Please note: This meeting is open to everyone, no matter the neighborhood where you reside in the City of Lake Worth.
Greetings Friends and Neighbors,
The Tropical Ridge regular monthly meeting is this Monday, April 3rd, 7:00, at The Lake Worth Towers, 1500 Lucerne Ave.
Our newly-elected Commissioner Omari Jamal-Hatchett Hardy will be the guest speaker. Please stop by to welcome and congratulate him.
Meeting hosted by the Tropical Ridge Neighborhood Assoc.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Friday, March 31, 2017
When everyone else had little fight left in them, an ill and frail woman took up the fight.
First an update. Per City Commissioner Andy Amoroso: Court sides with City, appeal denied over lawsuit filed to stop the Gulfstream Hotel redevelopment (which includes a new hotel to 65′). Question for City: recoup legal fees?
The news above comes on the heels of a blog post from last Thursday titled, “Loretta Sharpe. November 4th, 1938–January 26th, 2016”.
This will take only a few moments. It’s a short story about a woman and a hotel too, the Gulfstream Hotel. A story that’s legendary in Lake Worth.
It was Loretta Sharpe, in very poor health even then, who first stood up 4 years ago to fight against THE BIG LIE about building heights in Lake Worth. Back in early 2012 THE LIARS got such a huge head start confusing the public that no one thought it was possible to get the truth out.
 |
| Downtown Lake Worth? A stealth propaganda campaign had gotten a huge head start back in 2012–2013, month’s in the making. But Loretta saw a way to fight the propaganda. How? It was spectacular! |
How did Loretta do it? It all started with rallying the troops, “The Hanging of the Banner” from the Gulfstream Hotel (see video below).
Here’s the short version of the story: I got a call from Loretta in January 2013 and she told me there was a meeting at her house, she lived on South Palmway at the time, and my attendance was mandatory. When Loretta told you to be somewhere you better be there. She had ideas to talk about: one of them was hanging a gigantic banner atop the Gulfstream Hotel to win the ‘heights vote’. Everyone thought she had lost her mind. Including myself. But Loretta’s idea was brilliant and everyone noticed. . .
 |
| Loretta got fined by the State of Florida for that banner. And she paid it, all $200 of it, with pride and great fanfare. |
Thank You everyone at the Lantana Public Library last night.
Some time stop by and check out the Lantana Public Library, “A place for serious readers”. The library is located at 205 West Ocean Ave., 561-540-5740. Use this link for the hours, resources, and much more information.
The Lantana Library graciously invited me to give a “Cottages of Lake Worth” presentation and even provided hors d´oeuvres (a word with a long interesting history) and drinks for everyone who showed up. It was a very nice crowd and all the seats were taken, 30+ people showed up including Town Councilor Malcolm Balfour. A couple library users walked in and got a little more than they expected and stayed for the presentation as well.
Eleven or twelve more “Cottages of Lake Worth” hardcover books were sold. Time is running out to purchase one but the good news is more books will be coming in the future. When? Don’t as yet know the answer; it’s in the hands of the publisher right now.
The questions at the end were excellent and let’s just say a few interesting topics were brought up like what’s happening, or rather not happening, to the Gulfstream Hotel. The topic is of much interest outside the City of Lake Worth as well. I’ll leave it at that.
Everyone at the library including Sid, the head librarian, did an excellent job setting up the audio-visuals, screen, chairs, and all the other things that go along with an event such as this. If you’re looking for a place to do a presentation on a topic of interest to you, the Lantana Library is a very good option. The library did a very good job of promoting “The Cottages” presentation as well.
To watch one of these presentations, like the one recently with the BBC, use this link.
Thank You all for showing up last night. It was my pleasure and I’m very happy with the event and so is everyone else who has worked so hard all this time for “The Cottages of Lake Worth” organization. Especially so of Janice Snearer (the “Cottages” book coordinator, one title), who was thankfully present once again to make sure, politely with grace and charm, everything happened on time and the right way.
Lastly, for all you Facebook users, this is the link to “The Cottages” page.
Yours Truly last night. Click on image to enlarge:
 |
| A nicely framed photo taken by “The Cottages” photographer, Taylor Jones. |
The Lantana Library graciously invited me to give a “Cottages of Lake Worth” presentation and even provided hors d´oeuvres (a word with a long interesting history) and drinks for everyone who showed up. It was a very nice crowd and all the seats were taken, 30+ people showed up including Town Councilor Malcolm Balfour. A couple library users walked in and got a little more than they expected and stayed for the presentation as well.
Eleven or twelve more “Cottages of Lake Worth” hardcover books were sold. Time is running out to purchase one but the good news is more books will be coming in the future. When? Don’t as yet know the answer; it’s in the hands of the publisher right now.
The questions at the end were excellent and let’s just say a few interesting topics were brought up like what’s happening, or rather not happening, to the Gulfstream Hotel. The topic is of much interest outside the City of Lake Worth as well. I’ll leave it at that.
Everyone at the library including Sid, the head librarian, did an excellent job setting up the audio-visuals, screen, chairs, and all the other things that go along with an event such as this. If you’re looking for a place to do a presentation on a topic of interest to you, the Lantana Library is a very good option. The library did a very good job of promoting “The Cottages” presentation as well.
To watch one of these presentations, like the one recently with the BBC, use this link.
Thank You all for showing up last night. It was my pleasure and I’m very happy with the event and so is everyone else who has worked so hard all this time for “The Cottages of Lake Worth” organization. Especially so of Janice Snearer (the “Cottages” book coordinator, one title), who was thankfully present once again to make sure, politely with grace and charm, everything happened on time and the right way.
