2009/2010 Info Guide to Boynton Beach Florida

Welcome

Welcome to our Guide To Greater Boynton Beach published by The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. We continue to experience tremendous growth in our City and the surrounding area.

Our directory is a one-stop source for information about our area, the membership businesses that service the area and the unique attractions in the area that make Greater Boynton Beach a great place to work, live and play.

The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its eighty-fourth Year of existence in 2009 and we have made an historic move in late 2008. For the first 84 years the Chamber of Commerce has serviced the community from the east side of Boynton Beach along the Federal Highway corridor. In October of last year the Chamber moved to the new central business district for the Greater Boynton Beach community. We are now located on the corner of Gateway Blvd. and Congress Ave. in Compson Place at Renaissance Commons. Our new Visitor Lobby is ready to greet members, visitors, and residents from the area, and is ready to showcase our community and county from the information we can provide highlighting the quality of life, the quality of the business community and the quality of your Chamber of Commerce.

From our beginning in 1925 our Chamber has been active in the community, an involved business organization working to improve, enhance and promote the City of Boynton Beach and the area that surrounds it. We maintain a Board position on the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County in an effort to drive economic development to the area with businesses that are relocating to Palm Beach County or happen to be looking to grow in our Life

Sciences and Aerospace Industries that go hand and hand with our long enjoyed Tourism industry.

The Greater Boynton Beach area is fast becoming a true destination for shopping, dining and entertainment in central Palm Beach County.

Our centralized shopping district on Congress Avenue brings together the big-box retail stores as well as the family-owned specialty stores.

The concentration of dining establishments in Boynton Beach is approaching any gourmet lover’s dream, from dining on the Intracoastal in waterfront restaurants between Ocean Avenue and Woolbright Road or stopping for lunch or dinner after shopping on Congress Avenue. Everyone will find a dining experience they enjoy.

We continue to include a dining guide in this publication of all our Chamber Members; please tell them you were referred by the Chamber.

From the early days of the Chamber of Commerce when the City limits were east of what today is Interstate 95, fast forward to 2009 where The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce stretches to the westernmost boundaries of unincorporated Palm Beach County and the Ag Reserve near SR7/441, the business climate is strong and the retail, commercial and service businesses that serve this growth are working hard to meet the growing demands of our expanding population.

Our Chamber Mission is to Serve, Protect and Promote the Membership of the Chamber of Commerce and to maximize their Return on Investment. Our Chamber is the information center for our membership and the City; we serve those who request information with this Annual Guide, our web site, www.BoyntonBeach.org, our Business

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Our Chamber

Chamber Membership Is A Necessity Of Doing Business!

Blog that highlights business activity in the area that is shaping the success of our service area, our Chamber Member Event Blog highlighting Chamber Member activities and events for consumers to be aware of and take advantage of, and our Business Monthly publication which reaches our market of consumers and business owners throughout Greater Boynton Beach. We act as an issue center for our membership, protecting their interests with an active Business and Government Affairs committee, we partner with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County to attract business expansions and relocations to the area, and as an accredited member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce we keep in tune with state and national issues impacting small business. We promote our members through networking opportunities, informational luncheons, business to business mixers and community events to showcase our member businesses whenever and wherever possible. We work to provide affordable opportunities for small business to market themselves to other Chamber members, consumers and visitors to the Boynton Beach area. It’s our responsibility.

We hope you enjoy our Guide To Greater Boynton Beach and utilize it as a resource when looking for area business services and attractions. Your Chamber is Greater Boynton Beach, a great place to live, work and play.

Sincerely,

Glenn Jergensen President & CEO

The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is a private not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1925 to serve the area’s businesses. A professional staff partners with member business volunteers in an effort to unify its business members, working to improve business and build a stronger community. Our Mission is to Serve, Protect and Promote our members throughout the Greater Boynton Beach area. Chamber Membership is a Necessity of Doing Business!

1. Maintaining a Healthy Business Climate The Boynton Beach Chamber is a source the public relies on for trusted business referrals in our community. Our award winning annual Guide has a targeted circulation of 10,000 and is produced and distributed for the purpose of increasing your membership Return on Investment. The Guide is available at our Visitor Lobby and member business establishments. Only Chamber members receive referrals from the Chamber offices. Both residents and visitors alike rely on the Chamber of Commerce for information on services and products available locally. The Chamber’s Business Monthly newsletter showcases member businesses and Chamber events to 20,000 businesses and homes every month in Boynton Beach.

2. Marketing Our Member Businesses and the Greater Boynton Beach Community The Chamber is the community’s marketing resource. We answer thousands of inquiries requesting information on our area. These requests come to us via the Internet, by phone, by mail and through walk-in traffic to our Visitors Lobby located at 1880 N. Congress Ave. Suite 106. We produce the community’s premier annual magazine, The Guide To Greater Boynton Beach and our website www.BoyntonBeach.org is number one on the Google search engine. Both ven-

ues are award-winning marketing vehicles working for our members 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

3. Networking Within Our Business Community Through our many diverse programs you will meet new business contacts. Each month we offer card exchanges, a luncheon, leads groups, committee meetings and workshops.

In 2008 two new groups formed under the umbrella of the Chamber, the Young Professionals Group is targeted at Chamber professionals between the ages of 21 and 43, meeting once a month to network and share ideas of young business owners and professionals. Also a Woman’s Networking Group dedicated to woman business owners and professionals working to share ideas and strategies to grow their businesses. Times and locations vary to provide members convenient opportunities to match busy work schedules. Attending Chamber events will allow you to leverage your membership into even more new business.

4. Legislative Awareness The Chamber monitors and informs its membership on matters impactingbusinesses in the community. We meet regularly with City officials tomaintain open communications in an effort to be proactive on issues at the local level. The Chamber’s Business and Government Affairs committee meets monthly in an open forum and all members are encouraged to attend.

5. Recognition of YourMembership Upon joining the Boynton Beach Chamber, you will receive a membership plaque and window decal demonstrating your commitment to the Chamber’s mission statement and as a supportive member of the area’s business community. This plaque should be proudly displayed for all your customers and visitors to see.

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www.BoyntonBeach.org

Our Chamber of Commerce places great emphasis oncommunications and promoting our member businesses, says Glenn Jergensen, president of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “everyone regardless of their location can find out what's happening at the Chamber and in the community.” Our members have the opportunity to advertise on our Web Site, one of the most active in the area with over 400,000 average hits and on average 15,000 visits per month. Visitors to www.BoyntonBeach.org will find a complete list of Member Businesses along with contact information on Chamber staff members and board members.

Links to our Boynton Business Blog and Chamber Member Events Blog are all available on the Chamber Home Page. A single click on the calendar page will give you the latest information on: • Networking opportunities • Upcoming community events • Upcoming Chamber events such as: The Taste of Boynton The Annual Chamber Golf Tournament The Board of Director Annual Dinner Dance Details on the three Consumer Expo at the Boynton Beach Mall sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

“One city... two web sites... all the information you need!”

The Chamber and the City of Boynton Beach enjoy similar web sites. The City’s web site, www.Boynton-Beach.org (differing from the Chamber web site only by the dash between “Boynton” and “Beach”), includes official city data, forms you can print out,information about the City’s departments and programs, and a guide to the City’s recreational opportunities and programs.

Boynton Beach is a community where the City and Chamber personnel work closely and happily together, to the benefit of all. The two entities agree: “One city . . . two web sites . . . all the information you need!” A telling fact is that when you look up “Boynton Beach” in the Google or Yahoo search engines, the Chamber’s web site shows up with the City at the top two positions. This Chamber is using every opportunity to market our business members to the community—and beyond—with the latest in technology. It is our hope that more and more people will find our web site to be user-friendly and informative.

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Our Chamber

Gateway To New Leaders In Boynton Beach The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce recognizes the need to provide the opportunity for interested individuals to become more involved in meeting the challenges facing the Boynton Beach area.

Leadership Boynton Beach Webster's College Dictionary defines leadership as 1. the position or function of a leader 2. ability to lead 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction 4. the leaders of a group.

The growth and success of any community is directly linked with the knowledge and commitment of its citizens. The strength and value of the community is, likewise, a measure of the leadership within it. The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce recognizes the need for continued development and provides the opportunity for interested individuals to become more involved in meeting the challenges facing the Boynton Beach area.

Program Involvement Leadership Boynton Beach is a program designed to provide an education and awareness of the current state of resources and issues facing the Greater Boynton Beach area.

Sessions run one full day per month for approximately six to eight months beginning in March through October.

Graduation requires attendance at monthly sessions and attendance at selected City and Chamber meetings. Tuition varies for Chamber members and non-members.

Partial scholarships are available to Chamber members only.

For details and a brochure/application, please call the Chamber at (561) 732-9501.

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LEADERSHIP ORIENTATION SESSION “I enjoyed the session thoroughly. It was engaging and very informative.”

“The information was helpful to understand business protocol and how to interact with different personalities.”

GOVERNMENT/HISTORY “I never knew what they do at City Hall meetings till this class.”

“I never knew the history of Boynton Beach before learning it today.”

RECREATION/ENVIRONMENT “I got a chance to personally visit facilities and parks located here in Boynton Beach that I might not have visited on my own. Wonderful Job!” “Great enthusiasm and transfer of knowledge by all presenters.”

“I have become more sensitive to the importance of conserving the environment for future generations.”

HEALTHCARE “A great overview along with topical issues that could affect all of us.”

“Excellent presentations – the heart surgeon was very down-to-earth.”

“The volunteer with the therapy dog was truly inspirational.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “Understanding the CRA and what they do was very helpful; COBWRA was very interesting as well; Port Authority was great.”

“I enjoyed the CRA tour and the knowledge obtained about the Heart of Boynton and city-wide development projects.

“Fascinating… very important to Palm Beach County and Boynton Beach.”

SOCIAL/COMMUNITY SERVICES “United Way does a lot more than I thought.”

“Better awareness of social benefits (good and bad).”

EDUCATION “Good to see the changes in our school system.”

Special Events

The Business Community is invited by the Chamber of Commerce Annual Recognition and Installation Luncheon – January 8th Each January, the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce holds its Annual Recognition & Board of Directors Installation Luncheon.

Annual Dinner Dance, Our Premier Social Event –January 30th Once a year, we invite all our business members, community leaders and their guests to join us for an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and pure social pleasure. Celebrate as we end 2008 and begin 2009, our year of “New Beginnings” at the our new location in the central district. This event is black-tie preferred.

Complimentary portraits will be taken of all attendees.

Spring Business Expo at the Mall March 21st – 22nd This event spotlights your business in front of over 65,000 people who visit the Boynton Beach Mall during this two-day weekend event. Businesses are invited to participate in this popular Expo event, the largest of its kind in our community. Chamber business members receive a discount on table fees. A great variety of business services and products are displayed during the weekend operating hours of the mall. Join us either as a spectator or participant – you’ll enjoy yourself!

Leadership Boynton Beach April through October The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to coordinate this annual program that is open to all citizens who desire to learn in-depth about the Boynton Beach community. The six one-day sessions cover topics from Media & Communications and Education to Healthcare and Economic Development.

Graduates of Leadership Boynton Beach are encouraged to serve on city advisory boards, Chamber committees and community boards. Graduates complete the class with a keen sense of community pride, meeting corporate and community leaders and officials and discussing first hand the issues that affect our lives, at work and at home.

Annual State of the Cityand CRA Address April In April, we will host a luncheon and invite the Mayor, the CRA Director and city officials to present a formal State of the City/CRA address. All Chamber members and residents of the community are invited to attend. This is a special monthly luncheon dedicated to city business. The Chamber is proud to present this annual event to the community.

Taste of Boynton, Wine Tasting & Silent Auction July 17th This annual epicurean delight is the Chamber’s signature event, with over a dozen of the community’s finest restaurants offering complimentary tastings of their finest menu items and complimented a wine tasting. Bring the family, the neighbors and your friends to enjoy this smorgasbord of fine foods, wine, live entertainment, and dancing.

Summer Business Expo at the Mall August 16th – 17th This event spotlights your business in front of over 65,000 people who visit the Boynton Beach Mall during this two-day weekend event prior to Back to School in Palm Beach County. Businesses are invited to participate in this popular Expo event, the largest of its kind in our community. Chamber business members receive a discount on table fees. A great variety of business services and products are displayed during the weekend operating hours of the mall. Join us either as a spectator or participant – you’ll enjoy yourself!

Education Foundation Scholarship Luncheon – November The Business Community is invited by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to gather and network in support of the Chamber Scholarship program for graduating high school students in the Greater Boynton Beach area. The support of the business community to our 501C3 Education Foundation is critical to allow us to continue awarding various scholarships to these deserving students each spring. All donations are tax deductible as a charitable donation.

Fall Business Expo at the Mall –November 7th and 8th This event spotlights your business in front of over 65,000 people who visit the Boynton Beach Mall during this two-day weekend event prior to the Winter Tourist Season in Palm Beach County.

Businesses are invited to participate in this popular Expo event, the largest of its kind in our community. Chamber business members receive a discount on table fees. A great variety of business services and products are displayed during the weekend operating hours of the mall. Join us either as a spectator or participant – you’ll enjoy yourself!

Annual Spring Golf Classic April Everyone is invited to participate in this tournament! It’s a fourplayer scramble, shotgun start, handicaps not required – FUN event. All players receive a Goodie Bag filled with complimentary gifts from Chamber businesses and complimentary beverages before and during play. Tourney play wraps up with an awards luncheon, hole contests and great raffle prizes! Singles, doubles and foursomes arewelcome to play and network with the area’s business professionals.

