The Lake Worth Tribune

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Lake Worth's Best Local Newspaper! Friday, March 6, 2015

The Lake Worth Tribune

W o e rth k a L FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015

Coming Up Saturday, March 7 Pray Not Protest at 12 noon on the steps of City Hall

Vol. 1 • Issue 8 Published in Lake Worth, FL

Debate Gets Heated With Big Bond Bombshell and Talk of Secret Meetings Biggest Cheers for Maier Defense of Common Ground Church � That’s Not ‘Worst-First’

Saturday and Sunday March 7 and 8 Reggae Fest 12 noon to 10 p.m. Bryant Park

By Margaret Menge

Tuesday, March 10 ELECTION DAY Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. See Page 5 for list of polling places Sunday, March 15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 12 noon in downtown Lake Worth Sunday, March 15 Parrot Cove Home Tour from 2-6 p.m - $25 in advance, $30 at the door. www.parrotcove.org 533-6751

Flolfy climbs on stage to deliver the questions to the moderator, John Paxman. Stage front is Jon Faust, president of the Neighborhood Associations Presidents Council, which organized the forum. (photo by Margaret Menge)

The debate at the Playhouse began with “Flolfy” climbing up on stage to deliver the questions to the moderator in a silver briefcase. It was a fun start to a debate that would become heated, with challengers Serge Jerome and Ryan Maier launching strong accusations against incumbents Christopher McVoy and John Szerdi, while Szerdi supporters, lining the front row as neighborhood association timekeepers, threw up their hands

at times in defense of their candidate. Commissioner Christopher McVoy, in his opening statement, spoke of his concern for the city, with “less transparency” and “less public input” allowed on major issues. “I do not think you would be served by having another commissioner who will vote the same as the other four,” he said. “What I want to do here is, Let’s increase Lake Worth’s Continued on Page 2...

Sound of Silence Over ‘Invitation to Negotiate’ for Beach Property Just One Word in ITN Hinted at Building at our Beach No Public Meetings to Discuss Before Invitation Issued By Margaret Menge

The mayor and three commissioners are refusing to say much about the Invitation to Negotiate that was issued for proposals at the Lake Worth Beach, citing a Cone of Silence that does not seem to apply to most of them, and refusing to talk about why there were no public meetings to gauge public opinion before the Invitation was issued.

Public Opinion Shut Out of Plans to Build at the Beach By Margaret Menge

Laurence McNamara, a former candidate for mayor and active supporter of Democratic candidates, said

The “Beach Complex Invitation to Negotiate” came before the City Commission in October, and the briefing that was presented to the mayor and commissioners at that meeting contained just one, six-letter word to indicate that the city was asking for proposals that included proposals to build at the beach. The Invitation to Negotiate, or ITN, was issued in

September, the executive brief reads, to seek proposals for “public/private ventures at the Beach Complex.” “Specifically,” it reads, “the ITN requests competitive, sealed replies from responsible proposers to commence negotiations regarding offers to manage, maintain, operate, redesign, renovate, expand, equip and/ or implement creative ven-

the Commission majority wanted,” said McNamara. and the city manager are “Two things that people defitotally disregarding what nitely didn’t want is more citizens expressed that they development than there is wanted at the beach there…” over many years. Of City Manager He and his wife Michael Bornstein, Dee, he says, atMcNamara says: “He tended public doesn’t know that meetings held over what’s there is exactten years about the ly what the citizens beach and what was wanted, and no more.” to be built there. Commissioner Laurence “There were Christopher McVoy McNamara many, many meetsaid last week that ings, many public meetings he was “livid’ at his fellow to ascertain what the pub- commissioners for keeping lic wanted there, and what silent about what he thinks Continued on Page 3... is there is what the public

The Hudson Holdings Plan By Margaret Menge

Hudson Holdings told the Gulfstream Condominium Owners on Feb. 25 that work has slowed down at the Gulfstream Hotel because they are waiting to hear whether their plan for the Lake Worth Beach is approved by the ITN Committee. Steve Michael of Hudson Holdings said he expected an answer from the city in 30 days, “by the end of March.”

“Our plan is to build a beautiful beach club and conference center,” he said, and referred specifically to “a one-acre parcel of land… to the south of the Casino.” The beach club, he said, would be a private club. The conference center would be 20,000 square feet. Hudson Holdings, he said, is prepared to spend $30 million building the private beach club and conference center.

“Once we are past the ITN, we will move very fast,” Michael said, according to Commissioner Christopher McVoy, who was in attendance and took careful notes. “I expect that we will have an answer by the end of March,” he said. Michael said that no matter what happens at the beach, Hudson Holdings will build a second hotel next to the Gulfstream, and that it will

Is a conference center going to be built on top of our pool? Hudson Holdings says they expect to get an answer from the city in 20 days on their request to build on a ‘one acre parcel of land’ south of the Casino building. (photo by Margaret Menge)

tures at the newly renovated Lake Worth Beach Complex and Casino.” The only word that would give any indication to some-

one reading the document that the city was asking for people to come forward with ideas for building something more at the Lake Worth

Beach, a public park, is the word “expand.” The mayor, in an interview with the Tribune last month,

Surprise! The Bond is Coming Back This Year • Clerk Pam Lopez Asks for Aug. 25 Special Election • Supervisor of Elections Says No to August Date • City Commission to Finalize Date in April - (After the Election!) By Margaret Menge

tions Susan Bucher Candidate Ryan dated Feb. 13, City Maier dropped a Clerk Pam Lopez says bombshell at the the city is “seriously City-wide Candidates considering calling Forum at the Lake for a Special Election Worth Playhouse on on August 25, 2015” March 2: The bond is for a “General Obcoming back(!) ligation Bond” and A document obCity Clerk says before bringing tained by The Lake Pam Lopez this to the elected ofWorth Tribune this week appears to confirm ficials, she is following statute and notifying the Supervisor Maier’s revelation. In a memo to Palm Beach of Elections. “Please let me know at County Supervisor of Elec-

your earliest convenience if you consent to this proposed date or can provide me with an alternative date that is acceptable to you,” she writes. “Once a date has been established, I’ll bring the issue to the elected officials for action.” The mayor and commissioners have not discussed putting another bond on the ballot during any public meeting this year. As re-

be 65 feet tall. He also said there would be a three-story parking garage. Conceptual drawings showing these plans have not yet been submitted to the city and Steve Michael

is working for Hudson Holdings on the Sundy House project in Delray Beach. He has not returned the Tribune’s phone calls requesting information about plans for the Lake Worth Beach.

