Saturday, October 29, 2016

Take note Town of Palm Beach, an error in The Palm Beach Post: Cafe L'Europe is open for business!

It's interesting to note the only place in the Post you'll find "Corrections & Clarifications" is page A2 in the print edition buried near the bottom of the page. If you only get the online edition there's no way to see those errors published in the newspaper. So those that do get a correction don't get much benefit.

If you're a regular reader of The New York Times you know "The Gray Lady" makes a big deal of corrections. Use this link to see the latest corrections in that newspaper. Why the Post doesn't do something similar is anyone's guess.

Last Thursday the Post's entertainment writer Larry Aydlette had a highly entertaining piece in the print edition titled, "The lost and loved restaurants and bars of Palm Beach County" albeit with one significant error (see below). For those of you interested here is the link to the article online.
Cafe L'Europe is very much open for business. Use this link for the menu. How about Braised Beef Short Rib Empanadas with a Piquillo Pepper Dipping Sauce later today?

From their website: "After 15 years at the Esplanade, Lidia and I wanted a larger space to serve our guests better. On New Year’s Eve of 1995, Cafè L’Europe opened its doors at its current location in anticipation of many exciting years ahead."

Save the Date: November 11th in Downtown Lake Worth

To learn more about this event contact the City's Events Coordinator, Lauren Bennett, at 561-533-7395 or use this link. To read the history of Veterans Day go to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs website.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Deal Alert: Kids eat free at TooJay's for Halloween

The TooJay's in Downtown Lake Worth is across the street from the Cultural Plaza at 419 Lake Ave. Here is the news from the Post's reporter Jennifer Sorentrue:

TooJay’s Gourmet Deli & Restaurant is serving up FREE kid’s meals this weekend.
     The promotion starts Friday and runs through Halloween.
     During that time, customers will receive one free kid’s meal with one paid adult entrée.
     Here is the fine print: “Free meal from kid’s menu only; must be 12 or under. Does not include beverage. Cannot be combined with any other offer.”

Wow. What else can you say?

The turnout at Herman Robinson's campaign kick-off for the Lake Worth District 4 City Commission seat was tremendous last night. Standing room only and many who couldn't fit into the meeting hall at Callaro's. If you're the sitting commissioner in that district you have to be wondering why so much enthusiasm for an election 4½ months away (see pictures below).
"What can I do to earn your vote?" Give Herman a call at 561-352-4252. Next election of candidates in Lake Worth is March 14th, 2017. It's not too early to call Herman and ask what you can do to support him.


Although I was unable to attend received many calls and updates. The crowd was diverse and excited to support Herman and his run for City Commission. No doubt many in attendance know of his community service, most of which goes unheralded.
Herman is in the center wearing the dark suit jacket.
Many were left standing outside the hall. A big Thank You for everyone who came out to support Herman.

Stay tuned for future events and ways you can help. The message was loud and clear. It's time for a change in District 4.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Herman Robinson for Lake Worth City Commission, District 4.

Lake Worth Library "Fine Forgiveness Program" ends on Monday (October 31st)

Contact: Vickie Joslin, Head Librarian
Phone: 561-533-7354
Email: vjoslin@lakeworth.org

Library is located at 15 North 'M' Street (across from the Downtown Cultural Plaza)

"Many residents” said Vickie Joslin, Head Librarian “have been unable to use the library due to fines on their account and have been unable to pay them due to their economic situation. The Fine Forgiveness Program will give library users the opportunity to clear their accounts and again be able to use the library’s resources."

Located in central Palm Beach County, Lake Worth is a dynamic, multi-cultural city with an individualistic style. People are drawn to the city by its acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles, historic districts, hip downtown and colorful arts district.

Going to be a fun night in Downtown Lake Worth tonight: HallowScream AND Evening on the Avenues

See below for the HallowScream event map. Click on images to enlarge:
Stop by and say, "Hello" to the NAPC. Find out more about all the neighborhoods in this charming City.
For a comprehensive list of all events in our little City, have an event posted or for additional information use this link.

"Begin your HallowScream night at the Cultural Plaza to purchase your bar crawl discount card and live music featuring Spam Allstars. Have your bar crawl card marked at all participating destinations and be entered to win amazing prizes."