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Business & Industry

A ‘New Beginning’ for Greater Boynton Beach

With a dynamic business climate, progressive civic leadership and excellent quality of life, Greater Boynton Beach offers a host of opportunities for all types of businesses. “Our community is enjoying a new beginning as an ideal place to live and work and play,” said Glenn Jergensen, president, Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “Our enjoyable all-around lifestyle is one reason Greater Boynton Beach continues to enjoy a flow of new investment.”

From downtown and Federal Highway (U.S. 1), to the central Congress Avenue corridor and the western communities, Boynton

Beach is experiencing healthy commercial growth. “With our new stores, restaurants and office buildings, everything you could want is close at hand,” Jergensen said. “Greater Boynton Beach is one of the few areas in Palm Beach County with land for new commercial and residential projects, as well as a variety of redevelopment opportunities.”

In his 2008 “State of the City” address, Boynton Beach Mayor Jerry Taylor noted that the total 2007 construction value of residential and commercial permits was $79.3 million and $17.7 million, respectively, including 427 residential units and 58 new commercial buildings. Based on projects in the 2008 pipeline, he estimated a total of 1.1 million square feet of office, retail and restaurant space and 2,298 condos and townhouses are planned for the next two years.

Historic Timeline of the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Boynton Chamber of Commerce Past Presidents

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1995 CALVIN L. CEARLEY

1925 CHARLES STILLS

1967-68 ROBERT EFFRON

1981-82 DR. RICHARD S. MASELLA

1954-55 PAUL MERCER

1968-69 HANK THOMPSON

1982-83 ROBERT L. FOOT

1996 MARCI MILLION

1955-56 HARVEY OYER

1969-70 JOHN SHEPPARD

1983-84 STORMET C. NOREM

1997 STORMET C. NOREM

1956-57 CLIFFORD PROVINCE

1970-71 JOHN HOWELL

1984-85 DONALD ZYTO

1998 MICHAEL BOTTCHER

1957-58 KEITH KANE

1971-72 DONALD LAMBERT

1985-86 WILLIAM MARTIN

1999 KENNETH M. KALEEL

1958-59 HAROLD SHAW

1972-73 ROBERT COLLIER

1986-87 FRANK STOCKTON

2000 RICK LEWIS

1959-60 JOHN L. ARCHIE

1973-74 DONALD G. FENTON

1987-88 TOM MILLER

2001 TONY NEWBOLD

1960-61 SAMUEL GREEN

1974-75 DONALD G. FENTON

1988-89 CRAIG LIVINGSTON

2002 RON BACKUS

1961-62 GENE MOORE

1975-76 KATHERINE HAUGHN

1989-90 VIRGINIA (Ginny) FOOT

2003 GLENN JERGENSEN

1962-63 JOYCE STEVENS

1976-77 MICHAEL BOWDEN

1990-91/92 (15 mos) DORIS PASTL

2004 ELLIOTT WILLIAMS

1963-64 L. DON COMBS

1977-78 KATHERINE HAUGHN

(went to calendar year)

2005 GLENN JERGENSEN

1964-65 MAYNARD WERTZ

1978-79 F. DONALD SLAYTON

1992 ROBERT B. TAYLOR, Jr.

2006 BARBARA BARLAGE

1965-66 JOHN L. ARCHIE

1979-80 WILLIAM WOHLLEB

1993 JOHN MARTIN

2007 DEVON COUGHLAN

1966-67 GEORGE I. WILDE

1980-81 L. EDWARD WOLLENWEBER

1994 CALVIN L. CEARLEY

2008 JAMES GUILBEAULT

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The chamber itself is investing in the community’s future. After 85 years in the downtown area, the chamber this fall moved to a new office on C o n g r e s s Avenue. “This central location will help us stay connected with area businesses, as we expand our services and our membership in coming years,” said Jergensen. In addition, the chamber opened a new Visitor Center to serve the growing numbers of business and leisure travelers coming to Boynton Beach.

Certainly, there are many reasons why Greater Boynton Beach is so attractive to developers, investors and new businesses: • A high quality of life, with a wide range of housing, highly regarded schools and countless recreational activities.

• A growing population base that includes 65,000 residents within

the city limits and another 85,000 in the western Boynton area. The average household income in the area exceeds $62,000 and the median age is just under 42 years.

• A central location in the heart of Palm Beach County. More than 40 percent of the county’s total population lives within 10 miles of Boynton Beach.

• Easy access to regional and state markets. Area businesses can serve the 5.5 million South Florida metropolitan area, while Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike put the entire state within easy driving distance.

• Global accessibility, with three international airports and three major seaports less than 50 miles away.

Other business advantages include the region’s large pool of skilled workers, low tax rates and financial incentive programs. The chamber works closely with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) to assist expanding and relocating businesses.

Throughout the year, the chamber provides networking opportunities and special events such as the Taste of Boynton, golf tournaments, business expos and educational forums. A new division for Young Professionals offers mixers and networking programs for residents age 21 to 43 (see related article).

“Our chamber is dedicated to supporting Boynton Beach area businesses,” says Jergensen, “and we will continue to expand our programs in our new location.”

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline The Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921.

(According to the 1990 directory) The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is a private not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1925 to serve the area’s businesses (according to 2007 directory) The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce was incorporated on August 24, 1970 (according to 1994 directory)

1947 - Ann Barrett, a Boynton Beach realtor and owner of Coast Line Realty, helped organize the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce in 1947.

“The year 1947 - a civic-minded group organized a Chamber of Commerce. Yours truly served as voluntary secretary and membership chairman, until sufficient money was raised to employ a part time secretary. During this time, I attended short term summer courses on Chamber of Commerce executive work at Chapel Hill, N.C. University. For three consecutive terms and received diploma. The Chamber of Commerce was reorganized several times due to inexperienced leadership and lack of cooperation with some city officials.

Finally a business group promoted our present Chamber of Commerce, in gratitude; yours truly donated the 25 ft. lot where a building now stands”.

1949 – There were only four new members to the Chamber in 1949 including Fiord’s Motor Court, John Bowyer, Bowyer’s Motel, R. L. Brandewie,

Sidney Court, and Virgil Rath, Rath’s Apt. It was decided to place a table and chairs on the City Hall lawn and setup a C of C information booth for the convenience of guests traveling U.S. No. 1 1954 - In 1954 the C of C is active and could only boast one paid member. Those present decided to elect a board of directors by permitting all present to vote even though no dues were paid. The nine selected were Paul Mercer, Charles Senior, Paul Harrington, Ronald Fruda, Vince Ray, Claude

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Business & Industry

Eastern Revitalization As “The Gateway to the Gulf Stream,” Boynton Beach is strengthening its nautical heritage through public and private initiatives. In 2006, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) purchased the Two Georges Marina to preserve public access to the waterfront.

After a series of renovations to the renamed Boynton Harbor Marina, the CRA recently announced plans to expand the boating and fishing facility into a pedestrian-friendly downtown destination center for dining, shopping, business and entertainment.

Also on the waterfront, Marina Village, a luxury mixed-use project is contributing to the city’s appeal as a live-work-play destination.

The project, completed in 2006, includes two 15-story condominium towers, two mid-rise buildings, and 11 luxury townhomes overlooking a 38-slip marina.

To improve Oceanfront Park, the city has allocated $2.1 million for renovation of the boardwalk, a larger patio and more landscaping, and is also making improvements to Boat Club Park. In fact, the city planted more than 550 trees and palms last year and recently established a Green Task Force to focus on energy, water, air, land, waste and sustainable construction practices.

To enhance the unique appeal of downtown Boynton Beach, the city’s Arts Commission sponsored a yearlong “Avenue of the Arts” outdoor exhibit from City Hall along Ocean Avenue to the marina entrance. “Citizens, businesses and visitors have enjoyed the artwork, which has contributed to the city's downtown revitalization planning,” said Taylor. “Residents and businesses perceive that the city is making a commitment to the community. Visitors experience the artwork and learn about city amenities along the Ocean Avenue corridor.”

Other public-private initiatives are underway in the 1,650-acre CRA area, which stretches from Interstate I-95 to the Intracoastal Waterway, and north and south to the city limits. (See related article).

“Through property acquisition, project funding, partnerships with developers and other proactive activities, we provide homeownership opportunities, revitalize downtown and the suburbs, create jobs

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline Bowles, Mrs. Paul Johnson, Miss Kathryn Mitchell and Mrs. John Shuhi.

The New Slogan: Patronizing and buying locally.

Working together to help Boynton grow and progress.

The C of C held a Membership “Round-Up” complete with a barbecue and hillbilly band on the evening of April 12, 1954.

They adopted the campaign “when everybody boosts, everybody wins.” New members included Arden Park Apartments, Frank Sincoff, Dr. Charles Akes, Anne Marie Motel, S. Pandolfo, American Legion Bar and Pkg Store, F. Cottrill, Arcade Electric Co. Delray Beach, Allen, Ray, J Harless Realty, Barbara’s Dress Shop, Barbara Gowen, Barkley’s Grocery, Roy. S. Barkley, Barrett, Ann, Coast Line Realty, Bond, Cleaners’, Gail Schamback, Preparation of leaflets, booklets, flyers, and advertising and publicizing Boynton Beach’s many attractive features to prospective visitors and future residents.

1954 - In 1954, the C of C decided to hold a Summer Fishing Tournament, and to give added

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interest to the event and not to be out done by any other community a beauty contest was held for the Fishing Queen and her court at the opening day square dance at the Inlet Pavilion. Miss Barbara Greene, age 17, was crowned Fishing Queen.

Mrs. Ann Barrett, a realtor and owner of Coast Line Realty generously gave a highway building site to the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Paul Mercer, president of the C of C, generously thanked Mrs. Barrett and said “It is through people like you, that small towns get ahead.”

1954 – All phases of the many advantages which are offered by the Boynton community to

Business & Industry

and boost the local economy,” said Lisa Bright, executive director, CRA. Much of the new commercial and residential development activity is occurring along the Federal Highway corridor. For instance, Woolbright Development is remodeling the 14-acre Sunshine Square shopping center at U.S.1 and Woolbright Road.

The Promenade is a luxury high-rise condominium featuring 318 condo residences, 77 hotel suites, and 20,000 square feet of streetfront retail and restaurant space in two 14-story towers. Another development is 500 Ocean Plaza, a mixed-use project with 352 residential units in two towers, retail space and a public plaza.

In response to the area’s need for rental properties, Epoch Properties is developing Las Ventanas, a mixed-use project on 15 acres at the corner of Woolbright Road and Federal Highway. The development will have 494 rental units and about 41,000 square feet of retail and office space, as well as three parking garages and different amenity areas. The entire project is scheduled for completion by fourth quarter 2009.

“We chose Boynton Beach because it’s a community that’s working hard to rejuvenate the downtown area and revitalize the city east of I-95,” said Kyle D. Riva, president, Epoch Properties Inc., Winter Park. “We also see a real need for rental housing since much of the existing rental stock was converted to condominiums.”

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline prospective new residents will be set forth in a brochure type of pamphlet. This will include fishing, the Range Line farming area with its gladioli, its truck, dairy and beef cattle, and fruit farms, many more items will be set forth in the booklet to advertise the city of Boynton Beach for the year 1954-1955.

1955 - In January, 1955, the cornerstone for the new Chamber of Commerce building at 717 North Federal Highway was laid.

1955 – (June 30) Chamber in ‘Good Health.’ Nearly 100 inquiries have resulted from the Chambers advertising of Boynton in northern newspapers, bringing to 137 the total of inquiries received since April 1. This compares with seven inquiries for the same 3-month period a year ago.

In 1956, the Chamber’s Annual budget was $4,805 and had membership income of $4,393.

Spent $750 on the Summer Fishing Tournament and $500 on an Agricultural Festival. 20 feet of land was donated by Mrs. Ann Barrett and an additional five by the southeastern Natural Gas Company.

1956 - The April 19, 1956 Boynton Beach News reports over 3,000 people gathered at the Boynton Inlet Docks for a gala day of festivities which included a beauty contest, a water ski show, fishing competition and a brightly decorated boatacade.

Among the guests attending the opening

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Business & Industry

Central Business Corridor With its new retail stores, restaurants, offices and residential rentals, Congress Avenue is becoming a new “downtown” for the Greater Boynton Beach region.

One of the foundations for Congress Avenue’s retail commerce is the Boynton Beach Mall.

Anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears and JC Penney, the 1.2 million-square-feet shopping center contains more than 140 retail shops and restaurants, and across the street is a Muvico theater.

On Congress at Old Boynton Road is Boynton Town Center, whose “big box” retailers include newcomer Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. as well as Super Target, Best Buy, Linens -n- Things and Total Wine. The center has more than 240,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space and a small office space component.

Another example of the area’s attractiveness to retailers: Kohl's is opening its first South Florida department store on Congress Avenue at Gateway Boulevard on the site of a former Target store. The 109,392-square-foot building opened in 2008.

On Gateway at High Ridge Road is the new Quantum Park & Village North mixed-use development, a Publix-anchored center with office, retail and restaurant space. Nearby, Quantum Park & Village South will

contain office and retail space as well as 115 residential units.

However, the biggest development in the Central Business Corridor is Renaissance Commons at Congress Avenue and Gateway Boulevard. The mixed-used community being developed by Compson Associates includes retail shops, offices, and residential condominiums, townhouses and apartments.

“The Boynton market continues to be very attractive to retailers and other businesses,” said Jim Comparato, president, Compson Associates.

Noting that nine new restaurants will be open at Renaissance Commons by early 2009, Comparato said, “So far, each is doing a spectacular business, far exceeding their initial expectations for sales volume.”

Within Renaissance Commons is Compson Place, a three-building mixed-use development whose 100,000-square-feet of office space includes the new home of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “We offer a combination of office condominiums and rentals,” said Comparato. “Our first section of executive suites filled up in less than a month, and we’re not completing a second phase.”

