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The Boca Raton Tribune

Your Closest Neighbor

Celebrating 17 Years of Connecting Boca Raton

This week, The Boca Raton Tribune proudly marks 17 years of its digital presence—a milestone defined by commitment, resilience, and a profound connection to the community we serve.

What began as a local vision has evolved into a trusted cornerstone of hyperlocal journalism. We remain dedicated to telling Boca Raton’s stories with integrity, independence, and care. Throughout nearly two decades, our focus has never wavered: we celebrate community voices, local leadership, civic life, and the people who make our city unique.

While we have grown through seasons of change, The Boca Raton Tribune stays true to its core mission: to inform, connect, and serve as Your Closest Neighbor. This steadfastness has established the Tribune as the longest-running community newspaper in Boca Raton under sole ownership—a distinction we carry with both pride and responsibility.

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Quote of the Week:

PAGE TWO

Games

News Room

C. Ron Allen

Dini Heizer

Doug Logan Isabel Rizzi

Kartik Krishnaiyer

Kenny Spahn

Michael Demyan

Synesio Lyra

Thomas J. Madden

Toni King

Toni Marshall

Photographers

Andre Freitas

Gabriela Barbieri

Rosa Cavalcanti

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Mailing Address

P.O. Box 970593

Boca Raton, FL 33497

General Information

Phone: 561-536-5443

Email: frontdesk@bocaratontribune.com

30. Oblong cream puff

35. Singles

37. Manure, e.g.

THEME: WINTER

ACROSS

1. Pinch to save

6. Brownie

9. Lady, in Madrid

13. Proprietor 14. Romanian money 15. Iraqi money

16. Coffee shop order 17. *Before 1998 only they played Olympic hockey 18. Spring to mind” or “Spring into action,” e.g. 19. *Most decorated country in Winter Olympics

21. *____ of Hamill Camel fame

23. *How Olympic Athletes from Russia were designated in 2018, acr. 24. Assistant 25. ____ of war 28. Sushi wrapped in nori

39. Soil for cultivation

40. Bon Jovi hit “Have a ____ day”

41. “Encore!”

43. Don’t go

44. Bumpkin

46. Poet Pound’s first name

47. Rodeo Drive tree

48. Sense of alienation and isolation

50. Similar

52. Toast option

53. *Misha, 1980 Russian Olympics Mascot was one

55. Samuel Butler: “Spare the ___ and spoil the child”

57. *____ Shiffrin, most decorated U.S. alpine skier

61. *Overall Olympic curling medal leader

64. Bikini ____ in the Marshall Islands

65. Zodiac sign

67. Pasture

69. Boundary lines

70. Government Printing

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

Office

71. Rocky ridge

72. Singer Tori

73. Farm layer

74. *1964 and 1976 mountainous Olympic location

DOWN

1. Honda CR-X del ____

2. *Michelle ____, most decorated U.S. figure skater

3. Enthusiastic about 4. Part of MGM

5. From the 1930s, e.g.

6. Abounding with certain trees

7. Bruce ____ of karate fame

8. Fundus, pl. 9. Aeneas’ lover

10. “Don’t bet ____ ____!”

11. Lye formula

12. A in “M*A*S*H” 15. Do like Tarantino

20. Pleasant smell

22. Schiller’s “____ to Joy”

24. Real ____ of Seville

25. *Margot Robbie’s “olympic” role (2017)

LAST WEEK RESULT

26. “For better or worse”?

27. GEICO’s mascot

29. *Olympic toboggan

31. Speech defect

32. Place for worship

33. *2026 Winter Olympics location

34. Mother Goose creation

36. Give an impression

38. Michael Douglas’ dad

42. Nigerian money

45. Slanderous statements

49. Snake-like fish

51. Dairy choice

54. Frustration, in a comic book

56. Grocery store section

57. Cass Elliot, a.k.a. ____ Cass

58. Big-ticket ____

59. Japanese zither

60. Saloon selections

61. Colloquial “Follow me!”

62. Widely hunted ruminant

63. Kind of sax

66. King Kong or Donkey Kong, e.g.

68. Penn.’s neighbor

COMMUNITY The Boca Raton Tribune

Mandarin Oriental Boca Raton Project in Legal Limbo: Bankruptcy Filings and Buyer Lawsuits Cloud Downtown Future

By Kartik Krishnaiyer

For over a decade, the promise of a Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences has been the crown jewel of the downtown Boca Raton revitalization plan. However, as the project enters its 11th year, new legal maneuvers and a deep-dive investigation from the Sun Sentinel suggest that the finish line for the “Via Mizner” towers remains moving further into the distance.

Mandarin Oriental Boca Raton Project in Legal Limbo: Bankruptcy Filings and Buyer Lawsuits Cloud Downtown Future

Following a series of financial setbacks, the project’s developer, Penn-Florida Companies, officially moved the development into federal bankruptcy court this past December to shield the property from an immediate foreclosure.

A Strategic Shield: The Chapter 11 Filing

On December 23, 2025, Penn-Florida entities tied to the hotel and luxury condos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing served as a “procedural halt” to a scheduled foreclosure sale by the project’s primary lender, TIG Romspen, which is seeking to recoup $130.2 million in matured debt. According to the bankruptcy schedules, the project is weighed down by a total of $210.2 million in secured debt. Despite these staggering figures, the developers maintain that the project is

a “gold mine” in waiting, valuing the completed site at more than $450 million.

The “Concrete Shell” and Buyer Revolts

As reported by the Sun Sentinel on January 11, the physical state of the site remains a stark contrast to the glossy brochures once used to lure buyers from across the world. While the residential tower appears closer to completion, the 164-room hotel component is described in legal filings as little more than a “concrete shell” lacking critical infrastructure.

The prolonged delays have led to a

“mutiny” among some of the project’s elite buyers. The Sun Sentinel highlighted the plight of families like the Scalas and Filons, who have filed lawsuits seeking the return of multimillion-dollar deposits.

Escrow Concerns: A major point of friction is the “usage of funds.” Per the Sentinel, the developer was legally permitted to use a portion of buyer deposits for construction. However, with the project now in bankruptcy, buyers fear those funds may never be replenished, leaving them in a legal “limbo” where they have neither their money nor a finished home.

Missed Deadlines: Current litigation alleges that Penn-Florida has missed at least five “hard” closing deadlines since the project broke ground.

The Tale of Two Towers

It is a tale of two different fortunes on the Via Mizner block. While the hotel and condo towers sit stalled, the adjacent 101 Via Mizner luxury apartment building found a path forward last year.

In July 2025, that building was sold for $235 million to a joint venture involving real estate mogul Grant Cardone. While that sale stabilized the rental portion of the block, the Sun Sentinel notes that the ongoing “construction graveyard” next door continues to affect the luxury experience for Cardone’s tenants.

What’s Next

The future of the site now rests in the hands of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Penn-Florida is reportedly searching for a “white knight” investor to buy out the current lenders and provide the final infusion of capital needed to finish construction.

If a restructuring plan is not approved by the spring, the court could order a Section 363 sale, potentially allowing a new developer to take over the site and—in a worst-case scenario for the brand—pivot away from the Mandarin Oriental name/brand to reduce costs but still complete a similar project.

By Marci Shatzman

If you’re a pickleball enthusiast, you can watch pros and first responders play this Friday and Saturday in Pickle for Police. Spectators are free.

This inaugural Boca Raton Police Foundation pickleball tournament is in partnership with the World Series of Pickle and the City of Boca Raton. Pickle for Police is noon to 5 p.m. Friday Jan. 16 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Jan. 17 in the 18 covered pickleball courts in Patch Reef Park’s Paddle & Racquet Club, 2000 Yamato Road,

Watch Pickleball Tourney for Police for Free Updates on the Freestanding Emergency Facilities Amendment

just west of Military Trail. Players will include nine pickleball pros on Friday, and city police and fire first responders and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office deputies on Saturday.

“We hope to inspire spectators to attend for free to see the professionals on Friday and the other competitions on Saturday morning. Plus, we have the display of Police Department vehicles and K-9 demos Saturday afternoon with giveaways and food trucks,” said Bob Tucker, the foundation’s executive director. “The inaugural Pickle for Police is the first official tournament at the Patch Reef facility since its October opening. We see this as a way to raise funds and awareness for our Foundation while promoting fitness and family fun.”

Boca Raton Police Foundation raises money for equipment like underwater cameras, technology, training like active shooter preparation, and other initiatives like retired K-9 support, extras for the Boca Raton Police Services Department. bocaratonpolicefoundation.org/

Meet the New Pointy-Head Boss

By Caris Weinberg

Tuesday evening, the Freestanding Emergency Facilities Amendment was discussed at the first regular City Council Meeting of 2026. This marked the first of two required public hearings, and no vote on the matter was taken during the meeting.

The amendment, also known as Ordinance 5767, was proposed because the City of Boca Raton currently does not have freestanding emergency facilities within city limits.

Under the proposal, candidate locations for the freestanding emergency facilities concentrate along major commercial corridors. These include Glades Road, Dixie Highway, North Federal Highway, and the Northwest 20th Street corridor.

In addition, the proposed zoning districts where these facilities would be

permitted include Medical Center (MC), City Commercial General (CG), City Commercial High Office (City CHO), and B4 General Business.

During Tuesday’s meeting, council members discussed Ordinance 5767 in detail, focusing on defining “freestanding emergency facility” and revising the previous definition of “outpatient surgery center” to exclude emergency procedures. The discussion also addresses allowing freestanding emergency facilities as conditional uses in select commercial zoning districts, as well as establishing eligibility criteria and development standards.

Looking ahead, the second public hearing for Ordinance 5767, during which a final decision is expected, is scheduled to take place in February.

Giving The Finger By Tim Campbell

By Clay Jones

Epstein Perps By Lisa Benson

The Boca Raton Tribune

Founded January 15, 2010 DOUGLAS HEIZER, Publisher

MONDAY MANNA

By C.C. Simpson

The Importance Of Accessing The Cloud

A generation ago, if you had talked about “the cloud,” no one would have known what you meant. Now it is part of daily life. Every email, every photo, every document; it all lives in the cloud. Accessible anytime. Anywhere. We hardly notice it anymore. But it connects everything, and we depend upon it.

The Bible speaks of another cloud. It is much older, and far more important: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). If the digital cloud keeps our information close, the biblical cloud keeps our faith alive. It whispers, saying to us, “You are not alone.”

Work does not always feel that way. Executives sit in corner offices, bearing pressure no one else sees. Entrepreneurs labor late into the night, desperately trying to pull something out of nothing. Employees slip into meetings where faith feels invisible, maybe even unwelcome. The creeping sense of being “the only one” can drain endurance fast.

That is when you need to remember the cloud, the biblical cloud. The writer of Hebrews is pointing to those who endured before us, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and David. People with messy stories. Complicated lives. But through it all, they trusted God. They carried their faith into impossible moments.

Best of all, the cloud of the Scriptures did not evaporate in the first century. It is still here, all around us.

Professionals walking into offices in Nairobi and São Paulo. Believers sitting in boardrooms in Singapore, classrooms in Toronto, and hospitals in New Delhi. Women and men who carry their faith into places where it is easier to hide. Leaders who choose honesty when shortcuts would advance their careers. Employees who serve others when ambition whispers, “Take more for yourself.” We are not running alone. Hebrews does not stop at encouragement. It gets practical. Endurance means setting things down. “Lay aside

every weight,” it says. Some of those weights are obvious: sin, compromise, and destructive habits. But others are disguised as virtues: Perfectionism. Relentless ambition. The need to control every outcome. The very things that win promotions can also fracture a soul. Endurance does not come from holding tighter. It comes from letting go. Letting Christ carry what you cannot.

And endurance is not just about release. It is about focus. “Look to Jesus,” we are instructed. Jesus is not only the example of faith; He is its source. He ran the race before us. Endured the cross. Bore its shame. And now He sits at the right hand of God. The witnesses show us it is possible. But Jesus makes it inevitable because He is the author and finisher of your faith.

Here is the invitation: When you feel alone in the marketplace, access the cloud described in the book of Hebrews. Remember those who endured before you. Remember those walking beside you right now, even if unseen. Set down the weights that slow you down. Fix your eyes on Jesus. And keep running.

The finish line is closer than you think

© 2026. C.C. Simpson is dedicated to fostering a bold and triumphant Christian faith within the global marketplace. Before becoming President of CBMC International, Chris dedicated 28 years to a distinguished career in the public sector – as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and serving in the U. S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting seven American presidents and leading elite teams in complex, high-stakes international missions. With his wife Ana, Chris resides in Boca Raton, Florida. Reflection/Discussion Questions

When have you felt most alone in your professional life? How does Hebrews 12:1–2 and the idea of a “cloud of witnesses” reshape that feeling of isolation?

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By Rick Warren FAITH

Finding Freedom through Jesus

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

The world defines freedom as a life without any restraint. It’s an attitude that says, “I can do anything I want to do and say anything I want to say, without anybody telling me what to do.”

With that kind of mindset, others get burned while you insist on doing things your way. That’s the world’s version of freedom—freedom that’s really just selfishness.

But the Bible says the only way to true freedom is through Jesus: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

God sent Jesus to proclaim and deliver freedom from the sin that keeps you trapped in a cycle of anger, envy, greed, sexual immorality, broken relationships, unforgiveness, and selfishness.

With true freedom, you’re set free from fear, guilt, worry, bitterness, and death. You’re free to quit pretending, because you’re free to be yourself.

How do you get rid of fear and find real freedom in Jesus? By letting God love you! The apostle John taught this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV).

When you realize how much God loves you, you’ll begin to live and rest in that love. And when you live in God’s love, you’re free—free to see life from

his point of view and live the way he meant you to live. You learn that freedom isn’t something you demand or earn; it’s a gift from God.

In fact, living in God’s love is an act of worship. When you agree that God is loving, caring, and generous, and begin to trust in that love, you worship him. As 1 John 4:16 says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love” (NLT).

Freedom starts here—when you choose to trust that God loves you and let it fill every part of your life.

Talk It Over

Where have you looked for freedom outside of God’s love? What has the result been?

When have you lived in the freedom of God’s love? What difference has that made in your life?

How can you intentionally let God love you today?

Are you ready to find freedom in Christ?

Start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe that he died for my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust him as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me live in your freedom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

The Boca Raton Tribune

COLUMNIST

By: Douglas G Logan SOLVITUR AMBULANDO

“Dad, I Had No Idea!”

I was returning from a day in Vermont. Crossing the Taconics. The conversation was intermittent; over an hour and a half. Lots of dead spots in transmission on County Rte 61, including, appropriately, around Dead Lake.

My dear son, Carter, was on the line. Wanted to share his experience from the day before. He had been to a screening of a documentary at Lincoln Center, and he had been moved. Needed to talk to me about it.

It is titled, “2,000 Meters to Andriivka”, and has aired already on Frontline on PBS (you can access it on YouTube). By the same Ukrainian filmmakers who won the Oscar last year. Mostly shot from GoPro cameras on soldiers’ helmets. Graphic, gritty honest portrayal of close-in combat. The battle for a village along a wooded narrow corridor, a little over a mile long. Not nice.

My sensitive, caring son then said the following:

“My initial reaction was to think my Dad needs to see this. It was followed by an equally strong feeling; that my Dad should not see this. It will only re-traumatize him again.”

It took a few moments for me to respond to him. Then I said:

“When I returned from war I found myself a little mute. I felt I did not have the vocabulary to express either what my experiences had been, or my emotional state. As time went on, as I tried to get it out, I found people reacted in two different ways. They either were unwilling to listen to me. Or, they did not believe me. ‘It could not have been that bad; look, you came back in one piece and are fully functional’”.

The phenomenon was not unlike what I have heard some rape victims say happens after their trauma. No one wants to hear it; those that do deny that it could be that awful. The standard cliche is to thank people for their service. What we want to hear is a collective apology for damaging our souls. Vietnam. The first war, ever, that a na-

tion, cowardly, took flight from collective guilt.

Carter went on to describe some vignettes from the doc. In one, soldiers were talking about what they would do if they got out alive. One said he would take the longest, hottest shower followed by a sauna. Carter said it reminded him of the story I told, that in the middle of a firefight, swearing I would never wear boots again, I pledged to buy a pair of Florsheim Imperials (which I did, the week I returned). He also remembered my telling him of my craving for a glass of cold milk, even though I was not a regular milk drinker.

We then discussed the opportunities and responsibilities of the cinema arts. People can tell stories; filmmakers can transport you there. Tell the story in a way that words cannot come close. The truth. For Carter, it gave life to the words he has heard for many years.

Sometime, in the next few days, I will find a quiet corner in my house and watch it. Alone. I am an old soldier. And, as McArthur told the Congress, we never die. We just fade away. I’ve still got a lot of fading to do. I just heard this morning that what is, probably, my last grandchild, will be a boy. Going to buy him his first baseball glove to teethe on in his crib. Going to live long enough to play catch.

Carter was able to talk to the filmmakers after the screening. One made a poignant observation. “All wars start with a lie.” Indeed. For those who think this is a partisan or new phenomenon, think again. Kennedy lied to my relatives and countrymen about his support for the Bay of Pigs invasion. Johnson lied about the Tonkin Gulf to get us into Vietnam, and Westmoreland and McNamara kept lying for years.

We need the truth. The truth we can see with our own eyes from the videos of Minneapolis. We must reject the lies of Trump, and Vance, and Noem.

You have no idea how much we need this.

By: Tom Madden

Bottle Caps Without Bottles — A Plastic Problem

Poor pathetic plastic bottle caps! How many of them do you pick up each day? I betcha I gotcha beached!

Yet they’re taking over the world. You find them everywhere, divorced from bottles, some brazenly sticking their plastic tongues up at us as we walk along otherwise clean and tidy public streets or laying there sadly downtrodden yet still cluttering pathways to pricy homes in otherwise immaculate neighborhoods.

You’ll see bottle caps boldly littering many other places we traverse and treasure, where some look like rude, crude renegades so out of place.

Spots where they especially congregate and collectively despoil are our pristine beaches in front of otherwise beautiful beachfront resorts in Florida!

Marital discord

When moving from inland to beachfront, while the air is fresher and the ocean inspiring, you inherit something not so pleasant to tread upon, the residue of marital problems now landlocked on beaches strewn with not just silky sand, but bottle caps divorced from their late tubular husbands!

one of the majestically towering twin beachfront condos, comprising the elegant Chalfonte, a luxurious oceanfront community in Boca Raton, FL featuring stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Boca Raton.

On our daily beach walks I collect on average at least three plastic bottle caps a day, which adds up to well over a thousand a year and since I’ve moved to this beachfront palace that’s adding up to more than 14,000 plastic bottle caps I’ve rescued and placed where they belong, in recycling bin, hopefully to live again, married to another plastic bottle and undoubtedly destined for another divorce.

Why can’t bottle caps stay married to their plastic bottles? Why are there so many separations, divorces between plastic caps and bottles?

Does anyone happen to know some good marital counselors who speak plastic?

Everyday walking along the beach we’ll come upon these poor discarded plastic bottles, naked and capless. Okay, we’ll pick them up, but mostly it’s just the plastic caps we come across on our beach walks. They just seem to be waiting there for a pickup while divorced and bottle less in the sand.

Making beaches less blithesome!

Since I sold my home in nearby stately Royal Palm, I moved about a dozen years ago ambitiously and deliciously seaward. Today we live in

I pray they’ll live happily together after quenching thirsts and keeping us humans healthfully hydrated. All I ask is for drinkers to let bottle and cap stay married so I can enjoy my beach walks without being a pall bearer of just plastic caps only occasionally still married to their empty bottles. Thank you!

Here we are living in a dazzlingly beautiful heaven’s gate to exercise and pleasure for my beautiful Brazilian wife Rita and me. Here, we so love to walk together every day up and down our palatial beach. Yet, every day I see and must collect those miscreant bottle caps. As they stubbornly refuse to decompose, I’ve appointed myself to dispose of them, to place them where they belong, into recycling with the rest of the plastics we humans continually use and then abuse by discarding them wherever, making them someone else’s problem. MINE!

When not collecting plastics from the beach, Tom Madden is writing books, blogs and press releases as he is CEO of the PR firm TransMedia Group serving clients worldwide from its headquarters in Boca Raton, where his industrious daughter Adrienne Mazzone is the firm’s resourceful president.

Celebrating 17 Years of Connecting Boca Raton

Where Can You Use the Restroom at Mizner Park?

This week, The Boca Raton Tribune proudly marks 17 years of its digital presence—a milestone defined by commitment, resilience, and a profound connection to the community we serve.

local leadership, civic life, and the people who make our city unique.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we are also looking toward the future. In the coming months, we will unveil updates to our website designed to better serve our readers—offering enhanced functionality, seamless access to local news, and new tools to foster community engagement. These innovations reflect our promise to evolve alongside Boca Raton while preserving the values that have guided us since day one.

This anniversary belongs to you— our readers, contributors, advertisers, community partners, and everyone who has supported local journalism along the way. Your trust and loyalty are what make this platform meaningful.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to 17 years of stories—and many more to come.

Local Businesses and Landmarks Spotted in Netflix’s ‘Members Only:

By Caris Weinberg

On Monday, Dec. 29, Netflix aired Season 1 of its eight-episode reality series Members Only: Palm Beach, which follows women in high-society circles in Palm Beach. The series stars socialites Hilary Musser, Taja Abitol, Rosalyn Yellin, Ro-mina Ustayev, Maria Cozamanis and their friend, Gale Brophy. Cameos are made throughout the series by popular Palm Beach influencer Suebelle Robbins.

Since the show aired, viewers have noticed that the backdrop of the series features local businesses and landmarks from Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.

Members Only: Palm Beach features a picturesque drone shot of Mizner Park in downtown Boca Raton during the

Palm Beach’

opening sequence of the first episode. For locals and frequent visitors, the shot was instantly recognizable and quickly became a topic of discussion across social media platforms. In another episode, the women attend a 1920s-themed celebration honoring Addison Mizner. Cozamanis, a co-host of the event, announces that the celebration–held during the city-wide centennial festivities– was of benefit to the Boca Raton Historical Society.

In Boynton Beach, Ustayev and Cozamanis play pickleball at The Replay Club, a multifunctional pickleball facility, spa, and social space.

The women travel to Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue in another episode for Cozamanis’s music release party at Avalon.

Member’s Only: Palm Beach has received mixed reviews. Some viewers have questioned why locations outside Palm Beach were used for filming. These locations included Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, despite the show being marketed as an exclusive look at Palm Beach Society. Filming within Palm Beach County requires approved permits. It has been reported by WPTV that 68 permits were filed by the show across Palm Beach County. Only one permit was submitted for Palm Beach itself, one that was later cancelled.

By Caris Weinberg

Mizner Park stands as the iconic heart of downtown Boca Raton, attracting thousands of visitors and locals alike every week. Mizner Park Amphitheater and the strip of upscale dining and shopping available hold events daily, increasing the number of visitors in its lifestyle hub.

It is located in downtown Boca Raton, where banners line sidewalks on light posts that have the words “walk,” “shop,” and “dine,” advertising downtown as a place for locals and visitors to enjoy and stay a while. Much of what the signs advertise is what people do in Mizner Park.

Mizner Park offers fine dining, casual dining, high-end and casual shopping, and a couple of dessert and coffee places, but what visitors and even the longtime locals do not know about is where to use the restroom in Mizner Park.

The public restrooms in Mizner Park are in two locations; the second level of the parking garage on the west side of the plaza and the right side of the Mizner Park Amphitheater. For those who have visited Mizner Park before, the location of the public restrooms is inconvenient, as they are located away from the frequently visited areas. Additionally, during ticketed events, the Mizner Park Amphitheater

restrooms are barricaded off where the public cannot use them.

Recently, quick-service restaurants including Pure Green and Starbucks put up signs on their storefronts that say “no public restroom,” indicating a need for convenient restrooms.

Several store employees that requested to remain anonymous at Mizner Park emphasized this need, saying that if customers ask, they will allow use of their restrooms, understanding that it is necessary. One employee said that it is a human right and that Mizner Park ought to build a restroom right in the middle of Mizner Park. She also mentioned the night of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, an event that brought more than 12,000 people to Mizner Park at once, being an example of the demand for easily accessible restrooms.

The former Lord & Taylor store, now an RH Outlet, has restrooms with multiple stalls on the second floor. Another option is Sur La Table, which has single-stall restrooms near the back of the store.

Mizner Park shop and restaurant employees are friendly and helpful to visitors. If you need to use the restroom, ask store and restaurant employees. If they do not allow use of their restroom, ask for the next closest restroom available for use.

Top six things to look for in a senior primary care provider

Healthcare isn’t the same as one ages. Seniors have different health needs, so it makes sense to choose primary care centered on seniors. Here are some things to consider:

1. Care access. Does the doctor offer same-day appointments? If there is a concern after hours, is the care team available 24/7 over the phone?

2. More one-on-one time with the doctor. It’s important for a doctor to really get to know their patient. That takes time— time for patients to ask questions and the time for the doctor to answer them thoroughly.

3. Senior-focused. Make sure the doctor and care team see just seniors. They’ll have more up-todate information on what it takes for seniors to feel their best.

4. Proactive approach to care. The doctor should see patients routinely to monitor their health and detect and treat any issue early.

