONTROL: More mis- and disinformation about the upcoming November referendum. Recall 2014?

Already read this from yesterday? Please scroll down and Thank You for visiting.

"NO NEW TAXES"!, they said. And guess what? Two years later many streets, like North 'J' Street for example, have continued to deteriorate at a rapid rate. 

Remember all the wild rumors in 2014 like homeowners would be forced out of the City en masse? No different in 2016. The other similarity is those very same critics still have NO PLAN of their own to fix our roads. Taking a leadership role would be too risky?

First, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to learn some reporter is getting his or her arm twisted to report the misleading information below as 'news'.

On one of the Lake Worth Facebook pages a moderator of that page placed what appears to be an "official" spreadsheet related to the bond issue. Turns out it was sent "anonymously". There is discussion over the contents and comes with no caveat or explanation of what it actually is and how the information in it came to be.

Beware of anything in an Excel spreadsheet that is purported as being an "official" document related to the bond issue. No one is sure of its chain-of-custody. Anyone could change, add or subtract from that document unlike a pdf or something appearing on the City's website.

This spreadsheet identifies only those streets that are below a pavement condition index (PCI) of 60 in 2016. Use this link and scroll down for an explanation. That spreadsheet is essentially a snapshot in time for roads needing repair and an estimation of the amount it would cost to repair or replace them. However, this spreadsheet does not include streets that will deteriorate 3% or more per year over the following four years. Key information that is left out.

Roads that slip below a 60 PCI will be improved and/or replaced as part of the program. This spreadsheet was meant to be an internal document and act as a baseline. It underestimates the total amount of work that will be done as part of the bond issue. Instead of showing the $40 million on the ballot, it totals $26 million which is only one part of the whole program.

This is misleading and plays into the hands of those that think the City can "get by" with a smaller bond issue. It seems to have been sent, by request to a certain commissioner, as informational material only. Now it's being bandied about as being equivalent to the Tablets handed to Moses.

A little information can be a dangerous thing. It is the duty of elected officials to provide the most accurate, complete and timely information available. Otherwise they are actively distorting the truth. There are other names for that too.

We can hope the City finishes the ad valorem tax calculator and has it on the website soon. In the meantime go to the City website that has information on the bond and see which roads are actually part of this multi-year program.

And once again, be suspicious of information if you don't know who the source is.

Did you miss this news? Lake Worth earns distinguished International Dark Skies Association (IDA) compliancy designation

Here's the latest: City is getting recognition for their efforts from all over the United States and from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada too! Spread the word to everyone you know involved in curbing light pollution. Lake Worth, Florida, is leading the way.

And did you know Lake Worth is the first city in the State of Florida to receive approval to install 2700k* LEDs on Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) controlled roadways?

Where is one to find all this information? It's right on the little City of Lake Worth's website in the free newsletter called, "Worth Noting".

To sign up for the City's free newsletter, delivered to your email inbox, use this link.

"The project, 'Light Up Lake Worth' puts the City at the forefront for you in its efforts to reduce energy, heat levels and costs. In conjunction with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the City identified dark areas, mapped gaps in lighting and committed to the new energy efficient and cost-savings initiative. In addition to replacing existing lights with LED technology, the City is adding approximately 150 LEDs to dark areas."

Excerpts from the LED Street Light FAQs:

What are LED Lights?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Traditional bulbs produce light through a filament that eventually burns out. LEDs produce light when electrons move through a semi-conductor. LEDs have a longer lifespan – about four times longer than current fixtures used in Lake Worth.
Why is the City changing to LED street lights now?
Old lights on Lake Worth streets are approaching the end of their useful life and need replacing. LEDs use less energy compared to their high-pressure sodium luminaries’ predecessors. LEDs provide better service reliability and lower maintenance costs.

Sign up for the "Worth Noting" newsletter (link in caption above) to get your information straight from the City, unfiltered by the media.

*k = kelvin. Unit of measure for temperature.

Learn about 'overwhelming' heights vote in 2013—that wasn't overwhelming—and the liars march on about building height

For the latest on efforts to scuttle the redevelopment of the Gulfstream Hotel property, giving this historic structure a date with the wrecking ball, use this link.

