Marilyn Monroe

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

New Jersey cosmetics manufacturer relocating headquarters and manufacturing operations to the City of Lake Worth

Lake Worth, FL -- In partnership with Palm Beach County and the City of Lake Worth, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) today announced that Radical Cosmetics, LLC, will relocate its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility from New Brunswick, New Jersey to a 26,000 square foot building in the City of Lake Worth Commerce Park.  The company selected Palm Beach County and Lake Worth over locations in California and Virginia. Radical Cosmetics is a USDA certified cosmetics manufacturer whose contract manufacturing services include custom and stock formulations, cosmetics color matching, package development and sourcing, bulk cosmetic filling, product labeling, pack-outs, re-work and kit assembly.  They are recognized as one of the premier cosmetic contract manufacturers of pressed powders in the U.S. and a bulk cosmetic supplier of a variety of other cosmetic and beauty products. Fenton Baijnath, CEO of Radical Cosmetics said, “The decision to relocate to the City of Lake Worth was based upon access to major highways and ports, and the affordable cost of doing business. “The City of Lake Worth and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County had such a business-friendly attitude which was a refreshing change from past experience in other states.” Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board, reports that Radical Cosmetics purchased the 26,000 square foot building at 1942 8th Avenue North in Lake Worth. They will create 40 jobs with an average annual wage of $45,000.  Ms. Smallridge added, “The BDB is delighted to have landed the 9th company in 4 months and another corporate headquarters to the county. We will continue to work with the company and Workforce Alliance to identify training grants for the employees they will hire.” About the BDB The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida.  Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, its primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, and high quality jobs through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade.  During the past five years, the BDB has assisted companies that have created more than 7,700 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $55,400, resulting in more than $355 million in capital investment to Palm Beach County and an economic impact that exceeds $1.8 billion. Additional information can be found at the BDB’s website, BDB.org.

Scott meets with Palm Beach County officials, mulls riding Tri-Rail | Post on Politics

Sheesh, it seems like our Governor wanted to be a Tri-Rail conductor for a day, maybe. He probably wanted to be a fireman too when he grew up. Click title for link to article.

Mayor Pam Triolo on the Radio

Good Afternoon Folks!

Tune in to “The Mayor Show” on WPBR 1340AM and listen to Mayor Pam Triolo today and every Wednesday at 12:00 pm 
and call in with your comments by dialing (561) 588-0675.

Log onto http://www.wpbr1340am.com to learn more!

Listen to WPBR Radio over any phone in the US by dialing (712) 432-6625

By the way...

My Texas friend left this afternoon and hopped on Tri-Rail to get the Ft. Lauderdale Airport.  We looked at the schedule to make sure he had plenty of time - two hours away from take-off when he arrived at the station, at the scheduled time.  However, they stopped his train at the Boca station with a report that an AmTrak train had been in an accident - it turns out it was a train/pedestrian accident at the Pompano station.  So, his train wasn't going to move for a while.  Panic ensued, he called me and I couldn't get through due to a busy network.  We eventually made contact and somehow he found a cab to share with someone, for a flat fare of $60, would take him to the Fort Lauderdale airport.

So, it is not a perfect system - what is?  But, if you are adventurous, it is worth a try.  If you do try it, try to build in a lot of lead time and maybe find something productive or interesting to do or visit while you wait.  He made it on the plane in plenty of time using the alternative mode of transport.

Governor Rick Scott 01-10-12 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS (FULL)

Lantana bridge set to close March 18 with town-sponsored party

What is Lake Worth doing to capitalize on this bridge closing? Click title for link to PBP article.

Chance meeting with Assistant City Manager Margoles yesterday...

In city hall for another meeting during the day yesterday, I happened to bump into our Assistant City Manager Margoles.  Seems as though yours truly was the reason she was up at 2 a.m. attempting to form a response to the revelations regarding the parking meter system at the beach.  There was then an 8 a.m. meeting between the various "higher-ups."  Seems as though there is indeed a "2 hour minimum" stay at the beach.  When I asked if this was formally acted upon, she indicated that the idea was presented and no one objected so it found its way into city policy - one of those "consensuses" from a work session on the budget.  In response, the city is fashioning a sign that will indicate that there is a 2 hour minimum stay and word-smithing the sign is underway.  Some of the Commissioners have already seen some version of it.  She also said that they are planning and getting another machine for the top lot.