5. Dedicated care team. Ideally, a patient's care

team should include a board-certified doctor, a behavioral health specialist, a care coach and, in some cases, a clinical pharmacist. They should work together, so they see a broader view of their patient’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

6. Accepts Medicare. Have the provider confirm if they accept Medicare plans. If someone has paid into Medicare their entire working life, they should reap the benefits of lowcost healthcare coverage and not pay more than they need to.

When it comes to aging well, it’s important to choose primary care that centers on seniors’ needs. This, along with a proactive approach to healthcare, helps patients thrive and continue enjoying the things they love.

At Conviva Senior Primary CareTM, you can count on our senior-focused primary care team to take a proactive approach to help keep you at your healthiest.

Senior-focused primary care

Same-day appointments for current patients

50% more one-on-one time with your doctor* 24/7 phone access to the care team

* Comparison based on a study published by the Oxford Academic in June 2023 stating that the average primary care exam was approximately 21 minutes. Times vary based on services performed.

Conviva does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. Visit MyConvivaPalmBeach.com 561-933-7961

Weekend Round-up : Events in the Boynton and Delray Beach Area- January 16th-19th

By Stacy Carchma

January is jam-packed with events in our area. The South Florida Fair is back on January 16-February 1 at the South Florida Fair grounds at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The theme of the fair is “Party with the Pirates,” and there will be a variety of activities, rides and attractions. Kids 10 and under are free and the opening is Friday at 11 am. Go to www.southfloridafair.com for more information.

A candlelight concert celebrating Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey will take place in Boynton Beach on Saturday, February 17th at 125 E. Ocean Avenue. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. There is free parking at Boynton Beach Blvd. and Seacrest Ave. Go to www.Boynton-beach.org.

The South Florida Strawberry Festi-

val will take place at Boca Raton’s South County Regional Park on January 17-19th. There will be thrilling rides, unique inflatables, delicious food, stunt dog show,

carnival rides and shopping. Go to www. soflostrawberryfest.com. It is located at 12551

back at 101 N. Clematis Street in West Palm Beach and starts Saturday at 10 a.m.

The Delray Beach Green Market also takes place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Old School Square. There wAZill be fresh produce, flowers, plants, and musical entertainment.

January 15th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Cox Science Museum will host “The Science of Sleep,” at the Kravis Center. This will explore the secrets of rest and longevity with Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Young and journalist Deborah Norville. www.coxsciencecenter.org for more info.

A Tribute to the Beatles and A Tribute to George Michael will take place at the South County Civic Center on Saturday, January 17th at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This is located at 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach.

Cooler Weather Coming? FPL Shares Ways to Save this Winter

Winter is here, and Florida is gearing up for what could be a colder-than-usual season. Last year’s low temperatures and snowfall proved how unpredictable Florida’s winter weather can be. Cold snaps can have a real impact on your

bill, as heating uses two to three times more energy than cooling.

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is sharing the following tips, tools and resources to help residents prepare and avoid a spike in their energy bill.

Top Winter Energy-Saving Tips:

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower, as every degree below 68 saves you 5% on heating costs.

Avoid raising your thermostat by more than two degrees at a time to prevent accidentally turning on your system’s auxiliary heating, which can add up to $15 per day* if used more than 12 hours a day.

Use electric blankets or space heaters to keep warm. Just remember to turn

them off before you leave the room and keep children and pets at least three feet away.

Install a reusable furnace filter whistle, which easily attaches to a new heat pump or furnace and alerts you once the filter becomes 50% full and is ready to replace.

Reverse the setting on your ceiling fan to push warmer air down. Just remember to turn it off when you leave the room to save $7 a month.

Seal doors and windows to keep warm air in.

*Based on 7.5 kW strip heat running 12–16 hours a day.

FPL Savings Tool: In the new winter edition of the House of Savings launch-

ing on Jan. 5, players are led on a virtual home tour to spot energy saving opportunities by interacting with items like the thermostat or fridge. Those who answer the most questions correctly in the shortest time can become eligible to win an energy-efficient prize box to help make their home more efficient this winter. Options include:

Kitchen: Air Fryer, Electric Kettle, Draft Stopper

Outdoor: Outdoor Timer Outlet, Outdoor LED Lights, Space Heater

For more tips, programs, resources and rebates, customers can go to FPL. com/WaystoSave, where they can access FPL’s savings tools like the Energy Manager and House of Savings.

Boynton Beach and neighboring cities will hold Martin Luther King Day Celebrations

By Stacy Carchma

The City of Boynton Beach will honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 19th.

The following is the schedule:

7:30am to 8:00am

Community Gathers at Sara Sims Park

8:00am to 9:00am

Service Clean Up at Sara Sims Park

9:30am to 11:30am

Community Leader Breakfast at Carolyn Sims Center

The City of Boynton Beach invites you to honor his legacy at this free event with a day of food and community, plus a live and soulful Motown tribute to Dr. King.

Sara Sims Park is located at 209 9th

Ave. Boynton Beach.