Lastly, for all you Facebook users, this is the link to “The Cottages” page.
Just in case you missed this from yesterday. . .
And there’s a bonus (see below), the “5 Tips” proven that work from the business editor at the Post, to give your restaurant or even Hipster food venue more attention.
Thankfully, Post business reporter Jeff Ostrowski is doing his part making a dent into the dearth of quality restaurant reviews here in the little City of Lake Worth. The City is still reeling after Nicole Danna was moved by her editor-in-chief at the New Times to cover the restaurant scene further south. She is missed.
Without further ado, to read the entire review by Ostrowski of Lilo’s Lake Worth in our Downtown use this link. Was the food review helpful? Let him know. A few excerpts:
ATMOSPHERE
Cool and casual. Lilo’s took the space long occupied by Rotelli’s, the pasta place. The dining room is dominated by a bar surrounded by tables, and there are more tables outside. This newly opened spot is an offshoot of a Lilo’s location on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
OUR FAVORITE FOOD/PRICE
The spicy tuna taco ($5.50) was excellent [AGREE!], and the sweet plantains ($3) and chips with guacamole ($12 for a large order) also were quite good.
REASON TO GO
A wide variety of reasonably priced plates, and a laid-back vibe that matches the eatery’s surroundings in downtown Lake Worth.
561-518-7880
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Without further ado, from the Business Editor at the Post, the “5 Tips”:
Thankfully, Post business reporter Jeff Ostrowski is doing his part making a dent into the dearth of quality restaurant reviews here in the little City of Lake Worth. The City is still reeling after Nicole Danna was moved by her editor-in-chief at the New Times to cover the restaurant scene further south. She is missed.
Without further ado, to read the entire review by Ostrowski of Lilo’s Lake Worth in our Downtown use this link. Was the food review helpful? Let him know. A few excerpts:
ATMOSPHERE
Cool and casual. Lilo’s took the space long occupied by Rotelli’s, the pasta place. The dining room is dominated by a bar surrounded by tables, and there are more tables outside. This newly opened spot is an offshoot of a Lilo’s location on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
OUR FAVORITE FOOD/PRICE
The spicy tuna taco ($5.50) was excellent [AGREE!], and the sweet plantains ($3) and chips with guacamole ($12 for a large order) also were quite good.
REASON TO GO
A wide variety of reasonably priced plates, and a laid-back vibe that matches the eatery’s surroundings in downtown Lake Worth.
At the end of the review:
Lilo’s Lake Worth is located at 701 Lake Ave. (the former Rotelli’s)561-518-7880
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Without further ado, from the Business Editor at the Post, the “5 Tips”:
- Know whom you want to reach out to, the editor writes, “. . . the trick is reaching to the right journalist.” For example, sending information to a beat reporter may not be the best option. Have you considered a business reporter? An entertainment reporter?
- Who’s your audience? “So, tell us how many followers do you have on Twitter? How many friends/fans do you have on Facebook?”
- Local, local, local, “. . . there must be a direct and definite Palm Beach County connection.”
- Newsmakers, “Some of the best-read content we produce isn’t on the front page.” For example, per the Business Editor, the “weekly Newsmakers section”.
- Video, “So if your business has ‘good visuals,’ drop in a link to some B-roll video that we can attach to the story.”
More history of hotels in Palm Beach County.
Henry Flagler’s Whitehall mansion on Palm Beach once had a 300 room, 10 story hotel built to the west of the original structure. This comes from the collection of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. The hotel was removed in the early sixties and the property was bought by Jean Flagler Matthews, one of Flagler’s grand-daughters.
The blog post below has been re-posted several times in various ways. The last time in August, 2016.
The post was titled, “Consequence of Palm Beach Post’s ‘LINE OF FIRE’: More crime, fewer arrests, and an increase in the crime rate?”
Almost everyone has heard or seen something and formed their opinions on The Palm Beach Post’s “LINE OF FIRE: Bullets and badges, death on the street!” It was nearly impossible to ignore the constant drumbeat by a cadre of reporters at The Palm Beach Post and their editorial board.
One particular Sunday paper stood out. A cautionary warning or a subconscious wish?
 |
| The editors chose a headline which could have also read, Leaders Urging Calm, which is what the article was about. |
People and communities can and did debate the “LINE OF FIRE!” any which way. But what if the result is ultimately deputies and police officers more concerned about appearing in a news story than on doing their jobs? Or would law enforcement, even without realizing it, avoid high crime areas and high-risk situations for fear a Post reporter is around the corner with a notepad in hand?
There are communities in the City of Lake Worth that have too much crime for many reasons and they deserve protection as much as any other neighborhood. The near constant anti-Sheriff/PBSO stories in a few news media outlets and blogs, purportedly done to give more protections to citizens, may end up having the opposite effect: putting many in our poorest and most at-risk communities in even more danger.
No one is suggesting the news media be cheerleaders for Sheriff Bradshaw and PBSO. But it’s also not healthy for our community to have the media treating PBSO like an adversary. An editorial in the Post dealt with law enforcement biases; maybe it’s time the editorial board and the Post examine their own. Consider this comment left under the Post editorial in the highlighted link above:
“Bias is a two way street. . . . The media itself could be a root problem. . . . For the record remember ‘everything matters’ regardless of what anyone says when it comes to understanding.”
