Town-Crier Newspaper April 3, 2026

SEEKS NATIONAL AWARD

SPRINGFEST FUN IN WESTLAKE

Acreage Park’s New Turf Field Cleared For Play, But For Who?

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The long-awaited synthetic turf field at Acreage Community Park South is ready for play, members of the Indian Trail Board Improvement District Board of Supervisors were told at their Wednesday, March 25 meeting. However, the question that hangs over the $1.8 million football/soccer field is: Who will be allowed to use it?

The money for the field is part of $3 million parceled out to ITID from Palm Beach County’s 2016’s one-percent infrastructure sales surtax.

County officials “are insisting the field be set aside for open play,” ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said this week. “It appears we are obligated to maintain the field but have no control over it. The county is setting the rules.”

Seminole Ridge Flag Football Team Having A Dominant Season

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team is having another sensational and, perhaps, historic season. With an 11-1 record, the Hawks are focused on repeating as Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A state champions. Page 21

“Open play” would mean unrestricted use by teams and individuals on a first-come, first-served basis whether residents of the district or not.

“I’m worried about groups from outside the district trying to take

it over,” Supervisor Richard Vassalotti said.

Supervisor Betty Argue said the “open play” rule would defeat the purpose of constructing the field. It was intended, she said, for use by Acreage Athletic League teams and others that normally play at Acreage Community Park North. The switch would allow that grass field to rest after periods of intense use. “Now the county is dictating how it’s to be used,” Argue said. “The whole point was to address the lack of field space.”

The $3 million was originally earmarked for a community center at the park but was reallocated when that project became too expensive due to pandemic delays and construction cost increases.

Ground was broken on the turf field Dec. 5, 2025, after a year in permitting.

The issue is further complicated by the fact that the county owns the land upon which Acreage Community Park South sits. ITID operates and maintains the park under a long-term lease.

ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said he’ll ask the district’s legal team to look into the

lease to determine whether it gives the county this type of authority.

“I don’t think this has to be a hostile discussion,” he said. “We just need to make this more compatible for ITID residents who are, after all, county residents.”

For now, however, Hanson said the field will be for “general play” while being closely monitored by parks and recreation staff.

“The big thing for us now is being able to properly manage the field without it being abused,” he said. “We don’t want leagues taking it over before we can get a better handle on this.”

Parks & Recreation Director Kenny Lawrence said the $1.2 million remainder of the funds will be used for construction of an open-play grass field at the park, plus related infrastructure, such as lighting and additional parking. Also, some invasive trees will be removed from the area.

In February, supervisors voted to amend the scope of the Acreage Community Park South expansion by removing a $346,000 restroom and an $80,000 scoreboard.

An event is planned for some

See NEW FIELD, page 14

Arden Slated To Have A Fire Station Right Outside Its Gates

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The distance between the Arden neighborhood near 20-Mile Bend and the nearest fire station five miles away in Wellington has been a slow-burning frustration for residents of the fast-growing community for several years. However, an end to that frustration is months, not years, away, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief David Woodside said recently.

The department already has a basic site plan for a temporary station on a 3-acre parcel on Cane Field Trace between Saddle View Elementary School and the proposed AI hyperscale data center known as Project Tango, he said. Permitting and construction

should take about 18 months, Woodside noted.

Six firefighters will be on duty around the clock manning a fire engine and an advanced life support transport unit, he said.

“We’ve been looking at this from a number of levels,” he said, with Arden’s growth, call volume and the longer-than-optimal response times fueling the decision.

Arden Homeowners’ Association President Raymond Penuela said he is pleased with PBCFR’s decision to erect the temporary station but doubts concern for the community’s residents is behind the move.

Penuela said he and others in the community believe that the decision was made for the benefit of the controversial data center and

warehouse project known formally as the Central Park Commerce Center, which is located on 202 acres only some 1,500 feet from the school and some homes.

“I’m very appreciative for what [PBCFR is] doing,” Penuela said. “But they did not place the station there for the good of the Arden residents. It’s there for Project Tango.”

Project Tango representative Ernie Cox said Wednesday that its developers were “not involved in the [fire station] decision at all.”

However, the fact that Woodside made the announcement of the station placement at a Feb. 25 town hall meeting organized by Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter to share information about

See ARDEN, page 4

RPB Council OKs Contract For Recreation Center Expansion

was built in the 1990s. Since then, there has been an increased need for space for programs, and for the village’s growing population. The village started the expansion project in 2022 after agreeing with DHGA Design-FL to design the new expansion and renovations. However, the company ceased operations before those plans could be completed. Village staff then selected Kaufman Lynn Construction last year to finish the design work.

The company and village staff held multiple meetings to gain public input from residents who use the recreation center. Their feedback was heavily used in the design process. Kaufman Lynn Construction’s team said it was a

Wellington’s PBCFR Response Times Tick Down, Despite An Increase In Calls

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

SECRET GARDENS

By Louis

State Sen. Gayle Harrell Wary Of Broad Property Tax Cuts

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

As a special session of the Florida Legislature looms to address the state budget, State Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-District 31) said property tax reductions or elimination is possible but not without a cost to local services.

Property taxes “are how we pay for local government services,” said Harrell, who sits on the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. “Things can be done… [but] they need to be done very carefully.”

Law enforcement, fire-rescue, parks and local roads are paid for through property taxes, she noted. “If you take that away, that becomes problematic,” Harrell said. “That has to be offset in some

way. What are [municipalities and counties] going to do? Raise sales tax?”

Harrell said there are things that can be done, such as increasing Homestead exemptions, applying cost-of-living adjustments and allowing for “portability” so that older homeowners who want to downsize don’t pay more in taxes because of Florida’s surge in real estate values.

Whatever the legislature decides would require a constitutional amendment, said Harrell, who has spent more than 20 years in the legislature as a representative and senator.

District 31 includes all of Martin County, most of Palm Beach County north of Southern Blvd.

and southern St. Lucie County.

As chair of the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education, Harrell said she’ll be working to protect and enhance funding for state colleges and universities in the state’s $100 billion-plus budget.

Florida was ranked No. 1 in the nation for higher education in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best States rankings, continuing a streak that began in 2017.

“I want to make sure we have the resources to keep us No. 1 in higher education while keeping the cost of education as inexpensive as possible,” she said.

However, Harrell said Floridians will be seeing an increased emphasis on “workforce pro -

Young Artist Alani DiAntonio Vying In National Competition

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington 12-year-old Alani

DiAntonio is a quarterfinalist in the Bob Ross America’s Most Artistic Kid competition. This contest gives children across the United States a chance to showcase their art on the national level and win either the People’s Choice or the Artists Pick awards.

The competition, in partnership with Colossal, a professional fundraising organization, is set to benefit Blood Cancer United. The public votes for their favorite young artist with one free vote each day, or additional votes can be cast with a commensurate donation to support Blood Cancer United’s mission to support and cure individuals with blood cancer.

Alani, a visual arts major at the Bak Middle School of the Arts, has been creating since the moment she could hold a pencil. She paints, draws and has even started sculpting. However, her favorite medium remains paint. She prefers to work in realism with bold colors to express her emotions.

“I enjoy creating art because it allows me to share my feelings. Whenever I feel stressed or nervous, making art helps me release those emotions,” Alani said.

Alani’s work shows the beauty in everyday moments that she highlights with vivid colors and textures. Her pieces range from

still lifes and cartoons to landscapes and animal portraits.

Carmen DiAntonio, Alani’s mother and a teacher at Panther Run Elementary School, is extremely proud of how Alani’s work has grown over the years. Carmen credits Alani’s elementary school art teacher, Krisy Davis, for being instrumental in Alani’s progress.

“Krisy Davis has been her greatest inspiration, guiding and encouraging her along the way,” she said.

Alani already has several local art contest wins under her belt. Her artwork was featured in a student-teacher art exhibit at the Box Gallery in West Palm Beach when she was in second grade, and

it was recognized at the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival and at the South Florida Fair.

Alani is excited to represent the greater Wellington community in this national competition with a chance to win $20,000, appear on an episode of The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins, and display her art in the Bob Ross Experience at the Minnetrista Museum in Muncie, Indiana.

She also has another reason for participating, close to the DiAntonio family’s heart. An aunt passed away from a blood cancer, and they want to take the opportunity to support others with this disease.

“Our family understands the challenges this disease brings, and we hope that the funds raised will help advance important research and, one day, lead to a cure,” Carmen said.

When Alani grows up, she hopes to earn a scholarship in art and attend a university, with the eventual dream of starting her own graphic design company or becoming a movie animator.

Quarterfinal voting runs through April 9, with the top competitors advancing to the semifinal voting round, April 10 through 16. The final voting round runs April 17 through April 23. The Grand People’s Choice will be announced on or before May 8. To learn more about Alani’s artwork, or to cast a vote, visit www. artistickid.org/2026/alani-4fca.

grams,” mostly through outlets such as Palm Beach State College.

“We have to change the whole mindset… [and] move to providing concentrations that are much more workforce related” such as information technology, she said, while also maintaining high quality liberal arts programs.

When it comes to nursing education, the state remains at or near the bottom of National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered and practical nurses.

Harrell, who sits on several senate healthcare and education committees, said the nursing licensure failure rate continues to be a serious problem.

Her biggest disappointment of the session, she said, was again failing to get legislation passed that would “put real accountability into nursing schools.”

“We need good, productive nurses,” she said. “I’ll be continuing the fight next year.”

Harrell had more success with her Health Care Patient Protection

bill. It would require hospitals with an emergency department to adopt pediatric-specific policies, training and readiness checks so that children who come into any ER — whether it’s a children’s hospital or a small community facility — are met by staff, equipment and protocols that are designed to treat kids safely.

Also, part of the training would be to help ER nurses recognize signs of human trafficking. “Often when someone being trafficked comes into an ER, the first person they see is a nurse,” Harrell said.

In the area of education, a bill sponsored by Harrell requires every school district to offer at least one yearly autism training for teachers and school-based administrators, aiming to improve how schools understand, support and educate students with autism in everyday classrooms.

Harrell also championed a bill related to “vertiports,” which are areas of land, water or structure built to let vertical-takeoff aircraft

About 350 members of the community turned out for the first No Kings rally in Royal Palm Beach held Saturday, March 28 at the intersection of Okeechobee Blvd. and State Road 7. “I thought this would be a good time to test whether Royal Palm Beach would be a good site for an event,” organizer Cheryl Dunn Bychek said. “For 350 of my neighbors to show up in solidarity to protest this administration’s many unconstitutional acts shows that our community cares for each other and the future of our democracy. It made my old hippie heart sing.”

— especially electric air taxis — land, take off, taxi, park and charge, much like a heliport. The bill would fold vertiports and electric aircraft charging systems into Florida’s existing airport and transportation programs, letting the state fund most or all of public vertiport projects so advanced air-taxi infrastructure can be built out quickly through statebacked public-private partnerships. “It sets up the whole structure for vertiports in the state,” Harrell said. “We want to make sure that Florida continues to be a leader in aerospace.”

Harrell also introduced a bill that would provide grants to local governments to harden their computer systems against cyberattacks and ransomware, and one that would phase out the use of PFASbased firefighting foam in Florida. Narrow exceptions are carved out for specific types of fires, such as those involving critical infrastructure, until safer alternatives are fully in place.

Weinberger Focusing On Most Vulnerable Citizens, Animals

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Protections for Florida’s most vulnerable citizens and animals were at the top of State Rep. Meg Weinberger’s agenda during the recent legislative session and will continue to be during the upcoming state budget special session, she said this week. Property tax reform and possible elimination is expected to be the major issue during the session, tentatively scheduled for mid-April.

“I’m passionate about grandmothers and grandfathers being able to stay in their homes,” said Weinberger, a Caloosa resident, who represents District 94, which includes large portions of northern and western Palm Beach County.

She also said tax relief may be appropriate for military veterans and first responders, but legislators should not rush in with a one-sizefits-all philosophy of property tax elimination.

“That’s a much bigger conversation… [and] we have to have a way to pay for it,” she said.

Weinberger suggested focusing on business-related fees that she said often go uncollected as one potential revenue source.

“We should start small and add on to it,” she said of tax reform. “Like taking a bite of the apple.”

Weinberger said she’ll be “knocking on doors and bugging people” during the budget session in an effort to secure funding for improvements to County Road

880 from 20-Mile Bend to Belle Glade, and for the 50-acre regional park and a Palm Tran pilot program in the City of Westlake. Weinberger said the House appropriated $300,000 for the park and $101,000 for the mass transit program, but the Senate is yet to approve funding for either.

In 2025, the legislature approved $2 million for CR 880, but it was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. This year, Weinberger and other local legislators are asking for $13 million. “I would really love to see that road [work] get completed,” she said.

Reflecting on the bright spots during the regular session, Weinberger said, “I was very happy to see the dog breeding bill passed. It

adds more consumer protections for people purchasing dogs and cats.”

It also adds more requirements for reporting to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Animal Abuser Database that Weinberger championed during the 2025 session, known as “Dexter’s Law.” It was named after a rescue dog that was adopted and killed in Pinellas County.

