GARVEY NEW PARKS DIRECTOR AT ITID SEE STORY, PAGE 3
CANDIDATES SEEKING TWO PORT SEATS SEE STORY, PAGE 4
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Westlake Approves 360 Apartments Near Future Town Center
Volume 47, Number 16 August 7 - August 20, 2026
Serving Palms West Since 1980
ANNUAL ‘BACK TO SCHOOL BASH’ WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
The Westlake City Council approved a 360-unit apartment community on Tuesday, Aug. 4 after a lengthy and sometimes contentious debate over parking, density and whether the project fits the community’s long-promised vision for a pedestrian-oriented “Town Center.” Page 3
Chamber Welcomes Flagship Premium Cinemas To Wellington
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomed Flagship Premium Cinemas to the neighborhood on Thursday, July 23. Chamber members and guests had the opportunity to mingle and network, as well as tour the completely remodeled movie theater, with its new reclining seats. The theater also offers free self-serve refills on popcorn and soda. Page 15
Wellington Rotary Hosts Member Appreciation Party
The Rotary Club of Wellington held its “Red, White and You” Member Appreciation Party on Sunday, July 26 at the Wellington Community Center. The afternoon featured a buffet lunch, along with music by DJ Roberto, raffles, door prizes, games and family fun. Page 18
WHS Wrestling Coach Travis Gray Set For Hall Of Fame Induction
Longtime Wellington High School head wrestling coach Travis Gray is being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter will host its honors weekend at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista on Aug. 28-29. Gray and six other individuals will be honored. Page 21 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 18 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 SPORTS..........................21 - 24 PEOPLE................................. 25 SCHOOLS.............................. 26 BUSINESS............................. 27 COLUMNS............................. 28 CLASSIFIEDS................ 29 - 30 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
The annual “Back To School Bash” was held Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Wellington Community Center. More than 400 local students will begin the new school year with confidence thanks to this collaboration between the Wellington Community Foundation and a network of dedicated community partners who came together to ensure that every child in need received the essentials for a successful school year. The event provided eligible students with school uniforms, backpacks, school supplies, new sneakers and socks. Shown above, volunteers gather in front of the Wellington Community Center. STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9
Wellington Set To Enact Regulations On E-Bikes & More
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report A veto by Gov. Ron DeSantis dashed hopes for a statewide ebike and micromobility device safety law for now, but local leaders are stepping in. The Wellington Village Council recently passed the preliminary readings of two new ordinances that target these popular new modes of travel. The council considered the two ordinances at a meeting Tuesday, July 28. The first amends an existing village ordinance by updating golf cart penalties and creating a new section regulating micromobility devices on public rights-of-way. The second establishes regulations for where bicycles, scooters and electric micromobility devices can be used within the village and expands law enforcement’s authority to enforce these rules. The use of electric bikes, scooters and other micromobility devices is growing, especially among
children. These devices can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour and have been involved in a growing number of crashes across the country. In response, Florida lawmakers created a bill that established new safety regulations for e-bikes and micromobility devices. The law would have required riders on shared pathways that are not next to a roadway to yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing; prohibit riders from traveling more than 10 miles per hour within 50 feet of a pedestrian on sidewalks and other pedestrianonly areas; designate violations as non-criminal traffic infractions; create a micromobility device safety task force; and require the Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to track crashes involving these types of devices. In June, DeSantis vetoed the bill, citing surveillance and enSee E-BIKES, page 14
Republicans Accomando And TEACHER APPRECIATION Baxter Face-Off In Primary EVENT AT THE MALL For District 6 County Seat
By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report With mail-in voting already underway and early voting starting this weekend, the two Republican candidates battling for the District 6 seat on the Palm Beach County Commission are awaiting the outcome of the Tuesday, Aug. 18 primary election. The candidates are incumbent Sara Baxter, who also currently serves as Palm Beach County mayor, and Indian Trail Improvement District President Elizabeth Accomando. The winner will advance to face the victor of the three-way primary between Democrats Mario Guzman, Rudolph Tinker and Katherine Waldron in November’s general election. As the campaign nears the finish
line, the Town-Crier spoke with Accomando and Baxter about their views on the issues. ELIZABETH ACCOMANDO “I’ve been talking to people, listening to people. I’m very confident,” Accomando said with the primary only days away. “I’m ready to serve at that level… I have no agenda except to help my neighbors.” Accomando is a native of Long Island, New York, who moved to Florida in 1991. With a background as an insurance adjuster and business owner, she has lived in the western communities since 2013. With her husband Steve Accomando, in 2014 she founded and runs Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary. District 6 is by far the largest
geographic district, encompassing most of Palm Beach County west of State Road 7, including the municipalities of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, Westlake, parts of Greenacres, plus the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, as well as the 110-square-mile, unincorporated semi-rural Acreage/Loxahatchee area that is part of ITID. “My heart is in the western communities, and that reaches all the way out to the Glades,” Accomando has said. Accomando declared early for the race in June 2025 and since then has racked up an impressive list of endorsements, including the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, the Palm See GOP PRIMARY, page 14
Three Democrats Seeking Nomination For District 6 Seat On County Commission
By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report Democrats Mario Guzman, Rudolph Tinker and Katherine Waldron are facing off in the Tuesday, Aug. 18 primary election for Seat 6 on the Palm Beach County Commission. Mail-in voting is already underway, and early voting gets underway on Saturday, Aug. 8. The winner of the three-way primary will face the winner of the Republican primary — either incumbent Sara Baxter or challenger Elizabeth Accomando — during the Nov. 3 general election. As the race nears its finish, the Town-Crier spoke with the three Democrats seeking to represent the western communities on the county commission.
MARIO GUZMAN “I know I’m quite an underdog… [but] I think it’s going pretty good,” said Guzman, who is seeking his first elective office. “This is a grassroots campaign. As grassroots as it can be.” A Royal Palm Beach resident, Guzman was born and raised in The Bronx, New York. He moved to Florida at age 20 and has been a resident of the western communities for 28 years. He is a married father of two with a bachelor’s degree in public administration and master’s of public administration (MPA) degree from Florida Atlantic University. Guzman has worked as director of Public Works & Engineering for the City of Boynton Beach and serves on a number of boards,
including the St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation. He currently works for a software company focused on “digitalizing workflows.” He has been endorsed by former District 6 Commissioner Melissa McKinlay and Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone, according to his social media. Guzman said the major issues facing the county are traffic and affordability. “There’s no silver bullet. The solutions have to be multi-faceted,” he said, especially in an area as large and diverse as District 6, which includes most of the county west of State Road 7. “It’s almost like three districts — the Glades, The Acreage and Loxahatchee, and Royal Palm See DEM PRIMARY, page 7
More than 150 teachers from schools throughout the community were treated to a well-deserved afternoon of appreciation during “Thanks A Latte,” a special Teacher Appreciation Event hosted by the Mall at Wellington Green on Friday, July 31. Shown above, the event included a fashion show featured Wellington’s own educators highlighting the latest in fashion choices available at the mall. STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
Lox Council Votes To End Contract With Town Attorney
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council is once again making changes to the town’s senior staff. The council voted to terminate Town Attorney Jeff Kurtz without cause ahead of his contract expiration at a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Town leaders hired Kurtz last year on a short-term contract as their first foray into trying an inhouse legal counsel model. His contract was set to expire on Jan. 31. 2027. Previously, the town had used outside law firms to handle municipal legal matters. The switch to an in-house legal counsel model was meant to save on costs and improve operations.
Before becoming town attorney, Kurtz served as Loxahatchee Groves’ special projects manager and was previously legal counsel for the Village of Wellington. At a July council meeting, he announced that he was open to remaining in his current position but left the decision to the council on whether they wanted to continue with his services. Councilman Joe Stephens proposed a motion to terminate Kurtz without cause immediately, with his last 30 days being remote, but he would be available as needed to support staff and any incoming legal counsel. Part of the motion included appointing Gemma Torcivia of TG Law as town attorney. Councilwoman Anita Kane See ATTORNEY, page 14
Dr. Shannon Makowski K-12 experience in the school district, and I am prepared to ensure that students at Wellington Elementary School are ready for their entire education experience, not just what happens at our school,” Makowski said. Harnois began her career as a teacher at Greenacres Elemen-
Debbie Harnois tary School and later became the school’s assistant principal, serving for the past 11 years. Wellington Elementary School opened in 1981 and was the first public school to open in Wellington. The school started with just 13 educators. Since then, it has grown See MAKOWSKI, page 17
New School Year Brings New Principal, Assistant Principal To Wellington Elementary
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report When students return to Wellington Elementary School for the new school year on Monday, Aug. 10, they will find two new leaders who are ready to continue the school’s reputation for strong academics and choice programs. New Principal Dr. Shannon Makowski and new Assistant Principal Debbie Harnois aim to continue the traditions of strong community relations and academic excellence built at Wellington’s oldest elementary school. Palm Beach County School District officials selected Makowski and
Harnois to lead Wellington Elementary School earlier this year. Makowski replaced former Principal Dr. Maria Vaughan, who retired in May after 12 years at the school. The two new school leaders said that their top priority is remaining a strong part of the community and maintaining the school’s A-rated status. “We’re very excited to be here at Wellington with the staff, the students, the families and the community,” Harnois said. “We’re ready to start another great school year here at Wellington Elementary.” Makowski and Harnois both have long histories with the school
district. Combined, they have decades of experience in education and have developed a similar relationship-based leadership style that they plan to use to build an environment where students continue to grow and learn. Makowski started her career at Royal Palm Beach High School as a teacher. As she continued her career, she became the single school culture coordinator at Grassy Waters Elementary School, and she then spent five years as the assistant principal at Lake Worth Middle School. “I feel like I’m returning to this role with a clear picture of the
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NEWS
Westlake Approves 360 Apartments Near Future Town Center By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report The Westlake City Council approved a 360-unit apartment community on Tuesday, Aug. 4 after a lengthy and sometimes contentious debate over parking, density and whether the project fits the community’s long-promised vision for a pedestrian-oriented “Town Center.” The council voted 4-1 to ap-
prove a master site plan for the nearly 67-acre Parcel L and a detailed plan for the 18-acre L3 portion, where Minto Communities USA plans to build The Avery at Westlake. Minto is Westlake’s largest landowner and primary developer. Councilman Gary Werner cast the lone dissenting vote. “It’s too much density for the 18 acres, in my judgment, based
on the comprehensive plan parameters,” said Werner, a city planner by profession, who questioned how the project fits the mixed-use district’s 16-units-per-acre cap. However, city planners said the overall Parcel L development would have a density of approximately 5.3 residential units per acre, within the comprehensive plan’s permitted range of four to 16 units per acre.
The proposed community will include six four-story residential buildings, two three-story buildings, an approximately 9,000-square-foot clubhouse, 12 detached garage buildings, a swimming pool, dog parks, playgrounds, pickleball courts and other recreation amenities. The remaining approximately 44 acres of Parcel L are designated for future mixed-use commercial development.
For some residents, the fight was not just about one apartment complex but about whether Westlake still intends to deliver the walkable Town Center they were shown when they bought their homes. Several speakers said The Avery does not resemble that imagery — shops and restaurants with residential units built above — and worried that approving the apartments before seeing a concrete
plan for the commercial portion left too much uncertainty about what eventually would be built. Representing Minto, land planner Donaldson Hearing said the Town Center was always expected to be among the final portions of Westlake to be developed because it requires a larger surrounding population to survive. “In order to have a viable Town See WESTLAKE, page 4
New ITID Parks & Rec Director Tackling College: Advice From Brings Decades Of Experience Recent Graduate Kate Wagner
By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report After 22 years as assistant director of special events for the Village of Wellington, Michelle Garvey recently crossed Southern Blvd. to become the new head of parks and recreation for the Indian Trail Improvement District. It became official on Monday, July 27 and already she’s making connections, meeting Monday, Aug. 3 with members of the Equestrian Trails and Infrastructure Advisory Committee. ITID Supervisor Patricia Farrell, who serves as chair of the committee, said that members toured Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, settled on a site to recommend for reestablishment of a playground there, looked at footing repairs in some of the arenas and possible signage for horse-and-rider trail crossings, including on Northlake Blvd. Farrell said that Garvey’s experience working in Wellington should be an asset in helping ITID recapture some of its diminished saddle culture. “Her involvement with that [in Wellington] should be helpful, especially in terms of finding ways to offset costs,” she said. For Garvey, the move also is a homecoming. She and her husband have been Acreage residents since 2001. They have two daughters attending Seminole Ridge High School who participated in youth sports through the Acreage Athletic League at ITID parks. “I live here. I had my kids here. They played on these fields,” she said. “I’m invested in this community, and I decided it was time to give back.” Top ITID officials are thrilled
to have Garvey on band coached youth board. sports in the league. “I’m delighted She also served as that Michelle joined interim president of the ITID team,” the league for two Executive Direcmonths in 2025 aftor Burgess Hanson ter Wendy Tirado’s said. “She’s highly resignation. respected in the “It certainly gave parks and recreme a full perspecation industry in the tive [on the league], State of Florida.” having been on the “I think she’s goinside, the outing to be great for side and as a parour parks and recreticipant,” she said, Michelle Garvey ation,” added ITID adding that “things President Elizabeth Accomando. have definitely improved” under Garvey is a certified park and new AAL President Tim Opfer. recreation professional (CPRP) “More is needed but things are and a certified destination man- headed in the right direction.” agement (CDM) professional. Growing up in Lebanon, PennFor Wellington, Garvey directed sylvania, Garvey ran cross counthe planning and execution of try and participated in track and more than 80 annual events and swimming. initiatives. She continued as a swimmer and While that would stand Garvey cross-country athlete at Western in good stead in most situations, Maryland College, now known as events have become a battleground McDaniel College. among ITID’s supervisors and One thing that she noticed dursome residents. ing her two decades with Welling“My focus is going to be on ton is the enormous sense of pride parks,” Garvey said. “I want to that exists in that community. “I’d get the parks in line with what they like to bring a little bit of that feel need to be.” here,” she said. She added that she’d like to see Hanson said Garvey “will bring more parks with Americans with a high level of professionalism and Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible will continue to make significant features and perhaps an adopt-a- improvements to our park systems. park program to foster a greater [She] will be a tremendous addisense of pride in the community. tion because she understands our When it comes to events, Gar- community.” vey said, “I’m here to be as helpOn a related note, the Equestrian ful as I can be — to offer my Trails and Infrastructure Adviexpertise,” especially in terms of sory Committee is planning a fall creating community partnerships. workshop that will be open to the Garvey said she is well aware public. It’s tentatively scheduled of the rocky relationship between for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8:45 a.m. ITID and the AAL over the last at Hamlin House, located at 14893 several years, noting that her hus- 89th Place North.
By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report It’s the time of year when teens head back to class and college students start to move into their dorms. Summer vacation is becoming a memory, while everyone gets ready for their classes and tries to plan for their best futures. Wellington native Kate Wagner was one of these students not long ago. She graduated from college a year early this past May on a full scholarship and has returned home this summer with some wisdom to share. Wagner was an exceptionally motivated student, even before she attended college. She began studying communications at the Bak Middle School of the Arts, continued to pursue communications at the Dreyfoos School of Arts, and finally majored in public relations with a minor in business at the University of Florida. Graduating from college in only three years, earning a full ride and being awarded the UF Presidential Scholarship is no mere feat for any student. Wagner credits her parents as the role models for her work ethic and decision to take on as much as she could during her high school years. “I saw what they were doing in their careers, and I wanted to do that. I did always look up to both my parents. They are very driven in their own careers. They were always just encouraging me to chase my passion,” Wagner said. As a teen, Wagner’s schedule was booked around the clock. She made short films in the school’s film society, participated in student government, started a club that brought toys to children in the hospital in partnership with Little
Kate Wagner recently graduated from the University of Florida. Smiles Florida, and competed with the speech and debate club. She also worked at Trader Joe’s, noting that her coworkers were her biggest cheerleaders. “I would definitely say that putting myself out there when I was in high school was the biggest thing I did for myself,” Wagner reflected. “It’s not always easy to break out of your shell and join clubs or organizations, or just doing something on top of your academics, but I think it really does make all the difference.” Amid these pursuits, Wagner was also a part of the dual enrollment program that allows Florida students to take college-level classes and earn credits toward their degree. By taking an extra two to three classes on top of her
normal high school course load, she was able to arrive at UF essentially an academic year ahead of schedule. Wagner attributes her ability to balance her schedule to showing up with the right attitude, even when times are tough. She encourages future college students to remember to always give all they can and, if something doesn’t come to fruition, take solace in knowing it was your best effort. “Even if you’re not always feeling it, I think it’s important to show up as the person you want to be,” Wagner said. “Even if you’re tired or having a long day, I want to still show up as the best version of myself. That’s what keeps you going and showing up for the opportunities in life.”