of Hudson Holdings has not returned several phone calls over the past several weeks related to the Gulfstream Hotel and plans for our beach. Commissioner John Szerdi


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The Lake Worth Tribune

Friday, March 6, 2015

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

‘I’ve been here, and I’ve been here a long time,’ said Commissioner John Szerdi. (photo by Margaret Menge)

Stolen Tag: A man living on the 1200 block of South Federal Hwy. told police that his license plate had been stolen off of his white Saturn that was parked in front of his home. Stolen Campaign Sign: A man living on the 400 block of North Federal Hwy. called police to report that someone had stolen the “Vote for Ryan Maier” sign from his front yard. He said he didn’t know who would have taken it, and that he has a “No Trespassing” sign. Theft From Vehicle: A woman living on the 1000 block of South Palmway told police that her GPS, phone charger and coin purse had been stolen out of her white, GMC truck that had been left unlocked overnight. A DNA swab was obtained. Theft From vehicle: A woman living on the 900 block of South Lakeside told police that her wallet containing her Visa card, ACCESS food stamp card, Medicaid card and license had been taken from her vehicle, which had been left unlocked. Theft from Vehicle: A woman living on the 1200 block of South Lakeside Dr. told police that a number of items had been stolen from her vehicle, which had been left unlocked and which was parked in her driveway. Theft From Vehicle: A woman told police that her car was broken into while she was at work at Crest Manor at 504 3rd Avenue South, and about $200 in Avon beauty products were taken.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Runaway Kid: A woman living on the 1100 block of South B Street said that her son left the house that morning at 7 a.m. and was picked up by the school bus, but had not returned home from school. She told police that sometimes her son disappears for days. Stolen Tag: A woman told police that the license plate had been stolen off her vehicle, which had been parked in front of her home on the 1200 block of 18th Avenue North. Stolen Tag: A woman told police that the license plate had been stolen off her Ford Explorer, which was at Complete Auto at 910 South Dixie Hwy., where it was being serviced. Theft: PBSO responded to Hi-Tech Roofing at 2266 4th Avenue North for a report of a burglary. The owner told police that someone had broken the lock to their blue storage container on the property and had taken a blower, a grinder, a hammer drill and a saw. Burglary: A woman living on the 1500 block of 19th Avenue North said someone rang her door bell and knocked, but she didn’t answer because she was just getting out of the shower. When she was in her bedroom, she heard a noise coming from the back door. She walked toward the back, and saw a thin, clean-cut black man inside her porch, trying to open the deadbolt on her back door. She screamed “What are you doing?” and he ran towards her back yard. The scene was processed for DNA.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Challenger Ryan Maier got the most applause with his defense of Common Ground Church and his criticism of secret meetings about the beach. (photo by Margaret Menge)

“Debate Gets Heated...” tax base,” said his opponent, Serge Jerome, adding that the city “is only as strong as our weakest link.” “I do know many of you and you know me from being around,” said Commissioner John Szerdi, in his opening statement. He talked about needing a four-bedroom house for his family and buying a multiplex on South Palmway, which he converted back to a single-family home, only to have someone try to build a five-story condo building right across from him. “I fought against that,” he said. Ryan Maier, who is challenging Szerdi, said he was motivated to run because “transparency has disappeared over the past several years.” He said residents care passionately about their public beach, and don’t deserve to be kept in the dark about the city’s plans to develop it. And then he dropped a bomb: that City Clerk Pam Lopez has sent a memo to the county asking for the bond to be put back on the August ballot in a special election.

“We need our streets fixed…but unfortunately, there is not enough trust in our city government to request another bond,” he said. Questions were read by the moderator, John Paxman, an attorney who has moderated several of Lake Worth’s debates over the years. The questions, said NAPC President Jon Faust, came from the neighborhood associations. All four candidates said they would favor keeping the CRA, at least in the short term. Three of four candidates said they would not consider selling the city’s Utility. Only Szerdi said it was something he would consider. Ryan Maier got the biggest applause and hoots of agreement from the audience when he brought up code compliance addressing “worst-first” and the case of Common Grounds Coffee Bar and the secret investigation of Common Ground Church. “How they could prioritize this when there are so many abandoned properties

in the city is just beyond me,” he said. “In reality, what we have here is someone who doesn’t want to comply,” said Commissioner John Szerdi when it was his turn. When asked about their involvement with their neighborhood associations, Maier created an audible murmur in the audience when he said: “Many of them have turned political.” “I would like to see the neighborhood associations become more politically neutral,” he said. On the issue of the pool, and whether it should stay open, McVoy said it loses $200,000 a year if open and $100,000 a year if closed, but that it’s an amenity for the community. “We seem to be OK with subsidizing the golf course,” he said. “I think maybe we could be OK with subsidizing the pool.” Maier talked about a “secret plan” to give away the Lake Worth Pool. “I think the pool needs more focus,” he said. “I think right now there is a big business interest in the pool.”