“I’m a big believer that people who hurt animals, that’s not the only thing they’re doing,” she said. “The registry is a way to let people know who they are.”

Though the bill started as HB1521, sponsored by Weinberger, it passed as CS/SB 1004, which lengthens the time buyers have to

invoke “pet lemon law” remedies, requiring pet-sale financing contracts to be canceled without penalty if a sick or misrepresented animal is returned, expanding refund and veterinary-cost reimbursement rights, tightening disclosure and record-keeping rules for pet dealers, treating violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices. She said the next step for her along these lines would be encouraging education about animals in schools.

Weinberger also noted that she was the House sponsor behind the bill that allowed the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport in honor of President Donald Trump. The name change will be effective July 1. Moving forward, Weinberger said she would remain focused on issues related to foster care, child sex trafficking, the health and protection of special needs children, and animal welfare issues. She also said that staying on top of such issues is not always about how many bills a representative sponsors in Tallahassee. “It’s about staying involved in the community you serve. People can tell if you’re authentic and truly care,” Weinberger said. So far, Weinberger is running unopposed for the Republican nomination for a second two-year term. Bobby Eugene Williams Jr. of West Palm Beach currently is running unopposed as a Democrat. The qualifying deadline is in mid-June.

Lox Council Considers Updates To RV Regulations At Workshop

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of the Loxahatchee

Groves Town Council said last month that they need to find ways to eliminate the rampant illegal use of recreational vehicles (RVs) on residential properties, but first, the town needs to simplify the RV permitting process.

The council discussed ways to improve the enforcement of RV regulations at a workshop session on Tuesday, March 17. Before the workshop, town staff presented the council with a new RV program that would make the process simpler and more effective, while making enforcement easier.

PBCFR Annual Report

continued from page 1 customer satisfaction rating,” Vomero said. “It’s very impressive.”

As part of their continued efforts to protect the village, PBCFR has introduced several new services. Agency officials launched a traffic preemption program in 2025 to improve response times. The program’s system technologies use communication networks to report the location of emergency vehicles, so traffic lights can be adjusted while holding conflicting traffic on certain roads. EMS captains also began carrying plasma to be able to continue to improve survival rates among patients with severe bleeding.

Outside of this, PBCFR’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, the only one in the county, received an upgrade from a Type 4 to a Type 3 team. The new designation means it has more specialized equipment and personnel to respond to various complex emergencies. The team now has K9 search dogs,

The revised program categorizes RVs as either unoccupied or occupied, with the number of RVs allowed being determined by acreage and residency. Staff also proposed a sticker system to show how vehicles have been categorized. However, the council was hesitant to approve the new program and decided to table the matter for an additional workshop so they could have in-depth discussions on it.

The goal of council members is to encourage compliance. They explained that one key issue is dealing with RVs that are not up to code, and the current program is too complicated to deal with this.

emergency medical physicians who can treat patients out in the field, and structural engineers.

Council members praised firefighters’ service to the village.

Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind, who was about to leave office after 10 years on the dais, commended the agency for returning to the council each year to show how they are protecting Wellington residents.

“You guys do the most amazing job, and we just love working with you. The community outreach things that you do — just above and beyond,” Siskind said. “We’re just so happy to have partnered with you, and I know it’ll continue to go on and on long after we’re gone.”

Other council members pointed out how Wellington has a strong partnership with the agency, and it is part of the reason why the village continues to be a safe community.

“You guys are incredible and great partners for Wellington,” Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri said. “We enjoy having you here to keep us safe.”

In other business:

• Council members unanimously voted to increase their salaries. Currently, council members earn

“It has always been my contention that we need to incentivize people to comply, and compliance should be simple at the outset,”

Councilwoman Lisa El-Ramey said. “The compliance has always been a little onerous.”

After throwing several ideas around, the council struggled to pinpoint concrete ways to address RVs that are not compliant.

“What we’re trying to eliminate is the illegal RV parks,” Mayor Anita Kane said. “We’ve had a lot of discussion tonight, but I don’t see a clear path.”

They then settled on creating specific criteria for renting land where RVs will stay and rules they need to abide by. The council

a salary totaling $9,600 a year, which hasn’t changed since 2004. The increase will raise the annual salary to about $19,000.

Village staff brought the item forward at the request of Councilman John McGovern, who will be leaving the dais due to term limits.

“The salary increase that we are discussing here still brings the Wellington salary to the very bottom of the list of the 10 largest municipalities in Palm Beach County,” McGovern said.

The new salary increase will not take effect until the newly elected council members are sworn into office later this month.

• The council unanimously passed a resolution opposing a proposed hyperscale AI data center development known as Project Tango, planned just west of the Arden community off Southern Blvd. Council members agreed that there should be larger siting distances for the project from schools and residential areas, and also requested a comprehensive environmental health impact study to be completed. The Palm Beach County Commission is expected to consider the plan on April 23.

Wellington Must Protect Its Unique Equestrian Character

Wellington is at a defining crossroads. The scale and type of development now being promoted threaten the very equestrian identity, land-use framework and community vision that made this village globally significant.

The recent South Florida Business Journal article, “Wellington Gallops into Growth,” frames large-scale development as both inevitable and beneficial. What it does not confront is the very real risk that this development trajectory is incompatible with Wellington’s adopted plans and longstanding and unique equestrian character.

Wellington’s economic engine is not generalized suburban growth — it is the equestrian industry. That industry is land-intensive, infrastructure-specific and highly sensitive to encroachment. It depends on proximity between barns, showgrounds, turnout space and support-

ing uses. Fragmentation of that land base is not easily reversible and has long-term consequences for competitiveness. The assumption that expanded retail, dining and dense residential development are necessary to sustain this industry is not supported by evidence.

Residents are also beginning to recognize a troubling reality: Even equine-friendly zoning tools — such as the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District — and our charter, which received overwhelming community support, provide only limited and not permanent protection. These safeguards can be amended or weakened, leaving Wellington’s rural character and equestrian ecosystem far more vulnerable than many believed. And this is not just about equestrians. Wellington’s equine-centered landscape benefits the entire community by preserving open space, supporting ecological

health, reducing traffic intensity and maintaining the unique rural environment that defines our quality of life. These are community-wide assets, not niche interests. As a board member of the Equine Land Conservation Resource — a national organization dedicated to protecting endangered horse lands across the country — I can say with certainty that Wellington is not alone. Communities everywhere are losing irreplaceable equine landscapes to development pressure, and once they are gone, they do not come back. Growth is not the problem. Growth that erodes Wellington’s equestrian ecosystem and identity is. If we do not act now to protect what makes this village unique, we will lose it, and there will be no way to rebuild what has been destroyed.

Phoebe Weseley Wellington

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agreed that to have an RV on a property, the land has to have a permanent resident and needs to be homesteaded. They scrapped the sticker system. Instead, residents would only need to pay a $50 flat fee per slot and submit an affidavit stating how many slots will be used, the dates they will be occupied, and how the RV is going to use electricity and dispose of waste.

Property owners will also be allowed to have someone living in a caretaker’s quarters, groom’s quarters or construction trailer

Arden

New Fire Station Planned

continued from page 1

Project Tango raised more than a few Arden eyebrows.

“To some degree, it doesn’t matter,” Arden HOA Vice President Dave Zita said. “But it’s no coincidence… You’d have to be a little naïve to say there’s no connection.”

However, when asked about a possible tie-in to Project Tango,

for up to one year with permitted septic and electric facilities, but the property needs to be at least 80 percent used as a farm.

“I think it’s a good kickoff,” Councilman Paul Coleman said. “It’s a good starting point.”

Council members will consider an ordinance based on the discussion at the workshop at a later date.

The town passed its first ordinance governing RVs in 2020, but there have been significant problems regarding compliance and enforcement. Several attempts have been made to update the RV rules, but none have led to final ordinances. In other business, the town was awarded a FEMA Stormwater Master Plan Project Grant with a total federal share of $180,000. The council is expected to consider accepting the grant and allocating a $60,000 share to conduct a study on the town’s water quality, drainage and infrastructure. Kane said she hopes that this will be the first step toward receiving federal funds to fix major structural issues in the town.

Woodside said, “Absolutely not.”

PBCFR had been looking for a site in the area since Arden began to boom in 2021, he said.

The department considered a site on County Road 880 but shied away because of the narrow bridge that crosses the C-51 Canal at 20-Mile Bend, he explained. Another site was identified in what is set to become the Artisan Lakes community off Southern Blvd. east of Arden, but political and zoning issues made that site uncertain.

So, in 2022, PBCFR and the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department did a land

swap for the acreage on Cane Field Trace, Woodside said. “The plan was already in place… [and] we decided we needed to move on this by 2027,” he said.

The temporary fire-rescue station will consist of a metal structure to protect the fire engine and rescue unit and a tied-down modular building similar to a double-wide trailer, but designed specifically for the firefighters’ needs, he said. It also will have a backup power unit. “We’re looking forward to being closer, and to being able to provide better response times,” Woodside said.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Names Cory Mead As New CEO

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital announced the appointment of Cory Mead as its new chief executive officer, effective March 30. Mead, who has replaced former CEO Jason Kimbrell, brings more than a decade of leadership experience within HCA Healthcare and a strong record of driving operational excellence and strategic growth.

Mead most recently served as CEO of HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital in Tamarac, a 271-bed acute care facility serving Broward County. During his tenure, he led several key initiatives to strengthen operations and advance patient care. He also oversaw more than $60 million in capital projects, including the opening of a new cardiac catheterization laboratory in 2025.

Prior to his role at Woodmont, Mead served as chief operating officer at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Kansas, a 343bed hospital within HCA Healthcare’s Midwest Division. He also

held leadership roles as chief operating officer of TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and associate chief operating officer at Reston Hospital Center in Virginia. Mead began his career with HCA Healthcare in 2013 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mead earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Iowa.

“We are excited to welcome Cory to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital,” said Nisha Mills, chief operating officer. “His leadership experience and commitment to excellence make him well suited to guide the hospital into its next chapter.”

During the leadership transition, Mills served as interim CEO, helping ensure continuity for colleagues, physicians and patients.

As HCA Florida Palms West Hospital celebrates 40 years of caring for the community, the

Palm Beach County Postpones Decision On Acreage ER Project

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

A decision regarding the proposal to build a new stand-alone emergency room in The Acreage was postponed by the Palm Beach County Commission on Thursday, March 26. The project, proposed by HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, would construct a 24-hour medical facility near the southeast corner of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd., which is near a residential area. While the developer believes it

will give Acreage residents easier access to emergency medical care, nearby homeowners say they do not want the noise and traffic in their backyard. The site, known as Seminole Orange Plaza, was approved for development in 2007 with commercial and medical uses. A portion of the property remains undeveloped. In order for the project to move forward, the county needs to approve both a development order amendment and a waiver to allow a 24-hour operation.

After starting a conversation with the neighbors, the developers asked the county for a 30-day postponement.

The only issue to speak to was the postponement, but several members of the public addressed the board.

Alex Larson opposed the postponement.

“We should be able to speak on this item,” Larson said. “We’re here. People traveled here, and maybe they don’t want to come back. You should hear their voice right here, right now.”

Acreage resident Lisa Johnson said that she had met with representatives of the project to discuss other possibilities, such as perhaps an urgent care center, rather than a stand-alone emergency room.

“I do not think that 30 days is going to be enough,” she said. “I really want them to get back to us, sit at the table, and let’s come up with something that everybody is happy with.”

Several others were called but declined to speak, since the only thing up for discussion was the

postponement. Others filled out comment cards, all in opposition to the overall proposal.

Brian Terry of Insite Studio spoke on behalf of the applicant.

“We are requesting a postponement. We did have the opportunity to meet with some of the neighbors,” he said, adding that the item is being discussed among HCA’s leadership, which includes a new CEO at Palms West Hospital. “We heard the concerns, and we would like to have a chance to discuss whether there are alternative options for the property.”

Terry said that 30 days should be enough of a postponement, but Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter, who represents the area, disagreed.

“I don’t want residents to keep coming back and forth,” Baxter said. “Let’s just do this [postponement] at 60 days.” The 60-day postponement was then approved unanimously by the board. It is expected to be on the agenda for the board’s May zoning hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 28.

Town Corridor Study Aims To Guide The Future Of Southern Blvd.

By Patrick Sherry

Town-Crier

Staff Report

Southern Blvd. has expanded, but the Town of Loxahatchee Groves wants to ensure that the road corridor maintains the town’s rural, agricultural identity and is seeking advice on how to do so.

The town has partnered with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning

Council to conduct the Strategic Southern Blvd. Corridor Study, which may be used to design developments along the major roadway. The organization held two public workshops on Saturday, March 28, and Monday, March 30, at the Palm Beach State College campus in Loxahatchee Groves to gather public input. In February, the council accept-

ed a $75,000 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant from FloridaCommerce that is being used to fund the study. The council is hoping to use the study to shift toward more proactive planning to maintain the visual character and rural identity of the area, in the face of increasing development pressure. Recommendations from it can be used to create zoning,

transportation improvements or development standards.

