The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual awards banquet and installation of officers on Saturday, June 28 at the Wanderers Club. Outgoing President Walter
for his service, while incoming President Maria
club’s
Don
Frank
Most ITID Residents Will See A $57-Per-Acre Assessment Jump
By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report
Residents of the Indian Trail Improvement District likely will see an assessment increase of one to six percent in fiscal year 2026, following a unanimous vote by the ITID Board of Supervisors on Monday, July 7. The supervisors needed to make a decision on assessments prior to July 15 to meet the state’s Truth In Millage (TRIM) deadline. After that date, assessments for the coming year can be decreased, but not increased.
If no major cuts are made to ITID’s planned $23,993,000 budget for fiscal year 2026, property owners in 10 of the district’s 21 units will pay an additional $57.59, for an assessment of $1,004 per acre. Those units are 1 through 5, 7, 9, 10, 13 and 14. One unit (M1H) will see a $199 increase, while another (M1S) will see a $21 decrease. Others fall somewhere in between.
“I don’t like raising assessments,” longtime Supervisor Betty Argue said. “But it is necessary for us to do that or figure out what we’re going to stop doing. It’s really that simple and elementary… I think every single thing in [the budget] is defensible.”
First-year Supervisor Richard Vassalotti was adamant during his 2024 campaign that he was against any assessment increase. Since then, he has learned a lot, he said Tuesday. “I still don’t want to raise taxes,” he said, “but we’re still playing catch-up [for some previous boards that] kicked the can down the road.”
Supervisors were initially presented by staff with a proposed $24.6 million budget. It would have required a $118 increase for most homeowners, according to data shared by the district.
The major cut in the proposed budget came down from Talla-
hassee when Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $450,000 to help move engineering and planning forward for construction of the M1 Impoundment, also known as the “640 acres.”
More reductions were found by planning to execute two- and three-year leases for some vehicles and equipment rather than purchase them, ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said Tuesday.
“We use some of the equipment so much and so hard, we start seeing major electrical and mechanical issues by the end of that timeframe,” he said. “So, we’re just going to lease, then turn the equipment back in at the end of the lease and lease new equipment.”
Doing so will save on repair costs and down time, he said.
New positions created in the budget include a chief administrative officer to handle day-to-
Loxahatchee Groves Faces Difficult Budget Year With Loss Of Funding From State
By Joshua Manning
Town-Crier Staff Report
A challenging budget year for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves got all that more difficult on Monday, June 30 when Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $750,000 in the state budget that the town was counting on to continue its stormwater capital improvements.
Meeting the next day, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council set its preliminary tax rates for fiscal year 2026 higher than the current year — but hope to lower them as the budget process continues.
Town staff recommended setting the Truth In Millage (TRIM) rate for property taxes at 4.00 mills, 1 mill more than the adopted 3.00 mills from last year, which
would bring in $389,000 in more revenue.
Staff further recommended setting the preliminary Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District (LGWCD) assessment for roads and drainage at $300 per unit, which is an increase of $100 per unit over the rate for the current year. That would bring in $750,000 more.
The assessment for solid waste services was recommended to stay unchanged at $450 per unit.
Special Projects Manager Jeff Kurtz noted that the rates could be lowered later in the process but could not go up.
“We face the same basic issue we faced last year,” he said.
“When you look at the operating
budget for your road and drainage fund, you are at a $600,000 to $700,000 deficit.”
The extra revenue would allow the town to continue with its capital improvement projects, since it could no longer count on getting extra state and federal money as in previous years. Furthermore, Palm Beach County’s half-cent sales tax that has also helped bring revenue into the town is expiring.
Kurtz said that town staff is working to minimize the issue, but he added that there is no longer extra money in reserves to cover the shortfall.
“We do not have any money to expend on next year’s capital budget at this point in time,” he
Kids
Northlake Closure Expected To Start On Friday, Aug. 1
By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report
project leaders. She added
that she has been working with town staff on a plan ever since the closure was announced.
“It will be a generally bad situation that we’re going to have to deal with,” McNicholas said. In an effort to stay ahead of the project, she said the town created the first written plan for maintenance of traffic, which was passed on to FDOT and the surrounding communities.
“This plan is designed to provide the best and safest procedures for our town residents, businesses and visitors,” McNicholas said, adding that the focus is on safe north-south access.
Mel Pollock of the engineering firm the Corradino Group is overseeing the entire project, which includes work from the area of Military Trail/Blue Heron near the VA Hospital, northwest to just past Northlake Blvd. In this area, the Beeline is curSee CLOSURE, page 4
Hold Successful Business Fair At Royal Palm Beach Park WELLINGTON
By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report
About 60 young CEOs, from about 10 to 18 years old, converged on Todd A. Robiner Park in the La Mancha neighborhood of Royal Palm Beach on Saturday, June 28. They set up about 45 booths selling their products and services to the several hundred adults who showed up as customers and supporters. The CEO Kid, a local company that teaches children how to start up successful businesses, produced the event, which was sponsored by iTHINK Financial.
“We had about 60 kids selling,” event organizer Kelsey Dickinson said. “I would estimate up to 400 people throughout the event. We tried to keep count, but it was a
parents shopped, while three judges roamed the booths as “secret shoppers.” Judges were looking at presentation, customer service skills, creativity and general excellence. One of three winners was Jonah Wald, a 13-year-old from Wellington whose business is named “Not So Creepy Crawlies.” He sells tiny land-dwelling crustaceans called “isopods” as pets. “These isopods make great pets because they are so easy to care for and they don’t bite or sting,” he explained. Also winning recognition was Amiya Wiltshire, 18, of Loxa-
Local communities celebrated Independence Day on Friday, July 4, with fun activities that brought the community together with plenty of patriotic spirit on display. (Above) Jorge Fernandez gets into the Fourth of July spirit in Wellington. (Left) Emma, Mili and Leo Rivas at FourthFest in Westlake. (Below) Paula, Erin and Donnie Beauchesne at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park.
PHOTOS, PAGES 13-15
Imperatore was thanked
Fernanda Cruz was sworn in. Shown above, the
prestigious
T. Gladney Award was presented to J.P. Varvarigos. (L-R) Barry and Dawn Rivera, District Gov. Marcia Gaedcke, Maria Fernanda Cruz, Walter Imperatore, Maggie Zeller, J.P. Varvarigos,
Gross, Herta Suess, Maureen Gross and Frank Suess. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5
PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Young CEOs Amiya Wiltshire, Jonah Wald and Julia Lozier won entrepreneurship recognition from the judges. PHOTO BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER
See ITID, page 4
Taxable Value Increases Ease Budgets For Area Municipalities
By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report
Taxable property values are rising 7 percent or more in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and neighboring communities in the latest batch of numbers from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office.
According to preliminary figures for the upcoming fiscal year, the increase is 7.44 percent to $4.94 billion in taxable property value in Royal Palm Beach, where Village Manager Ray Liggins said last week that the uptick helps budgets keep up with rising costs. “We get to keep up with inflation,” he explained. Municipalities use the data to help prepare their fiscal year 2026 budgets. All communities are losing revenue from an expiring countywide
half-cent sales tax that went in part toward civic building projects, but the climbing property values tend to help keep basic tax rates, known as millage rates, steady. “It looks good for this year,” Liggins said. “It balances.”
In Wellington, the increase in taxable value stood at 7.17 percent to reach nearly $13.29 billion, according to figures released June 26 by the appraiser’s office.
That means that most property owners will pay more in taxes, even if tax rates remain unchanged. One key factor cushioning the blow is that many fulltime residents have a homestead exemption, typically denoting a primary residence and limiting how much taxes can go up in any one year, generally a 3 percent cap.
“The majority of residents, more
than 60 percent, are homesteaded in Wellington,” Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel noted last week.
In June, she told the Wellington Village Council in a budget presentation that a resident with a $450,000 homesteaded home can expect to pay about $32 more in taxes because of increased assessed value. That would be more like $111 for a $450,000 nonhomesteaded property.
The percentage increases in taxable property value in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach came in slightly below the countywide average of 8.18 percent.
Quickel said that’s because some other places in Palm Beach County are building more new residential and commercial properties lately.
Palm Beach Gardens, for ex-
ample, saw a 9.64 percent overall increase in taxable value to $21.76 billion, with $596 million in “net new value,” meaning new construction.
In West Palm Beach, the overall increase in taxable value was 9.42 percent to $25.49 billion, with $614 million in new construction.
In contrast, the increase in taxable value attributable to new construction was $101.7 million in Wellington and $59 million in Royal Palm Beach.
One exception in the western communities is the fast-growing community of Westlake, where taxable value jumped a countyhigh 27.23 percent, boosted by $239 million in new construction.
Then again, it’s a relative newcomer as a municipality, starting from a smaller base and featuring
an overall taxable property value of $1.64 billion. In Loxahatchee Groves, taxable value increased 8.02 percent to about $660 million.
For Palm Beach County as a whole, taxable property values increased 8.18 percent to $343 billion from 2024 to 2025. That is according to the 2025 preliminary tax roll that the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office submitted to Florida’s Department of Revenue and to local taxing authorities.
The total market value hit $528.8 billion across the county, though not all of that is taxable because of exemptions and other factors.
New construction is helping drive the increases, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks said.
“For the second time in our county’s history, new construction topped $5 billion,” Jacks said. “This is new value that is being taxed for the first time this year, adding revenue to many districts.”
Last year marked the first time new construction exceeded $5 bil
Governor’s Veto Pauses Plans For Regional Park In Westlake
By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report
With a last-minute stroke of his red budget pen, Gov. Ron DeSantis cut from the fiscal year 2026 state budget the $600,000 that the City of Westlake was counting on to move forward with construction of a 50-acre regional park.
“It’s super unfortunate that the governor vetoed the park appropriation,” Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said at the Westlake City Council meeting Tuesday, July 1.
“However, rest assured, funding for the park is not a dead issue.” For the moment, the park site at the southwest corner of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Sycamore Drive West has been leveled and prepared in partnership with the Seminole Improvement District (SID). Soon, the bare ground will be seeded in hopes of creating green carpet for the soccer fields that may someday come, but for now, everything else is on hold until an alternate funding source can be found, City Manager Kenneth Cassel said this week.
“We’re still fully intending to move forward with the project,” O’Connor said. “But it’s a matter of how we’re going to pay for it.”
The city will be looking at possible state grants from the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to begin work on the entrance, parking lot and restrooms.
It’s also possible that SID could float a bond issue to fund all or part of the project, which is expected to cost more than $7 million, depending on the amenities that are part of the final buildout, said Cassel, who also is the SID manager. The bond would be repaid by property owners over a period of years.
“That has always been an option,” Cassel said. “But we’re trying to be very judicious in the way that we do this.”
The park will likely be done in four to five phases over eight to 10 years, Cassel has said. Already in place are three linear, north-south lakes that provide a barrier between the park site and the city’s main thoroughfare. The entrance will be between those lakes. Parking is eventually planned for 275 cars and 190 golf carts, and numerous hookups for food trucks.
The park as envisioned will include a berm that runs along the west side next to the M-2 Canal.
The berm will provide a niche for a concert stage that will look out on a wide, flat, uncluttered space that could accommodate up to 10,000 people for concerts and the city’s annual FourthFest Independence Day celebration and fireworks.
