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The Boca Raton Tribune

More Boca Pushback to ‘Put It to a Vote’

Even the city’s potential government campus partner and the mayor agreed to put their final plan to a vote. But that didn’t help.

For the second time in a row, speakers dominated Boca Raton’s city council’s meeting Sept. 9 to support SaveBoca’s submitted petitions asking for a referendum to prevent the sale of public land to developers. “Once we give it away, we will have no say. We will have no recourse” the group’s founder Jon Pearlman said in his three-minute turn to talk.

At Mayor Scott Singer’s suggestion to have school kids go first timewise, three voiced what all but one speakers’ main message: “We don’t want this. We want to keep what we have but better,” a 15-year-old said to resounding applause.

Quote of the Week:

PAGE TWO

Design

Senior

Games

Marketing Team

Ana Borges

Alex Penã

Marichi Aria

Tony Venezia News Room

C. Ron Allen

Dini Heizer

Doug Logan

Isabel Rizzi

Kartik Krishnaiyer

Kenny Spahn

Marci Shatzman

Michael Demyan

Synesio Lyra

Thomas J. Madden

Toni King

Toni Marshall

Photographers

Andre Freitas

Gabriela Barbieri

Rosa Cavalcanti

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Phone: 561-536-5443

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: FICTIONAL CANINES

ACROSS

1. *”Call of the Wild” dog

5. Lightning McQueen, e.g. 8. Island near Java 12. Popular hairdo in the 1960s and ‘70s 13. Governmental space agency, acr. 14. Meat in a casing 15. Larry Bird’s target 16. Narrative poem 17. Richard Bachman to Stephen King 18. *Sherman’s Mr.

20. Fence plank 21. Small jar 22. FedEx competitor 23. *Tabaqui of “The Jungle Book”

26. Most vital part

30. a.k.a. Home of the Brave

31. Bewilder

34. Y’all

35. Phonograph media

37. Williams sister’s return

38. “Two mints in one” classic mints

39. Celt

40. Red carpet suit

42. Pirate’s turf

43. Flag on a ship, pl.

45. Solar system model

47. Like a fiddle

48. Sweating room

50. Chesterfield, e.g.

52. *National Crime Prevention Council’s mascot

54. “The Martian” (2015) actor Matt ____

55. Verbal exam

56. Half-man, half-goat

59. Deflect

60. Charge a tax

61. Division word

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as

Lord, not for human masters.t” Colossians

62. Darn a sock, e.g.

63. Bo Peep follower

64. Long, long time

DOWN

1. Scrooge’s exclamation

2. E.T. transporter, e.g.

3. Photo editing option

4. 1/100th of a ruble

5. Mafia’s top dogs

6. “All joking ____”

7. Risqu

8. *Target’s mascot

9. “Si, mi chiamo Mimi” in La Boheme, e.g.

10. Law school test acronym

11. “____ a Wonderful Life”

13. Interstellar cloud

14. Flying stingers

19. Omani and Yemeni

22. Consume

23. TV Judy’s title

24. Of the Orient

25. Lawyers’ loads

26. Major European

LAST WEEK RESULT

river

27. Relating to Scandinavia

28. Like a button, but more so

29. English homework

32. Swine and avian diseases

33. *Maid Marian of Disney’s “Robin Hood” movie (1973)

36. *The Big Red Dog

38. ____copia

40. Blast maker, acr.

41. Sullenly

44. James Dean’s last movie (1956)

46. Basket-making fiber

48. Nut holder

49. Tequila source

50. “____ me a seat”

51. Damien’s prediction

52. Lawn pest

53. *Rubeus Hagrid’s faithful boarhound

54. Beaver’s edifice

57. Beehive State native

58. Us, in Mexico

The Boca Raton Tribune

COMMUNITY

Florida Atlantic University Welcomes Record-Setting Class of National Merit Scholars

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is celebrating a milestone this fall with the arrival of 40 National Merit Scholars, the largest group in its history. Among them, 21 are first-time FAU students while 19 are returning scholars. This record-setting total underscores FAU’s growing reputation as a first-choice destination for high-achieving students.

“We are elated to welcome our incoming, exceptionally talented National Merit Scholars as they join their peers at Florida Atlantic University,” said Mary Ann Gosser Esquilín, Ph.D., assistant dean of the FAU Honors and Scholars Program. “We look forward to shining a spotlight on their successes as they pursue research opportunities and continue to excel in their chosen academic fields.”

Strong Local Ties

Of the 40 National Merit Scholars enrolled this semester, 25 are from Florida, including five FAU High School alumni who are part of the

new class.