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
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NEWS
Voters Will Weigh-In On Two Port Races During Primary Election
By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report On Tuesday, Aug. 18, two primary elections will be held for seats on the Port of Palm Commission — one is a standard primary election featuring two Democrats, and the other is an unusual open primary election, also featuring two Democrats. In the race for Group 4, Blair Ciklin, the incumbent, is being challenged by Dr. Serge D’Haiti. While both are Democrats, because no other candidates filed, either for the primary or general election, the race is open to all voters, not just Democrats. In the race for Group 5, incumbent Dr. Deandre Poole is being challenged by Taniel “T.K.” Koushakjian. Both are Democrats, and the winner will face Republican Ted Sarandis in November. The Port of Palm Beach is governed by five commissioners that serve four-year terms. It’s the fourth busiest container port in Florida and the 18th busiest in the United States, serving as the major exporting hub for supplying goods to the Caribbean islands and the Bahamas. It also operates as a port for passenger cruises, seeing an estimated 500,000 passengers annually. Commissioners are elected by voters in the port district, which includes a wide swath of central Palm Beach County, including nearly all of the western communities. Also on the ballot for Group 4 but no longer running for the seat is Brian Lamb. He withdrew from the race after being appointed to fill a vacancy on the port commission. There will be signs posted at the polls to remind voters that Lamb is no longer running. Lamb recently retired from the West Palm Beach Fire Department. In his new role, Lamb aims to improve port security and continue talks about the addition of an inland port. He is interested in
having an outside firm come in and conduct an analysis of both the security and financial standing of the port. His first goal is to add video to the public commission meeting recordings, which currently only have audio. “I’ve been interacting with the port for a long time, and I’m retired now. I’m ready to go and completely excited,” Lamb said of his new appointment. GROUP 4 Blair Ciklin — Ciklin, the current board chair, is the longest-serving port commissioner in the United States, totaling more than four decades on the Port of Palm Beach Commission. He studied at Muskingum University in Ohio and later completed a postgraduate program at the New York Institute of Finance. Originally joining the commission for his expertise in finance, he is still active as the first vice president of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in West Palm Beach. Ciklin thought of retiring after his current term, but after one of the commissioners resigned, he was urged by tenants to stay on to aid with upcoming projects. “There’s more than $244 million of capital improvement projects that we have on the books,” Ciklin explained. “That’s why I’m running again, so we can get most of these projects off the ground. It’s huge for the port’s success.” If he is re-elected, Ciklin plans on keeping the port on the same financial track that it’s currently on. Focusing on the financial side of governance, he aims to ensure that the port is profitable, while continuing to not tax residents. He hopes to continue negotiations to expand the cruise terminal and potentially add one or two more cruise ships. Ciklin believes his long tenure at the port makes him the strongest candidate for the Group 4 seat. He feels that he is in the best position
Blair Ciklin
Serge D’Haiti
Taniel “T.K.” Koushakjian
Deandre Poole
to continue the port’s success and efficiency in operation due to his experience. “Experience counts, and my knowledge after all these years is pretty valuable for the success of the port,” Ciklin said. Serge D’Haiti — D’Haiti is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) at his own firm in Palm Beach County. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, later earning a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and a doctorate with a specialization in forensic accounting from Capella University. D’Haiti has held many positions, including working at Florida Atlantic University, the Florida Department of Revenue, the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. D’Haiti feels that the port is currently doing an excellent job investing in infrastructure. However, he wants the more western-lying neighborhoods to receive more of the benefits from the port, particularly by building a last-mile station in the area for trucks to bring cargo from east to west. He noted that this would alleviate congestion
on the roads, as well as bring jobs to the area. Additionally, D’Haiti wants to prioritize increasing transparency and communication between the commission board and the public. He noted through his interactions with residents that he found many people are unaware of the port’s operations. Should he be elected, he aims to change this dynamic and open lines of communication. “My first goal would be to increase communication with the public and become present in the community, so that feedback can be received and to include [the constituents] in the planning of the port,” D’Haiti said. D’Haiti believes that the fact he is a newcomer to the port will give him an edge. He’s confident that the skills he has built over his long career as a CPA, educator and civic leader will make him an effective commissioner. “I’m coming in fresh, bringing new ideas to the port,” D’Haiti said. To learn more about D’Haiti, visit www.voteforserge.com. GROUP 5 Taniel “T.K.” Koushakjian — Koushakjian attended Florida Atlantic University, followed by George Washington University in
Washington, D.C. He is a small business owner and a public policy executive, with leadership experience across the nonprofit, governmental and private sectors. Koushakjian additionally worked at the South Florida Water Management District, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and served twice on the Port of Palm Beach’s Audit Committee in the last four years. The port has tremendous untapped potential, Koushakjian said. He cites the 10-month-long vacancy of the Group 3 seat, now filled by Lamb, as unnecessary conflict. In terms of finances, he hopes to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study on the port and update the port’s master plan to develop a long-term plan for the port. If elected, Koushakjian aims to be more aggressive in attracting cruise ships and businesses, and creating more jobs. He similarly wants to establish a port apprenticeship program in collaboration with local schools, further investing in the workforce. He also hopes to focus on transparency and plans on televising all port commission meetings. “The port has spent too much time consumed by political infighting and internal distractions. We need commissioners who can work together, partner with the business community, collaborate with local governments and stay focused on delivering results,” Koushakjian said. Koushakjian believes he is the best choice for the commission because of his various leadership positions handling group dynamics, complex issues and sound budgeting, as well as his familiarity with the port’s finances through his time on the Audit Committee. “My combination of experience in critical infrastructure, transportation, public policy, government affairs and technology — across both the public and private sectors — sets me apart,” Koushakjian explained. To learn more about Koushakjian, visit www.tkforport.com.
Deandre Poole — Poole, the Group 5 incumbent, has been teaching at Florida Atlantic University for the last 15 years. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FAU, later studying at Howard University in Washington, D.C., to earn his doctorate. Poole has served on multiple committees, including the Coalition for Black Student Achievement, the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for the City of West Palm Beach, vice chair of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party, a member of the governing board of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization and more. Looking back at his current term on the commission, Poole is pleased with the completed $36 million infrastructure development project that redesigned the main gates, allowing the port to expand truck lanes and reduce waiting times. Likewise, he is proud of the security developments and $13 million in state funding secured over the last three-and-a-half years. Should he be re-elected, Poole is hoping to add more cruise ships, which would require the expansion of the cruise terminal and the construction of additional parking. Additionally, he hopes the creation of an inland port would help create more storage for containers to free up space at the port and decrease traffic in the area. “Additional cruise ships would bring in additional revenue for the port, which would strengthen tourism in the general area. It would be beneficial to hotels and restaurants,” Poole said. Poole feels he is the best candidate because of his experience and knowledge of the port. He noted that over the past term, the once 11 port bank accounts were reduced to two, adding $12 million to the bottom line. “We’ve reduced costs, increased revenue, had a clean audit and we even reactivated our summer internship program,” Poole said. To learn more about Poole, visit www.pooleforport.com.
PBSO Report: Reductions In Most Crime Categories In Wellington
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is reporting lower crime rates across most major categories in Wellington. PBSO District 8 Capt. Nichole Addazio presented the Wellington Village Council with the agency’s annual report at a meeting Tuesday, July 28. Last year, deputies in District 8 responded to 94,963 calls for service — 3,260 more than the previous year. Of those calls, 77,143 were self-initiated, including traffic stops, business and residence checks, and other incidents, with 17,820 being initiated by residents. Addazio added that areas with more people and business, especially near the Mall at Wellington Green, have the most calls for service. Murder, rape, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft all decreased last year. Robbery rates remain unchanged, but deputies experienced a five percent increase in larceny cases. “It was a banner year for the
Westlake
Council Approves Apartments
continued from page 3 Center, we need the density and intensity on both the east side of [Seminole Pratt Whitney Road] and the west side,” Hearing said, adding that big-box and drivethrough uses are planned west of Seminole Pratt, while the eventual Town Center to the east is meant to be more walkable. Hearing added that nearly 50 acres would remain available for Town Center commercial development after the Minto Sales Center is folded into the development — noting that is much larger than many mixed-use developments in the region. “You don’t have a city unless you can provide for the housing for all of your residents,” Hearing said. “It’s a critical component of having a viable city.”
PBSO in 2025,” Addazio said. “Our crime was down, our arrests were up and our vehicle stops were up.” The rise in larceny cases was caused by more shoplifting in the area. Despite the increase, Wellington still has one of the lowest shoplifting case rates among nearby communities. Addazio attributed the increase to growing organized theft. However, deputies are reprioritizing the issue to bring those numbers down. “When I came in, we really focused on shoplifting,” Addazio said. “Our numbers increased last year as our focus moved elsewhere, and that will be a focus again this year and moving into next to try to get those shoplifting numbers down.” PBSO detectives were assigned 316 cases in 2025 and cleared 73. In total, detectives were able to achieve a 23 percent clearance rate. Throughout 2025, officials conducted multiple operational plans to address specific issues and complaints experienced in the community. Some of the most
notable plans were Operation Fairway, which was the county agency’s first operational plan that targeted golf cart violations, and Operation Moto Madness, which increased patrol units to monitor rising e-bike and other micromobility device usage. Going forward, deputies will be focusing on continuing to address e-bike usage in the village, educating residents on how to combat vehicle thefts and burglaries, addressing parking issues, holding more “Coffee with a Cop” events, pursuing grant opportunities to bring additional resources into Wellington, increasing traffic enforcement to mitigate unsafe driving, and continuing to maintain a “hometown police department” culture. Council members praised Addazio and her team for their continued service to the community and their commitment to lowering crime rates. “Thank you to you and your team at District 8 because year after year, this is a great report to get,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said. “Some communities might
dread this report, and we love getting it because it shows that we are one of the safest places to live in Palm Beach County, and that’s attributable to all the work you guys do.” Vice Mayor Maria Antuña added that the village’s strong relationship with the county agency is a big reason why Wellington is such a safe place to live. “We have the safest community and that is because… we have the best of the best,” she said. “I truly appreciate everything that the PBSO does, and the partnership we have with you.” Addazio encouraged residents to engage with deputies. Through community engagement and events, deputies can learn more about how they can better serve residents and address potential problems. “Get involved in some of the activities the village, fire-rescue and the PBSO do,” Addazio said. “We work together to create so many opportunities for community engagement… Just get to know us a little bit better and come to some more of the events.”
Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor offered a similar defense early in the meeting after one resident said she felt misled about the possibility of apartments at the site. “Since day one there has always been a residential component in the Town Center,” O’Connor said. “You have to have a residential component to support the future Town Center… or else the Town Center will never exist.” Hearing stressed that The Avery would be market-rate “luxury apartments,” not low-income or Section 8 housing, and said the project would broaden Westlake’s housing options for residents and for workers in the emerging retail corridor. Overall, Werner and others were less concerned with the apartment project’s price point than what happens next on the rest of Parcel L. O’Connor said that there is a “real fear” among residents that there will never be a Town Center and asked whether the city could place an overlay or condition on
the remaining acreage to limit it to commercial uses. Minto’s attorney Tara Duhy told council members that they could not legally use The Avery site plan to take away future residential rights on Parcel L2, saying multifamily is a permitted use by right, and that any broader change would have to come through a future amendment to Westlake’s development code. “This is not a rational condition of approval” for The Avery project, she said. City Attorney Donald Doody backed Duhy’s view, explaining that the council must apply its existing comprehensive plan and zoning code to the application currently before it. Long-term questions about how much residential the Town Center district should allow would have to be addressed through policy work, not decided on the fly, he said. Meanwhile, parking waivers for the project also drew criticism. City code would normally require 708 vehicle spaces, while Minto
proposed 664 with a possible flex to 703. The applicant also sought to reduce bicycle parking from 180 to 98 spaces. The council separately approved the waivers 4-1, with Werner again casting the dissenting vote. In other business: • The council unanimously approved Minto’s 6.64-acre private neighborhood amenity to be called the Westlake Fieldhouse at the corner of Riverbend Road and Town Center Parkway. Plans include a 3,900-squarefoot building and covered patio, three fenced dog areas, children’s play spaces, an open recreation lawn, shade structures, 50 automobile spaces, golf cart parking and bicycle racks. Minto estimated construction would take approximately 10 to 12 months. • The council unanimously advanced first readings of land-use and rezoning ordinances affecting approximately 22.6 acres in Westlake West, changing the property from Mixed Use to Residential-2.
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OPINION
More Needs To Be Done To Help Glades Communities
Amidst all the bright shiny wealth of Palm Beach County, this citizen remains aghast by my recent visit to the area of Belle Glade and Pahokee, communities in the far western edge of Palm Beach County. The conditions of both towns, their iron-barred windows and the like, wreak of poverty and neglect. Is the county budget equitably spent so as to include these areas? Is the high
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For The Record
In the article “Two New Principals Arrive at Acreage-Area Schools,” published in the July 24 issue, the accompanying photos of Acreage Pines Elementary School Principal Kristen King and Golden Grove Elementary School Principal Jennifer Mooney were transposed. The correct photos are shown here. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have Kristen King Jennifer Mooney caused.
BARRY S. MANNING DAWN RIVERA JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor Publisher General Manager
CONTRIBUTORS/ Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky
school positively comparable to those in Boca Raton or Wellington, for example? Is the hospital sufficient for the needs of folks in that area, and again, comparable? State statistics cite a high crime rate; are police adequately funded? One can only hope per capita spending of county resources equitably considers these areas. Jeffrey James Westlake
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NEWS
‘Thanks A Latte’ Teacher Appreciation Event Celebrates Community Educators At The Mall At Wellington Green
By Shannon Anastasio Town-Crier Staff Report More than 150 teachers from schools throughout the community were treated to a well-deserved afternoon of appreciation during “Thanks A Latte,” a special Teacher Appreciation Event hosted by the Mall at Wellington Green on Friday, July 31. The event brought together
educators, community organizations and local businesses for an afternoon celebrating the individuals who dedicate their lives to educating the next generation. “Teachers pour so much into our children and our community, and this event gives us the chance to pour a little gratitude back into them,” said Asad Sadiq, general manager of the Mall at Wellington
Green. “We’re proud to partner with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, the Wellington Community Foundation and our incredibly supportive tenants to celebrate these remarkable educators.” Teachers enjoyed refreshments, giveaways and special offers from participating vendors, while connecting with fellow educators
before the start of the new school year. A spectacular fashion show featured Wellington’s own educators highlighting the latest in fashion choices available at the mall. The mall partnered with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, the Wellington Community Foundation and Office Depot to make the event possible, demonstrating how collaboration
between the business and nonprofit communities can create meaningful opportunities to recognize local educators. “We are honored to support events that celebrate the teachers who make such a tremendous difference in our community,” said Dawn Rivera, executive director of the Wellington Community Foundation. “The Mall at Wellington
Green created a wonderful event that allowed local organizations and businesses to come together and simply say, ‘Thank you.’” The success of “Thanks A Latte” demonstrates that when the community comes together to celebrate its educators, everyone benefits — especially the students whose lives are shaped by dedicated teachers every day.
PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
State Rep. Emily Gregory and Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone.
Office Depot representative Rebekah Kennon with James Gavrilos, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.
Teachers enjoy many start-of-the-year treats and gifts at this year’s event.
Artist Joel Kweskin with Francina McGuire and Grace York of Cypress Trails.
Crystal Lamar of Crestwood Middle School during the fashion show.
Mall at Wellington Green General Manager Asad Sadiq welcomes everyone to the teacher appreciation event.
Denise Le, Yael Meehan and Monique Arteaga from New Horizons Elementary School, Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone, Wellington Community Foundation directors Terri Kane and Don Gross, and WCF Chair Jim Sackett.
Stefanie Ardizzone-Johnson of Polo Park Middle School with Evelyn Metellus of the Hair Doctor.
Daniella Motizuki shows off her character drawing.
Jennifer Simmers of Wellington High School.
Teachers were treated to massages throughout the teacher appreciation event.
Every teacher received welcome gift bags when they arrived.
Brett Bailey of Wellington Landings Middle School during the fashion show.
Fashion show participants take a final bow.
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
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Page 7
NEWS
Wellington Will Continue Stormwater Upgrades Despite Veto
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington recently lost a $650,000 state appropriation due to a veto by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but local officials say they will find other ways to fund modernizing pump stations in the village. Earlier this year, state lawmakers approved a $650,000 appro-
priation for Wellington’s Stormwater Pump Station Improvements Project. The appropriation was one of many budget line items approved by the legislature for various local improvement projects. The Wellington project aims to modernize four critical stormwater pumps in the northern half of the
village. The pumps move rainwater through canals during severe storms and protect properties in the area. Village officials explained that upgrading the pumps will improve reliability and lower maintenance costs. Local leaders have already committed about $2.45 million in local funding for the $3.1 million project
and hoped to cover the remaining balance with state funds. However, DeSantis vetoed the item as part of $810 million in line-item vetoes on dozens of projects across the state that lawmakers approved, including the appropriation for the Stormwater Pump Station Improvements Project. However, Wellington did re-
Wellington Education Committee Hears Reports On Spinelli Grants
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Students and faculty in Wellington will be returning to school with $440,000 from the village’s Keely Spinelli Grant Program. As in previous years, each of the 11 public schools in the community will receive $40,000 from the village to invest in education and help academically challenged students improve. Administrators and principals from all the public schools in Wellington made a presentation before the Wellington Education Committee on Tuesday, Aug. 4 to show how the grant money was used last school year. Almost every school in Wellington was able to maintain its A rating last year. New Horizons Elementary School was able to keep its B rating but is still on the path of improving its academic
performance to achieve an A rating in the future. The principals from Binks Forest Elementary School, Elbridge Gale Elementary School, Equestrian Trails Elementary School, New Horizons Elementary School, Panther Run Elementary School, Wellington Elementary School, Emerald Cove Middle School, Polo Park Middle School, Wellington Landings Middle School, Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School showed the committee academic data and recent highlights. Funds from the Keely Spinelli Grant Program largely went to increasing tutoring opportunities, funding for extra teachers and supplies for teaching. “We are so very grateful for the grants you guys give us every year,” said Michella Jimenez, principal of Binks Forest Elementary School.