In time, plans call for six soccer/sports fields; a shaded tot lot; basketball, pickle ball, tennis, racquetball and beach volleyball courts; a smaller concert area for more intimate shows; and
perhaps a dog park. A six-footwide asphalt path will frame the entire area.
“We’re trying to do this in a fiscally responsible way,” O’Connor said. “The park is still coming, we just don’t know exactly when.”
In other business:
• The council heard that plans for a Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Westlake are moving forward.
Cassel said later he expects Lowe’s representatives to present a site plan to the council at its August or September meeting.
“I haven’t heard anything more from Walmart,” he said.
Earlier this year, the nation’s largest retailer expressed interest in property at the north end of the community, according to Cassel.
• The council approved a zoning change that allows for the construction of attached “cottage homes” on land between The Hammocks and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, and on some parcels west of the roadway.
The homes will be one story, 1,350 to 1,900 square feet, and contain two and three bedrooms in a variety of styles.
“The units are really, really cute and very nice with vaulted ceilings,” said Donaldson Hearing, representing Minto Communities USA, the city’s primary landowner and developer. “These are typically for couples downsizing. They’re [also] very, very livable
for… a single person, maybe a single mom.”
This offering will diversify the housing stock in Westlake. “I’m excited to have a new product in the city,” said O’Connor, while emphasizing that the homes are not intended as rental properties.
Westlake has allowed only single-family homes and traditional townhouses until now.
“I think it says more about the market than anything else,” Cassel
said. “These units are going like crazy all over the state.”
• The council also heard about plans by its Education Advisory Board to create fundraising opportunities through partnering with local restaurants to support afterschool activities, such as a robotics club, chess club and sports clubs.
“The concept is simple,” board members wrote in a letter to be sent out by O’Connor. “We invite families and supporters of schools in Westlake to dine at your establishment on a date and time frame of your choice, and in return, we kindly ask for a donation of 10 percent of the dining proceeds during that time.”
“It’s a chance for us to come together and support our local schools,” said Vice Mayor Greg Langowski, who serves as the council’s liaison to the board. For more information, call (561) 530-5880.
The planned “cottage homes” in Westlake add a new type of housing product to the community.
Westlake Council Pushes For Fourth Straight Millage Decrease
By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report
The Westlake City Council voted unanimously at their Tuesday, July 1 meeting to set the city’s property tax rate unchanged at 4.7 mills for purposes of meeting the state’s Truth In Millage (TRIM) rate deadline.
However, by the time Westlake’s final fiscal year 2026 budget is adopted in September, they want to see it lower.
Once the TRIM rate is adopted, it can be decreased but not increased.
“People are desperately terrified of more taxes,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said during a June 24 workshop. “I would like to lower the millage to something that the
city can withstand but also gives our residents a break and shows we’re being fiscally responsible with their money.”
It would be the fourth straight year of millage rate decreases for the City of Westlake.
For fiscal year 2025, the millage rate was 4.7 mills, meaning the owner of a home with an assessed value of $550,000 and a $50,000 Homestead exemption paid approximately $2,350 in city property taxes.
The amount does not include other federal, state or county taxes, nor assessments from the Seminole Improvement District, which provides most of the city’s infrastructure, such as roads and drainage.
Whatever the fiscal year 2026 rate turns out to be, it will help fund a proposed $10,794,600 budget — only a $99,100 increase over the 2025 budget — with an operating budget of $8,724,400, an increase of $1,120,800.
Any millage reduction is expected to be realized through shaving money from the amount of reserve funds — $2.9 million — that City Manager Kenneth Cassel suggested in the budget proposal he presented at the workshop.
The reserve funds are set aside in case of an emergency, such as hurricane clean-up, and to be used to match state and federal grants as needed.
Any funds not used during the fiscal year are added to the
city’s overall fund balance, that presently is $7.2 million, Cassel explained.
The fund balance also could be important in getting good bank loan rates for the construction of a planned city hall, he said, noting that negotiations are underway with the city’s largest landowner and developer Minto Communities USA for a centrally located piece of property where it could be built.
City offices are now located in a small building at 4001 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, and council meetings are held in the Westlake Adventure Park Lodge.
If the tax rate stays at 4.7 mills, the fund balance account could have as much as $11 million in it
by the end of the 2026 fiscal year, according to the budget plan.
“If you hold the line at this point in time, you’re going to be better set up for the future,” Cassel told the council, who pressed him to find a way to decrease the rate, even if only by a symbolic amount.
Meanwhile, the Seminole Improvement District (SID) is expected to pass a small assessment increase for fiscal year 2026 that will affect mostly the owners of larger homes, said Cassel, who also is SID’s manager. Those homeowners likely will see a $40 to $50 increase, while the owners of smaller properties may see a $20 to $50 decrease, he said. Those changes come in the
wake of increases last year that saw SID assessments increase by almost $300 for some homeowners. SID’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 is $7,253,020, an increase of $725,130 over 2025. SID supervisors will hold their regular monthly meetings, plus budget hearings, Aug. 4 and Sept. 8. For more information about SID meetings, call (561) 790-1742. There will be another Westlake City Council budget workshop Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m., ahead of a Planning & Zoning Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. and the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. The final budget will be approved in September, and the new fiscal year beings Oct. 1.
Lox Council Divided On How To Move Forward Hiring Attorney
By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report
More than a month after its law firm gave notice, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council remains torn on exactly how to move forward — hire an in-house counsel or seek bids from new firms.
The council had lengthy discussions on the topic at two different meetings this month, and they may discuss it at two more before the month is out.
Current Town Attorney Glen Torcivia announced his resignation June 3. Torcivia’s firm, Torcivia, Donlon, Goddeau & Rubin P.A., has been the town’s legal counsel since 2019.
Rather than looking for a new law firm, the town is considering hiring an in-house legal counsel, and the agenda for the Tuesday, July 1 meeting offered just that possibility, converting a current town consultant with municipal
Closure Roadwork Starts
Aug. 1
continued from page 1 rently a four-lane highway with water collected in a swale system. It will become six lanes with a curb and gutter system, with water piped to outfall locations. The roadway’s footprint will be much larger, Pollock said. It will also raise the profile of the roadway and replace the bridge over Florida’s Turnpike, while adding additional capacity for the future.
Pollock explained that CSX, which operates the railway at that location, said they have had issues with that rail crossing for a number of years, and they need to do a full replacement, which will require the eight-day closure. He stressed that they will be working day and night at the intersection to get it done.
“If there is a silver lining, we will be able to get a lot of work done while working concurrently as CSX works on their full rail replacement,” Pollock said. He added that the entire existing
legal experience into the town’s new attorney. Jeff Kurtz, currently special projects manager for the town, is an attorney who previously served as legal counsel for the Village of Wellington. The July 1 agenda included both a possible contract for Kurtz to replace Torcivia, as well as the budget amendments necessary to make that change possible.
The Kurtz proposal was for a three-year contract with an annual salary of $130,000 a year to start, plus benefits. It envisions a legal department costing approximately $360,000 a year, including Kurtz, a paralegal and hiring outside counsel as necessary for areas that require specific expertise.
While that dollar amount is less than the town would have spent on Torcivia’s firm — which has been averaging in the neighborhood of $400,000 a year for the past sev-
crossing will be removed and replaced, also necessitating the full closure rail traffic on that route. However, the end result will be a much smoother crossing for both trains and vehicles.
Pollock added that they have worked out a system with emergency vehicles that will allow emergency services to continue as needed. There will also be signs and messages on roads and the turnpike regarding the closure.
County Engineer David Ricks was also at the meeting. He said that the county’s traffic engineers will change signal timing in an effort to keep traffic moving on the detour routes. Drones will be used for onsite surveillance.
“This will be all hands on deck,” he said, but cautioned that, “Once you get to a certain capacity, there is only so much you can do with signal timing.”
In Loxahatchee Groves, that will likely mean extra traffic on Okeechobee through the letter roads.
The official detour maps, which have been shared with online mapping software such as Google Maps, primarily direct traffic to Southern Blvd. However,
eral years — it is well more than several council members want to spend.
“This does not save costs,”
Councilwoman Lisa El-Ramey said.
Councilman Todd McLendon did not like the benefits package proposed for Kurtz.
Mayor Anita Kane, who has previously supported moving to an in-house counsel, said the proposal may be more than what was budgeted, but less than the actual expenses.
“I do think it will save us money and time in the efficiency of the process,” she said.
Torcivia said that the key stumbling block in bringing down legal costs has been the ever-growing priority list with continually changing points of view, which has led his firm to re-hash the same topics over and over again.
“We thought we could bring
Okeechobee Blvd. is considered an “alternate detour route.”
Furthermore, locals are expected to seek alternative pathways, which could be dangerous in rural areas like Loxahatchee Groves, with unpaved streets near canals without guardrails.
The focus of the PBSO will be to ensure safety and help keep traffic moving, said PBSO Lt. Darla Sauers.
She said that the PBSO’s Motor Unit and all community service aids will be reassigned to the affected area to direct traffic for the duration, particularly during rush hours.
“We ask that all residents continue to obey the laws of the roadway,” she said, asking people not to run lights or drive on the shoulder.
Above all, expect delays and plan accordingly.
McNicholas said that the town considered spending money on purchasing traffic deterrents but decided not to spend taxpayer money on things that will not be necessary over the long term.
Town traffic engineer Tricia Barr with Simmons & White praised the FDOT for being very responsive. She added that they are
the price down, but there were so many new priorities. Every week, a new priority,” he said.
At the July 1 meeting, several council members expressed support for Kurtz, but also wanted to advertise for the position — both in-house and for a law firm — to see who or what was available.
Councilman Paul Coleman said that advertising the position is necessary for the town to do its due diligence.
Kane, however, warned that finding new legal counsel could cost much more than expected at today’s prevailing rates, and Torcivia agreed. He recommended perhaps compromising on the term of the contract, lowering it to two years.
Kurtz, however, said he would need to make major changes should he take the job. He currently lives in Martin County and would need to move.
looking into temporary signals to create gaps to get people in and out of the letter roads.
Meanwhile, both the PBSO and drones will be monitoring the detour routes with an aim to stop through traffic from switching onto local roads.
PBCFR District Chief Amanda Vomero said that her agency will adapt to make sure that emergency services continue uninterrupted. This could mean using Trauma Hawk to move patients if roads are too congested.
“We have no choice here,” Vomero said. “This is happening. We need to go in with the right mindset and be patient with one another. Everyone will be stuck in the same traffic that you’re stuck in.”
She urged people not to create a situation that can lead to an accident.
Other county officials were on hand to note that more than 50,000 mailers will be going out to area residents with details about the situation. It was also noted that there are special hotel rates available for residents in critical industries, such as healthcare, who need to stay by their work to avoid traffic issues.
Mayor Anita Kane floated the
“If I was going to make that commitment, I would want an equivalent commitment,” he said, adding that there is already a clause in the contract that allows the council to fire him without penalty until the 20-week mark.
After an extended discussion, the council voted 4-1 at the July 1 meeting to advertise the position, with Kane dissenting. Torcivia then agreed to stay on until sometime in August.
However, that changed a bit a week later, when the council met Tuesday, July 8 to continue part of the July 1 agenda that was left unfinished.