During the workshop on Monday, attendees were able to discuss with the organization’s team what they wanted the study to consider. Around the room, input posters were displayed where attendees voted using stickers on what needs the corridor should address, preferences on how they want it to look, and what type of land uses should be allowed.

Jessica Seymour, principal program coordinator at the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, gave a presentation on the study being conducted. She explained that community input will heavily shape their recommendations.

“The study will be a series of recommendations — a summary of all the public input that we’ve received along the way,” Seymour said. “The town is not in any way required to act on any of those recommendations.”

After the presentation, attendees were able to ask questions and give their thoughts on the study. For most, the priority was for the town to focus on keeping its rural, agricultural character.

“It is of utmost importance that we remain [agricultural], and that it doesn’t get toppled — that our

Kessler Out, Stone Promoted At Wellington International

On Monday, March 27, Wellington International announced the termination of Murray Kessler from Equestrian Sport Productions LLC and its affiliated entities, as well as from the management committee of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, effective immediately.

This action comes as an independent investigation has been conducted following a situation involving Kessler. According to multiple published reports, the investigation stemmed from an allegedly inappropriate incident involving Kessler and another Wellington International employee.

Upon learning of the matter, the organization acted immediately to support the employee who brought

Celebrate Earth Day At Okeeheelee

Enjoy a day of fun and learning at the Okeeheelee Nature Center’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This exciting, free event for all ages is packed with a variety of activities to promote environmental awareness, conservation, recreation, and health and wellness.

Event highlights include: live animal encounters, guided nature tours, environmental exhibitors and vendors, mindfulness experiences, eco-friendly crafts, raffles to benefit the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center, as well as food trucks, face painting and more.

Come explore all that the nature center has to offer. The Okeeheelee Nature Center is located in Okeeheelee Park at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd.

Wellington Earns Distinguished Budget Award

Wellington has once again been recognized for its excellence in financial management, earning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 25th year for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.

The award represents a significant achievement by the Village of Wellington. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, Wellington had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an

it forward. Consistent with company policies, steps were taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Following notification of the incident, the company initiated an independent investigation within 24 hours, demonstrating its commitment to a thorough and objective review. As the organization moves forward, it does so with experienced leadership and a continued focus on stability and excellence. Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, will assume executive oversight of operations. Stone has led Wellington International for nearly two decades. In this expanded role, he continues to oversee management of the premier equestrian competi-

tion venue in Wellington. He serves as a key liaison to both the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), reinforcing the organization’s superior reputation across the sport’s governing bodies.

Under Stone’s leadership, Wellington International has grown into one of the world’s premier equestrian venues, hosting 40 weeks of competition annually, including the Winter Equestrian Festival — an event that in 2025 generated more than $500 million in economic impact for Palm Beach County. Stone’s broader industry experience includes serving as sports director for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon,

NEWS BRIEFS

entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

Receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting, underscoring Wellington’s dedication to responsible financial stewardship. This achievement would not be possible without the hard work and expertise of Wellington’s Budget Team of Christine Wadleigh, Rubi Cabret and Jeff Gomez. Their work helps ensure that the village remains fiscally strong and wellprepared for the future. For more information on Wellington’s budget and financial planning, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/budget.

YMCA’s Free Healthy Kids Day April 18

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches invites families throughout Palm Beach County to attend its annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the YMCA at Palm Beach State College (4200 S. Congress Avenue, Lake Worth). This free community event is open to the public and designed to inspire healthy habits and active lifestyles as families head into the summer season.

Healthy Kids Day is part of the Y’s national initiative focused on improving the health and wellbeing of children and families. The event will feature a variety of engaging, family-friendly activities, including relay races, cornhole, a soccer challenge, ladder golf,

potato sack races and a football toss. Children can also enjoy a giant inflatable slide and interactive activity stations throughout the venue.

More than 30 community vendors will be on site offering resources, giveaways and information for families. Food trucks will be available to purchase items, and attendees can participate in raffles featuring tickets to popular Palm Beach County attractions. The first 100 children who complete the Healthy Kids Day activity map will receive special prizes.

“Healthy Kids Day is a celebration of community and a reminder of the importance of keeping kids active, engaged and connected,” said Tim Coffield, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “We are proud to offer this free event to families across Palm Beach County and help set the stage for a healthy, happy summer.”

Healthy Kids Day is free and open to the public. For more information, call (561) 968-9622 or visit www.ymcapalmbeaches.org.

Library System Boosts Online

Live Tutoring

As the school year enters its final months, the Palm Beach County Library System is launching a major academic support initiative to help students cross the finish line with confidence.

The library recently announced that live, one-on-one tutoring through Brainfuse HelpNow has expanded to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This round-the-clock access is designed for students making a “last push” to improve their grades, master final projects or complete their end-of-year academic challenges. By providing

as well as more than a decade of service with the FEI in Lausanne, where he held senior roles, including secretary general and sports director. A former international show jumping competitor for Ireland, he also remains deeply engaged in the sport through USEF committee work, the FEI Jumping Committee and as a board member of the International Jumping Organizers group.

“I am honored to continue leading our exceptional venue and team,” Stone said. “I look forward to further strengthening our legacy alongside a best-in-class team whose talent and dedication define Wellington International as one of the world’s leading equestrian venues.”

expert help at any hour of the day, the library is ensuring that every student at every level in Palm Beach County has a reliable partner for their year-end academic goals.

The HelpNow platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools to help students of all ages turn their academic performance around before summer break.

These include:

• 24/7 Live Homework Help — Students can connect with certified tutors at any time for real-time assistance in math, reading, writing, science and more. Simply log in, choose your grade and subject, and get the help you need.

• LEAP Learning Platform

Identify exactly where you need improvement with diagnostic tests and personalized study plans. It is an ideal tool for students needing to catch up on foundational skills.

• Writing Lab — Ensure final papers and projects are polished. Submit any writing assignment and receive expert, personalized feedback within 24 hours.

• SkillSurfer Lessons & Videos — Access a library of practice tests and video tutorials for major exams, like the SAT, ACT, GED and TOEFL, as well as core subject reviews.

• Adult Learning Center

Support for adult learners seeking to finish their high school equivalency or U.S. citizenship tests with live tutoring and academic skill-building.

“The end of the school year can be a high-pressure time for many students and families,” Library Director Douglas Crane said. “By making expert tutoring available 24/7, we are providing the support necessary for every student to achieve their best.”

Accessing Brainfuse is free with a valid library card. Visit www. pbclibrary.org and sign in with your card number to begin.

agricultural rights are maintained,” resident Nina Corning said.

Council members who attended the workshop expressed similar sentiments. They recognized the benefit of completing the study to ensure that they can secure the future of the corridor in a way that benefits the community.

“I think that the desire to get this right is really important at this point,” Councilwoman Lisa ElRamey said. “We really feel like our clock is ticking, and pressure is coming to bear from so many directions, that if we do not get it correct now, it’s a fail.”

However, some remained skeptical and were concerned with the study’s methodology and the organization’s background. Some residents wanted to ensure that the town would be working with a team that truly understands what the community believes is important. However, the team behind the study emphasized that they are working closely with the public to provide a service that they believe will assist the town.

“We are here on behalf of your

town; on behalf of your community,” said Dana Little, design director at the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. “You may not like what we recommend at some point, and we may miss the mark, but we are not here with some particular agenda.” The town and the planning council released an online survey to get more community feedback that will be incorporated into the study. The survey is open until May 1. The team also encouraged the community to reach out to them if they have other concerns or suggestions, so that they can be considered in the study. With the survey collecting more feedback, the team is now moving on to drafting the project report based on the collected data. The final report is expected to be presented to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council in June. Any recommendations made can then be used by the council. To learn more about the corridor study, or to submit feedback, visit www. loxahatcheegrovesfl.gov/1601/ the-southern-boulevard-corridor.

Wellington To Host Earth Day And Arbor Day Events April 25

Wellington is hosting multiple events on Saturday, April 25 in recognition of Earth Day and Arbor Day. These include a cleanup, a plant sale and community celebration.

Great American Cleanup —

Each year, the Great American Cleanup, an initiative of Keep America Beautiful, inspires thousands of volunteers of all ages across America to take part in efforts to clean up and improve their local communities.

This year, the Village of Wellington is participating by organizing cleanup activities throughout the community starting at 9 a.m.

If you are interested in participating, register by contacting the Community Services Department at (561) 753-2484. The event is coordinated in partnership with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful Inc. and the Solid Waste Authority.

Garden Club Plant Sale — The Wellington Garden Club will host a plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), in combination with the Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration. The sale is free and open to the public.

Proceeds benefit the Wellington Garden Club’s youth programs, scholarships, civic beautification and environmental efforts.

Offerings include a variety of plants from local nurseries and vendors, and plants grown by Wel-

lington Garden Club members. There will also be a children’s craft table, food trucks, master gardeners available for questions and a plant raffle. Learn more about the club at www.wellingtongardenclub.org. Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration — In combination with the plant sale, the community is invited to enjoy a free day of fun and learning at Wellington’s Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. Join the Wellington Village Council at the start of the event for the planting of a pink cassia tree in honor of Arbor Day. The event will include: earth friendly products and demonstrations, free native seedlings, giveaways, a free raffle for a plant in a 15-gallon container and a visit with Smokey Bear. You can also learn proper tree pruning with Wellington Public Works staff, and visit with local vendors and community partners. The event will also feature the FLOWER (Fabulous Landscapes Of Wellington Earning Recognition) Awards Ceremony, and visitors can stop by booths highlighting the Wellington Garden Club, the Wellington Art Society and the Wellington Tree Board. Learn more about Wellington’s Earth Day & Arbor Day activities at www.wellingtonfl.gov/earthday.

Tayari Jones To Speak At Love Of Literacy Luncheon On April 9

New York Times bestselling

author Tayari Jones will be the featured author at the 35th annual Love of Literacy Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County will host the fundraiser to benefit local literacy programs. Jones is the author of awardwinning novels, including An American Marriage, which is an Oprah’s Book Club Selection and named a notable book by The New York Times and The Washington Post, as well as one of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. An American Marriage was also awarded the Women’s Prize for Fiction, the Aspen Words Prize, and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Fiction. It has been published in more than 20 countries, with more than a million copies in print around the world.

Jones has written the new, unforgettable novel Kin, released in February and chosen for Oprah’s Book Club. Of the new book, Oprah said, “[Kin] is a masterpiece of a novel that contemplates the meaning and complications of love and friendship, and it will live with you long after you turn the last page.” Jones, a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, is a graduate of Spelman

College, the University of Iowa and Arizona State University. She is an Andrew D. White Professorat-Large at Cornell University and the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Creative Writing at Emory University. Individual tickets to the luncheon are $200. A table of 10 with preferred seating is $2,000. Patron tickets, with access to a private reception with the speaker and including a personal color photograph

THOMAS M. WENHAM MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC HELD

CROS MINISTRIES HOSTS SIP & SHARE EVENT AT

WELLINGTON’S OFFIC PARTY

Venue Sponsor

Prepare to experience the excitement, elegance, and pageantry of Derby Day as Wellington’s most anticipated spring celebration returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning 4 p.m. at the stunning Diamante Farms. This premier Derby gathering invites guests to indulge in an afternoon and evening where equestrian tradition meets refined social celebration.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of one of Wellington’s most spectacular private dressage farms, the event captures the timeless spirit of the Kentucky Derby with a distinctly Wellington flair. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their Derby best — think sophisticated spring fashion, statement hats, and classic Southern style. The grounds will come alive with music, laughter, and the thrill of the races.

As the race approaches, the atmosphere will build with anticipation as guests cheer on their favorite contenders while enjoying the festive traditions that make Derby Day so iconic. From the lively camaraderie to the unmistakable elegance of the setting, every moment is designed to capture the magic of this storied sporting tradition.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy an exceptional culinary experience, curated by talented executive chefs, offering a selection of elevated fare designed to delight the palate. Signature cocktails — including the ever-classic mint julep — along with fine wines and refreshing libations will be served as guests mingle, celebrate, and soak in the vibrant Derby Day energy.

More than just an extraordinary social event, the Wellington Derby Celebration is also an opportunity to give back. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Wellington Community Foundation, supporting meaningful programs and initiatives that strengthen and enrich our local community.

Whether you are a lifelong racing enthusiast or you simply appreciate an elegant evening among friends, the Wellington Derby Party promises a memorable blend of style, hospitality and philanthropy.

So gather your friends, pick your pony, and join us for a spectacular celebration of racing, cuisine and community spirit. With every toast, every cheer and thrilling moment, we come together to support the place we proudly call home: Wellington.

Celebrate Earth Day Creatively!

Pop- Up Gallery in the “District” at the Mall at Wellington Green April 22-26, 2026 at the WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY

Pop-Up Gallery Open: Tues-Fri 12:00-8:00pm Sat 10:00am-8:00 pm | Sun 11:00am-3:00 pm ARTIST RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY MEET THE ARTISTS!

