The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has formally demanded in a letter that the City of Delray remove the gay pride mural on the crosswalk in Pineapple Grove or lose state funding. The state may even try to remove the mural and charge the city. The site where the crosswalk mural remains has been an issue of controversy and the target of vandalism. Many in the community and city leaders see this as an attack on community representation and the LBTQIA+ people. The state says that the mural interferes with traffic safety and distracts drivers. City leaders at a recent city commission meeting say that this is “all political and part of a culture war climate.” City leaders argue that the state does not have the jurisdiction to enforce their rules on a city-owned street . See Page 13
For more on this topic, turn to page 10
The Boca Raton Tribune
PAGE TWO
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Games
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Marichi Aria Tony Venezia News Room
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Kartik Krishnaiyer
Kenny Spahn
Marci Shatzman
Michael Demyan
Synesio Lyra
Thomas J. Madden
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Photographers
Andre Freitas
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Rosa Cavalcanti
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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD
THEME: FOOTBALL
ACROSS
1. *The Coaches ___ or The AP Top 25 ____ 5. *Super Bowl halftime performer Kendrick Lamar’s genre
8. 1/168th of a week
12. Purse to match a gown
13. Karl of politics
14. Model builder’s wood choice
15. *YDS, TD or INT
16. Black like certain tree
17. *Last season’s NFL MVP
18. *Worth 6 points
20. Way, way off 21. Owl cries 22. Come and ____ it 23. Ape
26. Stucco or aluminum on a house wall, pl.
30. “Wheel of Fortune” request
31. Bette Green’s “Summer of my ____ Soldier”
34. Stag, not doe
35. Like an uncomfortable mattress
37. European Economic Community
38. *NFL Hall of Famer Greene or comedian Hart
39. Seed coat
40. Cylindrical flower cluster
42. Stir or fuss
43. City in Illinois
45. #10 Down’s counterpart
47. Small dog’s bark
48. Adams of “Summer Of ‘69” fame
50. *Point value of a safety in football, pl.
52. *Worth 3 points in football (2 words)
56. Behind a stern
57. Raise the roof
58. Classroom parasites
“In
Quote of the Week:
59. Blooper
60. Actor and singer Kristofferson
61. Some are slippery
62. Scraps
63. Ballpark fig. 64. Dark loaves
DOWN
1. Bothersome one
2. *Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Graham
3. Molokai party
4. Leechee, alt. sp.
5. R2-D2, e.g.
6. Declares to be true
7. *College, home to football’s Nittany Lions
8. *Football intermission
9. Paella pot
10. Addict
11. *What the NFL’s Jim Brown famously did
13. Fixed up
14. Bleated
19. Hoagie, alt. sp.
22. Bathtub hooch
LAST WEEK RESULT
23. Green side
24. Accustom
25. Imitate
26. *Quarterback’s downfall
27. The N of U.S.N.A.
28. Move smoothly
29. Mister in Madrid
32. ____-view mirror
33. What Harry and Sally did
36. *Pre-championship games
38. Work the dough
40. High tea vessel
41. Bucolics
44. Gustatory sensation
46. Hook, line and sinker person
48. Coffin holders
49. Rekindled
50. Type of ski lift
51. Drift like aroma
52. Type of fish net
53. Like acne-prone skin
54. Climber’s destination
55. It’s more, to some
56. Don McLean: “A long, long time ____...”
The Boca Raton Tribune
COMMUNITY
Push for Youth Golf in New Public Park in Boca
An unusual full house, most supporting a place for youth golf in plans for the new public North Park in Boca city limits. Young golfers spoke in earnest at Monday’s Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District meeting to deliver the message to district commissioners they need a place to learn how to play that’s inexpensive and geared to younger players.
“We want affordable golf for juniors and seniors on the last piece of recreational land, and see how many lives you can impact,” said someone speaking for well-known retired FAU golf coach Angelo Sands. “I’m very pro golf here,” added Harold Chaffee, longtime president of Keep Golf in Boca. “We want to get kids outside and teach them something to do.”
This isn’t a city park. The district owns the entire former Ocean Breezee golf course in the community of
By Marci Shatzman
Boca Teeca, and is planning what will go there with consultant Miller Legg. They just released a new request for proposals, and executive director Briann Harms announced they’ve re -
ceived nine so far.
The district has already agreed to consider replacing and enhancing the city’s Tim Huxhold Skate Park, due to be torn down in tentative plans for
the city’s new government campus downtown. At their May 5 meeting, district commissioners unanimously agreed to accept Plant-a-Park’s grant for $32,600 to support the skatepark planning process. A charette on the skate park was held on Aug. 6 in the Boca Raton Community Center that drew about 40 people. Most approved the location.
Supporters of a surf park that was detailed at a previous district meeting also spoke on Monday. And commissioners heard continued pushback from Boca Teeca residents on any surf or skate park near their condos on that property, objecting to the potential of noise. One cited a violation of property rights and threatened to “seek representation” for a lawsuit. “I urge you to listen to neighbors,” the majority who are retired and appreciate their “tranquility,” another speaker said.
Crazy Uncle Mike’s
Boca Raton Tribune Launches Public Survey on Government Campus Redevelopment
The Boca Raton Tribune is inviting residents to share their views on the City of Boca Raton’s proposed Government Campus Redevelopment Plan.
The plan outlines potential changes to the existing city hall site, including updates that could reshape downtown’s civic hub. While details of the project are still being reviewed, community input is being sought to help guide public discussion.
