Town-Crier Newspaper May 1, 2026

Westlake Mayor: New Manager Makes For A Happy Anniversary

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

With the 10th anniversary of Westlake’s incorporation only weeks away, members of the Westlake City Council said this week that the community has taken a big step toward maturity with the hiring of its first manager fully focused on the municipality’s needs.

“There’s something symbolic in that,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said Wednesday, April 29, minutes after the council unanimously approved the contract for Howard Brown Jr. “I love it that we now have a manager beholden only to the City of Westlake.”

He added that it is a chapter for the city that has been a long time in coming.

“I feel very confident about the way Mr. Brown is going to run and lead our city,” O’Connor said.

Brown was scheduled to start on Friday, May 1.

Justin Hicks Fares

Well At The Senior PGA Championship

From April 16 to April 19 at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, longtime Wellington resident Justin Hicks made his debut in the Senior PGA Championship, which is golf’s most storied major championship for seniors over age 50. While Hicks didn’t win, he finished in a tie for 17th place. Page 21

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Brown, a Palm Beach Gardens resident. “Westlake is a great city with a great reputation.

I think it’s going to be a great place to work.”

Brown said his first goal will be

to “simply talk to as many people as possible, and not just the voices that are always heard.”

Brown has held interim municipal manager jobs in East Point, Georgia, and Century and Fort Meade, Florida. Previously, he was manager of the Village of Indiantown in Martin County (2019-23), as well as Bell, California (2016-18) and Muskogee, Oklahoma (2014-16).

“I’m very pleased,” Councilman Gary Werner said after the vote. “I think he’s going to do very well. He has that kind of experience that Westlake needs.”

The council voted March 3 to begin negotiations with Brown, who has specialized in interim city manager positions — a fact that council members deemed important because Westlake is retaining most of its Inframark-supplied staff. Inframark is a national firm that provides staff to many municipalities. Under Westlake’s charter, the city cannot hire employees directly.

Kenneth Cassel, who had been Westlake’s first and only manager until last September, was an Inframark employee. He also

was manager of the Seminole Improvement District (SID), which became controversial during the latter stages of his tenure. SID is an independent entity that supplies most of Westlake’s infrastructure, such as roads and drainage.

“I was impressed with [Brown’s] background, certifications and that he’d gone into cities and worked effectively with staffs that he did not hire,” Councilman Erik Gleason said. “He was very calm [during the interview process]. He expressed himself well, and he spoke honestly and confidently.”

“It’s going to be exciting,” Councilwoman Charlotte Leonard added. “I think he’s going to add a lot of value to the city.”

Vice Mayor Greg Langowski said the $265,000 annual contract was only slightly higher than the deal that Westlake had with Cassel ($258,000) through Inframark. Brown’s base salary is $190,000. The remainder is to cover such items as payroll taxes, professional memberships and meetings, vehicle reimbursement, and health, life and disability insurance.

“That was my target — to get

MANAGER, page 14

Acreage/Loxahatchee Resident Eyes County Commission Seat

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

If Acreage/Loxahatchee resident Rudolph “Rudy” Tinker was going to qualify for the Palm Beach County Commission’s District 6 race via petition, he knew he was going to have to get creative. Door knocking was getting him little more than sore knuckles.

So, he got permission, he said, to find a spot outside the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office in Westlake, where hundreds of local residents head every day to deal with licenses, registrations and other motor vehicle issues. And day after day, under a big hat, rain or shine, Tinker said he met people from all over the western communities.

“You have to get out and talk to

people in their element,” Tinker said. “I told them if they would just give me a minute and thirty seconds of their time, they’d want to sign up. I ended up getting 50 to 75 signatures a day.” The days added up, and according to Tinker’s web site at www. rudolphtinker.com, so did the signatures. A photo at the top of the site depicts him holding a tally sheet that shows 1,908 petitions submitted, 1,391 qualified — with 1,385 the number needed to get on the Aug. 18 primary ballot. Tinker is running as a Democrat. The only other announced candidate for that primary is Mohammad Junaid Akther of Wellington. On the Republican side, incumbent Sara Baxter is facing See TINKER, page 14

St. David’s Celebrates 50 Years

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

of spiritual life and helping give birth to several other religious congregations. An array of anniversary celebrations are planned throughout this year, beginning with a picnic that was held after church services on Sunday, April 19. According to Linda McKeown, a member of the church’s vestry who is helping organize the observances, the next celebratory event will be on Sunday, May 3.

“Beverly Ramsey, the wife of our first priest, Rev. Michael Jones, will be speaking at our 10 a.m. service,” McKeown said. “That day, the parish hall will be decorated in black and gold. The church will have some flower arrangements and our pew torches, and there will be a special procession at the 10 a.m. service representing all the ministries of the parish.”

Also at the service, the church will be honoring the five longestserving members of the church, and children will be presenting a musical production after the 10 a.m. service.

One other aspect of the anniversary celebration on May 3 will be the public recognition of two other religious congregations in Wellington whose roots can be traced to St. David’s in the Pines, Temple Beth Torah and St. Peter’s United

Developers File Lawsuit Against Wellington Over Isla Carroll Denial

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

CLEAR THE SHELTERS

Seminole Ridge To Honor Class Of 2026 At May 21 Ceremony

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School Class of 2026 will take their final walk as high school seniors across the stage at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Thursday, May 21 at a graduation ceremony starting at 1 p.m.

Four years of hard work and post-graduation planning all pay off when that diploma reaches a student’s hands. Students have had to balance academic work with sports, extracurricular activities, hobbies, part-time jobs and social lives to make it to graduation day.

Leading the class will be valedictorian Lauren Lewis and salutatorian Isis Secor. Both understand the resolve and perseverance required to not only earn their diplomas, but to do so with such a high-level of recognition for their achievements.

Lewis feels honored to represent the class. “This means a lot to me, as it is a reflection and recognition of how much time, effort and dedication I have put into academics,” she explained.

Lewis’s family shared in her

joy upon learning the news and are extremely proud of her. In addition to her academic pursuits, Lewis spent her time volunteering at TOPSoccer in Palm Beach Gardens, an outreach soccer program for children with disabilities. She helped create a safe and supportive space while assisting players with drills and activities. Lewis has also been a member of the Helping the Homeless Club at Seminole Ridge, where she helped pack sandwiches for homeless outreach organizations. While devoting her time to these organizations, Lewis was also able to hold memberships in the Key Club, the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society.

Reflecting on her time in high school, Lewis realized that four years seemed to fly by, and she wishes that she savored the time a little more. “My advice to my younger self and younger students would be to slow down and enjoy this time in high school,” Lewis said.

Lewis is looking forward to starting at the University of Florida

this fall, majoring in biology on the pre-med track. While she is looking forward to acclimating to college life, she is eager to do some traveling this summer.

As she gets ready to move onto the next chapter of life with travel adventures and college experiences, Lewis knows that she will miss the community at Seminole Ridge the most. “I will miss seeing everyone on a daily basis, both friends and teachers,” Lewis said.

For Secor, being salutatorian is acknowledgment of the effort she put into her studies. She was able to persevere through the homework, projects, essays and tests.

“There have been many long nights and mental breakdowns over the length of my to-do lists, but it is nice to know that I defeated them so efficiently that I earned this title,” Secor said.

Secor recalled being shocked when she learned that she would be salutatorian. She was actually celebrating the achievements of her close friends, Lilian Amiryan and Tamsin Lee, for making it into the top 10 when she learned her rank. “Then there was just more

to celebrate,” Secor explained. Her family was over the moon with the accomplishment and have been telling everyone since.

Looking back on her time in high school, Secor feels that she has grown a great deal and found her niche in theater. As a freshman, she had just moved an hour away from her old home, knew no one at school, and was suffering from social anxiety.

Now, as she is about to graduate, Secor would tell her past self not to worry about what others think of her. “I would tell myself to hang in there, and that high school is going to be amazing once I start making friends and find my place in the theater,” she said.

Secor’s passion for theater guided her through high school and will continue to influence her as a theater major at University of Florida next fall. She will pursue the theatrical directing and administration track, along with a minor in psychology.

But, before Secor gets there, she is looking forward to having a break. Over the summer, she hopes to get an internship at a theater and

learn all she can about the industry. As she looks to the future, Secor knows that she will miss her theater family most of all. “I have discovered so much about myself through the program at Seminole Ridge, and I thank everyone I had the honor to work with there,” Secor said.

Secor is optimistic as she steps into the future and college life, noting excitement at the prospect of finding a job she can love. She encourages her peers to remember empathy as they embark on this new chapter in life. “Never be afraid to try something new, and to always remember that everyone in the world has something going on, so try

RBPHS Will Graduate 563 Students On May 18 At Fairgrounds

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report

It’s graduation season, and excitement abounds for the 563 seniors at Royal Palm Beach High School and their families. They have run the race, stayed the course and earned their diplomas by attending school more than six hours a day, 180 days a year, for the past 13 years. That’s 2,340 days of school, plus projects, reports and homework.

The RPBHS graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at 8 a.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds, where the School District of Palm Beach County this month will honor the achievements of thousands of seniors alongside their family members, friends and supporters. The ceremony will be broadcast live on The Education Network (TEN), Xfinity channel 235, AT&T U-verse channel 99, and streamed online with closed captioning at www.youtube.com/ sdpbc.

Principal Dr. Shakeica Robinson is elated about the upcoming commencement celebration.

“This year has been a good

one. As a principal and a mom, it has been really special watching this group stay focused and push toward the finish line,” Robinson said. “I’ve known many of these students since they were in elementary school, so this class means a lot to me. They’re not the loudest group, but they’re steady, focused and determined.”

Those are words that can be used to describe valedictorian Shubh Patel and salutatorian Tony Zhu. Both will be addressing the graduating class, as will fellow senior Shanice Dennis. The future looks bright with these ambitious students ready to take on the world.

“At first, I was really surprised that I was actually number one, and then I was really excited about the news,” Patel recalled. “My parents were so happy. They started calling all our relatives to give them the good news. Honestly, being valedictorian is just like having a cherry on top of my high school career.” Patel said that his prospective major is aerospace engineering, and he is planning to attend the University of Florida.

“My dream is to work for NASA or a firm like Lockheed, where I might work on the design and construction of missiles, rockets and jets,” he said.

When not planning his career as a rocket scientist, Shubh enjoys bowling, swimming and playing Call of Duty. He’s looking at having more relaxation time now that his senior year is winding down.

“I’m looking forward for school and all exams to be over, so I can enjoy summer and prepare for college,” he said.

When asked about his advice for underclassmen, Patel said, “If you at least put in some effort on homework and turn it in, then you will get As and Bs.”

He closed by saying, “It has been a long journey, and now it’s finally time where we create our future.”

Zhu said that he was shocked to learn that he was named salutatorian.

“Before the reveal, I thought I was slightly out of reach for the honor. It ended up being a nice surprise,” he said, adding that his parents were thrilled to learn of the award. “My parents were elated.

Award-Winning Stroke Care …

As immigrants who have sacrificed so much for me to pursue my education, they were very happy to see me honored.”

Zhu is a runner who also plays video games and likes to socialize. His advice for younger students is, “Talk to different people and participate in activities. High school is a great time to exit your comfort zone and discover what you are truly passionate about.”

His top piece of advice for everyone is, “Stay compassionate!”

Zhu also plans to attend UF, where he will major in mechanical engineering and hopes to spend some semesters studying abroad. He wants to acquire the engineering skills necessary to design and create sustainable systems with plans to spend time volunteering in developing countries on projects such as those creating clean, sustainable drinking water.

“I am someone who enjoys taking on challenges,” Zhu said. “By struggling, you are setting yourself up for future growth, even if it may not seem like it in the moment.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Shanice Dennis asked Robinson for permission to address the

graduating class. “I personally want to encourage my classmates to be excited for our new future,” she said. “Even though we are ending our childhood, and this is a bittersweet process, we are also stepping into a whole new exciting life.”

Planning a career as a physician assistant in pulmonology, Dennis has this advice for younger students: “Nothing is perfect. School can be hard, but you have to try your best. No one can make you successful but yourself. Everyone has low points in their life, but the main thing that matters is picking yourself up. High school really does matter if you want to achieve a higher education. Get active! Make it fun! Join at least one club or sport because you’re only in high school once.” Robinson is looking forward to watching her seniors walk across the stage.

Think BE FAST

“I’m just really proud of them,” she said. “They’ve stayed the course and handled their business.”

Recognizing the signs of a possible stroke and acting swiftly is crucial for minimizing

Balance: Is the person experiencing dizziness or having trouble walking?

Eye: Is the person having trouble seeing in one or both eyes?

Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of their face drooping?

Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

Time to Call 911: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

ITID Officials Vow To Continue The Fight For Four-Way Stops

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Indian Trail Improvement Dis-

trict Supervisor Richard Vassalotti has seen firsthand the awful and mangled results of T-bone crashes on the district’s long, straight roads. That’s why the retired Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue captain said this week that he’s going to keep fighting for more four-way stops at Acreage-area intersections.

