11 questions for the Lake Worth Casino building proposal(s)...

Does this proposal keep all areas of the project open to the public?

Does this proposal provide for a public pool that would be open with similar hours as any public county or city pool?

Does this proposal show how it can provide the city with an additional million dollars a year to pay back the $6M the taxpayers loaned the Casino project and add revenue to our city budget?

Will this proposal provide more than a 100 extra spaces for cars needed at the beach?

Will this proposal provide a covered, accessible drop off area for everyone?

Will this proposal bring in more business for the existing businesses at the Beach?

Will this proposal provide a shuttle from the beach to the downtown area?

Will this proposal bring in more business to the downtown?

Can this proposal add the needed meeting and event space since we are booked for the next two years, but only on the weekends?

Why are there no other proposals like this?

Let's say a "Cafe L'Europe"-type of eating establishment wanted to pay $50 a square foot for the second floor restaurant space and could move in tomorrow. Given the lack of storage and "back of house" space for staff, where would the chairs, tables and other fixtures necessary for a ballroom/catering operation be kept?

The beach is booked for the next 2 years, but only on the weekends, because it is very inexpensive and the design has major problems during inclement weather and a poor layout. We have to do something to “FIX” this unsustainable building and at the same time have a pool that everyone can have access to much more than it currently is.

And one last question: Is there a proposed plan to combine operations with the Casino property to provide better access for everyone, encourage people there on the off-season AND during the weekdays to better utilize the building and help out businesses there succeed all year round?

The Lake Worth Lifeguards saved more lives yesterday (Sunday, 5/17)

Below is a video of our Lake Worth lifeguards being recognized by Mayor Pam Triolo for an earlier rescue in the year (March 19th). Early reports stated rip tides were the cause of this most recent incident.

We'll get more information on this rescue in The Lake Worth Herald later in the week. Great Job!

Ironic, one of City's most vocal critics only pays $400/year in taxes (virtually zero to City)

It is ironic, isn't it? The Other Blogger (TOB) lives off a county road across from one of the most beautiful parks in all of Palm Beach County but she pays virtually no taxes to the City of Lake Worth. But she demands so much!

How many times has TOB been to the Lake Worth Municipal pool to swim? How many City boards has she served on? How many volunteer hours has she logged for the City? Has she ever run for political office? Has she ever taken a course on the Sunshine Law or the open records laws? How many REAP classes has she attended?

Ironic isn't it that some demand so much but are unwilling themselves to pay for it?

Hung up on the "Feds" are we?

Kind of sums it up, doesn't it?

Glenn Wiltshire, Port Everglades Deputy Director, on the history of the port

If you're a history buff this video may surprise you. The video is a bit under 9 minutes and it is very interesting. This is part of a C-SPAN history series. Here is the description C-SPAN provides for this interview with Mr. Glenn Wiltshire:

     Glenn Wiltshire talked about the history of Port Everglades, one of south Florida’s largest economic drivers and a gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. He spoke about how the port began in 1928, how it developed over time, and its impact on Broward Country, Florida.
     C-SPAN’s Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) made a stop in their “2015 LCV Cities Tour” in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from March 19-22 to feature the history and literary life of the community. Working with the Comcast Cable local affiliate, they visited literary and historic sites where local historians, authors, and civic leaders were interviewed. The history segments air on American History TV (AHTV) on C-SPAN3 and the literary events/non-fiction author segments air on BookTV on C-SPAN2.

