Antigen Rapid Testing Site

 Rapid antigen testing is now available at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The site will be open Tuesday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for anyone 65 years of age or older, 18 years of age or younger, or anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19. Appointments are required. Registration can be done online at www.tourhealth.com or by calling (866) 416-6341. Online scheduling is preferred.

Information about additional testing sites in Palm Beach County can be found at https://lakeworthbeachfl.gov/testing

Blog Update: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

You may have noticed that the posts have been few and far between for the last year and a half. Frankly, dear reader, the focus has been elsewhere. I'm still alive and well, living in Lake Worth Beach. Besides the COVID-19 pandemic, my planning, zoning and historic preservation business took the front seat. Now, I hope to create a better balance between what had been a very active blog and that business.

You will notice more frequent updates and they will likely be geared to my line of work, but still with a major focus on Lake Worth Beach. Regional issues will also be addressed that impact our quality of life.

Besides doing some major housekeeping on the material found in the right-hand column of the blog today, I also turned back on the ability for readers to comment on entries. You'll find a comment tab at the end of each post. A "pop-up" window will appear where you will be able to submit comments. As before, all comments will be moderated and reviewed prior to posting. Long-time blog readers may remember that I exercised a light editorial touch to the comments. There were very few that I could not all to be posted. I also plan to interact, so that would be a good place to ask questions about the topic at hand.

You will also notice that I moved my contact information up to the top of the right-hand column. If you feel the need to contact me via other means, all the information is there. 

No promises that you will see a regular five or more posts per day on Lake Worth Beach goings-on. I am sure it will be crawl, walk and then maybe run. Just expect to see more regular updates with a little more narrow range of subject matter. I will be announcing up-coming City meetings and attempt to pass through other announcements of general public interest.

Another note: I am keeping all the older material up. There is a robust search engine in the upper left-hand corner that is specific to this blog. It's very good at retrieving that post with just the keywords you are looking for.

"Hello again!" I proclaim. Be patient at first and we'll get things underway again. There is a lot going on.

One last thing, don't be afraid to click on the ads you find on the blog. You will find that they cater to your particular interests. Each click helps put a few cents in the tip jar. If you appreciate the content you find here, it is an easy way to support this blog.

 Thanks for your loyal readership. 

Lake Worth Beach CRA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS #03-1920

The Lake Worth Beach CRA is seeking Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of vacant, City-owned parcels along Lake Avenue and North “B” Street in the mixed-use east zoning district.

The site contains three lots located between Lake and Lucerne Avenues and between “A” and “B” Street.

SITE: .6 acres

LAND USE / ZONING:

• Zoning: Mixed-Use East

• Land Use: Mixed-Use East

• Over 20 units allowed + 4 stories

PROPERTY FEATURES:

• Within Arts District

• 1 mile to beach

• 5 miles from Palm Beach International Airport

• 1.2 miles from Palm Beach State College

• .2 miles from Tri-Rail

• 1/2 mile to I-95 access

• Several redevelopment projects underway nearby

• Frontage on Lake and Lucerne Avenues

The CRA is seeking one proposal for the development of all three lots. The intent of the RFP is to create a unified vision with similar uses in the District that complement the evolving landscape as seen further east on Lake and Lucerne Avenues.

A proposal from one developer, willing to develop all of the parcels is required. It is the CRA’s intention to competitively select a Developer with the proven ability and interest to construct a development, and own the property once constructed.

Projects must be at least three stories in height. The project should have a mix of uses, predominately residential. Due to the site’s location, at the entrance-way to the City of Lake Worth Beach, the proposed development must be distinct, iconic and welcoming in its design.

Proposers are encouraged to speak to City Staff to discuss architecture, ideas and possibilities.

BID DEADLINE:

OCTOBER 14, 2020 • 3:00PM

For FULL RFP 

For more information please contact via email: cdabros@lakeworthbeachfl.gov

COVID TESTING 08 21 20

 Free COVID testing continues in the City. These sites offer free testing.

Saturday |22-Aug| 4-8 PM | Pre-Registration Required (561) 547-0085|Harold Grimes Memorial Park

Thursday | 27-Aug |9AM-1PM|Pre-Registration Required after 11AM at (561) 547-0085 or (561) 770-2370 |Peniel Haitian Baptist Church

Saturday |29-Aug | 4-8 PM| Pre-Registration Required (561) 547-0085 |Harold Grimes Memorial Park

In addition to tests within the City, the County’s COVID page has an interactive map and list of testing sites.