Thief Caught: A man called police just after midnight to report that he saw a black man in a black baseball cap pull the car doors on several vehicles on South Palmway, walk up onto a driveway of a home on the 1400 block of South Palmway, get into a red VW, and proceed to rummage through it. Another police officer detained a man nearby who matched the description, and he was identified as the thief. His name is Edward Thomas. A GPS valued at $180 was found in his pocket. Theft From Vehicle: A man living on the 1500 block of South Palmway told police a GPS system had been stolen from the center console of his blue Volvo station wagon. Theft From Vehicle: A man living on the 1000 block of South Palmway told police that his car stereo, CDs, and personal items had been taken from his 1986 Ford that was parked in his back yard. Theft From Vehicle: A woman living on the first block of 17th Avenue South told police that a GPS system, a dash-mounted camera and a First Aid kit were stolen from her Mercedes. Stolen Car: A man told police when he returned home from work, his Jeep Cherokee, which was parked in the car port of his home, was gone. Burglary: A woman living on the 400 block of South C Street said she left the house at about 10 a.m., and returned around 3 p.m. to find the rear door shattered and her Apple IMAC desktop computer taken, along with a flat-screen TV. A woman living nearby told police she had seen a black man wearing jeans and a dark shirt knock on the door of the home, and then walk away, going south. Burglary: A woman living on the 300 block of North F Street told police that her neighbors called her around 5 p.m. and told her that they caught a man named Michael Lythgoe breaking in to her apartment through a window. They pulled him out, and he punched one of them in the face and then went to the front door and pulled it open. The neighbors said he went inside, and came out a few minutes later carrying a number of items under his arm, and her bicycle. The woman said the neighbors were afraid to call police because of their immigration status. Kidnapping: A man told police that his friend had been kidnapped. He said he hadn’t heard from her in several days, and then finally got a call from her saying she’d been kidnapped and taken to Tampa. After several attempts, police were able to reach the woman, who told them that she’d placed an ad on BackPage.com. A man named KJ, or John, had answered it and they’d made arrangements to meet at the Walgreens at 531 South Dixie Hwy. After she’d gotten in his car, he’d told her that he was going to take her to Tampa and pimp her out. When she refused, he pulled out a knife and told her he would kill her. The man took her to Tampa, where they stayed in a Red Roof Inn. He took all of her belongings, including her cell phone, and pimped her out in exchange for money. Police in Tampa were able to go to the woman, and transport her back to Palm Beach County.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Fire: Police responded to the Lake Worth Beach at about 6:15 p.m. for a report of a fire. There was a small brush fire north of the Casino building, on the roundabout. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue extinguished the fire. Stolen Tag: A woman told police that the license plate was removed from her car, which had been parked on the street overnight outside Bob Davis Auto Repair on the 1800 block of North Dixie Hwy., where it was being serviced. Burglary: A man reported to police that someone had broken into his shed on Feb. 24 on the 600 block of South Lakeside Drive and stolen a saw, two drills and a toolbox containing tools for robotics. Fingerprints and DNA were collected from the shed.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Stolen Tag: A woman told police that the license plate had been stolen from her Toyota while it was parked in front of her home on the 300 block of South K Street. Burglary: An apartment on the 100 block of North M Street was burglarized, and ransacked, but nothing was taken.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Stabbing: A man named Steve Robbins told police he went to the home of a woman living on the 500 block of South L Street, a friend, and that while he was there, a black guy named Chris arrived, “busted” into the house without being invited and they got into a fight. Robbins said that during the fight, Chris picked up a knife and stabbed him about five times. Another friend who was present drove Robbins to JFK Medical Center.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Stolen Tag: A man told police that the license plate had been stolen from his trailer that was parked on the 300 block of North B Street. Stolen car: A man told police that his 2000 blue Chevrolet Astro van had been stolen from in front of his residence on the 500 block of North D Street. Stolen Truck And Trailer: Three vehicles were stolen from a fenced lot around a commercial building on the 1900 block of 8th Avenue North. The chain-link fence had been cut, and the perpetrator was able to start a 2005 Ford F350, which had a trailer attached to it, with a Caterpillar skid steer Bobcat on it. Burglary/Theft: The owner of a home on the 1100 block of South K Street told police that between Feb. 26 and 27, someone broke into the home through the rear window and removed the kitchen sink and the pipes connected to it, and also broke inside the bathroom and closet walls and sole the copper piping. The air conditioner handler in the hallway had also had its copper piping removed. When he returned the next day, he found the air conditioner had been stolen and the copper piping that leads to the house had been cut and removed. Challenger Serge Jerome, Jr. and Commissioner Christopher McVoy. (photo by Margaret Menge)


Friday, March 6, 2015

The Lake Worth Tribune

Page 3

City Not Backing off on Church Crack-down By Margaret Menge

Even under threat of a lawsuit charging a First Amendment violation, the City of Lake Worth is not backing down in its enforcement against Common Ground Church. William Waters, the city’s Director for Community Sustainability, sent a letter to Pastor Mike Olive last week, saying a Use & Occupancy Certificate is required if the church is going to continue to have services at Common Grounds Coffee Bar, located at 12 South J Street. “If that was the original motivation, they failed miserably in communicating that,” said Richard Mast, the attorney with Liberty Counsel, a powerhouse legal foundation that sent a

legal “demand” letter to the city on Feb. 23. Mast points to the comments Commissioner Andy Amoroso made to Pastor Olive that “You better not have a church there. That better not be a church” and to the code compliance officer’s threat to the associate pastor on a Sunday morning, saying: “This is your last Sunday.” He noted in a letter that the city didn’t say to Pastor Olive that they hope he has a Use & Occupancy Certificate. In a letter to Olive dated March 2, William Waters wrote that the Use & Occupancy application form “is simple to complete” and that the city can schedule the required inspection at

his earliest convenience, to apprise him of any improvements that may have to be made to the building. Mast says the city can require a church to have a Use & Occupancy Certificate. But he says the city has not, despite several requests, said what number of people would be allowed in Common Grounds Coffee Bar at any one time, and without being given this number, the city can arbitrarily shut down a worship service being held there. “They’re hiding the ball here, and not answering a basic question, because they know that they will lose,” Mast told the Tribune. He sent several photographs to the city showing large gatherings in back of

Pastor Mike Olive leads a ‘Pray, Not Protest’ on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, March 3. (photo by Margaret Menge)

several downtown restaurants and bars, and a photo of a worship service in the coffee bar, showing about the same number of people.