During a follow-up discussion with Ramaglia on putting out a request for proposals (RFP) for law firms, McLendon floated the idea of a temporary contract with Kurtz while searching for a permanent firm, and if things work out, deciding to keep Kurtz.
idea of cutting trash pickup to once a week that particular week to avoid the extra stop-and-go truck traffic.
Councilman Paul Coleman
ITID
Proposed Budget
continued from page 1 day district issues plus human resources; a “media and marketing specialist” in charge of creating, sharing and analyzing information on social media and other platforms such as television and print, and handle emergency communications; and a part-time operator for a $25,000 drone. The drone will be used for inspecting hard-to-access areas such as canal banks, as well as assessing damage following a windstorm or flooding event.
“Our supervisors are very innovative,” Hanson said. “They’re comfortable with technology… and looking for long-term solutions.”
The biggest discussion during the TRIM session related to the desire of some Unit 20/Santa Rosa Groves property owners to opt out of paying a share of the $1.2 million cost of creating the Aggregate Department. The new department will quarry several types of rock from within ITID to combat the fast-rising costs of such materials purchased commercially and used extensively by the district. The rock will first be dug from the M2 Impoundment and later from the M1. As with most other units, Unit 20 would pay $59.44 per acre toward the cost of creating and funding the department. Property owners in Unit 20 are required to have at least 5.5 acres, meaning the cost of supporting the Aggre-
Kane thought that idea was a possible “trial period for an inhouse attorney.” Kurtz, however, did not like the idea as proposed, but was willing to discuss changes to his proposed contract.
El-Ramey did not want to backtrack on the July 1 decision.
“The vote has already been cast. I firmly and strongly disagree with this approach tonight,” El-Ramey said.
In the end, it was agreed that McLendon and Torcivia would meet with Kurtz in an attempt to hammer out a contract that the council would accept. A special meeting was set for Tuesday, July 22 to possibly ratify a contract. If, however, an agreement cannot be reached, another special meeting was set for Monday, July 28 to interview possible new law firms.
thanked all the visiting officials, as well as town staff and the Sluggett team for all the work they have done to get the town as prepared as possible for the coming situation.
gate Department alone would be almost $327. When other assessment increases are figured in, a Unit 20 property owner would be paying approximately $328 per acre, or $1,804 for 5.5 acres — that’s a $124 per acre increase over the 2025 assessment. At a Santa Rosa Groves community meeting on July 5, residents floated the idea of opting out of funding the Aggregate Department and having the district purchase road rock and other necessary aggregates, such as those used in canal stabilization, separately and bill Unit 20 alone. ITID Associate Director and Chief Construction Officer Rob Robinson is looking into the cost/ benefits of such a move and will report back to the board.
“We need to be sure this isn’t going to bite us in the behind if we need more rock and dirt than we expect,” said ITID President Elizabeth Accomando, a resident of Unit 20, who attended Saturday’s meeting. Robinson has said that after initial start-up costs for the department, the district will begin seeing substantial savings on aggregates over the upwardly spiraling costs from commercial vendors. Hanson warned that if, at that point, Unit 20 residents want to switch to aggregates produced by ITID, they’ll have to pay back to the district the money they saved by declining to participate in the department’s start-up. The board’s next meeting is set for Wednesday, July 16 at 6 p.m. Fiscal year 2026 begins Oct. 1.
Groundbreaking For PBC Building Division Facility At Vista Center
On June 23, Palm Beach County officials gathered to officially break ground on a highly anticipated new facility at Vista Center, located at 2300 N. Jog Road.
The upcoming 58,000-squarefoot, two-story building will serve as the future home of the Planning, Zoning & Building (PZB) Department’s Building Division, along with a new parking garage. The project will feature a modern office building with an adjacent parking garage and an elevated walkway connecting to the current building.
The facility will also serve a vital role during emergencies, doubling as the Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery Center for PZB’s damage assessment team. “We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we look forward to continuing to serve the community in this exceptional new space,” PZB Executive Director Whitney Carroll said. Construction is now underway, with completion expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Due to the construction, the northern part of the Vista Center parking lot is closed.
The official detour map shows Okeechobee Blvd. as an “alternate detour route.”
The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual awards banquet and installation of officers on Saturday, June 28 at the Wanderers Club.
Celebrating the club’s 45th anniversary, the evening included a year in review, as well as a wide array of awards. Outgoing President Walter Imperatore was thanked for his service and led the award presentations, while incoming President Maria Fernanda Cruz was sworn in and accepted the gavel. The club’s prestigious Frank T. Gladney Award was presented to J.P. Varvarigos, the owner of Wellington Florist. The club itself was honored by District Gov. Marcia Gaedcke as District Club of the Year. Learn more at www.wellingtonrotary.org.
J.P. Varvarigos received the Frank T. Gladney Award. (L-R) Barry and Dawn Rivera, District Gov. Marcia Gaedcke, Maria Fernanda Cruz, Walter Imperatore, Maggie Zeller, J.P. Varvarigos, Don Gross, Herta Suess, Maureen Gross and Frank Suess.
Don Gross, David Berns, Maggie Zeller, Jim O’Neil, George Kinoshita, Andrew Burr, Maria Fernanda Cruz, Scott Armand, Walter Imperatore, Shaun Patterson, Jess Coburn, Marc Strich and Randy Pfeiffer.
Christine and Marc Strich, David and Marilyn Berns, Councilwoman Maria and Juan Antuña, Dr. Maurice and Maria Fernanda Cruz, and Walter Imperatore.
Lizz and Mickey Smith.
Mayor Michael Napoleone, J.P. Varvarigos and Marcella Montesinos.
Larry Falk receives the Rotarian of the Year Award from Walter Imperatore.
The club received several district-level awards, including District Club of the Year, the Public Image Award and the Interact Club Award. (L-R) Dennis Golub, Emperatriz Frias, Walter Imperatore and District 6930 Gov. Marcia Gaedcke.
Willow Morzella receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Walter Imperatore.
Kelle Enrique of Back to Basics accepts a Certificate of Appreciation from Walter Imperatore.
Maria Fernanda Cruz, Maggie Zeller, Herta Suess and Maureen Gross.
Interact President Emperatriz Frias (center) is honored by George Kinoshita and Walter Imperatore.
Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, Wellington Rotary President Maria Fernanda Cruz and State Rep. Anne Gerwig.
The Village of Wellington receives the Spirit of Service Award. (L-R) Village Manager Jim Barnes, Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Michelle Garvey, Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind, Mayor Michael Napoleone and Walter Imperatore.
Mary Lou Bedford, Maria Fernanda Cruz and Councilwoman Maria Antuña.
Caroline and Cesar Pena receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Walter Imperatore.
Maria Fernanda Cruz is sworn in by Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone.
Incoming President Maria Fernanda Cruz receives the gavel from outgoing President Walter Imperatore.
Christine Strich receives a Club Appreciation Award from Walter Imperatore.
Willow Morzella with Mair and Scott Armand. Maria Fernanda Cruz called
ROYAL PALM BEACH DEDICATES NEW ‘ROOTED’ SCULPTURE AT VILLAGE HALL
The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted the official unveiling of its new “Rooted” sculpture by
Wellington Community To Honor Veterans At 10th Annual ‘Salute To Our Heroes’ Event
Wellington Community
invites the community to join in an unforgettable evening of honor, gratitude and celebration at the “Red, White and Blue Jeans: A Salute to Our Heroes” event, taking place on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Wellington National Golf Club starting at 6:30 p.m.
This 10th anniversary event is dedicated to celebrating the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Every veteran in attendance will be individually recognized by their branch of service, featured
in the commemorative event program, and presented with a special honor by the Honor Guard. “Veterans walk among us every day,” Wellington Community Foundation Chair Jim Sackett said. “They’re our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. This is our chance to shine a light on their stories, thank them for their service, and make sure they know they are not forgotten.”
The community is encouraged to nominate and invite veterans to attend the event, whether they’re family members, friends or fellow residents.
Attendees can also purchase a ticket in honor of a veteran,
whether living or in memoriam.
Tickets are $100 each, and proceeds go directly to supporting the ongoing work of the Wellington Community Foundation, which provides vital assistance and services to local veterans in need.
“This is more than a fundraiser,” WCF Vice Chair Pam Tahan said. “It’s a heartfelt tribute and a call to action — to remember, to recognize and to give back.”
Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Wellington Community Foundation at www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org. All proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts in “Building A Stronger Community.”
All attending veterans will be honored at the Nov. 7 event.
The Wellington Art Society will host a reception celebrating its latest exhibition “Exquisite” at the Wellington Community Center on Tuesday, July 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.
“Exquisite” will run from May 20 through Aug. 12. Sixteen artists are showing their original artwork, and 43 pieces of art will be displayed. Exhibiting artists include Halyna Albanese, Betty Brodie, Sue Carlson, Joseph Daguilh, Jan Gmitter, Kris Hilles, Lou Ann LaBohn, Joe Marcou, Dinah Mirson, Susan Mosely, Sue Oakes, Carlos Rivera, Rachel Robinson, Kathryn Stepp, Cindi Taylor and Lanzhi Wang.
The exhibition is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays at the
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Mayor Jeff Hmara and Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps in front of the new sculpture.
Village Clerk Diane DiSanto and Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas.
Angie Rinehart, Raeann Rinehart and Paula Wilson look over a display of Royal Palm Beach historical items. Michelle Santamaria and Maria Fernanda Cruz.
The “Rooted” sculpture by artist Beth Nybeck now stands in front of Royal Palm Beach Village Hall.
Central Palm Beach County Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford, PBCFR District Chief Amanda Vomero, Indian Trail Improvement District President Elizabeth Accomando and Wellington Councilwoman Maria Antuña.
Isabella Page, Carolyn Hmara, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Dennis and Yvonne Wright, and Alvin Nembhard.
Village Manager Ray Liggins, Carolyn Hmara and Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps with mini versions of the “Rooted” sculpture.
PBSO Major Eric Coleman, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Mayor Jeff Hmara, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, Village Clerk Diane DiSanto, Village Manager Ray Liggins, PBSO Capt. Ulrich Naujoks and Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pawlowski.
Andre Blackwood, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, Mary McNicholas, Geoffrey Sluggett and Village Manager Ray Liggins.
Susan Frost, one of the first teachers at H.L. Johnson Elementary School, looks over Royal Palm Beach historical items.
The
Foundation
Board OKs Minor Design Changes At Lotis Wellington Project
By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report
One of Wellington’s largest remaining developments wants to tweak a few architectural details as construction continues this summer — in one case expressly to slow the roll of skateboarders.
Yes, skateboarders. A proposed bike rack at Lotis Wellington appeared with a requested change before a meeting of Wellington’s Architectural Review Board on Wednesday, June 25, in part specifically to discourage gnarly derring-do by boarders using the structure as a platform for rides and tricks.
“The racks that were originally approved, they came with more of a rectangular design,” said Rich Kasser, project director at Lotis Group. “We chose to go with one that has more of an angled edge.”
CEO Kid Business Fair In RPB
continued from page 1
hatchee, whose crochet craft business is called “Loops of Love.”