In nearby Riviera Beach, there will also be a parade to honor the memory of Martin Luther King on Saturday, Jan. 17th at 10 a.m. This will take place from Congress Avenue, east on MLK Blvd., ending at MLK Blvd., and Ave. P. There will be a celebration after the parade at Dan Calloway Park, 1420 W. 10th St. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Another event will be hosted by the Spady Museum where they will celebrate the late Martin Luther King Jr. with a brunch on January 19th at the Indian Spring Country Club at 11501 El Clair Ranch Road in Boynton Beach.

Glades Road in Boca Raton.

West Palm Beach Green Market

FAU Receives Gifts from the George T. Elmore Impact for Good Initiative

Florida Atlantic University received two grants from the George T. Elmore Impact for Good Initiative fund established by George Elmore through the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, which funds programs promoting community impact. The two awards include supporting brain science research on aging at the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and fostering entrepreneurship programs at The Runway at Florida Atlantic at the College of Business.

“I am pleased to partner with the Community Foundation to support these two program areas that impact both the health and economic sustainability of our community,” said George Elmore, local philanthropist and Community Foundation Legacy Society member. “As our population ages, understanding brain health is key to a healthy and active lifestyle. Equally important is cultivating young minds and businesses to fuel our local economy and beyond.”

A $200,000 gift will support the launch of the Program for Resilient Aging, one of four research programs planned for the Center for the Resilient Mind within the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, which supports brain research and education across Florida Atlantic’s campuses. The program aims to demonstrate how genetics and physical, social, and community activities contribute to healthy aging. The gift will strengthen faculty leadership, provide pilot research project funding for emerging scientists, and fund graduate students in their studies.

The Center for the Resilient Mind is bringing together neuroscientists, psychologists, clinicians, educators, social workers and artists to investigate the foundations of the resilient mind across the human lifespan. In addition to aging, program areas include how the brain builds resilience through childhood and adolescence, brain dynamics modulated by artistic engagement, and environmental and social factors that influence brain resiliency.

“We are so pleased to partner with the Community Foundation in this exciting and important new venture to seek a better understanding of the influences affecting healthy aging of the brain,” said Randy Blakely, Ph.D., executive director of the SNBI and professor of neuroscience and biomedical science at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “Researchers will search for the

early biomarkers and opportunities supported by evidence of brain changes to achieve resilient aging, whether through new diagnostics and treatments or practices beyond the clinic.”

A second gift of $200,000 will support The Runway at Florida Atlantic, a venture accelerator program within the College of Business. The program is part of the college’s entrepreneurial initiatives, with a focus on research, teaching, student competitions, and programs for veterans.

The accelerator program fosters the development of entrepreneurs and businesses to fuel the local economy and beyond. Entrepreneurship contributes to Florida’s economic growth by creating opportunities for new businesses, and in many cases, translating scientific innovation into public consumption. The funding will support a leadership position to help expand the development of innovative businesses impacting the region, enhance the program’s role as a pipeline producing the next generation of business leaders, and support the development of operations and investor growth to promote a self-sustaining entrepreneurial model for the program.

“We are honored to receive this donation to support our evolution as the Runway Accelerator Program rejoins the College of Business,” said Kevin Cox, Ph.D., director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship and The Runway program. “This transition is not only an important unification in our ecosystem, but it also represents a transformative time in the accelerator program’s evolution. We are excited for the plans made possible through this generous donation.”

For more information on the Center for the Resilient Mind at SNBI, contact Randy Blakely, Ph.D., at ibrain@ fau.edu. To learn more about The Runway, contact Kevin Cox at therunway@ fau.edu.

Florida Atlantic University serves more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses along Florida’s Southeast coast. Recognized as one of only 21 institutions nationwide with dual designations from the Carnegie Classification – “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” and “Opportunity College and University” – FAU stands at the intersection of academic excellence and social mobility. Ranked among the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report, FAU is also nationally recognized as a Top 25 Best-InClass College and cited by Washington Monthly as “one of the country’s most effective engines of upward mobility.” As a university of first choice for students across Florida and the nation, FAU welcomed its most academically competitive incoming class in university history in Fall 2025. To learn more, visit www.fau.edu.

Rousing Rotary Start to 2026 Gala Fundraisers

By Marci Shatzman

A responsive crowd packed the Boca West ballroom to honoree seven honorees and raise thousands in scholarship dollars for The Rotary Club of Boca Raton at their 28th annual OPAL Awards.

Hundreds of paddles went up to bid and donate at the live auction and call to the heart conducted by professional auctioneer and the event’s co-chair Neil Saffer on Jan. 10. Ten of the Rotary club’s scholarship kids and a speaker drove the intent of this fundraiser home.

Co-chair Jan Savarick called this year’s Outstanding People and Leaders awards “multi-generational.” “I want to create a legacy of giving,” said dad Steven Bernstein, who’s on the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation board. “That has solidified my true calling in life,” added his daughter Abby Bernstein-Henderson.

“She listens, she cares, and then she does something. Her heart and hustle make this community stronger,” said Paige Kornblue to introduce philanthropist Michelle Hagerty, also on the hospital foundation board among her many nonprofits’ support. “I believe we all have a role to play. Go Owls!” Hagerty said. And in fact, Florida Atlantic University president Adam Hasner and FAU athletics v.p. Brian White were in the audience.