Below is the 'voice to text' I presume, of what Mr. Wiltshire said. This is an excerpt and some parts I highlighted :

THE STATE OF FLORIDA ACTUALLY HAS THE MOST NUMBER OF PUBLIC SEA PORTS IN THE COUNTRY. TWO CURRENTLY ARE NOT ACTIVE. ALSO THE LARGEST COASTLINE IN THE UNITED STATES. AT THE BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, $26 BILLION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE STATE RESULTING FROM THE CONTAINER ACTIVITY HERE AT THE PORT. WE ALSO HAD OVER 6000 JOBS DIRECTLY TIED TO THAT CONTAINER ACTIVITY AS WELL AS OVER 200,000 JOBS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. THE CONTAINERS THAT ARE LEAVING HERE GENERALLY ARE FOODSTUFFS, COMPUTERS, COMPUTER PRINTERS, AUTO PARTS. WE SERVE AS THE GROCERY STORE FOR THE CARIBBEAN. THE CONTAINERS COMING -- PRODUCE . BANANAS BEING THE TOP COMMODITY, MELONS, WE ARE THE TOP PERISHABLE PORT ALSO IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, BEING A CONSUMER MARKET HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, WE ENJOY OUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. IN 1930, 1931 WAS THE ORIGINAL ESTABLISHMENT OF PETROLEUM TERMINALS WILL STOP THERE WERE ORIGINALLY THREE PETROLEUM TERMINALS, NOW WE HAVE 13 DIFFERENT PETROLEUM TERMINALS, PRIVATELY OPERATED WITHIN THE PORT, THAT PROVIDE THE FUEL. NOT JUST FOR THE TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES, BUT WE ALSO PROVIDE ALL THE JET FUEL FROM THE THREE INTERNATIONAL MAJOR AIRPORTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. JET FUEL COMES FROM AS FAR AWAY AS KOREA, INDIA, TAIWAN, AND JAPAN. MOST OF ITS, ABOUT 75% OF THE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CONSUMED HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA COMES FROM THE GULF COAST. TO PUT IN A NUMBER THAT PEOPLE MIGHT BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND, 4.7 BILLION GALLONS OF PETROLEUM COME INTO THE PORT EVERY YEAR. 1200 TANK TRUCKS COME IN AND OUT OF THE PORT EVERY DAY. AND THAT FUEL FILLS UP ALL OF THE VEHICLES THAT ARE USED IN THE 12 SOUTHERN FLORIDA COUNTIES. THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WE HAVE IS BALANCING THE FACILITATION OF COMMERCE AND SECURITY. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, BEING THE SOLE PROVIDER OF PETROLEUM FOR SOUTH FLORIDA, HAVING SO MANY CRUISE SHIPS, SO MANY CARGO SHIPS IN PORT, WE COULD BE SEEN AS A TEMPTING TARGET TO SOMEONE, BUT WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME, A LOT OF MONEY AND SECURITY TO ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE THAT COME THROUGH PORT EVERGLADES FEEL SAFE AND SECURE. FOR IMPORT OF OIL, ONE, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD TO ENSURE THAT OUR TENANTS ARE COMPLYING WITH ALL OF THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

From AFNS: "Decaying City Just Wants To Skip To Part Where It Gets Revitalized Restaurant Scene"

Somehow missed this story about revitalization. This is from the 'News in Brief ' section of America's Finest News Service (AFNS) about one city's proposal to skip a few steps in the process of improving their community: 

CAMDEN, NJ—Saying they were fed up with the numerous challenges stemming from their city’s extensive urban decay, Camden, NJ residents confirmed Wednesday that they would love to just skip to the part where they get a hip, revitalized restaurant scene. “I realize that these boarded-up storefronts and abandoned factories might be turned into trendy cafés and bistros someday down the line, but I think most of us would be pretty thrilled if we just went ahead and got to that stage right now,” said resident George Pierson, noting that he is fully willing to bypass Camden’s endemic crime, rampant drug abuse, and high unemployment rate in order to jump right to the point when he and the city’s other occupants can enjoy dozens of farm-to-table gastropubs. “Sure, we’ll eventually see lobster roll stands and high-end noodle bars popping up on every corner, but that could take years or even decades."