Compson Associates is also developing Renaissance Self-Storage,

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline The Wurtz Buick people of Delray Beach closed up shop Saturday morning and provided 14 new cars for the motorcade which took the beauty queens for mobile parades through Boynton, Lake Worth, Lantana and Delray.

Deputy Sheriff Mott Partin arrange for liaison, with police units in the cities, and the motorcade moved along with all other traffic stopped.

July 1956 – Phenomenal Growth in Business – In the years from 1948 to 1954 total sales rose 178.3% to achieve a total of $4,263,000, while sales per store rose 141.2% for an average of $71,050 per store. day ceremonies were Congressman Paul Rogers, Rep. Emmett Roberts, County Commission Chairman Ben F. Sundy, County Commissioners Roy Michaels, Kenneth Foster, Lake Lytal and Delray Mayor W.J. Snow.

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Our Cities greatest growth has occurred since 1965.

1968 – Population 20,770 (more than 10,000 residents have moved in during the last decade) A few years back, sport fishing was Boynton’s biggest

industry. Boynton now has 30 diversified, light industries and all are busy and thriving.

1969 – 5,042 out-of-town letters were answered by the Boynton Beach Chamber during the six months ending April 30. A total of 4,322 persons personally visited the Chamber office in the same six month period. Nearly 1,400 new city maps were distributed from the office and over 4,000 maps were mailed out of the city.

Business & Industry

which has 100,000 square feet of mini-warehouse space for antiques, art, business records and other valuables.

Compson Associates is preparing to launch a new phase at Compson Place in mid 2009, with 345 rental units and 150,000 square feet or retail space. “We believe that our rentals will be a strong addition to the area,” said Comparato. “Boynton Beach is attracting younger professionals who tend to be more mobile in their lifestyles.”

PALM MEADOWS THOROUGHBRED TRAINING CENTER 8898 Lyons Road Boynton Beach, Florida 33472 Phone: (561) 731-3890; Fax: (561) 731-3905 Associated with Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, FL A Division of Magna Entertainment Corporation

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline 1970 – Population 17,975 Newest industry is Reeves Instrument Division of Dynamic Corporation. The nearly $30 million plant, when completed, will employ 1,400 people.

1971 – The C of C advertises and publicized Boynton Beach under the guidance and leadership of its board of Directors. The success of the C of C is due to the untiring efforts and devotions of the Board of Directors.

eral information, the Chamber staff acts as a clearing house for check alert and better-business type activities. The

1973 – Population 28,000 Mrs. Emily Jackson was the first lady to be elected to the City Council of Boynton Beach in 1971. She was re-elected as Vice-Mayor in 1972 and is now serving as the first “Lady Mayor” during the present year.

1973 - Inaguaral Chamber of Commerce Four Ball Invitational Golf Tournament 1974 – Population 34,000 1976 – The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is supported by over 300 business and professional people in and around the area. In addition to responding to thousands of inquiries concerning accommodations, real estate and gen-

Chamber sponsors a two-day golf tournament with the proceeds being used for scholarships. One of the newest projects of the Chamber

Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce

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Business & Industry

Western Boynton

Since its founding in 1981, the Coalition Of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) has played a key role in guiding growth in the unincorporated neighborhoods of western Boynton Beach. Today, COBWRA continues to play a leading role in the area’s planning and development process.

“Our mission is striving for the best quality of life for all West Boynton residents,” said Barbara Katz, president of COBWRA, which consists of 88 associations that represent more than 100,000 residents. “We take a great deal of interest in proposed residential and commercial developments, as well as examining the region’s roads and other infrastructure to be sure it can accommodate future growth.”

COBWRA played an instrumental role in the West Boynton Area Community Plan, which was adopted by both the City of Boynton Beach and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in 1995. It is a general blueprint for the entire COBWRA area. COBWRA also worked on the Boynton Beach Turnpike Interchange

Corridor plan to include design guidelines and standards for all commercial development in West Boynton.

Katz said one of COBWRA’s most important long-term accomplishment has been to help create an attractive overall “look” for the west Boynton area. New commercial developments are encouraged to utilize Mediterranean-style architecture and a palate of warm, pastel colors.

Roberta Levitt-Moccia, COBWRA second vice president, notes that the association has played an active role in the planning for Canyon Town Center, a mixed-use town center development on Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road. The 200,000-squarefoot center being developed by GL Commercial, an affiliate of GL Homes, will be anchored by a Publix supermarket and feature an upscale mix of national retailers and local merchants. The center includes a “town green,” ballfields and amphitheater as well as a mix of retail, office and residential buildings.

GL Homes is developing the Canyon Lake, Canyon Isles and Canyon Springs residential communities, near the new town center.

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline has been the purchase of a bicentennial Commemorative Liberty Bell. Cast by the White chapel Bell Foundry, London, England the same site as the original bell, this limited edition, one fifth scale bell, is made of burnished black bronzed bell metal and is exact in every detail with the same inscription.

1977 – The goal of the Chamber of Commerce is to make the Boynton Beach area an even better place in which to live, work and play.

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Working together toward this goal are volunteers in the areas of Community Development, Economic Development, Organizational Development ad Special Events. Realizing that when business prospers, the whole community benefits, these volunteers give countless hours to their community through the Chamber of Commerce.

1978 – BB C of C answers approx. 8,000 telephone calls per year and approx. 4,000 letters each year plus personal visitors.

The major segments of the economy of the Boynton Beach area are retail and wholesale trade, real estate, finance, tourism, agriculture, professional service and manufacturing. Finance plays an important role in the community with six commercial banks and eight savings and loan association branches.

1979 – Population over 40,000, over 450 business,

professional and community minded citizens comprise the membership of the Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Chambers 1979 Program of Action in the community centers on the new Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (C.A.R.E) 1982 - population 35,000 450 members ‘voice of business in Boynton Beach’ develop a dynamic downtown area total community information center providing printed information on things to see and do in the area, tourist brochures, city directories, community statistics, and information on area businesses.

1987 – The Chamber’s Boynton Beach 17th Annual Christmas Parade has nearly 20,000 spectators and is considered the Best Parade in Florida!

1989 - Population 47,000 Membership is comprised of over 750 progressive civic minded industries, businesses, professionals, and citizens

Business & Industry

And two new elementary schools – Hagen Road and Sunset Palms – opened for the 2008-09 school year.

“Canyon Town Center is clearly one of the most exciting projects now underway in west Boynton,” said Levitt-Moccia. “But there are many other new developments as well.”

Whitworth Shopping Center, a Publix-anchored retail center on Flavor Pict Road opened in August 2008. Wal-Mart is building a new “Super Wal-Mart” store at Hypoluxo Road and Military Trail.

Construction is also underway on the Shops of Madison at Jog and Woolbright Roads. Construction on Fountains East is expected to begin in fourth quarter 2008.

Because of the region’s strong population growth, COBRWA was a leading advocate for a building new community hospital west of the Florida Turnpike. Bethesda Health Systems is planning a new 80-bed Boynton West Hospital on a 55-acre site at U.S. 441 and Boynton Beach Boulevard. “If all goes as planned, the hospital will be completed in 2012,” said Katz. “Its design will allow for a potential future expansion to 450 beds.”

Summing up COBWRA’s role, Katz said, “Our members have strong backgrounds in professional fields like engineering, architecture and design. Since we represent the west Boynton community, we want to be sure that new developments are well-planned and meet a clear need in our area.”

COBWRA Committees To promote its mission, the Coalition Of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) relies on an active committee structure that includes: • Growth Management Committee, which is concerned with suitability of new developments, architectural styles, landscaping, traffic flows and compatibility with neighboring communities and parcels. The committee invites developers to present their plans to COBWRA prior to seeking county approvals. Frequently, developers will incorporate suggestions by COBWRA and from the public into revised plans before submission for official approval. COBWRA officers speak frequently before the county Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners on new developments and the feedback from people in the affected area.

• Quality of Life Committee, which focuses on lifestyle issues. The committee manages a flu shot program in community clubhouses, works with the Fire-Rescue Service, the Sheriff’s Office, medical and cultural organizations to improve the health care, safety and cultural opportunities for West Boynton residents. Library facilities and services, plans for new parks and response times to 911 calls are monitored.

• Code Enforcement Committee, which checks to see that developers and businesses follow conditions of approval and county codes.

• Communications Committee, which manages information flow to members, the press and the public using email, mailings, handouts, news releases, brochures, presentations and the COBWRA web site.

• Education Committee, which provides liaisons with local schools to find volunteers, advises on school boundaries and school construction issues.

• Government Relations Committee, which works with elected representatives and agencies to track plans and bring news back to COBWRA members.

• Roads Committee, which tracks county and state plans for new and improved roads and follows the progress of construction and roadway landscaping including roadside and median irrigation.

• Safety and Security Committee, which offers safety awareness programs in coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

For information on COBWRA call 561-736-9990 or go to www.gopbi.com/community/groups/COBWRA.

Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Timeline who devote their time, energy and money to improving and expanding Boynton Beach every day of the year Boynton’s First Leadership Class is honored.

1990 – 32 practicing attorneys, 65 practicing physician and surgeons, 30 banking and financial Institutions represented, Publix Supermarkets has selected Boynton Beach for a main distribution center.

Motorola Paging

Division employs over 1,700 workers at its beautiful site on Congress Avenue. The Quantum Business Park complex includes 562 acres for a master-planned, corporate community in a beautiful, natural setting near I-95 and Congress Avenue 1992 – Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival Try Boynton first.

1993 – 50,000 residents. Chamber helped get Boynton Beach High School here 1994 – Business Expo, is held in August of each year 2007 – Population 65, 208 Mission to Serve, Protect and Promote the Membership of the Chamber of Commerce and to maximize their Return on Investment. (82nd Year of Existence)

“Courtesy Boynton Beach City Library Local History & Archives” 208 S. Seacrest Blvd.

742-6390 • www.boyntonlibrary.org “Now available Sport Fishing in Palm Beach County by Janet DeVries in conjunction with the Boynton Beach City Library. Proceeds benefit Schoolhouse Children’s Museum.”

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City Of Boynton Beach

Welcome to The City of Boynton Beach History The City of Boynton Beach, "The Gateway to the Gulf Stream," is a coastal city located in a rapidly growing area of Palm Beach County.

Major Nathan S. Boynton, a native of Michigan who distinguished himself in the Civil War, founded the city, which has a current population of over 65,000.

Boynton directed the construction of the Boynton Beach Hotel from 1895 to 1897. He and his workmen, recruited from Michigan, brought their families and settled in the new town of Boynton. With other settlers, the early years of our city were spent building a town, raising vegetables to supply their needs and those of the guests at the Boynton Beach Hotel and shipping pineapples, tomatoes and other cash crops north on Henry Flagler's new Florida East Coast Railroad. Today, the city attracts a multitude of business and industry and people of all ages and interests.

Boynton Beach Today Residents and businesses in Boynton Beach are served by a City government that provides a variety of services. From necessities such as water and sewer, garbage and trash pickup, police and fire protection and code compliance, to amenities such as golf, tennis, library services, and oceanfront and special events, the City's elected officials and employees are dedicated to making Boynton Beach a great city in which to live, work, play and learn.

Our City’s Form of Government The City of Boynton Beach has a Commission-City Manager form of government. Residents elect the Mayor and City Commissioners, who in turn appoint a City Manager to manage the day-to-day operation of the City and to carry out Commission policy. The City Manager directs the operation of departments that provide City residents with services and programs. The City Manager’s telephone number is (561) 742-6010.

22 www.BoyntonBeach.org

Boynton Beach City Elections Boynton Beach City Elections are held on the second Tuesday in November. The Mayor and Commissioners serving the odd numbered districts (I and III) and the Commissioners serving the even numbered districts (II and IV) are elected in overlapping years.

The Mayor and Commissioners are elected to three-year terms.

No member of the commission may serve more than two consecutive terms. Commission candidates presently must reside in the district they wish to represent and are elected within that district.

For additional information concerning City elections and voter registration, contact the Boynton Beach City Clerk’s Office at (561) 742-6060.

Boynton Beach City Commission Meetings The Boynton Beach City Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Commission Chambers at City Hall, 100 E. Boynton Beach Boulevard, to set forth code and ordinances and to determine City policy. These are public meetings.

Special meetings and workshops are scheduled as needed and notices are posted throughout City Hall at least 24 hours in advance.

Agendas for the City Commission meetings are available in the City Hall lobby directly outside Commission Chambers. They are also available on the City’s Web site: www.boynton-beach.org. Agenda highlights are broadcast orior to the meetings on BBTV, Comcast channel 18. If additional information is needed, contact the City Manager’s Office at (561) 742-6010. Time is set aside during each regular meeting to hear comments from the public.

We are located at: 100 E. Boynton Beach Boulevard, The southeast corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach, Florida.

Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 310, Boynton Beach, FL 33425.

You can call us at: (561) 742-6000 (City Hall Switchboard) (561) 742-6090 (FAX) And on the Web at: www.boynton-beach.org • citymanager@ci.boynton-beach.fl.us

Sister Cities

Boynton Beach Sister City Program

Middle school student Analisa Alden of Christa McAuliffe School was honored by the School District of Palm Beach County for her Young Artist Showcase entry, chosen by Sister Cities International for its 50th anniversary commemorative t-shirt.

Establish in January of 2003 as a no-profit, 01(c)3 corporation, The Greater Boynton Beach Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is an affiliate of Sister Cities International. Its mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time. This is achieved through sister cities relationships, which are official agreements between the governments of the cities involved.