“Four-way stops are the easiest way to prevent those kinds of horrific crashes,” said Vassalotti, who spent 30 years with PBCFR — much of it in The Acreage.

Vassalotti spoke after ITID Engineer Jay Foy told the ITID Board of Supervisors at their Wednesday, April 15 meeting that Palm Beach County had approved four-way stops at five of the 10 intersections that ITID had requested. Those intersections are: 140th

Avenue North and Key Lime Blvd.; Key Lime Blvd. and Avocado Blvd.; Mandarin Blvd. and Hamlin Blvd.; Hall Blvd. and Citrus Grove Blvd.; and Hall Blvd. and Key Lime Blvd.

Although ITID is in charge of parks, drainage and most roads in the area’s 110 square miles, as an improvement district, it does not have the so-called “policing power” to simply put up stop signs as desired. Stop lights, stop signs and speed limits must be approved by county engineers.

“The county met in the middle with us,” Supervisor Patricia Farrell said. “We got the ones with the biggest [risk] issues.”

Foy cast the five approvals as a win in the long-running struggle with county road managers over various traffic issues in the Acreage/Loxahatchee area.

“I’m going to take a very positive outlook,” he told the board.

“We got half of what we asked for, and, hopefully, we’ll get more in the future. So, it’s not that we have failed. We have succeeded, and I look forward to getting these [installed].”

Those intersections not approved for four-way stops are: Mandarin Blvd. and Temple Blvd.; 140th Avenue North and Citrus Grove Blvd.; 140th Avenue North and Temple Blvd.; 120th Avenue North and Tangerine Blvd.; and Orange Grove Blvd. and Coconut Blvd.

“It’s a good start,” ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said. “But we’re not going to give up on the ones that were not approved. We’re going to put in another request with the county.”

Vassalotti, who ran on a traffic safety platform in 2024, agreed.

“We’ll take the five, but we’ll be going back to the county for more,” he said. “Our residents want them.”

ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said that the district has been “trying to get more stop signs for a long time.”

“We’re grateful for any we got,” she said. “Our goal is to keep our residents safe.”

In other business:

• The supervisors authorized a financing strategy through the financial firm of Piper Sandler for up to $3 million to pay for replacing aging field lights at Acreage Community Park North, and a full reconstruction of tennis/pickleball and basketball courts at Temple Park and Sycamore Park.

ITID staff emphasized that the existing Acreage Community Park lights are more than 25 years old, past their standard 20-year life, and costly to maintain, while a proposal by Musco Sports Lighting includes new wiring, controls, lightning detection and a 25-year warranty at a cost of $1.36 million.

For Temple and Sycamore, the board agreed to bid a complete rip-out and replacement at a cost of $1.28 million because contractors would not warranty partial resurfacing.

Meanwhile, Hanson said this week the question of who can play on Acreage Community Park South’s new synthetic football/ soccer field is still up in the air. It currently is available for general use, he said. No fees are being collected.

Hanson said he is working with the state and county, both of which have a hand in control of the park, to find a formula that would give ITID more discretion over permitted play and fees.

• The supervisors expanded their state lobbying contract with Rubin, Turnbull & Associates to add federal lobbying at a monthly cost of $10,500, up from $4,500. The contract is for three years.

Staff and the firm’s representatives explained that federal opportunities, including potential funding under the federal Water Resources Development Act and U.S. House appropriations could bring in as much as $75 million for projects such as the M-1 Impoundment, also known as “the 640 acres.”

“How great would it be to get some money back from the federal government,” Accomando said this week. “It’s spending a little to possibly get a lot. It’s a no-brainer.”

• The supervisors heard parks staff describe significant deficiencies found in the newly built Coconut Park pier that the contractor agreed to correct before final inspection by the county is requested. Staff also outlined ongoing upgrades at the park, including fencing, benches, exercise equipment, irrigation and sod.

Lox Groves Council Hires Attorney To Negotiate Manager’s Exit

By Patrick Sherry

Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council is adding new attorney fees to its bills after deciding to move forward with hiring one to represent them in negotiating the exit of their town manager. At a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28, the council chose Johneeka Simpson from the law firm GrayRobinson to lead the negotiations.

“I have a refreshing approach when handling disputes while representing both employers and employees in a wide range of labor and employment disputes, which gives me a pretty balanced perspective on the issues before the town today,” Simpson said at the April 28 meeting.

Earlier in the month, council members placed Town Manager Francine Ramaglia on paid admin-

istrative leave. Shortly before that decision, Ramaglia gave formal notice of her retirement upon the conclusion of her contract in September.

Town staff brought in three prospective special counsel options for consideration at a meeting April 21.

Since that meeting, council members have individually met with the three prospective attorneys. The estimated cost for hiring one of them to negotiate Ramaglia’s exit would be about $5,000 to $10,000. An investigation into the former manager’s performance or conduct could cost even more, plus any potential litigation on the matter.

“What stood out to me in this process was that Ms. Simpson had already done her work,” Vice Mayor Manish Sood said. “She had reviewed the full employment

agreement, she had begun thinking through a negotiation strategy, and she had clearly invested time in understanding the specifics of our town situation.”

Without outside counsel, the town could have continued to pay Ramaglia while she is on leave until the expiration of her contract. However, doing so could open the door to a lawsuit over wrongful termination. Yet, terminating Ramaglia without cause would require paying her more than $61,000 in severance and any unused paid time off.

Councilwoman Anita Kane and Councilman Paul Coleman opposed hiring outside counsel. They pointed out how doing so would cost the town thousands of dollars, and there are cheaper ways to move forward.

“I was really looking at not engaging with an attorney firm at

all and just going with… taking a vote tonight to terminate without cause and get a release from [Ramaglia],” Kane said. “I think that’s the most prudent option for the town. I think it allows everyone to walk with some dignity.”

Former Councilman Todd McLendon, who spent much of his time on the dais emphasizing cost savings, gave public comment and agreed that hiring an attorney would not be worth it.

“Whenever you get attorneys involved, there’s always one winner: it’s the attorney,” he said. “Whenever you have the opportunity to not engage with an attorney, you’re saving money.”

Despite those concerns, the council voted to hire Simpson 3-2, with Kane and Coleman dissenting.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey then proposed a motion for Acting

Town Manager Valerie Oaks to accept a negotiated settlement proposal from Ramaglia no later than May 8. If one is not received by then, an investigation will be conducted.

The motion faced resistance from some on the council. They argued that the investigation would just be another expense that the town would have to pay.

“I see no reason to go into a lengthy investigation that only costs the town taxpayers a significant amount of money, which is an unnecessary expenditure, but also that we have no chance of recouping,” Kane said.

El-Ramey pushed back on this, explaining that the acting town manager has a $10,000 spending cap that would limit the town’s financial burden on the issue.

“I want to show how serious the town is about their position,” she

said. “You’re conflating an investigation with the litigation; that is not what’s being proposed here.” However, El-Ramey was willing to amend her motion to extend the deadline to May 12, and the council will hold another special meeting on the same day on how to move forward. The council passed the motion 3-2, with Kane and Coleman again dissenting. In other business:

• At the council’s meeting on April 21, it unanimously approved adding $20,000 to Oaks’ $137,812 annual salary because of her new position. The $20,000 would be paid out over the next six months.

• It was also announced that the intersection at F Road and Collecting Canal Road will be closed due to the replacement of a culvert pipe from May 4 through May 25.

Farrell In; Few Others Eye Three Available ITID Board Seats

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

With the deadline for qualifying only six weeks away, there were no official candidates for the three available seats on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors listed this week on the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections web site.

Seat 2, currently held by Supervisor Patricia Farrell, and Seat 5, currently held by Supervisor Michael Johnson, are in play — as is Seat 1, now held by ITID President Elizabeth Accomando.

After the qualifying period in June, contested ITID elections will take part in this fall’s election cycle, including the primary election in August (if necessary) and the November general election.

St.

David’s

50th Years

Of Service

continued from page 1 celebrated Easter services at St. David’s on April 6, 1980,” said Cohen, a former member of the Wellington Village Council who now serves as the village’s attorney.

Prince Charles — now King Charles III — attended the 8 a.m. Sunday morning service that day. According to Cohen, the Rev.

Accomando, who was elected in 2022, announced last year that she will not seek a second term on the board and instead is running for the Palm Beach County Commission in District 6. Farrell told the Town-Crier this week that she will seek re-election.

“I’ve put a lot of time and hard work into this, and would like to continue it,” said Farrell, who also was elected in 2022. “I’ll be putting my name in shortly.”

Johnson, a former board president who won Seat 5 in 2018, could not be reached for comment. However, sources close to the situation said Johnson does plan to seek a third term this year.

Among possible candidates, Charlie James, an ITID resident since 1996, said Wednesday that

John Mangrum, then rector at the church, received a phone call the day before from one of the prince’s representatives who wanted to know if there was going to be music during the Sunday morning 8 a.m. Easter service. Mangrum didn’t want to disappoint the visiting member of the British royal family and assured that there would be.

Mangrum took over the church in 1979 and oversaw the construction of a larger, 300-seat church building dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1987. He remained at

his decision is “still up in the air.”

James is a retired utility worker and a member of ITID’s Equestrian Trails and Infrastructure Advisory Committee.

Former Supervisor Joni Martin, who served on the board from 2018 to 2022, said she believes the ugly rhetoric and aggressive campaign tactics seen in several recent races has deterred many from seeking office.

“I can’t imagine anyone wanting to run in that kind of climate,” she said. “Unfortunately, that’s the way it is these days. I think it has ruined it for a lot of people.”

However, Martin did not absolutely rule out a run.

Contacted this week, former Supervisor Keith Jordano did rule out another campaign. He served

the church until he retired in 1990.

Mangrum was also a key figure in the early Wellington community beyond his work at the church. In addition to overseeing the church, he served as the first resident representative on the Acme Improvement District Board of Supervisors, Wellington’s pre-incorporation government, and had a regular column — “Johnny the Stroller” — in the Town-Crier, covering the local community.

The Rev. Steven Thomas arrived as the church’s third fulltime rector, serving as the parish

one term and was defeated in 2024 by Supervisor Richard Vassalotti. Jordano said the “corrupt influence” of developers has created an uneven playing field, even in local races. “I can’t compete with the big money,” he said.

Some have suggested that no one has jumped in to fill Accomando’s Seat 1 because she could drop out of the Republican primary race against incumbent Sara Baxter and file for re-election.

However, Accomando said Wednesday that she already has resigned from the ITID seat, effective when she takes office as commissioner, or at the end of this board term, whichever comes first.

“I am 100 percent — I am 200,000 percent — committed to the county commissioner race,”

priest for more than 30 years, from 1991 to his retirement in 2023. He led the development of many new ministries, most notably spearheading the effort to establish St. David’s Episcopal School. Currently, the church is led by the Rev. Matthew Tees, who arrived in January. He came to St. David’s from the bishop’s staff at the Diocese of Long Island in New York.

To complement the official celebrations, the Wellington Village Council will be issuing a proclamation to recognize the church’s anniversary on Tuesday, June 9. There are a wide variety of special events on the calendar throughout the balance of this year that will be tied to the church’s 50th anniversary.

On Friday, May 1, a Spirit Night will be held at CR Chick’s on South Shore Blvd., where a portion of all sales will be donated to support the church’s 50th anniversary. Again, on Sunday, May 3, will be the Parish Golden Anniversary Service.

On Friday, May 15, a Building Bridges Reception will be conducted as a way of honoring the partnerships that have allowed the church to serve its neighbors.

On Saturday, June 6, the Golden Anniversary Dinner Dance will be a signature formal event filled with dinner, dancing and special memories. On Tuesday, June 9, the village will present the official proclamation recognizing the church on its golden anniversary.

she said. “It’s the only way I can help people of the district better by moving up to that level.”

As of Wednesday, Baxter had outraised Accomando $145,650 to $34,598, according to the latest figures on the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Election web site.

Much of the money in Baxter’s war chest comes from business and corporate donations. In the first quarter of the year, out of 40 donations, 27 were for $1,000 each. During the same first quarter, out of 57 donations to Accomando’s campaign, four were for $1,000 and 10 were for $25 or less. “I don’t travel in circles of developers and galas,” Accomando said. “I appreciate the businesses and others who’ve given to me. But the person who gives me $10

means more to me than any of it because I know that’s all they have to give.”

Accomando said she recently filed just enough signatures to get on the ballot, though with a 22 percent rejection rate, she’ll need to continue seeking signers. In the end, whether she gains the needed signatures or must pay the $8,200 ballot fee, she’s in the race to stay, she said. “I’m getting out and I’m meeting people,” she added. “I’m running a totally grassroots campaign… [and] think it’s going very well. I’m getting so much positive feedback.” Martin said she wished Accomando well in the commission race but, “It’ll be a big loss to the [Indian Trail] board. She’s a force of nature.”

On Thursday, Aug. 20, California Pizza Kitchen will be hosting a Spirit Night, where a portion of all sales will be donated to support the church’s 50th anniversary. On Sunday, Aug. 23, tickets will go on sale for the Golden Anniversary Raffle. The drawing for the raffle will be on Sunday, Sept. 13.

