[For those of you who may have missed this] ATTN: Lake Worth—Preliminary tax roll numbers for 2016 released

If you've already read this scroll down for new content. Below is very important news for the City, its residents and the business community and will affect to a great degree nearly every decision going forward to solve the City's problems, potholes included. Please share this information with everyone you know who is interested:

According to this article in The Palm Beach Post, taxable value of property in PBC increased by 8.4% countywide over 2015 values. Overall property values within municipalities total 8.7% which outpaced the increase of unincorporated county property value. This is important as these are the numbers which are used to determine local government budgets once the various millage rates are applied. These are numbers that will be used in the budget process that is underway now.

You have to get Thursday's (6/30) print edition of the Post to see it, the Lake Worth property value increase was one of the highest of all the cities in Palm Beach County at 12.1% over the 2015 number. This is great news for many reasons. First, the City was one of the municipalities that lost the most value during the Great Recession. In fact, there was a five year period when there was no new commercial development in the City. The numbers are beginning to reflect the investment and development coming on line since approval of the City's new land development regulations.

This is a signal that we are on the right track.

It would be interesting to study the breakdown of the increase. How much is due to new commercial, industrial and residential development? How much did the rebound in existing residential real estate market contribute? Perhaps we will have more detail later.

Here's a portion of the chart as it appeared in the print edition:

Another important takeaway from this data is to understand how conservative the forecast for property values was leading up to the failed "LW2020" bond vote in 2014. Payback of the eventual $63 million bond (3 bond issues) was based on projections of 3% annual increases. The 2016 increase over 2015 at 12.1% is nearly four times that conservative estimate. This means if the bond issue had passed, each individual property owners portion of the payback would have been smaller, the bond money could have been paid back sooner and the need for multiple bond draws would have been less. The 3rd bond issuance may not have even been necessary after all. But. . .

We would have been well on our way addressing the City's serious infrastructure problems: roads, potholes, sewers, water distribution systems, etc. It would have also helped diversify the City's tax base by providing a strategic investment in the Park of Commerce.

Knowing what we know now, I wonder how those 25 voters that made the difference in the defeat of the bond issue would feel having this information. Voter remorse?

Use this link to learn why the 2014 Bond vote failed by just 25 votes and will voters going forward "stick to the issues?"

Remember, the opposition told people that they could lose their homes if the City couldn't pay back the bond due to property values either not rising as fast as predicted, or worse, if they had fallen. And remember all of those improvements would have had to take the prospect of sea level rise into account, especially as related to drainage and other water-related projects.

Instead, we are stuck on the sidelines dreaming of a Lake Worth that could have been farther down the road (no pun intended) in addressing its infrastructure needs. Those who now complain about potholes need look no farther than their own ballot when they chose to vote "No" on the bond issue. Meanwhile, the City now has to wait and see if the additional ¢1 sales tax on November's ballot will pass. This debate would be moot if just a few more people ignored the hyperbole and voted "Yes".

A 2016 Letter to the Editor in the Post from one of the most vocal critics of the 2014 "LW2020" Bond. Do you feel much sympathy?

Lake Worth Commissioner makes the case for doing nothing because things get old and break

At the 1:10 mark in the video (below) we learn something new about water heaters from Commissioner Ryan Maier. When you buy one at Home Depot they can predict, almost to the day, when the appliance will stop working. That's news to everyone including the manufacturers and staff at Home Depot too.

He goes on to make the case that fixing infrastructure is a bad idea because new technology will come along that is better. Some day. So if only we wait another five years better software, equipment and parts will be available. The problem is in five years, according to Maier's logic, we'll have to wait another five years, and then another and another and another. Basically Maier gives the message we should do nothing. Ever.

Enjoy this short video; it's very enlightening:

From Vox: "How Brexit could actually make the EU stronger"

The people at Vox have an interesting opinion on Brexit: Stop Freaking Out!, and they made a short video too:

"Everyone is freaking out about Britain leaving the EU. But what if it helps the remaining countries get more done?"