“I price my products based on the price of yarn, and I charge $5 an hour for the time I put in,” she explained, pointing to one handbag. “That took me 6 hours, so I priced it out at $35. She was pleased with sales at the business fair, saying her revenues were in the $50 to $60 range. The third entrepreneur winning recognition from judges was Julia Lozier, who makes interesting creations from sea glass. The judges commented on her good customer service and business skills.
“I was kind of surprised to be one of the winners because there
This came after discussions with people who provide this sort of thing to developments, he said. “We didn’t want them to become seats, or for skateboarders to use them, or for other people to use them not what they were intended for,” Kasser said. “After talking to vendors that work in site amenities, they said go with something that has more of an angled edge.”
That modification was among a slate of requests approved unanimously by the board for the mixeduse project west of State Road 7 and north of Forest Hill Blvd.
With other requested changes at Lotis, the cost and availability of materials or insurance liability concerns sometimes prompted the builders to update their proposals. Take the case of trellis structures, designed for pathways and green areas. Originally, these were
are so many kids here with cool products and services,” she said. There were no shortage of kid CEOs showing off their culinary skills. Parson Lettson was on hand doing a great business selling lemonade in the 90-degree weather. When asked if his lemons were fresh, he quickly replied, “My lemonade powder is very fresh.”
Tyler Schulte makes homemade, healthy gourmet dog treats.
“I enjoy business because I get to meet people and learn stuff,” the sixth grader explained. Meanwhile, the three Norman brothers were out in force, all sharing a booth and selling culinary treasures. Jasher Norman was selling $5 Build a Pizza kits, while his brother Elim offered $3 bags of Krafty Kernals popcorn (3 for $8). Brother Enoch offered Mango Magic. “We use a food dehydrator on
meant to provide shade and had swings hanging from them.
But developers grew worried about insurance costs if people fell out of the swings or got hit by them. There was additional concern about maintenance costs, officials said.
So, the swings were out in the latest request, replaced by benches.
“It’s not going to invite people to swing and create some type of an injury issue,” Kasser said.
A dog park will feature an updated list of equipment for the exercise and entertainment of fourlegged visitors, including a watering station, he said. The park will be known as Lotis Woofington.
Two cypress preserves on the site will now come with educational signs. They will discuss preservation, wildlife and related topics.
mango strips, creating some really delicious fruit roll candy,” said Enoch, who was offering free samples.
Alondra Rivero was painting away, showing her skills as a talented artist. Her brochure describes her as, “At just 12 years old, Ally turns emotions into abstract art.” Guided by her motto “Dream in Color,” she invites people to see the world through joy, softness and imagination.
“I’m inspired by Da Vinci, who was both an engineer and an artist,” she said. “I hope someday to find a career that combines my love of art with robotics.”
Eleni Manolis, CEO of Eleni’s Creations, attended a Greek festival last year and was impressed by all the creative jewelry. “I thought that I can do that,” she said. “So, my business and my art is making charm bracelets. I love the creative
“It’s a way to bring in a little more knowledge and engagement than just somebody walking by,” Kasser said.
Board Member Maria Wolfe asked if invasive plants have been removed from the cypress preserves.
Kasser said that process is underway in the larger stand of nearly an acre on the northern part of the site, and also planned for a smaller area to its south.
Planters will change colors slightly in blues and grays to coordinate with the hues of paving stones near them, officials said. An array of benches will more heavily reflect the community’s signature blue accent color, with less silver surface area.
It has been a long road with plenty of changes, big and small, at the Lotis project.
process, and I am learning what entrepreneurs do.”
Zach Pearson combined his love of sales and Pokémon by starting Zach Sells Cards. He sells sealed packs of random cards. After a sale to one young customer, upon opening her cards, Zach got all excited and told her, “You hit the jackpot. This one card alone you bought is worth $50!”
The CEO Kid owners Kelsey and Jonathan Dickinson organized the event.
“We were blown away with gratitude to the children, parents, neighbors, families and friends who all came out to support the kids,” Kelsey said. “It was our first children’s business fair, and it went even better than we had imagined. We can’t wait for our next one in the fall.”
For more information, visit https://www.theceokid.com.
NEWS BRIEFS
Initial plans more than four years ago focused on senior and assisted living near Wellington Regional Medical Center, but delays associated with the pandemic and changes in market demand prompted an overhaul in strategy. That was met with some frustration by Wellington Village Council members, but by the start of 2024, the council gave a 4-1 approval to revised plans that fully opened it up to buyers not tied to age or medical condition. That involved 372 residential units from single-family homes available for purchase to rental apartments as small as 680 square feet.
Marquee attractions include Cooper’s Hawk restaurant, slated to open by the close of 2025, according to project officials at the June 25 meeting.
No opening date was offered for a planned Lazy Dog restaurant, though the eatery has been appearing regularly for village architectural approvals, and on other occasions, project officials have referred to an early 2026 launch there. One touted draw, a PopStroke mini-golf course tied to famed sportsman Tiger Woods, dropped out of the mix by early 2025 as backers focused on another of their courses in the region. With its Lotis 1 and Lotis 2 portions combined, the project sits on close to 120 acres that have represented one of the few major undeveloped parcels in Wellington. In other business, Board Member Stacy Somers was chosen to continue as chair of the Architectural Review Board.
Pet CPR Class
On July 12
Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a Pet CPR Class on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at Hamlin House, located at 14780 Hamlin Blvd. in The Acreage. Learn how to save your pet’s life in a choking or heart emergency at this free event.
Garden Fair At
Acreage Library
The Acreage branch of the Palm Beach County Library System will host a Garden Fair on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spend a lively half-day mingling with guest vendors, participating in a variety of fun activities, and soaking up tips from garden pros. Snack on fresh fruit tastings and popsicles, and don’t forget to grab some goodies. There will be free seeds, cuttings and plants just waiting for a new home.
Tax Collector Stops Issuing HOV Decals
Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon has advised the public that due to changes passed by the Florida Legislature, effective July 1, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will no longer be issuing, renewing or replacing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) decals.
Vehicle owners who have in the past received this decal with their vehicle registration, will no longer receive it, as it is no longer required.
“My goal is to inform Palm Beach County vehicle owners of this change to avoid unnecessary calls into our office questioning their HOV decal,” Gannon said. “We are complying with this recent change to the law, and we have ceased issuing HOV decals.” Additional information about this change can be found at www. pbctax.gov.
It will be the perfect day for plant lovers of all ages. Plants are for trading; you must bring one in to get a new one. Some activities require pre-registration. The Acreage branch library is located at 15801 Orange Blvd. For more information, or to register for this event, visit www.pbclibrary. org/locations/acreage and find the event listing.
WWC Resin
Night Event
The Women of the Western Communities is holding a mini fundraiser making Resin Night Lights. This new art project will be with Kerry Barnes of KB Social Artworking on Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for available food and beverages, with the class from 7 to 9 p.m.
Attendees must register on the KB Social Artworking web site to participate in the project. Follow the directions to choose your project. The deadline to register for this fun project and choose your item is July 15. If you register after July 15, you can still do the project, but you will have to choose from the inventory left in stock.
For more information, contact Mair Armand of the Women of the Western Communities at (561) 635-0011.
Aug. 2
Jamaica Independence Day Festival At John Prince Park
The vibrant colors, rich culture and infectious rhythms of Jamaica will take center stage at the Palm
Beach Jamaica Independence Festival on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 2 to 10 p.m. at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. This highly anticipated celebration of Jamaica’s independence promises a day filled with exciting activities, cultural showcases and electrifying performances.
Festival highlights include the Ultimate Dominoes Competition and the Ms. Palm Beach Cultural Queen Pageant. Families will compete in traditional Jamaican games, including sack races, lime and spoon relays and a Jamaican patty eating contest. Meanwhile, local celebrities will put their culinary skills to the test in a sizzling competition to determine the ultimate jerk chicken champion in the Celebrity Jerk Chicken Cook-Off. Music will be key to the event and will include a soul-stirring gospel musical experience. The main concert features international headliners the Inner Circle Band, the legendary Wayne Wonder and crowd favorite Da’Ville. Get ready for an unforgettable night of reggae and dancehall beats!
For more information, vendor opportunities or sponsorship inquiries, contact info@pbjamminfest.com or (561) 541-0754. Visit www.pbjamminfest.com to learn more.
The Village of Wellington recently announced the availability of two innovative budgeting tools, Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt. These interactive platforms empower residents by providing comprehensive information and opportunities for active participation in the village’s budget development process. Balancing Act offers residents a hands-on experience in exploring the Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary General Fund Budget. Users gain valuable insights into the tradeoffs and considerations inherent in budget planning by modifying allocated funding and witnessing the real-time impact on the overall budget. This interactive simulation fosters a deeper understanding of Wellington’s budgeting process, building trust in allocating funds, and encouraging resident input and recommendations.
In addition to Balancing Act, Wellington offers Taxpayer Receipt, which provides residents with an unofficial, itemized receipt showcasing how the village spends tax dollars. Taxpayer Receipt offers a transparent breakdown of programs and services supported by residents’ tax contributions, ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending.
“We are glad to share these two essential tools with our residents during our annual budgeting process,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “These tools not only provide residents with a deeper understanding of how their tax
dollars are spent, but also offer them the opportunity to actively shape the future of our community by sharing their perspectives and recommendations.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the www.wellingtonfl.gov/ balancingact to access both the Balancing Act online budget simulation tool and Taxpayer Receipt. They will also find detailed instructions and user-friendly features that will help them explore different budget scenarios. Residents are also invited to attend the upcoming budget meetings, which include the Acme Improvement District and utility budget approvals on Tuesday, Aug. 12, and two budget public hearings on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and Thursday, Sept. 18, all starting at 6:30 p.m. at Wellington Village Hall (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). These meetings will include detailed information about the village budget and provide public input opportunities before the final budget adoption.
Wellington remains committed to fostering transparency, resident engagement and effective public spending. With the launch of Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, the village empowers its residents to become informed advocates for the services and programs they value most. Additional budget engagement and feedback will be collected through surveys released on July 14 and Aug. 1. Look for these surveys online
Julia Lozier displays a drift glass mobile.
Event organizers Kelsey and Jonathan Dickinson. PHOTOS BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER
Ventriloquist Layla Cushing of Wellington with Klaus.
Tyler Schulte loves dealing with people when selling his dog treats.
Alondra Rivero wants a career that combines art and robotics.
Jasher, Elim and Enoch Norman are culinary entrepreneurs.
Eleni Manolis shows off her charm bracelets.
– Your Inside Track to Wellington Real Estate
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ROYAL PALM BEACH ROTARY CLUB HOLDS ITS ANNUAL
(Front row) Sandy Rubin, Elliot Gordon, and Steve and Mary Kaminski; and (back row) Shakeera
Nora Danegas, Debra Bundschuh, Sandra and Wayne Papciak, Becky Jamer, Colleen Mountain and Joe Shenal.
Secretary Steve Avila, outgoing President Lynn Balch and Treasurer Keith Jordano.
Jay and Karen Johnson.
Newly installed President Andre Blackwood addresses the club’s members.
Denise Cuccia and Ellie Rosenshein dish up ice cream.
Vice President Eric Gordon opens the installation dinner.
Outgoing President Lynn Balch presents the Rotarian of the Year Award to Tony Endler.