Thursday, October 27, 2016

A message from the Director of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department

"I sincerely hope you have been getting the most out of your award-winning park system in Palm Beach County and I would like to share with you some of the repairs and renovations planned if the One-Penny Sales Surtax is approved by voters on November 8th.
     This document identifies some of the facilities in dire need of repairs as well as some of the new facilities and parks that will be developed to prevent facility overuse due to population growth. A website where location specific repair and development projects can be viewed is also available using this link.
     The advantage of the sales surtax over one of the possible alternative taxes is that tourists visiting Palm Beach County will pay for 25% of the cost. In addition, backlogged repair and development work will create about 46,000 local jobs. Your playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas, pools, trails, boat ramps, nature centers and other amenities are all aging and in need of repair and renovation.
     If the surtax does not pass, some of these facilities could be closed or taken out of service. Please consider the facts as we work to preserve our past and protect our future.

Sincerely,

Eric Call, Director
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department"

Quiz: In what city is the Lake Worth campus of Palm Beach State College located? And John Prince Park?

Unless you already know the answer, the question in the title is a trick one.

We all have to reminded from time to time there are many new residents in the City of Lake Worth. Hillary Clinton's visit to Palm Beach State College "in Lake Worth" yesterday is an excellent opportunity to teach residents about our City's borders. If the media pays attention they can learn something too, for example, how small this City really is: just a bit over 6 square miles.

So. . . Where are the Lake Worth Campus of Palm Beach State College and John Prince Park located?
  1. In Lake Worth (or City of Lake Worth)?
  2. In suburban Lake Worth (the vast areas west of the City that have a "Lake Worth" zip code?)
  3. Outside City limits of Lake Worth?
  4. Unincorporated Palm Beach County?
  5. Or "Western Lake Worth"?
Here is a map to use for reference:
The City of Lake Worth Zoning Map.
Not sure of the answer? Think about it as you enjoy the music from the show Jeopardy:
Still need more time?
If you chose #2, #3, or #4 or any combination of those answers YOU ARE CORRECT! If you chose #1 or #5 you are wrong. The term "Western Lake Worth" is a new, and false, designation some in the media have come up with recently.

It was encouraging to read this news about Hillary Clinton's visit to Palm Beach State College yesterday at the Post On Politics blog:

"More than an hour before Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was set to speak at 11 a.m., crowds were filling in the floor of the gymnasium at Palm Beach State College, west of Lake Worth."

Hope you enjoyed taking the quiz!

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

"Sacred Heart School Joins Read for the Record", news in last week's Lake Worth Herald

Use this link for the Herald. The print edition is still ¢50 at the City's newsstand located at 600 Lake Ave. Online edition out each Thursday and print edition on Friday.

Again, this is why "community" newspapers are so important:

     Sacred Heart School [410 North 'M' Street] will be hosting a visit from William B. Finneran, Carla Cove, Mayor Pam Triolo, and Frankie Stevens on Thursday, Oct. 27 [tomorrow]. Together they are joining Jumpstart’s Read for the Record to help break the world’s reading record for the most people reading the same book on the same day.
     Sacred Heart School will host an assembly where their guests and school will read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach.

[and. . .]

     The William B. Finneran Montessori Academy is excited to have Mr. Finneran come and read to them. Carla Cove will read to fifth grade in the Richard J. Schmeelk Family Library of Sacred Heart, Frankie Stevens will read to fourth grade in the Cathleen McFarlane Learning Lab of Sacred Heart School and Mayor Pam Triolo will read to first, second and third grades in Sacred Heart School’s Madonna Hall,” said Principal Candace Tamposi.

A message from many readers of my blog. . .

On the ballot November 8th. Vote "No" on Amendment 1.
WANT MORE SOLAR IN THE SUNSHINE STATE? VOTE NO on Amendment 1 for three reasons:
  • Amendment 1 is funded by Florida's big utilities to protect their monopoly markets and limit customer-owned solar.
  • Amendment 1 paves the way for barriers that would penalize solar customers.
  • Amendment 1 misleads Florida Voters by promising rights and protections that Florida citizens already have.

"Note to Self" from Vice President Joe Biden

About the video: "When Joe Biden was 29 years old, he became one of the youngest people elected to the U.S. Senate. He has remained a member of the federal government in the 44 years that followed. Now, at age 73, the 47th vice president of the United States looks back on a remarkable career and life in 'CBS This Morning's' Emmy-nominated series, Note to Self."