The city can’t make one get a special permit and not the other just because the gathering is religious in nature, he said.

“I think it’s just the beginning,” says Olive, of the back-and-forth with the city. “It is far from over.”

“Public Opinion Shut Out...”

The Lake Worth Pool may or may not be available for public use if Hudson Holdings is awarded a contract to build at the beach. (photo by Margaret Menge)

they knew: that the city was considering plans to build more at the beach. He said he would be “very, very, very cautious” about considering any plan to build more at the beach than is already there, and said it would have to be “a very public process” that allowed a lot of input from the community before anything were to be approved, given that the beachfront property is a public park. He said Hudson Holdings appears to be on a fast

track, likely anticipating that if the plan is approved by the ITN Committee, it will be quickly approved by the City Commission with a 4-1 vote, with only McVoy voting against it. “The take on my head was, they’re clearly waiting for the results of this election,” said McVoy, who was in the Feb.25 meeting with Hudson Holdings. “I don’t know why. But they, Hudson Holdings, clearly don’t have any interest in a public process.”

City-Wide Election March 10

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The Lake Worth Tribune

Friday, March 6, 2015

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“Sound of Silence Over Invitation...” indicated that the only things limited to, adjacent grass under consideration at the and landscaped areas, drivebeach were related to man- ways, and undeveloped aragement of the upstairs ball- eas of the Beach Complex.” room and the pool. Commissioner ChristoIn the ITN, which is posted pher McVoy, who first got on the city’s web site under involved with city politics Bids & Proposals, the city to fight a plan being floated lays out three availto change the zonable options for those ing to allow for more making proposals, commercialization and says it will conof the beach, said sider a plan for any he doesn’t rememone, or any combinaber any discussion tion of these three: at any Commission Option #1 is for a meeting of building restaurant or bar “and/ something more at or other commercial the beach. City type ventures” to go Commissioner “As far as I’m conin the space on the Andy Amoroso cerned, that was not second floor of the discussed,” he said. Casino, on the northern end He says when the Invita(the ballroom). tion to Negotiate came up Option #2 is for a special at the Commission meeting events/meetings/conference last October, he expressed room “and/or other commer- concern about the upstairs cial-type ventures” to go in ballroom being managed the space on the second floor by a corporation, saying it of the Casino, on the south- should remain a community ern end. space. But he didn’t realize Option #3 is for “mod- the city was going to enterernization of the munici- tain proposals to build. pal pool that would attract The ITN was posted on the adult-aged visitors during city’s website and on somethe afternoon and evening thing called DemandStar hours ( e.g. restaurant, tiki on Sept. 2 and was printed bar, cabana rentals, beverage in the Palm Beach Post on service and/or other com- Sept. 7. Proposals were due mercial-type ventures). With in to the city just one month this option, the City prefers later, on Oct. 7. That date to maintain public pool ac- was later changed to Oct. 14. cess in the morning hours; City Manager Michael however, creative alterna- Bornstein told the Tribune tives will be considered.” that three proposals were Below this is an interest- submitted, and have been ing sentence. under consideration by the “Replies may also include ITN Committee. The Comsurrounding and adjacent mittee consists of Comareas of each option to missioner Andy Amoroso, support the proposed ven- Sherry Schmidt, a Realtor tures(s), including, but not and a member of the city’s

Finance Advisory Board; and several city staffers, including William Waters, Director for Community Sustainability; Juan Ruiz, Recreation Director; Corinne Elliott, City Controller; and Sarah Vinci, City Purchasing Agent. Christy Goddeau, an attorney with Torcivia, Donlon, Goddeau & Ansay, the city’s law firm, serves as legal counsel. The ITN Committee held a public meeting on Nov. 4 that was advertised on the city’s Purchasing Division’s board, and on the city’s web site under Bids & Proposals. At that meeting, three parties presented proposals for the Beach Complex, and the committee went into a closeddoor meeting to negotiate all three proposals, according to the minutes. City Manager Michael Bornstein told the Tribune last week that the ITN was issued by the city because the city was “getting so many proposals” for the beach property. He said the problem with the Beach Complex is that some of the “key components” were not addressed when the new Casino was built. Of the pool, he said, there “isn’t a market to have that pay for itself.” The mayor did not return a call asking for information about when and in what forum it was decided that the city wanted to entertain proposals to build something more at the beach. “I’m on a code of silence because I’m on the committee,” said Commissioner

cently as Feb. 17, at the last regular City Commission meeting, Mayor Pam Triolo seemed to indicate by her comments from the dais that the commission was not considering bringing back the bond, and only wanted to discuss with the community how to pay for needed infrastructure repairs. The city had also planned a March 21 follow-up to the workshop held at the Compass building on Jan. 27 to solicit ideas for funding road repairs. This meeting in listed on the city’s website, under Special Events, as “An Open Discussion on Financing Options to Resolve Lake Worth’s Infrastructure Needs.” It is to be held at City Hall at 1 p.m. on March 21. But the memo from City Clerk Pam Lopez seems to show that just two weeks after the January meeting at Compass, the city had already decided to go forward with another bond this year. Not so, City Clerk Pam Lopez told the Tribune on Tuesday. She said she was just looking to “explore options” related to another bond, and was simply doing her due diligence by checking on dates. “The elected officials had no knowledge at all about this letter that I sent,” she said. “I took it upon myself because of the lead time that is required.” Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher responded to Lopez that her “key personnel” will not be available to conduct a special election for Lake Worth on Aug. 25, and asked Lopez to consider May 12 instead, when her staff would be working on another special election, for the Village of North Palm Beach. “The City is requesting consent for an August 25,