On the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 19, the Jubilee of Joy Brunch will be held featuring a guest speaker to help support the parish’s legacy. Next, on Sunday, Oct. 18, will be Caribbean Sunday to celebrate the vibrant diversity and heritage that enriches St. David’s.

The theme of Friday, Nov. 20 will be “An Evening of Music.” This community event will honor the church’s lasting legacy. Finally, the church’s 50th anniversary year will draw to a close with a Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 20. The Golden Yuletide anniversary celebration will be a seasonal musical event that will mark the close of the celebrations. St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. To learn more, call (561) 793-1976 or visit www. saintdavidsinthepines.org.

These Boots Were Made For Giving: WWC’s ‘Boots & Boogie’ Fundraiser Kicks Up Heels To Raise Money For Local Women

By Shannon Anastasio Town-Crier Staff Report

appropriately named “Thelma and Louise.”

Attendees enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch buffet before the excitement ramped up with dance music and line dancing directed by DJ Kristi Moynihan, door prizes and the much-anticipated auction close. The afternoon concluded with winning bids announced and a celebratory checkout as guests left knowing they had made a meaningful impact.

“Boots & Boogie was more than just a fun afternoon, it was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community of women comes together with purpose,” WWC President Teresa

Harrington said. “Every dollar raised helps us continue our mission of supporting women in our community who need a hand up.”

Funds raised from the event will directly benefit the group’s scholarship program, as well as this season’s charitable initiatives, which include support for organizations such as the Tree of Life Resource Center, Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. These programs

provide essential services ranging from food assistance and medical care to support for veterans, homebound senior citizens and families facing hardship. The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including: Presenting Sponsor, Florida Adult Education LLC; Country Girl Punch Bar Sponsor, SP Aesthetics; Country Girl Wildflowers Sponsor, Wellington Florist; Swag

Bag Sponsor, Success Promotions Inc.; Country Girl Sweet Treat Sponsor, Happy Day Creations; and Country Girl Boot Soap

Wellington’s Tax Base Is Strong, But Concerns Loom On Horizon

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington continues to be in a strong financial position moving forward, due in part to a strong homesteaded residential base. However, changes coming out of Tallahassee could alter the revenue picture moving forward.

The Wellington Village Council reviewed the property tax revenue generated in 2025 at a workshop session on Monday, April 27, as it faces uncertain reforms that could soon impact the budget.

Last year, the village had a total taxable value of $12.95 billion, an approximately 7 percent increase from 2024.

While Wellington’s growth rate is slightly lower than the county’s as a whole, Cecil Jackson from

the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office said that Wellington’s homesteaded base helps stabilize revenue and protect residents from market swings.

The majority of residential homes in Wellington are homesteaded, with an overall number of 14,424.

“Wellington continues to see a solid taxable growth; it supports both appreciation and new construction,” Jackson said. “Our growth is slightly below the overall county rate, but we benefit from a very stable, predominantly homesteaded residential base.”

The village’s market and taxable values are largely attributed to its residential properties. They make up about three-fifths of the total of both. Unlike other parts of the county, Wellington does not have a huge commercial or industrial

base. Nevertheless, residents have seen the market value of their properties double since 2017.

“You’re looking at not double taxation, but double value, but also the increase of the assessed values,” Jackson said. “I think it’s a testament of how Wellington is a very steady and prominent [community] that people want to actually come and live in.”

The taxable value is expected to increase as the village continues to develop and grow. According to Jackson, in 2025, new development contributed more than $85 million to Wellington’s taxable value, and officials expect $78 million more this year.

Despite all this growth, property tax relief proposals at the state level could put a dent in the village’s revenue stream. The Florida

House of Representatives has so far approved three proposals that might end up on the ballot in November. It is unclear if they will be passed by the Florida Senate, but it could result in the loss of millions of dollars in property taxes.

“Tallahassee hasn’t talked much about replacing the money,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said. “They talked briefly about sales tax, until they realized how big that number has to be to make it fit.”

Considering that Wellington receives most of its tax revenue from residential property taxes, the village has more to lose compared to other places. “Anything for single-family [residential] has a significant impact on Wellington,” Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel said. “We are different from the majority of other mu-

nicipalities in Palm Beach County because we are so residential.”

A decrease in property tax income could impact how Wellington funds its local services. However, state and local governments may try to find alternative ways to make up for the lost revenue, which may ultimately be passed on to other areas, like rentals.

“One of our biggest concerns from these bills is what it can do to the other types of property by shifting the change… There’s a disproportionate shift that could potentially land on the other types of properties,” Quickel said. “That, again, would not be favorable for them.”

Looking ahead, funding for future capital projects is expected to be reduced because of the local sales tax surcharge ending in

December of last year. The village will continue to cap utility rate increases at 3.5 percent per year, but the cost of solid waste collection and recycling is expected to increase by $5 to support rising operational costs.

Village staff reiterated that these projections and budget considerations are subject to change, but they will not make any assumptions until they officially know how the budget will be impacted.

“The biggest issue is the unknown as to what’s going to happen with property taxes,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “If anything gets on the ballot in November, that will not be effective until the following year. But clearly, when we do our budget, we don’t just look at a single year… so it helps us plan ahead.”

RPB Council Allows Changes To Tree Rules At Lakeside Landing

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Developers at the Lakeside Landing community are addressing tree preservation requirements as they build new townhomes behind the Village Royale Shopping Center.

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council on Thursday, April 16 considered two applications to remove pieces of tree preservation easements on nine lots and replace ones that died during construction.

D.R. Horton is building 100 townhomes on the site near the northwest corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. The developers requested to abandon portions of tree preservation easements on nine lots of land. The easements are meant to protect trees, but design mistakes led to those protected zones overlapping with buildings.

“There is no reduction in the materials within these preservation easements,” Director of Planning

& Zoning Bradford O’Brien explained.

The easements were placed on the property to ensure that the homeowners’ association remains responsible for the maintenance of the trees and prevents unauthorized removal. If they were cut down without permission, the specific homeowner can be held accountable.

“It’s also an assurance or a direct pipeline to those who are responsible if the tree dies or if the tree

is taken down by whoever… that’s their responsibility, clear as day, of who is responsible for those trees,” O’Brien said. Their second application dealt with 29 trees that died since the start of construction. The developers plan to replace those with 65 replacement trees, in compliance with village code. As part of the application, a 30-inch landscape wall will be built along portions of the lake, and small adjustments to driveway spacing to meet utility

Hindu Temple In The Acreage Gets County Approval For Small Expansion

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

about trees,” Vice Mayor Sylvia Sharps said.

The council unanimously passed both items without opposition.

“I think our tree preservation ordinance is working,” Mayor Jeff Hmara said. “At the end of the day, we wind up with a pretty good tree canopy, and, of course, that’s what we’re striving for.” In other business:

• The council announced that it would hold a groundbreaking on Wednesday, April 29 for the $20.1 million renovation and expansion of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The

New rules put limits on brightness, placement and operating times to prevent glare and light spillovers onto neighboring areas.

“It’s actually a pretty beautiful temple out there,” said James Hackett, agent for the property owner. The property was originally a single-family residential home, but it was converted into a place of worship. The temple has had its doors open to the community for the last 14 years.

The Palm Beach County Commission approved a zoning hearing request on Thursday, April 23 for the Palm Beach Hindu Mandir in The Acreage. The change updates an outdated approval process and allows a small expansion of the site. The applicant asked to abandon the existing development order for the place of worship so it can be approved administratively. The property is located on the south side of Okeechobee Blvd., between 162nd Drive North and Seminole Pratt Whtiney Road. It is one of the few Hindu temples in western Palm Beach County.

The place of worship use is not being removed. Instead, the request is looking to abandon the original development order tied to the approval. In 2017, the county’s Unified Land Development Code was changed so approvals for a place of worship could be processed through an administrative review process. By doing so, the applicant would be able to gain approval for site modifications without needing to go before county commissioners. As part of their application,

the owners wanted approval for a 787-square-foot expansion of the property. According to county documents, the expansion will allow the temple to provide more services to members of the congregation and generate more revenue.

“They are looking to make minor improvements… [add] a private lift station to connect to the sewer that is out on Okeechobee Blvd.,” Hackett said. The commissioners unanimously approved the application request.

Palm Beach Central High School Honors College-Bound Seniors

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On the afternoon of Friday, May 1, Palm Beach Central High School will host its senior signing day, where the school recognizes and honors a number of seniors who will be graduating in May and will be headed to college on academic and athletic scholarships in the fall.

Senior signing day will kickoff with a series of speeches from Palm Beach Central Principal Reginald Myers, Assistant Principal Willow Louis, and representatives from the U.S Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Palm Beach County Fire Academy.

Four Palm Beach Central seniors will be pursuing careers as first responders. They are Jaimyn Hodgson and Jayden Petiote, both of whom are joining the U.S. Navy. Anamilek Mejia will enlist with the U.S. Marines Corps, while Kimberly Berg will be attending Palm Beach State College to pursue a career as an EMT through the fire academy. According to Myers, this occasion is a reward to the seniors for being focused on their academics for the last four years.

“National Senior Signing Day is an opportunity for us to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduating seniors at Palm Beach Central High School,” Myers said. “Whether they are officially committing to a college or university, military service, the workforce or another path, many of our students have earned impressive accolades, including scholarships, college credits, certifications and leadership honors.”

The event also serves as a springboard for next year’s senior class.

“This moment not only celebrates their success but also inspires our entire Bronco nation, and being able to share this experience with their family, peers and staff makes it even more special and memorable,” Myers added.

This year’s graduates from Palm Beach Central are getting ready to attend colleges and universities located throughout Florida and across the United States. According to Louis, the majority of the students will be staying in Florida to attend a college or a university. Those Florida-based collegiate institutions that have accepted seniors from Palm Beach Central include the University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida,

Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida A&M University, the University of North Florida, the University of Miami, the University of South Florida, BethuneCookman University, EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, Florida International University, Keiser University and Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Beyond Florida, PBCHS students will also be attending Boston College (Massachusetts), Campbellsville University (Kentucky), Duke University (North Carolina), the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia), Louisiana State University (Louisiana), Penn State University (Pennsylvania), Yale University (Connecticut), Howard University (Washington, D.C.) and Morehouse College (Georgia).

The areas of study which the PBCHS students plan to pursue are wide-ranging and diverse. They range from Jonathan Gordon studying theater at Florida Atlantic University to Veronica Castro pursuing a major in digital media design at Florida Gulf Coast University. Samantha Perez will be pursuing a major in biological sciences with a pre-veterinary medicine track at Florida International University, while Aadi Saxena plans to graduate from the University of Central Florida with a degree in aerospace engineering. Nakhai Reid-Lewis is focusing on graduating with a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice and intelligence from Bethune-Cookman.

In addition to being accepted by various colleges and universities, many students are receiving major academic and/or athletic scholarships. Some of those scholarship recipients include Alexa Karatzas, who will be attending Duke University on a merit-based scholarship totaling $80,200, where she will major in neuroscience and biology. Brea Holmes will be attending Louisiana State University on a merit-based scholarship totaling $82,200, where she will major in political science with a pre-law track.

Gian-Paul Aviles is receiving an athletic scholarship for volleyball and will be majoring in marketing at Campbellsville University, while Alex Morante is the recipient of a merit-based scholarship award of $8,000 from Florida Gulf Coast University. Chloe Ahrens is the recipient of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Presidential Scholarship for $18,000, while Aadi Saxena will receive a

$30,000 merit scholarship from the University of Central Florida. Francesca Rodriguez, meanwhile, has accepted a full scholarship from Yale University. National signing day is also a way to recognize the teachers for their due diligence in the classroom.

“As educators, one of the greatest rewards in public education is watching our students turn their achievements into opportunity and their dreams into reality,” Myers said. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate their success and honored to be part of such a memorable occasion.”

NEWS BRIEFS

Garden Club Now Offering Scholarships For High School Environmental Conference

The Wellington Garden Club is offering sponsorships and full scholarships to the annual Save Earth’s Environment through Knowledge (SEEK) conference, a four-day environmental conference for high school students entering grades nine through 12 who are interested in environmental science.

Sponsored by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, the conference will be held this year on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee from June 3 to June 6.

The mission of SEEK is to increase student environmental literacy through hands-on and field-based educational experiences. The goal of the conference is to inspire student interest and involvement in environmental conservation and protection, to promote student development of environmental stewardship ethics as well as environmental career opportunities, and to promote each student’s professional development and academic success.

Some of the activities planned are field excursions and experiential activities at labs on and off the FSU campus. Students will have

Lace-up your sneakers, head outside and join the Village of Wellington for a free day of family fun and activities celebrating the 16th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May.

Wellington invites the community to a free Kids to Parks Day event for all ages, in combination with a bicycle rodeo for ages 3 to 15, on Saturday, May 16.