Saturday, April 25, 5:00-8:00 PM Raffle, Boutique, Refreshments Live music with “Bobby G” award-winning singer, songwriter/music

Experience a week full of fun and inspiring activities for art lovers, curious beginners , a fun family outing , there’s something for everyone! 10300 Forest Hill Blvd Wellington, FL 33414

GREATER WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOLDS BOARD INSTALLATION LUNCHEON

The Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Board Installation Luncheon on Wednesday, March 25 at Wellington International. During the luncheon, Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Mike Caruso installed the chamber’s board for 2026-27, which will be led by attorney Alexander L. Domb. Attendees enjoyed food, networking and a presentation by the event’s sponsor, Sherron Permashwar of the Modern Savvy CPA and the Prosperity Academy. New chamber members got a chance to introduce themselves and took part in ribbon-cutting ceremonies. PHOTOS BY MARGARET HUNT/TOWN-CRIER

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL’S

Health Care District Will Build New Mental Health Center On Benoist Farms Road

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County last month introduced the name of its future, first-of-its-kind crisis and mental health care facility: Two Waters Mental Health Center.

The facility will be located at 100 N. Benoist Farms Road, just north of Southern Blvd.

Two Waters will redefine how individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises receive care, serving as a 24/7 centralized access point built on nationally recognized, evidence-based models. As part of this announcement during the Health Care District’s

2026 Strategic Planning meeting on March 12, national expert Dr. Margie Balfour spoke to community partners to highlight how this model is being implemented across the country — and how the Health Care District of Palm Beach County is bringing that vision to life.

Waters will integrate emergency psychiatric care, urgent walk-ins, law enforcement/EMS drop-offs, short-term stabilization, and ongoing outpatient and primary care.

said. “Through compassionate, evidence-based care, Two Waters ensures that no one has to navigate those waters alone.”

Get your baskets ready for Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt, which returns to the Village Park softball fields, located at 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, April 4. The event begins promptly at 10 a.m.,

New Field

New Logo Design

continued from page 1 time over the next few weeks to celebrate the opening of the field and the re-opening of the pier at Coconut Park, Lawrence said.

An EF-3 tornado severely damaged the park in October 2024, shredding trees and infrastructure and ripping the recently renovated pier out of the lake. In February, the district approved a $246,000 contract to rebuild the pier. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $105,000 for the project, with ITID covering the rest. In other business, the supervisors reviewed a proposed new district logo developed by recently hired Public Information Officer Rebecca Stewart. Supervisors suggested refinements but unanimously approved the concept. It emphasizes the equestrian and semi-rural nature of the district. Members of the audience were split on the design during public comment.

“Why do things we don’t have to do? We’re not an album cover;

we’re a drainage district,” one said. Another said, “One of the reasons I moved out here was for the equestrian [focus]. All the awareness we can give to the equestrian world and the agricultural world — I like it.”

Supervisor Patricia Farrell supported the change.

“Sometimes, if things stay the same for too long, we don’t really look at them anymore. When we change a logo, it draws new attention,” she said. The new logo will be phased in on district uniforms and equipment as they are replaced due to normal wear, Accomando said, emphasizing that the change will have no financial impact.

When the doors open in 2029, Two Waters will provide a safe, coordinated and clinically appropriate setting for individuals experiencing any form of mental health condition — rooted in compassion and resilience. By bringing together traditionally siloed mental health care under one roof, available 24/7 and regardless of insurance or ability to pay, Two

Data Center Sides Plan Meetings

continued from page 1 to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.

The web site can be found at www.centralparkcommercecenter. com.

“We’re trying to get factual information into the hands of the public,” CPCC Project Director Ernie Cox said this week.

“This is about protecting our schools, the children who learn in them, and their families and neighborhoods,” said Longhofer, according to the press release. “We must ensure that decisions on facilities of this type prioritize the health, safety and educational environment of our students above all else.”

RPB Council Council Members

Take Oath

continued from page 1 swearing-in of council members for new terms.

Councilwoman Selena Samios, who returned to the dais after one year off the council, was sworn in for a two-year term in the Group 1 seat, which she won by defeating former Councilman Adam Miller in the March 10 election. Also beginning new terms were Group 3 incumbent Sylvia Sharps and Mayor Jeff Hmara, who were re-elected to new terms without opposition.

“Two Waters represents a fundamental shift in how we care for people in crisis,” President and CEO Darcy J. Davis said. “It’s not just a name — it reflects a system designed to meet people in their most vulnerable moments and guide them toward stability and healing.”

“The name Two Waters reflects both our geography and the experience of crisis itself — the balance between calm and storm,” Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Belma Andrić

In 2016, PBA Holdings Inc. was given county approval for warehouses and a data center on the property on the north side of Southern Blvd. Cox said the existing plan is to take a scaled-back version of Project Tango before the county commissioners at its April 23 meeting.

“We believe it will be a better outcome for everyone if we do that,” Cox said.

If it fails to gain approval, the developers may have to go back to square one in the lengthy approval process.

The Arden Homeowners’ Association already is investigating legal options if Project Tango is approved, HOA President Raymond Penuela said Wednesday.

Recognizing the need for experienced outside legal counsel, Penuela said Project Tango’s

When it came to assigning roles for the new year, Sharps was appointed as the new vice mayor, a position that rotates among council members each year.

The council members voted to appoint each other as council liaisons for the village’s advisory boards and other organizations. They appointed Councilman Richard Valuntas to the Recreation Advisory Board, Sharps to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Hmara to the Education Advisory Board, Samios to the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Western Communities Council, and Councilwoman Jan Rodusky as the voting delegate to the Palm Beach County League of Cities.

Two Waters will be located on a site purchased in September 2025.

As a result of expert financial stewardship at the lowest millage rate in history, the Health Care District’s $145 million investment will be designed utilizing national models for crisis response, offering 24/7 crisis and mental health care for adults and children — alleviating the complexity of navigating traditionally siloed care.

Currently in the planning and design phase of development, Two Waters will be a reliable and safe place for all mental health condi-

developers “sneeze more money than we have in our whole budget… The question is, is this an Arden fight or a bigger fight? Is it a western communities fight? A county fight?”

Penuela said that before his board commits the community to expensive and likely lengthy litigation, there would have to broadbased support from residents.

Among officials planning to attend Monday’s event at Saddle View is State Rep. Meg Weinberger (R-District 94), who this week expressed concerns about the location of the AI data center, within some 1,500 feet of the school.

tions when the doors open in 2029. To support long-term resilience and prevent future crises, the facility will include fully integrated primary care, pharmacy and outpatient psychiatric care to support continuity of care. As part of its broader mental health strategy, the Health Care District continues to expand access to services across Palm Beach County, including outpatient mental health care available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at its community health centers. To make an appointment for outpatient care, call (561) 6421000. Learn more about the Health Care District of Palm Beach County at www.hcdpbc.org.

According to the media release from Project Tango opponents, the “key concerns” to be addressed at Monday’s event are:

• Possible impact on student learning from potential increases in noise, traffic and environmental disruption near the school.

• Potential health and safety hazards.

• Effects on neighborhood character, property values and quality of life.

• Alleged “insufficient transparency… regarding the planning process and lack of meaningful community input.”

“We simply do not know enough about Project Tango’s potential negative impacts to approve its construction at this time,” Longhofer said in the press release.

“The need for [AI data centers] is great, but they can be dangerous if they are too close,” said Weinberger, who has made at least two trips to Arden to look into the situation and talk to residents. “I want to make sure we’re paying attention to how this is being handled.”

The GPL’s International Gay Polo Tournament Returns April 23-25

It’s the lunar Year of the Horse, and the Gay Polo League (GPL) will honor the strength, majesty and competitive spirit of the polo ponies and the players at the International Gay Polo Tournament, set for April 23-25 in Wellington. Now in its 16th year, the event attracts a global cross-section of more than 1,000 attendees and 16 players from around the world. The Year of the Horse and the sport of polo are deeply intertwined through shared historical origins in East Asia, and the International Gay Polo Tournament, with its vibrant energy, athletic excellence, and celebration of authenticity and freedom, mirrors the horse’s spirited nature, making the connection between this lunar symbol and the sport of polo powerful and poetic.

The GPL was founded in 2006 by Chip McKenney. Since then, it has grown into an international network of players and supporters spanning 15 countries. To date, the league has raised more than $400,000 for charitable partners. Equality Florida has been selected as this year’s recipient charity, supporting the organization’s Safe & Healthy Schools Project to advance safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ students across the state.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, April 23 with “GPL Polotini presents Wigstock!” at Mary Lou’s in West Palm Beach. This hair-raising extravaganza is always a highlight of the weekend, featuring DJ Citizen Jane and revelers dressing up in their most

fabulous ensembles and outré wigs. The first-place winner of the Wig Contest will receive two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the U.S., courtesy of Delta Air Lines. Proceeds from the event benefit Equality Florida’s Safe & Healthy Schools Project.

Friday, April 24 is the GPL Sponsors & VIP Black Tie Dinner Reception held at the Patagones Polo Club. This is an invitation-only event for sponsors, players and GPL members.

On Saturday, April 25, four polo teams featuring 16 players from around the world will compete in the GPL’s International Gay Polo Tournament at the Patagones Polo Club (4659 120th Avenue South, Wellington). While the teams compete on Patagones’ world-class

field, spectators will feel the thrill of the match up close as the action unfolds right from the edge of the pitch. This family-friendly event combines thrilling polo action with colorful pageantry, including the tailgate decorating competition sponsored by the United States Tennis Association, DJ Citizen Jane, a horseback “Flags of Nations” procession and more. Gates open at noon, with matches at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

VIP ticket holders will enjoy an afternoon of polo and celebration with an elevated field-side experience in the Cherry Knoll Farm VIP Tent, enjoying reserved seating, an open bar and lavish culinary fare.

“Celebrating 16 years of GPL’s flagship event in Wellington propels us to create and produce the

Festa Italiana Of Wellington Returns April 17-19

The second annual Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will be held at the Wellington Amphitheater from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, presented by Brian Marketing Group. The free event will create an experience rich in Italian culture through food, music, art and tradition. There will be food booths serving up all the Italian favorites, from sausage and peppers, pasta, pizza, Italian ice, zeppoles and more.

There will be entertainment all weekend on the Beachside Golf Cars stage, and the mistress of ceremonies will be Virginia Sinicki of the KVJ Show on WRMF. Performing will be Italian American entertainers and tribute artists. Friday night is Freestyle with DJ Anthony Mangini spinning the hits, performances by Lucas Prata and “Dreamgirl” Cynthia. Other weekend performers include Angelo Venuto, Tony Romeo, Daniela Martino, Vince & Emily Riccardi and Joanne Togati. Saturday night will feature the Atlantic City Boys as a tribute to Frankie Valli. Sunday will feature acclaimed “Sinatra Songbook” singer, songwriter and entertainer Tony Quaranti; Anthony Nunziata; and the “Voice of Romance,” Franco Corso. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating. Special VIP seating includes Reserved Stage Pods with a table and seating for four people, and VIP Villas with a tent, table and seating for eight for purchase on Eventbrite.com. Both offer cocktail service.

Toast to your Italian American heritage with a Birra Moretti Italian beer or a wine at the Moretti Beer Garden or the Spritz Del Conte Wine Garden.

In addition, there will be the Schumacher Auto Group family picnic area for festival goers to sit and eat while enjoying the concerts.

Another highlight is the La Cucina Galbani Cooking stage that will feature nationally known chefs, including Galbani Celebrity Chef Marco Sciortino. Known for his dynamic personality and culinary mastery, he will be highlighting his signature dishes, blending authentic Italian flavors with his own innovative twists, offering mouthwatering creations that highlight the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Galbani products.

Do not miss a taste of the free Voga Wine seminars by wine con-

noisseurs throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, the Sicilian Oven will host a pizza-eating contest, and Galbani will host a celebrity cheese stacking competition for charity.

For the entire family, there will be festival rides and carnival games for all ages. Little Smiles, the official festival charity, will be on site with fun activities for kids. This nonprofit organization works to bring smiles to children’s faces by allowing them to be kids during difficult times.

Come meet your favorite Italian brothers, Mario and Luigi, for a photo opportunity throughout the weekend sponsored by Charm Pop Party. “Pin Your Roots” at the booth of the Marcelo Montesinos Law Firm to place your pin on the map of Italy to designate where your family originates.

Special thanks to sponsors Galbani, the Brian Marketing

Group, Beachside Golf Cars, the Schumacher Auto Group, Spritz Del Conte, American Bath and Shower, Riboli Family Wines, Birra Moretti, Voga Italia, Florida Window & Door, the Mall at Wellington Green, Cerrito Electric, the Law Office of Marcelo Montesinos, John Deere, Bedner’s, Du-All Plumbing, AMB Aesthetics and Wellness, the Creative Contracting Group, Charm Pop Bar, Wellington The Magazine, the Town-Crier newspaper and Hubbard Radio. General admission to the festival is free with special VIP seating available on Eventbrite. com. Festival hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Free parking and shuttle service is available from the Mall at Wellington Green to and from the festival. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonfestaitaliana.com.

best experience by far, to bring people together to enjoy the best of us,” GPL Founder and President Chip McKenney said. “My initial goal was to encourage greater diversity and inclusion in the sport of polo, and now we have polo players, fans and allies who come from

all over the world to participate. GPL is changing perceptions in the LGBTQ+ community, athletics and society at large, one chukker at a time.” For tickets, more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.gaypolo.com.