The facts about building height in the charming little City of Lake Worth:

Thanks to the present City Commission led by Mayor Triolo, our City truly is, and will always remain, a "low-rise" community.

At the bottom of this post is a video and Lake Worth's city attorney, Glen Torcivia, explains why that 'heights vote' in 2013 was declared "null and void". And let us not forget that allowable height was lowered throughout the downtown between Dixie and Federal Hwy. Nothing in the future can be built over 45 feet in this area. That is true east of Federal too, unless a new building is a hotel of at least 50 rooms or part of a mixed-use project that has at least 50 rooms.

You can read more about the 'overwhelming' voter turnout that wasn't using this link. The facts are straightforward and clear about the matter. What I want to focus on are the "lies at the door" (which continue to this day) that pushed a few more votes into the "Yes" side and why we're in the position we are now vis-à-vis the Gulfstream hotel project and the renovation.

Check out the following images that were used to persuade people to vote "Yes" in 2013 to limit heights in downtown Lake Worth:

Prior to the 2013 'heights vote' the public was shown images like this with large 'box' buildings showing how the downtown would look if they didn't vote to limit heights. Note the caption below image.

Another image used to frighten and confuse City residents. The term "canyon effect" is a popular one used for mis- and disinformation purposes.

Again, another one. This one showing 'white box buildings' where neighborhoods are now. There are many other images just like this one used to confuse residents prior to the vote in 2013.

It's also important to realize what the existing height of the historic Gulfstream Hotel is. The building was built in 1925.

To the building's flat roof it is 72 feet high with an additional 3 feet or so added to the parapet wall. The top of the "Penthouse" or elevator shaft is 92 feet. The diagram above is from a 2012 application to install a cellphone antenna. 

We all need to be on the same page when it comes to saving this historic hotel on the National Register of Historic Places. For more on the "null and void" heights vote in 2013, City Attorney Glen Torcivia explains what happened quite concisely and succinctly:

Evening on the Avenue is tonight in Lake Worth at the Cultural Plaza, every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month

Starts at 6:00 and ends at 10:00 or so. For a helpful list of all events in the City use this link.

Best of luck, Taco Lady

Below is a video I put together of the Taco Lady at her shop Downtown in April of 2014. Yesterday was her last day at her shop. She's looking for another location and in the meantime will set up at Evening on the Avenue at the Cultural Plaza; that's every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month.

The artist Buttons Brokovitch painted a mural at the Taco Lady's shop and you'll see and learn about that in the video. Stay tuned for information where the shop will relocate to and who the new tenant at that location will be.

Lake Worth High School students from the Interact Club and the City's painted garbage cans/benches along Dixie Hwy.

This article appears in this week's Lake Worth Herald, titled "LWHS Interact Club Beautifies LW"; here are two excerpts:

     Thirty Lake Worth High School students from the Interact Club came together last Saturday to offer a much need lift to Dixie Highway in Lake Worth.
     From the C-51 canal all the way to the southernmost border of the city, the students painted concrete 30 garbage cans and bus stop benches in all the LULA colors.

[and. . .]

     Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell led one of the orange teams, along with Herman Robinson whose team painted pink and Mary Lindsey, who worked with one of the green teams. Chris Dabros from the CRA/LULA was also on hand pouring paint, distributing supplies and water with Rotary Club President, Nadine Burns who also led teams of students.
     Sherwin Williams on Dixie, supplied the paint at a fabulous discount which was very much appreciated. PBSO arranged to have all the concrete cans pressure washed prior to the event which definitely made the entire effort more pleasant and productive.

Looking for something to do? Check out the Cultural Council in Downtown Lake Worth

For information about parking, current exhibits, and the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach store at the Cultural Council use this link. This latest news comes from Jan Sjostrom, the arts editor at the Palm Beach Daily News, aka The Shiny Sheet:

     The vacant lot behind the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County’s building in Lake Worth soon could be transformed into an outdoor sculpture garden and concert site. [emphasis added]
     Plans call for the 10,125-square-foot property just south of the council’s building to be developed in phases as money is raised, said Rena Blades, president and CEO.
     Once the project is completed, the space will feature pads and lighting for large-scale sculptures by Palm Beach County artists, a small covered stage where local artists will perform, an oval-shaped walkway, a paved area in the center for tented events, landscaping, signage and a perimeter fence.