The Tribune’s short online survey asks residents three main questions: Whether they support the redevelopment plan;
Whether the public should have a direct vote on the sale or lease of public land;
An optional section also allows participants to share additional comments or suggestions.
“Our goal is to give residents an easy way to express their thoughts and make sure those voices are part of the conversation,” said Douglas Heizer, publisher of The Boca Raton Tribune.
Residents can participate in the survey by visiting: https://bit.ly/45T6Ijm
The survey is open to all residents, and responses will be collected and shared in an upcoming report in the Tribune.
Clarifications Regarding a Boca Raton Tribune Article Re “New Government Campus”
By Kartik Krishnaiyer
On July 28 we ran an article entitled “New “Government Campus” is filled with controversy provoking resident backlash
The city reached out to us to question two of our points in the article.
One was related to two “iconic” Banyan Trees being potentially removed in the new campus. We have consulted the master plan (linked below) and this seems to be inconclusive looking at the maps of the new campus it would appear the Banyan Trees in question are not accounted. We con-
tinue to investigate this issue and will update our readership accordingly.
The second point the city questioned was that the park represented a “war memorial.” Attached we have a PDF from a Town Council meeting in 1947 about the designation.
As we are still assessing this information and waiting for additional information, we are not making any changes to the story at the moment.
In the meantime we are asking our readers to submit their thoughts on the City Hall project.
Whether there is a need for more housing and parking in downtown Boca Raton.
The Boynton Beach Redevelopment Agency and Pulte Homes Join Forces to Provide Affordable Housing in Boynton Beach
By Stacy Carchman
The Pulte Group and the Boynton Beach Redevelopment Agency recently broke ground on the Cottage District, a new community of workforce housing near the heart of Boynton Beach. This is just one redevelopment project slated for construction in Boynton Beach.
The project is located east of I-95 and will transform 4.6 acres of underutilized land situated off Seacrest Boulevard between 4 th and 5 th Avenue, into a vibrant housing project with 41 homes, including single-family homes and townhouses. The development will include a park and tree-lined sidewalks. It will provide new home ownership opportunities in Boynton Beach for those who could not necessarily afford it, like teachers, health care workers and first responders.
Not only will the project bring affordable housing, but it will also revitalize the community. But, what exactly does the community think about it?
According to the comments on the Boynton Beach CRA (Community Redevelopment) Facebook page, the citizens of Boynton Beach have mixed viewpoints when it comes to the new construction. Some think affordable housing for those who serve ourcommunity is a good thing and some think that we don’t need more housing which will bring more people, crime, and traf-
fic to Boynton Beach. These critics think that too much building leads to the City of Boynton Beach being overcrowded and congested.
Others praise the high-quality construction of the homes and see it as a positive step towards providing affordable housing for all. To be eligible for workforce housing in Palm Beach County, a household must earn between 60% and 140% of the area’s median income, which is $111, 800 and be qualified through the program. The goal of the project is to revitalize the surrounding area and enhance the life of low- and moderate-income households. It is just one project that is in progress in Boynton Beach. Some others, according to the Boynton Beach CRA, are the Heart of Boynton Shops, The MLK Blvd entry feature, Ocean One, The Pierce, Town Square, The
The redevelopment is also spreading to nearby Delray where the Delray CRA is planning more workforce housing and the construction of 12 townhomes on the 600
Block of West Atlantic Avenue.
The question remains whether the citizens and long-term residents are comfortable with the changes that are taking place.
For more information visit livecottagedistrict.com.
The Boca Raton Tribune
Founded January 15, 2010 DOUGLAS HEIZER, Publisher
THOUGHTS FROM THE PUBLISHER
By: Douglas Heizer
Your Voice Matters in Boca Raton’s Future
One of the things I have always valued about our community is how engaged our residents are when it comes to shaping the future of Boca Raton. Right now, there’s a chance for every one of us to have a direct say in a conversation that will impact our city for years to come.
The City of Boca Raton is discussing the Government Campus Redevelopment Plan, a proposal that would transform the current city hall area. It’s a project that could affect not only how our local government operates, but also the look, feel, and functionality of a central part of our city.
The Boca Raton Tribune has launched a public survey to gather your thoughts on this proposal. It’s simple,
quick, and an important way to make sure community voices are heard. This is not about politics—it’s about civic participation.
Your feedback—whether you support the plan, have concerns, or simply want more information—will help ensure the conversation reflects the views of our community.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to participate. We often hear people say they wish they had more say in city decisions—this is one of those opportunities.
You can find the survey here: https:// bit.ly/3Hz8Nrw
Your opinion matters. Let’s keep the dialogue open, informed, and focused on what’s best for Boca Raton.
SOLVITUR AMBULANDO
By: Douglas G Logan
My Viewpoint
I don’t like him. Don’t like his policies or his style or his ethics. I deplore his grievance rambles, his lack of respect, his dissembling and lies.
However…
I am staying on the sidelines through these early innings of the Ukraine peace talks. Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. Cutting my political opponents some slack. Honoring my patriotic obligations. Giving the process and the principals some space. It’s the right thing to do.
I don’t like the red carpet welcome in Alaska, but it may be a gambit or avenue to an honorable outcome. I don’t approve of the tilt toward Putin but it just may be theater. I will keep my partisanship in check, for the sake of my country, and to support the pursuit of peace.
My red lines are…
An honorable peace that is lasting and enforceable.