The achievement reflects FAU’s ongoing commitment to cultivating academic excellence while maintaining strong connections with the South Florida community.

the National Merit Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program, established in 1955, is one of the most prestigious academic competitions for high school students in the United States. More than 1.3 mil-

lion students enter the program annually by taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). From there, students advance through rigorous selection criteria to earn recognition and scholarship opportunities.

FAU’s Growing Reputation

Serving more than 32,000 students across six campuses, FAU has earned a designation as an “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. In 2025, FAU was nationally recognized as a Top 25 BestIn-Class College and hailed as “one of the country’s most effective engines of upward mobility” by Washington Monthly.

The university has also welcomed its most academically competitive incoming class in history this year, reflecting its increasing appeal not just in Florida but across the nation.

About

1st Look at Boca Police Tactical Training Site

By Marci Shatzman

It’s used by more than the SWAT team. The public via media just got their first look inside Boca Raton Police Services Department’s training facility for urban assault, room clearing and other “force-on-force scenarios.”

Part of police training including the bomb and drone squads and the K-9 unit, these adaptable spaces of rooms and hallways are in an area of the city’s 6500 Congress Ave. building with only police access. The force has been using this Action Target TAC House training facility for about eight months, said Ranger Master Officer Michael Porter, who conducted a tour.

A large former storage space was “designed specifically for use with si-

munition (blank or training) ammunition rounds… to provide a safe and realistic environment for building search exercises and close-quarter engagements,” according to a department description. “As a portable simunition shoot house, TAC House allows agencies to quickly deploy and reconfigure training layouts to match evolving operational needs —whether indoors, outdoors, or on a remote training site.”

Porter calls the easily changeable configuration a Rubik’s Cube, since it’s always evolving, even when he sees something on TV that’s relevant. “How can we make it better,” he said. Plans call for overhead cameras and TV monitors, he added. “We’ll continue to build this out.”

The entire structure was donated by the Boca Raton Police Foundation. It took just over $200,000 in accumulated donations, the most single donation in the foundation’s 12-year history, said executive director Bob Tucker. “It was money well spent. We have a low crime rate, but we never take it for granted. You never know, so we want them to be prepared.” https://bocaratonpolicefoundation.org/

Even the city’s potential government campus partner and the mayor agreed to put their final plan to a vote. But that didn’t help.

“I honor that, putting it to a vote” said Rob Frisbie for the first time, after repeating Monday’s revised Terra & Frisbie government campus plan that addressed some of the opposition’s main issues, from preserving Memorial

More Boca Pushback to ‘Put It to a Vote’

By Marci Shatzman

Park and banyan trees, to downsizing retail and residential density and controlling traffic. “There will be a public vote,” Mayor Scott Singer added.

But another mass SaveBoca turnout spoke or reacted, packing the au-

ditorium at 6500 Congress Ave., the room behind it watching on a big screen and a smaller group off the lobby. This time, even well-known Boca Raton public figures and philanthropists spoke out publically. “It doesn’t

matter what the plan is. If they get a 99-year lease, as soon as that lease is signed that can be changed to ask for more development rights,” said Lisa Muhall, a co-founder of one of the city’s major nonprofits.

“I have a personal stake,” Dawn Zook said, citing the city’s renaming the Red Reef golf course to include her late father, Alan C. Alford. A former mayor and city manager “who worked to preserve oceanfront property and park development for 47 years, he would say ‘shame on you.’ ” she said.

Singer talked about past city development history and showed a newspaper article from 1963 detailing how that evolved before. “I realize people have trust issues,” he said after council deflected insults. “There will be a vote. I think we will have more conversations.”

But residents speaking until past 10 p.m. would have none of it. And the one man who spoke in support of the current Terra & Frisbie plan was booed.

College of Nursing Receives $1.8 Million Gift from Mark Bruce Swillinger

Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has received a $1.5 million gift from Mark Bruce Swillinger in memory of his wife, Marilyn Lee Swillinger, to establish an endowed professorship in hospice and palliative care nursing. The Mark Bruce and Marilyn Lee Swillinger Endowed Professor will expose nursing students to specialized studies in hospice and palliative care throughout their nursing education. Additional gifts totaling $300,000 name the dean’s conference room for Marilyn Lee Swillinger, and the collaborative classroom for Mark and Marilyn together.

Marilyn Lee Swillinger, who passed away on Oct. 30, 2023, after a two-year battle with lung cancer, was especially passionate about supporting health care and the arts. She was a longtime mem-

ber of the College of Nursing’s advisory board and supported other FAU colleges and departments, in addition to numerous other local charitable organizations.

“This is my opportunity to memorialize Marilyn and give back to the community, which has given so much to us,” said Mark Swillinger. “I can’t say enough about the treatment that hospice gave to Marilyn and me. It’s important not only to the people in need but also for everyone within our community.”