“We outperform the district every year… I think it’s because of these grants, and we’re able to use them as we need to use them and truly meet the needs of students.” The grant was created in honor of former Binks Forest Elementary School Principal Keely Spinelli, who died of cancer in 2008. The grant is allocated from the Village of Wellington’s annual budget and has invested more than $5 million into the village’s public schools. Many of the funds go toward overall education improvements, but mainly to help underperforming students in the lowest 25th percentile academically. “Words cannot express how appreciative we are of you for what you do for our students here in the village,” said Dr. Vivian Green, central instructional superintendent for the Palm Beach County School District. “Many of
the principals… not only did they maintain their school grades, but they also improved.” Committee members praised school district officials for their service to the community in helping make Wellington one of the county’s best places for education. Committee Member Marcella Montesinos said she hopes they will all have a great school year. “Everyone keeps saying thank you to us, but it’s not us; it’s you and your staff, your parents and everyone who surrounds you,” Montesinos said. “I hope you have an amazing year this year and have the best time.” The committee unanimously approved the 2026-27 Keely Spinelli Grant Program funds. The Wellington Village Council will present school officials with checks for the grant at their first meeting in the upcoming fiscal year.
Wellington Board Allows Sign To Stay, After It Went Up Without Proper Approval
By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Architectural Review Board last month approved a request allowing a wall sign for the Florida Center for Aesthetic Dentistry that had been installed before receiving village approval. The board considered the matter at a meeting on Wednesday, July 29. The dental practice is located in the Pointe at Wellington Green, off
Dem Primary
Forest Hill Blvd. It was recently renamed from the Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to the Florida Center for Aesthetic Dentistry. The tenant replaced the old sign with similar-sized signage. However, to do so, approval for a sign deviation once again needed to go through Wellington’s Architectural Review Board. The sign was already installed before the meeting, but village
staff added that it does not cause any issues. “[The sign] is proportionate to the building and allows for clear visibility,” Senior Planner Kelly Ferraiolo said. Board Member John Greene criticized the applicant’s team for installing the sign without approval and not attending a previous meeting. He added that not getting approval before installing some-
thing could negatively impact the board’s decision. “I just wanted to send a message to everybody that if you do these things, you don’t do it the right way, you have an opportunity to come and plead your case, and you don’t show up, you’re not going to get my approval,” he said. The board unanimously approved the application, allowing the existing sign to remain.
propriation was meant to fund a portion of the project and act as a partnership with the state to accelerate improvements for flood control, he said. “While we were disappointed that the appropriation was vetoed, we respect the governor’s constitutional authority in the budget process,” Barnes explained. “Our focus now is on continuing the project through a combination of local investment and future grant opportunities, so that Wellington residents continue to receive the level of flood protection and infrastructure reliability they expect.” Gerwig, too, is looking to continue efforts to secure funding and appropriations to support infrastructure projects in Palm Beach County next legislative session. “I’ll keep going and try again next year,” Gerwig said. “It’s always going to be a concern, making sure that the major systems of our community work well, and whether it’s done through a grant program or appropriations — either way that I can help — I certainly will do that because it’s important that our pumps work properly.”
NEWS BRIEFS
Wellington To Host Free Party In The Park Aug. 7
The Village of Wellington invites residents and families to kick off the new school year at its free Back-to-School Party in the Park on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Sponsored by the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation and hosted in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue (PBCFR), the event will feature free family-friendly entertainment and activities. New this year, families can explore a children’s market featuring approximately 30 youth vendors. The market encourages creativity, builds confidence and gives chil-
dren the opportunity to learn about selling products and interacting with customers in a fun, supportive environment. Additional activities include: the 88.1 Way FM Art Creator swirl art activity, bounce houses, community vendors, costumed character meet-and-greets, DJ music and dancing, face painting sponsored by Pike & Lustig, food trucks, touch-a-truck featuring PBSO and PBCFR vehicles, a trackless train, and a prize wheel to win back-to-school giveaways, such as mini-fans, highlighters, clear bags and more Learn more about this free event at www.wellingtonfl.gov/ partyinthepark.
PBC Clerk’s Office Holding $1.6 Million In Unclaimed Money
Three-Way Race
continued from page 1 Beach and Wellington,” he said. “You have to be flexible to know what will work where.” Guzman has emphasized his experience in Boynton Beach “overseeing multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects and the delivery of critical services” from roads and drainage to sanitation and neighborhood maintenance. He said his background would help him make the right strategic decisions throughout the district. In terms of traffic, Guzman said it’s important to have “good public transportation” to decrease the number of cars on the roads. “We can’t stop growth, but we need to make sure we have the infrastructure in place to deal with it,” he said. On the issue of affordability, Guzman said it’s very hard to speak with any clarity on the subject with Amendment 3 going before Florida voters in November. The amendment would raise the homestead property tax exemption for primary residences and change how some property taxes are assessed. It could have major budgetary impact on many municipalities and counties. “We need to increase the stock of affordable homes and provide workforce and low-income housing where needed,” he said. “We still need to keep our teachers, police officers and firefighters and others here in our communities.” Guzman said he also wanted to note his opposition to the AI hyperscale data center known as Project Tango planned for 202 acres off Southern Blvd. near 20-Mile Bend, which is located in District 6. As commissioner, he said he would want to take a close look at how the original zoning for the project was approved in 2016. To learn more about Guzman, visit https://marioguzman.vote or find his page on Facebook. RUDOPLH TINKER Acreage/Loxahatchee resident Rudolph “Rudy” Tinker said residents should not be surprised if you look on the side of the road and see him digging the footing himself to erect one of his fourby-four campaign signs. He said that’s the kind of campaign he’s running, the kind of candidate he is, but with a strong dash of hightech thrown in. Tinker said he’s using the internet, Facebook, Instagram and other such platforms, plus text messaging and robo-calls, to reach as many District 6 residents as he can without using a shotgun approach. “Everything is targeted to loca-
ceive another appropriation to help extend water and sewer service to areas without those utilities. “Wellington was not singled out,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “Hundreds of worthwhile projects, including stormwater improvements, transportation projects, public safety facilities, parks, educational initiatives and water infrastructure across the state were vetoed during this process. Wellington’s project was one of many local infrastructure requests affected.” State Rep. Anne Gerwig (R-District 93) said state lawmakers were prioritizing reducing government spending to provide tax relief, which left less money available for appropriations. “It was a tough year up there for funding,” she said. “We just have to go back and try again.” Wellington officials will still try to find other ways to fund the pump station improvements. The village could use local capital funds, pursue grants or request another appropriation during the next legislative session. Barnes added that Wellington remains committed to investing in critical infrastructure. The ap-
Mario Guzman
Rudolph Tinker
Katherine Waldron
tions and demographics,” he said. “I want to make sure the right message reaches the right people.” One of the most unusual things Tinker is employing a series of campaign songs that he wrote and sings with a bit of computer assistance. He has musical messages for lovers of country music, R&B, 1950s rock, Creole and more. Twelve in all. Tinker, who describes himself as U.S. Army veteran, small business owner, contractor and educator, is quick to say the musical effort is more than a gimmick. “I hope it shows this guy is thinking outside the box,” he said. “This is about someone with a new vision, not the same old, same old.” Tinker is a married father of six who teaches American government at Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Groves and Belle Glade campuses. He has several advanced degrees, including a doctorate in psychology with an emphasis on industrial organization from Grand Canyon University. Tinker has said his campaign is built on: • Reshaping code enforcement, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. • Providing a 100 percent property tax exemption for homestead property owners over age 65 who meet certain conditions. • Adding one or more youth centers to the western communities. • Creating a real seat at the table for Glades residents. • Improving the district’s infrastructure, including more roads to relieve traffic congestion. • Encouraging data-driven strategies that target violent crime and expanded mental health and crisis response teams. • Protecting home-based, agricultural and rural businesses, and prioritizing small businesses for county contracts. All of those things will cost money, of course, especially as the uncertainty of Amendment 3 approaches, but Tinker said, “You have to put things in perspective.
There’s far too much wasteful spending in the county. So, I’m not all gloom and doom [about the amendment].” Tinker stressed that he is here to serve the community, pledging that if elected, he will donate half of his commission salary to set up a scholarship program for District 6 students, “so that money goes right back into the community.” Tinker also said he would reject a security detail, which each commissioner now has. “I’m not afraid to go into neighborhoods and knock on doors,” he said. “If you vote for me, you’re voting for a revolutionary guy who doesn’t want to do things the same old way.” To learn more about Tinker, or to hear his playlist, visit www. rudolphtinker.com. KATHERINE WALDRON Looking at the status of her sixth run for public office, Waldron said, “Campaigning is an almost 24-7 process, but it’s so important to be out there meeting the voters… I feel it’s going well. I’ve got a great group of volunteers putting up signs and knocking on doors.” Waldron, a Wellington resident, said her background in public service, business and local civic work are her key calling cards in the race. She served two terms on the Port of Palm Beach Commission and one term in the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 93, which includes parts of District 6. “I think my experience at the state and local level can be very valuable,” she said. “I know how things work, and I know how to work with Tallahassee.” Before and alongside her elected service, Waldron built a career as an entrepreneur and executive. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University. In her public profile, she describes herself as someone who has worked to connect government, business and community groups, including service on boards and local initiatives.
“I’ve represented part of District 6 for most of a decade… as a member of the port commission or the legislature,” she continued. “I know the area. What I’m sensing with residents is that District 6 is not being heard or seen.” Waldron said that’s especially true of residents in Belle Glade and other Glades communities. The Glades “often gets pushed off to the side,” she said. “We need to help those communities find a path to sustainable economic growth.” One alleged growth engine at the edge of the Glades — the proposed AI hyperscale data center known as Project Tango — is not the right sort of smart, sustainable growth she envisions, said Waldron, who called the project “crazy” and reiterated her opposition to it based on environmental concerns, among other reasons. Waldron said that affordability and workforce housing plus transportation are key issues facing the county commission over the next four years. “We have to have development, but it needs to be smart development that protects our environment,” she said. “We need to create incentives for developers to work on that.” Waldron said one way to create more affordable housing is to repurpose existing land and structures. She said a developer’s plan to replace the long-closed Nordstrom store at the Mall at Wellington Green with 620 apartments is a prime example of the sort of repurposing she has in mind. Support for public transportation such as Palm Tran is critical to negating traffic issues, even if it requires taxpayer subsidies, she said — responding to suggestions from incumbent Baxter that a voucher system using Uber or other private services would be more cost effective. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, especially for our most vulnerable citizens,” Waldron said. “As a community, we have an obligation to support marginalized communities.” To learn more about Waldron, visit www.votekw.com.
More than $1.6 million in unclaimed funds belonging to people and businesses in Palm Beach County are now available to claim from the Office of the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. Whether it’s an uncashed juror check or a forgotten deposit, the clerk’s office aims to help connect people with the money they are owed. “Don’t leave money on the table,” Palm Beach County Clerk Mike Caruso said. “I encourage residents to check our web site to see if any of the money we are holding belongs to you. We’re here to help you reclaim what is rightfully yours.”
Businesses and individuals in Palm Beach County can search lists at www.mypalmbeachclerk. com to see if they may be due unclaimed money. These lists include residents and organizations whose unclaimed vendor payments, refunds, deposits, juror checks and cash bonds were never cashed, and were collected prior to Jan. 1, 2025. To check the various lists and for claim instructions, visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/ unclaimed and search by name or case number. You do not need to use a third-party company to claim your money. The deadline for submitting a claim is Sept. 1.
Early Voting Available For Primary Election
Early voting in the 2026 primary election will be available from Saturday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 16. A total of 28 early voting locations will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the early voting period. Locations in the western communities include the Acreage branch library at 15801 Orange Blvd., Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Groves campus at 15845 Southern Blvd., the Royal Palm Beach branch library at 500 Civic Center Way and the Wellington branch library at 1951 Royal Fern Drive. Eligible voters in Palm Beach County may vote at any early voting location. Early voting locations and wait times are available at www.votepalmbeach.gov. Election day is Tuesday, Aug. 18. All regular polling places will be open that day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On election day, voters must
vote at their assigned polling location. Voters must bring a valid photo and signature ID to vote. A list of acceptable forms of identification is available at www. votepalmbeach.gov. The optional early voting appointment program lets voters schedule a specific time to check in to vote at any early voting location. This convenient and optional online tool helps voters plan ahead, avoid long wait times and vote quickly at a time and location that works best for them. Appointments can be made at www. votepalmbeach.gov. Voters may drop off their completed vote-by-mail ballot at any early voting location during early voting hours. All vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to the main Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on election day, or by 5 p.m. to a branch office or secure ballot intake station.
County Transfers CR 880 To FDOT Through Agreement
The Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday, July 14 agreed to transfer a roughly 18mile stretch of County Road 880 (CR 880) near Belle Glade to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) through a mutual agreement by both parties. The entities agreed that the transfer is in the best interest of the public. CR 880 from State Road 880/ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. East/Avenue E to State Road 80/Southern Blvd. will be transferred in phases to FDOT for
their jurisdiction, ownership and maintenance. The transfers are timed to coincide with several road projects, including the FDOT’s roadway improvements along the western portion and the county’s Engineering and Public Works Department’s two bridge construction projects. Prior to these phased transfers, the county will continue previously planned and funded milling and resurfacing. The county appreciates the FDOT’s support of this road transfer.
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NEWS
WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES QUARTER AUCTION FUNDRAISER
The Women of the Western Communities held a quarter auction on Wednesday, July 22 at the Wellington National Golf Club. The event was organized with the help of Kerry Barnes from Quarters for Kindness. A total of 150 paddles were sold to enthusiastic bidders. Money raised will go to the group’s scholarship fund. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Suzanne Galloway, Christine Malchow, Leah Giorgetti, Providence Haines, Jeff and Michelle Haines, CiCi Cline, Sofy Cline, Ozzy Cline and Eddy Cline.
Maureen Gross, Maggie Zeller, Lynn Barwald and Allyson Samiljan.
Tammi Latham of Tammi’s Menagerie sold hats.
Cat basket raffle winner Kacey Atkinson.
WWC President Michelle Haines, Canadian equestrian Mathilde Blais and WWC VP Mair Armand.
Game day basket winner Alee Carter.
(Seated) Kandy Croft, Shirley Houlihan and Diane Grosso, and (standing) Joy Riley, Pam Strassner and Karen Carney.
Mair Armand and Kerry Barnes.
(Seated) Gail McCauley, Vickie Brint and Pam Gilbert, and (standing) Mary Ann Pollak and Michele Dargan.
Callie Mundell won a basket of cheer.
(Seated) Julie Tannehill and Hope Barron, and (standing) Audrey Valentine, Teresa Harrington, Donna Banno, Donna Kuebler and Lynda Chicano.
Susan Simpson from Pet Wants with dog basket winner Nicole Duval.
Dog basket winner Tiffany Marino.
Jacobs Wellington Foundation And Cox Science Center Celebrate STEM Partnership
The Jacobs Wellington Foundation and the Cox Science Center & Aquarium are celebrating six years of partnership dedicated to expanding STEM education opportunities for Wellington students. Through the foundation’s continued support of the Cox Science Center’s STEM Passport program, approximately 500 Wellington-area elementary and middle school students will participate in handson science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
learning experiences during the 2026-27 school year. Since the partnership began, more than 3,000 local students have benefited from the program. The Jacobs Wellington Foundation recently awarded a $25,000 grant to support STEM Passport, which combines in-school educational visits from the center’s educators with field trips to the Cox Science Center. The program covers all transportation and participation costs, ensuring students
can access engaging STEM experiences at no cost to their schools. “Education remains one of the foundation’s core priorities, and we are proud to continue supporting opportunities that inspire learning and curiosity among Wellington students,” said Charlie Jacobs, president and director of the Jacobs Wellington Foundation. “For six years, this partnership has helped connect thousands of young people with hands-on STEM experiences that
complement classroom learning and encourage future success.” Each student receives more than five hours of programming through classroom instruction and on-site experiences designed to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving and scientific inquiry skills. “For many students, STEM Passport provides a first opportunity to experience science in an interactive, hands-on environment,” said Carla Duhaney, chief experi-
ence and education officer for the Cox Science Center. “The Jacobs Wellington Foundation’s ongoing support has helped us create meaningful STEM learning opportunities for thousands of Wellington students while removing barriers that often prevent access to these experiences.” The partnership comes as the Cox Science Center prepares for a major expansion project expected to be completed in 2027. The project will double the center’s
footprint and significantly increase its capacity to serve students, educators and families throughout Palm Beach County through expanded exhibits, classrooms and educational programming. The Jacobs Wellington Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the Wellington community through investments in education, health/wellness, community development and quality-of-life programs. Learn more at www. jacobswellingtonfoundation.org.