[and. . .]

     Many of the council’s Lobby Desk concerts and Open Mic nights have been packed, including two recent performances by Wellington jazz singer Yvette Norwood-Tiger.
     She’s been trying to play more concerts rather than bar and restaurant gigs, and is pleased by the council’s plans. “I think it’s going to be wonderful,” she said.

Today (Thursday, 9/15) is last day to pre-order the spectacular hardcover "Cottages of Lake Worth" book, save $5

Spread the word and Thank You for visiting. Please scroll down (or use this link) for my thoughts on the malcontents and their latest effort to stop our historic, iconic Gulfstream Hotel from re-opening.

I saw the book Wednesday at Janice's cottage! Absolutely incredible and way beyond expectations. It's hard to believe this all started three years ago with a few people just bouncing ideas off each other.

To get the pre-order price and save $5 call Janice at 561-586-6617 or use this link to learn more:

"Color us overjoyed, ecstatic and relieved! Our sample book arrived yesterday morning from the printer, and we LOVE IT! Janice and I [Taylor] are still pinching ourselves and catching our breaths. The rest of shipment is due by mid to late October."

Highlights from the fiscal year 2016/2017 budget meeting last night (9/13)

To subscribe to the City's free newsletter, sent by email, use this link.

All the budget items passed unanimously on first reading last night (Vice Mayor Maxwell was absent); the second reading is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 20th. Below are the highlights from the City's newsletter, Worth Noting:

• No change in the general fund millage rate – 5.4945 mils
• No change in the electric utility rate
• Use of approximately $365,287 of general fund available balance
• Increase in local sewer rates of 3% to off-set increased capital projects related to East Coast Central Regional Facility
• Increase in water rates of 2.75% to offset capital projects including the 2″ waterline replacement program
• No changes in sanitation and stormwater rates
• No changes to parking rates

For the first time since 2010 Lake Worth will be adding to the number of sworn deputies on Lake Worth patrols: 

• Two (2) added to the night shift patrol
• Two (2) dedicated to Beach, Old Bridge Park, Bryant Park and Snook Islands.
• One (1) dedicated to Downtown Corridor patrol/Cultural Plaza – this will allow for 7 day coverage

Our own PBSO Captain Baer has placed these added patrols strategically to combat issues of alcohol abuse, the heroin epidemic, drug proliferation and the resulting crime.

"Torpedo"? Huh? And ideas to fix vexing problems at our Beach: Raise rates "and whatnot"?

"[D]o some things you can do with coats of paint and whatnot."
—Quote by Lake Worth Commissioner Chris McVoy, PhD, at the City's Budget Work Session on August 9th. See below for Mayor Pam Triolo's response. 


The latest claim by McVoy is the City is trying to "torpedo" the Beach. He said this at the City's Special Meeting on the budget last night (9/13). Mayor Pam Triolo set him right saying the City is done with "band aid" solutions. McVoy demonstrates the lack of vision and new ideas from "the other side" who always have the same answer to everything: raise rates. Will increased parking rates increase revenue? Sure. In the short term. But what about long term? The answer to that always is, "We'll have to wait and see." That's why elections matter:

For some it's the same solution to everything: Raise electric rates and other rates as well. So much for "thinking out of the box".

Mayor Pam Triolo, after hearing what McVoy said on August 9th, responded with this:

"I don't think you reacted the same way in the Electric Utility conversation did you? That we should just kind of go wing it and see how we do? I think it's inconsistent. I think it's disingenuous to ask for higher electric rates and larger reserves in the Electric Utility Fund to make sure that we have money to prepare for and to maintain it when you're willing to go willy-nilly on the Beach Fund and not worry about maintenance. I think it's disingenuous. You [McVoy] completely changed your philosophy on how you think a professional organization should run by your conversation on the Electric Utilities from how you're handling this [Beach] Fund. I find that inconsistency is something that the City can't bear as a professional organization as a whole. . ." [McVoy tries to interrupt]

Mayor Triolo continues: "I have the floor. I've sat and listened to all of you all night. I very barely spoke all evening so please give me the floor when I'm speaking. So now going back to it. We have to build in the maintenance. We have to look at it from that direction and be consistent across the board. But we have reserves for things. We have maintenance for things. And this is a fund [Beach Fund] that doesn't have guaranteed revenue increases as they [Burton and Associates, accountants] so eloquently talked about. It's not like a revenue bond where you know you have that money and you get it paid back because that money is coming in. This is something with we actually have to do business to make money in this [Beach] fund. That's all I'm saying. Let's be consistent across the board."