The club’s other academic partner and Palm Beach State College president Ava Parker introduced well-known provost and dean on their Boca campus, Dr. Van Williams. “He empowers our students to rise above challenges,” Parker said, calling Williams “a leader and a man of change.”

“The very fiber of my being is buzzing,” Willams said to acknowledge the accolades and whoops in the

crowd. Earlier he posed for a photo with his wife Dr. Michelle Williams, their daughter Lydia, and Best Foot Forward co-founder and CEO Donna Biase, her husband Dr. Joseph Biase and fellow board member Dan Davidowitz. Williams was their Champion of Children in 2024.

“Our calling was to serve this community,” said co-honoree Brad Winstead with his wife Haley. They brought their two young children. “They shine their light in the darkest places,” said Place of Hope founding CEO Charles Bender, citing her Angel Moms volunteerism in his intro. Brad’s a George Snow Scholarship Fund director and danced in their 2023 fundraiser Boca’s Ballroom Battle. He’s also a Peter Blum Family YMCA trustee.

Robert Yudkin introduced the Rotary Club’s own honoree Myron Yudkin. “Dad led by example,” he said. Every honoree had an intro video, and in his, Yudkin said he was glad to have his grandchildren and great-grandchildren nearby.” In fact, he brought the whole family. Yudkin joined Rotary in 1956 and has a perfect attendance record, according to his bio. “This is my 70th year in Rotary and my 42nd in this club,” Yudin said to a standing ovation.

The event’s other co-chair is Dara Siegel, who stepped in to her late husband Spencer’s role. Christine E. Lynn was the event’s honorary co-chair and presenting sponsor. Club president Westin Fengler introduced Boca Raton councilman Andy Thomson, who read the city’s proclamation.

“Together we are changing lives and building futures today and for generations to come,” is the club’s mission statement. The club meets for lunch every Wednesday at Crazy Uncle Mike’s. https://rotaryclubbocaraton.com/

The Boca Raton Tribune

ENTERTAINMENT

What to Do in Boca Raton MLK JR. Weekend (Jan.

16-18)

By Caris Weinberg

A responsive crowd packed the Boca West ballroom to honoree seven honorees and raise thousands in scholarship dollars for The Rotary Club of Boca Raton at their 28th annual OPAL Awards.

“The very fiber of my being is buzzing,” Willams said to acknowledge the accolades and whoops in the

Annual Festival of the Arts Took Place in Delray this past weekend

In Delray, on January 10th and 11th, the 25thth Annual Festival of the Arts took place this past weekend and West Atlantic Avenue was closed to traffic from Swinton Avenue to NW 6th from 3 AM on Saturday to 11 PM on Sunday. This is one of the best art affairs with handcrafted artwork, including glass, photography, painting, mixed media, jewelry and more. This event is put on by

Howard Alan Events

This is ranked as one of the best art affairs in the U.S. The 25th Annual Downtown Delray Festival of the Arts blends long-time favorites with the most buzz-worthy names on the contemporary arts scene. This much-anticipated premier Delray Beach art festival showcases the fine art of hundreds of artists, who exhibit and sell their work in an outdoor gallery spanning five blocks of West Atlantic Avenue.

There were many vendors on the street, and the weather was beautiful for enjoying the show and the outdoor exhibits.

One of those vendors was artist Julia Gilmore, who does original oil paintings that are “happy, joyful, vintage, and bold.” This was her first year at the Delray Beach Art Festival, but she goes to art festivals all over Florida

By Caris Weinberg

during her two-month winter stay. She is originally from New Hampshire and has been doing art shows for 20 years.

Julia said, “The art festival was very successful for her and her colleagues, and it was a pleasure to be there.”

Julia has been featured in the past

Where Dance Takes

at the Coconut Grove Art Festival and will be showing her work at the Boca Raton Museum of Art Festival on January 31-February 1. Her website is www.JuliaGilmore.com for more information and to see her work.

Besides paintings, there were also many other types of artwork including sculptures and woodworking.

Another artist, Luis Gonzalez does stunning wood sculptures of different things like apples, pears, chilis and blueberries. He collects all his wood pieces after hurricanes and lets them dry for 3-4 years before using the wood.

Luis said, “The Delray show is always good, and he gains a lot of clients.” He sold a lot at the show. Go to www.mamaluwood.comto see his work.

Carla Bank is another artist at the show who uses bold modern styles. She has been attending the Delray show for 7 years and finds that Delray is a great art market. “The people in Delray always come out,” she said. “They are very educated in art and not afraid of color.”

Carla likes that the in-person art shows are very “personal” and people are excited to come out, rather than just find work on social media. She is very grateful. Go to www.carlabank.com to see her work.

You will see many of these artists traveling throughout the state to other art shows in Boca Raton, Miami, Naples and Fort Lauderdale after the show so you will be able to find them.

As always, the art show was a big success!

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Top six things to look for in a senior primary care provider

Healthcare isn’t the same as one ages. Seniors have different health needs, so it makes sense to choose primary care centered on seniors. Here are some things to consider:

1. Care access. Does the doctor offer same-day appointments? If there is a concern after hours, is the care team available 24/7 over the phone?

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At Conviva Senior Primary CareTM, you can count on our senior-focused primary care team to take a proactive approach to help keep you at your healthiest.

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