2015 Special Election,” Lopez wrote in an emailed reply. “To move it 3 months earlier is not realistic for us.” The $63.5 million bond was voted down in August by Lake Worth voters by a margin of just 25 votes. The bond was to pay for a five-year program of infrastructure repairs called Lake Worth 2020. It would not be paid back for 30 years, according to the schedule. At the Jan. 27 workshop at Compass, a number of residents brought ideas for paying for needed repairs before the mayor and commissioners. They included selling the golf course, taking back the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), using grants, and doing a non-ad-valorem tax (that all residents would have to pay). Commissioners, the city manager, and city attorney said most of these wouldn’t work, or weren’t possible. At the City-Wide Candidates Forum at the Playhouse on March 2, Maier specifically referred to the memo sent by Lopez on Feb. 13. “There is not enough trust in our city government to request another bond,” he said. Mayor Pam Triolo did not return a call requesting comment on the bond. Commissioner John Szerdi did not return a call requesting comment on the bond. Commissioner Scott Maxwell did not return a call requesting comment on the bond. Commissioner Andy Amoroso told the Tribune last

week he will only answer questions during an interview, and that an interview must be scheduled through his secretary at City Hall. The Tribune has been given a date of March 24 for an interview with Commissioner Amoroso. He told the administrative assistant that he shares with the other commissioners that he is “booked” until this date. Commissioner Christopher McVoy did return a call from the Tribune on Tuesday morning. He said he does not recall any meeting of the commission in which it was discussed, or decided, to try to bring back the bond this year. He said he received a memo from City Clerk Pam Lopez on Tuesday morning in which she wrote that she had acted alone in sending the memo to Bucher. “I find that somewhat hard to believe…” said McVoy, though he said he doesn’t rule out the possibility that this is correct. He said he thinks it would be “premature” to put the bond back on the ballot, as the city has never held a meeting in which people were asked why they voted against the bond last August. The vote on the bond issue was 1,545 for the bond to 1,570 against. It was on the ballot during the regular primary election in Florida, with candidates for Congress and governor also on the ballot. If it were to be voted on this August, a special election would have to be called.

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Amoroso, when asked about any plans to build at the beach. “I’m also waiting on customers.” There was just one customer in his store on Lake Ave. at the time, who was looking at something on a shelf. A city law imposes a “Cone of Silence” on those involved in a negotiation process, but according to the letter of the

law, it only applies to communication between those representing the city and those who have submitted proposals. “Until I know the cold, hard facts, I’m not going to comment on anything,” said Mayor Pam Triolo, when asked if she would be in favor of, or open to, something more being built at the beach.

She said the ITN Committee’s recommendation will before the commission, and that nothing will be decided until the Commission votes. She did not return a call this week asking for specific information about when and in what forum the Commission decided to ask for proposals to build something more at the beach.


Friday, March 6, 2015

The Lake Worth Tribune

Page 5

EVENTS CALENDAR FRIDAY, MARCH 6

to attend. Food available. For questions call 582-4616. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410.

Evening on the Avenue from 6-10 p.m. at the Cultural Plaza in downtown Lake Worth, featuring music by Nervous Romance, a pop duo, with an intermission spotlight on Cassidy Diana. Food trucks, vendors and a beer tent. Chain Maille Demonstration and Exhibition from 6-10 p.m. at the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery at 15 South J Street. Featuring chain maille artist Ryan DeLaneuville. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 “Wooden You Like a Turn?” Wood Turner Demonstration from 6-10 p.m. at the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery at 15 South J Street. Featuring Blake Patterson. Bonfire on the Beach from 6-9 p.m. at the Lake Worth Beach. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Lake Worth Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Old Bridge Park, on the east side of the Lake Worth Bridge off Ocean Avenue. Fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, farm-fresh eggs, Florida honey, and music. Lake Worth Art League Outdoor Art Show from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lake Worth Beach at 10 South Ocean Boulevard. Common Ground Church ‘Pray, Not Protest’ gathering at 12 noon at City Hall. Members of the community are invited to join members of Common Ground Church and other Palm Beach County churches to pray on the steps of City Hall for the freedom to worship. Reggae Fest! from 12 noon-10 p.m. in Bryant Park. Admission is $12 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free. Special Storytime at 2 p.m. at the Lake Worth Library, featuring Kate Montero and Chris Kahler, authors of “Epic Adventures of Big Binks” – a picture book describing the surfing adventures of Binks. Free. For more information call 533-7354. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www. lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Lake Worth Art League Outdoor Art Show from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lake Worth Beach at 10 South Ocean Boulevard. Daylight Savings Time - Set your clocks one hour

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Lake Worth Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Old Bridge Park, on the east side of the Lake Worth Bridge off Ocean Avenue. Fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, farm-fresh eggs, Florida honey, and music. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www. lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410.

Reggae Fest takes place in Bryant Park this weekend, Saturday and Sunday March 7 and 8, from 12 noon to 10 p.m. ahead…Remember: Spring ahead! And falllll back. Reggae Fest! from 12 noon-10 p.m. in Bryant Park. Admission is $12 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 2 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 ELECTION DAY! polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Go to www.pbcelections.org to check your voter status or call (561) 656-6200. Acupuncture & Longevity Lecture Series “Horomonal Imbalances” with Maria Chah at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Annex Meeting Room at 414 Lake Ave.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 BINGO at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 2315 North Dixie Hwy. in Lake Worth. The public is invited

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 12 noon in downtown Lake Worth. Benefitting Wheels for Kids. Activities all afternoon following the parade. “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 2 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse at 713 Lake Ave. For tickets go to www.lakeworthplayhouse.org or call 586-6410. Parrot Cove Home Tour from 2-6 p.m. starting at Believer’s Victory Church at 10th Avenue North and North Lakeside Drive. Adults 21+. Admission is $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Limited number of tickets. Buy online at www.parrotcove.org or call 533-6751.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 ABBA MANIA at 8 p.m. at the Duncan Theater at Palm Beach State College. Exclusive engagement. All seats $35. Call 868-3309.

Elect Ryan Maier

************************ UP AHEAD ************************ FLOLFING Tournament on Saturday, March 21, sponsored by the Downtown Jewel Neighborhood Association. Nine-hole-course home and garden tour with a DJNA twist! Tee off is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.-ISH. FLOLFERS pay $20 each. Beverages and snacks provided. First hole is at 207 South M Street. For more information go to downtownjewelneighborhood@gmail.com. PEEPS Show on Friday, March 26 from 6-10 p.m. at the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery at 15 South J Street. Bob Born, the inventor of PEEPS, is one of this year’s judges!