From The Real Deal: "Industrial real estate market sizzles in Palm Beach County"

Dan Weil, the reporter for The Real Deal, subtitles this article "Vacancy rate for industrial properties fell to a 10-year low of 3.4 percent in Q1". Two excerpts from the article:

     The industrial real estate market in Palm Beach County is red hot, powered by the booming residential market, experts say.
     “We’re seeing tenants like air conditioning, tile, marble, plumbing and lumber companies,” Robert Smith, who deals heavily with industrial real estate as executive vice president of CBRE in Boca Raton, told The Real Deal. “A large percentage of industrial users are housing related.”
     Palm Beach County is one of the few areas in South Florida with space to build single-family homes, he noted. And thousands of homes are planned by the likes of Pulte, Kolter and Minto. “Nobody has built industrial space to support that growth,” Smith says.

[and. . .]

     "The scarcity of industrial product hasn’t gone unnoticed by developers. They plan more than 1 million square feet of industrial buildings in the unincorporated area along Florida’s Turnpike [emphasis added] between Southern Boulevard and Belvedere Road outside West Palm Beach, according to the Palm Beach Post.

More western sprawl and little or no reaction from the environmentalists in Palm Beach County. If you didn't know, the little City of Lake Worth has 2 of the "19 Best Environmentalists in South Florida" but good luck getting them to chime in on this topic. They're too concerned with a drive-thru, LED street lights that "go sideways", and doing anything they can to scuttle any progress whatsoever in this little 6 square mile slice of paradise.

And so it goes. . .

Town of Palm Beach News Release (7/1): Notice Regarding Blue-Green Algae Bloom Situation

For the entire press release use this link. Here are excerpts:

Algae has been observed throughout the past week along most of Intracoastal waters adjacent to the Town. Residents are encouraged to report algae sightings to the Florida Department of Environment Protection (FDEP) by calling (855) 305-3903. Residents can also visit the FDEP website for additional information and to report algae sightings on-line.
     No algae have been observed on Town beaches. Therefore, beaches are scheduled be open throughout the holiday weekend. If conditions change, an advisory will be issued to the public. [emphasis added]

[and. . .]

Overall, the density of the blue-algae conditions in the Lake Worth Lagoon today has been noticeably less than previous days this week. Even in the areas which have been most impacted by the bloom, (i.e. Sloan's Curve and Ibis Isle, in the general vicinity of the C-51 canal), conditions have not visually worsened.

[and. . .]

Blue-green algae, or “cyanobacteria,” are natural to the environment’s food chain and are found all over the world. They are actually a type of bacteria but, like plants, use sunlight to grow.

Hmmmm, did you hear about this? "All Aboard Florida says lawsuit dismissed"

This news item has received little attention, not at all like the bluster when the lawsuit was filed:

     All Aboard Florida said late Friday [June 10th] that it won a court ruling in a legal dispute with Indian River County.
     The county had sued to block the express rail service planned from Miami to Orlando.
     All Aboard said that in the case of Indian River County v. Florida Development Finance Corp and AAF Holdings, the court ruled that Indian River failed to state a cause of action and had no standing for the claim.

Here locally the news is also very good for Brightline/All Aboard Florida. Following a cordial discussion (yes, it can happen) earlier in the year a vote was taken and it was 5-0 (unanimous) to wholeheartedly support rail transit going forward.

Working together in Lake Worth: Mayor Pam Triolo with Commissioner Amoroso (from left, standing with American flag), Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell, and commissioners Chris McVoy (far right) and the ever-jubilant Ryan Maier.

You see, working together is possible here in the City. Mayor Triolo, Vice Mayor Maxwell, and commissioners Amoroso, Maier and even McVoy all agreed on "WHAT IS POSSIBLE" and the bright future that the soon-to-be passenger rail project, Brightline, presents for city's like Lake Worth.

TV News: John Faust and Mary Lindsey on canceled Raft Race in Lake Worth as crisis spreads to California

Jon Faust, Chair of the Neighborhood Assoc. Presidents Council (NAPC), was interviewed by NBC5/WPTV's Michelle Quesada. Here is an excerpt from the text of the story:

     Locals are heeding the warning signs. The annual 4th of July Great American Raft Race won't be much of a race this year.
     "There's a big disappoint of course that a lot of rafts won't touch the water," said John Faust, an organizer of the event.
     But the show will go on. All of the festivities at Bryant Park Monday are still happening, just not in the water.
     "We're taking the side of precaution," added Faust.

Later in the WPTV news is that the crisis has spread to California; a woman in West Palm Beach was also interviewed:

Learn more about Marin County using this link.