Early voting locations in Palm Beach County

Click on image to enlarge:
Until November 6th from 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Don't forget: Lake Worth's ballot question to fix our roads is on THE LAST PAGE! Look in right-hand column for more information about that important item on the ballot.

Today: Another presentation by the City on November 8th bond referendum. Live in District One? Know where you vote?

At this meeting it's crucial the City inform District One residents about their polling locations. Why? You'll find that out below.
Please spread the word about this meeting tomorrow.

I attended presentations on October 17th hosted by the Parrot Cove neighborhood and another one on the 20th by College Park. Highly recommend everyone attend one of these meetings. Using facts instead of hyperbole, City Manager Michael Bornstein, City staff, et al., explain this referendum to fix our roads and potholes. The last bond vote in 2014 failed by just 25 votes and the situation has only gotten worse.

On August 28th, 2014, I worked several of the polling locations and heard many reports of voters being turned away at the polls or directed to the wrong polling location in District One, east of I-95. It's likely those voters would have made the difference in the outcome. Very sad.

And it doesn't help matters when the City's very own website has polling location 7162 at the Oasis Health Center, 1201 12th Ave. South. That is wrong:
How many voters went to the wrong polling location on August 26th, 2014 and didn't vote that day?

Polling location 7162 is the Osborne Community Center at 1699 Wingfield St. From the Supervisor of Elections website:

"Osborne Community Center is located on the west side of Wingfield St, just under 1/2 mile south of 12th Ave S, or just south of the Lake Worth Municipal Gym. The entrance to Wingfield St is on the south side of 12th Ave S, just west of the railroad tracks."

Don't let history repeat itself. There is no such thing as The Infrastructure Fairy. It's up to us as a community to fix all the roads and potholes. Vote "Yes" on November 8th.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

First meeting of the Lake Worth Historical Society

About 30 people interested in Lake Worth history assembled in the public room at Brogue's Downunder last Sunday in our Downtown. We were invited by Steve Lockwood, Marion Cone and other board members of the newly-formed Lake Worth Historical Society. We learned about the group's mission and that it is also a 501c3 non-profit organization.

It was fascinating to hear those in attendance share their backgrounds, how long they lived in Lake Worth and what part of the City's long history most interested them. One had experience researching and surveying graveyards. My contribution was we need to learn more about the middle part of the 20th century. That was a time when Lake Worth derived much of its economic vitality from U.S. 1 (Dixie Hwy.) and was a popular tourist destination in the days when train travel was more common, before I-95 was built.

Commissioner Andy Amoroso was there and said he was interested in researching more about the City's Black residents and contribution to our City. Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell attended along with District 4 candidates Maryann Polizzi and Herman Robinson.

Marion Cone reviewed a collection of photographs showing parts of our early history including the volunteer fire department and a group of women that were part of the "Kitchen Band." There were also early pictures of Dixie Hwy., complete with vintage cars and one with a quaint 1920s era gas station near Lake Avenue. Another one was the inside of a fish monger's shop which was staffed by women. That was near the corner of Dixie Hwy. and Lake Avenue.

Membership starts at $25 per year and the forms can be found at the front desk of the Lake Worth Public Library. I will keep you posted when I hear about the time and location of the next meeting.

Over time the groups focus will become more clear and interests narrowed on particular topics, once those are explored, tackle other forgotten or neglected parts of our history. If your interest is research your contribution will certainly be welcome.

If you have a few minutes I hope you enjoy this video (to the music of Sarah Vaughan's Over The Rainbow), uploaded to YouTube back in November of 2008:

Tuesday, November 1st, 5:30 at Lake Worth City Hall (and don't forget Workshop next Thursday at our Casino)

Over 4,000 new LED street lights. This makes us nationally-recognized Dark Skies compliant as well. Two days later, on Thursday at 6:00 is a very important Commission Workshop to deal with all those problems. Use this link for meeting details.

Lake Worth is also the first municipality in the State of Florida to receive approval to install these new LED lights (2,700k) on FDOT controlled roadways within the City.

However, if you recall, it was Commissioner Chris McVoy, PhD who suggested that our new LED street lights would make people sick and need to be hospitalized. Another former commissioner chimed in saying the these new lights would distract drivers, careening into buildings and running over people. All complete nonsense, of course.