Add Another Independent Voice to the Commission

Send information about your events to The Lake Worth Tribune for publication on the EVENTS Calendar! Email mmenge@lakeworthtribune.com or bring information to the newspaper’s offices at 129 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 200A.

Endorsed by The Palm Beach Post:

Best Positioned to Improve Public Trust

Tour the Birthday Cake Castle The Birthday Cake Castle, which has been transformed into an American Red Cross Designers’ Show House, is open for tours from March 5-April 4. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $25 per person if arriving in a group of 10 or more. Tickets must be purchased at the door. Cash, check, and all major credit cards accepted.

Spring Break Camp at The Playhouse The Lake Worth Playhouse is hosting a “One Week Wonder” Spring Break Camp from March 16-20 for children ages 8-13. The camp will meet from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. every day, with kids working to produce “Once Upon a Crime, the Trial of Goldilocks.” A performance will be held on Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. The cost is $200 per child. Call 586-6410 to register.

MARCH 10

Won’t be a Rubber Stamp

Here is what the Post says about his opponent Szerdi: “The problem is his business relationships with a major city developer.” For additional information, please visit online at:

www.RyanMaierHasMyVote.com Proud to be endorsed by:

Political advertisement paid for an approved by Ryan Maier for City Commission.


Page 6

The Lake Worth Tribune

Friday, March 6, 2015

OPINION House Editorial

Letters to the Editor

Tribune recommends: Fire Szerdi and Rehire McVoy When I first moved to Lake Worth in 2010, I was living in a fourplex on the 200 block of South Palmway. The Szerdis lived almost directly across the street from me in a lovely two-story home. I didn’t see much of them. I don’t think I saw John Szerdi during the ten months that we lived there. I never saw him walking the family dog, or doing any yard work in the front yard. I never saw him talking to neighbors. I never saw him in Bryant Park. We moved over to South Lakeside after eight months, but as my son had become best of friends with the little girl who lives next door to the Szerdis, we have visited this block several times a week over the last four years and spent countless hours out on the sidewalk just a stone’s throw from the Szerdi home. I think the only time I’ve ever seen John Szerdi on the block has been when he is getting out of the car after work and walking into his house. In about 2012, I joined the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association and began going to some meetings. I don’t remember ever seeing John Szerdi at these meetings. I had also been going to City Commission meetings whenever I could since 2011, and never saw Szerdi at a meeting. So I was surprised when he first filed to run for Commission in 2012. Why was he running? He hadn’t been involved in the neighborhood, and didn’t seem to have much contact even with his immediate neighbors. He hadn’t been following what the Commission was doing. Why was he all of a sudden interested in serving on it? It seemed odd to me. I raise this because at every candidates forum, including the final one held at the Lake Worth Playhouse on March 3, Ryan Maier, who is challenging Szerdi for the District 4 seat on the Commission, has said that Szerdi walked into the job. Szerdi did walk into the job, in the sense that no one else was running. This was not his fault, as far as anyone knows. But instead of just saying this, he has insisted, time and time again, that he was involved

in the community and with the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association, attending “many, many” meetings before running for office. My former neighbor and friend, Rosann Malakates, who is supporting Ryan Maier, has been a member of the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association for 13 years, from the time it was formed. She says Szerdi may have been on the board, but that she does not remember ever seeing him at a board meeting. Since I started this paper, I have tried to be fair to John Szerdi, and to the other commissioners. But I’ve had a hard time getting ahold of many of them, including Szerdi. John has returned my calls a couple of times, but usually doesn’t. I called last week asking for more information about something his wife told me after the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association Candidates Forum – that his campaign manager is Wes Blackman, a blogger who tends to show a reckless disregard for the truth when writing about people who step into the public sphere who are not allied with development interests. Marshall Pass, who stole the stacks of Tribunes out of City Hall in January and has continued to confront the paper’s advertisers, seems to be Szerdi’s yard sign guy. I wanted to ask John Szerdi about his campaign team. Blackman and Pass seem like bad company to keep, and the fact that they’re working for Szerdi makes me question what kind of man John Szerdi is. Finally, about the five-story condo building that Szerdi says he fought off in response to Maier’s strong criticism of him and the other commissioners for their failure to amend the city’s charter following the vote of the people to limit heights in our downtown in 2012… The man who was going to build that condo is someone I know. He lives on the 200 block of South Palmway and has a Szerdi sign in his yard. I talked to him recently, and he told me that John Szerdi didn’t oppose the five-story condo that was to be built across the street from him -- that he in fact had been helpful, doing an architec-

tural drawing for him that was an improvement over the one he had, with a better roof line. So then why did John Szerdi tell everyone at all of the candidates forums that he fought against the five-story condo? It’s disturbing. There are a number of people I like who are supporting John Szerdi in his re-election campaign. They probably won’t be happy with me for writing this editorial. But I believe it is important to tell the truth here. And this is the truth as I know it. Ryan Maier is not a perfect candidate. But he has raised some very good issues in this race, and his message – that Szerdi and the Commission majority are defying the expressed will of the people on building heights and the bond, among other things – has struck a strong chord. I think he deserves a chance to serve. I hope, if he is elected, he will be as open as he says he will be, and will tell us the truth about what our government is doing. Christopher McVoy, meanwhile, has been a steady and reasonable voice. Commission meetings have more and more lately taken on the look and feel of “show meetings” as though all of the real discussion had already taken place somewhere else…except for McVoy asking a number of questions and often raising objections to things that were about to get a rubber stamp. McVoy’s frequent return to the topic of climate change is a small thing to bear from this man who has proven himself to be something very rare in this world – an honest, sincere politician. His opponent, Serge Jerome, a preacher’s son, has entered this race under somewhat strange circumstances and has lashed McVoy with criticisms that seem to ring hollow. The Tribune hopes that Jerome remains in the public sphere in Lake Worth, however, and uses his talent and energy to help represent the interests of those on the west side. They need a voice.