High praise from every neighborhood in the City for the new LED street lighting

Am happy to report the City is receiving kudos for the new LED street lighting from every neighborhood. It's turned out to be successful beyond anyone's expectations. Figured it wouldn't be long before the new lights began appearing in the College Park neighborhood when this email was forwarded to me by Commissioner Andy Amoroso:

Commissioner Amoroso,
We are writing to thank you, our commissioner, as well as the entire City Commission for our new street lights. The way the light is effectively dispersed has made quite a difference on our corner and the surrounding streets. Plus we now have the added bonus of being able to see the stars at night. Such an improvement. Thank you again for all your efforts and time spent trying to keep Lake Worth the interesting town that it is; while at the same time understanding that we now live in the 21st century. Keep it up.

Remember, this program to replace the street lights came about after many public meetings to address public safety issues in the City. But do you remember all the wild speculation and rumors when the program first began on blogs and social media?

". . . may very well be harmful."?

". . . creating a road hazard."?

To get the facts use this link to the City's website; two excerpts: 

Has the City Considered Any Health Impacts Associated with LEDs?
Yes, the potential impacts were evaluated. The LED technology that's used is a “warmer” light, meaning that exposure to blue light will be minimal.
Benefits of LED street lighting?
International Dark Skies Association (IDA) compliant; directional, focused lighting; reduced up-light, backlight, glare; LED lights improve images captured on closed circuit video; LED bulbs emit light more evenly; cost savings = $250k per year. 

And more information from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in an article titled, "Debunking digital eyestrain and blue light myths": Use this link for the entire article on the actual risks (if any) of LED lights:

     Nearly 90 percent of adults use digital devices for two or more hours per day, according to The Vision Council’s 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report, exposing consumers to blue light that some suggest is dangerous.
     Adam Gordon, O.D., clinical associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, believes overuse and exposure to blue light may lead [emphasis added] to eyestrain and focusing problems, but does not appear to cause long-term harm, eye disease or damage to the retina.

In conclusion: Be careful where you get your 'facts' from.

Does City need its own Arts Advisory Council? Should it address land development? Neighborhood zoning?

The prospect of allowing commercial businesses in City residential neighborhoods has many concerned about our "small town" character.

The specter of rezoning neighborhoods, or 'upzoning' some call it, rears its head again but more on that below. This interesting item appeared on the City Commission agenda in June. There is a 14-minute video of the proceedings (below). Here is the agenda item in question:

12B. Ordinance 2016-22 first reading establishing an Arts Advisory Council.

This first reading of the ordinance ended up being tabled for lack of a second. Note this quote by Commissioner McVoy:

My concern is there has been a group of artists [emphasis added] who have met and did research on land development regulations and what other cities have done and it hasn’t received a positive reception from us as a government body.

The "group of artists" referred to likely is the Artist and Cottage Entrepreneurs (ACE) that I met with last year. Learn more about that using this link. This issue has drawn much attention from the public vis-à-vis residential neighborhoods and impacts any changes would have on the quality of life: traffic, parking, noise, more demands on City services, etc.

If this issue interests you strongly suggest you watch the entire video and pay attention to what's said about LULA and the Cultural Council located in the City's downtown. Note these parts of the video:

• Mayor Pam Triolo starts off the discussion; at the 1:00 mark Commissioner Amoroso makes mention of the "cart before the horse".
• Triolo says there's "no rush to create this".
• At 6:20 Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell says there are already too many boards and suggests whether some should be eliminated. Would he be referring to the Sister City Board?
• McVoy at 8:30 makes comments not mentioning any specific "group" and at 11:50 Commissioner Maier makes mention of "affordable housing" for artists.

Near the 14:00 minute mark talk turns to tabling the item and the vote is taken:
If you would like to read more about my thoughts on this topic look in the right-hand column for, "Flawed logic by supporters of home occupations" (or use this link) as it relates to traffic, parking, and the Gulfstream Hotel redevelopment project which includes a parking garage. To say there is a logical disconnect is an understatement.