CARTOON
Preservation of the integrity of NATO.
An agreement that reduces the territorial ambitions of Russia and does not reward Putin for his criminal invasion.
An unambiguous affirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
An end of the war in a manner that discourages China in its ambitions toward Taiwan.
We have only begun this process. Trump should be commended for putting his reputation and our country on the line and for tackling this heavy lift. I will not criticize or comment on distracting steps. I will stand down until there is some level of closure.
I will keep the main thing the main thing. An honorable end to conflict; an end to aggression; an end to bloodshed. There will be plenty of time to weigh in after its conclusion.
By: Clay Jones
Banzai Banyans!
The
Boca Raton Tribune
COLUMNIST
By: Rick Warren FAITH
How to Overcome Discouragement
“Then the people of Judah said, ‘The work crews are worn out, and there is too much rubble. We can’t continue to rebuild the wall.’” Nehemiah 4:10 (GW)
Discouragement is curable. When I get discouraged, I head straight to the book of Nehemiah. This great leader of ancient Israel understood there were four reasons for discouragement.
First, you get fatigued. You simply get tired as the laborers did in Nehemiah 4:10: “Then the people of Judah said, ‘The work crews are worn out, and there is too much rubble. We can’t continue to rebuild the wall’” (GW).
Human beings wear out. You can’t burn the candle at both ends. If you’re discouraged, you may not really need to change anything major in your life. You may just need rest! Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.
Second, you get frustrated. Nehemiah says there was rubble all around, so much so that it was getting in the way of rebuilding the wall. Do you have “rubble” in your life? Have you noticed that anytime you start doing something new, the rubble (the frustrations that keep you from working toward your goal) starts piling up?
If you don’t clean it out periodically, it will stop your progress. You can’t avoid it, so you need to learn to recognize it and dispose of it quickly so that you don’t lose focus on your goals.
Third, you think you’ve failed. Nehemiah’s people were unable to finish their task as quickly as originally planned, and, as a result, their confidence collapsed. They likely thought, “We were stupid to think we could ever rebuild this wall.”
But you know what I do when I don’t reach a goal on time? I just set a
new goal. I don’t give up. Everybody fails; everybody does foolish things.
The issue is not that you failed; it’s how you respond to your failure.
Do you give in to self-pity? Do you start blaming other people? Do you start complaining that it’s impossible? Or do you refocus on God’s intentions and start moving again?
Finally, you give in to fear. Giving in to fear leads to discouragement. Nehemiah 4 suggests that the people most affected by fear are those who hang around negative people. One way to control the negative thoughts in your life is to spend less time around negativity.
Maybe you’re so discouraged by your fear that you say, “I can’t handle this. It’s too much responsibility.” Maybe it’s the fear of criticism. Or you think you don’t deserve to succeed. But fear will destroy your life if you let it. Instead, you can choose to resist discouragement by saying, “God, help me get my eyes off the problem and the circumstances and keep my eyes on you.”
You don’t have to stay stuck in your discouragement. Ask God to help you figure out the reason for it, address it, and start moving forward in confidence.
Talk It Over
“Rubble” (the frustrations that keep you from working toward your goal) can waste your time and energy and prevent you from accomplishing what God has called you to do. What is the rubble in your life?
How can you reduce negativity that is keeping you discouraged?
Have you abandoned a goal because of discouragement? How can you refocus so that you can accomplish what God has called you to do?
MONDAY MANNA
By: Robert J. Tamasy
Advice Is Only Good When It Is Heeded
Advice is like medicine. It usually only works when taken as directed. In today’s very complex business and professional world, it is impossible to understand all the many factors that affect key decisions. There is wisdom, therefore, in seeking counsel from individuals who can provide valuable insight.
Many people, however, are inclined to seek advice only from people who will agree with and support what they already intend to do. This can be problematic, even disastrous. Proverbs 12:15 concisely describes people who are receptive to sound advice, along with those who are not: “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” Another verse from Proverbs cites the wisdom of receiving and acting upon good advice when it is offered. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (Proverbs 19:20).
In the Bible’s Old Testament, we see Moses striving to provide proper leadership to the many thousands of Israelites freed from captivity in Egypt. As with any society, these people were becoming entangled in disagreements and disputes. Moses felt responsible for resolving these conflicts. Every day he “took his seat to serve as judge for the people and they stood around him from morning till evening” (Exodus 18:13). Can you imagine the pressure Moses was under trying to pass judgment over hundreds of matters from the early morning hours until the late evening?
His wise father-in-law, Jethro, recognized the problem. “When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, ‘What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?… What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone’” (Exodus 18:14-18).
Jethro suggested delegating most of those responsibilities to “men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain…. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to
you; the simple cases they can decide themselves” (Exodus 18:21-22). Moses listened to his father-in-law’s insightful advice and saved everyone a lot of headaches.
Contrast this with Rehoboam, who had succeeded his father Solomon as king of Israel. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” However, the young king apparently could not discern between wise and foolish counsel. Rehoboam first consulted with the elders of Israel who had served Solomon. The people had asked him to “lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke [your father] put on us,” and the elders urged him to comply. “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them… they will always be your servants” (1 Kings 12:4-7).
City Of Delray Decides To Go Ahead With Renovation Of City Golf Course
By Stacy Carchman
The City Commission of Delray have given the consensus to go ahead with the renovation of the municipal city golf course, the Delray Beach Golf Club on Highland Avenue. This was discussed at a recent city commission meeting on August 12. The funding for the project will be reflected in rising rates for playing golf at the golf course, not through taxpayer money.