To the Editor: “A great place to visit! But I wouldn’t want to live there.” Is this what we will become? Since 1980, and then in 1991 when I became a permanent resident, I have always voted for city officials whose main focus is the home owner, not the visitor. I have voted for candidates that believe the essential factor of all policies, economic or social, should be increasing home ownership, community and property values. It has been a constant fight for these past 24 years to hold onto our natural assets and character. This year the land grab group is a very powerful and dangerous force. Based on the record of present mayor and commissioners, I feel little hope for those of us who love and want Lake Worth to be their hometown. I will vote for Christopher McVoy and Ryan Maier. They do not think of Lake Worth as a tourist destination. They consider this as home. � Rosann Malakates South Lakeside Drive To the Editor: I support Christopher McVoy for re-election to his District 2 seat and Ryan Maier in his bid to become the next District 4 Commissioner. McVoy is steadfast in his support of the environment. He often bicycles to City Commission meetings. Christopher listens to city residents and that ultimately informs his decision making, as it did in 2014 when he voted against the August 26th bond measure. His support of lowering height

Letters Policy Write us a Letter

limits along the Lucerne and Lake Avenue corridors in the March 2013 charter amendment is reflective of the scale a majority of Lake Worth residents support in the downtown corridor. Ryan Maier communicates clearly. He agrees with Commissioner McVoy on issues critical to the city’s health. His support of the environment garnered Mr. Maier a Sierra Club endorsement. Ryan cares about the arts. He is friendly, approachable and passionate about making Lake Worth a better place to live and work. Electing Ryan Maier and Christopher McVoy to the City Commission will lift the level of discussion, broaden debate and will help attract more public input on issues vital to Lake Worth’s future. � Richard Stowe North Federal Hwy To the Editor: I was SHOCKED to see your article in the Feb. 27 paper. I was at the meeting and what I heard is not at all what you printed. It is irresponsible to print things as a fact when they are not verified. This was a private meeting at which Steven Michael offered to inform the owners of Hudson Holdings’ plans and what they are able to do in the spirit of being good neighbors and working together for a more harmonious existence. Hudson Holdings and The Gulfstream Condominium are negotiating things that we have and they need, and things they have and we need. Mr. Michael was asked by an owner why have the derelict buildings not been demolished yet. He explained that the City will not permit

them to be demolished until he presents complete plans for future construction, and that he can not complete those plans until he knows the results of the city’s ITN. He stated that there are three parties involved. One was for a wave pool, another was for a smaller project, and theirs was a much more refined and larger project. If they get the bid they were considering a beach club building and a business conference center. Our building has “NO SOLICITING” posted on the entry doors and the invitation that was posted at the Glass house door said “OWNERS ONLY” yet Mr. McVoy happened in and gave you incomplete, if not untrue information, then you printed it as a fact. I was talking with Mr. Szerdi the day before about Bryant Park issues that we are concerned about and told him we were going to have an informational meeting with Hudson Holdings. I mentioned that since the owners would already be there he could listen to their concerns. He said that since a Hudson Holdings representative would be there it would be improper for him, as a City Commissioner, to be there. � James Tebbe, President Gulfstream of Lake Worth Condominium Association EDITOR’s NOTE: We stand by our story. The job of a newspaper is to relay information to readers. It would have been irresponsible to withhold the information about the private “owners only” meeting, given the high level of interest in the Gulfstream Hotel and our public beach.

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Friday, March 6, 2015

The Lake Worth Tribune

Page 7

Know Your City Commission Candidates

Ryan Maier

John Szerdi

Craig Frost

Serge Jerome

Christopher McVoy

District 2–North from Lake Avenue, West of Dixie Hwy.

District 4–South from Lake Avenue, East of Dixie Hwy.

The election for City Commission will be held March 10. Two of the four commissioners are up for re-election this year, Szerdi and McCoy, and both have challengers. All voters will vote for all candidates, regardless of which commission district they’re in. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote on March 10, a run-off election will be held on March 24.

►Ryan Maier is a first-time candidate challenging Commissioner John Szerdi, who was first elected in 2012 and has served one term. Maier is a hairdresser, by occupation, and the owner, as of last summer, of Stella’s Beauty Salon, at 919 North Federal Hwy. He owns two historic homes on the 600 block of Second Avenue South – one is his residence and the other he rents. Ryan Maier first came to Palm Beach County with his family when he was in high school. He left to attend college, earning a degree in theater performance. He came back to Palm Beach County, settling in Lake Worth. Maier served on the city’s Sister City Board and worked with the Homeless Coalition through AmeriCorps Vista, a federal program. He is a dancer, a certified Master Gardener and a beekeeper. ►Issues: LW 2020 Bond � Opposed Keep the CRA? – Yes, for now. Heights Amendment – Supported Keep Contract with PBSO? – Yes Sound bites: “We are a passionate city that cares about our public beach…” “I think the pool needs more focus. I think right now there is a big business interest in our pool.” “How they could have prioritized this when there are so many abandoned properties in the city is just beyond me.” – regarding the city’s code investigation of Common Ground Church.

►John Szerdi has served one term as commissioner. He was unopposed when he ran in 2012, and was automatically “elected” in August of that year, before the election, when no other candidates filed to run. The seat had been previously held by Suzanne Mulvehill, who had declined to run again. Szerdi is an architect, and the president of LDG Florida Architects. He is the architect and project manager for the Sundy House development in Delray Beach, working for Hudson Holdings, the owner of the Gulfstream Hotel in Lake Worth. He is a former professor of architecture, and past chairman of the Green Building Council. He designed the Eco Centre in Lake Worth, a four-story “green” building on Lake Avenue, just east of the railroad tracks. Szerdi lives on the 200 block of South Palmway. He and his wife, Jamie, have three grown children. ►Issues: LW 2020 Bond � Supported Keep the CRA? – Yes Heights Amendment – Opposed Keep Contract with PBSO? – Yes Sound bites: “As far as the church is concerned, they’ve been asked a number of times to get their licenses in order….in reality, what we have here is someone who doesn’t want to comply…” – regarding Common Ground Church The Park of Commerce is “the key to broadening our tax base.” “We’re tired of the Casino losing money.”