Example: Why it's generally not a good idea behaving rude, unsophisticated, and disrespectful to City staff

[NOTE: This is re-posted by request from a loyal blog reader (sorry for the delay!). After watching the video taken by a resident in the little City of Lake Worth, read the legal opinion regarding the 'concerns' raised.]

"This is In response to your request for a legal opinion regarding the emails from Suzanne Squire below."

Header line of email; text follows:

"Ms. Squire [emphasis added] states that she did not receive an 'opt out' form to opt out of having her property included in the designation of the Northeast Lucerne Townsite Local Historic District. 

The Northeast Lucerne Townsite Local Historic District was created in December, 2002 when the City Commission approved Ordinance Number 2002-38.

Prior to the adoption of this ordinance and in accordance with the Lake Worth Code of Ordinances, the city took the steps required to implement the Lake Worth Comprehensive Plan as mandated by F.S. Ch. 163

1. A survey and inventory of historic resources within the city was done. The nomination of the historic district was based upon the survey.

2. In July of 2002 a Courtesy Notice was sent to all property owners within the proposed district. This Notice advised property owners of their ability to oppose the creation of the district. The Notice stated that if a majority of the eligible property owners oppose creating the historic district, no action would be taken to create the district, at that time. There was no ability to 'opt out'. If less than a majority opposed the designation, the process of designation was moving forward.

3. Public hearings were then held. The Historic Resources Preservation Board held a hearing on August 21, 2002, and finding that the area met the code criteria for designation, recommended that it be approved by the City Commission.

4. The City Commission had two readings of the Ordinance approving the Northeast Lucerne Townsite Local Historic District, the second being a public hearing with notice pursuant to Statute, on December 17, 2002. At the second hearing the Commission declared the Ordinance duly passed and enacted.

5. The Ordinance Designating the Northeast Lucerne Townsite Local Historic District was then recorded in the public records of Palm Beach County at OR Book 14675 Page 1418.

6. Appeal of actions taken by the City must be made within thirty (30) days of the action taken. Given that the ordinance creating the historic district occurred in December, 2002, the appeal period has long since expired.

7. There is no provision in the Lake Worth Code of ordinances to 'opt out' of a historic district. 

Barbara Alterman 

TORCIVIA, DONLON, GODDEAU & ANSAY, P.A."

Social problems that affect Delray Beach also affect the little City of Lake Worth

The same rules apply to District 14 PBSO here in the City:

Use this link to contact the Senator Philip D. Lewis Center or call 561-904-7900.

How is "fix" going to stop water leaking on second floor at the City's Casino?

From what I've learned there should be good news at the October 6th City Commission meeting. That is the deadline set for all the issues to be addressed at the Casino. There's reason to be optimistic but still a lot of work to be done and details to be worked out. There's also more good news about the pool too, so stay tuned.

View of the pool, lanes in the east/west lane configuration.

Above is a flattering view of our municipal pool. The view is looking southwest from the second floor walkway. Many people walking around the 2nd floor watch us swimming and exercising in the pool.

View west of the bridge from 2nd floor of Casino.

Water leakage has prevented this space from being leased to a tenant.

Inside the second floor after a rain storm. NBC5/WPTV sent a news crew to document these leaks.

The next three pictures are of the "pilot" construction area in the northeast part of the building. Use this link for a previous update, "Keep your fingers crossed. We could use some good news."

The remaining pictures are from "Art Al Fresco" that is held on Saturdays through the end of the year. The next one is this Saturday, September 17th.

After 9/11: Fifteen Septembers Later

The Post should apologize: A complete lack of class on the anniversary of attack on September 11th, 2001

Don't want to draw any more attention to this than what it deserves; will not provide a link. Who cares if one of the 9/11 hijackers bought something or stayed somewhere in town FIFTEEN YEARS AGO? What public purpose does that serve?

Here is a comment that was left following the article (in the online edition) by someone that was just as disturbed as many are today:

Though not intended this article with all their pictures [of terrorists on 9/11] honors their existence. This is what ISIS depends on to sell itself to the world. Its like so many others where murderers get more coverage than victims. Best left dead and buried.

Well put.