The real issue is Mayor Pam Triolo, City Manager Michael Bornstein, the majority on the City Commission, staff, et al. came up with this plan (use this link to the City's website) and others like McVoy didn't—even though he and his cohorts back in 2009/2010 had plenty of opportunity and then squandered it on mistakes at the Casino at the Beach. We're still paying the price for all those planning errors.

On the issue of street lighting and public safety, an email I received:

"I was reading this piece from IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Spectrum (of which I was a long time member) recently about cities converting to LED lighting. It’s a very pleasant non-technical read. After reading it one can readily conclude that Lake Worth did a great job of selecting and implementing our new LED street lighting system. Job well done to all involved."

An excerpt from the article (see link in paragraph above):

     "Most of us who grew up with streetlights tended to think of them as uninteresting utilitarian objects, when we thought of them at all. The turbulent early years of LED lighting have forced us to take another look at what nighttime lighting could—and should—be. Because of that, the future looks brighter, and it will also be much easier on the eye."

"The Cottages of Lake Worth" book is en route. Check back for updates.

The container ship "Swordfish" has moored in Port Miami, use this link. Want to reserve a book? Call Janice at 561-586-6617 or email (see image below):
Janice (project coordinator, center) with Lake Worth City Manager Michael Bornstein and the City's Economic Development Manager Delores Key.

"Janice grabbed an advance copy of our book (the very day it came) and surprised Michael Bornstein and Dolores Key with a viewing. It felt so good to hear their kind and glowing words about our project. Use this link to purchase the book or "shop now" on our Facebook page".

There wouldn't be The Cottages of Lake Worth without those special volunteers who had a vision for our City so full of these unique structures. Lona O'Connor, a reporter for The Palm Beach Post (since retired) penned an article about the group back in 2013 giving the effort a huge boost.

Since then the members have had many dinner parties at cottages, held special events at local venues, even put together a "Self Driving and Walking Tour".
"Lake Worth, Florida is home to over 1,000 historic cottages. It's the largest concentration of cottages anywhere in Florida!"

What makes The Cottages of Lake Worth so very special is this: it makes the City a UNIQUE place in the State of Florida. Winter isn't very far away. Why don't you make plans to visit us some day?

Looking for something to do? Have you ever been to the Cultural Council in Downtown Lake Worth?

Use this link to learn more about the Cultural Council, call 561-471-2901 or email: info@palmbeachculture.com

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, visitor information center and Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach store are located at 601 Lake Ave. in the charming Downtown of Lake Worth. Open 10:00–5:00, Tuesday–Saturday. Admission is free and plenty of free parking is available. Just a few current and upcoming events:

Exhibition at the Cultural Council, Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation Artist Resource Center: Jane Ehlrich and Bob Birkenes.

Exhibition in Main Gallery: Selections from the Armory Art Center showcases 42 talented artists currently teaching at the Armory Art Center. Offer a platform for the artists to exhibit their work and educate visitors to the Cultural Council about the artists and programs of the Armory Art Center.

Evenings at the Council, Lobby Desk Concert on Friday, Nov. 4th from 6:00–8:30, free admission: The Cultural Council opens its doors to all for live music, art and refreshments on the first and third Friday of most months.

Family Saturdays at the Cultural Council, Arts in My Backyard Series. Saturday, November 12th from 10:00–11:30: This inter-generational series of workshops at the Cultural Council galleries and Education and Training Center is open to all ages. Families are invited to discover the arts together, working side by side as they connect, create memories and acquire new skills through visual art, dance, drama and music.

Would like more information? Contact Judith Czelusniak, Public Relations
  • Office: 561-471-1602
  • Cell/text: 917-655-3217
  • Email: JCzelusniak@palmbeachculture.com

No, folks. There is no gambling allowed at Lake Worth's Casino

Below is the text from a recent GroupOn ad:

From Our Editors
     Lake Worth Beach & Casino welcomes you to the perfect, full-service casino in Palm Beach. This casino is kid-friendly, so little ones are welcome to tag along.
     Lake Worth Beach & Casino's patrons can find places to park in the area. You'll love the chance to gamble a little [emphasis added] at the fun-loving casino at Lake Worth Beach & Casino in Palm Beach.