Thursday, March 30, 2017
PINNED POST. Tonight at 6:00. Discussion on “Immigration & Civil Liberties in a New Era”.
The blog post below is a “Pinned Post” meaning it will stay at, or near, the top of the blog to get the word out:
Please scroll down for new blog content and, as always, Thank You for visiting.
There was a short blurb (see below) in the Post print edition last Tuesday on page B3, Local Section. Things to take note of:
The City of Lake Worth IS NOT and NEVER WAS a sanctuary city.
Please scroll down for new blog content and, as always, Thank You for visiting.
There was a short blurb (see below) in the Post print edition last Tuesday on page B3, Local Section. Things to take note of:
- The City of Lake Worth never was, and is not now, a “sanctuary city”.
- The Town of Jupiter is not a sanctuary city either.
- Just because a city or town has a center to help immigrants adjust and find services, doth not make the municipality a “sanctuary”. However, if the State and Federal governments would like us to become an “official sanctuary city” they should send us millions of dollars to cover the costs.
If you wish to attend this meeting, here are the details:
 |
| Copy & paste for your calendar: Meet at Palm Beach Community College tonight at 6:00, 4200 S. Congress Ave., Public Safety Building, room 108. |
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
It’s nice to know one of the editors at the Post still has a sense of humor.
The Palm Beach Post endorsed Mr. Ben Klug, but they don’t seem too bitter about it:
“Delaney slips past Klug”
 |
| Or “vanquishes” Klug would be better? Or “drubs” Klug? “Whips” and “shellacks” him with a “KO”? “Trounces”? “Waxes”? “Scalps”? |
Analysis of run-off elections yesterday: Not today, maybe tomorrow. Frankly, there’s something bigger to talk about.
What’s with all those “precincts” in Palm Beach Gardens? Fifty (50) of them? Really? More on that in a little bit.
Frankly people are tired of elections right now, the near constant buzz of late and need a rest, myself included. However, congratulations are in order to Commissioner Mack McCray in the City of Boynton Beach, Councilor Ron Delaney in the Town of Jupiter, and Rachelle Litt for the open seat election in the City of Palm Beach Gardens.
But watching the election results roll-in last night was surprised to hear about the high voter turnout. The turnout on March 14th was dismal and the trend should have been even more so. But it wasn’t. Interesting.
However, how much does it cost to have 86 precincts? How much time and effort does it take to organize all this? “Mabel, why do we have thirty-two precincts around here?” (And remember, when it comes to “precincts” and where to vote on election day, we had that little issue here in the City of Lake Worth.)
Frankly people are tired of elections right now, the near constant buzz of late and need a rest, myself included. However, congratulations are in order to Commissioner Mack McCray in the City of Boynton Beach, Councilor Ron Delaney in the Town of Jupiter, and Rachelle Litt for the open seat election in the City of Palm Beach Gardens.
But watching the election results roll-in last night was surprised to hear about the high voter turnout. The turnout on March 14th was dismal and the trend should have been even more so. But it wasn’t. Interesting.
Then. . .
I just happened to look over the precincts reporting and was startled to see this, the number of precincts:- Boynton Beach: 7 (1 district race)
- Jupiter: 29 (one district race here too)
- Palm Beach Gardens: 50 in “Group 5”?
However, how much does it cost to have 86 precincts? How much time and effort does it take to organize all this? “Mabel, why do we have thirty-two precincts around here?” (And remember, when it comes to “precincts” and where to vote on election day, we had that little issue here in the City of Lake Worth.)
Why so may precincts? And then. . .
Looking at the editorial page in The Palm Beach Post today, the very first Letter to the Editor was titled,“Don’t suppress vote; make it easier to do”The letter ends with these 2 lines:
“Let’s not further restrict the vote. Let’s increase participation.”So, let’s start that discussion how to increase the voter turnout in Palm Beach County. Wouldn’t the best place to start be the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) office? Begin talk about possibly reorganizing the SOE and streamline what needs to be simpler? It’s not the 20th Century any more.
An update: The talk and walking tour given by Sharon Koskoff in Downtown Lake Worth.
I was very fortunate to attend the talk given by Sharon Koskoff at Brogues Downunder in Downtown Lake Worth on March 22nd. Unfortunately, was unable to attend the “walking tour” the following Saturday. The tour was sold out I found out later.
When I arrived at Brogues was a little surprised to see all the veritable “Who’s Who” in attendance, faces many of you would recognize in the world of architecture, historic preservation, and related fields here in Central Palm Beach County. Then I saw Sharon Koskoff at the podium and wasn’t surprised at all to see the large turnout and interest. She is a very popular speaker.
The day after Koskoff’s talk wrote a blog post about it, use this link.
Below is more information from the Historical Society of Lake Worth, the sponsor of these events, about the talk given on March 22nd:
This was the kick off presentation, sponsored by the new Historical Society of Lake Worth on the Art Deco Architecture of Lake Worth by Sharon Koskoff, Founding President of the Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches. . . . Lake Avenue is marked by two of the most striking examples of the characteristic Art Deco streamlining of the 1920s and 30s – the Palm Beach County Cultural Center and the Lake Worth Playhouse.
Other commercial buildings in central Lake Worth have also maintained the representative “eyebrows”, columns, stepped rooflines, pastel highlights, and porthole windows of the Art Deco style.
and upcoming is. . .
A special photographic exhibit developed by the Society called “Lake Worth in photos – Work and Play in the First Two Decades”, will be hosted by the Cultural Council of the Palm Beaches in April/May in conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month.