Kids to Parks Day activities will run from 9 a.m. to noon, with the bicycle rodeo taking place from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Kids to Parks Day activities include bounce houses and inflatables, character entertainment (10 to 11 a.m.), Crazy Games, face painting and glitter tattoos, an inclusive inflatable, laser tag, lawn games, music and dancing with Digital Vibez, a rock wall, sports activities and vendors.

the opportunity to visit one of the area’s best natural springs, to enjoy a nature hike and scavenger hunt built around creative problemsolving, and to spend time exploring aspects of the medical field. In addition, students will interact with current science undergraduate and graduate students and explore environmental science career opportunities. Attendees will reside in dorm rooms. All meals and transportation to activities will be provided. Presentations will be at various locations. For more information about SEEK, or to register, visit www. ffgc.org/seek.

The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs is a charter member of National Garden Clubs Inc. and a member of Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. FFGC has more than 150 community-based clubs in the state and nearly 10,000 members. The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, landscape design, conservation of natural resources and youth education. Learn more at www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

The bicycle rodeo will encourage and promote safe bicycling in the community. It will be located in the parking lot adjacent to the amphitheater, near Ken Adams Way, on the southeast side of the Town Center complex. Bring your own helmet and bike in order to participate. If you do not have a bike or helmet, one will be provided for you. A limited number of bicycles and helmets will be available. Water and snacks will be available for participants and attendees.

Same day signups are welcome, but pre-registration for the bicycle rodeo is strongly encouraged. Register for free through Eventbrite at wellingtonbicyclerodeo2026. eventbrite.com.

Tickets are for child participants only; adults do not need to register to attend. Registered bicycle rodeo participants will also be entered into a free raffle for prizes. The raffle will take place at 11 a.m. For more information on both events, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/kidstoparksday.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to get to know local first responders with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and explore vehicles from their fleet.

The local nonprofit is seeking sponsors and players for the tournament, which has an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Amber’s Animal Outreach is a local nonprofit organization that supports domestic animals by providing common sense solutions to matters plaguing animal welfare today so there will be one

The Village of Wellington hosted an Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25 at the Wellington Amphitheater. During the event, the Wellington Garden Club hosted a plant sale. Arbor Day and Earth Day proclamations were read out by Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri and Mayor Michael Napoleone. The village also presented its annual FLOWER (Fabulous Landscapes of Wellington Earning Recognition) awards and hosted a tree planting. Earlier in the day, the Great American Cleanup event was held at various locations around the community. PHOTOS BY DENISE

GALBANI FESTA ITALIANA BRINGS CROWDS TO THE WELLINGTON

The second annual Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington was held at the Wellington Amphitheater from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19. Presented by Brian Marketing Group, the three-day festival celebrated Italian culture with authentic cuisine, live music, culinary demonstrations and family activities. Learn more at www. wellingtonfestaitaliana.com.

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA MANNING/TOWN-CRIER AND

CEREMONY CELEBRATES MAJOR EXPANSION OF SCOTT’S PLACE PLAYGROUND

A rededication ceremony was held for Scott’s Place Playground at Wellington’s Town Center on Wednesday, April 15. The Wellington Village Council cut the ribbon on the playground’s expansion, which includes new features, such as the Revi-Rock Bouncer, the We-Saw multi-person seesaw, the Conical Climber, and the Wiggle and Loop Ladder, as well as new

out to play.

Kids enjoy the expanded options at the playground.

On Saturday April 25, the Wellington Art Society held an award ceremony for an Earth Day-themed Pop-Up Gallery on

Lox PBSO Possible Settlement

continued from page 1 agreement, deputies will waive overtime fees they previously asked for to verify speeding violations from the town’s School Zone Speed Enforcement Program, at least for now. “We think that if we make this offer to them, they will accept it, and they will resume services as quickly as possible,” Kurtz said. “We did not get the impression that there was much room on their part to deviate from this.”

Some on the council were hesitant to resume payments on the contract, considering the

Lawsuit

Isla Carroll Project

continued from page 1 10-year renewals, to use and maintain the Isla Carroll east field for polo matches during the season, if the project were to be approved. The council’s reasoning behind the decision was that they believed the development was not primarily equestrian in nature and, therefore, did not belong in the EPA.

The lawsuit claims that the denial is illegal and inconsistent with Wellington’s Comprehensive Plan. The plaintiff’s lawyers argue that the council misinterpreted its Comprehensive Plan because its decision seemed to only allow developments that are primarily equestrian instead of developments that are “equestrian-oriented or designed to further an equestrian lifestyle.”

The case was filed March 26 in the circuit court and is known as 120th Avenue South LLC vs. Village of Wellington. The property was once owned by polo patron John Goodman. It has two polo fields and other horse-related amenities, but none are currently in regular use. In 2022, billionaire Frank McCourt purchased the land. His real estate firm, McCourt Partners, partnered with luxury residential developer Discovery Land Company, and they have been working to redevelop the 80-acre property. Many residents and community leaders have remained wary of the project because of its plan to replace parts of the polo fields with multi-million-dollar homes and a clubhouse.

Several Wellington advisory

town’s difficult financial situation. The town has saved more than $283,000 since the previous council decided to stop paying the county agency. The council hoped they could use the funds on necessary infrastructure improvements. Loxahatchee Groves may face further financial strain soon, which could limit its ability to pay for the contract and desired infrastructure projects. The School Zone Speed Enforcement Program has raked in thousands of dollars since it was implemented last year. However, violations are expected to decrease, and a recent court decision about the constitutionality of issuing tickets to drivers using traffic cameras could remove this new, lucrative revenue source.

boards reviewed the project, with most board members voting to reject the plan. After each rejection, developers revised the project to address community concerns. Consistently, the main criticism was that the development did not seem to fit the preserve’s “equestrian lifestyle.” Opponents have argued that the main focus of the project is the homes and clubhouse, with equestrian amenities being an afterthought. Originally, the plan was to build 40 homes on the site. According to developers during public meetings, the village’s current zoning laws allow them to build all of the homes over the entire site without any equestrian focus. To appease opponents, developers made efforts to incorporate some equestrian usage onto the property.

The latest iteration of the project decreased the total number of homes from 40 to 27, with four being larger lots to accommodate small equestrian farms. The east polo field will be preserved to be used for polo matches. Community residents would have some access to equestrian amenities on the site. Yet, the changes to the

Manager Howard Brown Jr.

continued from page 1 as close to what we were paying as possible,” said O’Connor, who negotiated the contract. “We landed in a good place.” Council members also praised the work of City Clerk Zoie Burgess, who filled in as acting city manager during the search. “We’re

Also on the horizon are possible tax reform amendments on the ballot this November that could reduce property tax revenue.

Councilwoman Anita Kane cautioned that many of those amendments require municipalities to maintain the same level of law enforcement service they previously had while losing tax revenue.

“You’re talking about [an $800,000] to a $1 million reduction in our budget — in our income,” Kane said.

Vice Mayor Manish Sood, who ran his campaign on restoring relations with the PBSO, supported rescinding the termination resolution and restarting payments to the agency.

“Your previous strategy has

project were still not enough for the council to agree to allow it in the EPA.

The lawsuit calls for the village to declare that it misinterpreted its comprehensive plan. Plaintiffs are requesting an injunction requiring the village to approve the rezoning, preventing the council from applying the same interpretation to any future project, and an award of attorney’s fees. According to the legal documents, pre-trial court proceedings are expected to begin in July, although if it moves forward without a settlement, the legal process will likely take years.

“The Wellington Village Council endeavors to ensure that all development serves the local community and is aligned with the requirements of Wellington’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations. This development was not. Although the council’s decision was supported by competent substantial evidence, we will work with the plaintiff to attempt to resolve the matter,” Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said in a statement regarding the lawsuit.

so grateful for the way she stepped up to the plate,” O’Connor said. “She was absolutely stellar.”

A fifth-generation Floridian, Brown grew up in Pensacola and received a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University in 1993 and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of West Florida in 1995. He served in the U.S. Army for six years. Brown is married with three children and three grandchildren.

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

failed, so let us do something different and better for the town,” Sood said.

Others believed that the price of the current contract is still too high and were concerned about the town being locked into the contract if it loses some of its revenue in the future.

“I don’t think we’re any less safe today than we were in November,” Councilman Paul Coleman said. “The crime rate hasn’t skyrocketed.”

According to town documents, paying for enhanced law enforcement services from May to September will cost $327,093. Officials have allocated $120,000 for public safety, but only $3,000 is still available. The council could pull money from its contingency fund, but it previously agreed to use that money for infrastructure improvements.

The PBSO could still sue the town if the dispute continues.

Tinker District 6 Candidate

continued from page 1 a challenge from Indian Trail Improvement District President Elizabeth Accomando. Baxter, an Acreage resident, is serving as county mayor this year. She was elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term.

Tinker, who describes himself as U.S. Army veteran, small business owner, contractor and educator, said he would not have continued in the race without the signatures. Even though he could easily pay the qualifying fee from the $62,920 he has already raised, Tinker said it was important to hear from residents and know he was offering something they want.

Calling himself a “conservative Democrat,” Tinker said he offers a diverse educational and business background, and a political philosophy based on ideas, not labels. “I see things as right or wrong, not left or right,” he said.

According to Tinker’s web site, he was “raised by a devoted single mother and grandmother in a close, multigenerational household” where he “learned the values of faith, discipline, hard work and service to others.”

After the 9/11 attacks, Tinker joined the army and served from 2002 to 2005. He remains active in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Aside from starting and running

However, the agency’s response of ceasing enhanced law enforcement services after not being paid could give the town a reasonable defense. Ultimately, a lawsuit will still be a heavy legal expense for an issue that has divided residents.

“We committed when we became a town to have dedicated law enforcement in our town,” former Councilman Robert Shorr said. Yet, some recognized that Loxahatchee Groves is in a difficult financial position, and the cost of the PBSO contract needs to be addressed.

“We need to negotiate this contract,” said Tracy Raflowitz, who serves on the town’s Finance Advisory & Audit Committee (FAAC). “We’re paying $680,000 for something we already get. I think this is an over-bloated contract. It’s giving residents a false sense of security.”

After failing to approve a resolution to restart payments, the

successful businesses, according to the site, Tinker has earned several advanced degrees, including a doctorate in psychology and industrial organization. He teaches American government at Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Groves and Belle Glade campuses, helping students understand the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, voting rights and “how local government decisions — from zoning and budgeting to property taxes and public services — directly shape people’s daily lives.”

Tinker said that the negative impact of what he describes as “legalized harassment” by code enforcement officers in the Acreage/Loxahatchee area and other unincorporated areas of the county is a major driver behind his candidacy.

Code enforcement officers “shouldn’t start with a ticket. They should start with a conversation,” he said. “They need to be what I would call ‘community development specialists’… They need to let people know how to fix problems, not simply ticket them.”

It’s also important for code enforcement officers overseeing semi-rural areas such as The Acreage to live in the area, so they understand the needs of the community, Tinker said.

According to his web site, reshaping code enforcement is one of the seven pillars upon which Tinker’s platform is built. The others are:

• Provide a 100 percent property tax exemption for homestead

council passed a motion 4-1 to assign the FAAC to review data on the contract and return to the council with a recommendation, with Sood dissenting. The motion also directed Kurtz to request an opinion from Florida’s attorney general on whether state law requires municipalities to provide law enforcement services.

“I look forward to fully understanding some of the drivers of this action,” El-Ramey said. “It has been my position from all of this that negotiation would have been the best answer, and that has not been something that has been readily available.”

The council followed with a unanimous decision to pay the prorated outstanding balance for when deputies provided enhanced law enforcement services to the town in December. The amount paid out will come from a fund that contains the money saved during the contract dispute.

property owners age 65 and over who have maintained Palm Beach County residency and paid property taxes for at least 15 consecutive years.

• Adding one or more youth centers to the western communities that would include gyms, an aqua center, motor sports and a BMX park.

• Creating a real seat at the table for Glades residents, including fair county funding and follow-through to ensure better roads, drainage, utilities, public services and affordable housing.

• Focus on District 6 infrastructure, including more roads to relieve traffic congestion, improved road maintenance and checks on development. For instance, Tinker said he opposes the so-called “Project Tango” AI hyperscale data center.

• A commitment to public safety that includes data-driven strategies that target violent crime, countywide community policing, transparency related to law-enforcement-involved events, and expanded mental health and crisis response teams.

• Protect home-based, agricultural and rural businesses from over-regulation; prioritize small businesses for county contracts, repairs and services; and streamline permits, inspections and approvals. If elected, Tinker’s site said that he would “put rural residents first — listen to them and respect how they want their neighborhoods preserved.”

GAY POLO TOURNEY RETURNS TO THE PATAGONES POLO CLUB IN

The 16th annual Cherry Knoll Farm International Gay Polo Tournament was held at the Patagones Polo Club in Wellington on Saturday, April 25. Guests enjoyed fun music, exciting polo matches and amazing tailgate parties. Billy Vitucci’s tailgate took the Best in Show award. On the field, the Founder’s Cup winner was Cherry Knoll Farm, while Goshen Hill claimed the Senator’s Cup. Learn more at www.gaypolo.com.

KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Barbara Kay Phillippi (née Bull), 89, of Wellington, FL, formerly of Centerville, NY, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026. She graduated from Arcade Central School and attended Buffalo University. She went on to raise a family.