Between September of 2001 and July of 2005, three delegations representing Boynton’s Sister Cities Committee visited its Sister City of Qufu, China. Qufu, located in northern China, is the home of the famed philosopher, Confucius. The delegations met with officials in Beijing and Shanghai as well as in Qufu to discuss a number of Sister Cities programs and how we can work more closely together to foster a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures.

Programs and activities of Boynton Beach Sister Cities have included the Young Artists Showcase (a Sister Cities International program for middle and high school students), a night golf tournament, an electronic pen-pal program between fourth-grades in Boynton

Beach and Qufu, a partnership with the W h e e l c h a i r Foundation, selection of a second sister city relationship and various fundraisers.

Future activities will include cultural and One of the hundred recipients in Qufu, China receiving wheelchairs provided student exchanges. by the Greater Boynton Beach In the spring of Sister Cities organization.

2007, 200 wheelchairs were distributed by our Sister City members to residents of Qufu who were in need of these chairs. Funds for the chairs were raised in Boynton Beach and matched by the Wheelchair Foundation.

Membership is available to anyone interested in better understanding of other individuals and communities. For meeting dates and additional information, contact The Greater Boynton BEach Sister Cities Committee, Inc. 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435 or Jeanne Heavilin, President at (561) 901-8714.

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CRA

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency

Building the Future, Boynton Beach Style What makes a great city? Many people in Boynton Beach would tell you that the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has had an extraordinary influence on growing the city to enhance its quality of life and economic opportunities while preserving its charm and heritage.

“The CRA works passionately and productively with City and County officials, business and community leaders, and local residents to make Boynton Beach one of the best places to live and work in Palm Beach County,” explains CRA Executive Director Lisa Bright.

“Through property acquisition, project funding, and partnerships with developers, we provide homeownership opportunities, create jobs, and are revitalizing the downtown area – activities that boost the local economy.”

Kyle Riva, Epoch Properties, Inc.; Lisa Bright, CRA Executive Director; and Mayor/CRA Chair Jerry Taylor

Townhomes at The Preserve

Rendering of Boynton Harbor Marina Park by MSCW, Inc. Boynton Harbor Marina – The Boynton Harbor Marina, formerly known as the Two Georges Marina, has undergone a series of renovations since being purchased by the CRA in 2006 to preserve public access to the waterfront.

In June 2008, the CRA announced plans to expand the scope of the marina from a boating and fishing facility to a pedestrian-friendly downtown destination center for dining, shopping, business and entertainment. The CRA board approved a conceptual design by community planning and civil engineering firm MSCW, Inc. that brings the vision for a marina-anchored, mixed-use village into focus.

Expected to be designed, permitted and built in phases over a two-year period, the marina renovation project is an integral component of the Boynton Beach Downtown Master Plan’s recommendation for a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) district, a form of development that locates people and destinations near public transportation centers.

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Affordable Housing –The CRA has made it a legislative mission to turn the American Dream of owning a home into reality, amending land development regulations to fund and create workforce housing opportunities for local residents. Through a Homebuyer’s Assistance Program, affordable housing partnerships with developers, and property purchases to create attainable new housing, the CRA helps residents clear financial obstacles while promoting the concept of homeownership as a strong community foundation. The CRA’s affordable housing initiatives have earned an award from the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County for outstanding innovation and leadership.

Commercial Façade Improvement Grant – Through the CRA’s Commercial Façade Improvement Grant, eligible commercial property owners in the CRA District who need exterior improvements to a business building or its grounds can apply for up to $15,000 in financial help. The program operates on a reimbursement basis with the CRA providing a dollar for dollar match for eligible repairs and upgrades, while providing business property owners a better-maintained, more visually appealing property. It also gives the community an enhanced overall appearance and better redevelopment prospects that benefit everyone.

Cultural Events – Crowd-pleasing events and festivals have become a trademark of the CRA District and an important anchor for sustainable downtown revitalization. The

Discover Boynton Beach the City of

The Commodores in concert CRA’s special events sponsorship program combines private funding with public resources to cost-effectively produce popular annual events such as the Holiday Extravaganza and Boat Parade, Oceanfront Concert Series, and 4th of July Salute to Independence.

Boynton Beach Trolley – Launched by the CRA in 2005, the Boynton Beach Trolley has grown to become a trusted community

• Dynamic economic opportunities through strategically-located residential and commercial properties

• Developer -friendly City leadership with direct incentives for large-scale “benchmark” projects

• Convenient access to major markets in Palm Beach County Boynton Beach residents find relief from high gas prices riding free trolleys resource for moving smoothly and affordably around a growing city. Serving more than 65,000 riders in 2007, the free trolley puts Boynton Beach’s diverse destinations within easy reach, with the CRA using feedback from residents and local businesses to expand from two to three routes in 2008 and add new stops such as the City Library and the community of High Point.

As Boynton Beach begins to realize its potential as a rare South Florida community with room to grow, the CRA continues to vigorously pursue its mission to guide redevelopment activities that create a vibrant downtown core and revitalized neighborhoods. Those efforts have not only helped beautify the community, but sharpened its identity and created a true sense of unity. That’s the CRA at work: acting in the community’s best interests to stimulate quality growth that makes Boynton Beach a great place to live, work and play.

For more information, go to www.boyntonbeachcra.com or call 561-737-3256.

• Fast-growing downtown with emerging destination appeal

• Well-attended events and festivals with high-profile sponsorship opportunities

• Approved projects include townhome, condominium, retail and commercial

MARINA VILLAGE

LAS VENTANAS

561-737- 3256 www.boyntonbeachcra.com

Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce

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Art In Public Places

Public Art Preserves Boynton’s History Historical Public Art in Boynton Beach Public art has been the foundation of Boynton Beach’s history. The late Conrad Pickel, a Boynton Beach artist once said, “A city without art is a city without soul”. Mr. Pickel’s building, the Gallery Fantasia, just north of the Woman’s Club, was designed and built in 1974. It served to showcase his and other artist’s work, to the public. He designed thousands of stained glass windows throughout the country, including a 23,000 square foot window which earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. To see his artwork, visit the Mausoleum at the Boynton Memorial Cemetery, on the southwest corner of Woolbright Avenue and Seacrest Boulevard. Another Boynton artist, Bernard Thomas, created a mural that depicts the City’s history and is prominently featured in the historical Woman’s Club on Federal Highway. There is even an original painting by the only female Highwaymen artist, Mary Ann Carroll, on display above the fireplace. The Neighborhood Art District, designated in 1987, is along Industrial Avenue, north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, just west of I-95, and is home to many artists’ studios.

Art in Public Places... Enriching our Community though Public Art The Art in Public Places Program was established in October 2005 and is dedicated to creating a stimulating cultural environment that reflects and enhances the City’s heritage, diversity, and character.

The public artwork vitalizes, stimulates and focuses on cultural interaction, amenities, education, business growth and economic development.

26 www.BoyntonBeach.org

The Boynton Town Center’s public art, “Last Pasture”, Waterhole #3 and “Eight Horses” by Mark Fuller pays homage to shrinking rural environments.

The public artwork is integrated into the architecture, infrastructure, landscape and green ways of the City. The Art in Public Places Program contributes to a communal sense of civic ownership and pride, making Boynton Beach "A premier city in Florida in which to live, work and visit." As development and redevelopment is introduced to the City landscape, public art is a requirement for these projects. Many public art projects are being built.

The Boynton Town Center... Pays Homage to History The Sembler Company participated in the public art initiative by promoting a distinctive artistic endeavor that preserved the history of our community and enhanced the shopping experience at their Boynton Town Center project.

Art In Public Places

As the City of Boynton Beach grew westward, the land surrounding this site was commercially developed. For over 30 years it was common to see livestock grazing as this site continued to be used as a pasture. Trapped in a time-warp, this last pasture was fondly embraced by Boynton's residents. As the City continued to expand, it was only a matter of time before the last of the fields would vanish into the end of an era.

Public artist Mark Fuller’s design intent with the Boynton Town Center public art installations “The Last Pasture,” “Waterhole #3,” and “Eight Horses” is to pay homage to this history. By locating “The Last Pasture” and “Waterhole #3” in traffic circles, he hoped to symbolically create an island of pasture. Surrounded by the unnatural man-made environment, these installaions are visual metaphors of the shrinking rural environments. For the “Eight Horses” that are on the Linens n’ Things wall, Mark created ornately framed horse portraits to pay tribute to the site's previous residents. To see this remarkable public art, visit Boynton Town Center located on the northeast corner of Congress Avenue and Old Boynton Road across from the Boynton Beach Mall.

History in the Making The Art in Public Places Program delivers public art programs that celebrate Boynton Beach’s history now and into the future. The “Eternal Vision,” located at the Sims Center, commemorates the memory of long time City employee Carolyn Sims, her contributions to the community and to the quality of life in Boynton Beach. Public art in Jaycee Park educates and inspires visitors to understand estuary ecology and its direct connection to the Gulf Stream ecosystem and Boynton Beach's rich fishing and cultural heritage. The Park is located on the Intracoastal Waterway at 2600 South Federal Highway.

The “Avenue of the Arts” is a yearlong artwork loan program that’s designed to evoke your imagination, provoke your

Gallery Fantasia designed and built by Conrad Pickel in 1974

creativity and invoke your senses. This year’s “Avenue of the Arts” features nine new artworks. As you travel from City Hall, south on Seacrest Boulevard east along Ocean Avenue, to the Boynton Harbor Marina entrance at the Intracoastal Waterway, you will discover inspiring artwork by both emerging and world-renowned artists.

Our exhibit is FREE and open 24 hours every day of the year! The public is welcome to vote on their favorite piece. Visit www.boyntonbeacharts.org.

Following last year’s exhibit, two sculptures were purchased for permanent display in the City. One, “Rings of Promise” by Penny Collins, is in front of the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum. The other, the “Seahorse Fountain” by Frank Varga, is located outside the City Library. A new Art in Public Places Program called, “Art Connection” connects art, artwork and artist with the public. The monthly programs are held in the City Library Program Room.

For more information about the Art in Public Places Program, visit www.boyntonbeacharts.org.

Boynton Mausoleum stained glass

by Conrad Pickel

“Botanical Mandela” The “Avenue of the Arts” second yearlong outdoor public art exhibit features local and national artists. Pictured left Lisa and Phillip Trejo’s “Opposing Forces”, Debi & Leo Marucci’s, “Botanical Mandela” and Peter Otfinoski’s, “The Family.”

“Opposing Forces”

“The Family”

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Health Care

If you’re having a baby, need cardiac care or are looking for hospice or nursing home care, you can find all the medical services you need right here in Boynton Beach.

The greater Boynton Beach area is home to some of the nation’s best hospitals. Residents and visitors have access to more than 1,000 qualified physicians as well as excellent hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient facilities and specialty care centers ensuring the highest quality of care.

With full accreditation by THE JOINT COMMISSION, Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach Medical Center, and JFK Medical Center in Atlantis provide local residents with a full range of comprehensive medical services from prenatal to geriatric care.

Each of these state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, with long-standing reputations for professionalism, is committed to preserving patient dignity while providing superior care. In addition, Delray Beach Medical Center’s trauma center accepts critical care patients from across the county. Should you experience a medical emergency, require major surgery or need a rehabilitative program, home health care, stress management program or psychological treatment, rest assured that quality care is available right in your backyard. These local healthcare facilities serve thousands of patients each year and have received numerous awards.

A leading industrial sector in the state and local area, the healthcare industry employs 50,000 in Palm Beach County alone with more than 1,500 healthcare-related businesses. In fact, several local healthcare businesses employ thousands of Boynton Beach residents, including Columbia Palm Beach Healthcare Systems, Inc., and Intracoastal Healthcare Systems, Inc.

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With the county’s recent focus on attracting new healthcare and bioscience businesses to the area, local communities and educational institutions are developing comprehensive healthcare educational programs to train students for tomorrow’s professional workforce. For example, Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth is actively training students for allied healthcare positions, and Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton recently opened a satellite medical school in association with the University of Miami’s Medical School. Some local area middle and high schools within the School District of Palm Beach County now offer students the opportunity to study a healthcare-related curriculum intended to train students for careers in the healthcare and bioscience industries.

How To Choose A Hospital • Ask your doctor. He should know which hospital is best prepared to treat your problem.

• Match your health insurance policy to a hospital that will provide you with the best benefits.

• See if the hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, a national organization that routinely reviews hospitals that request the service. An accredited hospital has demonstrated nationally recognized optimum standards of quality. Visit www.jcaho.org for more information.

• Talk to relatives and friends. They can provide valuable information and give you a “user’s” perspective on the admitting and billing process.

Health Care

building a full service, 80-bed hospital in western Boynton Beach to serve the healthcare needs of this growing community.

Bethesda’s growth would not be possible without the support of our community and the ability to carry out the Hospital’s mission to provide quality health services in a caring manner. As we grow to meet the healthcare needs of our community, Bethesda invites you to call our Public Relations office for a free physician referral or information about our upcoming community events at (561) 737-7733, ext. 4499, or visit us at www.BethesdaWeb.com.

Bethesda Memorial Hospital 2815 South Seacrest Boulevard Boynton Beach, FL 33435 (561) 737-7733 www.BethesdaWeb.com Celebrating 50 years of caring for our community, Bethesda Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited, 401-bed not-for-profit, community hospital.

With Centers of Excellence in Cancer, Maternity, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Bethesda proudly opened the Bethesda Heart Institute in February 2008. Located on the campus of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Bethesda Heart Institute is an all-new 39-bed hospital within a hospital, with 16 cardiac intensive care beds, 23 cardiovascular telemetry patient rooms, two new operating suites and a dedicated, separate entrance to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services.