Mary Lindsey, also of the NAPC, was interviewed by ABC25/WPBF's Ari Hait:

     "We felt that that was just too much of an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of our neighbors," said Mary Lindsey, one of the race organizers.
     The race was scheduled to take place on the Lake Worth Lagoon on July 4.
     Lindsey, however, stressed that the race is just one small part of the celebration.

Here's the image from WPBF's report: 

Who knows where this image of blue-green slime came from. St. Lucie River maybe? Read my review of TV news and on WPBF: "Pretty much everything that happens in central PBC is in 'Lake Worth'."

July is National Parks and Recreation Month in Lake Worth

When you think about it, considering all the hard work by the majority on the City Commission (Mayor Pam Triolo, Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell, and Commissioner Andy Amoroso), as well as City Manager Michael Bornstein's promoting of our City's wonderful amenities, there is also cooperation with neighboring towns vis-à-vis the County's John Prince Park and the possibility of a future Atlanta Braves Spring Training facility. How exciting is that!

Below is a most timely press release from the City:

June 28, 2016
Contact: Lauren Bennett (sales, marketing, and event manager)
Phone: 561-533-7395
Email: LBennett@lakeworth.org

     The City of Lake Worth is honoring National Parks and Recreation during the month of July in an effort to raise awareness in our community about the value of parks, recreation and leisure services in Lake Worth.
     Please join us for all of our exciting activities offered throughout the month of July! Use this link for a full list of our special events and activities.
     For more information please call Lauren Bennett at 561-533-7395 or Nicola Bohannon at 561-533-7363.

Press Release: Bryant Park boat ramps for July 4th and the Lake Worth Herald with road closures

The Annual Lake Worth 4th of July Celebration will be held this Monday.

The City will be closing down the Bryant Park boat ramps on Sunday, July 3rd at 9:00 p.m. and will reopen on Monday, July 4th at 10:00 p.m. For event details please visit the City’s website.

For any further information on the July 4th Celebration please contact the Special Events at 561-533-7335.

The Lake Worth Herald has more information on road closures:

In preparation and for the discharge of fireworks the streets below streets will be temporarily closed from 8:30–10:00 p.m. (approximate) and parking prohibited

• 1st Ave South & South Golfview Road
• Lake Ave & South Golfview Road
• Lake Worth Bridge, east & westbound lanes
• A1A & westbound traffic

     To assure a safe and successful Fireworks Display, your cooperation in this matter is urged. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office may tow vehicles left parked on the street in violation of this temporary order.
     The Lake Worth (Robert Harris) Bridge will be closed during the fireworks display. Emergency vehicles will have access where necessary. There will be detour signs in place to direct other vehicle traffic to the Southern Blvd Bridge for access to the Town of Palm Beach.

Short video on re-thinking of parking requirements

KW Parking from Kronberg Wall on Vimeo.

In this week's Lake Worth Herald about the canceled Raft Race in the Intracoastal:

The Herald is still ¢50 and without all those inserts, stickers, used car ads, and silly editorials/'news' that's $1.50 for the Post.

There is a lot of news, information, and many other items of interest in the Herald this week (6/30). To subscribe use this link or go to the City's newsstand at 600 Lake Ave. (across from Starbucks) to pick up the print edition. Here is an excerpt from the front page exclusive and also excerpts from this week's editorial:

"It is with deep disappointment that the City of Lake Worth and the Lake Worth Neighborhood Association Presidents Council (NAPC) announce that the portion of the 15th Annual Great American Raft Race celebration that involves entering the Intracoastal has been cancelled."

From the editorial:

     The cancellation of the Great American Raft Race brings to light the spirit present in this fine city. Instead of saying, as many in the past would have, “the water quality is suspect, the event is canceled,” decisions were made to continue the festivities.
     There will be no activities on the waters of the Lake Worth Lagoon, but provisions were made to use the Casino Pool for the kayak race and the parade of rafts will still take place with prizes awarded as usual for the most part. Those who have worked hard building rafts will still get to show them off, just not on the water. 

[and. . .]