At the meeting, they discussed that this is a “hot market” for golf and more young people are getting into the sport. Furthermore, there is a decrease in the number of golf courses to use and there is a rise in renovation of golf courses. It is a trend to bring old courses up to par and renovate to improve facilities.
That is just what is proposed for the renovation of the course that was designed by famous golf course architect Donald Ross in the 1920’s during the golden gilded age, when it was only nine holes. Now there will be a new layout. The renovation will include the golf course and clubhouse together and the golf club will close during the renovation and is targeted to re-open in 2026. The recommended rise in green fees will subsidize the project. It appears to be an equitable and competitive rate structure. Non-residents and
residents will be charged separate fees. Golfers will pay, not Delray taxpayers.
The market study conducted supports higher golf rates and a good opportunity for revenue. The land for the golf course was purchased by the City of Delray in 1923 and officially opened as a nine-hole course in 1926. Many famous touring professionals have used the course over the years due to its excellent design. Now the golf club needs some upkeep and renovation, due to eroding soil and other issues. The renovation will include new and improved practice facilities, a new irrigation system, improvements to the drainage system and removal of exotic vegetation. It remains a popular golf course and with the increase in golf’s popularity, it makes sense to renovate.
Since Delray is a popular destination for golf and a big tourist hub, hotels can also offer packages to play golf at the course as an incentive. Permit holders will also be offered lower prices to pay golf, along with residents. The prices will also change during peak and non-peak season.
The golf project is just one proposed infrastructure improvement that is being made in Delray Beach currently. The city is constantly improving.
Residents Voice Concerns Over the Removal of the Pride Street Mural at the Delray City Commission Meeting
By Stacy Carchman
On August 19, residents of Delray and others outside of Delray, from as far as Pembroke Pines and Jupiter, came out to voice their concerns over the state’s mandate for the city to remove the pride street mural in Pineapple Grove. It was a packed house at the City Commission meeting.
The residents want the city officials to stick to their plan to fight the removal and have an administrative hearing with the state over the controversy on September 2 as planned. One speaker highlighted the sidewalk mural’s cultural, historical and community significance. Many speakers from the LGBTQIA+ community feel it is a sign of inclusion in the community and feel targeted by the state’s mandate. One speaker, a disabled art lover, argued that the art boosts tourism and questioned the financial implications of removing it.
Greg Weiss explained the legal challenges posed by the Senate Bill that allows the FDOT to remove non-compliant traffic control devices. Another resident questioned the state’s political motivations and the potential impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. The city officials seem to be advocating for the
LGBTQIA+ community at this point and will fight the removal. In addition, there were many other action items that came out of the meeting based on the agenda.
The city will schedule a public engagement meeting in late September for community input on the West Atlantic
Neighborhood Improvement District regarding designating this district a special taxing district. Then an update will be provided in October on the public engagement and recommendations for the district. Also discussed was parking in the city and rate increases. The parking rate increases are bringing in tremendous revenue for the city. Also, the city commission has decided to implement a 6-month pilot program for a $10/month employee parking permit starting in October.
Another issue of controversy discussed at the meeting was the need for more operational funds to keep the programming at the Old School Square campus going all year round by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The events at the campus and the positive impact on local businesses has been very successful but they need more funding. This led to a heated discussion by the mayor regarding the budget and overspending and the need for transparency and accountability. Another topic brought up by a local resident was the presence of ICE in the community and their concern for the safety of local immigrants.
The City of Delray Wins $15 million settlement in class action lawsuit againstmanufacturers of PFAS, a chemical contaminating the city’s water supply
By Stacy Carchman
Clean drinking water is something we often take for granted. Yet, contamination can put that safety at risk. The City of Delray tested the water a few years back and found that there were elevated levels of PFAS, which prompted the city to join a national class-action lawsuit. PFAS are linked to various health problems like cancer, liver damage and reproductive issues. What is PFAS? Otherwise known as “forever chemicals”, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals found in everyday products like non-stick cookware, paints, sealants cosmetics, and food packaging to name a few. Some bottled water even contains the contaminants.
Now that the chemicals were found in the drinking water, Delray Beach is going to design a $280 million dollar water treatment plant. It will be up to code and modern standards and is set to begin construction in October 2025 and be completed by early 2028, according to the City of Delray Beach website. The new water treatment plant is being designed by CDM Smith and will provide state-of-the-art water treatment process, advance monitoring and con-
trol systems, improve water pressure, and ensure compliance with future regulatory requirements. The current water treatment plant is over 60 years old and not up to standards.
At a city commission meeting on March 12, 2025, the commission agreed to order equipment to avoid project delays, begin the procurement process for the deep injection wells, prepare a re-
imbursement resolution that will allow the city to reimburse funds spent before revenue bonds are issued, according to the city website. At the May 20, 2025, city commission meeting, the commission approved ordinance No. 15-25 to increase water and sewer rates. According to the city website, this rate increase will go into effect on October 1, 2025 and will help pay for the new treatment
plant and the commission is exploring alternate funding sources to offset future costs.
At the most recent city commission meeting on August 12, 2025, Hassan Hadjimiry, the city’s Utilities Director spoke. He explained that the class-action lawsuit that was filed on behalf of the city has been settled and now the funds will be distributed to address the problems of contamination and mitigate its impact. The funds could not have come at a better time, just when the design for the new water treatment plant will go into effect. Now some money from the lawsuit will go to defray the cost of the rising water bills.