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Agent Group Realty, (561) 723-8461
SPECTACULAR furnished lakefront home centrally located in the heart of Wellington-close to all equestrian venues, restaurants and shopping! The easy open floor plan is centered around the living room/dining room/ gourmet kitchen with an eat-in area and family room. Vaulted ceilings and plenty of skylights create the open, airy feel to these main living areas. All of these rooms overlook the furnished patio area, gorgeous pool AND a full view of the lake! Imagine relaxing in your tropical oasis and having a nice BBQ with friends and family after a full day! There are 4 bedrooms (master split plan) and 2 1/2 baths. Call Don & Maureen Gross for details 561-723-8461
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Donald Gross Maureen Gross 561-723-8461 561-714-0887
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Celebrating Over 50 Years in Wellington! 15380 Woodmar Ct, Wellington, FL 33414
9112 Forest Hill Blvd | In Kobosko’s Crossing (561) 793-7373
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NEWS
August 7 - August 20, 2026
Page 9
Wellington Community Collaboration Makes Foundation’s Annual ‘Back To School Bash’ A Resounding Success
By Shannon Anastasio Town-Crier Staff Report More than 400 local students will begin the new school year with confidence thanks to a collaboration between the Wellington Community Foundation and a network of dedicated community partners who came together to ensure that every child in need received the essentials for a successful school year. The annual “Back To School Bash” held Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Wellington Community Center not only provided much-needed school supplies but also demonstrated the generosity and compassion that defines the Wellington community. By working together, local organizations, businesses, volunteers and civic leaders helped remove financial barriers for families while giving children the opportunity to begin the school
year feeling prepared, supported and excited. The event provided eligible students with school uniforms, backpacks, school supplies, new sneakers and socks. It was the result of months of planning and an inspiring demonstration of what can be accomplished when nonprofits, local government, businesses and service organizations unite around a common purpose. “This event truly represents the spirit of our community,” WCF Chair Jim Sackett said. “When organizations work together with a shared commitment to helping children and families, lives are changed. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a role in making this year’s Back To School Bash such a tremendous success.” A cornerstone of that success was collaboration with the Vil-
lage of Wellington. Under the leadership of Assistant Village Manager Ed De La Vega, the village played an instrumental role in coordinating the event, identifying hundreds of qualifying families and students, providing the Wellington Community Center as the venue, and organizing the logistics necessary to bring the event to life. The foundation also recognized the exceptional efforts of the village’s Community Services Department, including Jenifer Brito, Ian Williams and the entire staff. From months of planning to event-day setup, operations and breakdown, the team’s professionalism, organization and dedication ensured that every family enjoyed a welcoming and seamless experience. Students and families that joined in on the fun enjoyed lunch from
Chick-fil-A, along with many fun activities along the promenade that included a rock-climbing wall, bounce houses, face painting, water slides and more. The foundation also expressed its appreciation to the Wellington Village Council for its continued support of community initiatives that directly benefit local families. Another key contributor was the Wellington Rotary Club, whose members once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to community service. Led by Club President Nikki Stinson, Rotary volunteers donated their time during the foundation’s Backpack Stuffing Event on July 30, assembling hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies in preparation for the distribution event. “The Wellington Rotary Club continues to be one of our valued
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Sebastian and Juan Carlos Bustamante with new school clothes.
Back To School Bash volunteers gather for a group photo.
Leah, Andrew and Alexander Trammell with Mayor Michael Napoleone.
Greg and Christopher May, Rachel Boudreaux, and Abigail and Zoey May.
Wellington Rotary President Nikki Stinson, Maria Fernanda Cruz and WCF Executive Director Dawn Rivera.
Killian, Robin, Casey and Skyla Korasadowicz.
Katherine and Jie Chen with the Chick-fil-A cow.
Karolina Salamalay and Naylani Salamalay with the Chick-fil-A cow.
PBSO Deputy Casey Lussier assists students picking up their new sneakers for school.
Kayden, Karen and Emily Martinez.
succeed both in and out of the classroom. “The Steps for Success program is a wonderful example of how our neighbors can make a lasting impact in our community,” WCF Director Barry Manning said. “Providing a child with a new pair of sneakers is about much more than footwear — it’s about confidence, dignity and giving every student the opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared and proud.” The foundation’s Back To School Bash reflects the organization’s ongoing mission of “building a stronger community” by supporting children, families, seniors, veterans and other local initiatives throughout the year. Through collaborative partnerships and the generosity of donors, the foundation continues to invest in programs that create lasting opportunities and strengthen the quality of life for residents across the Wellington area. “The success of this event belongs to every volunteer, sponsor, donor and community partner who contributed their time, resources and compassion,” WCF Director Maggie Zeller said. “Together, we made a meaningful difference in the lives of more than 400 local students, and we look forward to continuing this important work for years to come.” To learn more about the Wellington Community Foundation, upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.
Wellington Community Foundation and the Mall At Wellington Green teamed up to help local students take their next step toward a successful school year. (L-R) Mall General Manager Asad Sadiq, Sofia Varon, Barry Manning, Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone, Terri Kane, Julie Mullen, Jim Sackett, Sally Shorr, Julie Schalm, State Rep. Emily Gregory and Don Gross.
Don Gross, Ada Navarra, Dana Ray, Nikki Stinson, Nathanaelle Desrivieres, Maria Fernanda Cruz and Dr. Maurice Cruz.
Elissa and Julia Dentico with backpacks and uniforms.
Power Partners,” WCF Executive Director Dawn Rivera said. “Their members rolled up their sleeves, worked tirelessly alongside our volunteers, and helped ensure that every backpack was ready for a deserving student. Their enthusiasm and commitment exemplify Rotary’s tradition of Service Above Self.” Stinson said that one of the club’s favorite moments each year is helping distribute the backpacks and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they prepare for the new school year. The foundation also recognized the outstanding support from the Mall at Wellington Green and Marketing Director Julie Schalm through the mall’s Steps for Success initiative. Thanks to the generosity of shoppers, retailers and the mall team, more than 200 pairs of new sneakers were donated for local students. “We were truly blown away by the generosity of our Mall at Wellington Green shoppers,” Schalm said. “More than 200 pairs of shoes means more than 200 children can walk into the new school year feeling confident, proud and ready. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make that possible, and for our partnership with the Wellington Community Foundation. This just shows that great teams can do great things!” The sneakers were distributed during the Back To School Bash, along with uniforms, backpacks, school supplies and socks, ensuring that hundreds of children begin the school year fully equipped with the essentials they need to
Riley, Dylin and Isla Stewart.
Volunteers assist parents picking up their students’ school uniforms.
Matias, Emilio, Andrea and Cesar Suarez with Mary Olaya.
A rock-climbing wall was one of many activities to enjoy.
Zoey May and Abigail May got their faces painted.
Aaron, Dominic and Juan Delgado wear their new backpacks.
Nikkeria, Israel and Corey Johnson with the Chick-fil-A cow.
James, Ethan and Lisa Hersman with WCF Chair Jim Sackett.
Parents assist students in selecting their sneakers.
Rotarian Derrick Blauser assisted students in choosing backpacks.
Page 8 August 7 - August 20, 2026
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Conveniently Located at the Corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. PRIVATE SCHOOL
NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS
United States Post Office
#1 Education Place 561-753-6563
Town-Crier Newspaper Wellington The Magazine / Royal Palm The Magazine
561-793-7606
Wellington Collegiate Academy 561-784-1776
MEN & LADIES ALTERATIONS
RESTAURANT
PEDIATRICIAN
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Nutinfits 561-795-3278
Raja Indian Cuisine 561-855-2765
Dr. Rosa Fernandez, M.D. 561-793-3232
Dr. Steven Miller, DDS 561-798-8023
CHILDREN’S PRE-SCHOOL
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR
Children’s House of Wellington 561-790-3748
Dr. Michael Harris 561-204-3242
Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 561-790-6200
Cycle Fit Studio 561-795-3038
MED SPA, REJUVENATION & SEXUAL WELLNESS CENTER
GENERAL INSURANCE
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
SYNAGOGUE
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
VETERINARIAN
AEROSPACE COMPONENT SALES
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Calla Genics 561-252-5398
Chris Barker Insurance 561-242-3603
Children’s Pediatric Dentistry 561-793-7515
Temple B’nai Jacob 561-793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.org
Spillane & Zahul, CPAs 561-790-1488
Animal Medical Clinic 561-798-2900
AeroGear Telemetry 561-223-2590
RJ Behar & Company 561-333-7201
MORTGAGE BROKER
BARBERSHOP
BOOT & SHOE REPAIR
MARTIAL ARTS
TITLE INSURANCE
NAIL SALON
CUSTOM BOOTS & SHOES
COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIR
Sunvest Mortgage Group 561-337-4848
Arturo Fashion Cuts 561-328-7176
Woody’s of Wellington 561-798-1440
Villari’s Studios of Self Defense 561-792-1100
South Shore Title, Inc. 561-798-9092
Glamorous Nail Spa 561-422-8882
La Mundial 561-459-1629
PC Pros of Wellington 561-420-0554
LITIGATORS
TUTORING AND TEST PREP
HAIR SALON
EQUINE INSURANCE
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
REAL ESTATE
WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Florida Litigators 561-463-8444
Sapneil Tutoring 305-968-6364
Isabel Beauty Salon 561-633-6586
Marshall & Sterling Insurance 561-318-5604
Andrea Karpel, LCSW, LLC www.therapyofwellington.com
Dunamis Advisors, RIA 561-313-0535
The Fabbri Group Concierge Properties
CAREGIVER SERVICES
GENERAL INSURANCE
MAKE & TAKE ART STUDIO
NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
U.S. POST OFFICE
True Angel Care Services Inc. 954-326-8551
(GRADES 1 -12)
BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE 561-331-6652
Wellington Mall Center Court
WOOD • PAPER •GLASS 561-557-9583
Nursing School 561-688-5112
561-444-7230
RESTAURANT
WCA Café
(Adjacent to the Post Office)
561-468-7653
PRIVATE SCHOOL
561-281-3603
WWW.WELLINGTONCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.ORG
Leasing Information
www.dunamiscapitaladvisors.com
Call Chris Santamaria 561-793-4500
Page 8 August 7 - August 20, 2026
The Town-Crier
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The
The Town-Crier
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August 7 - August 20, 2026 Page 9
Conveniently Located at the Corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. PRIVATE SCHOOL
NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS
United States Post Office
#1 Education Place 561-753-6563
Town-Crier Newspaper Wellington The Magazine / Royal Palm The Magazine
561-793-7606
Wellington Collegiate Academy 561-784-1776
MEN & LADIES ALTERATIONS
RESTAURANT
PEDIATRICIAN
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Nutinfits 561-795-3278
Raja Indian Cuisine 561-855-2765
Dr. Rosa Fernandez, M.D. 561-793-3232
Dr. Steven Miller, DDS 561-798-8023
CHILDREN’S PRE-SCHOOL
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR
Children’s House of Wellington 561-790-3748
Dr. Michael Harris 561-204-3242
Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 561-790-6200
Cycle Fit Studio 561-795-3038
MED SPA, REJUVENATION & SEXUAL WELLNESS CENTER
GENERAL INSURANCE
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
SYNAGOGUE
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
VETERINARIAN
AEROSPACE COMPONENT SALES
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Calla Genics 561-252-5398
Chris Barker Insurance 561-242-3603
Children’s Pediatric Dentistry 561-793-7515
Temple B’nai Jacob 561-793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.org
Spillane & Zahul, CPAs 561-790-1488
Animal Medical Clinic 561-798-2900
AeroGear Telemetry 561-223-2590
RJ Behar & Company 561-333-7201
MORTGAGE BROKER
BARBERSHOP
BOOT & SHOE REPAIR
MARTIAL ARTS
TITLE INSURANCE
NAIL SALON
CUSTOM BOOTS & SHOES
COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIR
Sunvest Mortgage Group 561-337-4848
Arturo Fashion Cuts 561-328-7176
Woody’s of Wellington 561-798-1440
Villari’s Studios of Self Defense 561-792-1100
South Shore Title, Inc. 561-798-9092
Glamorous Nail Spa 561-422-8882
La Mundial 561-459-1629
PC Pros of Wellington 561-420-0554
LITIGATORS
TUTORING AND TEST PREP
HAIR SALON
EQUINE INSURANCE
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
REAL ESTATE
WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Florida Litigators 561-463-8444
Sapneil Tutoring 305-968-6364
Isabel Beauty Salon 561-633-6586
Marshall & Sterling Insurance 561-318-5604
Andrea Karpel, LCSW, LLC www.therapyofwellington.com
Dunamis Advisors, RIA 561-313-0535
The Fabbri Group Concierge Properties
CAREGIVER SERVICES
GENERAL INSURANCE
MAKE & TAKE ART STUDIO
NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
U.S. POST OFFICE
True Angel Care Services Inc. 954-326-8551
(GRADES 1 -12)
BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE 561-331-6652
Wellington Mall Center Court
WOOD • PAPER •GLASS 561-557-9583
Nursing School 561-688-5112
561-444-7230
RESTAURANT
WCA Café
(Adjacent to the Post Office)
561-468-7653
PRIVATE SCHOOL
561-281-3603
WWW.WELLINGTONCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.ORG
Leasing Information
www.dunamiscapitaladvisors.com
Call Chris Santamaria 561-793-4500
Page 12
August 7 - August 20, 2026
www.gotowncrier.com
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The Town-Crier
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
Page 13
NEWS
VILLAGE HOLDS SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AT THE ROYAL PALM CULTURAL CENTER
The Village of Royal Palm Beach held a Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, July 29 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event included vendors, raffles and demonstrations of available services for senior citizens. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
CapTel’s Regina Wilson with Nancy Mendenhall.
Jessica Braynen and Theresa Osbourne lead a CPR demonstration.
Dr. Michelle Nguyen (second from left) and the team from West Lakes Dental Care.
Sifu Carol Willis-Holden (center) with members of the Royal Palm Beach tai chi class.
Jennifer Busch and Amy Elakman of the Palm Beach County Library System with talking book machines.
Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Mayor Jeff Hmara and Vice Mayor Sylvia Sharps.
RPB Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas, Dolly Hughes and Programs Coordinator Ann Harrison.
SHINE Outreach Coordinator Aliya Rivera and Area Agency on Aging Outreach Coordinator Laura Williamson.
Speak Up For Kids Brings Summer Fun And Bicycle Safety To Children In Foster Care
Speak Up for Kids welcomed nearly 100 children and caregivers to the fifth annual Velocity Summer Foster Family Bash on July 22 at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach. Velocity Community Credit Union sponsored the celebration, investing in an afternoon where foster and relative caregiver families could relax, connect and create joyful memories. Volunteers helped children learn golf, while families enjoyed lunch, a photo booth, toys, gift cards and giveaways. “There is a desperate need for more foster parents in Palm Beach County, but no family should ever feel they must take this journey alone,” said Coleen LaCosta, executive director of Speak Up for
Kids. “This day showed what it means for a community to invest in children and families. When foster parents open their homes, our community must open its arms and walk beside them.” This year, that circle of support grew through Students Speak Up for Kids at Spanish River High School. Chapter co-captains Amy Sidowsky and Jade Elkabes recognized that children in foster care needed bicycle helmets and took her idea to the board at Delray Medical Center. Her pitch inspired a $5,000 investment to provide new helmets for foster youth. The student-led initiative became part of the Summer Bash, bringing Delray Medical Center into the celebration for the first
time. Sidowsky was joined by Dr. Lon Sadowsky and John Oliver, trauma injury prevention coordinator, for a special check
Trisha Sustache of Velocity Community Credit Union, Jade Elkabes and Amy Sidowsky of Students Speak Up For Kids, Coleen LaCosta of Speak Up For Kids and Dr. Lon Sadowsky.
We are a Conservative synagogue serving the western communities of Palm Beach County. Our services are traditional, engaging, and inspiring in a setting where every congregant counts!
COME CELEBRATE THE HIGH HOLIDAYS AT TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB!
5787–2026 All services are being held at Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington.
Rabbi Daniel rimsky A limited number of tickets are available for non-members.
Purchase before August 15, 2026: $118 Purchase after August 15, 2026: $136
Please call the Temple for more information and a full schedule of services. Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington • 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 6 • Wellington, FL 33414 561-793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.org • templebnaijacob@gmail.com
We offer coverage for: Homes, Condos, Auto, Umbrella, Flood, Business We have access to more carriers than any other insurance agency in Wellington. More Realtors and mortgage lenders call us for our speed and proficiency. Quality of service of matters. Contact me to insure your peace of mind.
Bill Thomas Agency Owner, Wellington Resident 561-614-1122 BrightwayBillThomas.com
presentation. Oliver shared injury-prevention resources with families. Learn more at www. speakupforkidspbc.org.
Development Coordinator Giovanna Coleman at the Clinics Can Help table.
Alicia Jean Pierre of Virtual Geek with Yeti cooler prize winner Frankie Smith.