Of course, if you haven't picked up on this yet, this is satire but some will fall for it no doubt. However, there's a good point to be made here from this spoof in The Onion; it's that the process of revitalization is a very long one. And we're all happy to know that our own Commissioner McVoy is on board with this process in the little City of Lake Worth. As you'll see below in this short video (from the 7:10 mark to the 9:20 mark), McVoy wants to pivot and focus on our "at risk" neighborhoods in the City, focusing less (it would appear) on climate change and rising sea levels.

We all welcome McVoy to this very important debate in our City; hear what he says starting at the 7:10 mark on this video:

The Progressive Contrarian asks: "Is Chipotle anti-GMO’s worst nightmare?"

'The Progressive Contrarian' is a fella named Bernie Mooney. Somehow I came across his blog a while back and think it had something to do with Mike Adams, but I'm not sure. He has an entertaining twist on things and his way with words can be a little, well, "harsh" is the word that comes to mind. But he has his opinions and is not shy sharing them.

Here is a recent post of his about Chipotle that I thought you might find educational and a bit entertaining:

Earlier this month I wrote this: mainstream media has been casting a much more skeptical eye and various lefty/green writers have either changed their minds or at least taking less strident anti stances and are willing to be a little more open-minded. 

Then came Chipotle’s major announcement of their decision to jettison GMO “ingredients.” All of a sudden, the cracks in the dam widened. The media jumped all over Chipotle. Here a few examples:

• L.A. Times: Chipotle’s junk science on GMOS
• Washington Post: Chipotle’s GMO gimmick is hard to swallow
• Gizmodo: Chipotle’s Anti-GMO Stance Is Some Anti-Science Pandering Bullshit
• NPR: Why We Can’t Take Chipotle’s GMO Announcement All That Seriously
• Mother Jones: Chipotle Says It’s Getting Rid of GMOs. Here’s the Problem.

The GMO worm seems to be turning, slowly, but still changing direction. When sites like Gizmodo weigh in, something’s happening.

What’s good about it is that it may have an effect on the average Joe and Josefina, who only hear the loudest and the nuttiest.

Mr. Mooney can't be more right. When NPR, Mother Jones, and Gizmodo are skeptical of Chipotle's move on GMO's it's fair to say they have a little PR problem.

AnnaMaria on the Lake Worth Crime Walk with PBSO yesterday (Sunday 5/17)

Here is how AnnaMaria starts off her report on the events yesterday at the Crime Walk with PBSO:

It should not come as a surprise that you see certain people in my blog repeatedly. No I do not play favorites. It just happens they are visible and in the front and center of doing things that need to get done.

Well put, AnnaMaria. Here is her report from the Crime Walk with a narrative and some excellent pictures. Great Job!

Here's a picture snagged from Facebook.

Alligator Alley under construction c 1965

Photo Unattributed

Katie McGiveron Loves the City of Lake Worth

Commissioner Ryan Maier: On the Job Training (OJT) or Grandstanding on the Dais?

Maier begins by asking the City Manager Michael Bornstein a very complicated question about city staffing and why is the City's utility not capable of producing a highly technical audit. This is from the City's workshop vis-à-vis the Siemens performance contract being considered.

The city manager explains it all very well and makes mention of the staff/time needed to produce an audit; there isn't the City staff available for that (That's why City's hire consultants). At the 1:00 mark Bornstein explains why outside experts are needed for the technical issues related to solar energy generation and things like LED lights (an evolving technology), and the expertise needed to understand these complex issues.

At the 2:30 mark it's as if Maier didn't hear a word the city manager said. Bornstein says at one point, "Does that make sense?" And Maier responds, "It does make sense what you're saying, but. . ." After Maier finishes his question there's a 10-second pause. I wasn't at that meeting but was told most in the city chambers, including some on the dais, were incredulous. Maier asked a question that really had no answer and maybe that was the point. However, the city manager went on to explain the "end product is something we can rely on."

Starting at the 4:30 mark to the end of this video Bornstein tries again to answer Maier's question. He sounds like a grade school teacher explaining civics to a young child. Now you can see why Bornstein is such a great city manager; he doesn't lose control or get angry in any way. He's got a job to do and he does it well.