The Lake Worth Casino is not in Palm Beach and also not a "casino" in the generally understood sense. From Wikipedia: 

Not all casinos were used for gaming. The Catalina Casino, a famous landmark overlooking Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island, California, has never been used for traditional games of chance, which were already outlawed in California by the time it was built.

That's not to say gambling has never occurred at the Lake Worth Casino. A previous City Commission gambled when they decided not to construct the new Casino building on pilings. A very real problem if that structure ever takes a hit from a hurricane:
Plus the seawall was never inspected properly. Commissioner McVoy, PhD, is also the same one who opposed the bond vote in 2014 to fix the City's roads because of his concerns over "sea level rise". Really. It's true.

Monday, October 24, 2016

"Lake Worth Has Talent II" this Sunday at the Lake Worth Playhouse

Mayor Pam Triolo will co-host this event.

Bob D'Arinzo says, "Big talent show. I'm the co-host along with Mayor Pam Triolo. It's going to be awesome."
Use this link to purchase tickets.

Below is Jamie Brown's performance at the Lake Worth Has Talent show last November. If you didn't know, Jamie is the City's Director of Public Services. Mark Easton, the publisher of The Lake Worth Herald, had to quickly switch cameras to get Jamie Brown's performance of this Blues classic, Soulshine:

First meeting of Historical Society of Lake Worth last night and did you know our City has a historical museum?

It was a real good turnout Downtown at Brogues, especially considering it was a Sunday evening. Later on today will go through my notes and provide more details, so check back later today or tomorrow morning. No information was given on the next meeting; when I find out will let you know.

Just as I was walking out the door to attend this meeting grabbed my Cottages of Lake Worth book and glad I did. Passed the book around and it was a big hit. The delivery of books is expected early next month. If you already purchased a book you'll have it in your hands shortly. If you would like to purchase a book use this link or call Janice at 561-586-6617.

On the subject of our City's history, did you know there's a Lake Worth Historical Museum? The hours are Wednesday and Friday from 1:00–4:00 and tours by appointment: Call 561-533-7354. About our City's long history there's another fascinating book titled, On Lake Worth*:

"With over 200 fascinating photographs, On Lake Worth illustrates the rich history of the city from its beginning. See its growth from a small settlement around Lake Worth, named for Major General William Jenkins Worth, to a bustling community alive with energy. Join author Beverly Mustaine on a fascinating photographic tour that chronicles the community’s past. Discover the city’s story, from the early pioneers and their initial movement to the area to Henry Flagler and his dream of turning Palm Beach into a great winter resort. Included are rare photos, most of which are previously unpublished, which highlight significant events throughout the area’s history. Images of Flagler’s hotels in the early pioneer days, the 1928 hurricane that devastated the area, and scenes of World War II, as seen from the shores of Lake Worth, are revealed in this collection."

This book, authored by Beverly Mustaine, can be purchased on Amazon using this link and is also available for purchase at the Lake Worth Library (15 North 'M' Street; call 561-533-7354).

*All proceeds benefit the Lake Worth Historical Museum.

[RE-POST FROM SUNDAY] The Palm Beach Post editorial board on Lake Worth's November 8th bond referendum. The editor wrote. . .

. . . nothing. And that's a good thing. The less involved the editor remains the less risk of further confusion in the community. That puts less pressure on the City to explain, "what the editor meant to say was. . .". The last thing anyone needs with 15 days to go before the vote is more nuance and clarification of the editors' position in 2014 (see below), and those points were very clear.
To learn more about the City's referendum on Nov. 8th please scroll down for more information. Remember! This question is on the last page of the ballot.

The Post came out strongly for the 2014 bond vote and did a good job identifying the key problem. However, by just 25 votes that bond vote was defeated by opponents who have since come up with no plan of their own to fix the problem of crumbling roads and potholes. Read about that using this link.

However, by staying on the sideline, the editor gives critics like Commissioner Chris McVoy cover, not having to explain why he had years to devise a plan to fix our roads but instead did nothing. The editor endorsed McVoy for re-election in March of 2015. An endorsement that didn't do much to help our City improve.