This state-of-the-art design allows patients to be treated with a dedicated team of renowned cardiovascular surgeons and accomplished cardiologists who care for their patients who need Emergency Services, Diagnostics, Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery or Rehabilitation – all under one roof.

In partnership with the Bethesda Hospital Foundation, Bethesda’s new Driskill Endovascular Center opened in September 2008, allowing surgeons to care for patients with vascular problems, using minimally invasive procedures. Thanks to these new minimally invasive techniques, patients will be able to receive a superior level of care, with less discomfort and shorter recovery times.

With a commitment to serving our community, Bethesda was the first hospital in Palm Beach County to become a Certified Primary Stroke Center. This prestigious designation means that patients who have experienced a stroke can receive the most advanced level of stroke treatment available. As patients recover, the Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine, a 28-bed inpatient facility at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, helps patients regain their independence following a stroke, injury or serious illness Recognizing the needs of young families, parents can have peace of mind that Bethesda’s Children’s Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day. With Board Certified Emergency physicians, we understand the special needs of children when they are sick or injured.

Serving the needs of our western community, Bethesda Health City continues to provide a wide range of quality health services in one location at the corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Hagen Ranch Road. Plans are also underway, as Bethesda looks forward to

Delray Medical Center Delray Medical Center 5352 Linton Blvd.

Delray Beach, FL 33484 561-498-4440 www.delraymedicalctr.com IIn 2007 and 2008, Delray Medical Center was recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals and received the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™. These ratings have placed Delray Medical Center in the top five percent of hospitals in the nation for overall clinical performance, according to HealthGrades, a leading health care ratings expert. Further, for the fifth year in succession, HealthGrades honored Delray Medical Center with the Cardiac Care Excellence Award™, placing the hospital in the top 5% nationwide for cardiac surgery, overall cardiac services and interventional cardiac procedures. Delray Medical Center also achieved Primary Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission and is a Certified Chest Pain Center.

The hospital, a state designated Level II Trauma Center for adults and children, offers a full range of programs including comprehensive orthopedic, urologic, neuroscience, plastic surgery, rehabilitation and psychiatric services; in addition to outpatient care including surgery, diagnostics, sleep disorders and wound care treatment.

Committed to community outreach, Delray Medical Center has an extensive community education program. These services include lectures on prevention and wellness and multiple free health screenings and support groups for the residents of Palm Beach County.

For more information, visit www.delraymedicalctr.com or for a physician referral contact toll free 1-866-358-4DOC.

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Health Care

JFK Medical Center JFK Medical Center 5301 S. Congress Avenue Atlantis, FL 33462 561-965-7300 www.jfkmc.com Located in the heart of Palm Beach County, JFK Medical Center is a 424 bed-acute care medical/surgical hospital, outpatient center and medical office complex with over 500 physicians and 2000 employees. The facility is a respected leader in cardiovascular, oncology, joint and spine services, bariatrics, neurosciences, robotics and women’s services.

JFK Medical Center was the first hospital in Palm Beach County to be accredited by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center as well as being accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers as a Chest Pain Emergency Center and a Cardiac Alert Receiving Facility.

In 2008 JFK Medical Center became an ACGME approved residency program.

Sponsored by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine at FAU, JFK Medical Center – in partnership with the West Palm Beach VA is one of the training facilities for internal medicine residents.

JFK Medical Center is committed to the community it serves with an extensive community outreach program and a FREE physician referral program for all residents.

For more information on any of our events or

by Board Certified Physicians for a physician referral please call • DOT Physicals • School Physicals • Pre-employment Physicals 800.616.1927.

No Appointment Necessary MON-WED-FRI: 9am-5pm TUES & THURS: 9am-7pm SAT: 10am-3pm • CLOSED SUNDAYS

2415 Quantum Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33426

30 www.BoyntonBeach.org

Education

Parents have a wide variety of excellent public, parochial and private schools from which to choose in Boynton Beach for the education of their children. The city also is located near many postsecondary schools, training facilities and universities. In addition, adults can participate in a variety of educational programs to get their high school diplomas, improve their work skills or simply learn more about a subject for their own edification.

Quality Public Schools More than 176,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade benefit from the School District of Palm Beach County’s commitment to education excellence. The fourth largest in Florida and 11th largest in the nation, Palm Beach County’s school district includes the following public elementary, middle and high schools in Boynton Beach: Boynton Beach Community High, Christa McAuliffe Middle, Citrus Cove Elementary, Congress Middle, Crosspointe Elementary, Crystal Lakes Elementary, Forest Park Elementary, Freedom Shores Elementary, Galaxy Elementary, Hagen Road Elementary, Odyssey Middle, Poinciana Elementary and Rolling Green Elementary.

Park Vista Community High School, located at 7900 Jog Road, opened in 2004 to serve the needs of students in the Greater Boynton Beach Area as well. Park Vista’s Career Academies (Automotive Technology, Film, TV and Media Production, Health Occupations and Information Technology) offer academic programs integrated with a career-related curriculum for students to gain actual career experience while in high school. The school received an “A” grade for the 2005/2006 school year.

A leader in quality and diversity of educational programs available to students, the school district allows students to choose from a

32 www.BoyntonBeach.org

variety of career-oriented programs from elementary school on through high school. In addition to taking traditional courses, students in Boynton Beach have the option of choosing more indepth or specialized study programs through themed Magnet, Choice and Charter school programs and Career Academies located throughout the county. Currently, more than 30,000 students are enrolled and participate in these programs annually, with focused instruction in medicine/healthcare, fine arts, science and technology, mathematics and other areas. Students in the innovative Choice programs in the district have further opportunities with internships and possible careers in their chosen fields. Choice programs respond to various student interests and help foster achievement while cultivating student interests and talents. Parents are encouraged to assist their children in picking out Choice programs that best suit their children’s interests, abilities and talents.

Charter schools are public schools that operate under a performance contract, releasing them from most rules and regulations created for traditional schools. For example, the Charter School of Boynton Beach specializes in an innovative curriculum of foreign languages, cultural studies and technology for kindergarten through fifth-grade pupils. According to the Florida Department of Education, this charter school is the only Palm Beach County Title One Charter School to make “adequate yearly progress” under President Bush’s “No Child Left Behind Act.” Like other public schools, Charter schools must participate in the state assessment system (the FCAT standardized achievement tests) and are held accountable for their students’ academic results.

Currently, the school district has more than 34,000 students registered in the Department of Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

Education

programs, including all gifted students and children with learning differences. Many ESE students are mainstreamed into regular classes. Eligible students can take advantage of services from birth through age 22, and ESE classes are available at all public school sites in the district. Boynton Beach offers several alternative public schools as well, including the Delray Boynton Academy, South Area Elementary Transition at Galaxy, the Gulfstream Goodwill LIFE Academy, Survivors Charter School of Boynton Beach, and the DayStar Academy of Excellence. South Tech High School provides students with a full slate of vocational and career-development programs.

Public School Registration To enroll in Florida schools, a child must be five years old by September 1 to enter kindergarten of the current school year. For those students who transfer into the district from schools outside of the state of Florida, the district honors the entry age of those states.

For students enrolling in Florida schools for the first time, requirements include: • A birth certificate • A copy of the child’s last report card • Up-to-date immunization records • Proof of physical examination within the last year • Proof of residency Palm Beach County School District 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33406 School District Office ............(561) 434-8000 Board Minutes Office ............(561) 434-8139 Public Affairs ..........................(561) 434-8228 Magnet Programs ..................(561) 434-8755 Homework Hotline ..................(561) 640-5042 School Boundaries ................(561) 434-8100 Private Schools Boynton Beach offers parents numerous parochial and private school choices for the education of their children, including: non-religious Castle Oak Academy (K-12), MorningStar Christian School (K12), Saint Joseph’s Episcopal School (Pre-K-8), Seacrest Christian School (Pre-K-8) and a plethora of other outstanding private schools throughout Palm Beach County.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the Choice Programs application, visit the School District website at www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us and follow the program links. You may also contact Mary Vreeland, Director of Choice Programs and School Choice at (561) 434-7371.

Charter Schools Charter schools are public schools that operate under a performance contract or “charter,” which frees them from most rules and regulations created for traditional public schools. An individual, a group

of parents or teachers, a business, a municipality or a legal entity creates a charter school. Charter schools are governed by a board of directors established by the founding members of the charter school. Charter schools must participate in the state assessment system and are held strictly accountable for academic and financial results.

Several charter schools are located within greater Boynton Beach. Many kindergarten through fifth grade students attend the Charter School of Boynton Beach, which specializes in an innovative curriculum for foreign languages, cultural studies and technology.

The Florida Department of Education recently announced that the Charter School of Boynton Beach is the only Palm Beach County Title 1 charter school to make “adequate yearly progress” under the NoChild-Left-Behind Act. For more information on charter schools in the Boynton Beach area, contact the Palm Beach County School District.

Adult Education Programs Community education programs for adults are available at 25 schools throughout the school district with approximately 300,000 participants each year. Last year, more than 3,000 Palm Beach County residents earned their GEDs as a result of these programs.

Additionally, vocational programs available at certain schools throughout the district help meet the needs of area businesses and provide workforce training. Classes are typically available at night and provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults of all ages and inclinations. For example, you can learn a new language, take an art class, participate in modern dance or get a certificate in various vocational programs at the adult education programs offered in Boynton Beach at the following schools: • Boynton Beach Community H. S. 4975 Park Ridge Blvd., (561) 752-1213 • The Virtual Community School 505 S. Congress Ave., (561) 434-8000 • South Technical Charter High School 1300 S.W. 30th Avenue, (561) 369-7000 Institutions of Higher Learning Located just outside Boynton Beach are several universities and training institutions providing a wide range of academic programs (associate, bachelors’, masters’ and doctoral degree programs) and high-quality workforce training, including Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth, and Northwood University and Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach. The New England Technical Institute/Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach also offers various associate degree programs, as well as continuing education certificate courses for rising professionals. New England Tech and Palm Beach Community College also work closely with Workforce Alliance, Palm Beach County and local employers to develop workforce training programs to meet current employment needs in the area.

Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce

33

Sports & Recreation

Wth an average year-round temperature of 78 degrees, Boynton Beach provides the perfect environment to enjoy golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing, biking, water sports and just about every outdoor sporting activity all year long. From taking long walks on the beach, picnicking and snorkeling to playing a pickup game of basketball or team sports at one of the many parks in town, Boynton Beach offers a wide variety of sports and recreational facilities to serve all residents and visitors of all ages. Just grab the sunscreen and bottled water and you’re all set!

The “Gateway to the Gulf Stream” also offers indoor recreational activities including bowling, billiards, fitness centers to keep in tip-top shape and a Senior Center, offering a range of activities for residents who are young at heart. If you prefer being a spectator instead of a participant, Boynton Beach is a pro sports lover’s dream, conveniently located near numerous world-class stadiums and arenas for professional baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, polo and dog racing.

Palm Beach County also provides numerous parks and recreational facilities for Boynton Beach residents to enjoy, including beaches, boat ramps, parks and picnic grounds. The City of Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department works closely with the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department to run youth sports such as Little League baseball, soccer, martial arts, football/cheerleading as well as adult team sports such as softball and soccer. This group runs youth and adult sports programs and hosts recreational events and educational programs, clinics and seminars and sponsors various sporting events throughout the county. You can find a schedule of events and list of sports available by

community on the PBC Sports Commission web site at www.palmbeachsports.com.

For more information about the following recreational centers and activities available in Boynton Beach, please contact the facilities directly.

Parks For Kids Of All Ages Boynton Beach boasts more than 200 acres of beautiful, expertly maintained parks and playgrounds as well as 900 feet of accessible beachfront. You’ll find several gorgeous, white-sand public beaches along S.R. A1A, offering safe swimming with certified lifeguards on duty all year round, picnic and barbecue areas, children’s playgrounds, outdoor showers and restrooms, concession stands and more.

Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park was recently voted the best beach in the county by readers of The Palm Beach Post. Beaches are open from sunrise to sunset and are monitored by the Boynton Beach Patrol and Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue. You can find out current water and weather conditions at the beach along with any water hazards by calling 561-742-6775 for Boynton Beach conditions or 561-276-3990 for southern Palm Beach County information.

Boynton Beach also provides two parks fronting the Intracoastal Waterway with a boat launch and boat slips, fishing, boating, family picnic shelters, volleyball courts and pavilions overlooking the Intracoastal. With these two parks, Boynton Beach truly is your Gateway to the Gulf Stream.

Children in Boynton Beach can enjoy hours of fun at Kid’s Kingdom, one of the largest playgrounds in the area. Located on

Surfer photo courtesy of Charlie Crawford. Golf course photo courtesy of Quail Ridge Country Club. Diving photo courtesy of Peter Schulz

34 www.BoyntonBeach.org

Sports & Recreation

Ocean Avenue, just outside the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum on Boynton Beach’s Town Square campus, Kid’s Kingdom was built by a group of volunteers and it continues to be a source of great community pride.

If you’re interested in playing basketball, baseball, soccer or just flipping the Frisbee around with some friends, you’ll find numerous fields and courts around town. Looking for a great place to see some of Florida’s natural flora and fauna? Check out the various “scrub” parks in town and take a nature hike soon. Keep your eyes peeled for the albino raccoon at the Seacrest Scrub – it really does exist!

Finally, if you’d enjoy taking an art or exercise class, want to play cards or a little shuffleboard, or perhaps listen to a choral group or music one afternoon, you can find a wide variety of offerings through the various community centers in Boynton Beach. Seniors, in particular, can enjoy numerous activities including dancing, interesting lectures and health programs, group outings, classes and even transportation around town with the Shopper Hopper transportation service.

Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park A1A in Ocean Ridge • 742-6225 Voted the #1 beach in Palm Beach County

by The Palm Beach Post, Oceanfront Park offers amenities including picnic areas, boardwalk, showers, concession stand, restrooms, and of course, the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The park is open untill 11:00 p.m, seven days a week.

Boat Club Park 2010 N. Federal Highway • 742-6225 This park provides the only salt-water boat access in Boynton Beach with four boat ramps, six holding docks and 137 boat/trailer parking spaces. The park also has a 300-foot fishing pier, picnic areas, pavilions, restrooms and a small play area.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset with the exception of people who are boating or fishing. The City also has a number of smaller parks. For more information, please call 742-6225.

Congress Avenue Community Park and Tennis Center 3111 S. Congress Ave. • 742-6575 The Tennis Center provides 17 soft and four hard tennis courts. Amenities include the pro shop, clubhouse with showers, lockers,

lessons and group events. Open from sunrise to 9 p.m. daily.

Ezell Hester Jr. Community Park 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd. • 742-6551 One of the largest parks in the system at 23 acres, Ezell Hester Jr. Community Park offers fields for football and baseball. The community center on site offers a wide variety of programs from after-school activities to Jazzercise classes, cultural events and athletic programs. In addition, there is a natural scrub area for hiking and a very large playground. The park is open from sunrise to sunset (the community center is open until 10 p.m. daily).

Intracoastal Park 2240 N. Federal Highway • 742-6225 The newest park in the Boynton Beach system, the Intracoastal Park, built in 2003, provides four picnic pavilions, two restrooms and a large, accessible playground.

Located on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, this park also offers a recreation/ rental clubhouse offering spectacular views.

Jaycee Park 2600 S. Federal Highway This 5 acre park has just been completed and includes a large, fenced playgroung area with a play set for children 2 to 5 years of age and a playset for children of 5 to 12 years of age, 2 bocce ball courts, 3 picnic shelters, two of which are on the Intracoastal Waterway, a walking trail, picnic areas and beautiful natural landscaping.

Knollwood Park 8121 Lawrence Road • 742-6225 The 3-acre, passive park was paid for by the city and developer D.R. Horton. The company built the park without cost to the city, in exchange for fill taken from digging the lake.

The park features a walking trail, gazebo, and wetland plantings. Pets are not permitted. The park is open from sunrise to sunset 365 days, and admission is free.

Meadows Park 4305 Meadows Blvd. • 742-6225 Located in the northwest part of the city, this seven-acre park offers a basketball court, volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic shelters, picnic areas, an exercise trail, bocce ball court, restrooms and two new play areas.

Seacrest Scrub 3400 S. Seacrest Blvd. • 742-6225 This 54-acre site is an example of a natural scrub area containing plants and animals indigenous to a scrub site, such as the

Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, scrub mouse, sand pine, large flowered rosemary and scrub palmetto. The Seacrest Scrub is open to the public for environmental education, scientific research and passive recreation activities such as photography, bird watching and nature walks.

Community Centers Art Center 125 S. E. 2nd Ave. • 742-6221 The Art Center facility offers a multitude of art classes for every age group including arts and crafts, fine arts, pottery, painting, afterschool activities, summer camp and pre-school classes.

Civic Center 128 E. Ocean Ave. • 742-6240 Programs at the Boynton Beach Civic Center include youth and adult dance classes, a teen club, summer camp, pre-school programs, Jazzercise, language classes, piano and keyboard classes, bridge, choral groups, music concerts and the Outlook Club for the visually impaired.

Senior Center 1021 S. Federal Highway • 734-0638 The newly renovated, 10,000-sq.-ft. facility offers a multitude of programs for seniors including computer classes, card games, dances, live music, health screenings, music lessons, driving classes, group outings, art classes, safety courses and special events.

Local groups provide a variety of services including AARP, R.S.V.P, Delray Medical Center services, the Aker Kasten Community Outreach program, Shopper Hopper transportation services, programs from the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County and a daily lunch provided through Mae Volen Senior Center.

Local anglers know that Boynton Beach has an undisputed advantage over other cities along the coast in Florida. Within just a few minutes of departing from the Boynton Beach inlet, you can be right in the thick of the Gulf Stream. As the closest community to the river within the Atlantic Ocean, Boynton Beach provides fishing enthusiasts with 800ft.-deep crystal blue water abundant with sailfish, yellowfin tuna, king mackerel, red snapper, mahi mahi, pompano and other fish primed for the fight.

Boynton Beach owns and operates Boat Ramp Park, a public launching facility just a few minutes from the Boynton Beach inlet.

For more details, call 742-6225. If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one or try deep sea or drift fishing on board one of the charter-fishing boats at the Sea Mist Marina

Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce

35

Sports & Recreation

located on Casa Loma Blvd. along the Intracoastal Waterway off Ocean Avenue.

Check the list of charter companies below for more information.

You’ll find plenty of sport fishing opportunities including surf fishing along the beachfront. In addition, you will find excellent fresh water, fly and bass fishing at Boynton Beach’s inland lakes and waterways.

A Diver’s Paradise Just offshore Boynton Beach, you’ll find some of the most exciting, healthy underwater dive sites in the Sunshine State. The reef just off the Boynton Beach inlet is full of colorful marine life in every shape and size and offers scuba divers and snorkelers the chance of a lifetime to be up close and personal with some of Florida’s unique watery residents, including sea turtles, sharks, barracudas and schools of tropical fish.

If you decide to dive off Boynton Beach, check out the following sites: • The Gazebo (60’) – You’ll find plenty of ledges and will most likely see some sea turtles.

• The Budweiser (75’) – This 120-ft. German freighter was sunk in 1984 to create an artificial reef. Today, the wreck is covered in gorgonians, soft corals and schools of fish (no beer cans, hopefully!).

• The Captain Tony (75’) – Originally called the Becks Wreck, The Captain Tony now honors a well-known local skipper who passed away not long after the boat was sunk in 1992.

• The Jump (60’) – This site, a beautiful sand chute in between an island and reef, is a favorite with eagle rays.

• The Lofthus (222’) – Palm Beach County’s first official underwater archaeological preserve, The Lofthus was originally built in 1868 as a cargo ship. It wrecked off the coast of Boynton Beach in 1898. Florida created the preserve system to promote dive tourism and increase awareness of the state’s maritime history.

Diving Charters Pirate Divers 640 W. Ocean Ave., #3 (561) 369-3302

Splashdown Divers, Inc. 700 Casa Loma Blvd.

(561) 736-0712 Fishing Charters/Club Boynton Beach Fishing Club, Inc. P.O. Box 3315 Lantana, FL 33465 (561) 707-5660 Sea Mist Enterprises 700 Casa Loma Blvd.

732-9974 As home to the Professional Golfers Association and more than 145 golf courses, Palm Beach County is frequently called the “golf capital of the world.” Boynton Beach is located right in the middle of this golfer’s mecca with numerous challenging private and public courses.

Because of Boynton Beach’s location in South Florida, golf is a year-round sport here.

Even non-golfers marvel at the lush, beautiful course designs and landscaping by such well-known course designers as Tom Fazio

The First Tee

You’re Invited to Play A “Not-so-long” Par5, really gets the pulse going with an ever-narrowing fairway. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes the start of a good round.

Enjoy the amenities at Cypress Creek: • Facilities open to the public! - singles welcome • Fast and true greens - the best around • Steady Pace of Play • Tee positions for all levels of play - 6,811 yds max • Member/Guest events as well as Men’s and Women’s Golf Association weekly outings • Annual Memberships available

Cypress Creek Country Club Call (561) 732-4202 for Tee Times, Reservations, or Information

36 www.BoyntonBeach.org

Enjoy a relaxing game of Golf and Good Company at Cypress Creek. Our friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

Corporate/Business lunches welcome — can include golf!

Banquet facilities available for all your party needs.

Starting times begin early at 7:20 am. Restaurant & lounge open from 7:00am until dusk 7 days/week. Breakfast lunch and afternoon selections available.

Located on the east side of Military Trail — midway between Gateway and Boynton Beach Boulevard.

Sports & Recreation

and the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus. Golf in Boynton Beach runs the gamut from executive to competitive 18 holes, appealing to everyone from novices to professionals. Many of the clubs in town offer annual and seasonal memberships and you’ll find reduced rates on cart and greens fees at most golf clubs in the offseason (between May and October). Peak season typically runs from December through April. The weather will be absolutely perfect for golf (and not coincidentally, rates are up).

During “season,” you’ll find a number of professional men’s and women’s golf tour events and charitable events in our area. If you are a frequent golfer, you might enjoy joining a local golf league. If you’d like to improve your skills (and who wouldn’t?), take some lessons from one of the many pros in town. Lessons are available for children and adults through these golf pros at all of the various clubs at reasonable rates. You can also check out the continuing education classes at the local public schools for affordable golf lessons.

Spectatior Sports Baseball Roger Dean Stadium 4751 Main Street, Jupiter . . . . . . . .775-1818 Florida Marlins . . . . . . . . . .(877) MARLINS Pro Player Stadium, Miami

FAU Fighting Owls . . . . . .(866) FAU-OWLS Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton

Basketball Miami Heat, NBA . . . . . . . . .(786) 777-1000 American Airlines Arena, Miami

Hockey Florida Panthers, . . . . . . . .(954) 835-7255 BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise

Palm Beach Kennel Club Entertainment Complex West Palm Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . .683-2222

Football Miami Dolphins, . . . . . . . . . .(888) FINSTIX Pro Player Stadium, Miami

THE ONLY GOLF COURSE IN PALM BEACH COUNTY TO EARN 4 1/2 STARS IN GOLF DIGEST’S “BEST PLACES TO PLAY 2006”

The Links

was also noted for offering

“Great Value, Great Service and Great Pace of Play”

8020 Jog Road • Boynton Beach

561-742-6500

Golf Courses Cypress Creek Country Club – 18 holes (par 72). Amenities include a pro shop, restaurant and bar, putting/chipping green, driving range, sand trap practice area. 9400 S. Military Trail, 732-4202 Indian Spring Country Club 11501 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33437 Telephone: (561) 737-5544 Facimile: (561) 735-3476 The Links at Boynton Beach – 18 holes (par 72). Amenities include a pro shop, restaurant, driving range, putting/chipping range, golf instruction.

8020 Jog Road, 742-6507 Quail Ridge Country Club 3715 Golf Road Memberships: (561) 737-5100 Real Estate: (561) 734-4990 Westchester Country Club – 45 holes (par 72). Amenities include a pro shop, restaurant, banquest facilities, driving range, golf instruction.

12250 Westchester Club Dr., 369-1000

Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce

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Sports & Recreation

City of Boynton Beach Parks 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida 33425 Phone: (561) 742-6225

PARKS

ADDRESS

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EDWARD F. HARMENING ARBOR MEMORIAL PARK

124 E. WOOLBRIGHT RD.

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BARTON MEMORIAL PARK

1110 N.W. 5 ST.

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BICENTENNIAL PARK

300 BLK. N. FEDERAL HWY. & N.E. 3 AVE.

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BOAT CLUB PARK

2010 N. FEDERAL HWY. (ON INTRACOASTAL)

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BOYNTON BEACH MEMORIAL PARK

1611 S. SEACREST BLVD.

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BOYNTON LAKES PARK

300 BOYNTON LAKES BLVD.

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CONGRESS AVENUE COMMUNITY PARK

3111 S. CONGRESS AVE.

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EZELL HESTER, JR. COMMUNITY PARK

1901 N. SEACREST BLVD.

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FOREST HILL PARK

2500 S.W. 8 ST.

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GALAXY PARK

301 GALAXY WAY

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HERITAGE PARK

1000 BLK. N. SEACREST BLVD. & N.W. 10 AVE.

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HIBISCUS PARK

N.W. 7 ST. & OCEAN DR.

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INTRACOASTAL PARK

2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY (ON INTRACOASTAL)

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JAYCEE PARK

2600 S. FEDERAL HWY. (ON INTRACOASTAL)

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KIDS KINGDOM PLAYGROUND

129 E. OCEAN AVE.

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KIWANIS SIERRA PARK

554 N.E. 22 AVE.

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LAUREL HILLS PARK

N.W. 7 ST. BETWEEN N.W. 4 & 5 AVE.

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LITTLE LEAGUE PARK

300 W. WOOLBRIGHT RD

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MANGROVE PARK

700 N.E. 4TH AVE. (DEAD END - ON INTRACOASTAL)

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MEADOWS PARK

4305 MEADOWS BLVD.

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OCEANFRONT PARK

6415 N. OCEAN BLVD. (OCEAN RIDGE - ON OCEAN)

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PALMETTO GREENS LINEAR PARK

421 N.E. 13 AVE. (ON C-16 CANAL)

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PENCE PARK

600 S.E. 4 ST.

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PIONEER CANAL PARK

848 N.W. 13 AVE. (ON C-16 CANAL)

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ROLLING GREEN SCHOOL PARK

551 N.E. 26 AVE.

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ROSEMARY SCRUB

2901 N. SEACREST BLVD.

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SARA SIMS PARK

209 N.W. 9 AVE.

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SEACREST SCRUB

3400 S. SEACREST BLVD.

29

VETERANS PARK

100 N.E. 4 ST.

30

WILSON PARK

311 N.W. 12 AVE.

* restroom located within Community Center

38 www.BoyntonBeach.org

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Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce

PASSIVE PARK

NATURE PATH

FITNESS TRAIL

COMMUNITY CENTER

WATER

CEMETERY

INTRACOASTAL

FISHING

CANAL

ATHLETIC FIELDS

BOAT DOCK/RAMP

BOARDWALK

BEACH

VOLLEYBALL

TENNIS COURT

SWIMMING POOL

RACQUETBALL

PLAYGROUND

OPEN PLAY AREA

HORSESHOE COURT

GYMNASIUM

AMENITIES

FOOTBALL

CRICKET PITCH

BOCCE COURT

BASKETBALL

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

RESTROOM

RENTAL SHELTER

PICNIC TABLES

PAVILION

DRINKING FOUNTAIN

BENCHES

BARBECUE GRILLS

Sports & Recreation

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39

Transportation

As the “Gateway to the Gulf Stream,” Boynton Beach’s geographic positioning in southern Palm Beach County is just a few miles due west of the Atlantic Ocean’s strong internal north-south river – the Gulf Stream. A transportation route for many freighters, cruise lines and commercial fishing, the Gulf Stream is also the perfect spot for local anglers. Teeming with fish, including sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, pompano and more, the Gulf Stream is just a half hour away by boat from Boynton Beach’s local marinas.