     It would have been easy for City Manager Michael Bornstein to cancel the water activities outright and many would have understood. Instead, with the help of Mary Lindsey and the Neighborhood Association Presidents Council, alternate plans were made that will include the annual rafting festivities in this year's festivities.
     This is a large reflection on Bornstein's affection for the residents of Lake Worth. He is willing to compromise whenever possible to accommodate the spirit of the community. Agreeing to open the Casino for festivities and allow a pool party and kayak race in a pool that leaks worse than the Casino Building itself, he has put himself out to criticism from those who will criticize his every move.
     Bornstein knows right from wrong and always does all he can to keep Lake Worth moving forward and the residents safe and satisfied.

Now, it's time for the critics to get to work!

Videos and information from 2nd Historic Preservation Neighborhood Workshop on Monday, June 27th

Note the "1/3" icon; use that to switch between the three videos:
This meeting included the combined Bryant Park and South Palm Park neighborhood association (NA). A week earlier a workshop took place for Parrot Cove and Mango Groves (use this link for list of NA's). Less people attended this second meeting as is expected; I counted 20+ (about the first meeting use this link). These meetings are being held in response to concerns over administration of the program and how to improve the resident/property owner experience within a historic district.

City staff did a good job explaining why historic preservation is important. However, according to comments from those in attendance many had a difficult time seeing the benefits. They cited delayed review times, for example, window and roof replacements plus a process that overly focuses on minutia. Some found it hard to understand regulations while areas in their own neighborhood have properties not maintained and some are eyesores. People expressed frustration being held to high standards of preservation but needs for storm protection and home security have taken secondary importance.

Recently, an interesting observation was shared with me: The City has put a lot of effort into hurricane preparedness but onerous rules send a confusing message. Should historic preservation be considered part of our City's storm preparedness?

Staff said the PowerPoint presentation will soon be on the City's website along with a questionnaire for feedback. A 6-month time frame was mentioned for review. Two neighborhoods, Downtown Jewel and College Park, are NA's that have yet to schedule a workshop. Stay tuned, as they say, for more information.

Commentary from the Poynter Institute, "A global leader in journalism"

Below is an excerpt from a commentary by Meredith D. Clark, PhD, titled "It’s time for a new set of news values. Here’s where we should start."

     "As Mizell Stewart, my former editor at the Tallahassee Democrat, now vice president of news operations for the USA Today Network (and new faculty at Poynter, to boot), said during the [American Press Institute’s] summit: Our values as a society have evolved, why shouldn’t our news values?
     Surely, our basic news values endure. There is no substitute for truth, accuracy and the timely delivery of relevant news. But for companies that serve hyperlocal, niche, specialty and digitally based audiences, there are unspoken, and perhaps unquestioned values that should be discussed. Any outlet that seeks to evolve and remain viable should examine its values. [emphasis added]

To keep up to date on fact-checking use this helpful information at the Poynter Institute.

News for Lake Worth's beat reporter from the Post* vis-à-vis the July 4th Parade/Raft Race

Greetings friends and neighbors of the Tropical Ridge Neighborhood Association:

Our July meeting is cancelled. Too many people are out of town and it falls on July 4th. Our next meeting will be on August 1st.

I heard from the NAPC President Jon Faust [Press Release] and Mary Lindsey. The 15th Annual Great American Raft Race has not been cancelled [as of 6/28]. The algae situation is being monitored by Environmental Resource Management. The NAPC will let everyone know immediately if it becomes necessary to change any planned events.

Have a safe and happy July 4th and look forward to seeing you on August 1st.

Carolyn

*Note: The Parade start time is 11:00. The start time given in the Post print edition on Monday, 6/27, is wrong.

Duffy's Sports Grill "Launches Test Kitchen in Lake Worth"

This food news in Lake Worth comes from Nicole Danna* at the Palm Beach/Broward New Times:

     Last week Duffy’s Sports Grill, one of Florida’s biggest sports-themed restaurant chains, announced the launch of a new cutting-edge test kitchen in Lake Worth. Located close to Duffy's corporate headquarters, the state-of-the-art studio will serve many purposes ranging from research and development to hands-on culinary training for chefs and managers.
     The new facility, dubbed Duffy’s Culinary Arts Studio, has been designed to ensure quality remains a focus as the company continues to expand across South Florida, says Jason Emmett, president of Duffy’s Sports Grill.
     "This is an exciting time for us," says Emmett. "This new facility is the next logical step as we continue our expansion throughout Florida."

Duffy's Culinary Arts Studio is located at 1100 Barnett Drive in Lake Worth.

*Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her on Twitter: @SoFloNicole. Find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.