Tomorrow or Tuesday will have a segment from Commissioner McVoy. This will explain Maier's reference to a "prius". McVoy struggles with his "save the environment" side and his scientific "pragmatic" side; oddly enough, it actually makes sense. So stay tuned for the "old Hummer" versus the "new Prius".

And guess what else was discussed at that City meeting? Yet another problem left over from a previous city commission:

Walk with Neighbors and PBSO (Lake Worth's Crime Walk #2)—TODAY at 4:30

Hello All,

I wanted to personally invite you all to the Walk with PBSO and Neighbors this Sunday afternoon, May 17th.  We are meeting at 4:30 at South Grade Elementary and will walk at 5 pm for about an hour through Pineapple Beach neighborhood. We will have the Make the Call cards to hand out and hope to engage the neighbors in making the call to PBSO if they see anything suspicious in their neighborhoods.  

I hope to see you there!

Best,

Tammy Pansa
401-465-4676
Member of Mango Groves Neighborhood Association

In case you are wondering where the overall proposal for the Beach and Casino property can be seen...

About some of the specifics of the proposal Hudson Holdings made to the city, here is a summary of some of the amenities, rates and commitments made by the owner of the Gulfstream in relation to the City's Casino building and pool operations. This information is impossible to find on-line, but it is public information as it was considered and discussed by the ITN Selection Committee.

In response to the questions and refinements requested by the Committee, the last proposal from Hudson Holdings included a new junior Olympic pool that is “L-shaped” so lap swimmers can use the pool at the same time as a water exercise class or a swim class. This is something you cannot do now. The existing pool has the capacity of 312 persons…at most there is about 50 on the weekend so a “smaller new high-tech and 'efficient to heat and treat' pool” would save lots of money and be able to be open for 60 hours a week as opposed to the 29 hours a week now. The city cannot afford to keep the pool open to the public for more than 29 hours a week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays the pool is closed to the public due to the ECAC swim team agreement. Which, if you think about it, is its own private "club."

Last week, while in the pool, I was reminded about the amount of caustic chemicals the city uses on the existing large pool that relies on 1970s technology. From the west side of the pool came a call from the head lifeguard, "I have a big shipment of acid coming this afternoon, so we have to clear the way for that." There are other techniques and technologies available now to treat water that are better for swimmers and the environment than existed at the time the current pool was built. Silver nitrate, ozone, etc., which all have their drawbacks, but a new pool would be the time to examine the alternatives.

There is also a kiddie pool proposed at the junior Olympic pool as well as one at the cabana club pool area. The existing Kiddie Pool is there, but has been empty for the last two years. Under the Hudson Holdings proposal group events could use the pool as well (weddings and receptions). Some could occur in the evening. That grassy area just to the west of the Casino building is where the original casino pool was and it can be a true community pool and gathering area once again, possibly. This area was left out the first go around with the newly 'restored' Casino building.

Here is a post card showing the earlier location of the pool behind the Casino building:

Early view of the Lake Worth Casino Building with pool in back of building. At the time this was a salt water pool.

Rates for the Cabana Pool "Club":

Yesterday, I shared the rates for the City's golf course memberships, along with the proposed rates for the Cabana Club concept at the beach. This would not apply to the Junior Olympic pool that would replace the large pool that has a capacity of 312 people. It would simply provide more shaded area around another set of pools that individuals, families and groups could gather, and not interfere with lap swimmers and other recreational swimmers. Public access would remain "as is" for all other areas of the property. The only "member" area would be the relatively smaller portion of space at the southern edge of the building, next to its own set of two pools.