And lastly, try to make time to visit our Lake Worth Historical Museum in Downtown Lake Worth some day soon, located across from the City’s Library at the Cultural Plaza (City Hall Annex Building, 2nd Floor):
When I arrived at Brogues was a little surprised to see all the veritable “Who’s Who” in attendance, faces many of you would recognize in the world of architecture, historic preservation, and related fields here in Central Palm Beach County. Then I saw Sharon Koskoff at the podium and wasn’t surprised at all to see the large turnout and interest. She is a very popular speaker.
The day after Koskoff’s talk wrote a blog post about it, use this link.
Below is more information from the Historical Society of Lake Worth, the sponsor of these events, about the talk given on March 22nd:
This was the kick off presentation, sponsored by the new Historical Society of Lake Worth on the Art Deco Architecture of Lake Worth by Sharon Koskoff, Founding President of the Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches. . . . Lake Avenue is marked by two of the most striking examples of the characteristic Art Deco streamlining of the 1920s and 30s – the Palm Beach County Cultural Center and the Lake Worth Playhouse.
Other commercial buildings in central Lake Worth have also maintained the representative “eyebrows”, columns, stepped rooflines, pastel highlights, and porthole windows of the Art Deco style.
and upcoming is. . .
A special photographic exhibit developed by the Society called “Lake Worth in photos – Work and Play in the First Two Decades”, will be hosted by the Cultural Council of the Palm Beaches in April/May in conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month.
And lastly, try to make time to visit our Lake Worth Historical Museum in Downtown Lake Worth some day soon, located across from the City’s Library at the Cultural Plaza (City Hall Annex Building, 2nd Floor):
- 561-533-7354
- Hours: Wednesday, Friday from 1:00– 4:00.
- Tours by appointment.
Lake Worth news: “Children’s Artwork Featured on Refuse Trucks Helps Raise Recycling Awareness”
 |
| To read the entire article use this link. Below is an excerpt: |
“In September 2016, the City of Lake Worth, Florida initiated a unique recycling awareness contest; Lake Worth’s Refuse Division invited all four elementary schools in Lake Worth, FL to participate in the city’s recycling awareness project, in which the winning artist’s design would be ‘wrapped’ onto two new refuse trucks that were acquired from Scranton, Iowa-based manufacturer New Way.
Students were tasked with developing a poster and slogan that demonstrates the types of recyclable material, showcases school and community pride, and ultimately, promotes recycling within the city. The contest, which ran from October 10, 2016, to November 11, 2016, yielded 154 entries from Barton Elementary and 74 entries from South Grade Elementary.”
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Remember that eyesore and public nuisance on Lucerne Ave.? It was demolished nearly 2 years ago, in April of 2015.
In the near future many more vacant and under-utilized lots will become part of our “New Lake Worth” that Mayor Pam Triolo spoke about at her State of the City Address last January.
The “New Lake Worth” isn’t about forgetting the “Old Lake Worth” as some would have you believe. Here’s another Tom McGow flashback to 2009, “Get Used to It?”:
“While listening to last night’s City Commission meeting from home I was appalled to hear Vice Mayor Golden state, ‘We all have to get used to change. Manny has to get used to living in a ghetto until things pick up around here.’, or words to that effect. She was referring to a resident who spoke earlier in the meeting citing the deterioration of his neighborhood.
Wait until things pick up around here? What in the world is she thinking?”
Do you remember that eyesore that used to be on Lucerne Ave.? Click on image to enlarge:
 |
| Back in 2015 our iconic resident Greg Rice worked with the Dept. of Community of Sustainability and the Director, William Waters, to demolish this structure. |
The “New Lake Worth” isn’t about forgetting the “Old Lake Worth” as some would have you believe. Here’s another Tom McGow flashback to 2009, “Get Used to It?”:
“While listening to last night’s City Commission meeting from home I was appalled to hear Vice Mayor Golden state, ‘We all have to get used to change. Manny has to get used to living in a ghetto until things pick up around here.’, or words to that effect. She was referring to a resident who spoke earlier in the meeting citing the deterioration of his neighborhood.
Wait until things pick up around here? What in the world is she thinking?”
Here is another McGow flashback, a photo from 2009:
 |
| Do you remember this City view? Things are a little different now: |
 |
| This photo is prior to the addition of new LED streetlights installed throughout the City. |
Lake Worth CRA meeting on Thursday, March 30th, has been “regretfully canceled” and will be rescheduled.
Click on image to enlarge:
 |
| Please spread the word. |
Monday, March 27, 2017
The “New Lake Worth” City Commission and a lesson from basketball.
And there’s a bonus video below.
Those who fought so hard to defeat Commissioner Herman Robinson and Commissioner Omari Hardy have the easy job now. Why? Because they’re like the ones at a basketball game, during a free throw, behind the basket in the seats waving colorful rags, hooting and howling, and being annoying just in general.
But the City Commission, staff, and administration leadership have to concentrate and keep the “ball rolling” (errr, I mean “dribbling”) down the court and only “foul” the critics “in the lane” when they absolutely have to — keep them outside throwing 3-pointers all day long — and grab all the rebounds.
And that’s where you come in. When the City, mayor, commissioners, staff, et al., takes a beating in the press, and they will, call or send a message and give them encouragement. And when it looks like they’re “taking their eyes off the ball”, call them and raise all kinds of hell.
Going forward all kinds of tactics will be used to try and derail and distract this City Commission, but. . .
