Volume 2 . Issue 2
February 7, 2009
Delivered free each month to the residents of Hypoluxo Island, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream and Coastal Delray Beach
Putting the pedal to the mettle
After almost two years of construction, State Road A1A in Manalapan officially opened on Jan. 26. With the last barricades gone, drivers and bicyclists now have a smooth ride between Highland Beach and South Palm Beach. Cars seem to be enjoying the ride: Manalapan Police report
an increase in speeding on the newly opened road. But how about bicyclists? We asked the toughest journalist we know — Rochelle E.B. Gilken — to give it a try. Gilken braved the traffic, and reports, “I should point out now, to avoid too much attention, I did not die.”
Read her report on page 14 Rochelle E.B. Gilken is dwarfed by A1A traffic. Photo by Tim Stepien
Curtain rises on new arts guide Inside: The Palm Beach ArtsPaper debuts as a seasonal supplement that covers a range of cultural events. Above, Florida Atlantic University graduate student Susan Cato and Donte Bonner star in The Bridegroom of Blowing Rock through March 8 at Florida Stage, 262 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. Photo by Jerry Lower
Humbled McCarty faces prison term By Thomas R. Collins After years of taking on her fellow Palm Beach County commissioners, calling her own shots, blazing her own trail, Mary McCarty was the picture of obedience. More than punctual to her first court appearance on federal corruption charges — she got there two hours and 10 minutes early, perhaps to avoid clicking
Local leaders recall ex-commissioner’s support
cameras and microphonethrusting reporters — McCarty sat in the front row of the courtroom. Then she was told the row was reserved, and the former commissioner retreated to the back row. McCarty, who had won respect from many leaders of the coastal towns for her help in their times of need, has become another drumbeat in the cadence
By Ron Hayes
Talk to the mayors, managers and civic activists who run the coastal communities once represented by Mary McCarty and you’ll hear a common theme. Mary McCarty, former Gratitude. county commissioner Whatever her failings or for District 4, expects felonies, they say, the former to plead guilty to District 4 commissioner was honest services fraud. a loyal supporter of local government, and a generous See MCCARTY on page 9
friend to the cities in her district. “I think District 4 cities to a one will tell you she was always the commissioner who stood up and was a strong advocate for them,” says Lantana Town Manager Michael Bornstein. “She was the one who was least apt to support countywide rules that affected home rule, and the cities always appreciated that.” Beginning in 1998, when
See LOCAL on page 8
Inside Know your candidates: Obituaries
Long time Briny Breezes pals are remembered. Page 31
Chocolate
For Valentine’s Day, try homemade truffles. Page 22
March elections in Ocean Ridge and Manalapan. Pages 6, 7
House of the Month
Explore a one-of-a-kind estate on Hypoluxo Island. Page 34