The City has another presentation on the November 8th referendum at the Whispering Palms neighborhood this Wednesday (10/26), 1515 Wingfield Street at 6:30. Use this link for more details.
For more information use this link. Send questions via email to: RoadBond@LakeWorth.org
The last bond vote to fix the roads and potholes lost by just 25 votes in August 2014. One of the reasons given to reject that bond was concern over "sea level rise". Learn more about that using this link.

Question: Have you ridden your bike down North 'J' Street on the way to Publix lately, Commissioner Chris McVoy, PhD?

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Latest news about the Blueway Trail: Minutes from September meeting at South Florida Water Management District headquarters

To learn more about this exciting project read the blog post following or use this link: You'll learn where this project is located, an excellent video, and how the finished project will likely look like.

To see the location yourself go to Spillway Park in the City of Lake Worth. Take Maryland Ave. off Federal Hwy. and the park is at the end of the road. Maryland Ave. is the first road heading west in Lake Worth along the C-51 Canal that separates the cities of Lake Worth and West Palm Beach.

Below are excerpts from this meeting held on September 28th:

1. Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
Kim Delaney reported that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) solicitation had been completed and a final selection and award had been determined. There was an advisory selection committee made up of the following individuals which assisted TCRPC [Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council] in their evaluation and interviews of the respondents. The advisory selection committee was:
  • Dan Clark, Manager, Lake Clark Shores
  • Sally Channon, PB County Environmental Resource Management
  • Chuck Collins, Director, PB County Marine Industries Association
  • Mark Hightower, Director, West Palm Beach Fishing Club
  • Brian Shields, Director, Lake Worth Utilities 
     TCRPC adopted and ratified the recommendation at their most recent Board Meeting, and although the official Agreement has not been finalized and signed by all Parties, the winning team, with Taylor Engineering as the lead, was introduced to the Coalition and invited to make a presentation. [use this link for presentation]

[and. . .]

2. Boat Lift & Fishing Piers Working Groups
     It was recommended to invite a representative from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to the next Blueway Trail Coalition meeting to discuss and answer questions regarding possible grant funding opportunities that may be used to rebuild the fishing piers located at the C-51 flood control structure. [emphasis added]
3. Communications and Community Outreach
     It was determined that due to the role of TCRPC as contract administrator for the engineering design and draft permitting Agreement, which will cause the project to have a greater exposure to the public, TCRPC should serve as the first referral contact for inquiries from the general public regarding the project.

[and. . .]

ATTENDEES:
Jonathan Armbruster, Taylor Engineering
David Bernhardt, Rep. Dave Kerner
Dan Clark, City of Lake Clarke Shores
Chuck Collins, MIA PBC
Laura Corry, SFWMD (by phone)
Lucine Dadrian, SFWMD
John D'Agostino, Town of Lake Park
Kim Delaney, TCRPC
Felicia Goldstein, Cong. Lois Frankel
Glenda Hall, Boynton Beach
Elaine Higgins, Rep. Dave Kerner
Comm. Shanon Materio, West Palm Beach
Jean Matthew, PBC Parks Dpt.
Richard Pinsky, Akerman, LLC
Melissa Santoro, Sen. Jeff Clemens
Brian Shields, City of Lake Worth
David Stites, Taylor Engineering
John Studdard, Achieve Agency
Brian Whitfield, A.D.A. Engineering
GUESTS:
Jessica Fontaine, Spark Group
Bill Snow, Aecom
Trent Swift, Swift Law Group

The date of the next meeting was set for Tuesday, November 15, 2016, starting at 3:00 PM.

Get excited about the Blueway Trail: Connecting our Intracoastal to the inland Chain of Lakes in Palm Beach County, from Delray Beach to Town of Jupiter

Visit Spillway Park in Lake Worth to get a close-up look. From Federal Hwy. go west on Maryland Ave. to the dead end. Park has a walking trail, picnic tables, BBQ grills, pet station, plenty of parking, and restrooms.

Where is this project? In between the cities of Lake Worth and West Palm Beach. From Dixie Hwy. you can see the S-155 Spillway structure looking east and from Federal Hwy. looking to the west: Here is more information (click on images to enlarge):
Use this link for the latest news, including the recommendations and support of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC). Take note of the boat lift and new fishing docks.
The TCRPC's Kim DeLaney gave a presentation to the Lake Worth City Commission. Learn more about that using this link.
Once the project is complete small boats, kayakers, canoers, and ecotourists will be able to bypass the S-155 Spillway. Since the 1950's that structure has blocked public access.
For many County residents, among them former Lake Worth City commissioners, the Blueway Trail is a dream come true.