The Mark Bruce and Marilyn Lee Swillinger Endowed Professorship in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing will provide support in perpetuity for a professor with expertise in hospice and palliative care who will direct the integration of this nursing specialty in-

to the undergraduate curriculum that includes academics, simulation, clinical training, and preparation for certification in all levels in hospice and palliative care. This professor will also introduce students to this important specialty early in their academic careers and promote and prepare them for rewarding careers in hospice and palliative care.

“As a member of the College of Nursing’s first advisory board, Marilyn had a profound influence on the college, helping it grow to what it is today,” said Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean of Nursing. “Hospice and palliative care are so important to the community, and so many lives are going to be impacted because of Mark’s generosity.”

Mark Bruce Swillinger

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

The Boca Raton Tribune

Founded January 15, 2010

DOUGLAS HEIZER, Publisher

Our Writers/Reporters and Columnists

THOUGHTS FROM THE PUBLISHER

By: Douglas Heizer

A Shift in Stance on the Mega-Project Debate

In my last column, I harshly criticized the omission of the mayor and the City Council regarding the Frisbee Terra mega-project. I stated clearly that the ones who had taken the lead were the members of Save Boca, not the elected leadership. Today, I record something different: there has been a shift in stance.

This week’s Council Member meeting marked a milestone in the debate over the city’s mega-project. Mayor Scott Singer, unlike previous occasions when he declared that “the decision had already been made,” adopted a different posture: humble, open, and attentive to the population. This change in tone, in which he recognized the essential role of listening to citizens, strengthens the local democratic process.

This contrast with past attitudes revealed political maturity and a willingness to promote conciliation.

This shift does not erase past mistakes, but it must be acknowledged. Democracy is built this way: with healthy debate, conciliation, and, above all, the willingness to correct course when necessary.

I will not go into technical details, because our reporters will cover them. What I want to record here is what I felt: the citizens were heard. That, to me, was the most important.

I was impressed by Mayor Singer’s demeanor. Unlike other occasions, when he seemed arrogant and closed to dialogue, treating differing opinions

as if they were personal attacks against him or the city, this time he was humble, accepted his role, and showed that democracy is made of healthy debate and conciliation. He was gracious with people, even when some were disrespectful toward him. It was a turning point.

Congratulations, Mayor Singer. Congratulations also to all the other City Council members — Fran Nachlas ,Marc Wigder, Andy Thomson, Yvette Drucker. You chose the path of conciliation. In a tense scenario, that choice demonstrates political maturity and respect for public dialogue.

I also want to commend Frisbee-Terra for opening itself to what the citizens are asking, and the group Save Boca, which transformed residents into activists aware of their rights and their strength. This is citizenship in action.

The debate is far from over — and could not be otherwise, given the magnitude of this project. But today was a historic step. Issues such as traffic, density, appraisal, costs, and environmental impact are still on the table.

I feel proud of Boca Raton. As always, our newspaper remains open to all points of view, because only in this way do we reach consensus. And today, the truth has flourished.

As the old French proverb says: “Rome ne fut pas faite toute en un jour.”

(Rome was not built in a day.)

Congratulations, Boca.

SOLVITUR AMBULANDO

By Douglas Logan

Lots being written these days about so-called super-agers. Those octogenarians who show little or no sign of the onset of dementia. Last month Dana Smith wrote an interesting essay in the NYT on the subject. She identified the one quality that all the members of this cohort share in common.

“Super-agers are a diverse bunch; they don’t share a magic diet, exercise regimen or medication. But the one thing that does unite them is “how they view the importance of social relationships,” said Sandra Weintraub, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, who has been involved in the research since the start. “And personality wise, they tend to be on the extroverted side.”

I agree that socialization is important. However, I believe that it is only one of five major contributors to longer quality of life. What researchers call Compressed Morbidity. The keeping of all the functional aspects of human life functioning at high levels until they all give out about the same time. Preventing end of life with a sound body but a demented brain. Or a crippled body with a lucid mind. It’s a timing exercise.

Besides socialization, for me, there are four additional ingredients.

Exercise

Diet

Rest

Optimism

The principal contributor to what is known in Spanish as ‘bien estar’ (well be-

ing) is exercise. I spend at least 2 hours early in the day moderately exercising. Every day. I see it as punching my ticket to happy aging. Some see it as a selfish pursuit. I don’t care.

I have adopted the practice of eating sparingly. About 85% of what I eat is fresh and local and I avoid high-density calories. My consumption of meat from animals is low and I try to avoid processed foods. But let me go back to my first point; I eat what I need, not what I want.

I sleep well at night, including long blocks of deep sleep. I do not deprive myself of day-time naps. Incidentally, I have complex dreams in both my native languages and remember most of them when I arise in the morning.