►Craig Frost is a lifelong resident of Lake Worth, and a graduate of Lake Worth High School. He owns a car audio shop on South H Street called Art of Noise. He lives with his wife, Ashley, and their two children on South L Street. Frost says he was inspired to run last year when he was trying to get help cleaning up a property on his block that had become a trash dump. He called both Commissioner John Szerdi and Mayor Pam Triolo and says neither returned his calls. He ended up calling Channel 5 news, and was able to enlist the help of Caroline Tire, and ultimately the city of Lake Worth, which sent trucks down to haul away the trash. Frost attended the first neighborhood candidates forum, sponsored by the Genesis Neighborhood Association, but has not appeared at any of the other three neighborhood forums, despite being invited. He did not appear at the City-wide candidates forum at the Lake Worth Playhouse on March 2. He told the Tribune that he has not been able to campaign because of a family matter - the passing of his father-in-law last month. ►Issues: LW 2020 Bond � Opposed Heights Amendment – Supported Keep Contract with PBSO? – Yes

►Serge Jerome came to Lake Worth as a child with his family, moving from Connecticut. His father, a preacher, formed a church here, and Jerome remembers going door-to-door with him in the Haitian neighborhoods of Lake Worth. Jerome is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and got a law degree from Florida A&M University. He works as a commercial real estate consultant for the Keyes Company and is a part-time preacher at his father’s church, Salem Community Church of God. He volunteered on Commissioner Christopher McVoy’s campaign in 2012, and is now a first-time candidate, running to unseat him. He rents an apartment on Lake Avenue, near A Street. ►Issues: LW 2020 Bond � Supported Keep the CRA? – Yes, expand its borders Heights Amendment – Opposed Keep Contract with PBSO? – Yes Sound bites: “Our city is only going to be as strong as our weakest link.” “It needs to get done, so what are we going to do? Break the backs of the people who live on the west side?” – on ideas for assessing everyone equally to pay for infrastructure repairs. “We need to clean up our neighborhoods…we need to take Lake Worth to the next level.”

►Christopher McVoy has served two terms as commissioner representing District 2. He first became involved in the politics of the city when there was a move underway to redo the zoning at the beach to allow for more commercial development. He opposed this change. McVoy grew up in Wisconsin. He’s an environmental scientist who has spent his career working on Everglades restoration. He worked for the South Florida Water Management District for 15 years, and now is employed as a consultant with a private firm. He speaks fluent Spanish, French, Dutch, and also knows some Haitian Creole. He lives on the 1500 block of 15th Avenue North. ►Issues: LW 2020 Bond � Opposed Keep the CRA? -- Yes, but don’t expand its footprint. Heights Amendment – Supported Keep Contract with PBSO? – Yes Sound bites: “I think we need commissioners who are not afraid to ask questions, not afraid to speak up, and not afraid to weigh in on the issues facing our community.” “Don’t go after the churches. That’s not ‘worst-first’ in anybody’s book.” – March 2, regarding the city’s code investigation of Common Ground Church “We seem to be ok with subsidizing the golf course. I think maybe we could be OK with subsidizing our pool.”

Boat Ramp to Close for Reggae Fest

Part-Time Bartender Wanted

The City of Lake Worth will be closing down the Bryant Park boat ramps for the Annual Reggae Festival. The boat ramps will be closed from Thursday, March 5, at midnight until Monday, March 9 at 6 a.m. For more information on the festival or boat ramp closure please contact the Public Services Department at 586-1720.

Part-time bartender wanted for established Lake Worth organization. Send a resume to: F. Kelley, 3599 23rd Avenue South, Suite #11 Lake Worth, FL 33461.

Polling places are open on March 10 for the City Election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All voters in the city will vote to elect commissioners to represent District 2 and District 4. Check your Voter Information Card before leaving the house to make sure you’re headed to the right place!

Precinct Number:

Location:

3034 and 3040 Lake Worth Scottish Rite Masonic Center 2000 North “D” Street 3036 and 3038 Lake Worth Christian Reform Church 1325 North A Street 3042 and 3064 First Congregational Church • 1415 North K Street 3052, 3058, 3060, 3076 Our Savior Lutheran Church • 1615 Lake Avenue 3062 Lake Worth Towers • 1500 Lake Avenue 3066 and 7164 First Baptist Church • 127 South M Street 3068 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church • 100 North Palmway 3078 Lakeside United Methodist Church 1801 12th Avenue South 7160 St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church • 928 South E Street 7162 Oasis Health and Rehabilitation Center 1201 12th Avenue South

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Advertising Salesperson Needed Seeking high-quality individual to sell newspaper ads. Work locally, get to know our local business owners, and help their businesses succeed. Previous newspaper ad sales experience or Yellow Pages ad experience a plus. Please send your resume and cover letter to: mmenge@lakeworthtribune.com

Pool Open Thursday through Sunday The Lake Worth Municipal Pool is open through the winter, on Thursday and Friday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, and Saturday and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Swimming lanes are available for those wanting to swim laps. Seasonal passes are available. The pool is at the Casino building at 10 South Ocean Boulevard. Call 585-6858 during hours of operation for more information.

Need Your Appliances Fixed? Repair of all major appliances! Competitive rates - $45 service charge for local calls. Call for details. TNG Appliance. 30+ years of experience! (561) 469-9280.


Page 8

The Lake Worth Tribune

erful Wond orth W Lake

Friday, March 6, 2015

The Lake Worth Tribune recommends to our readers these outstanding Lake Worth businesses found on the map below, chosen by the staff of the newspaper to participate as charter advertisers owing to their high level of customer satisfaction.

Wond Lake erful Wort h

Map Illustration by Alex Hall


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