Wellington Parks & Rec Introduces Statusfy
RainoutLine, Wellington Parks & Recreation’s weather notification system for games, practices, facilities and events, transitioned to Statusfy on Aug. 1. The change reflects a new name and updated user experience, while maintaining the same reliable service residents use to stay informed about weather-related impacts. Statusfy offers the same core functionality as RainoutLine with an updated mobile-friendly interface, improved accessibility and new features, including push notifications and location search. Existing web and app users: Users of the RainoutLine web site and app should update their bookmarks to the new Statusfy web page at www.statusfy.com/5612853595 and download the Statusfy app
by searching “Statusfy” in their device’s app store or by visiting www.statusfy.com/apps. E-mail and text subscribers: Existing subscribers will continue receiving the notifications they’ve signed up for. Text alerts will be sent from a new 888 phone number, and e-mail alerts will come from a Statusfy address. During the transition, residents may see both the RainoutLine and Statusfy names on village pages and materials. Both refer to the same weather notification system, and references will be updated to Statusfy over the coming weeks. For additional information about Wellington Parks & Recreation weather notifications, including links and FAQs, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/statusfy.
Page 14
August 7 - August 20, 2026
GOP Primary
Baxter Vs. Accomando
continued from page 1 Beach County Police Benevolent Association, the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, the Log Cabin Republicans, Hispanic Vote Palm Beach County, the Lincoln-Reagan Committee, and, most recently, The Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. She also has been endorsed by fellow ITID supervisors Patricia Farrell and Richard Vassalotti. Attack ads running on social media have attempted to paint Accomando as “Liberal Liz,” but she said that’s not the case. “My intention is to work for the people — all the people — to be transparent and to think before I make any decision that would affect my neighbors or District 6,” she said, adding that it would be necessary as a commissioner to “find a balance” between what’s good for her district and the county as a whole. When it comes to development and affordability, Accomando said, “We can’t concrete over every bit of green space… We have to have smart development.” Accomando said she supports
E-Bikes
NEWS public-private partnerships, especially using state and federal dollars to minimize the impact on local taxpayers. “Not every developer is bad,” she said. “We just need to find them, work them and cut back on the red tape.” The affordability issue dovetails into the county’s traffic and infrastructure problems, Accomando said, which are unlikely to be solved without the reinstitution of state “concurrency laws” repealed in 2011. The legislature’s action removed the state mandate for the necessary roads and other infrastructure to be in place before a development could proceed. Accomando has reiterated her strong opposition to the 202-acre Central Park Commerce Center near 20-Mile Bend, next door to the 2,300-home Arden community and Saddle View Elementary School. The proposed AI hyperscale data center has been an ongoing controversy since last December. In July, commissioners voted not to allow expansion of the data and warehouse center from approximately 2 million square feet to 3 million square feet. But the issue could very well come back before the commissioners during the next four years. “I don’t govern by polls or political winds,” Accomando says
on her web site. “Before I make any decision, I ask myself: Does it safeguard our families, our investments and our way of life? My commitment to District 6 rests on those three proven principles. They aren’t new promises; it’s how I serve.” Learn more about Accomando at www.elizabethaccomando.com. SARA BAXTER Baxter joined the Palm Beach County Commission in 2022 after a successful first run for political office. Despite a sometimes rocky four years, Baxter said she is proud of her record in terms of fighting for the residents of District 6 and saving taxpayer dollars overall. Baxter said that one of her biggest frustrations is “the lie that I somehow sold out the residents of Arden and others over Project Tango.” The proposed AI hyperscale data center and warehouse development already was permitted in 2016, long before she took office, she pointed out. “I came out against it early and publicly… [and] I recused myself from the vote to make sure I didn’t put the county on the hook for a lawsuit,” Baxter said. “I was putting our residents first.” Baxter also noted that in July, she proposed and supported a moratorium that freezes other AI
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s
“Changing it to 15 is the respon-
among children rather than teens. “The impacts of the damages and the injuries could be much more severe on a smaller-framed person than it would be on a more mature 15-, 16-, 17-year-old,” Vomero said. Mayor Michael Napoleone was the only one on the council who opposed adding the age restriction. He believed the village’s regulations should focus on giving deputies better means for enforcement. “I don’t think the local government should set an age restriction on that to tell parents how to parent their child,” Napoleone said. “But I do think we should push out more educational efforts.” The rest of the council disagreed. They added that 15 years old is usually when teenagers get a learner’s permit or at least have a school ID.
The council passed an amended motion for the ordinance establishing regulations for micromobility devices 4-1, with Napoleone dissenting. They subsequently unanimously passed the second ordinance limiting the usage of those devices on Wellington facilities and expanding enforcement authority. In other business: • The council unanimously approved the first reading of a master plan designation change to the site of a former preschool on Greenbriar Blvd. The applicant plans to build a private tennis campus on the property with multiple indoor and outdoor courts. • The council also unanimously approved the final reading of the annexation of a portion of Lake Worth Road, directly adjacent to Panther Run Elementary School.
Capt. Nichole Addazio and sible thing to do,” Councilwoman Wellington Office Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Amanda Silvestri said. “I know Chief Amanda Vomero that there’ll be some parents who Plans New Division supported including one in the are mad about it… but I think that They added that they is going to solve a huge problem Regulations regulations. tend to see the most severe injuries and keep our kids a little safer.”
continued from page 1 forcement concerns. As a result, local leaders are creating their own rules to address the rising safety concerns. Under Wellington’s ordinances, riders on micromobility devices would need to carry a government-issued ID, but school IDs will be acceptable; limit the maximum speed of devices to 15 miles per hour on sidewalks, canal rights-of-way and designated multi-modal pathways; prohibit non-human-powered micromobility devices on bridle trails; consider violations as non-criminal traffic infractions; and prohibit the use of non-human-powered micromobility devices at village facilities. Staff initially removed the age restriction for using micromobility devices from one of the ordinances before the meeting. However,
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data center applications while the county works on clearer rules for future projects. Positive aspects of her tenure, she said, include items such as: • Stopping a large gas station/ convenience store complex at the intersection of Northlake Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. • Stopping construction of a 24-hour emergency room in The Acreage. • Ensuring that the county’s fiveyear road program is fully funded for the first time in 12 years. • Fighting to lower the county millage rate from 4.7 mills in 2022 to 4.5 mills in 2024. Baxter said other accomplishments are more behind the scenes, including pushing hard for the Florida Department of Transportation move forward with construction of the State Road 7 extension and cajoling FDOT to take over what had been County Road 880 — now SR 880 — running from Belle Glade, connecting with Southern Blvd. “This is a highly traveled farm road that was costing the county $4 to $6 million a year to maintain,” Baxter said. “It was going to cost the county $200 million to repave. That’s money we saved.” Baxter has said that she wants her record to stand on its own without relying on endorsements in her campaign but added she is happy to have the support of President Donald Trump. If re-elected, Baxter said, her focus will be on development issues and transportation infrastructure. “Overdevelopment is a huge issue,” she said. “Unfortunately,
Attorney
Lox Council Terminates Contract
continued from page 1 believed that the council should allow Kurtz to work in person and give 60 days to ensure a smooth transition. “I’m not sure that that’s allowing enough time for overlap,” she said. “I’m not sure why it needs to be remote… I would think that he would need to be here with Torcivia’s representatives to go over things and do transition work.” Vice Mayor Manish Sood agreed and explained that Kurtz has acted in good faith to work with the town, especially while
Elizabeth Accomando
Sara Baxter
there were thousands more units approved before I took office.” To mitigate the impact in the western communities, Baxter said she would push for the extension of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road directly to the Beeline Highway. She said she also would consider the Okeechobee Blvd. extension from Seminole Pratt to the north side of the Arden community or beyond “as long as no one’s home is taken” for its construction. Baxter said that if Amendment 3 passes increasing homestead exemptions and thus decreasing county tax revenue, cutting waste from the county budget will have to be an even greater priority. One of her first targets, she said, would be the county’s Palm Tran bus system. Baxter said she would like to see the current Palm Tran system scrapped in favor of a voucher
system that current riders could use for Uber or other such services. Smaller buses could be used to accommodate elderly or physically challenged individuals who might not feel safe or comfortable using privatized transportation, Baxter said. “This would be better and be more efficient,” she said. “We have to be more creative and more efficient if we’re going to save money.” Born at St. Mary’s in West Palm Beach and raised in Palm Beach and Martin counties, Baxter now is a wife and mother of three. She moved to The Acreage in 2016 but has longtime ties to the area through her grandfather, who lived there starting in the 1970s. She and her husband Brian own an automobile repair shop. Learn more about Baxter at www.votesarabaxter.com.
they are in the middle of budget discussions. “Unless there is a bad faith situation here, even today, he has the knowledge of financial matters,” Sood said. However, the rest of the council believed that working 30 days remotely would be sufficient. They subsequently approved Stephens’ motion 4-1, with Sood dissenting. The end of Kurtz’s tenure is the second high-profile staff exit in the town recently. In April, a divided council voted to place former Town Manager Francine Ramaglia on administrative leave and for then-Town Clerk Valerie Oakes to serve as acting town manager for the time being. Disagreements over severance pay led local leaders to hire an outside law firm to investigate Ramaglia.
Last month, council members voted to terminate Ramaglia with cause, which is likely to lead to the two parties going to court over the matter. In a related matter, Oakes said that she was open to extending her stay as acting town manager as officials begin the process of finding a new permanent town manager. The council passed a motion 4-1 to extend her contract for a year, or until the position is filled. In other business, council members once again postponed consideration of an ordinance to revise the town’s recreation vehicle (RV) program and enforcement rules. They agreed to discuss the matter at their next workshop meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and intend to vote on it at a meeting in September.
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NEWS
FLAGSHIP PREMIUM CINEMAS GRAND OPENING WITH WELLINGTON CHAMBER The Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomed Flagship Premium Cinemas to the neighborhood on Thursday, July 23. Chamber members and guests had the opportunity to mingle and network, as well as tour the completely remodeled movie theater, with its new reclining seats. The theater also offers free self-serve refills on popcorn and soda. Flagship Premium Cinemas founder and CEO John Crowley attended the event and took the opportunity to thank the community for the warm welcome. Flagship Premium Cinemas is located in the Wellington Marketplace shopping plaza at 13881 Wellington Trace. Learn more at www.flagshipcinemas.com/wellington. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
Flagship Premium Cinemas officials join local officials and chamber members for the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Wellington Councilman Johnny Meier, Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter, Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri, Flagship Premium Cinemas Senior Vice President Andrew Poore, Mayor Michael Napoleone, Flagship Premium Cinemas Manager Brian Aloia, Vice Mayor Maria Antuña, Flagship Premium Cinemas Assistant Manager Austin Eisenman and Councilman Stephen Levin.
Flagship Premium Cinemas founder and CEO John Crowley is welcomed to Wellington.
PBC Mayor Sara Baxter with Wellington Chamber President Alec Domb.
Mayrin Pirela and Priscilla Wathey.
Flagship Premium Cinemas Senior Vice President Andrew Poore with Honored Partner Robert Weinholt Sr.
Flagship Premium Cinemas Senior Vice President Andrew Poore addresses chamber members.
Wellington Chamber President Alec Domb (right) introduces Flagship Premium Cinemas Senior Vice President Andrew Poore.
Flagship Premium Cinemas Wellington Partner Robert Weinholt Sr. with parent company founder and CEO John Crowley.
Adam Haas and Walter Imperatore.
Darlene Curti, Arlene Smith, Sonali Mendiratta, Mayor Michael Napoleone, Suzane Bacelar, Nidia Skokanic, Melisa Sandler and Kelly O’Neil.
Janine Worontsoff, Kelly O’Neil and Melisa Sandler.
Wellington Councilman Johnny Meier, Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri, Mayor Michael Napoleone, Vice Mayor Maria Antuña and Councilman Stephen Levin.
Rudy Romero and Steve Phillips.
Staff from Flagship Premium Cinemas gather for a group photo.
Suzane Bacelar and Olivia Layman.
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
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NEWS
Volunteers Prepare Hundreds Of Backpacks For Local Students
By Shannon Anastasio Town-Crier Staff Report In preparation for the Wellington Community Foundation’s annual Back To School Bash, dozens of dedicated volunteers came together on Thursday, July 30 for the foundation’s annual Backpack Stuffing Event, assembling hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies for local students. The event showcased the power of community collaboration, as volunteers from the Village of Wellington, the Wellington Rotary Club and the Wellington Community Foundation worked side by side with one shared goal — helping local children start the school year prepared for success. Members of the Village of Wellington’s Community Services Department joined foundation volunteers in organizing and preparing backpacks that would later be distributed to more than 400 students during the Back To School Bash. Their careful planning and teamwork helped ensure that every backpack was packed with the supplies students need for a successful school year. The Wellington Rotary Club also played a vital role in the effort, with members enthusiastically rolling up their sleeves and volunteering their time to help fill hundreds of backpacks. Their commitment to community service and willingness to lend a
hand exemplified the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” “We value our relationship with the Wellington Community Foundation, as we share a commitment to the success and happiness of the children of Wellington,” Rotary Club President Nikki Stinson said. Maggie Zeller, chair of the Children’s Committee for the Wellington Community Foundation, was thrilled with the successful event. “This event is a wonderful reminder of what can be accomplished when our community comes together,” she said. WCF Chair Jim Sackett thanked the foundation’s partners for their assistance. “The Village of Wellington and the Wellington Rotary Club continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to our local families,” he said. “Their volunteers helped transform a room full of supplies into hundreds of backpacks that will make a real difference in the lives of local students.” The Backpack Stuffing Event served as the perfect kickoff to the foundation’s annual Back To School Bash, ensuring that every child received the tools needed to begin the new school year with confidence. To learn more about the Wellington Community Foundation, upcoming volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.
Foundation Power Partners, Village of Wellington staff and Wellington Rotary Club volunteers prepare for the Wellington Community Foundation’s Back to School Bash. PHOTOS BY BABETTE GUZIK/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington Rotary Club President Nikki Stinson with PBC Fire Rescue Division Chief Amanda Vomero.
Ada Navarra, Daniel Salkin, PBCFR Division Chief Amanda Vomero, Maria Fernanda Cruz and Taylor Boozer.
Wellington Rotary Club President Nikki Stinson with Joan and Walter Imperatore.
Minto Communities USA Announces Land Sale To Walmart For Westlake Superstore
Minto Communities USA recently announced the sale of a 24-acre parcel in Westlake to Walmart, which is planning to build a 188,779-square-foot superstore. Approved by the Westlake City Council in April, the location will have a grocery store, pharmacy, garden center, automotive center and vision center. There will be a separate area for a convenience store and gas station. The transaction closed on July 30. Terms were not disclosed. The new Walmart store will be located in Town Center West, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, close to 60th Street North at the north end of Westlake. The Walmart store will be ad-
jacent to a future Lowe’s Home Improvement store, which will also serve as a regional headquarters. Minto sold land to Lowe’s in January of this year. “Walmart gives Westlake homeowners another place to shop for everyday essentials, right in their own backyard,” said John Carter, senior vice president of Minto Communities USA. “Bringing in major brands like Walmart and Lowe’s is a clear vote of confidence in our community’s growth and long-term value.” In addition to the two big-box stores, Minto retains a large outparcel opportunity in Town Center West that will be marketed for sale in the near future. Minto has now sold approximately half of the
2.2 million square feet approved for commercial development in Westlake. “As Westlake reaches critical mass, the market is taking notice,” Carter said. “We want to be selective as to what types of businesses come into the city, focusing on those that add real value for our residents.” Minto, the master developer and primary builder in Westlake, has capacity for 6,000 homes. The community offers a mix of single-family homes, estate homes and townhomes, with prices starting in the $300s. All Westlake homeowners enjoy access to the community’s $23 million Westlake Adventure Park, which includes a resort-style
lagoon pool with a tower slide, splash pad, adult lap pool, event lawn, concert pavilion, food truck court, BMX pump park, playground, dog park, full-length lighted basketball courts and a community gathering space known as the Lodge. The latest Westlake amenity, a 3,900-square-foot fieldhouse with an event space, coffee bar, toddler play area and multiuse sports fields, is coming soon. Westlake’s sales center is located at 16610 Town Center Parkway North. For more information about Westlake, visit www.westlakefl. com. For commercial opportunities, contact John Carter at jfcarter@ mintousa.com.
The site plan for the Walmart store, adjacent to the Lowe’s store.
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NEWS
Kids Cancer Foundation Helps Children Head Back To School With Confidence The Kids Cancer Foundation (KCF) kicked off the new school year on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1 with a weekend full of smiles, support and community, as families impacted by childhood cancer were treated to two special back-to-school events designed to help children feel confident and prepared for the first day of school. On Friday, families gathered at the Kids Cancer Center in Royal Palm Beach for KCF’s annual Back-to-School Bash, where children received backpacks filled with school supplies, enjoyed fun activities and spent quality time with friends who understand the childhood cancer journey. The
celebration offered families an opportunity to connect while ensuring that every child had the essentials needed for a successful school year. The weekend continued on Saturday with the Back-to-School
Shoes Event at the Mall at Wellington Green. Thanks to the generosity and partnership of Life. Church Wellington, children were each given the opportunity to pick out a brand-new pair of shoes for the upcoming school year.