Those who fought so hard to defeat Commissioner Herman Robinson and Commissioner Omari Hardy have the easy job now. Why? Because they’re like the ones at a basketball game, during a free throw, behind the basket in the seats waving colorful rags, hooting and howling, and being annoying just in general.
But the City Commission, staff, and administration leadership have to concentrate and keep the “ball rolling” (errr, I mean “dribbling”) down the court and only “foul” the critics “in the lane” when they absolutely have to — keep them outside throwing 3-pointers all day long — and grab all the rebounds.
And that’s where you come in. When the City, mayor, commissioners, staff, et al., takes a beating in the press, and they will, call or send a message and give them encouragement. And when it looks like they’re “taking their eyes off the ball”, call them and raise all kinds of hell.
Going forward all kinds of tactics will be used to try and derail and distract this City Commission, but. . .
“More close games are won and lost at the foul line than with any other skill area in the game of basketball.”So, if you support the Commission and their goals going forward, “keep your head in the game” as well.
“Heel or Hero? Which role will YOU play?”
Just in case you missed this yesterday: Once upon a time the future looked so bright. . .
Click on image to enlarge:
 |
| From the Sunday Post insert: Mr. Greg Rice during our City’s Centennial in 2013 with the shuttered Gulfstream Hotel in background. |
Then 3 years later on January 5th, 2016, after all sorts of activity and promising news and an overwhelming turnout from the community in support, the City Commission voted to approve the re-zoning for the property next to the Gulfstream Hotel in Downtown Lake Worth.
So where are we now? Yesterday, March 26th, 2017, The Palm Beach Post published a 12-page “Special” insert titled,
LAKE WORTH!
The Quirky Life
WELCOME TO THE L-DUB:
Where SMALL delights create BIG personality
TURN INSIDE . . . FOR A COLORFUL RIDE
Page after page is all about the great and wonderful things that have happened in recent years — and except for a small item on page 9 and small photo on p. 12, there’s no mention of the most significant and recognizable structure in our City’s history — the Gulfstream Hotel.
It still sits vacant. Unused. Some call it an “eyesore”. And today others in our City consider it a reminder of our unrealized potential.
We have a new City Commission after 2 new commissioners were recently elected. In fact, the pictures of the new commissioners haven’t even been added to the City’s website yet.
As people attended the City’s recent and world-famous Street Painting Festival, or another PrideFest being held down the street (unbelievably large crowds march down the street from the center of our Downtown past the Gulfstream in a parade), the historic hotel still sits empty.
It’s not the City of Lake Worth’s fault the public has to endure the unrelenting pain of shuttered doors and windows. It’s long after the time to show progress.
Now get busy and start making some noise — like we did back in 2013* over ‘heights’ — that silliness over adding just 20′, or two stories, the length of a college football goalpost — to one little piece of property in our Downtown next to the Gulfstream Hotel.
*Please Note: Do not go trespassing on the Gulfstream Hotel property and do not enter the building unless you have permission to do so.
Enjoy this video from 2013 just prior to the Street Painting Festival that year. Vote “No!” to save our Gulfstream Hotel!
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Save The Date. A message from Karla Engel: A “super special” meeting on April 24th (please RSVP by April 1st).
Please note: Look in the right-hand column for details about a meeting tomorrow on the issue of crime, Crime Watch updates, and also crime prevention to be given by PBSO Cpt. Baer.
Here is the “super special” message from Mrs. Karla Engel:
Hello. The Bryant Park Neighborhood Assoc. is hosting a super special monthly meeting in April as a gesture of gratitude and in the spirit of spreading heartfelt awareness.
We are inviting nonprofit organizations to come speak and educate the meeting attendees about their organization, e.g., mission, needs, and accomplishments. The guidelines are the nonprofit is either located in the City of Lake Worth or that a member(s) of our community actively participates in the organization’s success.
The meeting will be held on Monday, April 24th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at The Beach Club, located at the City’s golf course: #1 7th Ave. North.
Each nonprofit will have 5–10 minutes to speak and answer questions followed by a thunderous applause. We would really appreciate if you could RSVP by April 1st.
Thank You. We hope to see you there,
Karla Engel
Secretary of the Bryant Park Neighborhood Assoc.
Here is the “super special” message from Mrs. Karla Engel:
Hello. The Bryant Park Neighborhood Assoc. is hosting a super special monthly meeting in April as a gesture of gratitude and in the spirit of spreading heartfelt awareness.
We are inviting nonprofit organizations to come speak and educate the meeting attendees about their organization, e.g., mission, needs, and accomplishments. The guidelines are the nonprofit is either located in the City of Lake Worth or that a member(s) of our community actively participates in the organization’s success.
The meeting will be held on Monday, April 24th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at The Beach Club, located at the City’s golf course: #1 7th Ave. North.
Each nonprofit will have 5–10 minutes to speak and answer questions followed by a thunderous applause. We would really appreciate if you could RSVP by April 1st.
Thank You. We hope to see you there,
Karla Engel
Secretary of the Bryant Park Neighborhood Assoc.
First Annual Historic Preservation Awards: Nominations open. Due by April 3rd.
Below is the press release from Ben Kerr, the City of Lake Worth’s Communications Specialist. For further information or media inquiries contact Mr. Kerr at 561-586-1631; email: bkerr@lakeworth.org
Lake Worth, FL* – Historic Preservation Awards Program (nominations due by April 3rd)
The City of Lake Worth division of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation opened nominations for the first annual Lake Worth Historic Preservation Awards. Awards will be given in five categories:
“The preservation of our historic resources ensures the retention of our own unique character and identity as well as adds value to our community. We hope that this program will foster a greater understanding of the positive preservation efforts in our community, and the beneficial impact these projects have on our neighborhoods and the City as a whole.”