In addition to local boats, other transportation options abound for Boynton Beach residents and visitors. Located just minutes from bustling West Palm Beach to the north and Delray Beach and Boca Raton to the south, Boynton Beach provides easy access to activities and local attractions, a variety of shops and restaurants, numerous hot spots, bars and clubs, as well as abundant water sports. Getting there is easy.

Traveling By Air Located about 10 miles north of Boynton Beach, the ultra-modern, highly secure Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) provides 25 aircraft gates in a 560,000-square-foot terminal. PBIA offers more than 280 flights daily on 35 major U.S. and international airlines. The airport also offers charter service, private aircraft maintenance, air cargo and international air service.

A superb concession mall including a little putting green, exclusive shops and restaurants, as well as three passenger concourses run the entire length of the terminal building. You’ll also find ample parking, with 1,100 short-term and 2,300 long-term parking spaces.

The new Customs and Immigration facility at PBIA can process 300 passengers per hour and handle aircraft up to the size of a B747400. The airport is located just off Interstate Highway 95 (I-95), providing a quick exit for the traveling public.

40 www.BoyntonBeach.org

Two other major airports are located within an hour of Boynton Beach – the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is located approximately 30 miles south, and the Miami International Airport is about 50 miles southwest. Near the northern border of Boynton Beach lies the Palm Beach County Airport at Lantana, providing runways for private and corporate aircraft as well as general aviation services.

For Landlubbers Boynton Beach provides easy access to all major South Florida highways. Motorists have a choice of four exits off I-95 and can take the “East Coast’s Main Street” south to Miami or north all the way to Maine. Florida’s Turnpike is accessible from western Boynton Beach Boulevard and runs from Homestead, Florida (just north of the Florida Keys) to north of Orlando in Central Florida. Two other northsouth highways, U.S. 1 and S.R. A1A, give drivers the option of going through downtown Boynton Beach or taking the scenic route along the beach.

By Sea The busy Port of Palm Beach is north of Boynton Beach in Riviera Beach. Among deep-water ports, the Port of Palm Beach is ranked fourth in container activity in Florida and 18th busiest in the United States. Featuring two slips, four wharves and six Ro/Ro ramps, the docking facilities at the Port of Palm Beach also include 25 berths along 5,300 feet of bulkheading. In addition, the port provides 300,000 square feet of warehouse space for bulk and breakbulk cargo as well as 43 acres of open storage space.

Boynton Beach residents and visitors might also enjoy taking an exciting five-hour lunch or dinner casino cruise out of the port on the Palm Beach Princess. Boynton Beach is also less than an hour

Transportation

away from two other international seaports: Port Everglades (near Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport) and the Port of Miami. Both provide access to world-class cruises and are busy container and shipping ports, as well.

Palm Tran – (561) 841-4287 • 877-930-4287 Palm Tran is the name of the county’s public transportation service. Service consists of both fixed-route public bus transportation and specialized door-to-door service for eligible disabled persons.

The fixed-route bus fleet consists of 128 buses which provide service seven days a week on 32 routes. Fixed route buses serve nearly all destinations in the county from Palm Beach Gardens to Boca and the Glades. Buses generally operate weekdays on a 30-minute frequency during peak rush hours and a 60-minute frequency during the middle of the day. Service on Saturday and Sunday is generally operated on a 60-minute frequency. Call for more information on “QUIK Pass,” trip planning, system maps, schedules and additional information.

Palm Tran Connection is a shared- ride, door-to-door transportation service that provides means of transport for residents and visitors in Palm Beach County under various state and county programs. Connection service runs seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a complete list of programs, eligibility requirements or additional CONNECTION information, please call (561) 649-9838 or toll-free at 1-877-870-9849.

Additional services are provided by the Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department’s Transportation Division.

The City of Boynton Beach Shopper Hopper Service is offered for grocery shopping and trips to area stores. The service also provides transportation to the Senior Center.

For information or questions pertaining to the Recreation and Parks Department Transportation Division’s programs and services, call (561) 742-6590.

Tri-Rail - (800) TRI-RAIL The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) operates Tri-Rail commuter rail service between West Palm Beach and Miami seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tri-Rail provides service to the region’s corporate and business centers, universities, festivals, malls, special events, attractions and all three of South Florida’s international airports.

Free connecting bus service is available from all train stations.

Tri-Rail also connects with Miami’s Metrorail. For more information, please visit Tri-Rail’s website at www.tri-rail.com.

Amtrak - (561) 832-6169 • (800) USA-RAIL Arriving and departing from the historic railroad station in West Palm Beach are six trains each day. The Silver Meteor and Silver Star are equipped with coaches and lounge, sleeping and dining cars.

The Palmetto is equipped with an enhanced Business Class and coach seats with a lounge car. The trains operate daily between Miami and New York, serving Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia and the Northeast, as well as connecting to Amtrak’s 46-state, 22,000-mile national system.

Also available to state residents is Amtrak’s Florida Rail Pass. This pass offers residents a year’s worth of unlimited travel for one low price.

Florida residents may use the Florida Rail Pass to travel to 33 destinations within the state on board Amtrak trains. Passes are good for one year from the date of purchase for unlimited coach travel throughout Florida and can be purchased from a ticket agent at any Amtrak station within the state. A valid photo ID proving Florida residency is required at time of purchase. Visit www.amtrak.com for more information.

Greyhound Lines, Inc. • (561) 833-8536 The Greyhound terminal in West Palm Beach is located in the Seaboard Train Station at 205 South Tamarind Avenue. The station provides convenient access for passengers and easy connections to other modes of travel, including Amtrak, Tri-Rail and Palm Tran, the local public transit.

Greyhound offers approximately 27 schedules daily to destinations such as Orlando, New York, Atlanta and other cities nationwide.

Greyhound Lines, Inc., is the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,600 destinations with 19,000 daily departures across the continent. The company also provides package and courier express service, charter and tour services, and food service at certain terminals.

In the United States, for fare and schedule information call (800) 231-2222 or visit their website at www.greyhound.com In Canada, for fare and schedule information, call (800) 661-8747 or visit their website at www.greyhound.ca.

Shopper Hopper • (561) 742-6590 The City of Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department Transportation Services provides the Shopper Hopper.

For information regarding routes and schedules, contact Transportation Services at 742-6590 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday - Friday.

Transportation Services operates six (6) days a week, Monday through Saturday. There is no service on Sunday and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Base fare is $1.00 each direction. For seniors 60 and over the fare is one-half of the base fare. NO TIPPING IS ALLOWED AND THE DRIVER CANNOT LEAVE THE BUS UNATTENDED. Lost & Found – Should you lose anything while on board a City bus, please call Transportation Services between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm at 742-6590, Monday - Friday. Call at once or report it in person to the City of Boynton Beach, Public Works Department, 222 NE 9th Avenue.

Drive Distances Boynton Beach to: West Palm Beach.......................................13 Fort Lauderdale..........................................29 Miami ..........................................................55 Fort Myers ................................................130 Orlando .....................................................179 Tampa .......................................................205 Tallahasee .................................................416

miles miles miles miles miles miles miles

Source: Florida Department of Transportation

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Places To Visit HISTORICAL LANDMARKS IN BOYNTON BEACH The Andrews Home 306 S.E. First Avenue The Andrews Home is the oldest house in Boynton Beach and has been restored to its original humble splendor. Among the early pioneer families in Boynton Beach were Mr. and Mrs. Bert L. Kapp who bought the property in 1900 and built this historic landmark in 1901.

There were no building codes for construction back then, but the pioneer families constructed homes to last. The Kapp house was built using heavy timbers of now nearly extinct Dade County pine, and adjustable steel rods were ingeniously used throughout the attic for strength. As a result, this landmark home has survived every hurricane to hit Palm Beach County.

Originally constructed 50 feet to the west of the current location, it was moved onto a new foundation to allow its viewing from Ocean Avenue. Before the house was moved, the surrounding land was searched using a modern metal detector. Dozens of historical and interesting artifacts of early Boynton Beach were recovered. Old buckles, toys, broaches, jewelry, eating utensils, and even items of historical importance were miraculously discovered and are currently on display at the home.

Credit: Andrews Home and Bob Katz.

Boynton Woman’s Club 1010 S. Federal Highway The present Boynton Woman’s Club, designed by famed 0architect Addison Mizner, was built in 1925-1926 for $50,000. The cornerstone was laid in 1932 and the building and property were dedicated to Major Nathan Smith Boynton, whose heirs had contributed $35,000 towards this lasting memorial to him. It housed the community’s library until 1961 and continues to serve as a social and cultural center. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Credit: Boynton Beach The First 100 years; produced by Boynton Beach Historical Society and Friends of the Boynton Beach City Library; 1995 Schoolhouse Children’s Museum 129 East Ocean Avenue Boynton Beach Elementary School, originally simply called Boynton School, was built in 1913. Constructed of sturdy concrete

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block, it contained two floors, six rooms and indoor plumbing. It was Boynton’s only school for the next fourteen years.

After a high school was complete in 1927, the 1913 schoolhouse became Boynton Elementary School. It operated until 1990, when it was no longer needed, and it was then used for special programs.

The former Boynton Beach Elementary School is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the Boynton Cultural Centre, Inc. partners with the City of Boynton Beach to operate the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum. As a hands-on children’s history museum, it has been visited by close to 100,000 children and their parents, teachers and grandparents since it opened in November 2001. Exhibits depicting South Florida’s rich history provide visitors with a glimpse of the past while exploring, playing and learning.

Portions credited to: Boynton Beach The First 100 years; produced by Boynton Beach Historical Society and Friends of the Boynton Beach City Library; 1995 Lofthus Underwater Archaeological Preserve 3/4 of a mile north of the Boynton Inlet The Lofthus is a vessel that wrecked off Manalapan in 1898. In 2003, the ship was dedicated and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The historic site is a favorite among area divers.

The Lofthus was originally built in Sunderland, England and was launched under the name Cashmere in October of 1868. The vessel was used in the East Indian trade until sold to a Norwegian in 1897, renamed Lofthus, and transferred to the American trade. The Lofthus wrecked in February of 1898 while en route from Pensacola to Buenos Aires with a cargo of lumber. The crew was saved, but the vessel was a total loss.

The remains of the Lofthus are scattered over an 80 x 15 yard area with the vessel’s bow to the northeast. Three main sections of wreckage protrude above the sandy bottom. Many species of tropical plants and fish now inhabit the twisted wreckage and spiny lobsters hide under deck plates.

The Lofthus is protected by Florida laws prohibiting unauthorized disturbance, excavation or removal of artifacts. If you visit, please keep the site intact for others.

Credit: Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources Bureau of Archaeological Research.

Places To Visit

Areas of Interest In Boynton Beach Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-3684 Art-Sea Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 733-2600 Beachcomber Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-5717 Boynton Beach City Library . . . . . . 742-6390 Boynton Beach Mall . . . . . . . . . . 736-7902 Boynton Beach Tennis Center . . 742-6575 Boynton Billiards. . . . . . . . . . . . . 736-7665 Boynton Woman’s Club . . . . . . . 369-2300 The Crystal Garden . . . . . . . . . . 369-2836 Green Cay Wetlands . . . . . . . . . 966-7000 Gulfstream Goodwill Industries . 740-4407 Mangrove Nature Park . . . . . . . . 742-6225 Neighborhood Art Gallery of Boynton Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 736-8181 Palm Beach County Public Library West Boynton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-5556 Schoolhouse Children’s Museum 742-6780 Nearby & Minutes Away Adventure Mini Golf . . . . . . . . . . 968-1111 BJ’s Wholesale Club . . . . . . . . . . 369-3409 Blood’s Hammock Groves . . . . . 439-8818 Boca Raton Museum of Art . . . . 392-2500 Boomer’s Family Recreation Ctrr 347-1888 Children’s Museum of Boca Raton368-6875 Discovery Cruise Line. . . . (305) 704-0900 Don Carter Premier Bowling Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 968-7000

White Throated Capuchin - PBZ Raymond Dumas Moroso Motorsports Park . . . . . . 622-1400

Royal Palm Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-POLO

Mounts Botanical Garden. . . . . . 233-1749

The Sailfish Marina . . . . . . . . . . . 844-1724

Norton Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 832-5196

Scheurer’s Chocolates . . . . . . . . 649-4412

Oceanside Farmer’s Market . . . . 752-8598

Skates USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 762-6424

Palm Beach Citrus Groves . . . . . 965-6699

South Florida Science Museum . 832-1988

Palm Beach County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . 233-3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.palmbeachfl.com

Wakodahatchee Wetlands . . . . . 493-6000

Palm Beach County Cult. Council471-2901 Palm Beach Kennel Club . . . . . . 683-2222 Palm Beach Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . 798-7000 Palm Beach Princess . . . . . . . . . 845-2101

Yesteryear Village . . . . . . . . . . . . 795-6400 Theaters Ballet Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659-2000 Caldwell Theater Company 877-245-7432

Palm Beach Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . 547-WILD

Crest Theatre at Old School Square . . . . . . . . . . . 243-7922

Party Line Cruise Company . . . . . . 472-9860

The Cuillo Centre for the Arts . . . 835-9226

Rapids Water Park . . . . . . . . . . . 842-8756

Delray Beach Playhouse . . . . . . 272-1281 Duncan Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 868-3309

Flagler Museum Flagler Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 655-2833

Florida Atlantic University Center Auditorium. . . . . . . . . . . . 297-3737

Fun Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547-0817

Florida Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585-3404

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center . . . 338-1473

The Harriet Himmel Gilman Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 835-1408

Hibel Museum of Art & Gallery. . 622-5560 Jerry’s Cigar lounge . . . . . . . . . . 752-8043 Key West Express . . . . . . . (772) 559-8326 Lion Country Safari . . . . . . . . . . . 793-1084 Loxahatchee Everglades Air Boat/Tours . . . . . . . . . . . 800-683-5873 Moonrise Galleries . . . . . . . . . . . 329-0861

Improv Comedy Club . . . . . . . . . 833-1812 Lake Worth Playhouse . . . . . . . . 586-6410 Little Palm Family Theater . . . . . 394-0206 The Kravis Center for Performing Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-7469 Sound Advice Amphitheater . . . 793-0445

Morikami Museum . . . . . . . . . . . 495-0233

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Nature Preserves

Green Cay 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach (561) 966-7000 Visitors can explore 100 pristine acres and 86 species of trees, shrubs, grasses and aquatic vegetation and try interactive exhibits.