For many families navigating the financial and emotional challenges of childhood cancer, these seemingly simple necessities can make a tremendous difference. Together, the two events helped ease the financial burden many families face while navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis. By providing backpacks, school supplies and new shoes, the Kids
Cancer Foundation continues its commitment to supporting children and families beyond the hospital through programs that address their everyday needs. The foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Life.Church Wellington, as well as the volunteers, donors and community partners who made the special weekend possible. Their generosity ensured
that local children affected by childhood cancer will head back to school with the supplies, confidence and encouragement they need for a successful year ahead. For more information about Kids Cancer Foundation programs, or to learn how you can support children battling cancer and their families, visit www. kidscancersf.org.
Volunteers serve cake to celebrate the back-to-school season.
KCF families got the chance to go shopping for new shoes at the Mall at Wellington Green.
PHOTOS BY LOIS SPATZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Kids show off new backpacks.
Makowski
New Principal And AP
continued from page 1 to now have more than 50 teachers with nearly 1,000 students. The school first achieved an A-rated status in 2005. Over the last 20 years, Wellington Elementary School’s staff have consistently maintained the rating. Makowski added that, aside from academics, what makes the school so special is that many former students have returned as teachers or now have children attending Wellington Elementary. “Wellington Elementary School is not only a school, but it’s a part of the community,” Makowski said. “One of the things I’m looking forward to the most is that community aspect, building relationships with not only the Village of Wellington, but also with businesses and community
Arts for Smiles volunteers were on hand to lead craft projects. members and families throughout the year.” While principal, one of the highlights of Vaughan’s tenure was helping create Wellington Elementary’s Fine Arts Academy, which has attracted and retained local students to the public school. Students who are part of the choice program can take classes in music, television production, visual arts and theater. Wellington Elementary School is the only fine arts elementary school in the central region of the county and is a direct feeder to the fine arts choice programs at Wellington Landings Middle School and Wellington High School. Makowski and Harnois said they look forward to continuing to foster children’s love of fine arts, so they carry their passion to other choice program schools. The fine arts program “creates a perfect K-12 continuum opportunity for students and families that are interested in the fine arts,” Makowski said. Given Wellington Elementary’s
current success, the two new leaders are not looking to make sweeping changes during their first year. Instead, they want to learn how to build on these achievements to expand and identify opportunities for future growth. Education is a lifelong passion for both Makowski and Harnois. Throughout their careers, they have had the opportunity to shape the future of former students who have grown up and succeeded as adults. They will bring the same passion to help Wellington Elementary School maintain its traditions of academic excellence and strong community relationships. “I want people to know that I am here to support our students in any way that they need, and our staff as well,” Harnois said. “I also would like them to know that I am very passionate about working not just with the school but with the community, so that everything that we do makes our students more well-rounded and gives them the support that they need for success later in life.”
A partnership of:
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
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NEWS
WELLINGTON ROTARY ‘RED, WHITE AND YOU’ MEMBER APPRECIATION PARTY
The Rotary Club of Wellington held its “Red, White and You” Member Appreciation Party on Sunday, July 26 at the Wellington Community Center. The afternoon featured a buffet lunch, along with music by DJ Roberto, raffles, door prizes, games and family fun. Learn more about the Rotary Club of Wellington at www. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER wellingtonrotary.org.
Ramonne Gardiner, Syneisha Bootle, Nikki Stinson, Brian Stinson, Andia Delancy, Don Delancy, Sylvia Sharps and Lenny Johnson. Wellington Rotary President Nikki Stinson exchanges presents with Andia Delancy, president of the Rotary Club of South Ocean in Nassau.
John and Linda Herring.
Wellington Rotary President Nikki Stinson and Royal Palm Beach Rotary President Sylvia Sharps.
Emcee Scott Armand with DJ Roberto.
Linda and John Herring with State Rep. Anne and Alan Gerwig.
Elizabeth and Steve Accomando.
Chris Warren, Randy Pfeiffer, Dana Ray, Marc Strich, Nikki Stinson, Vice Mayor Maria Antuña, Dwayne Brown, Maggie Zeller, Don Gross, George Kinoshita, Jess Coburn and Walter Imperatore.
Jinga Oglesby-Brihm, Nikki Stinson, Andia Delancy and Sylvia Sharps.
(Seated) Jinga Oglesby-Brihm and Mekhila Brimm with (standing) Jay Broder, Nikki Stinson and Sylvia Sharps.
Barry Manning, Sylvia Sharps, Maggie Zeller and Don Gross.
Matthew Kemp with his father, Rotarian Larry Kemp.
Marilyn and David Berns, Larry Falk, Maggie Zeller, Larry Kemp and Leo Buquicchio.
Barbara Boughner, Susan Odell and Herta Suess.
Ada Navarra, Rotary President Nikki Stinson, Dr. Wes Boughner, Frank Nathanaelle Desrivieres and Karen Puentes. Suess and Barbara Boughner.
Children Livvy, Brianna, Sam and Beth with their prizes.
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Marilyn and David Berns with Sandy and George Kinoshita.
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SPORTS & REC, PAGES 21-24 • PEOPLE, PAGE 25 • SCHOOLS, PAGE 26 • BUSINESS, PAGE 27 • COLUMNS, PAGE 28 • CLASSIFIEDS, PAGES 29-30
SPORTS & RECREATION
WHS Wrestling Coach Travis Gray Set For Hall Of Fame Induction
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Longtime Wellington High School head wrestling coach Travis Gray is being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter will host its honors weekend at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista on Aug. 28-29. Gray and six other individuals will be honored in the Class of 2026. Gray, who is also a school counselor at Wellington High School, is being recognized with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. It will be given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in youth through the sport of wrestling.
Gray has been involved in the sport of wrestling for more than 40 years. Gray’s wrestling journey began in Owatonna, Minnesota, back in 1984, when he was five years old. That is when he joined a local wrestling program for children. He wrestled through high school under the leadership of future Hall of Fame coach Scot Davis. For Gray, wrestling was an experience that provided a rigorous foundation for his future in the sport. While he initially planned to hang up his headgear after graduation, he was encouraged by Davis to pursue wrestling as a coach while studying at the University of Minnesota. Gray
Travis Gray gives advice to a WHS wrestler during a major wrestling meet.
began his coaching career as an assistant at Bloomington’s Jefferson High School for four years, before moving to Florida. In 2005, he became assistant coach of the wrestling program at Wellington High School, before becoming the head coach in 2006. Over more than two decades, Gray has become a pillar of the wrestling community, especially in Palm Beach County and in Florida. As both head coach and in his school counselor role, Gray has made character development and academic excellence the heart of his program. He established a team motto of “Think Like A Champion” (TLAC) and the DREAM (discipline, responsibility, enjoyment, academics and mental toughness) philosophy as the core values for the wrestling program at Wellington High School. For Gray, wrestling is a vehicle for teaching many life lessons. He holds his athletes to elite standards in the classroom, since he believes that the discipline found on the mat is a cornerstone for personal success in life. Gray has led the Wellington High School Wolverines to 12 consecutive Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) district championships and multiple regional titles, consistently placing WHS among the top-tier programs in Florida. His teams have advanced to the FHSAA state dual championships for six straight years, including deep runs as regional champions and state runners-up. Gray has mentored 135 state qualifiers and 51 state placers. He was also instrumental in pioneering the girls wrestling program at WHS, which has flourished under his guidance and has become a competitive force and a model for the growth of women’s wrestling in Florida. Gray’s service extends deep into
Travis Gray provides coaching guidance from the sidelines. the grassroots of the sport as president of the Wellington Wrestling Club, where he has fostered an environment for youth development. Among his proudest moments was the honor of coaching his two sons on the wrestling mat. His youngest son, Tucker, now a sophomore at WHS, won a youth wrestling state championship at age seven before transitioning his focus to soccer. He now plays soccer for the Wellington Wave and WHS. His oldest son, Tyler, now a senior at WHS, won his first youth state championship at age nine and continues to excel in the sport today. He is a member of the Wellington Wrestling Club and competes for WHS. Knowing firsthand how much the sport shaped his own life, a primary motivation for Gray has been to ensure that his own children,
and the youth of his community, benefited from a program rooted in strong core values and an environment of elite preparation. This personal connection has fueled his drive to build the Wellington Wrestling Club and high school teams into the premier programs they are today. “Early on, I was attracted to the idea of coaching because of my inner competitiveness,” Gray said. “Now, I enjoy using wrestling as a way to teach general lessons in life, and it gives me purpose in life. I enjoy seeing many of my former wrestlers come back to Wellington as educated and trained professionals, who are successful in life.” Getting ready to attend the event has been more time-consuming than Gray thought it would be. “I have to prepare a five- to seven-minute acceptance speech,”
he said. “I also have to select two people to speak on my behalf, and I have to rent a tuxedo.” The two people who will speak on his behalf are former coaching colleague Don Popper and one of his former wrestlers, Zach Pincus. For his first 15 years in Wellington, Popper helped Gray coach the WHS team and the Wellington Wrestling Club. Pincus, now a West Palm Beach attorney, wrestled for Gray during his first four years as the head wrestling coach at WHS. Gray won’t be alone at the induction ceremony. He will be joined by his wife Amy, sons Tyler and Tucker, brothers Shane and Wade, and his parents Theresa and John Moen. For tickets to the event, visit https://nwhoffl.ticketspice. com/2026fl.
RPB Golfer Preps For Prestigious U.S. Amateur Championship
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach resident and highly ranked amateur golfer Giuseppe Puebla is having a competition-filled summer on golf courses across the United States. The 17-year-old is now focused on competing and, hopefully, winning the 126th U.S. Amateur Golf Championship, which will be contested at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, from Aug. 10-16. The Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, will serve as co-host of
the stroke-play qualifying round. It will be Puebla’s first time competing in the U.S. Amateur. If he can make it to the final of this annual international match-play event, he will earn an invitation to next April’s Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Both the winner and the runner-up of the U.S. Amateur receive invites to the Masters. “That would certainly be pretty awesome,” said Puebla, who is planning to attend the University of Florida in the fall of 2027 on a golf scholarship.
Puebla’s build-up to the U.S. Amateur started in early May when he won the first of two qualifiers for the U.S. Open. Then, he was a co-medalist at the sectional U.S. Open qualifier at the BallenIsles Country Club on June 8. That put him in the field of 156 players for the 126th U.S. Open, held at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York, June 18-21. Even though he missed the cut at the U.S. Open by just three shots, Puebla feels that he matured as a golfer. “I think I learned that the most
important values in golf are determination, belief and persistence,” Puebla said. “When you play with the pros, you realize they are human, too. They all hit bad shots sometimes. It’s the way they bounce back because of the amount of confidence they have in themselves. They have the utmost belief in their ability, knowing they have put in the work.” After leaving the U.S. Open, the next event on Puebla’s schedule was the 64th Northeast Amateur Invitational Golf Tournament at See PUEBLA, page 24
Giuseppe Puebla warms up at the U.S. Junior Amateur.
Wellington Basketball Player’s Brand Choices Featured In National Publication
Canaan Gedeon on the court for the Wellington Wolverines.
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Canaan Gedeon, a soon-to-be senior at Wellington High School, is one of six high-school-age basketball players in the United States whose thoughts and comments about various basketball brands are featured in the current edition of Team Insight magazine (www. teaminsightmag.com), a national publication that reports on the size and growth of the team sports business with editions six times a year. The readership includes sporting goods retailers, team dealers, sporting goods manufacturers and sports marketers. Within the three-page story, which features the opinions of boys and girls high school basketball players from Florida, West
Virginia and Indiana, Gedeon shares his thoughts on which brands he prefers for categories such as shoes, socks, uniforms, practice gear and basketballs. Within the story, Gedeon reveals that he has been playing basketball since the sixth grade. He gives much of the credit for him getting interested in playing basketball to his father and older brother. “The game looked fun, and I fell in love with the sport, and now I’m playing 12 months a year,” Gedeon said. Outside of the high school basketball season, which runs from late October until mid-March, Gedeon plays travel basketball with the Wellington Wolves. He likes to practice his shooting drills inside the gym at the local LA
Fitness in Wellington. When it comes to brand preferences, Gedeon prefers to play with a Wilson basketball. His favorite basketball shoes are the Ja 1 from Nike or the Harden Volume 9 from Adidas. His favorite color of socks is white. When it comes to the most important brands in basketball, Gedeon feels that Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are the top three brands in the sport. While his closet at home is filled with a wide variety of brands and colors of practice gear, his three favorite colors are black, blue and white, which happen to be the school colors for Wellington High School. “You must look good and be color-coordinated,” Gedeon said. As serious and passionate as he
may be about the sport of basketball, he relies totally on his father to pay for his shoes, socks, apparel, basketballs and travel expenses when he’s on the road playing with the Wellington Wolves. At the end of the story, there was a series of figures and statistics on the size and significance of the basketball industry. For instance, there are 36.3 million basketball players in the U.S., age six and older. In terms of the number of teams, basketball is the most popular team sport in high school athletics for boys and girls, and the wholesale size of the basketball industry (shoes, socks, practice apparel, game jerseys, nets, goals, rims, basketballs and accessories) is more than a $2.4 billion industry at wholesale.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Wellington’s Biggest Buffalo Bills Fan Ready For Football Season
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report As football season fast approaches, the majority of South Florida’s NFL fans will be focused on the performance of the Miami Dolphins and the team’s new coaches and players. Longtime Wellington resident Rich Schoenfeld also will be following the fortunes of the Dolphins — but mostly because he’s a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins’ longtime AFC Eastern Division rivals. To say that Schoenfeld is an avid Buffalo Bills fan is an understatement. Schoenfeld takes fandom to an unprecedented level, on game day and throughout the year. Schoenfeld, vice president of Wellington-based R2 Innovative Technologies, was born in New Jersey, but raised in Rochester, New York, which is about 60 miles east of Buffalo. He and his wife Stacey, a retired school nurse, have
lived in Wellington since 1996. “The Bills were the nearest NFL team to Rochester,” Schoenfeld recalled. “The Bills were always being featured on the news. It was easy to become a Bills fan. Plus, my older brother was and still is a big Bills fan.” For Schoenfeld, an electrical engineering graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, his passion for the Bills remains steady and strong, as you can tell when you look at the loft at his Wellington home. “I have Bills caps, T-shirts, pajamas, sweatshirts, socks, jerseys and shoes,” Schoenfeld said. “And I have a Bills sleigh, which I use as an outdoor Christmas decoration.” In the off season, Schoenfeld’s interest in the Bills remains high. “Back in May, my wife and I took a Bills cruise, along with hundreds of other Bills fans,” Schoenfeld said. “We had a great time and hope to do it again.”
Rich Schoenfeld and his brother Mike take in a Buffalo Bills game.
There were former Bills players on the cruise, one of whom was one of Schoenfeld’s favorites, Fred Jackson. Schoenfeld’s list of favorite Bills players also includes Joe Ferguson, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Reggie McKenzie, Lucius Sanford, Kenneth Davis, Roland Hooks, Don Beebe, Bob Chandler and current NFL All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen. On game day, Schoenfeld and his family have certain traditions — one of which is getting a variety of vegetables to eat along with his favorite clam dip. It’s no surprise that Schoenfeld’s two daughters are also avid fans of the Bills. Schoenfeld tries to be at home for every Bills game, but his professional travels with R2 Innovative Technologies put him on the road throughout the year. “I will book my air travel so I’m not in the air when the Bills have a game,” Schoenfeld said. “When I am in another city, I will do some research and find a Bills bar to go watch the game. I also like to listen to the Bills pre-game radio show, which I listen to through my computer.” During football season, Schoenfeld will make three or four trips to Buffalo to watch the Bills play in person. He plans to attend the annual Return of the Blue & Red scrimmage at the new Highmark Stadium on Aug. 8, as well as the first official regular-season game in the new stadium on Thursday, Sept. 17 when the Detroit Lions come to Buffalo. Schoenfeld has been to Bills games in Buffalo when the weather has been warm, cold or somewhere in between.
Rich and Stacey Schoenfeld at the loft in their Wellington home dedicated to the Buffalo Bills. “In the very cold weather, the air than 50 years ago. It remains a that moved the antenna toward is dry, which is fine,” Schoenfeld vivid childhood memory. Syracuse, which was farther to said. “The worst weather is when “My earliest stadium memory the east. Syracuse was outside the it’s 34 degrees and raining.” was in 1974 — walking into the 75-mile perimeter. By moving the When he and his family mem- stadium for the first time,” Schoen- antenna, the Schoenfeld family, esbers attend games in Buffalo, feld said. “Seeing the Bills logo pecially Rich and his older brother they have some big game-day in the center of the field in living Mike, could watch Bills home traditions. color was special.” games on a Syracuse TV station. “We go to Wegmans [supermarBack in the 1970s, the NFL had Schoenfeld remains optimistic ket], where we buy sub sandwich- a rule that would block out games that the Bills will win a Super es, chips and drinks,” Schoenfeld being shown on local television, Bowl while Josh Allen remains said. “We will park our car and if you lived within 75 miles of the the quarterback. have our own tailgating experi- stadium. The Schoenfelds lived “I hope that this is the year for ence alongside other Bills fans. in Rochester, which was within the Buffalo Bills,” he said. “I’m From time to time, we’ll also visit that 75-mile perimeter. That was ready to celebrate a Super Bowl Hammer’s Lot to experience Bills an issue. To solve the problem, victory.” Mafia Mania, which features a guy Schoenfeld’s father put his engiAnd so is the entire Schoennamed Pinto Ron. It’s a great place neering mind to work. feld family. Whatever happens to be on game day.” Schoenfeld’s father installed a during the upcoming NFL season, One of Schoenfeld’s best in-sta- motor, which was attached to the Schoenfeld’s passion for the Bills dium Bills memories is from more antenna on the roof of the house, will remain steady and strong.