—Aimee Sunny, City of Lake Worth Senior Preservation Coordinator.
*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 district.
Lake Worth, FL* – Historic Preservation Awards Program (nominations due by April 3rd)
The City of Lake Worth division of Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation opened nominations for the first annual Lake Worth Historic Preservation Awards. Awards will be given in five categories:
- Rehabilitation/restoration
- Compatible new construction or addition
- Preservation of historic materials
- Preservation craftsman
- Preservation champion or organization
“The preservation of our historic resources ensures the retention of our own unique character and identity as well as adds value to our community. We hope that this program will foster a greater understanding of the positive preservation efforts in our community, and the beneficial impact these projects have on our neighborhoods and the City as a whole.”
—Aimee Sunny, City of Lake Worth Senior Preservation Coordinator.
*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 district.
A Cottages of Lake Worth presentation and a gift from the Town of Briny Breezes.
I have a highly interesting book given to me by Dorothy Mann McNeice titled, “Looking Back In Time”:
When I was asked to put together a historical presentation for The Cottages of Lake Worth group — which also delves into how the book came to be, the tours and other educational activities — the reaction it received was overwhelmingly positive. The presentation is informative and encapsulates many eras in a short period of time, about 40–45 minutes, and what it explains is this: how very unique the City of Lake Worth is and how we got here.
What I try to leave people with are things like this: How much the construction of I-95 changed the identity of this City and specifically not having an exit off the Interstate feeding traffic into our Downtown. Not having that Downtown exit choked off the City economically but had an unintended side effect: it saved many of its cottages and Downtown neighborhoods from the pressures of development 40 years ago.
And what the presentation also demonstrates is how big a difference one person can make, like Roger Hendrix (use this link to see a Palm Beach Post photo of Roger in front of a cottage). He came to this City with a fresh set of eyes and he couldn’t believe what he saw. Little houses and cottages all over, always part of our landscape for many decades, some from as far back as WWII and earlier.
There will be other presentations about The Cottages of Lake Worth coming up, so stay tuned.
The one held at the Boynton Beach Historical Society last January was standing-room-only. I arrived about one-half hour early and there was already a nice crowd. And people kept arriving. Then more. When the staff, excellent all, hurriedly scrambled to find more chairs it did cross my mind, “What did I get myself into.”
Everyone was very nice and eager to learn more about our City of Lake Worth and its long interesting history.
Following that event was given a book about the history of Boynton Beach written by M. Randall Gill in collaboration with the Boynton Beach City Library. Soon thereafter was contacted by the BBC (Briny Breezes Channel 8 TV) to do the presentation for their viewers. Following that was sent another book, the one mentioned earlier by Dorothy Mann McNeice:
What I’m seeing is a renewed and growing interest in our history, not just locally, but in our Central Palm Beach County region as well. But what’s most important now is getting more younger people involved, e.g., the Millennials.
If you have ideas or any suggestions how to do that, please let me know. And hope to see you at a future presentation on our very special and unique Cottages of Lake Worth.
This is a story about my family travels and our life at Briny Breezes trailer park, Briny Breezes, Florida, located about 50 miles north of Miami on the east coast of Florida. In 1936. . .Many of you know how to contact me, to borrow this delightful book and look it over let me know. Below is an image from the book you’ll find very interesting, I’m certain.
When I was asked to put together a historical presentation for The Cottages of Lake Worth group — which also delves into how the book came to be, the tours and other educational activities — the reaction it received was overwhelmingly positive. The presentation is informative and encapsulates many eras in a short period of time, about 40–45 minutes, and what it explains is this: how very unique the City of Lake Worth is and how we got here.
What I try to leave people with are things like this: How much the construction of I-95 changed the identity of this City and specifically not having an exit off the Interstate feeding traffic into our Downtown. Not having that Downtown exit choked off the City economically but had an unintended side effect: it saved many of its cottages and Downtown neighborhoods from the pressures of development 40 years ago.
And what the presentation also demonstrates is how big a difference one person can make, like Roger Hendrix (use this link to see a Palm Beach Post photo of Roger in front of a cottage). He came to this City with a fresh set of eyes and he couldn’t believe what he saw. Little houses and cottages all over, always part of our landscape for many decades, some from as far back as WWII and earlier.
There will be other presentations about The Cottages of Lake Worth coming up, so stay tuned.
The one held at the Boynton Beach Historical Society last January was standing-room-only. I arrived about one-half hour early and there was already a nice crowd. And people kept arriving. Then more. When the staff, excellent all, hurriedly scrambled to find more chairs it did cross my mind, “What did I get myself into.”
Everyone was very nice and eager to learn more about our City of Lake Worth and its long interesting history.
Following that event was given a book about the history of Boynton Beach written by M. Randall Gill in collaboration with the Boynton Beach City Library. Soon thereafter was contacted by the BBC (Briny Breezes Channel 8 TV) to do the presentation for their viewers. Following that was sent another book, the one mentioned earlier by Dorothy Mann McNeice:
Click on image to enlarge:
 |
| Page one inside the front cover, facing the back cover, historic 1939 photos of the “Briny Breezes Office” and “Mann Gift Shop and Service Station”. |
What I’m seeing is a renewed and growing interest in our history, not just locally, but in our Central Palm Beach County region as well. But what’s most important now is getting more younger people involved, e.g., the Millennials.