Barbara lived a full and vibrant life, marked by curiosity, creativity, and a deep generosity that touched many. She stayed engaged with current events and was never afraid to speak her mind. There wasn’t much she didn’t know, and she was always willing to share her knowledge and talents with others.

She had a passion for a wide range of interests— photography, art, and creating award-winning quilts. Her writing was featured in a local paper The Cuba Patriot (NY) as well as in Quilter’s Magazine. She was also an advocate for causes close to her heart.

Barbara loved animals deeply and dedicated time to fostering and placing animals in loving homes. Her compassion extended to every creature she encountered, and many found safety and care because of her.

Barbara also loved to travel and experience the world. She visited Argentina, Cuba (on a church mission trip), France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, embracing each place with her curiosity and enthusiasm.

Above all, Barbara cherished her family. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her beloved grandchildren, whom she adored. She also loved gathering with family and friends

Barbara is survived by her son, Nathan Phillippi; her daughter, Mandy (Phillippi) Burkart; her cherished grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeremy) Daniels, Nick (Jessica) Phillippi, and Tyler (Samantha) Phillippi; and her dear greatgrandchildren, Megan and Josh Daniels, Nash Phillippi, and Harrison Phillippi.

Art Studio In Wellington Highlighted For Work With

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report

Wood.Paper.Glass art studio in Wellington was recently highlighted for their part in the Step Up for Students organization.

On Tuesday, April 14, Wood.

Paper.Glass was bustling with homeschool students and their parents as founders Kris Barnett and Terri White stepped in front of the camera for WPEC CBS12.

Anchor Matt Lincoln was ready to interview them on their decision to become a registered service provider for Step Up.

Step Up for Students is a nonprofit organization that helps

Step Up For

administer state-sanctioned scholarships. Students can apply to and gain access to the resources in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC), the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) and the Transportation Stipend through Step Up. The FTC and FES-EO are universal scholarships for any student living in Florida. Students don’t have to meet any requirements to be able to apply. They can be used in different ways, including toward payment of private school tuition. For homeschool students, it means they can have access to the Personalized Education Program (PEP) that funds educational supplies and curricula through an educational savings account (ESA). Barnett discovered Step Up after her previously homeschooled daughter transitioned to private school. “I very much love the homeschool community because I was in it for seven years,” Barnett explained. She and White went to a homeschool convention last year and learned how their studio could become a part of the program.

Homeschool families can use their ESAs to directly fund sup-

Students

plies and activities that have been pre-approved by Step Up, allowing families to avoid paying directly and submitting reimbursement requests for outside supplies and activities. In this way, students can access the art classes at Wood.Paper.Glass without having to spend any of their own money.

“They can order a class from us, and then Step Up pays us directly, which saves the parents from [paying] out of pocket and waiting on reimbursement,” White explained.

A wide variety of classes are offered at the studio, including wood crafts, jewelry making, stained glass creation and more.

White has more than 35 years of experience making stained glass pieces, while Barnett carries on the legacy of her artist parents, creating wood laser-cuttings and many other types of art.

This dynamic duo set up Wood. Paper.Glass in the original Wellington Mall three years ago and have since been providing art classes for all ages. Funding through Step Up PEP is available for pre-K through grade 12, but the studio welcomes everyone. They have done everything from mommy-and-me classes to helping an 80-something grandmother celebrate her birthday.

Wellington Honored With Dual Awards Of Merit For Workplace And Vehicle Safety

promote safe driving practices and foster environments where safety is a collective responsibility.

The Village of Wellington extends its appreciation to all employees for their commitment and vigilance to safety procedures, which make achievements like this possible.

“We always say we provide crafts for ages 1 to 101,” Barnett said. The lively group of 11 homeschoolers on April 14 got to choose between two adorable crafts: a miniature wooden cookie stand or a mosaic mushroom. The students got to assemble, paint and decorate the cookie stand. Other students chose to design and mortar a glass mosaic on a wooden mushroom. Homeschool families can access these and more Wood.Paper.Glass classes, along with other Step Up-approved classes, on the Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal with the knowledge that classes are approved and supported financially by Step Up.

“I have about 10 classes on, and Kris [Barnett] has about 10 as well,” White said, adding that with a wide variety of craft classes, homeschool artists can get excited. Families can even order premade do-it-yourself kits to bring art class home with them. Students can choose from activities such as making a wooden jellyfish, dinosaur or flower stand. “We include everything in the kit that they’ll need,” White said. Wood.Paper.Glass also offers classes for young adults with disabilities, private classes, birthday parties, on-site

a strong, proactive safety culture across all departments. Through ongoing training, accountability and a shared responsibility for safe practices, village staff has demonstrated outstanding dedication to protecting both employees and the community. The awards highlight organizations that go above and beyond to reduce workplace incidents,

Beginning Friday, May 1, at 9 a.m., the Village of Wellington is accepting applications for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Programs through the online Neighborly portal. The portal will close on Monday, June 1, at 5 p.m.

All applications must be complete and submitted by 5 p.m. on June 1 to be considered. Late submissions will not be reviewed. These owner-occupied housing rehabilitation programs assist lowto moderate-income Wellington homeowners with eligible home repairs. Applicants will be ranked for assistance on a first-qualified, firstserved basis.

For applicants applying under the SHIP program, priority will be given in the following order, subject to funding availability: Special needs households, essential services personnel and income-eligible households. Grant assistance is provided as a forgivable loan, secured by a lien placed on the property for a five-year term. The maximum award amount is up to $50,000 in eligible repairs, based on the approved project scope and

The Greater West Palm Beach Women’s Club, part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), presented its “Sailing into Fashion” brunch and fashion show on Saturday, April 18 at the Fountains Country Club. The event featured fashion from Anthony’s Ladies Apparel. There was also a silent auction, a drawing for a handmade quilt, a 50/50 raffle, a lottery money hat and door prizes. Learn more about the club at www.gfwc-wpbwomensclub.org. PHOTOS BY

FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

WOW HOSTS POOCHES, PEARLS & PROSECCO EVENT AT WELLINGTON GREEN

The Women of the Greater Wellington Chamber (WOW) hosted their annual Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco fashion show event on Thursday, April 23 at the Mall at Wellington Green. The fundraiser’s goal was to help clear animal shelters of dogs in need of a forever home. About 15 adorable pups took to the runway to strut their stuff in the hopes of finding a loving family, joined by models wearing current fashions. WPTV’s Tania Rogers served as celebrity emcee. Before the show, guests had time to mingle, network, enjoy some prosecco and light appetizers, and, of course, interact with all the dogs up for adoption. Learn more at www. wellingtonchamber.com. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Taste Of Wellington Highlights Dining Scene In Annual Celebration

By Alissa Foley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington hosted its second annual Taste of Wellington event on Friday, April 24, along the Town Center Promenade. The successful event drew nearly 1,000 attendees, along with 42 participating restaurants. This year’s lineup included a mix of popular franchises and locally owned favorites.

A popular spring event, Taste of Wellington brought the community together for an evening packed with delicious food, refreshing beverages, live music and other entertainment.

The event originated last year to give Wellington area residents the opportunity to sample dishes from the village’s thriving restaurant industry.

The event was created not only to promote local restaurants, but to give residents the opportunity to explore new dining options, while enjoying their long-time favorites. This year’s event provided a vibrant and engaging experience for everyone in attendance.

Upon arrival, guests waited to check in, excited to begin their food-tasting journey. Each restaurant had its own tent set up along the walkway offering featured dishes. Guests received a custom-

ized tote bag with a booklet listing all participating restaurants, a tumbler and complimentary drink tickets. Guests utilized the booklet to mark each spot they sampled food from. This encouraged people to visit each tent and try all the food offered. Throughout the evening, guests strolled along the promenade to savor the delicious food, filling their palette with a variety of different flavors, including sweet treats, mild bites, savory dishes and some with a kick of spice. The community happily engaged with one another, as restaurant owners were able to catch up with loyal customers, while introducing their menus and specialties to potential new customers.

Attendees were impressed by the variety of participating restaurants. Each brought something unique and enjoyable. The diverse food options gave attendees the opportunity to taste many different flavors and culinary styles, creating an exciting and unforgettable experience.

As guests sampled the selection of food, they got to kick back, relax and enjoy live music throughout the evening. Tesla-sponsored water stations were present to ensure that guests kept cool and stayed hydrated. In addition, there was

a raffle where one lucky winner took home the grand prize: a Cooper’s Cares Magnum Package, presented by Cooper’s Hawk. The bundle included a bottle of wine, a complimentary wine tasting for two and a three-month gift membership to Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club.

Taste of Wellington also proved to be a family-friendly event, as there were activities for attendees of all ages. Children were able to enjoy bounce houses and face painting. Henna artists were also present to showcase their designs to children and adults. All the entertainment created a lively and festive atmosphere that everyone was able to enjoy.

Residents Jane and Gunars Mansons shared how much events like Taste of Wellington really mean to the community.

“There is nothing like the community getting together, and for all ages, to be able to have your family in such a wholesome environment, to be able to enjoy a night out and feel safe,” Jane Mansons said. “I think Wellington does the best job. Community is everything, and I think more communities around us need to do what Wellington does for us.”

With an impressive selection of food, live entertainment and the

scenic waterfront views, Taste of Wellington set the tone for what makes Wellington so radiant. It was a celebration of culture and community pride, as the event brought people together to share a memorable experience.

The participating restaurants included: Agliolio, Anna Bakes, Bolay, Britts Bake Shop, Carmela Coffee, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Chamoy Ice Cream, Cheese Lover’s Kitchen, Chick-fil-A, Chicken Salad Chick, Christy’s Bakery, Cooper’s Hawk, CR Chicks, Cumbres Coffee, Domenic’s & Vinnie’s of Palm Beach, Dunkin’, El Bodegon, Field of Greens, Foxtail Coffee, Fresh Pita Club, Georgia Mae’s, Happy Day Creations, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Lemongrass, Lewis Prime, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Olive Garden, PDQ, Pei Wei, Penalty Box, Piece of Pizza, Rita’s, Riptide Kava, She Jay’s, Skillets, Smoothie King, Spiro’s Taverna, Starbucks, the Poké Company, Tijuana Flats, Trader Joe’s and Vicky Bakery.

Taste of Wellington was sponsored by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, AT&T, Wellington Florist, the Safety Council of Palm Beach, Guardians Credit Union, Tesla and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Wellington’s Girls Softball Squad Aims To Defend State Title

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

If the Wellington High School girls varsity softball team is going to successfully defend its Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 7A state championship, then the Wolverines must defeat the Warriors from Jupiter High School in the postseason, possibly twice. Basically, Wellington and Jupiter are mirror images of one another. Both squads are the two top high school softball teams in Palm Beach County and are ranked fifth (Wellington) and sixth (Jupiter) in the most recent Class 7A state rankings. Both teams played for the championship of the Class 7A, District 12 tournament on Wednesday, April 29 at WHS. The result was not available at press time. Both teams qualified for the district title game by winning their respective semifinal games

on Monday, April 27. Wellington (15-5) defeated John I. Leonard High School (7-4), 15-0, while Jupiter (18-3) outscored Palm Beach Central High School (4-11), 7-0, by virtue of a forfeit. The district championship game was a rematch of the regular season game on March 5, when the two teams played one another in Jupiter. On that day, Wellington prevailed, 1-0.

Regardless of which team wins the district title, both squads will definitely receive bids into the FHSAA’s Class 7A state tournament, which starts May 7 with first-round, single-elimination regional quarterfinal games, followed by regional semifinal games on May 12, and the regional final matchup on May 14.

Chances are strong that Wellington and Jupiter will be the top two seeds in the same region, which means the regional final on May

14 could very well pit Wellington against Jupiter once again. That game will be hosted by the team that won the district championship.

The winner of the regional final matchup on May 14 will advance to the Class 7A state final four, which will be held at Longwood’s Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park on May 19-20.

Wellington’s main statistical leader is Catalina Baronci, who leads the team in slugging percentage (.941), on-base percentage (.542), batting average (.490), hits (25), runs batted in (21), doubles (6), triples (5) and home runs (6). Pitcher Cameron Vickers has a team-leading earned run average of 2.00, while Sam Ellis leads the squad in runs scored (19) and stolen bases (5).

Going into the district championship game against Jupiter, Wellington had won seven out of its previous eight games. The

current season will mark the 17th and final season for Mark Boretti as Wellington’s head coach.

In other area softball news:

• Seminole Ridge High School

— On Monday, April 27, Seminole Ridge hosted Martin County High School in the semifinals of the Class 6A, District 8 tournament, which Seminole Ridge won, 9-0. That victory propelled Seminole Ridge (14-7) to the final of its district tournament against William T. Dwyer High School. That game was played at Dwyer on Wednesday, April 29. The result was not available at press time. With a victory in the district final, Seminole Ridge would earn a bid into the upcoming Class 6A state tournament.