An elevated boardwalk will provide panoramic views of hundreds of species of wildlife, and interpretive signs will explain a variety of things such as bird species and the green film on the water.

The 9,000-square-foot nature center will include a turtle pond, frog habitats, an alligator hole and murals depicting what the land, previously the Green Cay Farm, looked like decades ago.

Green Cay was designed to naturally filter several million gallons of highly treated water each day from Palm Beach County's Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility.

Arthur R. Marshall-Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Nature Preserve, Boynton Beach 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach (561) 734-8303 The most robust part of the Everglades, this 221-square-mi refuge is one of three huge water-retention areas accounting for much of the Everglades outside the national park. These areas are managed less to protect natural resources, however, than to prevent flooding to the south. Start from the visitor center, where there is a marsh trail to a 20foot-high observation tower overlooking a pond. The boardwalk through a dense cypress swamp was closed after damage from Hurricane Wilma in 2005. There's also a 5 -mi canoe trail, best for experienced canoeists, since it's overgrown. Wildlife viewing is good yearround, and you can fish for bass and panfish.

Photos Courtesy of Peter Schulz

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Newcomer’s Guide

Driver’s License New state residents who wish to drive in Florida must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving here. U.S. citizens should take their current out-of-state driver’s license, social security card and birth certificate to the local driver’s license office. You may be able to have the current license converted to a Florida license without taking a written or road test. You will be required to take a vision screening. Non-U.S. citizens must have an INS or other document of legal presence. Canadians without INS documents must provide proof of Canadian citizenship. Please call your local driver’s license office and schedule an appointment. Additional information is available on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s homepage at www.hsmv.state.fl.us or call (561) 681-6333 for license offices near you.

Lantana Office: 1299 West Lantana Road • (561) 681-6333 Delray Beach Office: 14570 South Military Trail • (561) 681-6333 Residency Requirements Legal residency in Florida may be established in one of two ways: 1. By filing a declaration of domicile at the office of the Circuit Court (561) 355-2991.

2. By registering to vote at the Supervisor of Elections office (561) 656-6200.

Motor Vehicle Registration The Tax Collector is the agent of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for titling and registering all motorized vehicles, commercial and private, including motorcycles and mopeds. The Tax Collector’s office also issues disabled parking placards.

New residents need to register their vehicle and obtain a Florida license plate within ten days of establishing legal residency, accepting employment or placing a child in a Palm Beach County School.

All Florida drivers must have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and at least $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) auto insurance. You may contact the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Department of Insurance at (800) 342-2762 regarding insurance requirements.

Take your proof of Florida insurance, along with the original title to your county Tax Collector. Additional information is available on the Tax Collector’s website at www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/tax or on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s homepage at www.hsmv.state.fl.us. Call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2622 for office locations.

Seat Belts Florida law requires that all passengers in the front seat of a vehicle wear seat belts. Children 6-15 must be belted when either in the front or rear seat of a vehicle. This law applies to all cars, pickup trucks and vans operated on Florida’s roads. Children age five and younger must be secured in federally approved child-restraint devices.

Children through age three must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child safety seat. For children age four through five years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat or a seat belt may be used. For more information or updates on Florida law, please visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s website at www.hsmv.state.fI.us.

Vessel Registration Motorized vessels used in fresh or salt water must be registered at the Tax Collector’s office. You need to bring a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or its equivalent when you register the vessel.

Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to nonresident vessel owners by other states for 90 days. If you plan to use the vessel in Florida longer than 90 days, you need to register in Florida as described above. Bring your out-of-state registration with you when you come to the Tax Collector’s office. You may visit the homepage at www.co. palmbeach.fl.us/tax, call (561) 355-2329 or visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s website at www.hsmv.state.fl.us.

Fishing Licenses In Florida, both freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses are not mandatory if you fish from land. To protect our natural resources, there are some legal minimum lengths and limits on the number of fish you may possess.

There is also closed season on some shellfish and snook. To obtain a resident license for fishing and hunting, you must be a resident of Florida for six months.

Residents 65 years of age or older can obtain a complimentary hunting and fishing license when they show a valid Florida driver’s license. Lifetime and five-year fishing licenses are available for residents only. Nonresidents can obtain short-term 3-day (saltwater only), 7-day and annual licenses. Licenses and information may be obtained at the Tax Collector’s Office or at any local subagent (bait shop, sporting goods stores). Consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Handbook Regulations Summary, available from the Tax Collector’s offices and subagents. Additional information is available on the Tax Collector’s homepage at www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/tax or call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 3552634.

Hunting Licenses A valid license is required for anyone taking or attempting to take game or furbearing animals. Hunters must also pay a fee to the owner of commercial shooting preserves for the privilege of hunting game. There are many special seasons, legal methods, bag limits, requirements and regulations that affect hunters in Florida. Consult the latest edition of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Handbook Regulations Summary. Call (561) 625-5122 or (561) 355-2634 for additional information, or visit the Tax Collector’s homepage at www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/tax.

Marriage Licenses - South County Courthouse Both individuals must present photo identification (driver’s license or passport). The license fee is $88.50. For information, call (561) 274-1400.

Occupational Licenses An occupational license is issued to all businesses, professionals and professional offices for the privilege of operating a business in the county. Licenses are renewed annually and may be obtained from the County Tax Collector’s offices. Visit the Tax Collector’s homepage at www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/tax or call (561) 355-2272 for more information. Municipalities also require occupational licenses. Call your local city hall for more information on municipal licenses at (561) 742-6000.

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Newcomer’s Guide

Pet Registration & Vaccination State and local laws require every person who owns, keeps or harbors a dog or cat over four months of age in Palm Beach County to have such animal vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Once vaccinated, owners are also required to secure for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) a Palm Beach County Rabies License Tag from the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division at 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, or from a veterinarian. The current tag fees are $35 for a dog or cat that has not been spayed or neutered, and $14 for spayed and neutered dogs and cats. Senior citizens receive a 25 percent discount.

Dogs and cats are required to wear Palm Beach County license tags at all times. Animal Care and Control encourages owners to implant a permanent electronic identification chip under the skin of their animals. For further information, call (561) 233-1271. Visit www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal to review Palm Beach County Animal Ordinance 98-22 in its entirety.

Voter Registration Supervisor of Elections In the State of Florida, you must be a U.S. Citizen and 18 years old by election day to register to vote. If you have been convicted of a felony incompetent, you must have had your civil rights or mental competency restored before you can register. Proof of residency is not required and there are no residency requirements; however, you must be a legal resident of the county you are registering in.

Voter registration applications may be picked up at city halls, most banks, public libraries, driver’s license offices, public assistance agencies and many other locations throughout Palm Beach County.

You may also receive an application by calling the Supervisor of Elections office at (561) 656-6200, and one will be mailed to you. The voter registration books close 29 days prior to each election.

Tax Collector’s Office Locations The Tax Collector has six permanent office locations and one mobile office at convenient sites throughout the county. Call (561) 355-2264 or visit www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/tax for office addresses and hours.

Tax Information Palm Beach County Tax Collector The Tax Collector collects property taxes for every government agency in Palm Beach County that has the authority to levy taxes. Ad valorem and non-ad valorem assessments are due on November 1, or as soon after the tax role is certified.

Discounts for property tax payments are allowed at the rate of 4% in November (or within 30 days from when the notice is mailed), 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February.

Exemptions such as homestead, disability and widow/widower are filed with the Property Appraiser’s office. Call the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2866 for filing dates.

Both taxes and non-ad valorem assessments become delinquent April 1, at which time 3% interest and advertising costs are added.

The amount due on delinquent payments is determined by the date received, not by the postmark. Those liable for tangible personal property taxes must file their return with the Property Appraiser’s office by April 1, or face penalties. You may visit the homepage at www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/ propapp/ for more information.

County Taxes Homestead Exemption - Florida has a Homestead Exemption law, whereby the first $25,000 of the assessed value of an owner-occupied residence is exempt from ad valorem taxes.

Tangible Tax - Florida’s tangible tax is applied to business personal property. A penalty of 25% of the value is assessed by the Property Appraiser’s office for failure to file a return. For more information, call

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the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2266, or the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2896.

Utilities Tax - Municipalities are permitted to levy a city tax of up to 10% of each utility bill.

Additionally, some utility customers may be required to pay a small franchise utility tax.

STATE TAXES Florida Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services The Florida Department of Revenue administers 36 taxes and fees while collecting in excess of $38 billion for the state. The Department is committed to being a world-class organization exemplifying the best in public service by demonstrating integrity in all its actions and encounters with taxpayer.

Free tax seminars and workshops are held throughout Palm Beach County. The intent of these workshops is to assist taxpayers to comply with the state’s Sales and Use Tax Law. For times and places of these workshops, please visit their web site at www.myflorida.com/dor or contact the Department of Revenue’s Regional Service Center in West Palm Beach at (561) 640-2800.

Sales Tax The State of Florida has a 6% statewide sales tax rate. The tax is due at the time of a retail sale, admission charge, storage or rental transaction as well as when certain services are performed. Some items and types of services are exempt from the tax. Certain counties charge a discretionary sales tax in addition to the state’s 6% which is imposed at the time of purchase. As of January 2005, PBC charges a half-penny sales tax that will apply to the first $5,000 of currently taxed items. New business owners may register to collect sales tax by contacting the Department of Revenue online at www.myflorida.com/dor or at the Regional Service Center located at 2468 Metrocentre Boulevard in West Palm Beach.

Use Tax This tax is a component of the state’s sales tax and is due on purchases made out of state and brought into Florida within 6 months where no sales tax was initially paid. This tax is also due on taxexempt purchases that are not offered for sale at retail but consumed in the manufacturing process where such items are not part of the end product.

Water/Sewer/Sanitation Water service will be provided to a residence or business once an account is opened and the required deposit is paid. When opening an account, 24 hours’ notice is required after the deposit has been received before water service can be provided to the site. The amount of the required deposit depends on the size of the meter.

Most residences and businesses have three-quarter or one-inch meters. The deposit on a three-quarter-inch meter is $100, and on a one-inch meter is $125. A charge of $40 is also assessed if water service to the site was canceled by the previous customer.

New water service that requires the installation of a meter, takes from seven to ten days to implement and involves additional fees and on-site inspection. For a complete list of water/sewer service rates and charges, ask for a copy of the City Utility Guide.

When an account is opened, sanitation service is automatically begun at that address. Commercial sanitation rates are based on dumpster size and the number of times per week the dumpster is serviced.

YMCA

DeVos-Blum Family YMCA of Boynton Beach: Building Strong Kids, Strong Families and Strong Communities Have you visited the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA of Boynton Beach? Located on the northeast corner of Old Boynton Road and Military Trail, this YMCA is not the old, dark Y where you learned to swim as a kid…yes, both swimming lessons and kids play prominent roles in the DeVos-Blum Y, but there all similarity ends.

This Y features two indoor pools, one complete with a giant water slide and mushroom fountain; a full-size gymnasium; a fitness center; a sports field and two playgrounds; a massage therapy/wellness center; a steam room; a sauna and a whirlpool; a state-of-theart teen center and a fully-accredited preschool!

The DeVos-Blum Family YMCA of Boynton Beach and the Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton form the YMCA of South Palm Beach County. As part of the nation’s largest community service organization, these two YMCA’s serve more than 55,000 community residents annually. From babies to seniors and all ages in between, the Y offers something to fit every need and lots of fun every day.

Activities include summer camps, preschool, after school programs, exercise classes, senior wellness programs, yoga, pilates, Capoeira and Zumba. Our year-round sports program includes flag football, soccer, cheerleading, basketball, dance and much more.

Memberships to the Y offer unlimited access to the entire facility and free babysitting and kids clubs activities while the parents work out.

Financial assistance is awarded to those who are unable to afford the programs and services the Y offers. Last year, over 1,900 Boynton area residents were awarded over $475,000 through the Partners’ Financial Assistance Program, which is funded through contributions from area residents and businesses.

For more information about the YMCA of Boynton Beach, please call (561) 738-9622 or visit www.ymcaspbc.org.

For information about the Partners’ Financial Assistance Program or other YMCA programs, call Bev Johnson at (561) 536-1404.

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Area Map

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