The new Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club board includes (L-R) Vice President Eric Gordon, Secretary Steve Avila, Treasurer Keith Jordano, Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Gauger, President Andre Blackwood, Director Steve Epstein and President-Elect Sylvia Sharps.
Eric Gordon announces the club’s Governor’s Bronze Level Award for Membership.
Incoming board members are sworn in. (L-R) Secretary Steve Avila, Treasurer Keith Jordano, President-Elect Sylvia Sharps, Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Gauger and Director Steve Epstein.
Monique Lananna, Margie Cruzado, Sydney Martinez, Alicia Costello, Shelia Curd and Primrose Graham.
Boys & Girls Clubs Of Palm Beach County Team Up With Office Depot
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County recently launched its 2025 Back-to-School Drive, presented by Office Depot/OfficeMax. Running from now through Friday, Aug. 1, this impactful initiative will help ensure that more than 9,000 local club members return to the classroom this fall with the tools they need to thrive.
“A staggering number of children in our community simply need the basic school supplies that make learning, play and personal growth possible,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Special thanks go to Office Depot for setting up an easy-to-use QR code and online wish list. Together, we are helping empower our students to learn, grow and reach their full potential.”
From now through early August, the community is invited to participate in this vital campaign to support local youth in one of three ways:
• Make a monetary donation directly through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County web site. Contributions help purchase school supplies in bulk and address specific needs through the club’s curated Office Depot wish list. Learn more at https://bgcpbc.
Lox Budget Setting The Town’s TRIM Rates
continued from page 1 said, adding that the proposed preliminary rates give the council options for how to put the budget together.
Councilman Todd McLendon said that he was not comfortable raising the property tax rate and made a motion to set it unchanged at 3.00 mills. That motion failed 3-2 with McLendon finding support from Councilwoman Lisa El-Ramey.
However, a motion by Councilman Paul Coleman to go with staff’s recommendation of 4.00 mills also failed 3-2, with Mayor Anita Kane saying she would not support the full suggested increase.
• Adopt a club. A $3,000 gift ensures that every child at one of the 20 Boys & Girls Clubs receives a new backpack and essential supplies, giving an entire club community a powerful start to the new school year.
• Purchase supplies directly through the Office Depot online wish list and have supplies shipped directly to the Boys & Girls Club corporate office, or shop at any of the Office Depot or OfficeMax store locations across Palm Beach County and drop the items off at the locations listed below. The full wish list, with more than 14,000 much-needed items — including notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, backpacks and more — can also be found on the In-Kind Donations page.
to set the rate at 3.50 mills, which passed 3-2 with McLendon and El-Ramey dissenting.
While the 3-2 vote was enough to set the preliminary TRIM rate, a final vote on raising the millage rate would need to be unanimous due to state law.
After unanimously agreeing to set the solid waste assessment unchanged at $450 per unit, the council turned to the LGWCD assessment.
Town Manager Francine Ramaglia noted that Loxahatchee Groves has one of the lowest drainage assessments in the area.
“We have not kept pace with our needs, and we have artificially kept this rate lower,” she said.
Coleman made a motion to set the preliminary assessment at $300 per acre, which passed 3-2 with McLendon and El-Ramey dissenting.
Earlier in the meeting, the council had a discussion via Zoom with Ron Book, the town’s lobbyist in Tallahassee. He was apologetic about the governor’s veto, which he said was unexpected.
“We did not have any indication until the veto list was published,” he said.
DeSantis vetoed approximately $1.2 billion in funding statewide. The budget approved by the legislature included $750,000 for “Loxahatchee Groves Stormwater System Rehabilitation.”
Book noted that the project was shovel-ready and a continuation of an existing project with a 50 percent match — exactly the type of project the governor prefers.
El-Ramey said that she might consider an LGWCD assessment increase, but only after other cost reductions are made. McLendon added that he was more comfortable with a LGWCD increase than a millage rate increase “because that money goes strictly to roads and drainage.” However, he was not comfortable with a $100 increase.
ANNUAL WESTLAKE FOURTHFEST CELEBRATION HONORS INDEPENDENCE DAY
With live music, local vendors, a bevy of bounce houses and a fireworks finale, Independence Day was a booming success at Westlake’s FourthFest on Friday, July 4. Event attendees celebrated America’s birthday in family-friendly style, sporting face paint, balloon animals and big smiles, courtesy of the City of Westlake, with help from presenting sponsor Xfinity and others.
Catalina Arenas and Orlando Arias bring Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam to life on stilts.
Gabrielle Brown, Kyra Rottura-Alves, Francesca Rottura and Gavin Meeks.
Fabian Gonzalez as SpiderMan with 2-year-old Maxi.
Jenna Ryan with her daughter Meadow.
Maryna Korneliuk with Kids Glow Bar embellishes 13-year-old Imonnie’s face. Abraham Negrin, Mary Mooney, Lola Alfonso and Justo Rajadel.
Aubriella and Adalynn of A&A Slime Co. with friends Londyn and Mia.
Chayanne Solages and Vanesa Hernandez. Michael Martinez with Lily.
Melissa Janiszewski with three-month-old Eliana.
Jake Mills and Chris McDougal of HEW Fitness Westlake. Angel Lesanti with her son Valentino.
Friends of Manatee Lagoon volunteer Jennifer Knetsch.
Madison, Sarah and Chad Maruna with Kaia.
Chris Castellanos with his son Brandon.
Emma, Mili and Leo Rivas.
Freddie and Veronica Mims with Simaya, Phoenix and Malachi.
The Rock Show lead singers Carlos Sosa and Astrid Voxx.
Maria, Tim and Leeza Keegan.
This MonTh’s WellingTon hisTory
Joan Manning
Early Wellington Pioneer Helped Start The Women Of The Western Communities
A Wellington pioneer who is still active in the community is Joan Manning. She, her husband Joseph “Jay” Manning and their two daughters, Krista and Jessica, moved to South Florida when Jay was transferred here by Pratt & Whitney. When Joan flew down to look for a place to live, she recalled getting off the plane at Palm Beach International Airport in December 1976 and being shocked by two things: the high humidity and the fact that people were wearing coats. Having lived previously in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan and California, she thought the winter temperature was quite warm!
They purchased a lot on what would become The 12th Fairway, and Joan oversaw the construction of their home, which was completed in June 1977. Theirs was the only house on the golf course side of the street, with one other home across from them. At the time, Wellington had only 300 families, all living in the areas of Block Island, Sailboat Circle, South Shore and the French Quarter.
The few amenities in town included a Mobil gas station, Dunkin’ Donuts and Squire’s Deli, the local convenience store. There were no churches, banks or doctors. The closest grocery store was a Publix on Lake Worth Road, six miles away. She recalled pepper farms where Olympia is now, a shell rock excavation on the site of Village Walk, and vegetable farms along Jog Road and Forest Hill Blvd.
The original Wellington Club offered unlimited golf, tennis and use of the pool for only $150 per year. Jay, a golfer, definitely took advantage of their membership. Joan recalled asking Ed Dickerson, who was in charge of programs, if they offered golf lessons for women. He seemed surprised that women would want to learn golf, but he started classes.
Joan was instrumental in founding an organization that still exists today, the Women of the Western Communities (WWC), formerly the Welcome Wagon Club and later the Wellington Women’s Club. As a newcomer, Joan was approached by Nan Boss, a hostess for Welcome Wagon. Joan invited some of her neighbors to hear Nan’s presentation, which was so well received that Nan invited the
women to become members of the newly formed Welcome Wagon Club. By the end of 1977, the group, with Joan as president, boasted a membership of nearly 100. Activities were primarily social, with monthly meetings at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club and get-acquainted teas at the homes of members.
In the early 1980s, Kathy Foster, later Wellington’s first mayor, served as president. The group began meeting at the original Wellington Club and shifted its focus toward more charitable endeavors, including raising money through an annual fashion show for the Domestic Assault Shelter, now Harmony House. The organization’s name was changed to the Wellington Women’s Club in 1983. Under Jo Cudnik, the group began awarding college scholarships to graduating seniors. The WWC continued supporting Harmony House, a 72-bed residential facility for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and funding scholarships. In 2011, the group was renamed Women of the Western Communities to reflect its expanding membership area. The club now supports several local charities: Our Community Cares, Meals on Wheels, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Dress for Success, and Prom Beach. The focus of the scholarship program has shifted to helping qualified women pursue their educational goals, perhaps starting or returning to college, in order to help their families thrive.
After working as a speech and language pathologist at Clifford O. Taylor/Kirklane Elementary School from 1978 until 2010, Joan retired, but she keeps busy attending Wellington events for seniors, participating in a reading group, attending theatrical events at the King’s Academy, playing bridge and going out to lunch. She is a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, assisted Foster in the formation of Wellington Cares, now Our Community Cares, and served on the initial board of directors of the Wellington Historical Society. One can only imagine the amazing changes she has seen!
To learn more about Joan Manning and her contributions to Wellington, visit the Wellington Historical Society’s web site at www. wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org, and view her oral history.
more about fascinating people from Wellington history at the Wellington Historical Society’s Oral History Project page at www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org/oral-histories
Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, Mayor Jeff Hmara, Councilman Adam Miller and Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas on stage.
Taryn Papa sings “God Bless America.”
Gracey, Charlie and Councilman Adam Miller, Evan and Wendy Crown, and Tsiri Miller.
Chris Pendergrass, Mason Folk, Jasmine Bagley, Lorie Clemmens and Caleb Clemmens.
Lilly Vollaro rides an inflatable horse.
Steve and Elizabeth Accomando. Jackie and Gene Klusmeier.
Tee Franzoso celebrates the holiday.
Councilwoman Jan Rodusky tries her hand at axe throwing.
Kristen, Stephan and Everleigh Smit.
Paula, Erin and Donnie Beauchesne.
The Boss Project, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, performs on stage.
Joey Calderaio & the Future Buds perform on stage.
Matt Rachlin, Zack Saltus and Stacey Rachlin with Meadow and Major.
Cornhole winners Cameron Koch and Parker Mumma.
Early Wellington pioneer Joan Manning was one of the founders of the group now known as the Women of the Western Communities.
OUR HOMETOWN HEROES
Jorge Fernandez gets into the Fourth of July spirit.
The bingo room was a favorite spot for people to cool off.
The Whisky Six band kicked off the music for the day’s festivities.
Anna and Emma Sanchez were all dressed up for the holiday.
Fireworks light the sky over Wellington’s Village Park.
Waylon Wilson and Lili Briand enjoy the music.
Rashmi Potdar and Rian find buried fossils at the Dino Dig site. Kids compete in a friendly game of tug-of-war.
Maureen Dibble helps Lilah Evans with her new look.
Emma Crespo with goats at the petting zoo.
Paisley Valdez is happy with her new face painting.
The Freebirds band performs during the Fourth of July celebration.
Thousands turned out at Wellington’s Village Park for the celebration.
Ashley Collins and Jefferson await the fireworks.
Virtual Urgent Care
RPBHS Earns Statewide Sportsmanship Recognition Award
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award — and the recipient of the Class 6A Sportsmanship Award was Royal Palm Beach High School.
The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award recognizes schools that promote sportsmanship both on and off the field. It is given to schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2024-25 regular season, as well as during the many FHSAA state competitions.