YMCA Gets $1.5M In State Funding For New Community Center At Lake Lytal Park
YMCA of the Palm Beaches recently announced that the Florida Legislature has approved $1.5 million in the state budget for construction costs associated with the nonprofit’s new 55,000-squarefoot community center, currently under construction at Lake Lytal Park. The grant was sponsored locally by State Sen. Mack Bernard and State Rep. Anne Gerwig, and was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The state appropriation was granted with recognition of the local support and funding that the project has already received.
“We are extremely grateful to our legislators for their overwhelming support of this expansive project,” said Timothy Coffield, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “This is an important investment in our community’s future, and we are honored that the State of Florida has approved funding, and we will continue to work with the local community to garner additional support to help make this long-awaited dream a reality.” The Palm Beach County Commission has approved a 50-year ground lease to the YMCA of
the Palm Beaches, allowing the nonprofit to build a state-of-theart community center and Olympic-style skate park adjacent to the county’s future aquatic facility, also under construction. A hallmark feature of the new YMCA Community Center will be its Youth Engagement and Resource Center, wholly focused on mentoring young people between the ages of 12 and 22. Most of the first floor of the two-story structure will be dedicated to teens and young adults, and will include a teen center, recording studio, STEM lab, workforce develop-
ment hub, e-gaming lounge, visual arts studio and more. Job skills training will include construction trades, food service training, virtual design labs, sound studio technical training and information technology. A variety of additional services will include mental health, career and educational counseling. Naming opportunities are still available for the community center, which is scheduled to be complete in late 2026. For additional information, e-mail slanglais@ ymcapalmbeaches.org or visit www.ymcapalmbeaches.org.
An overview look at the future aquatic center, skate park and YMCA community center.
Page 24
August 7 - August 20, 2026
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Area Golfers Enjoy ‘Bucket List’ Experience At The Open In England
By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Of the more than 300,000 spectators who attended 154th (British) Open Golf Championship at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, held July 1619, at least two of the spectators have strong ties to the western communities — Loxahatchee resident Mike Chase, 67, and former Wellington resident Ralph Vilonna, 74, who now lives in West Palm Beach. Chase and Vilonna have been golfing friends for nearly 30 years. Getting the chance to attend a global golf event like the Open was
Ralph Vilonna and Mike Chase during their visit to the prestigious tournament.
Puebla
Summer Of Golf
continued from page 21 the Wannamoisett Country Club in Rhode Island, June 24-27. In this four-day, 72-hole stroke play event, there was a cut after three rounds (54 holes) to the top 60 players. During the first three rounds on the par-69 layout, Puebla shot 71 (two-over-par), 66 (three-under-par) and 74 (fiveover-par). That left him at fourover-par (+4). Unfortunately, the cut was at three-over-par (+3). He missed the cut by one shot. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the competitive atmosphere. “The Northeast Amateur was great,” Puebla said. “It was a really awesome golf course and in great shape.” His next events were the Wyndham Cup at the Old Sandwich
a major “bucket-list” experience for both men. As lifelong sports fans, they have now checked the box, so to speak. It was the first major championship golf tournament that either one of them has ever attended, and it took some patience and a few years to get there. “After three years, I finally was given the chance to buy two tickets for the Open from the ticket ballot,” Chase said. This July, Chase and Vilonna were in England for eight days. They flew in and out of London’s Heathrow Airport. Two of those days were spent at the Open — Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. For Chase and Vilonna, the chance to watch the world’s best golfers play at the Royal Birkdale was an amazing experience. “The excitement of being there was worth the cost and effort,” said Vilonna, who has been a volunteer at the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic/Cognizant Classic of the Palm Beaches for 20 years. “After watching the Open for years on TV, I was so happy to be there in person.” “The vibe of visiting England was amazing. The atmosphere at the Open was more than I expected,” Chase added. “The golf fans from the U.K. are so kind, respectful and considerate of the players.” While in northwest England, their base of operations was in
Liverpool. They rode the train to get to and from event. The train journey was an hour each way. “We took the Merseytravel train every day from Liverpool,” Chase said. “We would get off the train at the Hillside station and then walk a quarter of a mile to the Royal Birkdale Golf Club.” Chase and Vilonna were strategic golf spectators. “On our first day, which was the second round of the tournament [Friday, July 17], we focused on watching the action on the front nine of the golf course. On our second day at the tournament [Saturday, July 18], we focused on watching play on the back nine,” Chase said. According to Vilonna, what made the tournament so pleasant to attend was the large amount of general admission seating on the golf course. “We really enjoyed sitting in the big grandstands that were built alongside the 18th fairway, close to the green,” Vilonna explained. For Chase and Vilonna, they felt that two of the best places to watch the action of the golf tournament were in the grandstands near the greens of the drivable par-four fifth hole and on the par-three 12th hole. When they needed a refreshment break, their favorite destination was the on-course Beer Factory. There, they could enjoy a Singha beer from Thailand while continuing to enjoy the golf on
a massive, outdoor TV screen. At the tournament, they ate two English staples — fish and chips and beef pies. Aside from attending the tournament, they toured Liverpool, north Wales and London. “In Liverpool, we did the Beatles tour, which included a visit to the Cavern Club, where the Beatles played nearly 300 times,” Chase said. “In north Wales, we visited Conwy Castle and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is the world’s highest aqueduct.” For Vilonna, the highlight of their two days in London was getting a chance to watch the World Cup semifinal match on the evening of Wednesday, July 15 between England and Argentina. “We watched the game in a London pub, which was an amazing experience,” Vilonna said. “We were disappointed to see England lose. It would have been great to see England play in the World Cup final while we were in England.” Chase also enjoyed London’s music scene. “For the two nights we were in London, we visited jazz clubs, where the music was great,” he said. They also saw prominent structures in London such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Both Chase and Vilonna agree that it would be a thrill to attend the Open again, but their next major golf “bucket-list” item is to secure
Mike Chase and Ralph Vilonna alongside 18th Fairway at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. tickets to the Masters Tournament most recent experience, it may take in Augusta, Georgia, which is held some patience and a few years to every April. However, like their get there.
Golf Club in Massachusetts, July 6-9; the 78th U.S. Junior Amateur at the Saucon Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania, July 20-25; and the 124th Western Amateur at the Beverly Country Club in Illinois, July 28 - Aug. 1). The Wyndham Cup was unique as it featured the top 20 boys and top 20 girls in the U.S. in a team match-play format. Wyndham Cup teams were determined based upon the Rolex AJGA Rankings. At the event, Puebla played for the East team for the second year in a row. There, he played four matches. He won one match and lost three. Despite having only won a single match, it was an unforgettable golf experience. “The Wyndham Cup is my favorite tournament of the year,” Puebla said. In the first round of the U.S. Junior Amateur on Monday, July 20, Puebla posted a two-over-par 72 on the Grace Course at Saucon Valley. In the second round, on
Saucon Valley Old Course, Puebla shot a 70. His two-round total of 142 put him in a 19th-place tie, which propelled him into the field of 64 players competing in the single-elimination rounds of match play, which started Wednesday, July 22. Puebla’s first match-play opponent was Geon Kang from Korea. In the match, Puebla won holes 11 and 12 to take a two-up lead with six holes to play. Unfortunately, Kang won four out of the last five holes to win the match, two up, which eliminated Puebla from the tournament. At the Western Amateur, there was a three-day, 72-hole strokeplay qualifier, where the top 16 players from the qualifier advanced to the match-play portion of the golf tournament. Puebla played well in the first and second rounds of the stroke-play qualifier, but not well enough to advance to the final two rounds of the
qualifier. He shot 70-71 (141; oneunder-par). The cut for the top 44 players to advance was 138 (fourunder-par), which Puebla missed by three shots. Despite missing the cut, playing in the Western Amateur was another learning lesson for him. “It was a great experience getting to play in such a competitive field with the best collegiate players in golf,” Puebla said. At the U.S. Amateur, all 312 golfers in the field will play a 36hole qualifier. Afterward, the top 64 players will advance to the first of six match-play rounds. On Thursday, Aug. 6, just a few days before the beginning of the U.S. Amateur, Puebla was selected to be a member of the U.S. Junior President’s Cup team, which will be captained by veteran PGA Tour player Matt Kuchar. The Junior President’s Cup will be held Sept. 20-21 at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.
Giuseppe Puebla at the Wyndham Cup, which was played in inclement conditions.
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Page 25
PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Kids Cancer Foundation Wraps Up Unforgettable Summer Camp Season
The Kids Cancer Foundation is celebrating the success of its six-week summer camp, which welcomed children impacted by pediatric cancer for a summer filled with friendship, creativity, learning and fun at the Kids Cancer Center in Royal Palm Beach.
The camp was held over two three-week sessions in June and July, serving up to 60 campers each day. Designed specifically for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings, the camp provided a safe, supportive environment where children can simply enjoy
being kids while building lasting memories with friends who understand their journey. Each week featured a unique theme, bringing new adventures and exciting activities that kept campers engaged throughout the summer. In addition to breakfast and lunch being provided daily, campers enjoyed arts and crafts, games, team-building activities, special events and hands-on experiences led by community presenters.
Throughout the six weeks, local businesses, organizations and volunteers generously shared their time and talents by introducing campers to new hobbies, skills, and experiences through interactive presentations and activities. Their involvement helped create meaningful moments that inspired curiosity, confidence and joy. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s summer camp such a special experience for our families,”
Campers and volunteers at the Kids Cancer Center in Royal Palm Beach.
SHARPS NAMED RPB ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR
said Michelle O’Boyle, founder and executive director of the Kids Cancer Foundation. “From our dedicated volunteers and generous donors to our amazing community presenters, each person played an important role in creating a summer filled with smiles, laughter and hope for children who deserve the chance to simply be kids.” The Kids Cancer Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to the many donors whose generosity made camp possible, the
The KCF camp featured plenty of fun and games.
Campers enjoy some Kona Ice.
volunteers who gave countless hours of their time, and the community presenters who shared their passion and expertise with campers. Together, they helped create an unforgettable summer filled with learning, laughter and lasting memories. For more information about Kids Cancer Foundation programs, or to learn how you can support children battling cancer and their families, visit www. kidscancersf.org.
Campers take part in a boxing activity.
Felicity Biggans Introduces ‘PickleBall Girl’ At Wellington Event Designer and entrepreneur Felicity Biggans introduced her newest brand, PickleBall Girl, during a private launch event held at Khanna House Studios in Wellington last month. The gathering brought together a select group of local supporters, creatives and community members for a first look at the brand, which reflects the growing popularity of pickleball and its strong female following. PickleBall Girl is the latest addition to Biggans’ collection of sports-inspired lifestyle brands, including Polo Girl, Equestrian
At the Tuesday, July 14 meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club, Sylvia Sharps was named Rotarian of the Year by Andrew Blackwood, the past club president. Sharps is currently serving as the president of the club. She is also the vice mayor of the Village of Royal Palm Beach.
Girl, Golf Girl, Tennis Girl, Soccer Girl, Polo Baby and Men’s High Goal Polo. Each brand centers on a consistent idea that has defined her work from the beginning: creating female representation in sports fashion. That idea started while Biggans was studying in London. “I was walking past polo fields and noticed women players wearing logos with male athletes,” Biggans said. “It didn’t make sense to me. I designed a female polo player so women could see themselves represented. That has stayed with me ever since.
Paddi Biggans and Felicity Biggans introduce PickleBall Girl.
Rotary is looking to add a few good spokes to our Rotary Wheel.
Join us at one of our weekly meetings
Wellington Rotary
Meets Thursdays - 12:15 p.m. The Wanderer’s Club For additional information call Chris Warren, 561-350-7247
Royal Palm Beach Rotary Meets Tuesdays - 7:30 a.m. Hilary’s For additional information call Andre Blackwood 772-631-1716
Make lasting friendships. Enjoy good fellowship.
PickleBall Girl is a continuation of that vision.” The brand distinguishes itself in the pickleball space by featuring a female athlete at the center of its identity, something Biggans said is still largely missing in the market. The message behind the brand focuses on confidence, strength and a sense of fun that reflects the spirit of the sport. Guests at the event offered feedback and support as Biggans prepares for a broader rollout. Biggans brings extensive industry experience to her work. She spent 15 years working with Ralph
Cheryl Anders, Julie Khanna and April Berube at the launch event.
Lauren’s design collection team, where she contributed to building the brand’s archives. She is also recognized as the first woman to trademark a female sports player logo across multiple fashion and lifestyle brands through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For Biggans, the mission remains straightforward. “I’ve always wanted to create something women and girls can relate to and feel proud to wear,” she said. “This brand is about showing up as yourself and enjoying the game.”
A look at the designs from the new fashion line. PHOTOS COURTESY KHANNA HOUSE STUDIOS
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
EMERALD COVE FBLA STUDENT EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Emerald Cove Middle School recently celebrated student Sabrina A., who earned national recognition in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program. She earned seventh place in FBLA Concepts at the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference held in San Antonio, Texas. The school also recognizes students Chipper R., Kai F. and Hashem S. for their hard work, dedication and outstanding representation of Emerald Cove Middle School at the national competition.
Wonder Festival Returns On Aug. 15
Ser-Kallai, a Palm Beach County nonprofit dedicated to the emotional and social well-being of youth and families, will host its second annual Wonder Festival — an Emotional Intelligence Festival for Children and Families — on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Riviera Beach Marina Village Promenade. The event is supported by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County and is free and open to the public. This year’s festival features notable community partners, including Digital Vibez and the Flawless Foundation, with more partnerships to be announced. The Wonder Festival brings families together for an unforgettable and magical day, including interactive stations and entertainment
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for the whole family, food and refreshments, and mental health and community-based resources. “The Wonder Festival is more than a day of fun — it’s a celebration of the emotional and social growth that helps children and families thrive. We created this festival to bring joy, connection and meaningful resources directly into our community,” said Nathalie Caycedo, executive director of Ser-Kallai. Ser-Kallai cultivates the emotional, social and inner well-being of young people, their families, and the organizations that serve them through developmentally designed programs, including afterschool programming, leadership development and community events. Learn more at www. serkallai.org.
SCHOOL NEWS
Cardinal Newman Launches Program For Students With Dyslexia And Dysgraphia
Cardinal Newman High School is launching the Cupertino Program, a specialized academic support initiative for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other language-based learning differences. “As awareness and diagnosis of language-based learning differences continue to grow, the Cupertino Program reflects Cardinal Newman’s commitment to supporting every learner while maintaining our high academic standards,” Cardinal Newman President Charles Stembler said. Administered by Orton-Gillingham certified educator Amy McGuigan, the Cupertino Program will welcome its inaugural class for the 2026–27 school year, initially serving students in ninth and 10th grades diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia through a psychoeducational evaluation. Named after St. Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of students and exam takers, the program reflects his perseverance in overcoming academic challenges and the belief that every student can succeed with the right support. The Cupertino Program complements Cardinal Newman’s college-preparatory curriculum through a dedicated academic
support class focused on individualized literacy instruction. Using evidence-based teaching strategies, students receive targeted instruction in reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing and morphology to strengthen literacy skills, build confidence and develop greater academic independence. According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is the most common language-based learning disability, affecting an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the population and serving as a leading cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties. “The Cupertino Program helps us live out our mission of educating the whole person — spirit, mind and body,” McGuigan said. “My hope is that this program helps students build confidence, develop the skills they need to succeed, and recognize that dyslexia is not something to be ashamed of.” Prior to the start of the school year, Cardinal Newman faculty will participate in “A Day in the Life with Dyslexia,” a professional development workshop that equips teachers with practical strategies to better recognize, understand and support students with dyslexia in the classroom.
Educator Amy McGuigan will run the new Cupertino Program at Cardinal Newman High School. Among the few programs of its Founded in 1961, Cardinal kind within a college-preparatory Newman is a Catholic college prehigh school in Palm Beach County, paratory high school in West Palm the Cupertino Program reflects Beach. For 65 years, the school Cardinal Newman’s ongoing com- has built a legacy of excellence mitment to educational excellence through faith, scholarship, servant and ensuring that students with lan- leadership and a strong family guage-based learning differences atmosphere. Learn more at www. have every opportunity to succeed. cardinalnewman.com.