If you have ideas or any suggestions how to do that, please let me know. And hope to see you at a future presentation on our very special and unique Cottages of Lake Worth.
Run-off elections on Tuesday, the Palm Beach Post editorial board endorsements, and scorecard for their picks last March 14th.
First, run-off elections can be very unpredictable:
Prior to the elections here in the City of Lake Worth reminded voters about the unpredictability of run-off elections. Basically it’s this: anything can happen because there are so many unknowns. For example, how many voters will turn out again? How much will the candidate that did not make the run-off tip the race one way or another? What endorsements will take on more significance and which not matter much at all?
And going forward will newspapers and editorial boards, as the industry continues its decline, have much influence on the outcome? As Jack Shafer at PoliticoMagazine wrote in an article titled, “What If the Newspaper Industry Made a Colossal Mistake?” when it began to chase the digital “chimera”. Or ultimately does it all really come down to the basics: knocking on doors, handing out flyers, and have the candidate out there asking for votes?
Who knows. Maybe next Tuesday will provide more answers.
On March 14th the Post made endorsements in 20 city and town elections and 5 municipalities had no endorsement from the newspaper at all (noted below). Of the 20 that did get endorsements there were 26 endorsements: 17 were picked right and 9 picks were wrong. In Highland Beach they were 0 for 3, in Greenacres 0 for 2, and here in Lake Worth were 1 for 2.
There are three run-off elections next Tuesday, March 28th, and they are in the cities of Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens and the Town of Jupiter. So back to the influence and effectiveness of a newspaper endorsement, who did Post endorse?
Below is the list and the election results (percentage of the vote) from March 14th; the candidate highlighted in yellow was endorsed by the Post editorial board; the candidate in boldface is the challenger in the run-off on March 28th:
Here is the legend:
† = City election (5 total) did not receive an endorsement from the Post editorial board.
Note: Percentages below are rounded off.
Without further ado, the results:
†BELLE GLADE
—Steve B. Wilson (88%) defeated Yousef Muslet
BOCA RATON
—Mayor: Susan Haynie (55%)
—Council Seat A: Scott Singer (71%)
—Council Seat B: Andrea Levine O’Rourke (48%)
*BOYNTON BEACH
—Commission Dist. 2: Mack McCray endorsed by Post (47%), run-off with James “Jim” Devoursney (38%)
DELRAY BEACH
—Commission Seat 2: Jim Chard (56%)
—Commission Seat 4: Shirley Johnson (64%)
GREENACRES
—Mayor: Jonathan G. Pearce (45%); lost to Joel Flores (55%)
—Council Dist. 5, three candidates: Michael Albert (20%); lost to Paula Bousquet (53%)
†GULF STREAM
—Town Commission (vote for 5 candidates out of 7): Winners are Paul A. Lyons, Jr., Scott W. Morgan, Joan K. Orthwein, Thomas M. Stanley, and Donna S. White
HIGHLAND BEACH
—Mayor: Ron Brown (45%); lost to Carl Feldman (55%)
—Commission (3 candidates): Melissa Ebbs (43%); winner is Elyse Riesa (48%)
—Commission: Barry Donaldson (46%); lost to Rhoda Zelniker (54%)
HYPOLUXO
—Mayor: Michael C. Brown (58%)
JUPITER
—Council Dist. 1: Wayne R. Posner (54%)
*—Council Dist. 2: Ben Klug (40%), run-off on 3/28 with Ron DeLaney (49%)
LAKE CLARKE SHORES
—Council Group II: Paul R. Shalhoub (64%)
LAKE PARK
—Mayor: Michael O’Rourke (64%)
—Commission: Roger Michaud (45%)
LAKE WORTH
—Commission Dist. 2 (3 candidates): Omari Hardy (51%)
—Commission Dist. 4 (3 candidates): Maryann Polizzi (38%); lost to Herman Robinson (52%)
LANTANA
—Council Group 3: Tom Deringer (50%); lost by 2 votes to Edward Paul Shropshire
—Council Group 4: Philip J. Aridas (57%)
†LOXAHATCHEE GROVES
—David DeMarois (52%) defeated Tom Goltzene
NORTH PALM BEACH
—Council Group 2: Susan Tiedemann Bickel (76%)
OCEAN RIDGE
Commission (vote for 2 in 4 candidate race):
—Don Magruder came in first (36%)
—Nan Yablong came in third (19%); lost to James A. Bonfiglio (28%)
PALM BEACH GARDENS
—Council Group 1: Mark T. Marciano (66%)
—Council Group 3: Matthew Jay Lane (50%)
*—Council Group 5: Rachelle Litt (37%); in run-off with Joseph R. Russo (34%)
†PALM SPRINGS
—Council District 1: Dawn Marie Cox (55%) defeated Douglas Gunther
ROYAL PALM BEACH
—Council Seat 2: Dave Swift (50%)
—Council Seat 4: Renatta Adan-Espinoza (29%); lost to Jan Rodusky (71%)
†SOUTH BAY
—Seat 3: Taranza McKelvin (52%) defeated Betty Barnard
Use this link to see how the Post editorial board did in the November 2016 elections.
For example, here’s what happened in the City of Lake Worth back in 2008:
 |
| Note the voter turnout. However, Dave Vespo didn’t get the 50% + 1 to win. See below what happened in the run-off. |
Prior to the elections here in the City of Lake Worth reminded voters about the unpredictability of run-off elections. Basically it’s this: anything can happen because there are so many unknowns. For example, how many voters will turn out again? How much will the candidate that did not make the run-off tip the race one way or another? What endorsements will take on more significance and which not matter much at all?