• The King’s Academy — The TKA Lions (17-4) defeated John Carroll High School on Tuesday, April 28 in the Class 2A, District 13 semifinals, 4-1. That win propelled TKA (17-4) to the district championship game against the Oxbridge Academy. That game was played Thursday, April 30 at Oxbridge. The result was not available at press time. Based on the lofty rankings for both teams, TKA and Oxbridge will both earn bids into the upcoming state tournament.

• Berean Christian School

The Berean Bulldogs are district champions for the second year in a row. On Tuesday, April 28, Berean (11-2) defeated Atlantic Christian Academy (2-16) in the final of the Class 1A, District 14 tournament, 25-8. The Bulldogs were led by Lillian Severson, who was 4-for-4 with four runs scored and three RBIs. Sophia Britton had a pair of doubles and drove in three runs. Julianne Severson had a trio of RBIs, while Hailey Georgic knocked in five runs. Berean head coach Carrie Severson was impressed by her team’s commitment to excellence since the beginning of the season.

“Of the 14 players on our roster at the beginning of the season, half of our players were new to softball,” Severson said. “They worked hard, learned quickly and played well. In the district final, our bats came alive throughout our lineup, from top to bottom.” With the victory, Berean now advances to the Class 1A state tournament, which begins during the week of May 4.

Seminole Ridge And Wellington Win At Flag Football Districts

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

The girls varsity flag football teams from Seminole Ridge High School and Wellington High School have captured their district tournament titles. On Thursday, April 23, Seminole Ridge defeated South Fork

High School, 34-7, in the championship game of the Class 3A, District 7 tournament. On that same day, Wellington defeated crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School, 32-0, in the championship game of the Class 4A, District 12 tournament.

Both Seminole Ridge and Wellington are trending in the right direction. Seminole Ridge has won 11 out of its last 12 games, while Wellington has won six out of its last seven contests. There’s a strong chance that both Seminole Ridge and Wellington will reach their respective Florida High School Athletic Association state finals in Tampa on May 15-16. Both teams reached their respective final fours last spring.

Last May, Seminole Ridge returned home as the Class 3A state champs, while Wellington returned as the Class 4A runnerup. This year, Seminole Ridge is the top seed in Class 3A, Region 2, while Wellington is the second seed in Class 4A, Region 3. As the top seed, Seminole Ridge

(15-2) will host all three regional playoff games, as long as the Hawks continue to win. Seminole Ridge started its playoff run by hosting Auburndale High School in the Region 2 quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 29. The result was not available at press time.

With a victory against Auburndale, Seminole Ridge would advance to the Region 2 semifinals on May 4 against either Springstead High School or Belleview High School. A win on May 4 will propel the Hawks into the regional final on May 7, which they will host.

Another victory would then send Seminole Ridge to the FHSAA’s Class 3A final four at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa later this month.

In order to earn a trip back to the state tournament, Seminole Ridge head coach Scott O’Hara said it will require a true team effort.

“I’m mainly reminding our team of the urgency of the situation,” he said. “It’s all about perfect execution at this time of the year, and we have to improve on that for sure.”

The key statistical leaders for

Seminole Ridge are quarterback Aubrey Fogel (who has 57 touchdown passes so far this year), defensive back Chachi Saunders (who has a team-leading 15 interceptions) and Avaree Brant (who leads Seminole Ridge in flag pulls per game with 4.6 and total touchdowns with 28).

As the second seed in Region 3, Wellington (11-2) is slated to host its first two regional playoff games. Wellington started its playoff run against Jupiter High School (13-4) in the Region 3 quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 29. The result was not available at press time, though WHS was the strong favorite.

With a victory against Jupiter, Wellington would advance to the semifinals on May 4 against either Fort Pierce Central High School or Palm Beach Central High School. A win on May 4 will send the Wolverines into the regional final on May 7.

BY TONY BARONE

According to Wellington head coach Robert Callovi, one of his team’s strengths is the camaraderie and togetherness that exists on the team.

“Everybody gets along well with one another and is focused on continuing to get better as a team,” he said.

The most likely opponent for Wellington in the final is topseeded Harmony High School from St. Cloud. A regional final victory would book Wellington’s ticket to the FHSAA’s Class 4A final four at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa.

The key leaders for Wellington are sophomore quarterback Liv Nagel and senior Avery Schroeder, a Keiser University flag football commit, who plays safety on defense and wide receiver on offense. In Tampa, the state semifinal games for Class 1A through Class 4A will be played on May 15, and the state championship games will be played May 16. Each of the games will be streamed on the NFHS Network.

Justin Hicks Of Wellington Fares Well At Senior PGA Championship

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

From April 16 to April 19 at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, longtime Wellington resident Justin Hicks made his debut in the Senior PGA Championship, which is golf’s most storied major championship for seniors over age 50.

While Hicks didn’t win, he finished in a tie for 17th place after rounds of 69-69-72-73 (283, five under par). His high finish earned him Low PGA of America Golf

Hicks, who works as a PGA teaching professional at the Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, played the final round one over par (73). It was his only round above par in the 72-hole tournament. As it turned out, that put him one stroke shy of an automatic invitation to next year’s 87th Senior PGA Championship. Despite that unfortunate news, Hicks was proud of his performance in this year’s event.

Competing in his first Senior

hole, he opened with birdies on holes 10, 12 and 14. “Yeah, I hit a lot of great shots,” Hicks said.

“Then we kind of made the turn, and golf happened a little bit.”

Hicks cooled off with bogeys on holes two and five. However, he salvaged his round when he drained an eagle putt from just off the green on the par-5 hole seven, his 16th hole of the day.

“I hung in there and decided to try to give it a run there at seven. I left it just short, and holed a long

Hicks’ eagle led to a secondconsecutive three under par round of 69 and a position in the top 10 heading into the weekend at six under par at this year’s first major championship on the PGA Tour Champions.

During rounds three and four, Hicks shot an even-par round of 72, followed by his closing round of 73.

“It was a very exciting week from start to finish,” said Hicks, a member of the South Florida PGA Section. “I’m still kind of riding a wave of things here. The last couple of years have been pretty good for me. My members [at Stonebridge] have been really See HICKS, page 27

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Wellington Hosts USTA National Husband/Wife Doubles Tourney

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On April 18-19, the Wellington Tennis Center hosted the annual United States Tennis Association (USTA) Husband/Wife Clay Court Doubles Championship. In all, there were 14 husband/wife doubles teams competing in one

of the three different age group competitions. The age groups were Open, Combined (Age) 100 and Over, and Combined (Age) 110 and Over.

In the Open bracket, which featured eight husband/wife doubles teams, the final pitted the top two seeds: top-seeded Brian and Brit-

tany Morton from Newport Beach, California, against second-seeded Matt and Amy Sauerman from Fort Lauderdale. The Mortons won in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2 in the tiebreaker). It was the ninth straight USTA husband/wife doubles title for Brian and Brittany Morton.

The Mortons didn’t drop a set in all three matches while competing in Wellington. Their next USTA doubles event will be the USTA Husband/Wife Indoor Doubles Championship, which will be held in August in Overland Park, Kansas.

The Mortons, both 42, plan to enter and will pursue a 10thstraight husband/wife doubles title. They are the top-ranked USTA husband/wife doubles team in the Open division. Brian is also the top-ranked men’s doubles player in the Over 40 age group.

While the Mortons may have defeated the Sauermans in the championship final of the Open division, both doubles teams felt like champions, based on how well the event was run, how they were treated as participants and the quality of the venue.

“It was a fantastic event and very well run,” the Mortons agreed.

The Sauermans had similar words of praise for Wellington Director of Tennis Chuck Gill and his staff.

“The court conditions were excellent, and more USTA events should be held in Wellington,”

SRHS Volleyball Wins District Title As Team Eyes States

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School boys volleyball team is on a roll. The Hawks (21-6) — fresh off winning the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A, District 10 tournament title by defeating Palm Beach Central High School (17-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-24) on April 23 — are poised for yet another run to the Class 3A final four. To get to the final four in Winter Haven, scheduled for May 14-16, the Hawks must defeat three Palm Beach County opponents, since all eight teams in Class 3A, Region 2 are Palm Beach County squads.

The Hawks are the top regional seed, which will guarantee them home-court advantage throughout the three rounds of regional play, as long as they continue to win. Seminole Ridge’s opening opponent was Jupiter High School. That game was played on Thursday, April 30, but the result was not available at press time. The game represented a rematch of a regular season game on March 31, when Seminole Ridge defeated Jupiter (25-18, 25-20, 25-18). Should they defeat Jupiter, Seminole Ridge’s next opponent in the regional semifinals will, most likely, be Boca Raton High School on Tuesday, May 5. That,

too, would be a rematch of a regular season clash on April 14 when Seminole Ridge won (2522, 25-18, 30-32, 25-14). One projected regional final match would pit Seminole Ridge against second-seeded Spanish River High School. During the regular season, the two teams split their two matches.

Seminole Ridge’s key statistical leaders this season are Michael Deeds with 3.9 kills per set, Evan Holowecky with 712 assists, Pierce Giebenrath with a teambest 373 digs, Riley Jones with the most serving aces with 46, and Jamier Moncur, who leads the team in blocks with 69.

added the Sauermans, who came in second for the fourth straight time in a USTA husband/wife doubles tournament.

The Combined (Age) 100 and Over tournament was won by Dean and Kelly Dancer of Sarasota, who also won the Combined (Age) 110 and Over division. Esteban Elias and Claudia Awad from Weston finished second in the Combined (Age) 100 and Over division, and the team of Wes Barber and Anne Altamirano from Santa Barbara, California, captured second place in the Combined (Age) 110 and Over division.

Gill was delighted with the turnout, the quality of play by the contestants and the overall sportsmanship displayed by all the doubles teams.

“All of our USTA family championships are the ‘best of the best’ in tennis,” Gill said. “Seeing couples compete at a high level and enjoying time on and off the court is very special. We look forward to hosting these throughout the year. The Wellington Tennis Center is a great venue, and all of our players enjoy tennis at the Village of Wellington and all of the things we have to offer.”

In addition to many junior events, Gill and his team are looking forward to hosting more USTA national championships in the fall of this year.

Learn more about Wellington Tennis Center programs at www. wellingtonfl.gov/tennis.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

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

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

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

Pilot Caps High-Goal Season With Win In U.S. Open Final At NPC

On Sunday, April 26, Team BTA (KC Krueger, Steve Krueger, Tomas Panelo and Ignacio “Nachi” Viana) faced Team Pilot (Curtis Pilot, Mackenzie Weisz, Lorenzo Chavanne and Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola) for the most prestigious title in American polo, the U.S. Open Polo Championship, on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One at the National Polo Center in Wellington. Determined and resilient, both teams overcame challenges on the path to Sunday’s final. Pilot, which captured the second leg of the Gauntlet of Polo, the USPA Gold Cup, dropped its first two U.S. Open bracket games before rebounding. While BTA, after a slow start in the early stages of the Gauntlet, steadily built its record and confidence to reach its first U.S. Open final.

Led by 18-year-old Chavanne, who entered Sunday’s showdown as the Gauntlet’s leading scorer after surpassing the 100-goal mark, Pilot paired its offensive firepower with dominant horsepower. Peak-

ing at the perfect moment, the team in white and maroon took the lead and never trailed, galloping away with a 15-10 victory and $100,000 in prize money.

Pilot came out firing in the opening chukker, jumping to a 4-1 lead behind goals from Chavanne and Castagnola. The momentum carried into the second, as Weisz and Castagnola extended the advantage to 6-2. In the third, BTA outscored Pilot with a balanced attack from Steve Krueger, Panelo and Viana, cutting the deficit to three at the break.

Steve Krueger and Viana struck back-to-back to open the fourth, but Pilot answered, as Castagnola pushed their lead to 10-8. BTA kept it within reach, but two goals from Chavanne late in the fifth chukker preserved Pilot’s edge. Closing out the sixth chukker with authority, Castagnola and Chavanne delivered the final blow to secure Pilot’s 15-10 victory.

Topping the U.S. Open Polo Championship podium for the first

Palm Beach Symphony’s Holds Swings For Strings Golf Event At Wellington National

The Palm Beach Symphony’s seventh annual Swings for Strings Golf Invitational raised nearly $100,000 to support music education and outreach programs on Friday, March 27. Before a shotgun start at Wellington National Golf Club, golfers enjoyed a buffet lunch, practiced their swings at the driving range and bid on more than 150 experiences and packages in a silent auction that included donations from the Colony Hotel, the Breakers Palm Beach, Wellington National and Sisley Paris. The annual golf invitational was chaired by Thomas D’Agostino Jr.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Thomas D’Agostino Jr. for stepping up to the tee as this year’s Swings for Strings chair. With his support, the assistance of honorary chairs Doug Marty and Todd Dahlstrom, auction chair Sarmite Bulte, and the participation of everyone who attended the golf invitational and Crescendo After Dark, the Palm Beach Symphony can continue to make a meaningful impact in our community using the money raised toward music education programs,” CEO David

McClymont said. “On behalf of the symphony, thank you, and we look forward to another beautiful day on the fairway next year.”