COMBAT COVID Palm Beach County APP AVAILABLE

 In English, Español, and Kreyol

CombatCOVID is a tool developed in coordination with state and local governments, physicians, and public health officials to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It uses Bluetooth technology to inform you if you have been in contact with anyone else using the app who has voluntarily, anonymously, and confidentially self-identified as being COVID-19 positive. This information is not shared in any way with any third-party or any local, state, or federal government or public health organization. This system=not any person or government agency – notifies you of your potential exposure and then suggests locations form which you can obtain COVID-19 testing.

This helps with containment efforts and combating the pandemic.

It is your decision alone to choose to share that you are VOID-19 positive through CombatCOVID. If you do so, the data you share will help further COVID-19 response efforts by allowing people to learn about their potential COVID-19 exposure anonymously and confidentially.

Your use of CombatCOVID is voluntary. You can at any time direct us to delete your personal information by choosing to do so within the app.

For more information please visit the Palm Beach County website at www.pbcgov.org

What comes around goes around...

 All along U.S.1, there was a time when the City of Lake Worth Beach's economy run from the tourists that filled motels that lined that same road. That land use pattern and design of lodging established flourished before the dawn of the Interstate Highway System.

During a tourist family's stay, they would visit our beach and on their way, drop money at our downtown retail establishments along Lake and Lucerne Avenues. Given the Covid-19 pandemic, there are those that think the time has come for a rebirth of the open hallway model of motels. Click here for what may be an idea whose time has come again. 

Reminder about care and treatment of the City's alley network...

 

NOW is the time! All Census Data Collection activity to cease on September 30, 2020

Only 54 days remain for the Lake Worth Beach community to collect a complete census count for the next 10 years. This is the last chance to get an accurate population count for the next 10 years. Let’s Make It Count Lake Worth Beach!

The administration has accelerated the 2020 Census timeline so that ALL responses and census data collection activities will cease on September 30, 2020.

There is no time to wait! The City has collected only 49.7% of the potential residential homes. PLEASE don’t allow this Census to under-fund and under represent the City.

PLEASE text and call EVERY neighbor, customer, and client to ensure they have been counted.  Please ask if they have responded to the census for their address in Lake Worth Beach.

Community schools, roads, parks, healthcare, housing, representation and much more depend on EVERY PERSON responding. Without a complete count these programs/services will be underfunded, under-prepared, and under-represented for an entire decade.

You may see Mobile Questionnaire Assistants (MQAs) around the City beginning this week. MQAs are Census Bureau employees that can answer questions and encourage responses out in our community (in front of supermarkets, at food distributions, at service providers, etc.)

Census Bureau employees will begin to visit homes that have not responded beginning next week. They will have visible Census Bureau identification, US Department of Commerce photo badge (with watermark) and trained to practice CDC COVID prevention recommendations.

Please remind people of the confidentiality and security of their responses. NO INFORMATION would cause deportation, incarceration, benefit reductions, etc.

Big SHOUT out to Census Tract 52.02 (Memorial Park, Downtown Jewel, Pineapple Beach, and Royal Poinciana) for 4-days of impressive increases (0.1% + 0.4% + 0.6% + 0.1%) for a 1.2% increase since July 28!! Keep up what you are doing! 

Please contact me if you need any census materials or promotional items.

I have attached the City’s email newsletter full of information. If you are not receiving it directly, you may sign up on the City website’s main page at www.lakeworthbeachfl.gov.  

PBSO Weekly Update - August 3rd

Greetings,

Hurricane:

We got lucky again with Hurricane Isaias. It was a good practice run. The way 2020 has been I have no doubt there will be another one or two this season. Now is a good time to prepare by cleaning up yards and trimming foliage. Stock up on food and water, etc.

Crime: 

Crime was up a bit this week from last. 

We had five robberies and made arrests in two of the cases.

A three year old was shot in his home. We made an arrest in this case.   

We had seven auto burglaries with 5 of the 7 left unlocked. A handgun was taken out of a truck. This is a pattern countywide. Please spread the word not to leave guns in your vehicles, particularly pickup trucks.  

Covid 19: Please follow all of the recommendations so that we can curb this pandemic. We are all in this together and it takes everyone doing the right things.  

Census 2020:  

Lake Worth Beach’s reporting numbers are dismal. I cannot stress enough the importance of the census  

Stay safe and healthy,

Captain Todd Baer

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Commander – District 14 – City of Lake Worth Beach

Hurricane Isaias Special Update 4

City staff have secured many of the buildings and are working to secure the pier for Hurricane Isaias. At this time continue to follow updates from NOAA and the National Hurricane Center and continue your personal preparations. 