Local Nonprofit Reassures Families After Changes To School Meal Eligibility Rules
As some Palm Beach County public schools transition from universal free school meals to an application-based system for the 2026-27 school year, Boca Helping Hands is reminding families that its KidsPack Weekend Meal Program will continue to provide free supplemental food to children who need it at 15 local elementary schools, including underserved public school students in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Lake Worth and Delray Beach. The change affects schools that no longer qualify for the federal Community Eligibility Provision, meaning families at those schools must now apply and meet income guidelines for their children to receive free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches. For more than 15 years, Boca Helping Hands has partnered with local elementary schools to help
address childhood our schools and famhunger through its ilies as these changes KidsPack Weekend take effect, and we Meal Program. The hope our program program currently can help make up for serves students in 15 any loss of weekday Palm Beach County school meals.” schools, providing Hagen also ennutritious, easy-tocouraged families to prepare food to take complete the school home each weekend meal application if when school meals their child’s school are unavailable. now requires one. Unlike school “We encourage meal programs, every eligible famBoca Helping Hands volunteers pack KidsPack boxes. ily to apply for free KidsPack has no income requirements or application foundations, businesses and com- or reduced-price school meals,” process. Any student identified by munity partners. Hagen said. “School breakfast and participating schools as benefiting “Boca Helping Hands has been lunch remain the first line of defrom the program can receive a partner with local schools for fense against childhood hunger.” weekend meals. more than 15 years, providing Boca Helping Hands serves Each year, Boca Helping Hands supplemental food assistance to more than 35,000 Palm Beach invests more than $500,000 in elementary students through our County residents each year through the KidsPack Weekend Meal KidsPack Weekend Meal Pro- food assistance and workforce deProgram, made possible entirely gram,” CEO Andrew Hagen said. velopment programs. Learn more through the generosity of donors, “We will continue to stand with at www.bocahelpinghands.org.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Bikini Bar Brings New Shopping Concept To Mall At Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green recently welcomed Bikini Bar, which officially opened on June 27. The new and highly anticipated retail experience blends a curated swimwear boutique with a relaxed beach club lounge atmosphere. Located in the former Francesca’s space on the second level, directly across from CMX Cinemas, the new store encompasses just under 1,500 square feet and serves as the brand’s flagship retail location. Designed to capture the spirit of sunshine and surf-soaked living, Bikini Bar offers a beautifully curated collection of swimwear, resort wear, accessories and jewelry box must-haves. In addition to beach glam apparel, Bikini Bar shoppers will find handcrafted jewelry and accessories, including hand-finished 14K gold-filled chains, ocean-cut shells and heirloom charms designed to complement a beach-loving lifestyle. “Bikini Bar was created to bring the feeling of a beach getaway into everyday life. We wanted to create
Bikini Bar is located on the second level of the mall near CMX Cinemas. more than just a swimwear store. For more information, visit We wanted a space where people www.bikinibarclub.com or contact feel confident, inspired and excited sales@bikinibarclub.com. to express their personal style,” The Mall at Wellington Green said Laura Zamorano Rios, owner is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill of Bikini Bar. “We’re thrilled to Blvd., Wellington. For more injoin the Mall at Wellington Green formation, call (561) 227-6900 or and become part of this incredible visit www.shopwellingtongreen. community.” com.
Kids Empire Brings High-Energy Family Entertainment To Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green recently announced the grand opening of Kids Empire, a vibrant indoor attraction designed to entertain children of all ages through active, imaginative and social play. “Kids Empire is an exciting addition to the Mall at Wellington Green, where families can spend meaningful time together,” said Carmen Spinoso, president and CEO of Spinoso Real Estate Group. “It’s an imaginative, high-energy environment that brings a new dynamic to the community, and we are delighted to welcome the brand to the mall.” Spanning 10,223 square feet, the expansive playground features floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, interactive play structures, ball pits, slides, go-karts, a photo booth, claw games, a dedicated dance room, a separate play area for toddlers and a family snack bar. “Our mission has always been to create extraordinary experiences that bring families together through active, social play,” said Cyrille Bessiere, CEO of Kids
Empire. “We believe in the power of play to spark imagination and encourage healthy, active lifestyles away from screens. We are excited to join the Wellington community and provide a space where children can dream big, explore freely and create lasting memories with their families.” Kids Empire also offers customizable birthday party packages featuring Huggy, the brand’s lovable dragon mascot, who welcomes young guests with open arms. Located on the mall’s second floor near the Grand Court, Kids Empire is open daily. General admission is $22.90 per child and includes complimentary entry for two adults. Infants under age one receive free admission when accompanying a sibling. Active-duty military families receive 10 percent off with valid identification. Admission includes all-day reentry, allowing families to leave and return throughout the day. A 10-visit punch card is also available for $159. Kids Empire is open Monday
through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more info., visit www. kidsempire.com/store-locator/ kids-empire-wellington.
Huggy the adorable dragon welcomes guests to Kids Empire at Wellington Green.
Williams Joins Lisbet At Wellington Bay As New Memory Care Director
Lisbet at Wellington Bay, the premier luxury assisted living and memory care community operated by Liberty Senior Living, recently announced the appointment of Ketton Williams as its new memory care director. Williams joins the team as a highly compassionate nursing professional and an experienced leader in senior living. With several years of specialized experience in assisted living and memory care, she is a dedicated advocate for older adults. Her extensive background includes overseeing memory care operations, leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring that residents living with cognitive impairments receive dignified, person-centered support. At Lisbet at Wellington Bay, Williams will oversee the community’s secure memory care neighborhood, which features specialized, structured programming. The neighborhood is thoughtfully designed to promote safety, familiarity and independence for individuals navigating Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other cognitive conditions.
Williams is widely recognized for her strong leadership in staff development, clinical oversight and regulatory compliance. She excels at guiding care teams to deliver structured, engaging and therapeutic environments that enhance safety and quality of life for residents. Her collaborative and accountable leadership style fosters a deep culture of compassion and excellence among caregivers. With a strong commitment to supporting both residents and families, Williams works diligently to ensure that programs provide robust clinical care alongside meaningful emotional well-being. “We are thrilled to welcome Ketton to our leadership team,” said Gita Anderson, executive director of Lisbet Health Center at Wellington Bay. “Her extensive background in clinical oversight and her person-centered care make her the perfect fit for our community. I am looking forward to working together with Ketton and serving the memory care residents of Lisbet, ensuring they and their families receive the highest level
Ketton Williams of dignity, safety and engagement every single day.” When she is not dedicated to her professional role, Williams enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time at the beach, where she loves to relax and watch the waves. Wellington Bay is a luxury rental retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care and advanced memory care. To learn more, visit www. wellingtonbayfl.com.
Bodybar Pilates Introduces Newest Location In Royal Palm Beach
Bodybar Pilates, the fastest-growing fitness franchise, recently announced the opening of its new Bodybar Royal Palm Beach, located in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center at 11021 Southern Blvd., Suite 170, in Royal Palm Beach. The Bodybar method is a fiercely effective workout experience, powered by Pilates, that helps individuals discover their physical potential and enhance their overall well-being both on and off the reformer. “Bodybar Pilates’ mission is to cultivate a balanced, athletic and real community,” owner Barbara Benz said. “Our expert-led classes cater to all fitness levels in a welcoming environment, utilizing state-of-the-art Pilates equipment. We welcome everyone to come in and try Pilates at our studio and see how it can help anyone achieve their long-term fitness goals.” Bodybar Pilates in the Royal Palm Beach/Wellington area is owned by Justin and Barbara Benz. Justin is an entrepreneur and licensed Realtor with extensive
Bodybar Pilates boasts state-of-the-art studios, equipped with the best Pilates reformers and apparatus. experience in finance, sales, mar- fining fitness with its innovative keting and business operations. approach to Pilates since 2012. Barbara is an entrepreneur, busi- The brand boasts state-of-the-art ness owner and fitness industry studios, equipped with the best professional with experience in Pilates reformers and apparatus, sales, client service, instruction which provide a comprehensive and business management. They fitness experience that goes behave been Florida residents since yond traditional exercise. 2019, and in their spare time enjoy Bodybar Pilates Royal Palm the beach, nature, fitness and trav- Beach is open seven days a week. eling with their young son. For more information, or to schedFounded on the principles of ule a class, visit www.bodybastrength, community and balance, rpilates.com/studios/royal-palmBodybar Pilates has been rede- beach.
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August 7 - August 20, 2026
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FEATURES
Helping My Daughter Move Was Fun... Until The Stuff Arrived
Two weeks ago, I arrived in Orlando to help my daughter Jen and her family get set up in their new home. The first week was super fun because the closing was delayed. While Jen was at work, I got to loll around the pool at her temporary apartment, eating all her snacks and playing an interesting new game I found on my phone. The second week was a lot less fun, mostly because of the “stuff.” The week actually began the Friday before at 1 p.m. sharp, when papers were signed, keys were handed over and the horrors of unloading a 40-foot rental truck began. The trouble with a 40-foot rental truck
Deborah Welky is
The Sonic BOOMER is that it is not only quite long, but it is quite tall as well. There’s room for a lot of “stuff” in there if you pack it properly. There’s room for even more stuff if you start getting tired at the end of the day and begin flinging random things like hoes and rakes and brooms and mops and the kids’
bicycles up on top of the properly packed stuff. This was the case with Jen’s truck, as it had been packed during a 101-degree day in Kansas City and was being unpacked during a balmy 93-degree day in Orlando. In addition to the truck, there was an attached trailer upon which was perched a small recreational vehicle jammed full of more stuff and Jen’s SUV, which had been filled to the brim with all the “stuff” from the apartment. (The furniture stayed, a blessing for which I am eternally grateful.) As the house needed to be deep-cleaned first, the “stuff” ultimately required the renting of a large storage unit and that, in turn, meant that some stuff stayed, some went into the garage, some went into the
shed and some went into the refrigerator at Jen’s office. This stuff was sorted and re-sorted and brought back to the house if needed, and lost in the garage and forgotten forever in the shed. To make things even more exciting, the previous owners (four siblings in their 80s) had decided to “gift” Jen’s family with items that were no longer of use to them. These fabulous items included planks of wood, boxes of nails, old tires, a microwave, a huge sofa (with matching love seat!), two unbelievably heavy desks, five pressed-wood bookcases (upstairs, of course), four barstools and three chairs — including a pale blue velvet recliner that, in addition to being butt-ugly, would dump
you onto your head if you tried to sit in it. It’s hard to mop floors with that “stuff” lying around, so it had to be carried out. The injuries incurred while moving this “stuff” (although by now I was using a different word to describe it) included a possible broken leg requiring a trip to the ER (only a massive contusion, thank goodness), a twisted neck resulting from a fall down the truck ramp and a bump on the head from walking into a door frame — although we think that one was merely a ploy to get released from further assignments. Best of all, we had rice for dinner and shared a spoon to eat it. Nothing else could be found among the !@#$%^& stuff.
New Spider-Man Movie Is The Best Marvel Has Done In Years
Few movies have been anticipated as much as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the fourth in the current series. I have always thought this was the best of the Marvel Universe, in that its main characters were young enough to change and grow. And this movie actually lives up to the hype. While long, it keeps everyone’s interest as the main people involved actually change, show growth and, well, are interesting not only because of superhero abilities but as people. For those who never saw the last film. Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) got Dr. Strange to cast a spell ensuring that everyone forgets his real identity. And now he is alone, although he spends his days and nights working with the New York City police to reduce crime. He winds up battling a new enemy when a tank crashes through New York and breaks into a “Department of Damage Control” (DODC) building, guided by a driver
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler who had been controlled telepathically. The telepath hops from person to person easily, making capture almost impossible. DODC Director Bill Metzger (Tramell Tillman) claims to know almost nothing about what happened. But Peter is lonely. At one point, he runs into Ned (Jacob Batalon), his best friend from high school, and follows him to a party, where he actually speaks to “MJ” (Zendaya), his great love. Neither recognize him. He is so upset that the next day, he winds up changing, with
heightened power and senses that seem to break him apart. As Peter begins to lose control, he speaks to Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) about an inhibiting device to cut back on his powers and builds one to prevent a loss of control and starts on a second. But the telepath, played by Sadie Sink, finds him first, gets into his brain and learns about MJ and learns Spider-Man’s identity. But Peter, meanwhile, learns who telepath is. This leads to more contact with MJ and a plot twist that is fantastic as Peter, and we, learn that much of what he believed was true, was not. That is the one unbelievable plot point. You have to somehow believe that part of the government might actually lie to us! OK, enough of the sarcasm. The action is great, but also the acting. Holland gives the best performance of his career. Peter learns a lot, grows, gets some heartbreak and even deals with really complex emotions. And he does them so
well. We understand that the character has grown into an adult. Zendaya manages to keep MJ quirky and makes her scenes with Holland really moving. Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/the Punisher is very strong as a supporting character who manages to be a sympathetic vigilante. Tramell Tillman’s DODC director also gives a strong performance. Florence Pugh in a cameo as Yelena Belova has a wonderfully funny scene where she insists Spider-Man hop into a hot tub with her, and he comes out of a dressing room wearing his underpants and Spider-Man mask. Ruffalo has some good scenes as Banner, and the Hulk makes his usual overwhelming presence felt. There were a few charming moments when Peter’s Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) makes an appearance in flashbacks. But Sadie Sink adds so much to the film. Her complex character provides a stunning impact. I expect we’ll see a lot more of
her in the Marvel Universe, and I look forward to it. The action was very good, although the print I actually saw seemed to mix 3D backgrounds behind regular focus on the main action, a distraction in a film that cost nearly $20 for a senior at a weekday matinee. But the battles were really well done. Director Destin Daniel Cretton keeps the action and the drama moving. The emotions during the scenes where the performers interact was more powerful. But the characters we’ve seen before have changed; they are no longer kids. Life decisions are not that simple, and we see how that plays out. This is the best of the Marvel movies since, well, the last Spider-Man film and that was five years ago. But, thanks to a strong script and really good actors, I felt just as I did long ago when I was a strong Marvel fan. The film is expensive, but is, frankly, one of the best I’ve seen in years.
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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE • WESTLAKE
WHITE
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Leslie H. Perla, MD, Retirement Notice Dr. Leslie Perla will be leaving Gastro Health effective July 17, 2026. Patient medical records will remain accessible at Gastro Health – Lake Worth, located at 6135 Lake Worth Rd., Suite 100, Lake Worth, FL 33463.
Professional Services
Fictitious Name Notice
Employment Opportunities
A/C Refrigeration Services
Legal Notice No. 845
Jr Sous Chef – Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Homeowners’ Association Inc – Wellington, FL. Serve as 4th-in-command of kitchen. Mst hv 2 yr exp as a Chef, Cook, or rltd occ in food prep. Mst hv 2 yr exp wrkg w/ all kitchen equip. Mst hv 2 yr exp in all phases of food prep & kitchen ops. Mst hv 2 yr exp wrkg in a club, hotel, or resort setting w/ mult kitchens, incl casual & fine dining. Mst hv 2 yr exp w/ food handling & prep principles & procedures for all foods produced & served such as sauté, grill, braise, & broil. Mst hv exp in the following: occ hazards & safety prcautns; following food safety practcs; food hazards recog; & following stndrdzd recipes for daily ops. Mst hv food prep or similar cert. Mst hv food safety cert. Mst hv lgl auth to wrk in the U.S. EEOE. Send resumes to Sarah Staley, HR Director, Wycliffe Golf & Country Club, 4650 Wycliffe Country Club Blvd., Wellington, FL 33449, or email to s.staley@wycliffecc. com. Pls ref job title + AL26 in cvr ltr/eml subj ln.
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. “We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks” 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
Cleaning - Home/Office CLASS ACT ENTERPRISES INC. — A Cleaning Service you can trust. Top Quality Cleaning at affordable rates. Reliable, trustworthy, professional. Licensed and Insured. Call Lisa for FREE ESTIMATE 561-574-9288. You'll be glad that you did. CLEANING LADY — I can help get your house cleaner than ever! Try me once and you will not be disappointed! 561-657-0420
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County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith.
William Goffinet
Publish:Town-Crier Newspaper
Electrical Contractor SINGER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING, INC. — Electrical work you can trust at an affordable price, Fully Licensed and Insured. EC#13007941 561-425-5409
Home Improvement ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528
Painting
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Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/ owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473
Roofing ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. R O O F I N G R E PA I R S R E - R O O F I N G A L L TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated. Residential/ Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-6564945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates
Screening J O H N ’ S S C R E E N R E PA I R S E RV I C E — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinklefree,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
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.
B.B.
Date: August 7, 2026
Fictitious Name Notice Legal Notice No. 846 Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:
Sunshine Therapy Collective
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WEEKEND
Located at:
2515 S State Road 7, Suite #230 Wellington, FL, 33414
County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith.
Crystal Gonzalez
Publish:Town-Crier Newspaper
Date: August 7, 2026
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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE • WESTLAKE
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750ML
Kistler ‘Les Noisetiers’
Chardonnay
$
79.99
750ML
47.99
750ML
Far-iente
Chardonnay
1800 Anejo
1800 Reposado $
27.99
$
42.99
750 ml
750 ml
Bread & Butter Cabernet & Chardonnay
$
16.99
750ML
Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio
$
67.99
750ML
$
14.99
750ML
These prices good with this ad only. Good thru 8/31/26. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. We are not responsible for Typographical errors.
Prisoner Red Blend $
39.99
750ML
Giesen NonAlcholic
Sauvignon Blanc
$
17.99
750ML
Page 32
August 7 - August 20, 2026
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