And then, in the run-off two weeks later. . .
 |
| Note significantly lower voter turnout. Due to this election the Commission “flipped” — decisions were subsequently made and problems created the City of Lake Worth is struggling to fix almost 9 years later — for example, the City’s Casino at the Beach. |
And going forward will newspapers and editorial boards, as the industry continues its decline, have much influence on the outcome? As Jack Shafer at PoliticoMagazine wrote in an article titled, “What If the Newspaper Industry Made a Colossal Mistake?” when it began to chase the digital “chimera”. Or ultimately does it all really come down to the basics: knocking on doors, handing out flyers, and have the candidate out there asking for votes?
Who knows. Maybe next Tuesday will provide more answers.
On March 14th the Post made endorsements in 20 city and town elections and 5 municipalities had no endorsement from the newspaper at all (noted below). Of the 20 that did get endorsements there were 26 endorsements: 17 were picked right and 9 picks were wrong. In Highland Beach they were 0 for 3, in Greenacres 0 for 2, and here in Lake Worth were 1 for 2.
There are three run-off elections next Tuesday, March 28th, and they are in the cities of Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens and the Town of Jupiter. So back to the influence and effectiveness of a newspaper endorsement, who did Post endorse?
Below is the list and the election results (percentage of the vote) from March 14th; the candidate highlighted in yellow was endorsed by the Post editorial board; the candidate in boldface is the challenger in the run-off on March 28th:
- Boynton Beach Commission Dist. 2: Mack McCray (47%), in run-off with James “Jim” Devoursney (38%).
- Palm Beach Gardens Council Group 5: Rachelle Litt (37%); in run-off with Joseph R. Russo (34%).
- Jupiter Council Dist. 2: Ben Klug (40%), in run-off with Ron DeLaney (49%).
Here is the legend:
- Highlighted in yellow are Post endorsements for candidates who won.
- Names in bold red are those who were endorsed by the Post but DID NOT WIN the election.
† = City election (5 total) did not receive an endorsement from the Post editorial board.
Note: Percentages below are rounded off.
Without further ado, the results:
†BELLE GLADE
—Steve B. Wilson (88%) defeated Yousef Muslet
BOCA RATON
—Mayor: Susan Haynie (55%)
—Council Seat A: Scott Singer (71%)
—Council Seat B: Andrea Levine O’Rourke (48%)
*BOYNTON BEACH
—Commission Dist. 2: Mack McCray endorsed by Post (47%), run-off with James “Jim” Devoursney (38%)
DELRAY BEACH
—Commission Seat 2: Jim Chard (56%)
—Commission Seat 4: Shirley Johnson (64%)
GREENACRES
—Mayor: Jonathan G. Pearce (45%); lost to Joel Flores (55%)
—Council Dist. 5, three candidates: Michael Albert (20%); lost to Paula Bousquet (53%)
†GULF STREAM
—Town Commission (vote for 5 candidates out of 7): Winners are Paul A. Lyons, Jr., Scott W. Morgan, Joan K. Orthwein, Thomas M. Stanley, and Donna S. White
HIGHLAND BEACH
—Mayor: Ron Brown (45%); lost to Carl Feldman (55%)
—Commission (3 candidates): Melissa Ebbs (43%); winner is Elyse Riesa (48%)
—Commission: Barry Donaldson (46%); lost to Rhoda Zelniker (54%)
HYPOLUXO
—Mayor: Michael C. Brown (58%)
JUPITER
—Council Dist. 1: Wayne R. Posner (54%)
*—Council Dist. 2: Ben Klug (40%), run-off on 3/28 with Ron DeLaney (49%)
LAKE CLARKE SHORES
—Council Group II: Paul R. Shalhoub (64%)
LAKE PARK
—Mayor: Michael O’Rourke (64%)
—Commission: Roger Michaud (45%)
LAKE WORTH
—Commission Dist. 2 (3 candidates): Omari Hardy (51%)
—Commission Dist. 4 (3 candidates): Maryann Polizzi (38%); lost to Herman Robinson (52%)
LANTANA
—Council Group 3: Tom Deringer (50%); lost by 2 votes to Edward Paul Shropshire
—Council Group 4: Philip J. Aridas (57%)
†LOXAHATCHEE GROVES
—David DeMarois (52%) defeated Tom Goltzene
NORTH PALM BEACH
—Council Group 2: Susan Tiedemann Bickel (76%)
OCEAN RIDGE
Commission (vote for 2 in 4 candidate race):
—Don Magruder came in first (36%)
—Nan Yablong came in third (19%); lost to James A. Bonfiglio (28%)
PALM BEACH GARDENS
—Council Group 1: Mark T. Marciano (66%)
—Council Group 3: Matthew Jay Lane (50%)
*—Council Group 5: Rachelle Litt (37%); in run-off with Joseph R. Russo (34%)
†PALM SPRINGS
—Council District 1: Dawn Marie Cox (55%) defeated Douglas Gunther
ROYAL PALM BEACH
—Council Seat 2: Dave Swift (50%)
—Council Seat 4: Renatta Adan-Espinoza (29%); lost to Jan Rodusky (71%)
†SOUTH BAY
—Seat 3: Taranza McKelvin (52%) defeated Betty Barnard
Use this link to see how the Post editorial board did in the November 2016 elections.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
![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)