The city is committed to safe drinking water and is constantly testing it, according to Hassan Hadjimiry. The water comes from underground and is then sent to the water treatment plant where lime is used to soften the water. They go beyond the Department of Health Standards and do more than some municipalities. “Our mission is to produce the best water for the customer and regain the customer’s trust,” he said.
Tech Products to Help You Kick off the New School Year Right
By State Point
As a new school year gets underway, it’s time to zero in on the tech products that can help your students ease into their academic routines and succeed in the classroom. Here are some of the greatest products on store shelves today that can transform a student’s relationship to school subjects ranging from STEM and language arts to music and physical education:
Math made magical: Put the best tools in the hands of your math wizard with the fx-991CW ClassWiz, the latest enhancement to Casio’s scientific calculators. With an all-new quadruple-graded LCD display, your student will be able to easily find their cursor while writing and modifying expressions. All of the calculator’s functions can be accessed through a convenient Math Catalog, which also hosts 47 scientific constants and 40 measurement conversions. By partnering the ClassWiz with an internet-capable mobile device and scanning a QR code on
the calculator’s screen, solutions can be graphed and visualized through the Casio-hosted virtual workspace, ClassPad. net.
Note-taking made simple: When it comes to synthesizing information, there really is no replacement for writing things down by hand. Now, there’s a simple way to take notes the “old-fashioned way” while getting all the benefits
of digitization. With a smart pen, your student’s handwritten notes are compatible with all their devices. These notes are also editable, searchable and highlightable, taking the fuss out of studying for exams and organizing materials for essays.
Music made beautiful: Bring life and light to your young music student’s world with the CT-S1. The sleek minimalist de-
sign and uplifting sound of this Casio keyboard will allow them to focus solely on the music, develop their unique style, and energize and encourage them to play more. With a simple interface, and a color palette to suit every aesthetic, the functionality and design of the CT-S1 is all about the individual musician, and its compact design and portability are well-suited for on-the-go students short on space.
Sports made supportive: Student-athletes can hone their skills in their sport of choice with new technology. From smart footballs that track spiral velocity and throw distance to connected soccer balls that measure trajectory, speed and spin, today’s tech tools on the field function like a coach available to offer detailed, accurate feedback 24/7.
This school year, you can encourage your student to thrive. With the latest and greatest technology, they can be inspired and supported to meet their potential.
Tips to Stay on Top of Chores This Back-to-School Season
By State Point
The start of a school year ushers in new messes and less time to tackle them. But you can stay ahead of dirt, clutter, slime and grime with these innovative tools and strategies:
Power Through Messes
Busy households, especially those with kids and pets, can benefit from a powerful cleaning tool that makes everyday floor care faster, easier and more efficient. That’s where solutions like the Tineco GO H2O HammerHead MessDetect, available at Target, come into play. A 3-in-1 mop, vacuum and self-cleaning system, its versatility and ease of use will encourage you to make quick daily passes in high-traffic zones so that even with little ones and furry friends tracking in dirt, you can keep the home spotless.
Dust bunnies and after school snack crumbs have finally met their match thanks to its lay-flat design and 128-degree swivel brush, which let you reach under low-clearance furniture without heavy lifting. Plus, the bacteria-resistant Zero Tangle Brush tackles pet hair effortlessly. The brush, paired with an anti-odor solution, help keep your home smelling fresh.
There’s a reason Tineco is found in over 19.5 million homes. The brand is constantly improving its products. The GO H2O Hammerhead Mess Detect
features a 60% larger water tank than previous models, a cordless 30-minute runtime, and battery-saving smart MessDetect Technology that automatically adjusts cleaning power and water flow based on dirt levels, so you can clean your whole home without interruption, and cut down on time-consuming refills and recharges. With an LED screen that complements cleaning, displaying mess detection and cleaning progress, you can stay informed as you go. Plus, maintenance is simple. When you’re done, place the unit on its dual self-cleaning and charging dock so it’s fresh and ready
for the next use.
Optimize Kitchen Tasks
Smart technology is helping hectic households streamline cooking and cleaning tasks for fresher, more organized kitchens. Certain smart fridges feature internal cameras connected to an app. These allow you to view the contents of your fridge so you can meal plan from anywhere -- your workplace, the school pickup line, the grocery store -- before even walking in the door. They can also help you stay on top of lingering items, and avoid unpleasant leaks and odors in hard to reach spaces.
Today’s latest dishwashers are al -
so saving parent-chefs time and energy on busy weekdays. Embedded AI technology detects how soiled a dish is and adjusts settings accordingly, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing. On the tail end of a cycle, AI is optimizing drying so that dishes come out of the machine ready to be stowed. The best part? These functions can be operated remotely. Using a connected smartphone to run the dishwasher, you can return home to clean dishes, giving you more time to help the kids with their homework, prepare dinner and relax.
Get Help, But Make it Fun
One of the best ways to manage messes is by recruiting the entire family to help. To make it fun, engaging and streamlined, use an app like Sweepy. In addition to organizing a cleaning schedule for you based on your availability, and helping you prioritize what tasks needs to be undertaken first, the app also gives you the option of gamifying household chores. Simply add household members to the app, assign them tasks to complete, and have them compete for a spot on the leaderboard, so that clean-up is something that kids will actually look forward to!
This back-to-school season, don’t let messes get the better of you. With new tools and smart strategies, you can tackle everything from grass-stained sports uniforms to mountains of school clutter with ease.