Make sure you secure your refuse containers by either bringing them in to your garage or filling them a quarter full of water while empty to stop them blowing away. Recycling containers should be secured indoors if possible.

Please continue to watch for updates and follow the advice of the Governor and other officials.

City staff have been working hard to prepare the City in case the storm is to hit Lake Worth Beach. You can expect multiple information releases to come from the City before, during, and after the storm.

If you haven't already followed us on social media please click the links below and look out for regular updates.

We are all in this together! We are Lake Worth Beach, a strong and resilient community that will stick together no matter what the weekend brings!

Emergency Order Issued Closing Beaches July 4th Weekend...

All public, municipal, & private beaches, including all beach parks, in Palm Beach County shall be closed from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

From the City of Lake Worth Beach Utility Department...

The Electric Utility continues to move forward with system upgrades to better withstand high winds associated with storms, reduce outages due to vegetation and animal contacts, and allow for growth without stressing the system.  Areas of concentrated work include:

The western part of our service territory with 129 pole replacements and upgrades of associated hardware, as well as installation of remotely operated devices to more rapidly restore customers after outages.  Evidence of the work completed can be seen along Lake Osborne Drive, Detroit Street, Lake Worth Road, and Engle Street.  Additional aggressive vegetation clearing, and wrapping of poles with animal guards, was performed along the French Avenue canal bank where the large population of iguanas had led to multiple outages when they climb our poles and come in contact with energized wires.

The eastern part of the service territory has seen neighborhood electric system upgrades to include new poles and associated hardware, new transformers, and a conversion to a higher operating voltage to reduce stress on the system and provide capacity for growth.  Over 550 customers spread across the area from Lake Avenue to 16th Ave North on Palmway, Lakeside, and Golfview and from Lake to 3rd Ave North from Federal to Palmway, are now being fed from newly hardened electric infrastructure.

The area of 7th Avenue North leading to Boutwell Road is undergoing upgrades of poles and associated hardware, including some undergrounding of electric lines, in support of improvements to the Park of Commerce roadways and sidewalk infrastructure.

Additionally, vegetation management comprised of tree trimming and mowing of alleys, as well as wrapping of poles to prevent wildlife from climbing up to our wires continues daily across the entire system.

Our dedicated team of IBEW employees, both from our own staff and contractors, are working six day weeks across daytime and evening shifts to bring these much needed improvements to our customers.  Please thank them for their efforts when you see them in your neighborhoods, and of course slow down and be extra careful as you drive by their job sites for their safety as well as your own.

Facial Coverings in Palm Beach County Required...

Fight the Virus, Get Tested Tomorrow in Lake Worth Beach! (5/22/20)

 

A walk-up COVID-19 Testing Site will be operated by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue at the Osborne Community Center located at 1699 Wingfield Street on Friday, May 22 from 11am-2:30pm. Those wishing to be tested will not require an appointment and the test will be provided free of charge.

“Lake Worth Beach has a high risk population and from the outset of this pandemic I have believed it was vital that our residents had access to local testing sites. I am grateful to the County for working with my team to make this a reality and I hope many of our residents will be able to make use of this important step on the road to a post-Corona world.”
~Lake Worth Beach Mayor Pam Triolo

Information about additional testing sites in Palm Beach County.

PBSO District 14 - Lake Worth Beach - Weekly Covid 19 Update - May 20, 2020

We had a great week last week pertaining to crime. Only one violent crime (robbery), no residential burglaries, and only five auto burglaries. Once again a handgun was stolen out of an unlocked vehicle. That’s another gun on the street in the hands of a criminal.

The phase one of reopening has gone well thus far in Lake Worth Beach and the rest of Palm Beach County. Thank you for assisting with this and keeping the social distancing issues to a minimum.

The beach reopening has also gone well. The rainy weather has helped keep the crowds down and made for a perfect soft opening.

Please use good judgement this holiday weekend. The weather is supposed to be good so practice social distancing if you plan to go to the beaches or parks. They will likely be crowded. LW Beach will only have 50% of the parking available which should aid in keeping the crowds to a minimum.

Hurricane season starts June 1st. We have already had a named storm. This is a good time to clean up yards and make other early preparations. If you live in an evacuation zone or need to leave your residence for a storm, try to have a plan to stay with someone you know. Shelter space might be an issue this year with Covid 19. People will have to be spaced apart more than previous years.

Census, census , census! It only takes a few minutes to complete online.

Be safe, things are looking up!

Captain Todd Baer
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
Commander – District 14 – City of Lake Worth Beach