WESTLAKE SPRINGFEST CELEBRATES EASTER WITH FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Thousands of people were on hand when the City of Westlake held its annual SpringFest celebration on Saturday, March 28. The free family-friendly event included Easter egg hunts for various age groups; live music and entertainment; face painting and balloon twisting; food trucks and market vendors; and, of course, photos with the Easter Bunny. The event was held along Ilex Way, across from the Lodge at Westlake Adventure Park. PHOTOS BY

St. David’s In The Pines Brings The Passion Back Into Palm Sunday

St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington brought the Passion back to Palm Sunday with a special service on Sunday, March 29. The 10 a.m. Palm Sunday service began with the traditional procession of the palms, but this year’s procession featured Mirabel the Donkey. As Father Matthew Tees explained to parishioners in his Palm Sunday sermon, the donkey symbolized that the one who rode it, came to spread peace. Mirabel certainly put a joyful smile on the faces of all ages at St. David’s as churches worldwide entered the start of Holy Week. The community is invited to St. David’s for its Easter Sunday Service on April 5 at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Learn more about the church at www.saintdavidsinthepines.com.

Garden Club To Feature Presentation

By Chrystine Tauber On Monday, April 6

The Wellington Garden Club will meet on Monday, April 6, at 10 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will feature a presentation by Chrystine Tauber on “Reinvent Your Small Garden and Hardscape Spaces.”

Tauber

In 2007, she created Distinctive Gardens Inc.

As her clientele grew, Tauber shifted her interests from equestrian sport to the business of garden enhancement and specialized care. Today, she is an accredited National Garden Club Consultant.

It’s easy to understand why Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is his most performed play worldwide, and why the playwright once said in an interview that he considered it his finest work.

A masterful, riveting exploration of the 1692 Salem witch trials, this timeless Tony Award-winning play is also an allegory for McCarthyism and the House Un-American Activities Committee’s modern-day witch hunts.

Tauber is a lifelong equestrian, international judge and former president of the US Equestrian Federation. She has been a resident of Wellington since 1981 and is a member of the Wellington Garden Club. Before moving to Florida, Tauber and her husband lived in New Jersey and developed a 16-acre property into extensive gardens that were frequently open to tours. She knew that gardening in a subtropical climate was different than gardening in New Jersey. During her early years living in Florida, Tauber started learning everything she could about landscaping. She became a member of the Mounts Botanical Garden, attended lectures and seminars, and studied volumes of books and magazines.

The public is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the desk upon arrival. Reserving a spot at the meeting is recommended by contacting Wellington Garden Club Membership Chair Anne Hlasnicek via e-mail at ideasmith@ comcast.net.

Her neighbors noticed her beautiful growing gardens, and several asked if she would look after theirs while away after the equestrian season. They gave her permission to do whatever she thought needed. That provided her with ongoing test gardens for years.

The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

Convinced that witches are living among them, Salem is gripped by mass hysteria, paranoia, fear and retribution, with neighbors turning on and turning in neighbors, and religious fervor turning a blind eye to justice. This extraordinary, powerful play opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on April 3 and continues through April 19. Palm Beach Dramaworks Producing Artistic Director William Hayes directs. Diane Perlberg is the 2025-26 season sponsor. Toni and Martin Sosnoff are the executive producers of The Crucible, and Nancy Goodes is the producer. The production features (in alphabetical order) Cat Boynton, Barbara B. Bradshaw, Gary Cadwallader, John Campagnuolo, Kaia Davis, Rob Donohoe, Peter W. Galman, Hannah Hayley, David A. Hyland, Nick Jordan, Julie Kleiner, Margery Lowe, Natalie Donahue McMahon, Tom Patterson, Andy Prosky, Karen Stephens, John Leonard Thompson, Seth Trucks, Tom Wahl and Elisabeth Yancey. Jessica Chen is the assistant director, Doug Wilkinson is the scenic designer, Brian O’Keefe is the

costume designer, José Santiago is the lighting designer, Roger Arnold is the sound designer, Adam J. Thompson is the projection designer, David A. Hyland is the fight director, Robin Christian-McNair is the dialect coach, Bruce Linser is the hymns consultant/director, Kathryn Johnston is the intimacy coordinator and casting is by McCorkle Casting Ltd. Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional, nonprofit theatre company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Each season, the award-winning company produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theater and in schools. Tickets for all performances are $95, except for opening night of each production ($115) and previews ($75). Student tickets are available for $15 with a valid K-12 or university/college ID, and anyone under 40 pays $40 (no additional fees) with a photo ID. Tickets for educators and active military are half price with proper ID (other restrictions apply). Group rates are also available. Tickets can be purchased through the box office, in person or by phone at (561) 514-4042, ext. 2, and online 24 hours a day at www. palmbeachdramaworks.org. Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Post-performance discussions follow Wednesday and Thursday matinees. The Don & Ann Brown Theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach at 201 Clematis Street.

WELLINGTON GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF UNIQUE GARDENS

Wellington Lifestyle Partners Update: New Showgrounds Coming to Life

Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP) continues to advance construction of the new showground facilities located contiguous to and south of Wellington International. The facilities are being delivered pursuant to Condition 7 of WLP’s approval for The Wellington, its new private residential club community, and remain on schedule for completion ahead of the 2027 equestrian competition season. These new equestrian facilities will not only significantly expand the showgrounds footprint, but also help ensure that Wellington remains the world’s premier horse sport destination.

PROGRESS UPDATES

New Derby Field Completed. Performance testing completed and in compliance.

Schooling Ring for Derby Field Completed.

Main Arena Ring Grading in progress. Estimated completion April 2026.

Schooling Ring for Main Arena Completed.

Seats for Spectators

3,000 seats estimated to start summer 2026.

Four Additional Arenas 280,000 square feet of additional arenas completed.

Permanent Stabling 220 stalls with Equitan flooring to be completed by summer 2026.

Lunging Area Completed.

15 Shade Structures Estimated to start summer 2026.

Covered Arena Completed.

Seminole Ridge Flag Football Team Having A Dominant Season

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team is having another sensational and, perhaps, historic season. With an 11-1 record, the Hawks are focused on repeating as Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A state champions.

To date, the only blemish on the schedule was a 13-7 loss to Park Vista High School on Feb. 24. Since that early season defeat, Seminole Ridge has rolled off seven straight wins.

Over the course of their seven consecutive victories, the Hawks’ offense has been prolific, while the defense has been defiant. In that time period, Seminole Ridge has averaged 27.3 points per game while allowing 4.4 points per game. Five of those seven wins

have been shutouts, bringing the total number of shutouts this season to eight.

Seminole Ridge flag football head coach Scott O’Hara has strong words of praise for his players.

“It all starts with the outstanding leadership provided by our three captains,” O’Hara said. “They are senior Carrie Didio, senior Jazlyn Ruiz and junior Maeson Frost.”

There have been a number of defensive catalysts for Seminole Ridge this season. They include junior Chachi Saunders, who has already grabbed 12 interceptions.

O’Hara said Saunders is a unique talent on the gridiron.

“Chachi is a positive thinker who is always encouraging to everyone and picks up the entire team when needed,” O’Hara said.

Sophomore Ava Dowdell is second on the team in intercep-

tions with seven, while junior Ja’Niah Tejeda has six interceptions. O’Hara said both players are exceptional athletes.

“Ava is athletic, and she accepts each and every challenge on the gridiron,” O’Hara said. “Ja’Niah Tejeda is extremely versatile. She can play literally every position on the field.”

The statistical leader in flag pulls per game is sophomore Avaree Brant with 5.2. Sophomore Ava Aiken is another strong member of the Seminole Ridge defense. She leads the team in sacks (2) and flag pulls for losses (2). Brant is having a similar amount of success on offense, leading the team in total touchdowns (16), touchdown receptions (15) and receiving yards per game (64.3).

“Sophomore returner Avaree Brant is a multi-talented player who has every skill needed to

succeed on the field,” O’Hara said.

“And sophomore and varsity newcomer Ava Aiken is energetic. She runs every play like it is her last.”

The leader of Seminole Ridge’s offense is junior quarterback Aubrey Fogel. She leads the Hawks in touchdown passes (29), completion percentage (72.7 percent) and quarterback rating (64.2).

Seminole Ridge will conclude its regular season schedule on April 14 with a home game against Palm Beach Gardens High School. Then, they will begin their journey through the postseason district and regional tournaments, with the goal of reaching the FHSAA’s Class 3A state final four, which will be held in Tampa at the AdventHealth Training Center on May 15-16. If the Hawks win this year’s Class 3A state title, it will be the seventh flag football state championship in school history.

Strong Baseball Seasons Underway For The King’s

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Of the six local high school varsity baseball teams, two of them are having winning seasons, while the other four are focused on finishing out the year on a winning note. The King’s Academy Lions are 14-8 this season. The Lions opened up strong by winning six out of their first seven games. The team is currently riding a twogame winning streak. Sophomore shortstop Alec Cabrera is leading the Lions in eight offensive categories — slugging percentage (1.106), on-base percentage (.617), batting average (.530), hits (35), runs batted in (33), home runs (8), doubles (8) and triples (3).

The Palm Beach Central Bron-

Academy, Palm Beach Central

cos are having a solid season on the baseball diamond. After 22 games, Palm Beach Central is 13-9. The Broncos opened the season with four consecutive victories. Most recently, the Broncos have won three out of their most recent four games. Statistically, Palm Beach Central is led by junior outfielder Jordan Chassagne, who is leading the team in on-base percentage (.512), batting average (.359), hits (23), runs scored (22) and triples (3).

At Wellington High School, the Wolverines are having a lackluster season with a record of 6-12, however, the team has recently rebounded. After opening the season with eight consecutive losses, the Wolverines responded by winning six out of their previous 10 games. Senior catcher Ari Buckstein is

leading Wellington with a .341 batting average.

With four games remaining in the regular season schedule, the Hawks from Seminole Ridge High School are 9-10. Seminole Ridge concludes its regular season on April 11 when the Hawks host Wellington High School. In that game, the Hawks will be looking to avenge their 3-1 loss to Wellington on Tuesday, March 31. Junior Michael Riaboukha leads Seminole Ridge in on-base percentage (.574), batting average (.440), stolen bases (28), runs scored (26) and hits (22).

Under the leadership of head coach Tim Maxwell, the Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcats are 9-11. With four games left in the regular season, Royal Palm Beach is looking to finish

at or above .500 for the regular season. Miguel Guzman leads the Wildcats in slugging percentage (.481), on-base percentage (.441), batting average (.389), hits (21), runs batted in (9) and triples (2).

The Berean Christian School Bulldogs have been hovering around the .500 mark all season.

Right now, Berean is 6-7. Senior Elijah Brown, who pitches and plays first base, leads the Bulldogs in batting average (.379), slugging percentage (.516) and doubles (4). Reilley Moore leads the team in fielding percentage (.972), runs scored (16), hits (15) and stolen bases (11).

This spring, the postseason for high school baseball in Florida begins with the local district tournaments, which will begin on Tuesday, April 14.

RPB MARKS FLORIDA BIKE MONTH WITH A

King’s Academy Girls Softball Squad Having A Strong Season

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The King’s Academy girls varsity softball team is having another winning season and is focused on a deep postseason run in the upcoming Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A state playoffs.

This year, the team’s success has been largely accomplished with a roster of young players. Only one of the 14 girls on the team is a senior — Kiersten Zimmerman, who patrols centerfield for the Lions. Of the 13 other players on the roster, four are eighth graders, one is a freshman, five are sophomores and three are juniors.

After the first 13 games of the season, TKA has an 11-2 record. The only losses were a 10-6 setback against William T. Dwyer High School on Feb. 26 and a 3-0 defeat at the hands of district

rival the Oxbridge Academy on Monday, March 30. As a team this season, the Lions have had a productive offense and a strong, resilient defense. After 13 games, TKA is averaging 12.2 runs a game and only allowing 3.2 runs per contest. Of the team’s 11 victories, four have been shutouts.

The team’s three juniors — Gracyn Needle, Lily Stone and Caroline Duncan — are playing like seniors. Needle is the team’s shortstop, Stone plays second base and Duncan is the team’s top pitcher.

The most productive hitter has been Needle, who is committed to the University of Tennessee. She is leading the team in slugging percentage (1.607), on-base percentage (.805), batting average (.714), runs scored (28) and home runs (7).

“Gracyn is having an outstand-

ing season,” said Kim Needle, who is Gracyn’s mother and is the team’s head coach.

Stone is the team’s leader in hits (22), runs batted in (28) and triples (2). Her batting average is an impressive .688, and she has slugged five home runs so far this season. As a fielder, she has a 1.000 fielding percentage.

“Lily is back in action after missing last season due to injury,” coach Needle said. “Having her back is such a game changer for TKA softball. She can hit for power or lay down a bunt for a base hit, and her defense is remarkable.”