The other benefits are 1) covered ADA vehicle entry if the weather is bad for events; 2) the garage will have an elevator for people parking on the lower lot to get up to the beach level without needing stairs; 3) the local beach businesses would have more customers during the week and off-season from the conferences and additional events that the complex can accommodate; 4) there would be a shuttle from the new parking garage at the Gulfstream Hotel that guest and others can ride to the beach and to the east end of downtown; 5) downtown businesses would benefit from the hotel bringing in conference guests during the week and off-season too; 6) the city could pay off the $6 million debt it has not paid back to the taxpayers; 7) the expanded complex would bring in some extra money for the city to add another lifeguard during peak hours; and 8) adding over 100 new parking spaces to the 623 at the beach now.

Here are some of the plans that show these details, especially how the single deck of parking above the at-grade parking helps address ADA accessibility issues. Also notice the covered drop-off west of the existing pool which leads to an area with two elevators to get to the upper level of the eastern side of the property.

Chart showing square footage and types of uses by level:

First floor area of new building south of Casino building:

Parking is the area shaded light green and consists of a one level parking deck over an at-grade parking lot.

Second level "Party Room" that would be at the same level as the existing Casino Ballroom.

The existing property and Casino building is a mess because of the same people who screwed it up the first time and who are against anything coming in to fix the problems. Don't expect this to be what we hear from the public during the workshop on Tuesday night.

From Jennifer Sorentrue: "Why you might see more tourists from Orlando [Miami and Atlanta] this summer"

If you visit this blog with any regularity you know I'm a big fan of VisitFlorida, Discover the Palm Beaches, and other tourism efforts for Palm Beach County in particular. The 'off-season' for too long has been the sound of a door slamming shut for hotels, restaurants, and retail. Remember walking into my favorite bike shop with the long line of rental bikes and seeing long faces, 'the season' was over. But does it have to be that way?

During the summer months our good friends in Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami are hot too. However you can be hot somewhere else just a few hours away (need we talk about All Aboard Florida?). Even though Lake Worth doesn't have one single solitary large hotel to speak of we do have that artist vibe that tourists will be attracted to and other cool stuff too. 

Jennifer Sorentrue reports on an "out of the box" effort to attract tourists here from Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta with 30-second TV commercials. Here's an excerpt from the article:

     As Florida’s tourism season enters its slower summer months, local tourism leaders on Thursday unveiled a new marketing campaign designed to persuade visitors within driving distance of Palm Beach County to hop in the car and come here. [emphasis added]
     Discover The Palm Beaches, the county’s tourism marketing arm, will launch three new television commercials next week targeting travelers in Miami, Orlando and Atlanta. The cleverly worded commercials touch on the downside of big city living — Orlando’s busy theme parks; Miami’s bustling business districts; and Atlanta’s congested highways and bump-to-bumper traffic jams.
     “We are great admirers of these great cities,” said Jorge Pesquera, Discover’s president and CEO. “But there is something to be said about playing on these issues.”
     The 30-second commercial aimed at Orlando-area residents begins with images of crowded tourist districts.
     “When the whole world comes to your town for summer vacation, where do you go to get away?” a woman’s voice asks, before the video jumps to footage of a couple relaxing in Adirondack chairs on a secluded beach.

Very clever. Oh, and by the way, here is the link to the Lake Worth VisitFlorida page. Here's my contribution to the Lake Worth tourism page:

Protest against PBSO in Lake Worth last November

You can read about that protest here. Former Lake Worth Commissioner Cara Jennings was there. EarthFirst! leader (?) Peter Tsolkas was there too and so were a lot of other people you might recognize. If you remember, for a few days, yours truly caught hell for posting these pictures on my blog. They claimed I was trying to ruin their message from the protest. Did nothing of the sort. It was their signs at the protest. Period. If this demonstrates anything it's the importance of controlling your message. 

The Official T-Shirt for the Great American Raft Race on July 4th (available June 5th)

You can find more information about this at the Lake Worth Neighborhood Association Presidents Council (NAPC). This years theme is Reading Is Fun (RIF). The question remains, who is going to choose Pinkie Pie Throws A Party! as their theme this year?