This year, 10 high schools and two middle schools in Florida received this prestigious award, presented annually since 1991 and named in honor of FHSAA Commissioner Emeritus Fred E. Rozelle.
“It is our pleasure to once again promote the outstanding sportsmanship displayed by our member schools,” FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon said. “The student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents and fans of these well-deserving programs
exemplify the true meaning of sportsmanship. On behalf of the FHSAA, permit me to congratulate each of these schools for the remarkable job being done to educate our students-athletes here in Florida on the value of good sportsmanship.”
The award is presented to one school in each classification, whose total sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators. Awards are also given to a runnerup within each classification.
Criteria for selection of the winners includes programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.
The winner of each classification will receive $2,500 and a plaque. Runners-up receive $500 and a commemorative plaque.
RPBHS Athletic Director Eric Patterson was extremely proud to accept the honor on behalf of the Royal Palm Beach High School’s athletic program.
“This honor recognizes our
school’s unwavering commitment to integrity, respect and sportsmanship throughout all levels of athletic competition,” Patterson said. “This achievement is a direct result of the intentional structure, consistent dialogue and year-round collaboration between our school administration, coaching staff and student-athletes. Regular meetings and open discussions have allowed us to build a culture where sportsmanship is not just expected, but practiced daily.”
According to Patterson, his head coaches and their many assistants set the tone for what is expected from the student-athletes on the school’s varsity and junior varsity athletic teams.
“A key component of our success has been the clear communication between head coaches and their assistants, especially around who may appropriately address game officials,” Patterson said.
“Our coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that only head coaches engage with officials during contests, which has helped maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout our competitions.”
Patterson believes that RPBHS
The Royal Palm Beach High School football team celebrates a victory last season.
receiving the Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award is the direct result of all athletes, coaches and administrators at the school being on the same page.
“Winning this award is more than a recognition. It’s a reflection of the shared values and teamwork that exist between our coaches, athletes and administrators,” he said. “It is a testament to what can be accomplished when we work
together toward a common goal of excellence, both on and off the field.”
The other Florida schools receiving the sportsmanship award for the 2024-25 school year are: Rural, Munroe High School (Quincy); Class 1A, Hernando Christian Academy (Brooksville); Class 2A, Mater Bay Academy (Cutler Bay); Classes 3A and 4A, no recipients; Class 5A, Blanche Ely High School (Pompano Beach);
May Family Members Conducting Coaching Clinics In England
By Mike May
Town-Crier Staff Report
Two people with Wellington roots are committed to growing basketball and flag football overseas. During a trip to England this month, two members of the May family bridged the international gap with instructional/coaching sessions in these two American sports. From July 8-13, Mike May and Emily May visited England’s Isles of Scilly (pronounced “silly”) for a six-day visit. During their trip, they provided complimentary instruc-
tion in basketball and flag football for more than 100 school children who attend the local Five Islands Academy. Spalding provided basketballs for these international coaching clinics, and NFL UK & Ireland supplied flags, belts and footballs for the flag football clinics, as part of the NFL Flag schools program. The Isles of Scilly are located roughly 30 miles off the southwest coast of England, where the most westerly edges of the Bristol Channel and the English Channel intersect with the North Atlantic Ocean.
Accessible by air or by sea, they are an island archipelago where there are more than 100 islands, atolls and rocky outcrops, but only five of the islands are inhabited — St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, Tresco and Bryher. The combined population of the five islands is roughly 2,100 people.
Mike, 63, and Emily, 31, have strong ties to basketball. For 10 years, Mike coached girls varsity basketball at Berean Christian School, and he currently officiates youth and travel basketball in South Florida, while Emily
is the current head coach of the girls varsity basketball team at Westminster Christian School in Miami. She is also the assistant coach of the women’s basketball team at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and is one of the head coaches for Miami Impact, a girls travel basketball program in Miami-Dade County. She played high school basketball at Berean and is also a former player with the Wellington Wolves travel basketball program.
During the basketball and flag football clinics at Five Islands, the May family taught the fundamentals of both sports — dribbling, passing, catching, shooting, rebounding and defensive positioning in basketball, and throwing, catching, route running and flag pulling in flag football.
This was the third free basketball clinic on the Isles of Scilly by the May family, following earlier clinics on the islands in 2017 and 2022.
“Back in 2017 and 2022, the large number of students in attendance really made the experience that much more exciting,” Emily recalled. “My favorite part of the entire day was hearing the students’ comments and reactions after we finished the clinic. They
Emily May (left) offers encouragement to one of the students. asked questions about the game of basketball and NBA teams back in the U.S. It will be a special opportunity, again, to share the games of basketball and flag football with a younger group of avid enthusiasts.”
This summer’s clinics were
well-received by the local school children.
“It will be great having the May family share their expertise on the games of basketball and flag football,” said Adam May (no relation), a physical education
New Athletic Director, Coaches Named At Berean Christian School
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report
Berean Christian School has a few new coaching additions to its athletic department, including a new athletic director.
New Athletic Director Doug Walters has 29 years of coaching and administrative experience at the high school and collegiate levels. He has also served on several national committees for the NCAA, the American Volleyball Collegiate Association and the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association. Walters will be succeeding Dean Hendricks, who has been named the new high school principal at Berean.
“I am very excited to be leading BCS Athletics going forward and build on the strong foundation that Dean Hendricks established,”
Walters said. “We will improve many things in athletics this year to help us advance to the next level.
I am excited for what God will do through the Bulldogs this year.”
The Bulldogs also have new varsity head coaches for crosscountry and cheerleading.
Lisa Poe will lead the crosscountry team, where her goal is to inspire and encourage her runners to do their best at all times, both in practice and in meets.
“As someone who has loved running for as long as I can remember, I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new varsity cross country coach,” said Poe, who also teaches physical education at the school.
“This year, my prayer is that our cross-country team experiences growth not only physically through consistent training, but
spiritually and emotionally, as they honor God with their talents and dedication.”
Poe has always been an avid runner, and she hopes to instill that passion for running into her runners.
“My favorite memories are the moments that I pushed myself further and ran faster than I ever imagined,” Poe said. “I competed in track and crosscountry throughout middle and high school, and running remains a central part of my life as an adult. I’m proud to be a member of the Wellington Runners Club, consistently logging 20-plus miles weekly, and I find joy in embracing every season — both in running and in life.”
Michelle DuBois Falli is the new head cheerleading coach. She
is extremely excited about her new role at Berean.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Berean Christian cheer team as coach for the
Athletic Director Doug Walters
See ENGLAND, page 20
Class 7A, Hialeah Gardens High School; and Middle School, Yearling Middle School (Okeechobee). Runners-up include: Rural, Ponce de Leon High School; Class 1A, Keswick Christian School (St. Petersburg); Class 2A, Tampa Prep;
Coach Lisa Poe Michelle DuBois Falli
Mike May (standing far left) and Emily May (standing far right) with students in one of the basketball clinics. PHOTOS BY ADAM MAY
OF
SPORTS & RECREATION
TOURNAMENT
On Friday, July 4, the Royal Palm Bassmasters hosted the 33rd annual Ed Singleton Memorial Fourth of July Family Fishing Tournament at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Dozens of participants caught a wide variety of bass and other fish at the park’s lake. Trophies and prizes were given to the top three winners in an array of categories. To learn more about fishing opportunities with the Bassmasters, call Philip Northrop at (561) 644-6269.
PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER
Fishing tournament contestants gather for a group photo.
Members of the Royal Palm Bassmasters include (L-R)
President Philip Northrop, Guy Bartels, Paul Schrein, Kiel Carr, Ed Huft, Bill Latham, Russ Clothier, Joe Stowell and Taylor Renney.
Carson Lettsome with his catch. William Dunn holds a fish he caught.
Maverick Walker nabbed a snakehead from the lake. He took first in the 6 & under other fish category.
Hazel Burack took third in the 6 & under other fish category.
Roger Teller took first in the 6 & under bass category.
Brandon Appleblatt took first in the 7-9 other fish category.
Gabby Shetka took first in the 10-12 other fish category.
Tyson Schroder took first in the 13-15 other fish category.
Isiah Agusta took first in the 13-15 bass category.
Ceci Shetka and her father took first in the adult/child other fish category, and she was also the overall winner for the biggest other fish caught.
Jameson Tattersfield was overall winner for biggest bass caught. He also took first in the 10-12 bass category.
MAYOR’S FOURTH OF JULY
The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted its annual Mayor’s Fourth of July Golf Tournament on Friday, July 4 at the Village Golf Club. A luncheon awards ceremony with raffles was held after the tournament. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Closest-to-the-pin winners
England Hosting Clinics
Overseas
HELD AT VILLAGE GOLF CLUB
Palm Beach County Youth Entrepreneurship Forum Returns On Saturday, Aug. 2
The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity will host its sixth annual Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2300 N. Jog Road.
Mike May oversees a flag football scrimmage on the Isles of Scilly.
“As a global leader in basketball, Spalding takes great pride in promoting and supporting the
continued from page 17 teacher at the school. “Their attention to detail and interest in sharing their knowledge of both sports is fabulous.” The Spalding basketballs and flag football gear from NFL UK & Ireland will remain with the school as a gift to its physical education and basketball programs. Athletic footwear from Adidas was provided for Mike and Emily May by Kratz Sporting Goods, which is based in Clarksville, Indiana. Basketball apparel, which was presented as gifts to a few standout clinic participants, was provided by the Wellington Wolves travel basketball organization.
game of basketball all around the world,” said Brian Collins, vice president of marketing for Spalding. “Clinics like this are a great way to encourage young athletes
to play sports and to promote skill development while having fun.”
Mike and Emily May have been posting highlights of their trip to the Isles of Scilly on social media.
This dynamic, free event is designed to empower and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, offering youth ages 8 to18 a unique opportunity to explore the world of business ownership through engaging workshops, discussions led by experts and hands-on experiences.
Highlights of the forum include a youth entrepreneur panel discussion to hear from young business owners who are “making their
mark.” The event also includes workshops, such as “Entrepreneurship 101,” “Pitch like a Pro: Sell Your Idea,” and “NIL Unlocked: Your Identity, Your Opportunity.” Attendees will also receive free professional headshots, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and connect with like-minded peers and mentors. This event is open to the public and free of charge, but space is limited. Early registration is encouraged. Register at https:// survey.pbcgov.com/s3/OEBO-6th-Annual-Mind-Your-Business-Youth-Entrepreneurship-Forum. For more information, contact (561) 616-6840 or asmith5@ pbc.gov.
First place winners John Swaner, Tim Glennon, Mike Randell and Joe Zito with Mayor Jeff Hmara (center).
Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pawlowski with young golfers Mateo Muniz and Daniel Tadeo, and Mayor Jeff Hmara.
Best dressed winners Mike Kiley, Jim Marshall, Warren Watt and Phil Camarda. Adam Felicissimo, Maiah Mendoza, Jose Mendoza, David Visconti and Jaden Brooks.
Longest drive winners John Vitsur, Jordan Disney and Eric Crichlow.
George Schriefer, Brenda McArdle, Clark Lyons and Frank Hahn.
Clark Lyons, Steve Jones, and Mike and Brenda McArdle.