City of Delray has Until September 3 to Remove Gay Pride Mural off Street
By Stacy Carchman
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has formally demanded in a letter that the City of Delray remove the gay pride mural on the crosswalk in Pineapple Grove or lose state funding. The state may even try to remove the mural and charge the city. The site where the crosswalk mural remains has been an issue of controversy and the target of vandalism. Many in the community and city leaders see this as an attack on community representation and the LBTQIA+ people. The state says that the mural interferes with traffic safety and distracts drivers. City leaders at a recent city commission meeting say that this is “all political and part of a culture war climate.” City leaders argue that the state does not have the jurisdiction to enforce their rules on a city-owned street.
The streetscape mural was commissioned by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Palm Beach County and the City of Delray Beach, according to the Delray Beach Art Trail. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the mural on June 12, 2021. It was painted by Camilucci Signs, LLC. It is a sign of unity and inclusion. Boynton Beach just recently removed their pride painted intersection off East Ocean Avenue and SE 1 st to comply with the state mandate, but Delray is holding strong so far to their stance to not remove their mural. If it must be removed from the street, city officials say it will be put up elsewhere.
This is a trend all over the country and there is not much the City of Delray may be able to do in the interim. The city can request a hearing, but it would take place September 2, only one day before the proposed removal. The public has mixed opinions regarding the mural. Since there has been recent vandalism, some feel that the mural causes a distraction and should be moved elsewhere, and others feel that the state is intruding on the city’s rights and citizens’ rights to inclusivity.
The decision whether to appeal will likely take place at the upcoming city commission meeting on Tuesday, August 19 th .
CP Group Announces 10th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Extravaganza at Boca Raton Innovation Campus BUSINESS
Marking a decade of holiday magic, CP Group is pulling out all the stops for its 10th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Extravaganza — Boca Raton’s first community tree-lighting celebration of the season – centered around its theme of The Polar Express. On Thursday, November 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC), located at 5000 T-Rex Avenue, will transform into a stunning winter wonderland. This milestone year promises the biggest celebration yet, featuring thrilling new performances, more attractions and a show-stopping grand entrance from Santa Claus himself!
Centered around the lighting of BRiC’s iconic 40-foot Christmas tree, this year’s winter wonderland will feature:
Santa’s grand arrival followed by photo ops with Jolly Saint Nick, Mrs. Claus, and their elves
A Nativity Scene brought to life
Trackless train rides for all ages
Snowman Igloo bounce house for kids
A 360-degree photo booth and roaming photographers
Santa’s Workshop Tent, welcoming visitors in with:
Face painting by local artists
Holiday-themed birdhouse building with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County and artNEST Studios
Letters to Santa with the Boca Raton Historical Society
Complimentary book giveaways from the Junior League of Boca Raton
Puppy and adoption area in partnership with Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, where guests can cuddle or even adopt a dog in need of a home
Live performances, including:
Scenes from The Nutcracker by Organic Movements Dance School
A concert by the Palm Beach Youth Orchestra, featuring music from The Polar Express
An on-site screening of the holiday movie classic
A magic show
Festive food trucks, a cash bar, a hot chocolate bar, and inflatable candy canes available for $5
Guests will receive free entry by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or making a voluntary donation to Spirit of Giving, the event’s beneficiary for the past ten years. Contributions support the organization’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, which brings joy to more than 6,000 underserved children across Palm Beach County. Additionally, the VIP tent experience will once again benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton – a women-led organization dedicated to volunteerism, empowerment, and community impact. Adult tickets are available for $60 and $16 per child (16 years and younger), with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting the Junior League’s mission. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the holiday-themed VIP suite, designed for the whole family and offering chef-inspired holiday dishes, a carving station, an open bar, and seasonal sweet treats. The VIP Kids Corner includes a dedicated face painter, glitter tattoo artist, and a skilled illustrator, plus a variety of child-friendly beverages and snacks, including a make-your-own s’mores station. Each child will also receive a commemorative stuffed polar bear and an inflatable candy cane to take home. VIP space is limited and typically sells out — secure your tickets today!
Boca Raton Magazine is this year’s exclusive magazine sponsor, ESPN West Palm Beach is the exclusive radio sponsor, and CBS12 is the exclusive TV sponsor. Other event sponsors currently include Baptist Health, CJM Construction, BCN Telecom, Coastal Waste & Recycling, Inc., Event Effects Group, and Elite Maintenance & Management.
For sponsorship opportunities and information, please contact CP Group’s Events Manager, Kisha Cools, at kcools@cpgcre.com.
Leading Leaders : How to Engage People Beyond Money
By Mario de Camargo
Much has been said about leadership traits, several authors dissected core qualities for the positive exercise of leadership. Styles of leadership include autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, transformational, transactional, servant, each one its own characteristics, and applied to different situations according to the business or team context.
The classification may vary according to the source, be it IMD Business School in Switzerland as above, or authors like Daniel Coleman and John Maxwell, or the Harvard Business Review. The intrinsic qualities of a leader, which Maxwell lists as 21 indispensable traits, range from character to charisma to servanthood and vision, amongst others.
In my 45 years of volunteer work in a global non-profit organization, or serving on trade boards for three decades dealing with economic challenges, I have to admit never having crossed paths with this perfect ideal leader portrayed in the book. After all, we are imperfect human beings, and the leader figure implies collaboration and support from the team surrounding him or her.