On public urination, unleashed dogs, and single-issue politics in Lake Worth

"It's not that big a deal."
See video below. Quote by Lake Worth Commissioner Ryan Maier at City Commission commenting on public urination in parks and in front of Downtown businesses.


Stay tuned for much more on this heading into next year's municipal elections for candidates. Maier made comments at a City Commission meeting in September about panhandling, aggressive behavior, and the homeless that had many in the chambers shaking their heads. 

If you recall, we learned at an earlier Commission meeting (during commissioner comments) on September 6th the big problem in Bryant Park these days are dogs left unleashed. The homeless weren't as big a deal to Commissioner Maier. The big problem then was unleashed dogs.

In the video below is Maier at the Commission meeting on January 19th that was all about the homeless and nothing about other community issues that directly affect so many people, families and their children, such as using public parks and the playgrounds (Maier speaks first and then Commissioner Amoroso responds):
It's OK for people to urinate in public as long as nobody sees it?

Commissioner Andy Amoroso, as you heard in the video, had a big problem with that comment by Maier. You might also recall the video below of former Commissioner JoAnn Golden who, at the 40 second mark, praises the City of West Palm Beach for all their incredible work to help the homeless there. Unfortunately, at the 1:15 mark she goes off the rails with a terribly unfair characterization of the caring and giving people of Lake Worth:
All this happened leading up to the elections last March and interestingly, the issue of homelessness until now has been a very quiet one for Maier, Golden, et al.

Thanks in large part to Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Seiler and his political experience dealing with the homeless 'advocates' and one-issue politics (the very same tactics were used here in Lake Worth), it's time to ask the obvious question: Were the loudest critics of the City's homeless efforts really about helping those in need or just political pandering?

I think everyone knows the answer now.

The homeless in Lake Worth were used as political pawns. Now that the homeless are not as valuable a tool at the moment it's on to other things like trying to scuttle the referendum in November and scaring the gullible about what the City's new LED streetlights can do to one's health.

And you might find this interesting: What happens when people, even those out front in efforts to help the homeless, get pushed to the breaking point and had enough of 'single-issue' politics here in Lake Worth:
Interestingly, the 'advocates' only seem to care about the homeless when there are political points to score, and of course, in the weeks and months prior to elections.

First meeting of the new Historical Society of Lake Worth is today (Sunday, 10/23) in Downtown Lake Worth

Below is video from the October 18th City Commission meeting, Mayor Pam Triolo's reading of the proclamation. Many have high hopes for this to succeed, including myself. But only time will tell. If this topic is important to you show up today (details below): For this effort to be successful will take a lot of hard work, dedication, and focus. Show up, learn what the goals are, mission statement, and find out more about who is leading this effort:
 
Another example why community newspapers are so important. . . news like this would otherwise go unreported by the press "of record". Use this link for contact information at the Herald.

     "After many months of planning, the Historical Society of Lake Worth has been announced.
     The purpose of the Society is to collect, research and preserve the history of Lake Worth and thereby foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city’s history."

[and. . .]

     "The Society’s aim is to work with and assist all area historical societies and museums, through publications and educational programs. They will provide and organize a communications network to foster cooperation and coordination among those with similar interests." 

[and. . .]

     "On October 23rd [Sunday], everyone is welcome to join the Society for their organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Brogues Restaurant, 621 Lake Ave., Lake Worth."

At St. Andrew's Episcopal Church later today. . . a free and open public event

Click on image above to enlarge. St. Andrew's is "Celebrating 102 years (1914–2016)". Use this link to learn more about the history of this church.

"On January 25, 1914, William Henry Sampson, the first settler of Lake Worth township, along with fourteen other communicants, founded St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The first services of the mission church were conducted by the Rev. Gilbert Ottman, who came from Holy Trinity Church in West Palm Beach. The first building was constructed on the existing site in the fall of 1914, and a small concrete parish hall was added in 1920. This building was destroyed in the disastrous hurricane of September 16, 1928, but a new church took its place a year later. The handmade altar, an 18th Century Italian eagle lectern, and the cypress pews that furbished this new church are still in use today."