Parking revenue, not surprisingly, is way up and the "actual" figures generated by today's system are being used "going forward" for future revenue projections...hmmm.  Maybe someone thought there would be a shortfall otherwise?  Parking revenue from the beach is supposed to be paying for the lifeguards and the subsidy for the non-revenue producing pool.  The Casino building tenant leases are designed to pay off the debt and operating costs related to the Casino building itself, according to Ms. Margoles.

Foreshadowing in March 7, 1950 article on "new" casino building...

"The story of reconstruction is a long one, with the path of progress by the present city commission often beset by difficult problems and what appeared at times to be insurmountable handicaps.  The wreckage and salvage problem alone following the storm presented a tremendous task.
Then came the mapping of plans for a new, more beautiful and more spacious structure to rise in the place of the old Casino, which for many years has served as a landmark for passing ships, plying the sea lanes to all parts of the world, both in time of peace and in time of war.
After many long and arduous sessions, many of them lasting far into the night, Lake Worth's City Commission...devised ways and means whereby Lake Worth could again have a Casino to accommodate thousands of home folks as well as thousands of visitors who come to Lake Worth every year..."

The Lake Worth Leader, March 7, 1950

Tonight's CRB Meeting - Comment from an eye-witness...

"Have no idea where is the right spot to post this, but I witnessed the CRB meeting tonight and it was a nightmare.
Tsolkas, the chair, wound up showing his true colors toward the end of the meeting, and it turned into a fiasco.
While he tried to push forth his personal agenda, all of a sudden, 3 people on the board began to ask why...why he wanted an investigation into PBSO regarding youth attacks...on and on, until it became ( quickly) a realization that he had his own agenda and just wanted the board to push his own ideals through.
It wa shameful and unbelievable to witness.

If this town allows him to continue, then I have NO faith in this town. He is an avowed anarchist and showed a comp,etely rude and condescending manner toward the crb meeting tonight.

After tonight's meeting, he should in NO way remain Chair of this Board. Period. "

Can't forget this!

From March 1950....

Try this link to the full front page.  I suggest downloading it to your hard drive and using your photo viewer software to zoom in.

Nicely produced video on the Lake Worth NSP2 Program

E-mail to the City Commission and Staff: Parking Meters at Beach - City Thievery?

I have out-of-town guests in town this week and we made a trip to the beach on both Saturday and Sunday.  It was the first time that I had been to the beach, by car, for any length of time so it required that we use the parking meter system.  Beyond the long lines and the grumbling by patrons about the confusing user-interface, I was appalled that the city is apparently flagrantly using a bait-and switch tactic as it relates to parking rates at the beach.  The advertised rate is $2 per hour but it is impossible to only indicate that you want to stay one hour and pay two dollars to do so.  No, everyone is only given the option of two hours at $4.  This is LYING!  There is not even a sign, which would go a distance to solve the problem, saying that there is a two hour minimum.

It is my understanding that this is not news to the former City Commission, as it was discussed during the 2011 budget considerations.  Furthermore, I understand that the former City Manager was aware of the situation, but apparently did nothing to address the matter - apparently satisfied that the City would automatically collect 2X the minimum rate every time someone bought a ticket.

It is important that our public institutions set a proper example.  For many, this could be their first and only exposure to the organ known as the City of Lake Worth.  What sort of impression does this leave in the mind of the general public about how the City manages its affairs?  It is my sincere wish that this matter is addressed as soon as possible.

If someone could direct me to the meeting where this particular situation was discussed, I would appreciate it.  Thank you!

See attached pictures showing the user interface which declares that parking is $2 per hour and the display screen which shows $0 at first and then $4 next after hitting the "add time" button.  I would like to point out that there is not a corresponding "subtract time" button.