“An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity; a pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.”

Winston Churchill

I am an unbridled optimist. I don’t complain. I adapt. I see a good side to every piece of bad news. The Trump years have severely tested this trait but I can say it still is dominant within me. I love my family and my country and am confident both will survive these difficult times.

I believe in myself. I am a proud man, to the point of being occasionally vain. I give importance to my appearance, hygiene and the way I present myself to strangers. I am looking forward to the days ahead, as I do with every forthcoming adventure. I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.

The Boca Raton Tribune

COLUMNIST

MONDAY MANNA

By: Robert J. Tamasy

Do You Suffer From ‘Semmelweis Reflex’?

How do you build a successful business? Countless books have been written about this. So-called ‘experts’ tout many formulas for how a company can rise above the competitors. But rarely do we hear these authorities mention a particular word that can make a tremendous difference for both an enterprise and its clients or customers. That word is: Courtesy.

One definition of ‘courtesy’ is “the demonstration of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior toward others; a respectful or considerate act or expression.” Courtesy – or the lack of it – is a quality that I quickly notice whenever I patronize a business, such as a grocery or department store, doctor’s office, movie theater, or restaurant.

Sadly, in our world today, it seems that courtesy has largely fallen out of style. Even the simple act of holding the door for another person when entering a business seems to offend some people. This gesture is not intended to demean or seem condescending. It is merely a simple act of recognizing the presence of the other person and politely offering them the opportunity to enter before you.

In our community, one grocery store and its staff are known for courtesy. They always greet customers, ask if they can help in any way, acknowledge you when checking out, and even offer to help take the groceries to your car. Another grocery store, also very prominent, rarely displays such forms of kindness. Guess which of the stores I prefer to visit?

Why the difference? I believe in most cases, it is the culture of the business, training, and expecting all employees to act in a certain, consistent manner. Courtesy does not happen by accident. What is most interesting is that it takes so little effort to be courteous to others, but the benefits are substantial.

Many passages in the Bible talk about courtesy being extended, along with underlying principles for how and why it should be prominent in our interactions with others. Here are just a few of them: Giving others priority. Showing courtesy toward others communicates that they are valued. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

Treating others as you would want to be treated. When someone asked what God expects of His people, Jesus Christ said the answer was not complicated. In addition to the command to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,’” He said, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). How would you like people to respond courteously to you?

Setting ourselves apart in a highly competitive working environment. In the marketplace, where profits are often paramount and everything else is considered of much lesser importance, demonstrating genuine concern and interest in others can make us – and our companies – stand out. “…to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone” (Titus 3:2, Amplified).

© 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

Think of a recent example of a time when someone in a business setting demonstrated genuine courtesy toward you. How did that make you feel? How did you respond?

Why do you think that in many businesses, the importance of showing courtesy is not part of their operational philosophy? Do you believe that makes that much of a difference in building and maintaining a strong organization? Why or why not?

In your own company or organization, is the sincere display of courtesy toward others – not just customers and clients, but also employees and suppliers – given a high priority? Explain your answer.

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By: Rick Warren FAITH

There’s Meaning in the Mess

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

Every problem in your life has a purpose; there’s meaning in the mess of it all.

When you’re in the middle of a difficulty, it’s hard to see its purpose. But hindsight is 20/20—so when you look back at a problem after you’ve gotten through it, you often can see what God was doing.

In the 1980s and ’90s, there was a TV show called MacGyver. It was fun to watch because MacGyver could make something out of nothing. He’d gather bailing wire, chewing gum, and acetone, and suddenly he’d have built a whole rocket ship. He could use anything—even the everyday, ordinary things around him—for his own purposes.

Let me tell you—God is so much better than MacGyver! He can take everything in your life—the good stuff, the bad stuff, the hurtful stuff, the bizarre stuff—and use it for good. Remember, God doesn’t cause your problems. But he does allow them so he can use them for his own good intentions, even when other people have bad intentions.

A great example of this in the Bible is the story of Joseph. Joseph faced a whole string of terrible problems. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers. He was falsely accused

of seducing his master’s wife. He was thrown into prison.

But Joseph kept on being faithful. And eventually he was placed second in charge over all of Egypt. In this role, he was able to save entire nations from famine. He was even able to save his own family—including his brothers, who had sold him into slavery. He told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). Joseph knew that God’s good intentions had been working, even in the bad circumstances of his life. You, too, may be in a bad situation right now. It may seem like everything in your life has gone wrong. People with bad intentions may have hurt you. But God intends to bring good out of it. He wants you to bring him the broken pieces of your life. He can bring peace out of those pieces.