Here's another comment by someone who was inspired that the Post decided to stir the pot on September 11th:

Fantastic article. And "they" live among us now!

I feel so sorry for everyone of the Muslim faith today in Palm Beach County.

Last June at Lake Worth's Quaker Meetinghouse was a meeting about True Islam that Prophet Muhammad taught and how that message has been distorted by extremists. Below is a Tweet I used to help promote that event on this blog:

Let's educate all about the inherently #peaceful #TrueIslam alongside @RepZoeLofgren at https://t.co/z8c5WTz1QT pic.twitter.com/7NG2y9J6m0

— True Islam (@TrueIslamUSA) May 29, 2016

Also in June the Lake Worth City Commission unanimously approved a proclamation to support our Muslim neighbors in Lake Worth. However, some malcontents didn't think that was such a good idea:

'Thought' provoking? And "after much study. . ." We're better than this, right?

"Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country"? It seems the Post would agree with that sentiment. They certainly have no qualms stirring the pot on the anniversary of 9/11.

Just in case you missed this. . . From the New Times: "Twelve [or is it five?] Lake Worth Restaurants to Check Out Now"

Nicole Danna is one of my favorite restaurant reviewers in Palm Beach County. However, it's not reasonable or even fair to hold food and entertainment reporters to the standard of breaking and local news reporters vis-à-vis understanding our somewhat confusing municipal borders. Even long-time restaurant and entertainment reporters in the County, both TV and print, get it wrong all the time. Just in case you missed this. . .

A reader of my blog sent me this article by food reporter Nicole Danna about "Twelve Lake Worth Restaurants".

Twelve #LakeWorth Restaurants To Check Out Now https://t.co/RtBWHR0O7G pic.twitter.com/enYhLKpIsR

— New Times BPB Food (@NewTimesBPBFood) July 20, 2016

How many are actually in the City? Just five. Here is the lead-in for the article:

Ah, Lake Worth. It's one of Palm Beach County's most, shall we say, unique municipalities.
     It would make sense, of course, that a town as colorful as El Dub has some equally colorful kitchens. [emphasis added]

 [and. . .]

     Forget the fancy, overly priced Palm Beach haunts. Instead, try exploring something more unique — the under-the-radar, hole-in-the-wall-type establishments that look more than a little suspect from the outside but hold an abundance of deliciousness inside. They're what make a trip to this tiny, quirky town worthwhile.

Lake Worth is a tiny City. Just a little over 6 square miles. This demonstrates once again the perception that the City extends much further west than it actually does. However, articles like this don't hurt our image like this recent 'news' that a man was found murdered "in Lake Worth". That crime happened outside the City borders, near Palm Springs. Not in the City.

Back to Danna's article, which restaurants are in the City? Here they are:

• Pelican Restaurant
• Las Flores Restaurant & Pupuseria
• The French House
• Mother Earth Sanctuary Café
• Clary's Corner Café

Which ones aren't in the City?

• Fiorella
• Real Wok
• Crazy Mario's Pizza & Indian Kitchen
• Guacamole by Chef Omar
• Le Troubadour Restaurant
• 2 Chef's Souparee
• Chulas

Try one of our 5 "Restaurants to Check Out" next week and I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised and happy you did.

City Press Release: First Responders to be honored today, 9/11, at the Lake Worth Beach

Update to the City's press release includes, "911 Telecommunicators". Hope to see a big crowd at the Beach today.

Free pool entrance, restaurant and store discounts among the day’s special offerings.

"The City of Lake Worth will salute first responders on Sunday, Sept. 11 with a series of special, honorary discounts at the City’s Casino Building and Beach Complex, located at 10 South Ocean Blvd., in Lake Worth.
     Firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police and lifeguards will be recognized with free pool entrance at the City’s Municipal Pool during regular hours of operation, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
     Restaurants and shop discounts offered to first responders throughout the day at the City’s Beach Complex, include: Various generous discounts at Benny’s on the Beach, the Lake Worth Beach Tee Shirt Company, Mulligan’s Beach Bar, and Italian Ice on the house at Mama Mia’s Pizza.
     Please present First Responders ID or Badge."

Located in central Palm Beach County, Lake Worth is a dynamic, multi-cultural city with an individualistic style. People are drawn to the city by its acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles, historic districts, hip downtown and colorful arts.