The question is : how to motivate people to follow the leader, when these people themselves are leaders in their own right ?
These volunteers are not motivated by money , they are successful self sufficient professionals, and understand-
ing their aspirations is the key factor for leaders. To inspire and motivate people who are not threatened by a job or financial loss, but rather moved by their own volition to adhere to a greater cause. In short, how do we engage people beyond money ?
In my experience, a blend of conditions :
A) The leader, with as many qualities as possible to amass in a single human being. Far from perfect, must embody the vision and the future that attract people to rally around;
B) The cause, which justifies the investment of time, personal skills and resources necessary to carry the organization further. The institution must display a robust set of values and principles, and be attuned to the environment of societal changes;
C) The return on investment, namely the connections established in a volunteer institution which pays back emotionally and financially. Emotional ties are visceral in modern societies, specially aging communities, and financial relationships strengthen its own members.
The conclusion is that the leader alone cannot guarantee the results needed to perpetuate the organization, requiring cause, teamwork and consistent innovation. If your institution lacks one of these, it will tread slowly towards irrelevance.
CP Group Tree Lighting
Mario Cesar Martins De Camargo
Raise a Glass to the ‘Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities’
A “BEER TASTING BASH FOR THE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED” event will be held 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Prosperity Brewers Craft Brewery and Tap Room, 4160 NW 1st Ave., Suite 21, Boca Raton, FL 33431.For $30, each beer lover will receive a flight of (4) beers and a cheese sampling/pairing with a cheese connoisseur. Raffle prizes will help fundraise for the Annual Boating & Beach Bash for Disabilities event.
So you’ve been to a wine & cheese pairing before? But what about a BEER & CHEESE PAIRING? Join us for this special event where we combine 4 different styles of beer with unique cheeses, and we’ll learn from the cheese expert about how to best enjoy the pairings.
Also, it’s in support of a great cause…The American Disabilities
Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities. We serve those with physical and neurological challenges through programs that enhance and support participants’ emotional, psychological & physical health. We also believe that every individual deserves a day in the sun and a chance to discover possibilities for a better life and a day of joy like no other. Every year, we organize the largest free event in the country for people with disabilities in Boca Raton, called the “Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities.” Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/boatingbeachbash/
For more event information, contact Kelly Boyle of Boyle, Torres & Associates at kelboyle@gmail.com or Bash Co-Founder Lowell Van Vechten at (561) 716-0879.
The Boca Raton Tribune
CHARITY
Boca’s Really Got Talent
By Marci Shatzman
“Come on up here Frank Sinatra,” judge and Boca Chamber CEO Troy McLellan said from the stage to Boca’s Got Talent winner Zachary Kopelman. Zach sang Sinatra’s “My Way” to capture the top spot at this annual Boca Chamber Festival Days event, this year with 13 singers at Crazy Uncle Mike’s. Runners up were Heather Durand and Ally Hatzissimou.
Fellow judge Camille Goodwin, the venue’s owner and proceeds recipient, announced all three would get $150 this year. She and Mike formed Myla’s Beleaf, a nonprofit to honor their late daughter who lost her battle with childhood cancer in 2020. “She would have been 14,” Camille said, introducing their two grown daughters who were there. Last year’s event netted Myla’s Beleaf $10,000, and she’s hoping the record crowd this year will mean a sim-
ilar donation to support families going through the same situation. https:// mylasbeleaf.com/
Boca Chamber ambassador and this year’s Chamber Small Business honoree Laureen Pannullo, owner of Con -
fident Bookkeeping Services, was the main sponsor. Entertainment provided by Chamber ambassador Kelly Boyle and Salvatore Aiello, both with Salgo Entertainment.
This was another feather in Zach’s cap, by the way, since he’s been winning the Rotary Club of Boca Raton’s annual “Future Stars Performing Arts” competition for years. Among the other young singers was Mary Sol and Abilio Gonzalez’s granddaughter Isabella Hindhaugh, 14, who sang “Burn” from “Hamilton.”
Also there was Chamber ambassador John McClaskie, who reminds everyone that Festival Days’ mainstay Margarita Monday to benefit Speak Up for Kids is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at Rocco’s Tacos in the Boca Center. Tickets $40 in advance, $45 at the door. https://speakupforkidspbc.org/events
Boca’s Jr. League Reveals New Women Volunteer Nominees
Drum roll please. Here’s the 40 nominees for the 2025 Junior League of Boca Raton’s upcoming 38th annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon. For newbies, this is a big deal. More than 900 people attend this event honoring volunteers from organizations across Palm Beach and Broward counties.
This year’s luncheon is Friday, Nov. 21 at The Boca Raton, also sponsoring the fashion show. The winning honoree is announced with great fanfare at the event’s finale. Carrie Rubin is honorary chair. Namrata Israni and Racheal Petullo will serve as event co-chairs, announced Boca’s Junior League president Victoria Matthews. Sponsorships are available, and tables and tickets will go on sale Sept. 1 at https://e. givesmart.com/events/J97/ or call 561-620-2553.