Will Mary, Rich Van, Joe Greco and John Vitsur.
Peter Bisconti, John Alcutt, Fred Rahn and Tom Carreras.
RPB Native Jacklin Serves With U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force
Lt. Travis Jacklin, a native of Royal Palm Beach, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 20 at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay. As a submariner, Jacklin is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Jacklin graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School in 2015. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Royal Palm Beach.
“Playing baseball and being on a team draws parallels to being in the Navy and working with a division to accomplish missions,” Jacklin said.
When Israeli-born dog trainer and behavioral specialist Shay Maimoni saw the effects of the war in his homeland, he knew he needed to help.
Maimoni, who served in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces), decided to create the Loxahatchee-based nonprofit organization Pawz 4 Heroes. Paws 4 Heroes selects dogs from shelters, trains them and transports them to serve as service dogs for veterans in Israel.
Dog training has been a part of Maimoni’s life since he trained his first dog while still serving in the IDF. He later moved to the United States and worked in the jewelry business for a time.
However, after reading an article about how many dogs were being put down in the U.S. each day due to behavioral issues, Maimoni realized he could help. He started WooF Dogs out of his home, and when people saw his talent, they began recommending his training services to family and friends.
WooF Dogs moved to a separate facility with a full-time staff and has been helping dogs and their owners for more than 15 years. Maimoni has been featured on Animal Planet and various local news stations.
For him, Pawz 4 Heroes is a labor of love. In addition to choosing the dogs and training them, he ensures they are situated with the veteran they are helping. WooF Dogs has a branch in Israel run by Maimoni’s brother at WooF
Jacklin joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, he serves as a submarine warfare officer.
“I joined the Navy because I didn’t see myself working an average job, and I knew this would be something exciting and different than what my peers were doing,” Jacklin said.
NSB Kings Bay is the homeport of the East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
NSB Kings Bay is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile
Dogs Israel, a school that trains and certifies dog trainers and helps in getting the dogs to their new homes.
designed to be launched from a submarine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a submariner, Jacklin is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel serving aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
Jacklin has many opportuni-
For more information, visit www.pawz4heroes.org, e-mail info@pawz4heroes.org or call (561) 440-3949.
ties to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my ‘fish’ or submarine warfare device,” Jacklin said. “I’m proud of that because it took a lot of hard work and was very rewarding when I finally got them.”
Jacklin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being selfless in your choices,” Jacklin explained. “You can’t be selfish. You have to do what is right for the people standing next to you.”
Jacklin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to give a shoutout to my wife, Alex, who has been with me my entire adult life,” Jacklin said.
“We met at Florida State University, and she has always rolled with the punches. She works just as hard, if not harder than me. I also want to give a shoutout to my sister, Tiffany, and her three kids, for being the reason why I do this.
I try to make them proud and be a good role model for them. Lastly, I want to thank my parents, Ron and Frances, for always being a listening ear and shoulder if I need it, even if they don’t fully understand what I do.”
Charlotte Leonard Appointed New Board Chair At Habitat For Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County recently announced the appointment of Charlotte Leonard as the chair of its board of directors. She will be joined on the executive committee by Brion Lawler of Wells Fargo as vice chair, Christopher Boccaccio of Carrier as secretary, Robyn Raphael-Dynan of RCC Associates as assistant secretary, Doug Simms of Kaufman Lynn Construction as treasurer and Dave Markarian of the Markarian Group as assistant treasurer. Leonard is a native of South Florida. She grew up in Pleasant City, the oldest African American community in West Palm Beach. She is the owner of DripBar, a wellness company that specializes in IV vitamin therapy. Leonard has been on the Habitat board since 2022, and her hard work, dedi-
The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized State Rep. Anne Gerwig (R-District 93) with a 2025 Legislative Appreciation Award for her work during the 2025 legislative session to protect local decision making of Florida’s municipalities.
“It is an honor to have been chosen in this, my first legislative session, for the 2025 Legislative
cation and passion for elevating others has helped the organization increase its impact and serve more communities through affordable housing.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Leonard was designated one of South Florida’s “Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders in Business.” She holds a master’s degree in health law from Nova Southeastern University and is also a John Maxwell certified coach, trainer and speaker. She also serves as a councilwoman for the City of Westlake. “I am honored to serve as chair of Habitat’s board of directors and lead alongside
Appreciation Award,” Gerwig said. “My colleagues and I worked hard to present and pass legislation and submit a budget that will best serve our constituents in our districts and across Florida.”
Legislative Appreciation Award recipients are legislators who have consistently advocated for the FLC and its members. Throughout the 2025 session, these lawmakers actively supported or defended local decision-making. Their actions included consistent support of the league’s policy platform, proposing amendments to prevent preemptions and unfunded mandates, and garnering support for local self-governance behind the scenes. Gerwig was elected in 2024 to the Florida House of Representatives after serving for four years as councilwoman and eight years as mayor of the Village of Wellington.
Charlotte Leonard
Lt. Travis Jacklin
Shay Maimoni with Captain, who is training with Pawz 4 Heroes to become a service dog.
PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Garden Club Presents Landscape Award To Wellington Homeowners
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) annually supports the Unsolicited Landscape Design Award (ULDA) program to recognize well-designed and maintained landscapes in the public or private sector in each district of the state. The meaning behind the “unsolicited” title is that the nominees do not apply for the award themselves, but someone else recognizes it as a landscape of merit and worthy of consideration.
This year, Wellington Garden Club members nominated two Wellington-area gardens to receive the Unsolicited Landscape Design Award in the Private Residence category. One home is owned by David and Rhonda Perez, and the other is owned by Brian Rau. Both properties feature lush, well-maintained and well-designed landscapes featuring unique and colorful plantings that showcase the homeowners’ love of gardening.
Candidates for this award are submitted each spring by garden
club members. Applications are sent to the District X ULDA Chair for eligibility and consideration. The next step is a site visit and evaluation by garden club members who have completed National Garden Clubs Landscape Design School. The highest scoring nominee in each category is the winner. This year, both residential landscapes scored a perfect 100 as determined by a
Ross Addresses Students At Emerging Scholars Summer Academy
Stephen M. Ross, founder and chair of the Related Companies and owner of the Miami Dolphins, spoke to 275 middle and high school students during a celebratory event Thursday, June
26 hosted in collaboration with the Foundation for Palm Beach State College at Palm Beach Lakes High School.
The event marked the students’ completion of the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program Early College Summer Academy. Those in attendance included students from Bear Lakes, Roosevelt and Lake Worth middle schools, as well as Palm Beach Lakes and Lake Worth high schools.
The Early College Summer Academy is three weeks of intensive instruction to prepare students for the Accuplacer placement test.
It is part of the Emerging Scholars Program, which was created by the Related Companies and provides students in grades 7 through 12 full financial coverage for college readiness instruction, books, fees, testing and transportation, as well as academic support, tutoring and more. Upon successful completion of the program, students who pass the Accuplacer are invited
to participate in dual enrollment and are eligible to receive a full scholarship to Palm Beach State College.
Since the program began last year at Palm Beach Lakes, 33 students have accepted the Stephen M. Ross Foundation Scholarship and are enrolled at PBSC. According to PBSC Dean of Student Development and Success Dr. Karline Prophete, these numbers are expected to increase each year as students continue to succeed and spread the word.
During the event, PBSC President Ava L. Parker sat down with Ross for a question-and-answer segment where Ross shared why he wanted to invest in education in West Palm Beach, and particularly the Emerging Scholars Program.
“When I look at West Palm Beach and see the opportunities here, I believe they are better than anywhere in the country,” said Ross, who also met one-on-one at the event with some current Emerging Scholars participants.
“You won’t find another place that is growing this much. The companies who are coming here are from almost every area, so if students will work hard and earn
an education, they will have an abundance of choices to be successful.”
Ross also told students that in addition to education, the key to becoming successful is to find their passion.
“If you have passion and you’re working, you’re not working,” he said. “If you find something you really love, you will be that much more successful. If you don’t know what you want to do, experiment and you’ll eventually find it.”
Ross is excited that the Emerging Scholars Program is helping do just that, exposing students to college early so they can explore different careers, better understand themselves and set goals.
Students are saying the program has transformed their outlook on their future.
“I didn’t think that I could pass the Accuplacer test, but now I know that I can, and I’m looking forward to studying dermatology because I know I will do well,” Hannah Laurence said.
Another student, Xazha Belizaroff, added, “This program helped me with my confidence and improved my math and reading skills.
I also wasn’t sure what I needed to do to prepare for
This program guided me through those steps and supported me along the way.”
During the celebration, students also received certificates of completion, heard from a panel of eight students on their academy experience, and watched several performances, including one from the Palm
Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker and Stephen Ross with participants in the Emerging Scholars Program Early College Summer Academy.
college.
Beach Lakes Ram Regiment Band. Others who spoke included Prophete, Bear Lakes Middle
School Principal Dr. Kirk Howell and Emerging Scholars Program Coordinator Jeneka Admore. The vision is for every program participant to graduate with both a high school diploma and a degree from Palm Beach State College.
Wellington Garden Club members Bobbi Zeigler, Carol Ralph and Stormi Bivin with homeowner Brian Rau.
Wellington Garden Club 2023-25 President Carol Ralph, District X ULDA Chair Stormi Bivin, homeowners David and Rhonda Perez, Wellington Garden Club 2025-27 President Annette Lubsen and club member Alison Albury.
IDA, Barnwalkers Help Upgrade Barns At Wellington International
safe and stylish accommodations for the FEI horses. The project began with the complete demolition of the outdated stalls. In their place, 130 sleek, high-quality Professional Series
stalls by Barnwalkers will be installed, setting a new benchmark in equine stabling.
“We’re thrilled to continue our strong relationship with this world-renowned facility by providing products we’re truly passionate about — products that enhance the environment and provide unmatched comfort for the horses,” said Bart Kenis, co-owner of Barnwalkers. “These stalls are perfectly suited for safety, longevity, practicality and durability. They are virtually maintenance-free.”
Beyond the stalls, IDA Development will upgrade the aisle ways by installing more than 8,000 square feet of Equitan poured rubber flooring, designed to deliver superior safety and shock absorption for all equine athletes. The renovation also includes upgraded electrical and plumbing
systems and fresh paint throughout the barn.
Murray Kessler, CEO of Wellington International, is excited about these improvements.
“At Wellington International, we listen carefully to our athletes and their teams, because their experience matters,” Kessler said. “Based on their input, we will be making numerous major improvements to our facilities this summer. One important improvement will be the renovation of our FEI stabling facility, where we’ve partnered with Barnwalkers to provide best-in-class stabling that reflects the high-quality standard we’re committed to. We’re proud to support the comfort, care and safety of the horses that make this sport what it is.”
IDA Development is also expanding other Equitan rubber
pathways on the grounds, with more than 10,000 square feet of Equitan being added from Ring 10 to the permanent barns — another step in prioritizing equine safety and comfort.
“As both a farm owner and a builder, I’m passionate about creating environments where horses can thrive,” said Harry Knopp, owner of IDA Development.
“Renovating an older facility like this requires vision, experience and the right materials to deliver modern safety and comfort while respecting the original structure.
We are honored to help bring this transformation to life at Wellington International.”
A new and powerful fiber Internet network is being built across the new community of Westlake. Once finished, more than 1,200 homes and businesses will have access to reliable and ultra-fast internet, mobile, streaming and other services with Xfinity and Comcast Business. The construction is being completed in phases and will continue through 2026.
Comcast is already making significant progress on the network build. Construction is finished in The Pines, The Terraces 1 & 2 and Woodlands neighborhoods, enabling more than 850 homes access to the company’s next-generation network. Crews plan to expand the network in The Hammocks and The Terraces 3. The goal is to expand the fiber network to reach even more homes as new developments are built in Westlake.
“As Palm Beach County grows, Comcast is committed to bringing ultra-fast connectivity to every corner of this community. That’s why we’re actively constructing a fiber network in Westlake to
support the city’s future. We’re building the Internet of tomorrow,” said Jeff Buzzelli, senior vice president of Comcast’s Florida region. “We’re excited to invest in Westlake, so we can bring businesses and families our best-in-class products and services. Whether it’s on the go with Xfinity Mobile or in the office with customized Comcast Business solutions, we’re ready to earn Westlake’s business and keep entrepreneurs and families connected to the moments that matter most.”
This new, next-generation network will give Westlake access to faster Internet speeds that outperform competitors — up to 1 gigabits per second for residential customers and up to 100 gbps for businesses. With this fiber-tothe-home technology, customers can access symmetrical speeds, which means faster uploads than ever before. Additionally, Comcast has contributed more than $10 million in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofits, community events, sponsorships and other initiatives in Palm Beach County since 2010.
The 2025 Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, skated into Palm Beach Autographs at the Mall at Wellington Green recently, where they signed autographs and spent quality time mingling and hanging out with fans.
Panthers center and playoffs MVP Sam Bennett, left winger Jonah Gadjovich and right winger Brad Marchand each spent rousing afternoons posing for photos, signing memorabilia, and even getting into an occasional fight pose with die-hard fans, who waited for hours in line to see their favorite players.
“Bringing the Stanley Cup champions
Barnwalkers offers top-tier craftsmanship in European-style stalls, walkers and barn accessories. With exclusive partnerships with national and international manufacturers, Barnwalkers blends innovation with durability, safety and affordability. Their products are crafted using modern, precision-engineered machines that ensure consistent quality. Learn more at https://barnwalkers. com.
Palm Beach Autographs Brings Florida Panthers To Wellington
to Wellington is always a huge thrill for the community,” said Jim Dodson, owner of Palm Beach Autographs. “It’s not every day you get to meet your hockey heroes face-to-face. The energy from the fans and players was incredible.”
The event also included a silent auction featuring must-have memorabilia and a hat trick mystery box containing autographed items.
Palm Beach Autographs is located at the Mall at Wellington Green at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For additional information, call (561) 340-2921 or visit www. palmbeachautographs.com.
With more than 30 years of experience, IDA Development turns visions into reality, whether it’s a custom barn, outdoor arena, covered or mirrored arena, or steel barn or building. IDA guides clients through every step of the planning and building process, tailoring solutions to meet each individual’s needs, timeline and budget. Known for high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional service, IDA lives up to its reputation as a trusted leader in equestrian construction. Learn more at https:// idadevelops.com.
West Palm Beach VA Celebrates 30 Years Of Service
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center, previously known as the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, marking three decades of care and commitment to veterans across South Florida.
Since opening its doors on June 25, 1995, the central hub medical center has grown into a cornerstone of veteran healthcare, offering a comprehensive range of services rooted in compassion, excellence and innovation.
Over the past 30 years, the VA Medical Center has evolved into a full-service general medical and surgical hospital, delivering high-quality care in primary care,
emergency medicine, mental health, surgery, physical rehabilitation, radiology, dentistry and beyond. Notably, the medical center campus features a state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer center, a full hemodialysis unit, domiciliary, and a robust, five-star-rated hospice building.
“Celebrating our 30th anniversary, we are proud to highlight the revolutionary advancements in our surgical capabilities with a state-of-the-art and nationally ranked surgical robotics program,” Executive Director Cory Price said. “These innovations ensure of minimally invasive procedures and a quicker recovery for veterans, reaffirming our longstanding commitment to top-tier care.”
us this September in celebrating the people who make our community special through the fourth annual Our Wellington Awards!
Wellington The Magazine proudly unveiled the Our Wellington Awards in 2022. This award marked the first of its kind, honoring remarkable individuals who have given of themselves and helped to shape our beloved community into one of the top places to live in the country.
Again, this year, we would like you, our readers, to assist us in choosing those we will pay tribute to this year — people who have dedicated their time and talents to uplift our community.
Wellington The Magazine will announce this year’s honorees, shining a spotlight on these unique individuals, in the September 2025 “Our Wellington” issue.
By nominating a Wellington resident who you think deserves this honor, you join us in celebrating these unique members of our community, who have turned Wellington into not just a great hometown, but a vibrant tapestry of compassion. We will highlight their stories and perhaps ignite a spark within others, encouraging neighbors to lend a helping hand and make a difference in the lives of those around them.
As we embark on the fourth year of the Our Wellington Awards, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming edition, with even more nominations and amazing stories of extraordinary individuals.
Wellington The Magazine will publish this special publication, where readers will have a chance to get to know these remarkable individuals, discovering the motivations behind their journeys, and learn more about the organizations they champion. Together, let us continue to build a community that thrives on compassion, generosity and the spirit of making a difference. The goal is to get others involved, embrace a worthy cause and be a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can transform lives and create a brighter future for Our Wellington.
Please visit www.wellingtonthemagazine.com and look for the OUR WELLINGTON AWARDS tab to nominate someone today!
Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center is located at 7305 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.
Secret Military Operation? No! It’s Walmart’s Drone System
“Let’s get the car washed,” I said to Mark. (I love rumbling through a fancy car wash.)
It was upon exiting the car wash that we saw the drone. It was huge! It looked
I thought I had seen it all until I got to Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Located in northwest Arkansas (which likes to distinguish itself from the rest of the state by referring to itself as NWA), Pea Ridge was nothing but a sleepy little farming community for ages and ages. Then it woke up one morning to the sobering realization that it had been “discovered.” My husband Mark and I discovered it this summer while driving around, exploring. These days, there’s construction everywhere — rows of homes where rows of peas used to be; all the same fast food restaurants the big cities have; and a very fancy car wash with LED lights inside and windows along one whole wall for the claustrophobic.
like a kiddie ride at a carnival had broken loose and was charting its own path. Intrigued, we followed it, and watched in awe as it settled into a magnetic port next to 11 more giant drones in the back parking lot of a Walmart. What the heck was going on? Had we stumbled upon a secret military base? An agricultural spy station? Some weird weather experiment?
Turned out it’s Zip — a high-tech drone delivery system attached to the Walmart. Yes! If you live in the Pea Ridge area and are sitting on your front porch in your boxers and a T-shirt, and your car is out of gas but you suddenly feel the need for a coloring book and a box of crayons,
a Walmart employee will bundle those things up for you and attach the package to one of its drones. The drone will then rise majestically into the air, silently speed toward your home, avoiding all vehicular traffic, quietly deposit your art supplies onto your lawn, and scoot back to its base to await its next delivery. And, get this — if you’re one of their Walmart+ members, the service is free, at least for now.
Think of the possibilities! Prescriptions, diapers, chocolate... I Googled this modern marvel and was stunned at the questions Walmart has had to answer about this thing;
“Will Zip deliver anything?” No, you moron, Zip will not bring a recliner and an 85-inch television set to your home. Well, they didn’t say “moron,” that was me.
“How much does a drone pilot make annually?” None of your beeswax. No, again, that was me. The average is $71,000 per year plus perks like tips.
“How did you choose Pea Ridge over New York City?” Again, me. I just can’t get over coming across this thing in a town with a population of about 8,000. But I’ll tell you one thing — I’m looking into buying a home there... preferably something with a big, drone-friendly front yard.
‘F1’ With Brad Pitt Has Great Acting, But The Cars Truly Shine
There is a kind of formula that often works in sports movies, and the new movie F1 fits it perfectly. It works as a kind of adventure, a war mission or a sports event. An old timer wants to go on, and you get a cocky kid involved. They clash, but come together at the end. It has worked since we’ve had movies. I mean, think Luke and Han Solo. Or, well, I could fill up a page listing examples. But in this movie, it’s all about racing cars. Very fast cars. They are the real stars of the movie — and they are spectacular. F1 racing, Formula 1, are the best of the race cars, and they are really shown off in the film.
‘I’ On CULTURE
By Leonard Wechsler
It begins at the famous 24 hours at Daytona, as cars whiz through. We have Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a slightly over-the-hill F1 driver who was once considered a possible great star but has gone downhill for years after some nasty injuries. His best buddy Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) leads a squad with a cocky new kid, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a driver from London with huge potential, but who needs a big victory in one of nine Grand Prix events to prevent a hostile takeover of his squad and car. And the bad guys are around and willing to play dirty. Of course, the leads go through the basic “meet cute.” Hayes finds out that seven drivers had already turned down the chance to work with Cervantes. The kid feels he had to be tough and beat everyone
else on the team because he fears being replaced. At first, Hayes struggles with the modern F1 tech, but figures out the weaknesses and joins the team.
Hayes goes old school, crashing into other drivers, which allows Pearce to at least get some points. And, of course, they begin to cooperate but run into conflict. The kid takes too many chances and gets hurt, Hayes replaces him, and they are back to quarreling. We then have skullduggery and betrayals and all sorts of plot twists to eventually get to the expected ending.
The acting is very good. Pitt is, as usual, tough, laid back, with his tremendous star power. His character knows he is at the end of his career, one that has never gotten as far as it might. Bardem is, also as usual, somewhat over the top in his performance, providing a real contrast with Pitt. He is the emotional core of the film. He desper-
ately needs a victory to stave off disaster. He is the spark that pushes all of the action. Idris is the real find. He is charismatic enough to match the two veterans, and the chemistry between the leads is explosive. Idris manages to be cocky and tough, but he is also able to find an emotional core that is very winning. Kerry Condon is good as Kate, Sonny’s love interest. I liked the fact she was not only the love interest but the technical specialist on the team. She was not just an appendage to get in a love scene or two, but a real contributor. But the action, not the plot twists, is what carries this film. Yes, there’s testosterone-fueled banter, along with better-than-usual performances. But the action is on the track. Director Joseph Kosinski, whose last film was Top Gun: Maverick, has the audience holding its breath throughout. The racing is the
highlight of the film. Sir Lewis Hamilton, one of the great F1 drivers, served as a technical advisor, and it shows. A group of top professional racers worked in the film, and the attention to detail really counts. Kosinski worked with the teams to bring the action, not only on the track but in the pit. Add to the mix genius cinematographer Claudio Miranda (who collaborated with Kosinski on Top Gun: Maverick), and a really good score by Hans Zimmer, and the racing scenes really grab you. The film, at about two and a half hours, actually moves very fast. And while the basic plot is one we have seen quite often, the action is really top of the line. Should you go see it? If you love auto racing, the answer is a very definite yes. Even if not, this is a quality film. With good acting and, as mentioned above, really great racing action, this is a strong summer movie.