Golfers competed for prizes for lowest gross and net scores, and in additional competitions along the course. On the fourth hole, golfers could pay a drumline from Florida Atlantic University to “Play It Loud” to distract opposing teams with percussion music as they teed off.

The foursome of Doug Marty, Justin Thompson, Danny Marty and Blake Waidlich defended their title by winning first place gross, and Jeff Kolhagen, Michael Miller, Ben Sturgell and Jeff Fromknecht won first place net. In the women’s competition, Jessica Badr, Judi Gola, Linda Izzo and Diane Lee took home the prize for first place gross, and Amy Dowds, Lynn Heck, Linda McDavitt and Jeanette Sievers received first place net. Bryan Appel and Lisa McGill each won for longest drive, and Paul Melchiorre and Ginney Hilton won for closest to the pin. During the Swings for Strings Crescendo After Dark that followed the invitational, golfers

and guests gathered for a delicious dinner, exclusive wine tastings, live music, thrilling contests and a silent auction.

“It was an honor to chair this year’s event,” D’Agostino said. “Every golf swing provides a symphony of hope to create opportunities for children in our community.”

Sponsors included Asher Enterprises; Findlay Galleries; First Bank; Fox Rothschild; iTHINK Financial; Jorge A Gutierrez Ar-

The Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to community. For more information, visit www. palmbeachsymphony.org.

time since 2022, team owner Curtis Pilot collected his third personal title (2019, 2022, 2026). Raising the trophy with Pilot in 2022, Weisz earned his second victory, as Chavanne and Castagnola each claimed their first.

Chavanne, who led Pilot with seven goals in the final, was named the Seymour H. Knox Most Valuable Player. His 9-year-old mare Open Texas, played in the first, fourth and sixth chukkers, earned the Willis Hartman Trophy Best Playing Pony honors. Chavanne also received Best Playing String and Horse of the Year for V8 Tyson at the National Polo Center’s End of Season Horse Excellence Awards seven days earlier. Awarding a Best Playing Pony for each game of the U.S. Open, the two organizations combined to earn seven ribbons prior to the final. BTA’s selections, all played by Panelo, included Peña Green Day in Game 3, Dolfina Amar A Dios in Games 11 and 21, and Lovelocks Boo in Game 17. Pilot’s

honors, played by Chavanne, went to V8 Tyson in Game 15 and Open Texas in the tournament’s second semifinal. V8 Gondola, played by Weisz, was honored in Game 22. BTA’s husband-and-wife duo KC and Steve Krueger were both recognized, with KC receiving the Summerville “Skeeter” Johnston Sponsor of the Year Award for her dedication to promoting and growing the sport, and Steve earning the U.S. Polo Assn. Sportsmanship Award for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support of his peers throughout the tournament. In partnership with USPA Global, both finalists selected a charity of their choice to receive a $2,500 donation, with BTA contributing to the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame and Pilot to the Polo Training Foundation. The U.S. Open final is available on-demand on the USPA Polo Network at watch.uspolo.org and across major streaming platforms. The final will also air Sunday, May 3 at 7

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

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

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

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

Loxahatchee Native Brett Staska Releasing New Album May 9

Loxahatchee-based country/surf

musician Brett Staska will release his new album entitled Yeehaw Junction on May 9. Yeehaw Junction is a full-length country/surf album inspired by the old Florida of yesteryear. All the songs and lyrics were written by Staska. The Souvenirs, his band, consists of Kevin Maul, Royal Hayes, Bryant Forsythe and Tripp Jones. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jeremy Staska at Studio 13 in Oakland Park. It features 10 all-original compositions. The record will officially be released on May 9 everywhere good music is heard. A release party will be held on the same date at the newly reopened Surfing Florida Museum in West Palm Beach. A $10 donation to the museum gets you into the event. The night will feature a full band performance of the new record, as well as the premiere of an accompanying film. Merchandise will be available for purchase. More information can be found at www.brettstaska.com.

Vanilla Ice To Receive Prestigious Film Florida Legends Award May 5

Wellington resident Robert “Vanilla Ice” Van Winkle will be recognized May 5 with the prestigious Film Florida Legends Award, alongside former Palm Beach County Film Commissioner Chuck Elderd, honoring their contributions to Florida’s film and television industry and their continued impact on the state’s creative community.

Van Winkle has remained closely connected to Palm Beach County through projects that highlight the area’s distinctive character and lifestyle. His popular home renovation television series, The Vanilla Ice Project, filmed extensively in South Florida, showcasing local homes, architecture and design, while bringing national visibility to the region.

Van Winkle has also supported student filmmakers through his involvement in the Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films for more than two decades, presenting the Music Video Award that bears his name and encouraging emerg-

ing creatives as they explore careers in the entertainment industry. Beyond production, Van Winkle has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement throughout Palm Beach County, supporting charitable initiatives including Little Smiles, Winterfest and organizations benefiting veterans. His philanthropic involvement reflects a dedication to giving back through both creative and community-focused efforts. Continuing his investment in the community, Van Winkle is preparing to open a new three-story, oneof-a-kind brewery and pop-culture museum in Lake Worth Beach, further contributing to the area’s evolving cultural landscape.

The Film Florida Legends Award ceremony celebrates individuals whose work has shaped the state’s entertainment legacy. Past honorees include industry icons such as Burt Reynolds, Sharon Gless, Burt Wolf, and Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Learn more at www.filmflorida.org.

Wellington Bay Resident Alberta ‘Bert’ Goldberg Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

The community at Lisbet at Wellington Bay gathered recently to honor resident Alberta “Bert” Goldberg on the momentous occasion of her 100th birthday.

The celebration brought together friends, family and local officials to recognize a century of vibrant life and experiences.

The festivities were marked by a special visit from members of the Wellington Village Council and village staff. In a highlight of the event, Vice Mayor Maria Antuña presented Goldberg with an official proclamation, formally recognizing her inspiring centennial milestone.

Born in Clifton, New Jersey, Goldberg’s life has been defined by adventure and a deep appreciation for culture. Her journey has taken her from traveling by boat to Venezuela as a child to exploring

the Antarctic and immersing herself in the cultures of Hong Kong and Singapore. A woman of many talents, she has spent her years oil painting, sewing her own clothes and enjoying everything from jazz music to French cuisine. Goldberg continues to age with grace alongside her husband, Bob, who celebrated his own 100th birthday last summer. The couple continues to share a life filled with humor and Jewish family traditions.

“It is an honor to celebrate Bert and the incredible legacy she represents,” said Gita Anderson, executive director of Lisbet at Wellington Bay. “Her adventurous spirit and warmth bring so much joy to our community.

Seeing Bert and Bob reach these remarkable milestones together is a beautiful testament to a life

Teen Equestrian Julia Obenour Balances Competition, School & Mental Wellness

At just 16 years old, local equestrian Julia Obenour has already been ranked fifth in the nation among half-Arabian riders and is a two-time national champion. She trains six days a week, riding multiple horses across disciplines including hunters, equitation and dressage — competing on the Arabian circuit under the United States Equestrian Federation, as well as locally through the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Gold Coast Dressage Association. Obenour’s story goes beyond

competition. She began riding at age nine and now spends three to four hours a day training in Loxahatchee Groves, often managing multiple horses to compete across divisions. She credits riding not only with her success, but with helping her manage anxiety — describing it as “the one place where it’s just me and my horse.”

A student at Grandview Preparatory School, Obenour’s schedule is made possible through the school’s flexibility, allowing her to leave early each day to train. Her goal

is to ride at the collegiate level, inspired by mentors who have gone on to compete in college programs. There’s also a deeper, generational layer. Obenour comes from a family of equestrians and veterinarians, continuing a legacy while carving out her own path in a highly competitive sport.

Next up for her is the Arabian Region 12 Championships, set for May 5-10 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Obenour will be bringing both of her horses to compete, Resilient and Clementine.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

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

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

Wellington Elementary School Student Wins PBC Bus Poster Contest

At this year’s School Bus Drug Prevention Media Contest Awards Night, hosted by the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition, fourth-grade student Corinne Courtright from Wellington Elementary School was honored for her creative digital artwork and strong message promoting the theme “The Art of Self Care: Be Alcohol and Vape Free.” Courtright won the elementary artist choice award category with her digital art piece “I’d Rather Do Space Than Drugs,” depicting astronauts enjoying themselves floating around planets and stars. At the ceremony, she received her digital art as a giant poster, along with prize money and a framed certificate. She was also able to have her art placed on all Palm Beach County school buses.

Dancers

As a fond farewell, the Wildcat Dancers, RPB Dancers and the Tapazz Dance Troupe, along with their dance director and master choreographer Michele Blecher, performed “Let Me Dance for You” on Wednesday, April 22 at Royal Palm Beach High School. The show was comprised of 23 dance routines ranging from contemporary to jazz, tap, ballet, pom and musical theater. The senior dancers from each group showed what they had learned by dancing their senior solos.

During the grand bow, Blecher saluted the four-year honor students with a personalized speech and presented them with their honor cords to be worn during their graduation ceremony.

Highlights from the night’s performance were the pom routine “Thunderstruck,” performed by the Wildcat Dancers, which

Panther Run Students Excel At The Florida Invention Convention

The fifth-grade gifted students at Panther Run Elementary School recently completed a two-month project in teacher Maria Small’s class, where they explored the evolution of technology and the Industrial Revolution before designing, building and presenting their own inventions.

Each student developed detailed logbooks, prototypes or models, display boards and pitch videos to showcase their invention. After class voting and teacher selection,

six students were chosen to represent Panther Run at the Florida Invention Convention held recently at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Two Panther Run students received awards at the event. Joseph earned third place at the state level and will be moving on to nationals. Daniella was honored with a special award for her impact in computer science and received a $50 prize. She will also move on to nationals.

The Royal Palm Beach High School dancers on stage during the performance. was full of technique, spunk and high energy. The Period 1 RPB Dancers’ performance of “Where’s My Husband” was danced comically, full of passion

and technique. The Period 3 RPB Dancers’ performance of “Run the World” was technically strong and emotionally riveting. The Tapazz Dance Troupe’s performance of

“Evermore” brought tears to the eyes of the audience. The Period 4 special need dancers tapped their hearts out and had the audience cheering and clapping.

Author/Illustrator

Jarrett Lerner Visits Binks Forest

Students at Binks Forest Elementary School were treated to an unforgettable literary experience on April 9, when acclaimed author and illustrator Jarrett Lerner visited for a lively and inspiring morning.

During two engaging schoolwide assemblies, Lerner captivated students by demonstrating his creative process, showing how illustrating mirrors his writing journey.

With enthusiastic participation from the audience, he brought characters and stories to life in real time, blending imagination, humor and collaboration. The interactive format encouraged students to see themselves as creators, making the experience both empowering and entertaining.

Lerner is widely known for his

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Wellington Conservation Center — For those exotic animal lovers interested in an exciting summer program, the Wellington Conservation Center is now taking reservations for children ages 8 to 14 for the summer months. This camp is an all-access pass to animal fun for the summer. Become a junior zookeeper, learn about conservation or even just focus on some of the animals at the farm. There are four unique programs, with each a week full of hands-on learning experiences sure to excite the interest of kids of all ages. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with before and after care available. The cost is $300 per week, per child. To register, call Cole at (203) 206-9932. Visit www.wellingtonconservationcenter. org to learn more.

Minto Announces New Fieldhouse Amenity Serving Westlake

Minto Communities USA, the master developer and lead builder of Westlake, has announced plans for a new resident amenity called the Westlake Fieldhouse, a six-acre recreational space designed for everyday use and neighborhood gatherings.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2027. It will be located near the Pines neighborhood in the northeastern area of Westlake.

The centerpiece will be a 4,200-square-foot multi-purpose building, 2,650 square feet of which will be air-conditioned. The facility will include flexible indoor space that residents can reserve for birthdays and small events, along with a coffee bar, covered outdoor seating, office space and restrooms.

Additional features planned include a covered toddler play area designed for children ages 2

to 5, outdoor play elements, openplay multi-use sports fields and a shaded pavilion-style structure overlooking the activity areas.

Plans also call for a new dog park, which will relocate from the Westlake Adventure Park and include enhanced shade and seating.

“At Westlake, we are regularly looking for ways to enhance the lifestyle experience and add value for our residents,” said Steve Svopa, division president of operations for Minto Communities USA.

“The Westlake Fieldhouse will provide another welcoming space where neighbors can gather and connect, families can play and the community can continue to grow together.”

The Westlake Fieldhouse will complement the community’s existing Westlake Adventure Park by offering a more relaxed, walkable environment designed for casual recreation.

The $22 million Westlake Ad-

venture Park features a resort-style lagoon pool with a tower slide, splash pad, poolside concessions, adult lap pool, event lawn, concert pavilion, food truck court, BMX pump park, children’s playground, lighted basketball courts, bocce ball courts, barbecue grilling stations and a versatile gathering space known as the Lodge. Conceived to be the “new downtown” for central Palm Beach County, Westlake continues to attract buyers seeking new-construction homes in a vibrant, family-friendly setting. The community has the capacity for more than 6,000 homes and is approved for more than two million square feet of commercial development. Minto offers a variety of single-family, estate and townhome options starting in the $300s.

Westlake’s sales center is located at 16610 Town Center Parkway North. For more information, visit www.westlakefl.com.

Wellington Bay Announces Partnership With Els For Autism Foundation

Luxury senior living commu-

nity Wellington Bay recently announced a new collaborative partnership with the Els for Autism Foundation to host a work experience program.

This initiative, which officially launched April 6, provides adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain essential hands-on vocational training within a professional hospitality and healthcare environment.

“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment of host sites like Wellington Bay,” said Loden Coleman, manager of employment programs at Els for Autism. “They are not only providing a space for

our participants to build meaningful, real-world skills, but also creating opportunities for residents and staff to experience firsthand the unique talents and contributions individuals with autism bring to the workplace. Partnerships like this are essential in changing perceptions and opening doors to inclusive employment.”

A strong advocate of strengthening community ties, Wellington Bay is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.

“We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with Els for Autism,” said Jay Mikosch, campus executive director at

Wellington Bay. “We believe in the power of engaging community through meaningful partnerships. We are proud to welcome these talented individuals into our family. Watching them develop their skills alongside our team is a rewarding experience for our residents and our staff.”

The 10-week program, running through June 11, features three participants working shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The interns are currently gaining experience in high-impact areas. One participant is training in administration, while two are gaining skills in culinary services.

Demonstrating the program’s

goal of career exploration, one culinary participant plans to transition to a floor technician role for the second half of the program to diversify their skill set.

To ensure a successful integration, Els for Autism provided comprehensive sensitivity training to the Wellington Bay staff prior to the program’s start. Throughout the duration of the internship, an Els for Autism job coach remains on-site to support both the participants and the Wellington Bay supervisors, fostering independence and creating natural supports within the workplace.

The work experience program is designed for adults over age 18 who have completed high school

and are seeking to enter the workforce. Upon completion of the 10-week session, a celebratory

banquet will be held to honor the graduates’ hard work and achievements.

Palms West, JFK Hospitals Named Among Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital and HCA Florida JFK Hospital have been named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals, according to an independent, nationally recognized quality analysis conducted by Premier Inc. and published by Modern Healthcare.

For more than 30 years, Premier’s 100 Top Hospitals program has used objective, quantitative analysis of publicly available data to identify top-performing hospitals in the United States. The program is designed to help healthcare leaders pursue higher

performance and deliver greater value to patients and communities by providing transparent, unbiased benchmarks and actionable insights. Hospitals do not apply to participate in the study, and award recipients do not pay to market their honor.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals,” said Ken West, chief executive officer of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “This distinction reflects the extraordinary work of our colleagues and their ongoing commitment to advancing quality, improving outcomes

and delivering exceptional care to our community.”

Based on comparisons between the study’s top performers and peer hospitals, the analysis found that this year’s 100 Top Hospitals delivered better outcomes while operating more efficiently.

If all hospitals performed at the level of this year’s top performers, the impact for Medicare inpatients could include more than 279,000 additional lives saved, more than 477,000 additional patients complication-free, more than $14.3 billion in inpatient cost savings and more than 21,700 fewer patients

Wellington Surgeons Attend Conference On Next-Generation Robotic Technology

Dr. Kyle Eldredge and Dr. Michael Shockley from Advanced Surgical Physicians in Wellington recently attended Intuitive Connect 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Held from April 17 to April 19, this premier global forum gathered the world’s leading surgeons to explore the future of minimally invasive surgery and the official integration of the da Vinci 5 (dV5) robotic surgical system.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Connect to Purpose,” focused on the expanding ecosystem of AI, digital analytics and enhanced surgical precision.

For Shockley, the conference provided intensive insight into how these advancements directly translate to improved outcomes for bariatric patients in South Florida.

The dV5’s smart instrumentation, which captures more than 1,000 data points per second, and its integrated digital ecosystem, are designed to streamline operating room workflows and increase surgeon autonomy.

“Attending Intuitive Connect 2026 allows us to stay at the absolute forefront of surgical evolution,” Shockley said. “In the realm of bariatric surgery, the precision offered by robotic platforms is a game changer. Whether we are performing a gastric bypass, which requires incredibly precise stapling and reconstruction of the stomach and intestines, or a sleeve gastrectomy, the dV5 enhances our ability to operate with accuracy.” Throughout the three-day event, Eldredge and Shockley participated in technical presentations and training simulations via SimNow, while exploring the My Intuitive app for advanced surgical analytics.

While the dV5 is expanding into cardiac and hepatobiliary specialties, its impact on acute care and weight-loss surgery remains a primary focus for the Wellington-based practice. By integrating the lessons and technological breakthroughs from Intuitive Connect 2026, Advanced

Surgical Physicians continues to provide the Wellington community with access to world-class, minimally invasive surgical options that prioritize faster recovery times and superior clinical results.

readmitted within 30 days. Additionally, this year’s benchmark hospitals outperformed peers across all 10 performance measures and in every comparison group.

“Premier’s 100 Top Hospitals program recognizes healthcare organizations that consistently deliver high-quality care while improving operational and financial performance,” said David Zito, president of performance services at Premier. “By highlighting top performers and providing transpar-

ent, data-driven insights, this program helps hospitals nationwide identify opportunities to enhance care delivery, strengthen financial sustainability and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.”

Building on this recognition, both hospitals also earned the prestigious Everest Award, placing them among the best-performing and fastest-improving hospitals in the nation.

“We are incredibly proud of

these recognitions, which reflect the dedication of our entire team and their focus on continuous improvement,” said Cory Mead, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. “As we celebrate 40 years of caring for our community, earning both the 100 Top Hospitals designation and the Everest Award reinforces our commitment to advancing quality, enhancing the patient experience and meeting the evolving needs of those we serve.”

SPORTS & RECREATION

Hicks Senior PGA Event

continued from page 21 supportive of me out here playing in these events, too, and rooting me on back home. I had my wife and son out here with me, as well.”

In the fourth round of the tournament, Hicks had three birdies, which were offset by four bogeys. Overall, Hicks was satisfied with another week of high-level competition.

“I think that was a big part of it for me. I’ve never been the hare in the race. I’ve always been the tortoise,” Hicks added.

Ever since Hicks turned 50, he has played some of the best competitive golf of his career. For instance, last year he earned a spot in the field for the PGA Championship at the Quail Hollow Golf Club in North Carolina, and he qualified for a berth in last summer’s U.S. Open at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. This year, he played in the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens

in late February, and he qualified for the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, which is part of the PGA Tour Champions. “Little by little, I just keep trying to get that tortoise going,” said Hicks, the 2025 Senior PGA Player of the Year. “Seventeenth is a good finish here this week.

I know it could have been better, but you could say that about every time you play golf.”

Hicks has nothing but strong memories of his week at the Concession Golf Club, which will also host the event in 2027 and 2028.

“It was a really special week,” he said. “One I’ll remember forever.”

The other player in the field with ties to the western communities was Royal Palm Beach resident Alan Morin, who works at the Club at Ibis in Palm Beach Gardens. He had a four-day total of 296 (eight over par) to finish in a tie for 69th place. The winner of the event was Stewart Cink. His four-day total was 269 (19 under par). He finished 14 shots ahead of Hicks.

After Bradenton, Hicks headed to the PGA Professional Championship, played April 26-29 at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Ore

Pondering My First Ever Mother’s Day Without My Own Mother

Mother’s Day is imminent, and here I am with no mother for the first time in my entire life. My mother died Dec. 7 (a date which will live in infamy).

Now an orphan of sorts, it nevertheless falls to me, the eldest child, to pick up the mantle of the family. I am not cut out for this, mostly because my two remaining siblings have vowed to never speak to each other again. When they (individually) announced this, I said, “So I have lost my entire family?” They (individually) shrugged. The issue at hand boils down to a lack of trust, as it always does. The trust was broken by long-forgotten issues real or imagined, and there’s no going back.

The problem for me is, I like them both. At first I worried about how to keep Pam out of the conversation when talking to Dave and vice versa. Turns out, it’s easy. If there’s one thing I learned from my mother, it’s that there is no need to bring

other children into the conversation when speaking with one child. The one child only wants to talk about themselves anyway. So, that’s what I do. Thanks, mom! But I don’t want you to go away thinking I only learned one thing from my mother. I learned thousands of things, starting with how to walk and talk, progressing through brushing my teeth and looking both ways when I cross the street, all the way up to dating advice, which I largely ignored... to my detriment, usually.

Once I was “on my own,” I needed her more than ever. I remember calling her when I turned 30. “I’m 30 now, mom,” I said. “Where are all the adults?” She just

laughed and said, “Idiots are idiots forever.” The unspoken lesson: avoid idiots. I called another time right after I had won the two top prizes in a church raffle. “I need moral advice, mom,” I said. “When I won the second prize, a church member ran up to me and said I should’ve donated that back into the raffle. But it was a $100 gift card, and I have Christmas shopping to do.”

“Did you buy two tickets?” she asked.

I said I had bought six tickets.

“You won two prizes,” she said. “They’re yours.” When she finally went to assisted living, I was amazed at how quickly everyone came to like her — administrators, staff,

fellow residents, the handyman — everyone. “What’s your secret, mom?” I asked. “How do you consistently pull this off wherever you go?” She pulled me close and whispered, “I learn their names.” It was that simple. She cared enough to learn and remember people’s names.

So, yes, I learned a lot from her. If I had written down every pearl of wisdom she’d shared with me, I’d have a book, perhaps a bestseller. But the thing about mothers is, you take them for granted. Even if you try not to, in the back of your mind, you know they’re there — always willing to listen and always on your side. What a gift.

The Era Of The Movie Action Hero Has Faded, As Has The Industry

Americans used to love movie heroes. Remember back to Gary Cooper, standing alone in High Noon? And John Wayne was the quintessential American hero. We went to the movies to see the heroes beat the good guys. That has changed.

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Many of us have gone to the movies to see the tough guy standing up for what’s right: Stallone as Rocky and Rambo, Schwarzenegger in a variety of roles, Willis as McClane in the 1980s, Carl Weathers as Action Jackson, Christopher Reeve as Superman. Come the 1990s, some remained, and we added to it. Keanu Reeves, Will Smith, Wesley Snipes and, of course, Tom Cruise joined the pantheon. And then Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp moved up. And that sort of ended it. Movies began to change. Fifty years ago, we had Jaws. Three guys on a small boat dealing with a great white shark. Star Wars was Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vader with an assist from wise guy Han Solo. Indiana Jones was a really cool guy who casually handled trouble, often with a bullwhip, but always with style. And so many others. But then came the superheroes. Not regular guys, not even Batman, who had all sorts of gimmicks to keep him sort of caught up with Superman, who was by definition super-human. And then came Marvel. Tony Stark was Batman with a sense of humor, Steve Rogers had scientific stuff done to make him more like Superman. Bruce Banner became the “big

guy” through gamma rays, and Thor was, well, a god. And who did they go after? Well, Loki, of course, but later Thanos. It was the good guy heroes versus the bad. You can’t be a hero without a villain.

That’s not to say the women didn’t have their tough role models either. In some cases, like Princess Leia, it was using your brains more than brawn, but we had Sigourney Weaver as Ripley in Alien and Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor in Terminator. And don’t forget “sisters” Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh in the Marvel Universe. We even had Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel as superheroines.

But much of that has ended. While in the first, and to my notion the best, Star Wars series, it was the men against the evil male villains, Disney turned things around. In the more recent version, the lead was Daisy Ridley as Rey. Her male colleagues were almost an afterthought,

although the villains remained male. The latest (and I can only hope last) Indiana Jones movie had a feeble Indy at past 80, but its new lead was Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a con woman who somehow changes.

The old male hero is gradually ending its time on center stage, and it’s helping to kill the movie business. The main audience for adventure film is boys and young men, and they’re losing interest. When young, it can be fun to pretend to be the hero. A half century ago, kids pretended to be Luke, Han and Indy. But they’re not there on screen any more. And the audience who came for them found that computer games were more fun, since they kept the thrill of heroism.

Last year, the nominees for best actor included someone playing twins fighting the supernatural (and Michael B. Jordan did fulfill those leader/hero ideals and won). But we had a tired old revolutionary, a ping pong champion, a brilliant midget and a professor (in a movie almost no one saw) for the others. Marvel has seemingly given up on the strong male lead. In Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark was killed and Steve Rogers aged out. Thor became a family man. The Hulk merged with Bruce Banner and stopped being a force of nature. At the end of the year, Disney is bringing them back out of retirement for Avengers: The Retirement Plan. Well, that’s not the real title, but they need to rescue the series. That has become a problem in the mov-

NRI Institute of Health Sciences 12794 Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 31-32, Wellington, FL and 1402 Royal Palm Beach Blvd Bldg. 600, Royal Palm Beach, FL is applying for reaffirmation of the accreditation with the Council on Occupational Education.

Persons wishing to make comments should write to the President/CEO of the Commission, Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road. Bldg. 300, Suite 325. Atlanta, GA 30350.

Persons providing comments must provide their name and mailing address.