Here’s this year’s honorees:
American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), Judith Anne Wong Achievement Centers for Children & Families, Noreen Payne
Alzheimer’s Association, Judy Simon
American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, Geneive Brown Metzger
Best Foot Forward, Marjorie Margolies
Boca Ballet Theatre, Arlene Herson
Boca Helping Hands, Tandy Robinson
By Marci Shatzman
Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum, LeAnn Berman
Boca School for Autism, Cathy Datwani
Boca West Children’s Foundation, Karen Ruben
Brain Bowl Events, Inc., Mary Stern
Community Servant Leaders, Lisa Talley
Dress for Success Palm Beaches, Catherine Kasten
Eda and Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation, Stephanie Newell
Find Your Voice Foundation, Christine Barclay
George Snow Scholarship Fund, Zoe Lanham
HabCenter Boca Raton, Ana Sasmiresan
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, Clara Bennett Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI), Martha Pinzon
HomeSafe, Abby Bernstein-Henderson
Impact 100 PBC, Helen Ballerano
inSIGHT for Education, Kelly Warsaw
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Regine Bataille
Make Our Schools Safe, Jodi Lippman
Mizner Park Cultural Arts Association, Peg Anderson
National Society of Arts & Letters of Florida, Kirsten Stephenson
Nonprofits First, Jennifer Sullivan
Old School Square Center for the Arts, Patty Jones
Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach, Keely Gideon Taylor
Place of Hope at the Leighan and David Rinker Campus, Jeannine Morris
Roots and Wings Inc., Marcia Mithun
Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise, Susan Weinblatt
Scholar Career Coaching, Lisa Rabinsky
Spirit of Giving, Dawn Zook
Sweet Dream Makers, Michelle Hagerty
The Diaper Bank Covering South Florida, Rebecca Heatherman
The Junior League of Boca Raton, Samantha Vassallo
Women’s Executive Club, Mary Owens
YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Fernanda Macedo
YWCA of Palm Beach County, Daniela Levenson
OBITUARY The Boca Raton Tribune
Elza Maria Siqueira (1935 – 2025)
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Elza Maria Siqueira, aged 89, who passed away peacefully at her residence in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at 6:40 p.m. on August 15, 2025. Elza was a shining example of strength, faith, service, and unconditional love for both her family and others.
Born in São Pedro da Aldeia, RJ, Elza was the daughter of José Américo Siqueira and Maria Thereza de Siqueira. The youngest of twelve siblings, she lost her mother at a young age and was lovingly raised by her older sisters. As an adult, she moved to Rio de Janeiro, where she began her journey as a seamstress, a profession she carried out with great talent and passion.
She married José Maria Heizer and moved to Niterói in 1961 after the birth of their first son, Douglas Heizer. In 1965, their daughter Daisy was born. Following their separation in 1973, Elza faced with courage the challenges of raising her two children alone in a time of strong societal prejudice against divorced women.
Elza was a woman of faith. Of Catholic origin, she became a Baptist through the influence of her sister Hilda and brother-in-law Jesué, and was baptized at Igreja Batista do Paraíso in São Gonçalo. With the arrival of Pastor Fanini at the First Baptist Church of Niterói, Elza became one of the most active members, especially in the Chil-
dren’s Ministry and the Home Sciences Department, which she led for many years — and later revived at Igreja Batista Memorial, where she remained a member until the end of her life. She also played a key role at the church’s so-
cial outreach, the Creche do Reencontro, dedicating herself to caring for children with the same devotion she gave her own.
A woman of prayer, Elza instilled in her children a love for God and mis-
sions from an early age, teaching them to serve and believe. Her Christian legacy lives on through the active faith of her family.
In recent years, even with mobility limitations following a fracture in June 2023, she never ceased to be a strong presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She divided her time between Brazil and the United States, lovingly following the growth of her family. She was present at every possible graduation and celebration, including the weddings of her grandson André (to Karen) — though she was unable to attend Pedro’s wedding to Kim during the pandemic — and her granddaughter Paula (to Fernando), which she attended with her usual tenderness despite her reduced mobility.
Elza is survived by her children Douglas Heizer, married to Adinilza Heizer, and Daisy Siqueira Heizer e Vargas, married to Eduardo Vargas; her grandchildren Pedro, André, Gabriela, and Paula; her granddaughters-in-law Kim and Karen, and her grandson-inlaw Fernando, all of whom she loved as her own. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and family members whom she cherished as children. She leaves an eternal legacy of faith, strength, service to others, and dedication to family and church.
Her example will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
IN THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No.: BEVERLY RAND JACOBSEN 502025CP002951XXXANB A/K/A BEVERLY R. JACOBSEN, Division:Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE OR TRUST: You are hereby notified that a Notice of Trust has been filed with Clerk of the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, that the decedent’s date of death was May 18, 2025 and that on that date, decedent had a revocable trust, to wit: BEVERLY R. JACOBSEN TRUST DATED OCTOBER 27, 1995, which is a trust described in Florida Statutes, Section 733.707(3), the Florida Probate Code, and is liable for the expenses of the administration of the decedent’s estate and enforceable claims of the decedent’s creditors to the extend the decedent’s estate is insufficient to pay them, as provided in Florida Statutes Section 733.607(2), the Trustee’s name and address is : Christine J. Pendleton, whose address is 21028 Madria Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33433. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims within this Court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE and provide a copy to said Trustee at the address above. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILEDWITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTAND ING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. A trustee or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, ap plies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.22113. The date of first publication of
/s/ Patricia R. Voss
Patricia R. Voss, Esq.
ee Attorney for Trustee
Florida Bar No. 974064 Boca Raton, FL 33433
PATRICIA R. VOSS, P.A. 330 NE 63 Street
Ocala, Florida 34479-5606
Telephone: (954) 524 - 5599
Email: pvoss@voss-law.com
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