Duncan is the team’s best pitcher with an earned run average of 3.42. An All-County pitcher committed to Palm Beach Atlantic University, Duncan has an impressive record of 7-1 and has struck out 40 batters to date. She is also an effective hitter with a .318 batting average.

Duncan gets help inside the pitching circle from one of the youngest members of the team.

“We also have an eighth-grade newcomer, Savanna Babione, who is 2-0 with nine strikeouts,” Needle said.

In addition to senior leadership, Zimmerman brings a championship mentality to the team.

“Kiersten is our only senior, and a great leader coming off a state championship [experience] in soccer,” Needle explained. “She has been solid in centerfield with a .400 on-base percentage.”

Two of the younger members of the team — freshman Kinsley Rohman and sophomore Lyla DiBlasi — are also making big contributions this spring.

“Kinsley, who catches and is a dominant corner infielder, showcases impressive strength and athleticism,” Needle said.

“She is starting her high school career with a batting average of .536. She is always looking to get better, and her maturity is beyond that of any freshman.

Our returning sophomore leadoff hitter is third baseman Lyla DiBlasi — an All-County selection last year, who is continuing right where she left off, batting .444 and scoring 22 runs.”

According to Needle, now in her fourth year as head softball coach at TKA, her team has continued to improve from year to year.

“My team, initially comprised mostly of middle schoolers a few years ago, has not only developed individually, but is now making significant impacts on the high school softball scene,” Needle said. “This year, a highlight has been my offense, which continues to improve and get stronger.”

Needle is also very impressed by the competitive mindset and positive mental attitude of her players.

“Our strength lies in our ability to rely on the entire team to stay competitive and put up a fight against any opponent,” Needle explained. “Each girl understands

her role and works together to achieve great things.”

The 22-game regular season schedule for TKA comes to a close on April 21 when the Lions host Dwyer in a rematch of their game back in February.

The softball postseason begins with the Class 2A, District 13 tournament during the week of April 27. Chances are strong that TKA and Oxbridge will meet again in the final of the

Tournament.

In total, the tournament hosted 339 athletes, all challenging their skills in Kata (forms), Kumite (sparring) and Kobu-Do (weapons).

Yoeum captured first in Kata and third in Kumite in the 15-yearold boys intermediate division. He would have done well in Kobu-Do, but unfortunately dropped his weapon and was disqualified.

Genbu-Kai Karate, located in Royal Palm Beach, offers classes in Japanese Karate, Kobu-Do (Okinawan weapons) and Batto-Do (the Japanese art of cutting with the katana). For more infor-

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Education Place in Wellington Keep your skills sharp this summer at Education Place in Wellington, which is offering an educational and fun summer. Your elementary scholar will both enforce existing skills and learn new ones while having fun with the arts and science. Combat the summer slide in a safe and nurturing, air-conditioned environment. For more information, call (561) 7536563. Education Place is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 23.

FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center’s Summer Day Camp Gift your children a lifetime of fun, adventure and exploration this summer at the FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center’s Summer Day Camp. Campers will experience a balance of environmental education, arts, culture, sports and outdoor fun. Camp runs Monday through Friday, June 8 through July 31, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for campers ages 5 to 12 years. For more information, contact Director Wendy Bautista at (561) 656-5430 or wdiazgra@fau.edu, or visit www.pinejog.fau.edu.

Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp The Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp is now in its seventh year. The program is designed for both boys and girls who want to learn to row, as well as experienced rowers looking to improve their sculling technique and fitness. Come have fun on the water. The program rows on Lake Wellington, a freshwater, protected, 2,000-meter-long lake. Registration is limited to allow individual, personalized coaching and instruction. The summer program is open to students age 12 and up led by head coach Doug Cody. For 35 years, the Florida Rowing Center has attracted and trained elite-level competitors from North America and Europe. Register and learn more at www.floridarowingcenter.com.

Kent Farrington Claims Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

World No. 2 Kent Farrington and Greya brought the crowd to its feet during Rolex Finale Week at Wellington International with a Saturday Night Lights victory in the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, a Rolex Series event, to conclude the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival season on Saturday, March 28. The Rolex Finale Grand Prix had not been won by a U.S. rider in seven years. Farrington — a U.S. Olympic team silver medalist — rewrote that history in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans. From a field of 40 qualified riders, including six of the world’s top 10-ranked athletes, five advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off over Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge’s track. Riding Greya, his own 12-yearold Oldenburg mare, Farrington stormed to a win in 42.99 seconds over Britain’s Ben Maher riding Enjeu de Grisien.

“You never know if it’s perfect until the class is over, but I thought I put in a very competitive round,” said Farrington of his first five-star

win of the year with Greya. “It’s always great to win at home. Wellington has become an equestrian community. They get a great local crowd that comes out here and cheers for all of us, but particularly the American riders, so it’s exciting to win here at home.”

When asked about Greya’s winning ways, which include 10 five-star Grand Prix victories, Farrington said, “You have some good horses, maybe even some great horses, and then you have horses that are an outlier athlete, like I believe she is. She can do everything. She’s fast, she’s careful, she’s scopey, she’s rideable, she’s an incredible horse.”

Wellington International debuted as part of the Rolex Series in 2025, joining a list of the most renowned equestrian sport venues in the world.

“The best riders come out [for these events], so we always have the highest level of sport, great prize money and the prestige of a Rolex event puts us on the map,” Farrington said. Leading the way in the opening

round, Maher was the first to crack the code on Jorge’s course. Settling for second in a time of 43.72 seconds, his 12-year-old Selle Français gelding, owned by Charlotte Rossetter & Pamela Wright, set a tough standard to beat.

“It’s always hard to go first when you have these guys after,” Maher said. “Kent’s always there, and he’s always fast, but I’m proud of my horse. I’m happy and disappointed at the same time.”

Reigning European Champion Richard Vogel finished third riding Gangster Montdesir, a 10-year-old Selle Français stallion. Stopping the clock in 42.87 seconds, he suffered a heartbreak rail at the final fence of the jump-off.

“That’s why our sport is so exciting — it’s only over when it’s over,” he said. “Unfortunately, there wasn’t great riding to the last fence. I should have done one less stride. Gangster was right there with me, and I’m super proud of how he performed and how he jumped.”

Jorge has designed the finale Grand Prix at Wellington Inter-

national for 12 consecutive years.

“I live in Wellington, so it’s obviously very important for me to have a show like this and to be able to be the course designer at home,” he said. “I’ve been coming to Wellington since 1999, and year after year, the show is getting better, and we’re getting a higher level

of competitors. I think this year is probably the highest level that I have had on the final. It’s very challenging, but it’s a great show and a great Grand Prix to build.”

Wellington International President Michael Stone was proud of the evening’s competition. “We’ve always strived to ele-

vate the sport in the U.S., and to be able to have a competition tonight with the level of the riders that are here is mind-blowing,” Stone said. “I’ve been in the sport almost all my life, and to be able to sit here with these guys, it’s

U.S. Team Captures Dressage Nations Cup Gold In Wellington

The Modon FEI Nations Cup contest went down to the wire on Thursday, March 19, opening day of Week 11 at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington — the last CDI of the threemonth 2026 winter circuit. The U.S. team, led by Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig, came out on top by the slimmest of margins. For the past five years, Germany has dominated this competition, and until the very last rider, they topped the leaderboard. The experienced home rider Anna Marek was the only one who could break the German stranglehold. After a mistake-free test, her score tipped the balance in the U.S.’s favor, handing the four riders a historic victory in the opening competition of the 2026 FEI Dressage Nations Cup series — the only leg held outside Europe. Three teams battled it out for the medals, with less than 1.5 percentage points spanning the podium finishers. The U.S. team concluded on a total of 205.631, Germany had to settle for silver on 205.043 and Canada scooped bronze with 204.196. The last time the U.S. team won the Wellington Nations Cup leg was in 2020, when the format still allowed for a mixture of Grand Prix and small tour combinations.

The U.S. result was particularly notable given that two of the riders — Meagan Davis and Jordan LaPlaca — were making their senior team debuts. Both the trailblazer Ashley Holzer and anchor rider Anna Marek received late call-ups after the withdrawal of two selected combinations. Holzer clocked up 67.652% on Hawtins San Floriana, setting a solid bar for the team, while Marek notched 69.435% on her sister-in-law Cynthia Davila’s 16-year-old gelding Fayvel to lock in the home side’s victory. “Christine chose me to go last, which is always a big honor,” Marek said. “In a team competition, there’s even more added

pressure because I want to have a good ride for my team. I didn’t know what score I needed for gold and, honestly, it wouldn’t have really mattered. I just went in there wanting to ride the best test I could.”

Davis placed fourth individually with her 68.544% ride on Scott Durkin’s 13-year-old Toronto Lightfoot, adding to a career-defining season for the duo. She attributes much of the Totilas gelding’s ability to focus in a big atmosphere to having cows as well as a children’s trampoline right next to her ring at home in Loxahatchee.

“I was a little nervous when a helicopter sounded like it was landing in the ring with us, but Toronto trusted me and never missed a beat,” she said. “We lacked a little impulsion, but we did a clean test, so we did what we needed to do. There’s only up to go from here with him.”

Holzer also pulled off a clean test with her own and Diane Fellows’s Hawtins San Floriana, something that has previously eluded them.

“I have not done a clean test ever on this horse until today, so

I’m thrilled,” Holzer said. “I love this horse so much, and she’s a sensitive, hot tamale, so for her to be calm and quiet and respond to me is a very special feeling.”

LaPlaca was somewhat conflicted, as he had a disappointing 65.131% test on his own and Nancy Hutson’s over-enthusiastic 11-year-old gelding Gold Play, but the horse nevertheless lived up to his name and delivered a gold medal.

“It’s what you dream of,” said LaPlaca, who was contesting just his fourth big tour CDI with the horse. “Honestly, each day riding him is a win. Being on a team that is so strong and to gain this experience was top-notch — you can’t beat it. To have the camaraderie, teamwork and the spirit of being together makes it that much more fun, because dressage can be isolating.”

The silver medal-winning Germans were spearheaded by the Paris Olympic team gold medalist, Frederic Wandres. He and Hof Kasselmann’s 10-year-old Vilancio gelding Varrenberg topped the class individually with 69.913%. Wandres’s fiancé Lars Ligus, who also works for Hof Kasselmann,

contested just his second ever senior CDI and put down a valuable contributing score for the team. He rode the 14-year-old Glock’s Zonic daughter Zara K2 to 66.978% in the horse’s second CDI. The 22-year-old German Emma Caecilia Lienert was another rider making her senior team debut, and she logged a new personal best. She rode her own 15-yearold Johnson gelding Windermere J’Obei W to 68.152% in the duo’s second senior CDI. They have had a prolific run in the Under 25 ranks, winning all seven of their starts at AGDF this season. Germany’s Chef d’Equipe Michael Klimke rode Harmony’s Fado to 66.63%.

The anchor rider for the Canadian team, Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, was the individual runner-up to Wandres. She rode Jill Irving’s 12-year-old Jaccardo to 69.826%. The talented pair have qualified for April’s FEI World Cup Final in Texas. The Canadian team was rounded out by the Olympic duo of Camille Carier Bergeron and Finnländerin, alongside Denielle Gallagher (Come Back De Massa) and Alexandra Duncan (Hitmaker).

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Kravis Center ArtsCamp — Theater kids will find a home for boundless creativity this summer at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. ArtsCamp is an innovative, three-week summer camp that provides young artists ages 9 to 11 with a working knowledge of what it takes to bring a show from an idea to reality. Under the guidance of professional teaching artists, campers will explore acting, dance, technical theater and vocal music, culminating in an ensemble piece produced and performed by the campers. To learn more, or to register, visit www.kravis.org/artscamp or call (561) 651-4251.

Lake Worth Playhouse Arts Academy — Make it a summer of creativity at the Lake Worth Playhouse. Young performers ages 8 to 15 can star in Mary Poppins Jr. during the Summer Show Camp (June 1–26), ending with a public performance on June 27. For ages 6 to 10, the nine-week Summer Theatre Camp (June 1 to July 31) offers exciting weekly themes — from Broadway and Disney to Star Wars and Christmas in July — plus fun Friday showcases. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Sibling rates are available. Call (561) 586-6410 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org to register.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp — Do you know an aspiring scientist? The Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp gives children ages 6 to 13 the amazing opportunity to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, enjoy hands-on science activities and much more. Campers will also learn about fun ways to protect the oceans. Sessions include Sea Turtle Savers, Ocean Adventures and Conservation Heroes. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late pickup at 5 p.m. is available for an additional fee. For more information, or and to register, visit www.marinelife. org/camp.

Audrey Coldwell Earns Eagle Scout Rank And Special Award

Audrey Coldwell of Scout Troop

4013 recently reached the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, and she also received the Brian Morgan Spirit of Scouting Youth Award.