Remember, God’s purpose is greater than any problems you’ve been through. And he’ll bring good out of them if you’ll trust him. Talk It Over

When have you seen God bring meaning out of a mess?

How does Joseph’s story encourage you? What problem are you in the middle of right now? Spend some time in prayer, telling God you trust him to bring good out of it.

By: Clay Jones

Delray Beach Pride Intersection Removed by FDOT

In a swift overnight operation, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) painted over Delray Beach’s LGBTQ Pride intersection, just hours after denying the city’s bid to keep the mural. The move comes amid a statewide effort to remove similar street art that the state considers non-compliant with road safety standards.

The state’s action took place around 2:30 a.m., with Florida Highway Patrol officers reportedly present as a crew applied new paint over the colorful mural.

City officials per multiple media reports expressed disappointment with the timing and manner of the state’s intervention. Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore had previously indicated that the city planned to remove the mural after receiving a formal or -

Who was Listening to Andy?

By Marci Shatzman

Lots of people turned out for Boca’s mayoral candidate/councilman Andy Thomson’s four summer listening sessions as part of his campaign strategy. Thomson’s main opposition in the March 10, 2026 Municipal Election is Boca’s Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas. Not surprisingly, he was pleased with the collective response to his sessions at the Flamingo House finale Thursday evening. “We heard from the community what matters to them,” he said. In fact, a mixed bag of voters came with their own local issues, like rowdy college kids renting in a single-family neighborhood. But most of the questions and comments in the last two sessions were about the city’s controversial downtown government campus plan. The previous session drew a big crowd at the Wyndham hotel’s events center and host Farmer’s Table. Thomason spoke first at all the sessions, introducing himself as a twice re-elected city councilman and second-generation Boca native. The listening part started on a positive note, asking what attendees liked most about the city. Second on his list of six topics is the heart of this campaign, reaction to the city’s not yet approved interim partnership with developers Terra &

Frisbie and their evolving plans for a downtown government campus.

Thomson made it clear from the outset where he stands as the only city

council member who has voted no on every tentative move and plan since February. “Too tall. Too dense. Too much office. Displacement of recre -

der. City Attorney Lynn Gelin had also advised commissioners to begin the removal process to avoid further enforcement action.

The FDOT’s decision to act so hastily, however, circumvented the city’s ability to formally respond to the order or explore other options. A city spokeswoman stated that by “acting outside of its process,” the state “disregarded the city’s good-faith efforts to follow established procedures.” The city had also recently tried to have the hearing officer removed for alleged bias, a request that was also denied.

The Delray Beach City Commission has scheduled a special meeting for 5 p.m. today to discuss the matter and consider its next steps.

ation. We don’t need to do this here. Privatizing city land is a bridge too far,” he said. “The public has to weigh in to approve. It’s your land. It’s our land,” he said to applause.

No one identified themselves as affiliated with the organized opposition, SaveBoca. That group packed the city’s last meeting and presented 5,200 petitions to the city to put the sale of public land to a vote. Their only show of force was at Thomson’s second listening session where people wearing SaveBoca T-shirts showed up at The Irishmen, he confirmed.

Thomson said he objects to the rushed timing to approve the interim agreement by Oct. 28. He questions the lack of specifics, from financial to traffic, and especially having the city pay upfront and be reimbursed for a new city hall, community center and police headquarters. “We can rebuild our facilities ourselves. We don’t need a Taj Mahal,” he told attendees.

Thomson said he stands for a financially sound city, high quality of life and services. “Growth will happen on its own,” he said. “I love that the community is paying attention to this issue. Yes. The public should have a vote on this.”

Bowing to Community Reaction, Terra-Frisbie Making Major Changes to Government Center Campus

By Kartik Krishnaiyer

Terra-Frisbie, after facing significant grassroots headwinds, is set to unveil a new vision for the Government Center Campus in downtown Boca Raton.

The updated site plan, which will be presented at Monday’s City Council workshop, reflects extensive community feedback gathered from over 30 public meetings. This revised proposal marks a significant shift, with a clear focus on enhancing green space, improving recreation facilities, and preserving the area’s natural beauty.

A key highlight of the new plan is the enhancement of Memorial Park and an honoring of its historic importance. The developers are touting their commitment to making the park the true center of the downtown area and will commemorate it with a dedicated monument. To ensure the monument honors its purpose, the team plans to work directly with the City of Boca Raton and local veterans groups on its design.

The revised plan wisely addresses one of the community’s most passionate requests: the preservation of the all six of the beloved banyan trees whose apparent removal or relocation had caused a firestorm among residents. In a move that prioritizes conservation, the developers have decided to keep all six of the iconic trees in their original locations. A children’s playground we are told will be placed adjacent to the trees, celebrating their importance and creating a natural, shaded play area for families.

The developer is touting the changes as “a move aimed at benefiting the entire city”, the proposed plan includes a commitment to adding and improving recreation facilities not just downtown, but also in other parts of the city closer to where residents live. This includes increasing overall green space in the downtown area and enhancing a minimum of eight existing tennis courts.

The new proposal per the developer also calls for a “new, world-class community center and city hall”. These buildings the developer touts are being designed to feature modern tech-

nology and a more welcoming design, replacing the current facilities with a more functional and aesthetically pleasing approach.

Additionally, the updated plan makes a conscious effort to reduce density which goes along with the other points made above – the new plan will evidently increase more green space, create a dedicated war memorial and have eight tennis courts (whether they are clay or hard courts or a mix we are not sure of yet). This downscale in density will include significant reductions in the amount of commercial uses and the number of proposed residential units. This change the developer claims will align the project more closely with community desires for a balanced, livable downtown that respects Boca Raton’s unique character.

Below are quotes from the developers about these changes.

David Martin, CEO of Terra, and Rob Frisbie, Jr., Managing Partner of Frisbie Group, LLC, issued the joint statements: “The Terra-Frisbie team is proud to partner with the City of Boca Raton on this downtown transformation and believes that community input strengthens projects. The site plan unveiled today is a direct result of the feedback shared by residents. We are excited to continue finalizing the design and moving the project forward.”

“Terra and Frisbie Group were selected by the Boca Raton Council because of our shared vision for a Downtown Boca Raton district that prioritizes community spaces, walkability, and resiliency. Our team is in dialogue with the community everyday, and the feedback we’re collecting is invaluable. This early phase of the approval process is an opportunity for us to listen and engage, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Terra and Frisbie Group have collectively developed dozens of communities across South Florida, and we know that public input makes for better outcomes.”

Whether these changes fully satisfy the more than 5,200 Boca residents who signed petitions seeking a public vote on the project remains to be seen. However, it is clear the developer did take into account public critiques related to the project particularly around green space, banyan trees, war memorials and tennis courts into its new proposal.

Two public workshops will also be announced later today by the developer we have learned. The two dates for these workshops are listed below:

● Monday, September 29, 4-7 p.m. at the Downtown Library

● Monday, October 6, 4-7 p.m. at the Spanish River Library

The Boca Raton

CHARITY

Fuller Center Welcomes Two New Board Members: Bruce Spizler and Lauren Kimber

Fuller Center is pleased to announce the addition of Bruce Spizler and Lauren Kimber to its Board of Directors.

Spizler, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, has been recognized with multiple awards for his commitment to “Service Above Self” and has led numerous community service projects supporting organizations across Boca Raton, including Fuller Center. Before relocating to Florida, he served 38 years as Senior Assistant Attorney General in Maryland, where he was honored with the Exceptional Career Service Award.

Kimber, Director of Communications at ADT, is a seasoned leader in strategic communications, executive engagement, and corporate giving. She also oversees ADT’s Safe Places program and holds an MBA from Lynn University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida. Before joining ADT, Kimber was a member of Fuller Center’s Develop-

ment Team, where she witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of the organization’s mission—an experience that deepens her passion and commitment to serving on the Board.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bruce and Lauren to our Board of Directors,” said Eric Roby, CEO of Fuller Center. “Bruce’s legacy of service and leadership in the community, combined with Lau-

ren’s expertise in strategic communications and corporate engagement, bring invaluable perspectives that will help us continue to expand our impact on children and families in Boca Raton.”

For more than 50 years, the Fuller Center has embraced, educated, and empowered hardworking, under-resourced families across South Florida. Serving over 1,100 children annually — from infants through teens — and reaching more than 700 families across 40+ zip codes in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, the Fuller Center provides affordable, high-quality early education, out-of-school programs, private elementary education, teen leadership development, and family support services. Each year, the organization delivers more than 430,000 meals and snacks to ensure children’s health and wellbeing at three campuses. |

Facebook: @fullercenterfl | Instagram: @fullercenterfl | LinkedIn: @ fullercenterfl

Lauren Kimber | Bruce Spizler

FirstBank is bringing our lending expertise to Boca Raton. With the opening of our new Loan and Deposit Production Office, we look forward to guiding and growing your local business community.

We’re here to help even before our doors officially open. Give us a call, and we’ll gladly assist with all your lending needs.

3 Things Every Older Adult Should Do for Their Health This Fall Fall Yard Cleanup Tips from Lawn Care Experts

By State Point

For older adults, fall is an important time to focus on health and wellness.

According to Ryan Kocher, who leads Medicare growth for HealthSpring, the new brand for Health Care Service Corporation’s Medicare business, formerly owned by the Cigna Group, the following three tasks are essential for seniors to complete as cool weather sets in.

Get a Flu Shot

An influenza vaccine can help prevent serious illness due to flu. As immune defense diminishes with age, older adults are increasingly susceptible to flu complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of higher dose flu vaccines for people 65 years and older. This fall, in advance of flu season, visit your healthcare provider or pharmacist to get the right vaccine for you. This is also a good time to catch up on any other immunizations that your provider recommends.

Review Medicare Coverage

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify. Many Medicare beneficiaries choose or change their plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. HealthSpring is offering a host of Medicare options for 2026. The company provides these tips for selecting a plan:

• Check for plan changes: Review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced changes to your health, lifestyle or finances. It’s especially important to read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter – delivered every Septem-

ber – to find out about any modifications to your current plan.

• Dig into the details: A good plan is one that includes your favorite providers and specialists and covers the medications you currently take. When reviewing plans, take these factors into consideration.

• Consider all your options: Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does, so do your research to see if these plans will work for you.

• Learn more: Before enrolling in a particular plan, be sure you understand the details. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

24 hours a day, 7 days a week; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program website at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also visit individual Medicare plans’ websites for more information. For example, HealthSpring’s website is www. healthspring.com.

Use Your Health Care Benefits

Annual enrollment also serves as a good reminder to take advantage of all your Medicare benefits. Preventive care and a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your independence and vitality as you age. Tap into what your plan offers so you can actively engage in your health and well-being.

By checking a few important items off your to-do list during autumn, you can ensure you’re well-positioned for a healthy winter and 2026.

By State Point

Fall means school is back in session, football season’s beginning, and your lawn is going to need some extra care to stay healthy through winter.

“With the change in seasons, your lawn care routine is also going to change to include less mowing and more dealing with leaves and debris,” says Nick Heiser, product manager at Exmark. “And if you’ve got a lot of debris and material to get up and off your lawn, you’re going to want to do that by bagging when you mow.”

In “Lawn Mowing Tips for Fall Yard Cleanup,” a video on Exmark’s Backyard Life site, Heiser explains that doing so might require switching out the type of blade you have on your mower. While most mowers come standard with high-lift notch blades, which are good for many cutting conditions, for heavy bagging, you should be using an extreme blade. This will do a few things for you:

• It will create an aggressive lift that creates the vacuum and suction needed to pull up debris.

• It will evenly cut up, break down and compact everything on your lawn

to help the bagging system do its job more effectively.

Once you’ve cleared most of the debris, you should switch back to mulching for the last few cuts of the season to put nutrients back into the ground and allow the lawn to retain moisture. A micro mulch system, which is an easy-touse and easy-to-install lawn mower accessory, provides an extra set of blades to break down clippings to a fine mulch, then directs the area of deposit, so you control where the mulch lands.

Finally, fall is the best time for aeration for cool-season grasses. Aeration is essential to ensuring that the roots of your lawn get plenty of air and the nutrients they need before winter.

To view the video, visit Exmark’s Backyard Life, a unique multimedia destination focused on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.

Now that you’re armed with these fall yard cleanup tips, you can head out to take care of your lawn with confidence.

ENTERTAINMENT

Boca Raton Public Library Presents the Art Exhibit, “Fantasy Land: Let Imagination Soar,” By Paula Franklin

The Boca Raton Public Library presents a new art exhibit consisting of both acrylic paintings and sculptural works, “Fantasy Land: Let Imagination Soar,” by Paula Franklin. A self-taught artist, Ms. Franklin has been painting for over fifty years. She has also studied with sculptor emeritus of the Boca Raton Art Museum School, William Reid, for over fifteen years. This will be Ms. Franklin’s first public exhibition after previous private exhibitions of her work.

Ms. Franklin cites her extensive experiences with world travel as a major source of her inspiration, alongside her “commitment to experimentation with different mediums and styles.” Ms. Franklin’s bold, colorful paintings, full of dynamic swirls and natural features, alongside the flowing, curving nature of her sculptural pieces are all key to her exhibit and represent this experimental philosophy.

“Fantasy Land: Let Imagination Soar,” a free exhibit, will run from October 13 to November 21, 2025, at the Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Boulevard, during regular library hours.

The Boca Raton Public Library provides outstanding library services, resources, and programs that meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and informational needs of the Boca Raton community.

Paula Franklin Sculpture Two Heads Abstract

Paula Franklin Abstract Painting

SPORTS

FAU Owls Smother FAMU With Impressive Offensive and Defensive Performance… Kittley Gets First Head Coaching Win

By Bob Markey II

The Florida Atlantic University Owls put their frustrating first game loss to Maryland well behind them Saturday night with a 553-yard offensive explosion and defensive smothering of Florida A&M at the newly-minted Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton.

In FAU head coach Zach Kittley’s first home game, the Owls stormed to a 22-0 first-quarter lead and led 39-0 at the half before FAU started liberally substituting players and the Rattlers gained some momentum. But after a third-quarter lull, FAU surged back with two touchdowns and a field goal to win 56-14.

“We weren’t perfect by any means, but I think when we watch this tape, compared to last week, we feel like we improved, so I’m super proud of that,” Kittley said.

Kittley attributed the win to “our [attention to] detail and everyone doing their jobs. I felt like we had some guys really try to do a little bit too much last week. They were trying to make the big plays instead of doing their jobs and let the other 10 guys make the play.

“What I was most proud of was, the fan base was great, the student section was there and stayed the whole time. I am so grateful for that;” Kittley said. “Any time we can have that kind of home field advantage, I think it’s huge.”

The passing game was well spread to four receivers. Easton Messer caught four passes for 68 yards, the longest a 30-yarder. Jayshon Platt caught five passes for 56 yards. Asaad Waseem caught four passes for 55 yards and two TDs. Gemani Sands added 28 yards on

five catches.

The Owls’ defense held FAMU to 296 yards and caused three fumbles, none lost. Chris Keys Jr., Tyler Stolsky and Zyere Horton made five tsackles apiece and Deshaun Batiste had four.

Quarterback Caden Veltkamp, who was 27 of 39 for 309 yards in the air, started the air raid with a 24-yard toss to BYU transfer Dominique Henry, his first career TD, at 11:15 in the first quarter. The drive consisted of seven plays and 76 yards. Kaden Shields-Dutton then threw to Jackson Lee for a 2-point surprise conversion.

Four minutes later, Lawrence Johnson recovered a blocked FAUMU punt in the end zone and the Owls were up by two TDs with 7:09 in the first. It was the first time FAU scored on special teams since 2019.

“We sat down Sunday and we kind of looked at their punt scheme,” Kittley said. ”We felt really, really good this

week that we could get one. I think we could have gotten one or two more.

“Any time you can score on special teams, your percentage of winning goes up like 70 percent.”

The Owls had no trouble marching the ball by run (34 times for 193 yards) and pass and would score again at 2:37 in the first quarter on a 12-yard pass from Veltkamp to Waseem to cap an eight-play, 67-yard drive.

Platt started the second quarter (10:17) scoring for the Owls with a 14-yard TD catch to cap a nine-play, 64-yard drive.

The Owls stormed downfield on their next possession and Veltkamp completed the drive with a 3-yard pass to Henry, capping a six-play, 54-yard drive.

Place kicker Garrison Smith was perfect on the night with six PATs and two field goals, including a 48-yarder with 3:53 to play in the game and

29-yarder to end the first half scoring.

Kittley said his intent was to play everyone, and as the subs filtered in, FAMU managed a seven-play, 85-yard drive, capped by a 27-yard pass from R. Johnson to J. Taylor at 8:57 in the third quarter.

Veltkamp took the Owls right back downfield for an 86-yard drive on 12 plays, ending with a short TD pass to Waseem at 12:22 in the fourth.

FAMU capitalized on an Owls defensive breakdown and scored on a 65-yard pass and run down the left sideline with 10:23 to play. But the Rattlers were held back for the rest of the game as the FAU subs continued pushing the ball and hitting the FAMU offense hard.

Shields-Dutton scored the final Owls TD to cap an eight-play, 68-yard drive on a 1-yard run.

FAU players and coaches said they were very happy with the home win and bounce-back from the first game’s six-interception, one-TD loss at Maryland, but they are aware of next Saturday’s Shula Bowl rivalry at FIU, which played Penn State close on Saturday.

As the clocked ticked to zero and the first win of his head coaching career was complete, Kittley said “all the emotions kind of hit at once.”

“I saw my 3-year-old run over to me and that kind of hit me a little bit. My 6-year-old and my baby were out there, too. Seeing them run out there was just a joy and they don’t even know what’s going on. They just know that Dad’s happy and Dad’s good. That was really cool, having them run out there, and my wife as well.”

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA Probate Division IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FILE NO.: 50-2025-CP001219-XXXA-SB MARILYN JAFFEY DIVISION: Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARILYN JAFFEY, deceased, is pending in the CIRCUIT COURT FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, Probate Division, the address of which is: 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. The file number for the estate is 50-2025-CP001219-XXXA-SB. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with the court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is 11 september, 2025.

_/s/ Adam M. Lusthaus Adam M. Lusthaus, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 86794 Lusthaus Law Group, PLLC 370 Camino Gardens Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432 Telephone: (561) 717-9777