CITY NEWS & PEOPLE

and turtle tanks are now empty. However, Coastal Stewards says the turtles will be back as soon as a new permit is granted by the FWC. Stay tuned.

Inquiring minds what to know: What’s taking so long with the Mandarin Oriental project?

It depends on whom you talk to, but all was not roses at sweet little Gumbo Limbo Nature Center this year. A combination of internal politics and perhaps a little mission creep combusted into an all-out coastal skirmish. The turtles were moved to other facilities, the veterinarian resigned all in the transition of the turtle rehab program to the nonprofit Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards, accused by one of the terminated staffers as having “unstable toxic leadership.” An internet petition was launched, battle lines were drawn

After stalling for more than two years, the Aletto Square development is now moving forward. The project drew sharp criticism last year from residents arguing that the development was too large for the down-

Cartier recently opened its newly expanded store; Anna Studio is a great new option for gala glam; Vila Kids, a fine baby and children’s boutique (featuring Pima cotton baby clothes with embroidery, shoes, accessories and toys from around the world) just opened; luxury Milan fashion brand Marni and a trendy South Moon Under boutique are opening as we speak; and over-the-top candy store Sugarfina also opened.

town space and would clash with the neighborhood’s lowrise atmosphere. Not to mention traffic nightmares. But in April 2023, newly appointed City Council member Marc Wigder pushed for quicker review of projects by city officials, and within a month, the project was approved by the city council. Aletto Square will include two office buildings plus restaurant and retail space spread across seven properties between Palmetto Park Road and Boca Raton Road.

WHAT BOCA NEEDS MORE OF:

✔ Affordable housing

✔ Pizza by the slice

✔ Bike lanes

✔ Rooftop bars

✔ Waterfront dining

✔ Event spaces

✔ Raw bars

✔ Parking

✘ Traffic

✘ Cash buyers

✘ Black-tie galas

✘ Athleisurewear

✘ People (especially at the beach)

✘ Honking

KUDOS

• Greg Malfitano marks 50 years at Lynn University.

• YMCA holds its 50th anniversary gala.

• Mark Larkin and the Boca Raton Regional Hospital attain their $250 million fundraising goal for a new and expanded hospital.

• The Boca Raton receives five stars from Forbes Travel Guide for the Boca Raton Beach Club and Spa Palmera.

• The Boca Raton Library marks 75 years.

The Mayor’s Ball: The first big blacktie party of the season is ostensibly an homage to past and present Boca Raton mayors, but it’s the debut of social season, complete with big dresses, tall heels and lots of sparkle.

Boca’s Ballroom Battle: This is arguably the most entertaining event of the year, featuring eight community dancers (a la “Dancing With the Stars”) performing for friends, supporters and everyone else to benefit the beloved George Snow Scholarship Fund.

The Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball: This gala is sold out within days despite its steep price, because it always features a headliner people want to see. (In the past, we’ve seen Rod Stewart, Earth, Wind & Fire and

Sting.) This year’s Diamond Jubilee 60th ball featured Lionel Richie, and raised more than $4.2 million.

One of our seasonal faves from the city was Food Truck Fridays, held monthly between February and May from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations, including Wildflower Park, Patch Reef Park, Sugar Sand Park and Lake Wyman. These lunches were a food truck bonanza, with music and great food from places like Heavenly Churros, Cucina Bambina, Dr. Big Jerk, Best French Fries, Tacos Veracruz and many more.

When plans for a new Chick-fil-A on Federal Highway went to the Planning & Zoning Board last year, residents of the Harbour East neighborhood bordering the site showed up in force—with their lawyer. The main objection from residents was that the popular restaurant’s drivethrough would create traffic, and the emissions from idling cars would affect the neighborhood’s air quality. Months of back-and-forth followed between developers, the city and Harbour East residents. Compromises were made. By October it seemed all but a sure thing that the project would be approved. And then it wasn’t. During an October city council meeting, residents sounded off and the city listened. Within two months, by a unanimous council vote, the Chick-fil-A project was defeated by the Harbour East neighborhood.