Coldwell passed her Eagle Board of Review on Tuesday, Feb. 17. For her Eagle project, she installed a bird strike deterrent system on windows at Jonathan Dickinson State Park’s Kimbell Education and Visitor Center, with the support of her troop and staff from Audubon Everglades. She also designed and provided educational brochures to educate the public about the important issue of bird strike prevention. Coldwell is heavily involved with the Gulf Stream Council and has twice staffed its National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course, held annually at Tanah Ketah Scout Camp in Hobe Sound. She holds the Brotherhood rank in the Order of the Arrow scouting honor society and serves as a representative for her troop and as youth administrative lead for the upcoming section conference. Coldwell also staffs Tanah Ketah summer camp, helping scouts earn a variety of merit badges. In Troop 4013, she has served as scribe, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader, and is currently a junior assistant scoutmaster. This summer, Coldwell will serve on staff at the National Jamboree, a huge scouting event held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. All these activities have earned Coldwell the special distinction of being named the recipient of this year’s Brian Morgan Spirit of Scouting Youth Award, which was presented at the annual Council Recognition Banquet on March

4. The award recognizes scouts who are passionate, dedicated and responsible, reflecting the qualities that Brian Morgan respected most in scouting.

“She consistently ensures that others feel included, supported and excited to participate — perfectly reflecting Brian Morgan’s belief that scouting should always put youth first and make room for fun. For these reasons, and many more, we are honored to present the Brian Morgan Spirit of Scouting Youth Award to Audrey Coldwell,” officials said of Coldwell at the recognition banquet.

Outside of scouting, Coldwell is a top-ranked International Baccalaureate student in her junior year

at Royal Palm Beach High School. She intends to major in biochemistry or another STEM field in college and complete premedical coursework to pursue a career as a physician in emergency medicine or pediatrics.

“Before I considered it as a career path, service has always been at the center of my life. Through scouting, leadership roles and conservation work, I have learned that my strongest sense of purpose comes from being dependable in moments when others need support, guidance or reassurance,” Coldwell said in her Eagle Scout personal statement. “These experiences have shaped my ambition to pursue a career in medicine.”

WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY HOSTS ARTIST RECEPTION

The Wellington Art Society hosted an artist reception and sale on Tuesday, March 24 at the Wellington Community Center and Wellington Village Hall as part of its Art for Memory Exhibition. The evening included meeting the artists, an awards ceremony, a presentation by the exhibition judge, live music and

Clinics Can Help recently announced the appointment of Gil Martinez, owner of the Gil Martinez Agency State Farm, to its board of directors. A respected community leader and insurance professional, Martinez brings a strong background in business development, client service and community engagement to the organization’s leadership team.

Martinez, a State Farm agent serving the western Palm Beach County communities, has built his agency on a foundation of trust, personalized service, and a commitment to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. His passion for giving back and supporting local initiatives aligns closely with the mission of Clinics Can Help, which works to provide medical equipment and supplies to children and adults who need it most.

“Gil’s dedication to our community and his deep understanding of the challenges many families face makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Owen O’Neill,

organization for nearly a decade in various capacities, and we are excited to welcome his leadership, insight and enthusiasm through our board, as we continue to expand our impact.”

In this role, Martinez will support strategic planning, community outreach and fundraising initiatives aimed at increasing access to essential medical equipment for underserved populations throughout South Florida.

“I am honored to join the board of Clinics Can Help and support an organization that is truly changing lives,” Martinez said. “I have seen firsthand the impact their work has on individuals in a time of need. Such a simple concept, that can be out of reach for many, allows individuals to live with dignity and independence, and I look forward to continuing to work to bring that to many more children and adults.” Clinics Can Help has served the South Florida community for more than two decades, distributing thousands of medical devices each year, including wheelchairs, hospital beds and pediatric equipment, to those who otherwise could not afford them. For more information, or to get involved, visit www. clinicscanhelp.org.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Neighborhood Kids Schools Summer Camp — This summer, children ages 0 to 8 are invited to embark on an unforgettable nine-week journey around the world, right from the Neighborhood Kids campus. Each week, campers will explore a new country through hands-on activities, music, art and interactive learning adventures designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Meaningful character lessons and engaging Bible stories are thoughtfully woven into each destination. Neighborhood Kids proudly serves families in Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens and Delray Beach and surrounding areas. Space is limited. Visit www.neighborhoodkids.net for more information and to secure your child’s spot.

St. David’s Episcopal School Summer Camp — Join St. David’s Episcopal School for summer camp featuring exciting travels around the world — all without leaving camp! Each week, campers will “visit” a new country to learn more about its culture, language, food and fun. Including: Week 1 – June 8-12 Canada, Week 2 –June 15-19 Mexico, Week 3 – June 22-26 England, Week 4 – June 29 - July 3 the United States, Week 5 – July 6-10 Australia, Week 6 – July 13-17 Egypt, Week 7 –July 20-24 Japan, and Week 8 – July 27-31 France. The program will also include Bible stories, arts & crafts, free play, games, playground time, movies, water play and more. The cost is $225 per week and runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For registration, visit https://stdavidsepiscopalschool.com.

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Kids Inspire Kids On JustWorld Trip To Pioneer Park Elementary

JustWorld Junior Ambassadors brought a contagious passion for horses, reading and writing to students at Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade on March 9.

Ambassador Cora Greenstreet, 10, and her pony, Delta, wowed students with a riding demonstration while fellow Ambassador Tarin Kiely, 17, explained to students how Cora communicated with her pony.

The visit highlighted the literacy work JustWorld supports at Pioneer Park and nearby Pahokee Elementary School, Title 1 schools in Palm Beach County just 30 minutes from Wellington. Through a partnership with StoryBook Treasures, JustWorld provides five literacy kits per school year for each pre-K through third grade student. The kits include a book for students to keep, a related toy, and resources for teachers and parents, helping children build home libraries and a lifelong love of reading. Pioneer Park has seen 80 percent of students making gains in literacy. Last year, the school showed the highest reading gains in the Glades Region.

“With many JustWorld ambassadors close in age to the students, the visit felt real and relatable,”

said Denise Corbo, founder of StoryBook Treasures. “Watching one of the ambassadors ride was an incredible treat and showed the children that young people like them can accomplish amazing things.”

After the demonstration, students met Delta up close. Some were nervous at first, but quickly warmed up to the friendly 12-yearold pony, asking questions about how fast he can run, how high he can jump and when his birthday is.

Students then returned to their classrooms for a read-along of Chosen By A Pony, written by JustWorld Ambassador Gabi Caicedo. Caicedo, 10, shared the inspiration behind her story, encouraging students to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. In addition to a copy of the book, each child also received a “golden nugget,” a sensory treasure from StoryBook Treasures designed to help them connect with the story.

“These treasures help children remember and connect to the story in a meaningful way,” Corbo said. “When you combine an author visit, a book for every child and a sensory treasure, reading becomes memorable and truly comes alive.”

Kindergarten and first-grade

ECMS FBLA SHINES AT STATE CONFERENCE

work and commitment to excellence reflect the spirit of the school and its FBLA program. Emerald Cove offers special congratulations to national qualifiers Sabrina Ayala (MS Exploring FBLA) and Chipper Ramos (MS Exploring Coding & Programming).

students received copies of Emily’s Dinosaurs Coloring Adventures, a coloring book created and donated by JustWorld Ambassador Emily Foster, 8.

“Seeing the kids so engaged and excited about the story reminded us why books and reading matter so much,” said Silvia Parra, Caicedo’s mother. “It was beautiful to see how a simple story can create connection, spark imagination and encourage kids to read more.”

Christy’s Bakery of Wellington added to the celebration by donat-

ing 400 sprinkle-covered cookies for students. Experiences like this, Corbo said, stay with students long after the day ends. “At StoryBook Treasures, we’re grateful to JustWorld for helping bring inspiring books to these children,” she said. “Our hope is to continue expanding so we can bring the gift of reading to all children in the Glades area, while also helping them discover the exciting connection to the equestrian world that is so close to their community.”

Binks Forest Elementary

Binks Forest Elementary School is proud of a remarkable achievement in this year’s Battle of the Books competition. The team Da Boyz, under the direction of Media Specialist Caroline Epstein, advanced to the Grand Battle of the Books held on March 10.

Each year, students participating in Battle of the Books read a selected list of 15 state-designated titles and compete by answering detailed questions based on those books. Representing Binks Forest were fifth-grade students Lucas Prestia, Joshua Witherill, Easton Carlson, Emmerich Gobin and Max Tobin.

During the district competition, the team achieved an outstanding score of 170 points, ranking first out of 521 elementary teams across

American Heritage Schools, the top-ranked Private K-12 School in Florida according to Niche, recently announced that 26 students from the Class of 2026 — 15 from the Broward campus and 11 from the Palm Beach campus — have been named semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for high school seniors.

American Heritage celebrates the remarkable achievements of these students and their dedication to excellence. American Heritage is the top school in Florida for the highest number of U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates and the No. 3 private school in the nation with the most Presidential Scholar candidates. The two campuses of American Heritage account for 13 percent of all Presidential Scholar candidates in Florida.

“Earning a spot as a Presidential

the Palm Beach County School District in grades 3 to

Scholar candidate is a remarkable achievement that speaks to the consistent academic rigor and character of our students. We are proud to see the Class of 2026 uphold our tradition of excellence, proving once again that our graduates are prepared to lead at the highest national levels,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. The program recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership and commitment to service. Each year, approximately 500 students are selected as semifinalists from across the country. From this group, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will select 161 exceptional students to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholar Medallion, the highest scholastic honor awarded by the U.S. government. The students from American

For

www.ahschool.com/presiden

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

all-access pass to animal fun for the

Become a

zookeeper,

about conservation or even just focus on some of the animals at the

is

There are four unique programs, with each a week full of hands-on

experiences sure to excite the interest of kids of all ages. Camp runs from

to 3:30 p.m. with before and after care available. The cost is $300 per week, per child. To register, call Cole at (203) 206-9932. Visit www.wellingtonconservationcenter. org to learn more.

Horizon Pool & Patio Launches Teacher Of The Year Contest

Horizon Pool & Patio, a three-generation, family-owned business celebrating 40 years in Wellington, has launched its 2026 Teacher of the Year contest to honor the educators who make a lasting impact on local students and families. Nominations are open now through April 10, with community voting scheduled for April 11 to April 26. The winning teacher will be announced on May 1. Every day, teachers in Wellington show up with heart, patience and a commitment to helping students grow. For Horizon, recognizing these educators is more than a contest — it’s a reflection of the company’s deep roots in the community.

“For 40 years, Wellington families have trusted us with their backyards and their memories,” said Jennifer Kenbeek, CEO and co-owner of Horizon Pool & Patio. “Three generations of our family have grown up in these schools. Honoring our teachers is a heartfelt

way to give back to the community that has given so much to us.”

Now through April 10, anyone can nominate a Wellington K-12 teacher and share why they deserve recognition. Submit nominations at https://pollunit.com/polls/ horizonpoolteacheroftheyear2026.

From April 11 through April 26, the community will vote online. The winner will be named the 2026 Horizon Teacher of the Year and receive a gift certificate, a classroom school supply basket and an award. The winner will be announced May 1 on Horizon Pool & Patio’s social media channels. Founded in 1985, Horizon Pool & Patio is a leading provider of pool and spa services, renovations and retail solutions in Wellington. With a reputation for quality, reliability and expert service, Horizon specializes in pool and spa maintenance, renovations, and authorized warranty repair for all pool and spa equipment. Learn more at www. horizonpool.com.

Wellington Bay Residents

Donate Teddy Bears To WRMC Neonatal Unit

Luxury senior living community Wellington Bay hosted its inaugural Teddy Bear Drive on Friday, March 20. Residents and staff collected teddy bears from March 1 through March 18 and gathered nearly 80 teddy bears to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

The drive followed a special presentation held at the community by guest speaker Annette Isaacs, who shared the moving life story of Margaret Steiff, the creator of the world-renowned Steiff teddy bear.

The spirit of giving was amplified by Wellington Bay resident Patty Raff. In celebration of her 80th birthday, Raff requested that her guests donate teddy bears in lieu of traditional birthday gifts.

“When my son Kenny was born, he weighed just three pounds and spent over a month in the NICU at Mount Sinai in New York City,” Raff said. “I have everything I want, and this year, I wanted to do something to help, so I told all my friends to bring a teddy bear to my birthday party. One of my friends asked if he could just give me a check instead of a bear, and I told him, ‘No bear, no food!’”

A service-disabled veteran-owned business in Wellington is entering a new chapter. Fix My Flyer LLC, founded by U.S. Army veteran Krissy Robbs, has announced a strategic rebrand that reflects the company’s evolution from a graphic design service into a full-service creative design and marketing consulting agency.

Since its launch, Fix My Flyer has supported local businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions with professionally designed marketing materials and event branding. As client needs have grown, so has the company’s approach — shifting toward strategy-driven solutions that help businesses communicate more effectively and grow with intention.

“This rebrand represents how we’ve grown alongside our clients,” Robbs said. “Businesses today need more than design. They need clarity, strategy and marketing that actually works.”

With its expanded focus, Fix My Flyer now offers three core service areas: graphic design and print, marketing consulting, and training workshops. Each service is designed to help business owners move beyond simply having marketing materials to building a clear, consistent and results-driven marketing presence. Robbs, whose background includes service as a public affairs

New Kura Revolving Sushi Bar To Hold Grand Opening April 10 In Wellington

Kura Sushi, the nation’s largest brand of revolving sushi restaurants, is preparing to celebrate its grand opening at Lotis Wellington (1349 S. State Road 7, Bay 101, Wellington) on Friday, April 10 after a soft opening on March 25.

It is the brand’s first location in the greater West Palm Beach metropolitan area, and its fifth location in the State of Florida.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar combines authentic Japanese cuisine with interactive dining, as guests enjoy a whimsical journey of flavors with more than 100 dishes available served on a two-layered conveyor belt system, enhanced by drink delivery robots and prizes.

It is Kura Sushi’s philosophy and ongoing promise to prepare food using fresh, high-quality ingredients free of artificial sweeteners, seasonings, preservatives and colorings.

During the grand opening on Friday, April 10, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. All sushi plates will be priced at $3.90; other dishes vary. The first 150 seated guests will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Kura Sushi Rewards members who check in and dine between Friday, April 10 and Sunday, April 12 will be entered to win a “Kura Sushi for a Year” gift card. Reservations can be made up to one week in advance through the Kura Sushi Rewards app and online at https://kurasushi.com/ locations/wellington-fl.

The Kura experience features:

• The Revolving Sushi Bar is the primary belt that snakes through the dining area with plates of sushi that are protected by the patented Mr. Fresh ventilated sushi lid, which limits airborne exposure and has plate-tracking technology that monitors how long the item has been circulating, ensuring food is always fresh and delicious from conveyor belt to table.

• The Express Belt is positioned above the primary belt and delivers food items ordered via the touch panel menu directly to guests from the kitchen.

• The Bikkura Pon Prize System is an integral part of Kura Sushi USA’s innovative and interactive dining experience and is com-

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar combines authentic Japanese cuisine with interactive dining. prised of a prize machine, touch panel and plate disposal slot located at every table in the restaurant that are connected via sensors. The touch panel registers the number of sushi plates dispensed into the plate disposal slot. After every five plates inserted, a

LM Boots Unveils Its New 3-D Scan Fitting Technology For Custom Boots

designed for unique needs.

Thanks to Raff’s selfless gesture and the overwhelming participation of residents and employees, the community exceeded its donation goal, and Raff plans on hosting the drive again next year.

Representatives from Wellington Bay visited WRMC to deliver the donations. The bears were received by NICU Director Kimberley Masterson, alongside siblings of NICU patients, who were among the first to receive the cuddly toys.

“The two youngest brothers grabbed the two biggest bears,” Raff said with a laugh.

Through this initiative and the generosity of its residents, Wellington Bay continues to foster a culture of compassion and community connection.

By turning a milestone birthday into a tangible gift for local families, the residents have ensured that the smallest patients at Wellington Regional Medical Center feel the embrace of a supportive community.

Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments and a place for seniors to enjoy life. To learn more about Wellington Bay, visit www. wellingtonbayfl.com.

The master boot makers at La Mundial Custom Boots (LM Boots) in Wellington measured for fit by eye and hand for 120 years. Now, this local boot maker is enhancing that accumulated knowledge and craftsmanship with the world’s first three-dimensional laser scanner for feet and legs to create custom equestrian and fashion boots that fit like a second skin. The proprietary breakthrough is called the LM Master Fit Scan. The device captures precise three-dimensional measurements of the leg and foot to create perfectly fitted tall and short boots. Finding properly fitted boots has always been a challenge. Off-the-rack boots don’t account for limb differences, prosthetics, unusual toes or unique fit requirements. LM Boots is now providing equestrian and fashion footwear

LM Boots is a generational family business started by the Rivas family in 1906 and is presently run by the women in the family.

The Rivas family’s signature success blends respect for tradition with a willingness to innovate — as evidenced by their investment in innovative measuring technology while maintaining traditional craftsmanship.

LM Boots has stores in the original Wellington Mall, near Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, as well as in Ocala, on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center.

The company also operates a store and master craft facility in Quito, Ecuador, a region renowned for its quality leather and leather artisans.

The company has 30 skilled representatives throughout North

America. Production takes about three months to handcraft and can be delivered directly or to one of

MacaronMaestro Introduces A Distinctive Dessert Experience

A new dessert concept in Palm Beach Gardens is quietly redefining what a pastry can be. MacaronMaestro, a boutique dessert atelier, has introduced the Macroron, an oversized, filled macaron designed not simply to be eaten, but to be experienced.

Nearly eight times the size of a traditional macaron, each Macroron is crafted with a focus on texture, balance and visual presence. Rather than relying solely

on sweetness, the dessert centers around a structured composition: delicate almond shells, a restrained sweetness profile and a core of house-made jams or nut-based fillings, all built from scratch using premium ingredients, including Belgian chocolate.

Since opening its first retail location in Palm Beach Gardens, MacaronMaestro has observed an unexpected pattern. Guests don’t simply purchase the dessert; they

pause around it. Families share it.

Visitors photograph it before taking a bite. The product has evolved into a small, shared moment rather than an individual treat.

This emphasis on experience has led to growing interest from local hospitality venues. MacaronMaestro has begun collaborating with select restaurants and resorts, where Macrorons are increasingly used as plated centerpieces, event desserts and giftable items for guests. Their format allows them to be served without additional kitchen preparation, while maintaining quality over several days when refrigerated.

Founded by Munara Osmonova and her partner, MacaronMaestro reflects a design-forward approach to pastry: one that prioritizes structure, visual identity and emotional response alongside flavor. The concept aligns with a broader shift in hospitality, where presentation and memorability are becoming as important as taste. MacaronMaestro is located at 7100 Fairway Drive in Palm Beach Gardens and is open to the public six days a week. The company also offers custom designs, seasonal collections and wholesale partnerships with local businesses.

For more information, visit www.macaronmaestro.com or follow @MacaronMaestro on Instagram.

The Mall at Wellington Green recently announced the grand opening of Just Mushrooms. Located on the second floor next to Macy’s, the new, 1,224-squarefoot health store opened in December 2025.

Palm Beach County’s trusted destination for premium mushroom-based, natural wellness products, Just Mushrooms sources products from reliable manufacturers who follow strict quality standards, ensuring purity, potency and safety in every item offered.

From functional mushroom blends to specialized herbal supplements, each fungi-rich product is selected with the customer’s overall health and wellness in mind. The store also carries select wellness products for pets.

Owners Eyal and Medy Abramov have filled their health store with signature organic offerings, including herbal supplements featuring lion’s mane, ashwagandha,

matcha and more; skincare prod-

ucts with a curated lineup of soaps, serums, oils and body butters; and sea moss gels and capsules.

“We’re excited to bring Just Mushrooms to the Mall at Wellington Green and introduce the community to the benefits of functional mushrooms and natural wellness,” Eyal Abramov said. “Our goal is to offer high-quality, carefully sourced products that help people support their health in a natural way.”

For more info., call (305) 5257580, e-mail justmushroomstore@ gmail.com or visit online at www. justmushroomstore.com.

The Mall at Wellington Green is a 1.2-million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination featuring more than 160 stores. Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.shopwellingtongreen.com.

Long Ago, My Family Had The Benefit Of A Reverse Voodoo Doll

Let’s talk “Voodoo.” For some, it’s a quirky West African-based religion, barely believable in the “vastly evolved society” we call America. For others, it’s a revered faith that focuses on the veneration of ancestors and nature to bring about spiritual and physical healing. For the nuns of southeastern Wisconsin, it’s a rummage sale opportunity. Wait. What? It sounds like a dichotomy times two — Catholic nuns versus drum-thumpers; spiritual veneration versus financial gain. Yet somehow, these nuns have pulled it off, at least according to a family friend, Pat. Pat, age 92, attended her church’s rummage sale and came back clutching a sack full of adorable little cotton dolls created

by the church’s nuns. Well, the dolls’ eyes were x’d out and each one came with a bag of pins but, other than that, adorable

She gifted one to our family.

“This isn’t your average Voodoo doll,”

she said. “On most dolls, you poke a pin where you want your enemy to hurt. For

instance, you stick a pin in its heart to cause your enemy to have a heart attack, in the head for a migraine, in the foot for a bunion, etc.” (We had heard about this.)

“But this is a healing doll,” Pat continued. “The nuns say to poke the pin where you want your health to improve.”

I had a question. “Are you sure? I mean, do the dolls know this? Because I got a splinter in my finger last night, and I really don’t want the doll to slam that same finger in a car door today.”

Pat just laughed. “Ha ha. Of course they do! Do you think I’d waste $5 on a rag doll that didn’t know what it was doing? Do you think the nuns lied about this? Just try it!”

Thus chastised, I pulled a pin out of the sack, said, “This is for Debbie,” and poked a pin into the doll’s finger. Nothing happened.

“Just wait,” said Pat and, off she went, spreading health and good cheer to other malady-ridden skeptics in the form of what looked like dead dolls. However, when I awakened the next morning, my finger was fine. The splinter was still there, but it had edged itself to the surface of my skin, and I simply pulled it out. No pain at all. A Voodoo miracle, or perhaps the splinter that hadn’t been as deep as I had originally thought?

That day, mom used the doll to cure her knee pain. Could’ve been that it stopped

raining so her rheumatic feeling went away... or maybe it was Voodoo. My brother fell off his bike and scraped his knee. The next day, the scrape was still there, but the pain was gone. Soon we were using the doll for everything from hangovers to mosquito bites. Eventually, we started to feel bad for the thing. It was dirty and full of holes. It was starting to smell. But we were afraid to throw it out. What to do? In the end, we did what any conscientious Catholic would’ve done — donated it back to the

The New Movie ‘Project Hail Mary’ Is Science Fiction At Its Best

Let me put it simply. The new film Project Hail Mary is not only really good, but the best film I have seen in several years. The ideas are not particularly new. There is some 2001: A Space Odyssey, E.T. and even Castaway in its DNA. But it is an absorbing, fascinating and exciting trip all the way. Finally, I have seen a movie I can love.

‘I’

On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes from a coma on a spacecraft, light years away from earth. He is the only survivor of a crew of three and has a case of retroactive amnesia that blocks him from remembering, at first, what has happened. Gradually, in flashbacks, he begins to remember. He had been a middle school science teacher, despite a doctorate, because his ideas on molecular biology in terms of “autophages” (beings that eat themselves up) had been shunted aside, but scientists had found that our sun was dimming because of the formation of an infrared line from Venus that sent a microorganism called the Astrophage that is “eating” the power of the sun and will create a catastrophic cooling on Earth in 30 years. A government agent, Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) asks him to study it, and he learns that it is a cell impenetrable to electromagnetic radiation, and it breeds when carbon dioxide from Venus saps the sun’s energy. Only one star in the galaxy seems immune, and that is Tau Ceti. Three astronauts are to be sent there on a one-way trip to discover, hopefully, how to stop

the destruction of our planet. He learns that he has been forced to join, but as he approaches the new star, he meets an alien, who he dubs Rocky, on a similar mission. The movie deals with how the two learn to accept each other, work together and create bonds. And that is where the movie shines. Watching the two learn to communicate, work together and bond is wonderful drama, with a few comic touches.

Gosling is marvelous. He carries the film. Although we see other humans in brief flashbacks, he is pretty much the focus of this more than two-and-ahalf-hour movie. Yes, it’s long, and an absolutely packed theater on a Friday early afternoon stayed glued to their seats throughout. Gosling’s character, Dr. Grace, is far from perfect. Yes, he is creative. But he’s a bit of a klutz and feels he is a loser. He never wanted to go on what was a suicide mission. But he

works to save not only Earth, but Eridani, Rocky’s home world. And we’re rooting for him the whole way. Like another great science fiction movie, The Martian, this film is based on a novel by Andy Weir. That means there is a lot of real science. I like movies that treat the audience as though they actually have a brain. In this case, we experience how Grace figures out a way to communicate, how they learn about the solution to the problem and how each of the protagonists, human and alien, wind up bonding. Too bad more of us in a single species have not learned how to do that better. But the combination of brilliant camerawork (the film was shot in IMAX and adjusted afterward), strong music and good performances takes this movie, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, to wonderful heights. There is so much to like in the film. Gosling clearly proves he is a movie star. As I wrote earlier, he

carries the movie, and we wind up caring about him. Hüller is very strong in a far smaller but very complex role. And Rocky, created by Neal Scanlon, and voiced by James Ortiz who, along with his puppeteer team, becomes a real character instead of a gimmick. Drew Goddard, who also did the screenplay for The Martian, did a brilliant job in creating a story that combined with movie magic draws the audience in and holds it in place. Most people who read my reviews know that I love science fiction. I love all it can be when it is brilliant. This film qualifies. Yes, it is somewhat derivative. Who cares? The ship, the worldscapes, the science all add to the story. But it is the feelings that create the amazing outcome. This is a movie to see in the theater; in IMAX if you can. I will return and watch it again. It makes me feel good to have actually gone to a movie theater and seen a film as good as this. See it.

WE'RE HIRING

St. Jude’s Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition.