Town-Crier Newspaper October 2, 2026

CALM CORNERS GRANT AT H.L. JOHNSON SEE STORY, PAGE 3

PORT OF PALM BEACH GROUP 5 RACE SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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INSIDE

Commissioners Wary Of How County Uses License Plate Readers

Volume 47, Number 20 October 2 - October 15, 2026

Serving Palms West Since 1980

KCF GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

Amid controversial national reports of the misuse of license plate readers, the Palm Beach County Commission is joining a growing number of local governments reconsidering their usage of the devices. At the request of the commissioners, county staff presented the board with an overview of the county’s license plate reader policies at a workshop meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Page 3

Wellington Sci-Fi Author Helps Others See Invisible People

Would you notice if society’s most overlooked people began disappearing? How about if they returned, but they were somehow transformed? Who are you, if your memories were never actually yours? Wellington-based author Jeremy Luna, writing under the pen name Jeremiah Moon, explores these questions and more in his sci-fi thriller book series, the Quantum Seed Saga. Page 13

The Kids Cancer Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new building on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The nonprofit’s new Kids Cancer Center will be located at 100 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach, directly across from Royal Palm Beach Village Hall. Shown above, KCF kids launched gold confetti. They are shown here with Darren Marotta, Brad Miller, Frank Dowling, Mark Welch, Michelle O’Boyle and RPB Mayor Jeff Hmara. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 11 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

ITID Braces For More Rain After Water Fills Some Yards And Streets

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report More rain is forecast through the weekend and into next week, but officials in the low-lying Indian Trail Improvement District said they have a good handle on water issues in the face of more downpours. Residents, however, must take more responsibility for keeping their own swales and culverts clear and understand that some water collecting on their property is not a sign of flooding — it’s an indication that the drainage system for the 110-square-mile district is working, ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said this week. “There was just so much rain so fast… but our staff did an amazing job,” she said. “They worked from 6 a.m. until past dark.” Some 20 inches of rain fell on the area over several days, ITID

Public Information Officer Rebecca Stewart said Wednesday. On Sept. 17 alone, more than nine inches fell over the area, according to local meteorologists. Accomando said that it wasn’t only the staff working outdoors on the district’s 164 miles of canals and 458 miles of roads, and thus more than 900 miles of swales, putting in the long hours. Extra staff members were called in to answer phone calls and e-mails from residents concerned about water collecting in their yards, filling their swales and sometimes covering roads. “As far as I know, no houses got water in them,” ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said. Many of the calls were from residents who’ve recently moved to the area and have never experienced a significant rain event See ITID RAIN, page 12

Rick Roth, David Silvers Face PARTY WITH A PURPOSE Off In Senate District 26 Race

Wellington Rotary Club Hosts International Day Of Peace Ceremony

The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual International Day of Peace ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Wellington Rotary Peace Park. The ceremony is aimed at promoting multicultural understanding as a means to achieve world peace. The words on the peace poles — “May Peace Prevail on Earth” — were read in eight languages by local residents. Several students were recognized for their contributions to promoting world peace through posters, poetry and essays. Page 14

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report When voters in Wellington cast their ballots in the upcoming general election, they will choose a new state senator to represent the area in Tallahassee. On the ballot this year for Florida Senate District 26 are two former state representatives hoping to take on a new challenge as a state senator. Republican Rick Roth will go head-to-head with Democrat David Silvers to secure the seat. Senate District 26 includes almost all of Wellington, extending southeast to the coast from Ocean Ridge to Boca Raton. It also includes the Glades communities of Belle Glade and South Bay. The seat is currently held by State Sen. Lori Berman, who was elected to the position in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Berman currently serves as the Senate Mi-

Rick Roth nority Leader and will be leaving office due to term limits. Rick Roth — Roth said that he is running to bring conservative governance to the Florida Senate and help bring about what he sees as needed change. He is a thirdgeneration Palm Beach County

David Silvers farmer and small business owner who has lived in Wellington for 48 years. This lifelong connection to the county, he believes, is needed in the Florida Legislature. “I have a good reputation for being straightforward, honest and See SENATE RACE, page 12

Baxter And Waldron Battling For District 6 County Seat

TKA, P.B. Central Remain Unbeaten At Season’s Midpoint

The varsity football teams from the King’s Academy and Palm Beach Central High School remain undefeated at the season’s halfway mark. Going into the games on Friday, Oct. 2, both squads have identical 5-0 records — and the chances are strong that their winning ways will continue, at least for another week. Page 17 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 15 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 SPORTS..........................17 - 20 PEOPLE................................. 21 SCHOOLS.............................. 22 BUSINESS............................. 23 COLUMNS............................. 24 CLASSIFIEDS................ 25 - 26 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report With mail-in voting underway and early voting a little over two weeks away, the candidates for Palm Beach County Commission in District 6 are intensifying their pitches to voters. “I’m trying to get in front of as many people as possible,” Democrat Katherine Waldron told the Town-Crier. “I think things are going well. We have a lot of good volunteers and a lot of momentum.” Waldron may have gotten a bit more momentum Sunday, Sept. 27, when she was endorsed by the Sun-Sentinel. If money is a meter, she’ll likely need it going into the final stretch, with incumbent Republican Sara Baxter having a $500,000-plus war chest, according WLRN public radio. Waldron said this week that

she has raised about $150,000 with another $150,000 in pledged funding. However, the Florida Politics web site recently reported a Beacon Insights poll showing Waldron with a 52-37 lead over Baxter, which is well outside the poll’s 5.25 percent margin of error. Baxter told the Town-Crier that she is connecting with voters as much as possible while doing double duty as a commissioner and the current Palm Beach County mayor. She said she is not thinking about end-of-the-race strategy. “I leave that to my consultants,” she said. “I have a lot of things in process that will benefit the county and District 6 residents… I want to see those through. I’m a solutionsoriented person. I don’t need to do a lot of pontificating.” For example, said Baxter, a longtime Acreage resident, Waldron talks about installing smart

traffic signals that respond dynamically to changing road conditions, not just remain on a fixed schedule. “We’re already doing that,” Baxter said. “Experts tell us that we may be able to improve traffic flow by up to 30 percent.” She added that one of her biggest accomplishments in her first term was making sure “the county’s five-year road plan was fully funded for the first time in 12 years.” Baxter has previously listed as accomplishments being able to use her influence with the Florida Department of Transportation to move the long-stalled State Road 7 Extension project forward and to get former County Road 880 shifted to state control, saving the county some $200 million in reconstruction costs. Waldron and Baxter recently sat See DISTRICT 6, page 4

The Binks Forest Elementary School PTA hosted its annual Party With A Purpose fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. The event featured a “1980s Prom” theme and included raffles, a silent auction, a game room, casino tables and dancing. Several hundred people turned out in their best 1980 attire for the event, which raised money to purchase educational supplies for the school. Shown here are teachers Courtney Finnerty, Brandie Soto and Jennifer Benevides. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 15 PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Lox Groves To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Incorporation

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Settled more than a century ago, the people of Loxahatchee Groves have maintained their roots as a rural community in central Palm Beach County. Nearly two decades ago, they made a decision to help preserve their way of life by officially becoming an incorporated town. The Town of Loxahatchee Groves will be celebrating this 2006 milestone in November with everyone who has helped the town get to where it is today. The town will be hosting its 20th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Nov. 8, to commemorate

its journey of protecting the rural character that the area is known for. Dubbed “Florida’s Last Frontier,” the town stretches across approximately 8,000 acres of land with more than 3,000 residents. While small in comparison to its neighbors, its people make sure they have a big impact on preserving its large open spaces and rustic environment. “The driving force behind the efforts made over 20 years ago is practically the same today: home rule and the ability to make the decisions that most directly affect our community at the local level,” Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Lisa See ANNIVERSARY, page 4

Westlake Serves Up New Table To Enhance Station 22

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report Since its inception in 2016, the City of Westlake has embraced first responders. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, there were more handshakes and hugs for members of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 22 as the community came together to present the gift of a handcrafted dining table with room enough for an entire firehouse shift. “Some people think it’s just a table, but it’s more than that,” said Battalion 2 Chief Jose Garcia, who was on hand for the unveiling. “It’s the station’s central hub.” “It’s also where we solve all the world’s problems,” added Garcia, smiling as he viewed the lacquered

yellow pine table with room for 14. “We’re definitely thankful,” said Robert Barry, one of three shift captains at Station 22. “A lot of important conversations happen around a firehouse table. It’s a big part of the station itself.” Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor got the ball rolling after running into a member of Station 22 at a concert. He asked if there was anything the city could do for the crew. He was told that a table big enough to seat an entire shift would be morale-booster. “I could have gone to the city council, and I’m sure we would have stroked a check for it with no problem,” said O’Connor, who spoke at the ceremony. “But I wanted it to be a real community

effort… Every person I asked was eager to help.” Dr. Jean Russell of Dental Care at Seminole Ridge paid for the materials; craftsman Jordan San Jose built the table; Anthony Nastase of John Galt Insurance donated 75 custom medallions — also known as “challenge coins” — given to firefighters and those involved in the effort; and Ralph Lewis of Lewis Prime Grill donated enough boneless ribeye for 27 firefighters and paramedics to enjoy as their first meal on the new table. “I love living and working together with my neighbors,” Russell said. “I really feel an incredible amount of pride.” San Jose said he constructed the table over several months in

There were many smiles as Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor (left) sat with Battalion Chief Jose Garcia (second from left) and donors to the table effort (from the left) Ralph Lewis of Lewis Prime Grill, craftsman Jordan San Jose, Anthony Nastase of John Galt Insurance and Dr. Jean Russell of Dental Care at Seminole Ridge. PHOTO BY LOUIS HILLARY PARK/TOWN-CRIER

his spare time and built it to last, applying a high-traffic clear coat for protection. He said he got involved because he saw it as “a good, community-based cause.”

Lewis and his family have owned the Okeechobee Steakhouse for decades. “We’ve been part of this county See STATION 22, page 4

Page 2

October 2 - October 15, 2026

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Page 3

NEWS

Commissioners Wary Of How County Uses License Plate Readers

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Amid controversial national reports of the misuse of license plate readers, the Palm Beach County Commission is joining a growing number of local governments reconsidering their usage of the devices. At the request of the commissioners, county staff presented the board with an overview of the county’s license plate reader policies at a workshop meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The presentation followed intense public backlash over mass surveillance concerns from using such devices. Camera manufacturers, including Flock, Axon and Genetec, have been at the center of these debates after a string of allegations that law enforcement officials have misused the technology. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently ordered the removal of Flock cameras from state rightsof-way. These types of high-speed computerized camera systems use software to capture and convert

vehicle license plate images into digital data. Law enforcement can then use this data as an investigative tool. According to staff’s presentation, in 2019, law enforcement officials asked the county for permission to install the devices within the county’s rights-of-way. Commissioners subsequently authorized officials to issue permits for them with conditions including that they be used solely for law enforcement purposes. However, no permits were issued until 2022. There are about 50 locations with license plate reader approvals that are either in place or approved for installation currently. Several municipalities have already installed these devices within their jurisdictions. “We haven’t been personally made aware of any incidents with our permits, but we have read the headlines and seen some other cases,” County Engineer Joanne Keller said. The county’s policies require that the permits only be issued to public police or sheriff’s depart-

ments in support of their official duties. If permit conditions are violated, permittees have 30 days to remove the license plate readers, or face a fine of $1,000 per day. In September, county officials requested contract and data information from all license plate reader permittees and were informed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) that their administration was unable to provide certain information publicly. PBSO officials suggested that information be presented either individually to each commissioner or through a secure meeting or a closed shade meeting, but the county attorney’s office advised that the request does not meet the requirements for a shade meeting. Commissioner Joel Flores had a long list of questions about the license plate readers. He was concerned about the cameras collecting data outside of license plates, like who is driving the vehicle and their characteristics. “It’s a great tool for you guys to apprehend people who do things the wrong way,” Flores said. “But

I don’t think I should compromise my privacy for people who break the law.” PBSO Major Thomas Fresneda said that the PBSO mainly installs the readers around critical infrastructure dealing with dignitary protection, and the rest are within municipalities. However, he was not able to provide definitive answers to many of Flores’ questions, but he added that there are many misconceptions. Fresneda explained that the PBSO already has protections in place, such as officials doing weekly random audits of the license plate readers’ system to see if there are any anomalies. “We have guardrails in place to make sure that, to the best we can, the system is not being misused,” Fresneda said. “We’ve identified no misuse within the system… Since the very beginning, when we’ve implemented this, we have put guardrails in place to keep that from happening, and we haven’t identified anything.” Commissioners requested that the PBSO respond to the ques-

tions they have about the license plate readers. Depending on the responses, the commissioners will have to decide whether the privacy of residents outweighs the potential benefit that law enforcement has using it as an investigative tool. “We’re on a slippery slope here with privacy,” Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter said. “I want everyone to be safe, and I want to be able to track bad guys and go after them, but I do like that there’s a process in place for other things.” In other business, county staff gave commissioners a presentation on the budgetary impacts of Amendment 3, where they showed different scenarios of what the county’s revenue would look like if the ballot measure were to pass. They indicated that they have already started working on the next fiscal year’s budget because of the major effect Amendment 3 could have. The presentation showed how much money the county will lose if it keeps its millage rate the same and how much they would need to raise it to continue to bring in the same amount of tax revenue.

Regardless of rate changes, county officials will see a significant impact on budgets, which they said would likely lead to cuts. Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo warned there are at least eight municipalities that the county might have to absorb because they will no longer be able to collect enough tax revenue to operate. This means that the county would have to start providing services to those areas with less money than they had before, as well as absorbing the municipalities’ debt and debt payments. “I want to let [the public] know that this isn’t a tax decrease; this is simply a tax shift,” Abruzzo said. Some commissioners added that renters, commercial property owners and business owners will likely see higher tax rates because local governments will have to find other ways to make up the lost revenue. Other areas, like fire-rescue and libraries, will also collect less tax revenue, which could result in cuts to services in the community.

Grant Brings ‘Calm Corners’ To H.L. Johnson Elementary School

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent data shows that the United States is in mental health crisis, experienced by people of all ages — but especially among young people. The leaders at H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach are keenly aware of this and just won a grant to establish a program called “Calm Corners,” which gives stressed students dedicated spaces to pause, reset and refocus. School staff members are doing everything they can to establish a culture of kindness at H.L. Johnson, which already boasts Buddy Benches, a Kindness Garden and an ambassador program where older students help younger students deal with conflict in a healthy way. Calm Corners is designed to de-escalate various types of stress, conflict and anger that might typically arise in an elementary classroom. Rather than requiring conflict resolution by the teacher or counselor, the initiative is designed to make self-regulation strategies accessible to children throughout the school day.

Each Calm Corner will provide students with age-appropriate tools they can use to recognize emotions, calm their bodies and minds, and prepare themselves to return to learning. Teachers will also be able to reinforce common strategies and language across classrooms, creating a more consistent approach throughout the campus. “Our school counselor, Ms. [Cher] O’Bryant, took the initiative on this, wrote up the grant request, and deserves credit for winning the award and expanding the school’s Calm Corner program, which is designed to allow students to self-regulate rather than facing disciplinary actions,” Principal Dr. Crystal Amado Kucharski explained. O’Bryant’s “Roar, Reset, Refocus: Jaggy’s Calm Corner Initiative” was selected for a “GoTeach!” classroom grant award from the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, providing $3,000 in funding to place a Calm Corner Kit in every classroom across the school. “I’m honored and thrilled to help all of my students learn that mental health truly matters,” O’Bryant said. “This grant will

fund a kit for every classroom, so every student will have a safe, calming space and learn to use tools to self-regulate.” Amado Kucharski said that the schoolwide reach of the project is what makes O’Bryant’s idea especially meaningful. “This is more than putting materials in classrooms,” she said. “Ms. O’Bryant is helping our students build skills they can carry with them long after they leave elementary school. When children learn how to recognize what they are feeling, regulate themselves and return to learning, we are helping them become more independent and confident.” The initiative reflects H.L. Johnson’s focus on supporting the whole child while maintaining high expectations for learning. For O’Bryant, the goal is to make those skills part of everyday school life, ensuring that students do not have to wait until they are overwhelmed to learn how to manage their emotions. From kindergarten through fifth grade, H.L. Johnson students will have a place in their own classrooms to do exactly what the initiative’s name encourages: roar, reset and refocus.

Students Abygail Howell and Lexi Neps promote kindness. During the 2025-26 school year, more than 50 percent of counseling referrals were related to self-regulation and behavioral concerns, underscoring a significant need for preventive strategies to support students before behaviors escalate. The new initiative is designed to address the increasing need for proactive social-emotional supports that help students develop the self-regulation skill they need for the future. Benefits of the Calm Corners program include increasing student awareness of emotions and understanding of self-regulation

Principal Dr. Crystal Amado Kucharski and school counselor Cher O’Bryant in one of the Calm Corners. strategies and teaching students proactive coping skills, including breathing techniques, mindfulness strategies, reflection activities and problem-solving approaches. The program also aims to reduce counseling referrals and improve classroom learning environments. Besides teachers and staff, students are also big fans of Calm Corners and the school’s culture of kindness. Students Abygail Howell and Lexi Neps already

PHOTOS BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER

serve as safety patrol members and are both student ambassadors to younger children. “I volunteer to help the school and especially younger students,” Abygail said, while Lexi added, “I want to help by stopping bullying.” The school, O’Bryant and Amado Kucharski will be recognized at an award ceremony and receive the grant funding later this month to install Calm Corners in all 45 school classrooms.

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October 2 - October 15, 2026

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NEWS

RPB Council Discusses Regulations On Home-Based Businesses

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report On Thursday, Sept. 17, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council clarified the regulations that the village can impose on home-based businesses after a local swim instructor questioned whether the rules would prevent her from operating a business from her home. The item was placed on the council’s agenda at the request of Councilman Richard Valuntas. During the council’s previous meeting on Aug. 20, he mentioned a discussion he had with resident

Sharon Powers over concerns that ordinances do not allow her to run a business from her home. Powers owns a swim instruction business, where she teaches children how to swim. Valuntas was interested in amending the village’s code to permit swim instruction businesses to operate from homes. According to the Village Attorney Mitty Barnard, state lawmakers several years ago passed a law that prevents local governments from imposing more restrictive regulations for home-based busi-

nesses compared to other ones. In 2022, the village amended its code to comply with the change. However, home-based businesses must still meet certain state and local requirements relating to noise, traffic and other impacts on the surrounding area. The state law requires that any commercial activity to remain secondary to the property’s use as a residence. “We, the village, cannot say you cannot do this,” Barnard said. “We cannot enforce regulations that are against a home-based business that are more stringent than other busi-

nesses that are being regulated.” The law also allows an affected home-based business owner to challenge local government action that violates the statute. The prevailing party in a challenge may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs. As such, the council could not amend its codes to specifically allow swim instruction businesses to operate at homes. While there are some limitations, applicants can demonstrate that their business complies with statutory requirements and local regulations. Village officials di-

At Contentious Meeting, Groves Council Passes Budget With Unchanged Tax Rate

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report A tense multi-hour discussion over the town’s tax rate and budget ultimately led the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council to approve both, but more meetings will discuss potential changes that may follow. The council narrowly approved keeping its tax rate unchanged at 3.2564 mills, which is 9.52 percent above the rollback rate, at the town’s second budget hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 23. In total, with the proposed tax rate, general fund revenues would increase by about $231,000 for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. At the town’s first budget hearing earlier in September, council members had to negotiate with Vice Mayor Manish Sood to gain a supermajority vote to maintain the current tax rate. As a compromise, town staff added a budget line item for public safety for the difference between the rollback rate and the current tax rate. The new budget line item added $432,780 in expenditures for law enforcement, which included a $207,652 difference between the rollback rate and the proposed millage rate, plus $225,128 previously proposed to fund reserves. Even with the changes to the budget, some members of the council did not hesitate to pick apart certain parts of it. To approve the budget, council members had to first approve the tax rate but were unable to do so without the

District 6

Baxter Vs. Waldron

continued from page 1 for a forum at the Wanderers Club in Wellington, an event sponsored by the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Tania Rogers of WPTV and WFLX. In her opening statement, Waldron, a Wellington resident, said voters are telling her they feel they aren’t being heard. “They’re being dismissed,” she said. Baxter said in her opening statement that she ran for office for the first time in 2022 out of frustration over government regulations that almost forced her and her husband to close their auto repair business. “When I took office, I found out how bad it really is,” she said. “I’ve kept fighting and fighting [to streamline regulations]. I’m a fighter, and I’ll always keep fighting for our residents.” Rogers asked the candidates about their position on Amendment 3, a statewide initiative that would raise the homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, rising to $250,000 in 2028, while also slowing property tax growth on non-homestead property and imposing new spending restrictions. Supporters say it would save the average homeowner $1,000 to $1,800 annually, while opponents warn it could force significant cuts to municipal and county budgets and services. County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo, who also spoke at the chamber event, said the amendment could cut the county’s $600 million annual operating budget in half or more and estimated that eight of the county’s 39 municipalities might fail and have to be absorbed by the county, including their outstanding debt. Baxter told the group that she strongly favors Amendment 3

support of Sood or Councilwoman Anita Kane. In particular, Sood spent a significant amount of time questioning multiple members of staff about specific items, like salary increases. Acting Town Manager Valerie Oaks reminded the council that after persistent questions over certain items, the staff tried to incorporate all the feedback and proposals of each member. “This is a proposal,” Oaks said. “It is a proposal, and, as best as possible, it is very difficult to take five individual opinions and try to make everybody happy.” Mayor Lisa El-Ramey noted that the council could still amend their budget later on to further address specific areas of concern. “I don’t think anybody up here is under the illusion that this budget is going to stay in the form that we are looking at tonight,” she said. “We can make a motion that changes some of these items within this budget for now, but I am prepared tonight… to ask the council to roll up their sleeves and pull out their calendars and have several workshops.” Unable to pass a motion to approve the tax rate, El-Ramey requested to receive revised budget numbers. She proposed adjusting the law enforcement expenditure amount and adjusting the general fund reserve calculations; eliminating the community standards director position and allocating those funds to professional services; removing the three percent and later explained that, “It would force us to take a look at our budgets and get rid of waste.” She said her first target would be the $174 million that goes annually to support the Palm Tran bus service, adding that moving to a voucher system for use with private carriers would save the county millions. She also said she would oppose funding for the nonprofit Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County because “they’re a passthrough agency… [that] is not doing what’s best for the homeless.” Waldron has said in the past that she does not support shifting the county’s public transportation to a voucher system. As for Amendment 3, Waldron said, “I support letting Floridians decide.” Still, she expressed concern that “the way the amendment is written, it could create more problems than solutions… [including] taking away a lot of self-determination in how counties and municipalities use tax revenue.” “I want to lower the cost of living… but I’m afraid this may end up backfiring,” Waldron said. “Public safety — fire and police — is certainly going to be impacted in a big way.” “No one knows how all this is going to wash out if Amendment 3 passes,” Baxter said, “[but] I will always prioritize law enforcement.” Both candidates said they would oppose the Okeechobee Blvd. extension from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to Southern Blvd. near 20-Mile Bend if it means destroying the rural lifestyle of Loxahatchee-area residents. Baxter also said she will continue to oppose AI hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas of the county if residents don’t want them. On Sept. 24, county commissioners enacted a one-year data center moratorium initiated by Baxter. “It’ll give staff and commissioners time to do our research and put parameters in place,” she said.

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cost-of-living adjustment but allowing the acting town manager to decide to give merit-based raises to a maximum of 4.5 percent; and approving more than a million dollars in capital improvements, with those projects being determined at a later date. The town’s financial staff worked on adjusting the numbers as the council continued discussions. Kane and Sood maintained their opposition to the proposed millage rate, which left any progress at an impasse. The rest of the council became frustrated, especially with Sood’s continued requests that kept negotiations deadlocked. “This is ridiculous, sir — absolutely ridiculous,” Councilman Paul Coleman said. “I’ve held my tongue here all night — I’m done…. If we don’t do this, we’re not in compliance with state statute.” Eventually, Yvonne Clayborne of financial consultant CRI Advisors returned with updated numbers, which included a reduction in the law enforcement expenditure to $207,652, which eliminated the need to withdraw money from reserves. This also added $17,475 to reserves, leaving the general fund with approximately $479,000 in excess reserves. The rest of the council was then able to get Kane’s support to pass the tax rate and budget by agreeing to allocate any funds over 25 percent of the town’s two reserve funds to be used for capital improvements.

“I would be in support of the millage rate… if I have a guarantee that all of the excess will be put into the capital project budget,” Kane said. With this guarantee included in El-Ramey’s amended motion, the council voted to approve the unchanged tax rate, which passed 4-1 with Sood dissenting. They subsequently passed a motion to approve an amended budget 4-1, with Sood again dissenting. In other business, the council unanimously voted to extend Oaks’ contract as acting town manager by 30 days from its expiration date on Sept. 30. Oaks has been serving in the role after the council placed Town Manager Francine Ramaglia on paid administrative leave in April. Ramaglia was later terminated with cause and is still in an ongoing dispute over the matter. The council had planned to make Oaks, who previously served as town clerk, the interim town manager for a year. However, Oaks has reiterated that she does not have any intention of permanently taking the role, but she will continue to provide support as officials look to fill the position. “It would be unfair to the town for me to continue in a capacity where I feel like I could be way more supportive to the town,” Oaks said. The council has yet to advertise the position, but they are hoping to discuss the matter at a future strategic planning meeting.

rected Powers to apply for a Business Tax Receipt with additional information on how the business will operate to determine whether it complies with the code. In other business: • The council unanimously voted to approve a final property tax rate of 1.92 mills and a total budget of $47.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year. It was the council’s second and final vote on the matter after revising the rate from a proposed 2.15 mills in August. • The council approved a revised schedule of fees and charges for

Station 22

A Special Table

continued from page 1 since 1933, and it has been tremendous to us. We believe in giving back,” he said. And Lewis knows the stresses of being a first responder, with a brother and sister-in-law who are paramedics and a son who is a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy. “I think it turned out beautifully,” he said. “They seemed so grateful for it, but I don’t think it was just about the table. It was that we thought of them.” O’Connor said that the station was already a special place for his young children — Jace Preston and Kennedy Reagan — who enjoy visiting the station at 16650 Town Center Parkway. In May, the station unveiled trucks and rescue units bearing the City of Westlake’s seal. Now the community funded table bears the firefighting alligator logo of Station 22, known as

various services provided by Royal Palm Beach. Most of the changes increase fees for building permits, planning and zoning services, temporary permits and facility rentals. Hmara reminded residents that many of these fees have not been changed in years. “What we’re doing with the fees there is raising them to a point that we think is fair and reasonable and tolerable,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said. “We don’t think we’re going to lose many customers doing it.”

the “Draft House” for its history drafting water from whatever canal or lake is handy to fight fires in the rural areas surrounding Westlake. The city and its largest developer and landowner, Minto Communities USA, have programs in place to assist first responders, teachers and other education employees, healthcare personnel, and county and local government personnel in purchasing a home. The embrace of those professionals often has been called “the secret sauce” that has made Westlake for years the fastest growing municipality in the county and one of the fastest growing in the state. “When I thought about Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner… and how there wasn’t enough room for these first responders to sit together as a whole crew and enjoy it together, it just broke my heart,” O’Connor said. “I wanted to do something that was truly a community effort to show how much they mean to us. They truly are our hometown heroes… a major part of the fabric of our community.”

The new table came emblazoned with Station 22’s firefighting alligator logo.

Anniversary

Celebration On Nov. 8

Moderator Tania Rogers posed questions to incumbent Sara Baxter and challenger Katherine Waldron at the Sept. 23 candidate forum. PHOTO BY SUZANE BACELAR/GREATER WELLINGTON CHAMBER

“Fundamentally, I represent what the people of my district want. I refuse to say, ‘I know better than they do.’” District 6 encompasses most of the county west of State Road 7, including the municipalities of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, Westlake, parts of Greenacres, plus the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, as well as the unincorporated semi-rural Acreage/Loxahatchee area. Waldron previously served as a Port of Palm Beach commissioner (2017-2022) before being elected to represent District 93 in the Florida House of Representatives (2022-2024). She also was a board member of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (2018-2022). Before and during Waldron’s elected service, she built a career as an entrepreneur and corporate executive. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

In her public profile, Waldron describes herself as someone who has worked to connect government, business and community groups, including service on boards and local initiatives. She has three children and three grandchildren. Despite the favorable polling, Waldron said, “It’s nice to see those numbers… [but] I’m still going to be running like I’m behind. I’ll be focused on reaching as many voters as possible.” Learn more about Waldron’s campaign at www.votekw.com. Baxter, who won her commission seat in her first run for office four years ago, was born at St. Mary’s in West Palm Beach and raised in Palm Beach and Martin counties. She moved to The Acreage in 2016 but has longtime ties to the area through her grandfather, who lived there starting in the 1970s. She is now a wife and mother of three and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Palm Beach State College. Learn more about Baxter’s campaign at www.votesarabaxter.com.

continued from page 1 El-Ramey said. “The community motto for years was ‘Love It and Leave It Alone.’ That sentiment still captures much of what residents value about Loxahatchee Groves.” The area is one of the oldest communities established in the western part of the county. The land was purchased by the Southern States Land and Timber Company in 1902. After the completion of the West Palm Beach Canal in 1917, pioneers and farmers began to settle on the land. Those who lived on the land were able to maintain this rural character over the next several decades. However, as other parts of the county rapidly became developed, this growth threatened the lifestyle that people of the area had come to know. After a multi-year process, the people of Loxahatchee Groves voted in 2006 to incorporate to protect their home and prevent the growing encroachment of urbanization around them. Since then, the town has undergone many changes. Residents and leaders have come and gone. But one thing has never changed: a fierce commitment to do everything possible to keep Loxahatchee Groves the way it has always been. “This is the anniversary of a hard-fought battle to preserve our rural lifestyle,” Councilwoman

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Anita Kane said. “We’re still holding the line and trying to improve the town and keep pace with our needs as the community around us grows and develops.” Town officials and residents will be celebrating the event at Loxahatchee Groves Park. Organizers hope to combine activities to also honor veterans for Veterans Day. The celebration is meant to recognize those who have helped bring the town to where it is today. Town officials are inviting residents to bring small mementos to leave in a time capsule to open in the future. They will provide paper for attendees to write messages for it as well. “I hope those residents, along with more of our newer arrivals, will continue to participate, ask questions, serve on committees, attend meetings and become involved in the decision-making process,” El-Ramey said. “More than 20 years ago, residents became involved because they believed this community was worth preserving. The best way to honor that effort is to make sure that residents continue to have a meaningful role in determining what Loxahatchee Groves will be in another 20 years.” The Loxahatchee Groves Anniversary Celebration will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8 at Loxahatchee Groves Park, located at 13901 Southern Blvd. Family-style games and activities, along with free food, will be available. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Learn more at www. loxahatcheegrovesfl.gov.

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NEWS

County Commission Finalizes Moratorium On Data Centers

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Residents in Palm Beach County will not have to worry about developers applying for another hyperscale AI data center — at least for a year. The Palm Beach County Commission unanimously approved a one-year moratorium last month on related large-scale proposals to give county officials time to develop stricter regulations that address several areas of concern. The final vote adopting the moratorium was held during the commission’s zoning meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24. It came after county staff received multiple data center applications and this summer’s rejection of the controversial Project Tango near 20-Mile Bend. The moratorium language defines a large-scale data center as one that is a single-location facility with an anticipated monthly peak load of 50 megawatts or more and contains electronic equipment used to store and process digital information. Importantly, it will

not apply to applications that have already been submitted. Those who gave public comments supported the moratorium but still wanted a broader definition of what is classified as a data center. “I don’t think data centers, especially large ones, like the ones that you want to build desperately, should be here at all,” Sergei Kelley said. County staff developed the ordinance to follow state statutes that allow local governments to regulate large-load power customers and large-scale data centers by using a 50-megawatt threshold. Going outside of that language could lead to legal challenges through Senate Bill 180, which restricts municipal leaders from changing their land development codes until 2027. At the ordinance’s first reading in August, county commissioners were interested in creating a task force to help create the new regulations on hyperscale data centers. Since then, some commissioners’

stance on establishing this type of advisory committee changed. Staff prepared a resolution that would create an Emerging Issues Technical Advisory Committee, which would primarily assist with making data center regulations but also provide input on any future related issues. Commissioners would each appoint one member, with the entire board appointing two at-large members. Members would need to fit certain criteria based on their knowledge or expertise in a specific area of concern. Those appointed would serve for a three-year term or at the discretion of the commission. County staff estimated that getting the committee up and running could take two to three months. Commissioners were concerned about the timeline of the committee’s operation. Multiple meetings will be necessary, and given the high-interest topics, they will draw a significant amount of public comment. “I fear that we’re adding an extra layer of work, not only for

staff, but also for the interested parties in the public, who want to participate in this as well,” Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Marci Woodward said. “That would be my reason not to support doing the advisory committee.” Whitney Carroll, executive director of the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, said that the county is also looking to hire a consultant to assist in the matter. A consultant could give better direction on how to write regulations and provide subject matter expertise, she said. County staff members have already made a request for information to get an estimate of how much hiring an outside agency could cost. So far, they have received offers ranging from $200,000 to $2 million, which would be on top of paying staff to work on the matter as well. “We want to get this done the correct way, and we want to get it done quickly, in the most efficient way that we possibly can,” Carroll said. “A consultant can also engage

with the public and do stakeholder outreach.” Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter disputed the need for hiring a consultant, especially after learning about the high price tag. “The whole point of this was community engagement,” Baxter said. “The whole point was to hear from the residents, hear their thoughts and what they want, and put this together… If we have people volunteering to do this for free who are experts, why are we going to spend all this money?” Commissioner Joel Flores recalled that experts during the meeting on Project Tango were hired by developers. He saw the value of investing in a consultant who could give a more objective, informative opinion. He added that delegating this work to staff would be a large workload and cause other applications to get backed up. “This is one of those things I think we have to get it right,” Flores said. “At $200,000, I know it’s nothing to sneeze at, but sometimes you just have to make an investment.”

The commissioners rejected the idea of forming a technical advisory committee 4-2, with Commissioner Bobby Powell and Baxter dissenting. They subsequently passed a motion to direct staff to bring a contract for a consultant on the matter for the commission’s consideration that passed 5-1, with Baxter once again dissenting. Commissioner Maria Sachs was absent from the meeting. The large-scale data center moratorium will last until September 2027. In other business, the commissioners voted 6-0 to receive and file the Countywide Transportation Master Plan. County officials executed a contract with consulting firm WSP to develop the plan meant to establish a multi-jurisdictional planning framework for safe, connected transportation and mobility through 2050. In early September, the commissioners requested that staff and WSP return to the board with more detailed descriptions of proposed projects and costs associated with them.

Wellington Village Council May Lower Tax Rate, But Not This Year

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington residents will likely see a slightly higher tax bill this year, even though the village has kept the same millage rate, but local leaders assured the public that they will try to reduce it in the years to come. The Wellington Village Council approved an unchanged property tax rate of 2.47 mills and a $150.4 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year at its second and final budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 22. With the same millage rate, the village will be collecting an additional $1.47 million in ad valorem tax revenue through property value increases. Village staff was able to reduce the budget by $5.5 million from the previous year due to fewer capital improvements, the elimination of positions, leasing of major equipment and no election expense. The budget is able to fund all recurring operations and rising fixed costs even without drawing on the general fund reserve balance. “The council is committed to keeping Wellington’s tax burden as low as possible, and this budget

reflects that mandate,” Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel said. “Staff didn’t wait to be told to find the savings. We built this process around finding them.” According to staff’s presentation, responses from the village’s 2026 budget survey indicated that residents ranked law enforcement, community and special events, infrastructure maintenance, and park and athletic facilities as most important, among other services. This feedback, along with input from the council, was directly built into the budget. “What residents told us matters most is what we funded first,” Quickel said. Councilman Johnny Meier, throughout the budget process, has reiterated that the council should decrease the millage rate. He stressed that prices continue to rise, and lowering it could give relief to residents. “We should be doing whatever we can to decrease the burden on people out there because things just continue to get more and more expensive,” Meier said. “I, for one, believe we have the ability to decrease the millage rate.” Other council members were

open to lowering the millage rate and reworking the budget but made it clear that doing so now would not be prudent. Amendment 3 on the ballot this November could significantly reduce property tax revenue for all municipalities across Florida. If passed by 60 percent of voters, the amendment would increase homestead exemptions for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027, $250,000 in 2028, and adjusted for inflation thereafter. Wellington alone could face millions less in its budget to fund services. “If we cut today, and Amendment 3 passes, we’re looking at a whole different scenario that no one’s going to be happy with because no one’s going to win,” Vice Mayor Maria Antuña said. The council required a supermajority vote to keep the millage rate the same. Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri joined the rest of the council to pass a motion to approve the unchanged tax rate at 2.47 mills 4-1, with Meier dissenting. However, Silvestri explained that she wanted a reduction next year and would not vote again to maintain the current millage rate. The council subsequently unani-

mously approved the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In other business: • The council postponed consideration of a resolution to decide whether to waive certain impact fees and building permit fees

for two new affordable housing developments. The two projects, located on Van Gogh Road and Velazquez Blvd., will be the first affordable housing units to be built in Wellington under the Live Local Act. State law requires local gov-

ernments, even without approval from local leaders, to allow multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in areas zoned for commercial or industrial use to increase affordable and workforce See COUNCIL, page 12

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Wellington Village Council recognized Girl Scout troops 24241 and 20183 for their Bronze Award project, “From Seeds to Shade: Helping Make Our Community Greener.” As part of the project, the scouts learned how native trees support healthy local ecosystems and partnered with the village to identify an area of the Wellington Environmental Preserve where they could make a difference. With 11 trees donated by Indian Trails Native Nursery, the scouts cared PHOTO COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON for the trees before planting them at the preserve.

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NEWS

Catherine Terwilliger Now Leading St. David’s Episcopal School

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report St. David’s Episcopal School in Wellington has new leadership with fresh ideas and bold ambitions. The new head of school is Catherine Terwilliger, who assumed her new role in mid-July. Terwilliger has been well-received by the teachers, staff, students and parents. She is excited to be leading the school. “I am delighted to be a part of the growth of the school,” said Terwilliger, 52, who lives in the Acreage/Loxahatchee area with her husband and seven children. “Everybody has been very welcoming, and I am excited to be here. Everybody has been very helpful and giving grace to me. I’m looking forward to implementing new ideas.” Terwilliger added that the atmosphere at St. David’s Episcopal

School is very comforting. “Working here feels like I am at home,” she added. While Terwilliger was born in Geneva, New York, she feels like a Floridian. “I have lived in Florida for more than 30 years, and I have been living in Loxahatchee for 27 years,” she said. Prior to her new post at St. David’s, she worked in the public education sector, specifically in early childhood education. She was the director of the Little Chiefs Academy at Santaluces High School in Lantana. She worked there for five years. Terwilliger’s academic credentials were earned at the State University of New York at Brockport, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1996. She earned her master’s degree in early childhood education from the

American College of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2001. St. David’s Episcopal School currently accepts children as young as three years old, and it teaches young students through the second grade. “Right now, we have 85 children enrolled in the school, and we have room for as many as 90,” Terwilliger said. According to Terwilliger, one of the school’s next major goals is to expand the instruction up through third grade. For Terwilliger, one of the exciting aspects of her role at St. David’s is the diversity of every day. She starts with a to-do list, but it changes based on the flow of the school day. “I always have a daily game plan, but that often changes quickly,” Terwilliger said. She is on campus no later than

7 a.m. and usually heads home by 3 p.m. “I have my own children to pick up at the bus stop,” Terwilliger explained. As soon as she arrives on campus, she is on the go, constantly communicating and working with teachers, students, parents and members of her staff to ensure that the day is filled with enlightenment and education. Terwilliger is so connected to the daily heartbeat of the school that if you call the school, she may well answer the phone and respond to your inquiry. And she will gladly share with you the specifics of her fresh ideas and bold ambitions. St. David’s Episcopal School is located at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace in Wellington. To learn more, call (561) 793-1272 or visit https:// stdavidsepiscopalschool.com.

Head of School Catherine Terwilliger works with students at St. David’s Episcopal School.

NEWS BRIEFS

ALA To Host Candidate Forum On Thursday, Oct. 15

The Acreage Landowners’ Association (ALA) will host a Community Candidate Forum on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Dancing Crane (9500 Sandhill Crane Drive off Northlake Blvd.). The forum will include candidates for the Palm Beach County Commission and the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors. Constituents attend-

ing the event will be offered an opportunity to submit one question for the county commission candidates and one question for the ITID candidates for consideration during the forum. All candidates running for the Palm Beach County Commission in District 6 and the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors have been invited individually to participate.

The forum will be moderated by an impartial moderator, who is not an ALA board member and is not affiliated with the ALA. The questions will be randomly drawn, and the moderator will present the questions to the candidates. Following the conclusion of the forum at 8:30 p.m., candidates and constituents who wish to continue their conversations, may meet outside the venue. Participants are

asked to keep discussions in areas that do not obstruct or interfere with pedestrian or vehicle traffic. The Acreage Landowners’ Association encourages residents to attend, meet the candidates, submit questions and become better informed about the individuals seeking to represent their community. To learn more about the forum, visit www.acreagelandowners. com.

Wellington Begins Water Meter Replacement Program The Village of Wellington recently announced the launch of its Water Meter Replacement Program, a long-term initiative designed to modernize the community’s water utility infrastructure and enhance customer service through advanced metering technology. This past summer, Wellington started replacing existing residential water meters with new wireless smart meters that automatically transmit water usage readings directly to the utility office. The village-wide program is expected to continue over the next 12 to 18 months and will provide residents with more efficient and reliable utility services. The new metering technology will improve billing accuracy,

support enhanced customer service notifications and eliminate the need for weekly drive-by meter readings. By reducing vehicle usage associated with manual meter collection, the program also supports Wellington’s ongoing sustainability and environmental stewardship efforts. Residents are not required to be home during meter replacements. Prior to installation, customers will receive notification by mail and a pre-installation door hanger. Technicians from Envocore, the village’s authorized contractor, will be clearly identifiable through uniforms, marked vehicles and valid photo identification. During installation, customers may experience a brief water

for

service interruption lasting approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Following restoration of service, residents are encouraged to run a bathtub faucet or outdoor spigot for two to three minutes to remove any air from the water lines. To help ensure efficient access to meter boxes, residents are asked to remove any vegetation, plants or landscaping that may obstruct the work area before scheduled installation in their neighborhood. Program highlights include: • Advanced wireless meter technology with automated readings. • No direct charge to customers for meter replacement. • Improved utility operations and customer service capabilities. • Reduced carbon emissions

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through elimination of drive-by meter reading. • Village-wide deployment over an estimated 12- to 18-month period. Residents seeking additional information about the Water Meter Replacement Program can visit the village’s Utilities Department page at www.wellingtonfl.gov/utilities or review the program’s Frequently Asked Questions section. The Wellington Utilities Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide a reliable supply of superior quality drinking water and dependable and environmentally safe wastewater service to approximately 56,000 residents in its service area.

Wellington Rotarians gather to prepare the dictionaries for delivery.

Rotarians Prepare Dictionaries For Local Third-Grade Students

Wellington Rotary Club volunteers met recently to place name labels inside the front covers of dictionaries going this month to third-grade students across the community. The stickers will also remind the students of the Rotary 4 Way Test: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? The Dictionary Project has been an ongoing club initiative since 2005. The project’s goal is to encourage reading, writing and lifelong learning by providing each student with a valuable reference tool that they can keep and

Nikki Stinson, Maureen Gross and Maggie Zeller help with the dictionaries. use throughout their school years. The Wellington Rotary Club looks forward to continuing this annual effort to support literacy and education in the Wellington community. The dictionaries will be delivered to the schools Oct. 9 to Oct. 16.

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October 2 - October 15, 2026

Page 7

NEWS

Western Academy The Focus At RPB Education Board Meeting

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report There was a full agenda at the September meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board. Western Academy Charter School Principal Tsiri Miller and Parent Teacher Committee President Madeline Martinez provided the board with details of the school’s approach to education and explained how the academy has been an “A” school for 19 consecutive years. Also at the meeting, School District Chief of Staff Dr. Jolande Morgan provided a Florida legislative update, while lobbyist Rita Solnet gave a federal update. The

board also received a highlights report on village schools from Regional Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines. Western Academy boasts a sterling academic reputation, having established itself as the No. 1 school in Royal Palm Beach based on student achievement. Even more impressive is its ranking in the top five percent of K-8 schools in Florida. The school’s application window for the 2027-28 school year opens Oct. 1 and has a March 19 deadline, in advance of the annual lottery in early April. The academy is currently operating at full capacity in every grade level with about

775 students. In previous years, the school has received hundreds more submitted applications than available openings. “My biggest advice to parents is simply: apply,” Miller said. “Sometimes families hear that we have a waitlist and are hesitant, but people move and seats do open. Get the application in on time, make sure everything is complete and keep an eye on your e-mail for school notifications.” Miller recommended that families come visit the school. “Rankings and test scores are important, but choosing a school is personal,” she said. “Walk through the building, meet the people, ask

Western Academy Charter School Principal Tsiri Miller and Parent Teacher Committee President Madeline Martinez at the RPB Education Advisory Board Meeting.

questions and see how the school feels to you. Parents know their children better than anyone, and they should be looking for a place where they believe their child will be happy, challenged, supported and known.” When asked the school’s formula for success, Miller said, “First, never get too comfortable. We’ve been an A-rated school for 19 consecutive years, but I don’t ever want us thinking, well, we’ve figured it out. Education changes. Kids change. Families change. The world they’re growing up in changes. We have to keep asking what they need from us now, not what worked five or 10 years ago.” Miller also listens to the people around her. “Some of our best ideas have come from teachers, parents and students,” she said. “The people living school every day will tell you what is working and what isn’t, if you’re willing to hear them. And probably most importantly, don’t lose the human part of education. Programs matter. Test scores matter. Technology matters. But kids do better when they know the adults around them genuinely care about them, and parents want to know that their child isn’t just a number.” To learn more about Western Academy Charter School, visit www.westernacademycharter. com. An open house for prospective families will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Morgan provided a Florida legislative update. About 20 education bills passed this year, including one requiring cursive writing instruction. Statewide, Florida spends $30 billion a year on education, with a per student cost of $5,458. Morgan warned the board that, while the Amendment 3 property tax proposal is supposed to exempt schools, local schools would still suffer budget shortfalls

Incumbent Deandre Poole Faces Challenger Ted Sarandis In Port Of Palm Beach Commission Race

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report Incumbent Democrat Dr. Deandre Poole and Republican challenger Ted Sarandis will face off at the polls during the general election for the Group 5 seat on the Port of Palm Beach Commission. Voters will have a chance to choose which candidate will spend the next four years working aside the four other commissioners running one of the county’s top economic engines. As the fourth-busiest container port in Florida and the 18th-busiest in the United States, the Port of Palm Beach is a key economic driver. It is an independent special taxing district with the ability to levy taxes, but it has not done so since 1975. The port is a major exporting hub for goods and supplies to the Caribbean, particularly to the Bahamas, and it additionally functions as a passenger cruise port. The five port commissioners are elected by voters across a wide swath of central Palm Beach County, including nearly all of the western communities. Poole is wrapping up his first term as a port commissioner. He advanced to the general election after defeating challenger Taniel “T.K.” Koushakjian in the August primary. He now faces Sarandis, who previously ran for a port seat in 2024. Deandre Poole — Poole, a Democrat, is currently serving as the vice chair of the port commission. He aims to build on the success of his previous term by continuing to ensure that the port remains financially strong, while further supporting infrastructure growth. He would like to see an expansion in the cruise terminal, as well as the creation of an inland port. Poole holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida Atlantic University and a doctorate from Howard University. He has taught

at FAU for the last 15 years and is also a pastor. Poole has served on a number of civic organizations, including the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for the City of West Palm Beach and as a member of the governing board of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization. According to Poole, the current direction of the port is ideal. In his current term, he cites a clean audit, acquisition of $13 million in state funding and a recently completed $36 million port infrastructure project as important achievements, which set the port up for continued growth. This allowed for increased security and the redesign of the main gates, resulting in expanded truck lanes and reduced waiting times. “That helped us streamline our operation, increase our efficiency [and] increase security, in addition to identifying additional land for growth out west,” Poole explained. Should Poole be re-elected, he hopes to bring in additional cruise ships to boost revenue, requiring the expansion of the cruise terminal and a new parking lot. He foresees that the construction of an inland port, mainly for cold storage, would decrease traffic in the coastal areas, while increasing efficiency and space availability at the port. “I think the port has all the tools and plates. I think with the director and the port commissioners working together, the port is poised to grow and continue to be a good partner in the community,” Poole said. He is also concentrating on continued support for maritime career programing, like the recently re-opened summer internship program. He also plans to work on a financial plan to spread out the cost of new infrastructure over the next 15 years. To learn more about Poole, visit www.pooleforport.com.

ity into the status of their request. ITID issues several types of permits related to district infrastructure and property, including driveway and culvert permits, canal easement gate permits and special permits. Driveways — All driveways within the district require an ITID permit. Following installation, ITID staff inspect the work to ensure that applicable drainage and safety requirements are met. Proper installation and maintenance of driveways and culverts are important because blocked or improperly installed culverts can

highlights regarding each village school. At the August meeting, she mentioned that Crestwood Middle School had appealed its “B” grade. The good news is that a review took place, and Crestwood’s grade has been revised. It is now officially an “A” school. The next Education Advisory Board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, when the focus will be on Royal Palm Beach Elementary School.

NEWS BRIEFS

Garden Club To Feature Presentation About Protecting Florida Nature

The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will feature a presentation by Carol Ralph. Ralph will discuss a presentation prepared by Mona Johnston from the University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The UF/IFAS Extension is a statewide partnership between federal, state and county governments. Its core purpose is to take the scientific knowledge generated at the university and “extend” it directly to the public to improve daily lives. It acts as a bridge between the university’s research and practical solutions for Florida residents and businesses. Ralph will cover the importance of stewardship of natural Florida. She will talk about ways to restore Florida’s natural resources. Her presentation will tell how residents can live in a way that ensures that Florida forests, native plants, beaches, water and wildlife remain healthy and thriving long into the future. Ralph joined the Wellington Garden Club in 2017. Because gardening and protecting Florida’s nature are her passions, she served as president of the club from 2023 to 2025. Since then, she has been an active member, carrying out numerous leadership roles. She co-chaired the recent Wellington Garden Tour. Ralph was the plant

Wellington Garden Club presenter Carol Ralph. sale coordinator for six years and has also served as the membership data manager. The public is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the desk upon arrival. Reserving a spot at the meeting is recommended. For info., contact Membership Chair Anne Hlasnicek at ideasmith@ comcast.net. The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

Wellington Will Host ‘Mystery Behind The Magic’ On Nov. 7

Deandre Poole

Ted Sarandis

Ted Sarandis — Republican Sarandis has centered his campaign around traditional values and his ability to bring a Republican populist view to a commission otherwise dominated by Democrats. He identifies himself as an “outsider” because he is not a career politician and aims to represent the average person. Sarandis graduated from Syracuse University and had a career in radio and talk show television, before moving to Florida in 2008. He had a lengthy 22-year career as a state guard and also served as a senior member of the Civil Air Patrol. He is currently self-employed in property management. Sarandis noted that making the port more transparent has been a large motivating factor in his decision to run. He remarked that most Palm Beach County voters know nothing about the port. “The reason I am running is to shine a bright light on the most mysterious elected body in Palm Beach County. They have the ability to levy a tax on all 18 cities in the district and have never had a full public, open, honest forensic audit by an outside certified public accounting firm,” Sarandis asserted.

Should he be elected, Sarandis plans to cut agency spending, attain an outside forensic audit, ensure the commission guarantees to never levy taxes and implement a 20 percent discount for Palm Beach County residents on cruises. To attract more cruise lines, Sarandis wants to create an outreach and beautification program. He aims to create an eight-year term limit for all commission seats, create a special election protocol should a commission seat remain open for more than 40 days and change the commission voting from at-large to district-based voting. According to Sarandis, he also plans to increase port security by working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “My platform includes a major emphasis on port security and the need to develop a strong relationship with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to stop the flow of illegal [immigrants] sneaking into the port and surrounding waters,” Sarandis said. To learn more about Sarandis, visit www.voteted.net.

Indian Trail Improvement District Launches Online Permitting System

On Oct. 1, the Indian Trail Improvement District launched a new online permitting system, giving residents and applicants the ability to submit permit requests, track their progress and make payments online. The new service is part of ITID’s ongoing effort to modernize district operations, improve transparency, and make routine interactions with the district more convenient and transparent for residents. Through the online system, applicants can complete more of the permitting process electronically while also gaining greater visibil-

regarding peripheral services like crossing guards and school nurses. Solnet briefed the board on federal issues, including the planned closing of the Department of Education. She described federal matters as in flux and described how six different federal agencies will now be handling education, with the Department of Labor picking up the lion’s share of educationrelated program management. Zuloaga-Haines provided

interfere with drainage along an entire street. Gates — The district also issues permits for gates installed along canal easements. While the property underlying these easements is owned by the adjacent property owner, ITID must maintain unobstructed access to the easement so crews can perform canal maintenance activities. Property owners may apply for permits to install gates along these easements while maintaining the access required by the district. Special Permits — Permits are required for certain construction

activities involving the connection to or use of ITID works, property or rights of way. Depending on the project, the permitting process may include application review, technical review, inspections and final project closeout. Moving permitting online is another step in ITID’s broader effort to update systems and processes that residents depend on. Residents can find additional information about permits, including permit applications, policies, procedures, specifications and other requirements, at www.indiantrail.com/ departments/permits.

Tickets are now on sale for Wellington’s re-imagined dinner theater experience featuring magician and mentalist David Frost. Prepare for an evening where nothing is quite what it seems. The Village of Wellington invites guests to step beyond the ordinary at “The Mystery Behind the Magic,” a sophisticated new interactive entertainment experience taking place Saturday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Formerly presented as Wellington’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, this year’s event introduces an entirely new experience, transforming the evening into an immersive celebration of magic, mentalism, illusion, dining and intrigue. At the center of the evening is magician and mentalist David Frost, whose highly interactive performances combine sleight of hand, mind reading, psychological illusion and modern technology. But the performance is only part of the mystery. Guests will begin the evening with an elegant cocktail reception and passed hors d’oeuvres on the outdoor Wellington Promenade, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. From there, they’ll be welcomed into the newly renovated Grande Ballroom for a banquet-style, three-course dinner. Wine and prosecco will be provided by event sponsor Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Throughout the evening, guests

will not simply watch the show — they may become part of it. Frost’s interactive style brings magic and mentalism directly into the audience, blurring the line between what is possible, what is impossible and what may be happening right at your table. Formal attire is suggested to complement the “Roaring ’20s” theme, giving guests the opportunity to dress for an elegant evening out while enjoying an experience unlike anything Wellington has presented before. To make the evening easier for parents to enjoy, childcare will be available for children ages 5 to 12 during the event. While adults enjoy the 21-plus dinner and performance, eligible children can participate in supervised childcare programming provided as part of the evening’s event offerings. Additional childcare registration details and any applicable requirements will be available through Wellington’s CivicRec registration system. Tickets to “The Mystery Behind the Magic” are now on sale for $60 per person. Registration should be completed through Wellington’s CivicRec registration system. Guests will purchase individual seats at one of 22 available tables, allowing attendees to select their table as part of the registration process. Those planning to attend with friends or as a group are encouraged to coordinate registration early to secure seats together at the same table. Seating is limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged.

St. Michael Church Community Rummage And Bake Sale Oct. 17

St. Michael Lutheran Church will host a community Rummage and Bake Sale on Saturday, Oct. 17, offering residents a chance to browse household goods, treasures, baked items and food available for purchase. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church campus, located at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington.

Individuals interested in selling items can reserve a vendor space for $20 by contacting Mara at (561) 351-8318 no later than Friday, Oct. 2. Vendors are asked to bring their own tables, chairs, water and merchandise. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is also free. Learn more about St. Michael Lutheran Church at www.stmichaelelc.com.

Mounts To Hold Plant Sale Oct. 3-4

Mounts Botanical Garden welcomes the community back for its beloved Fall Plant Sale & Family Festival, taking place Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the garden. Held three times a year, Mounts’ plant sales have grown into one of South Florida’s favorite traditions. Admission is free for Mounts

members, $20 for adults, $13 for ages 6-17, and free for kids 5 and under. Mounts members also receive early access at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. To purchase tickets or membership, visit www. mounts.org.

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Conveniently Located at the Corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. PRIVATE SCHOOL

NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS

United States Post Office

#1 Education Place 561-753-6563

Town-Crier Newspaper Wellington The Magazine / Royal Palm The Magazine

561-793-7606

Wellington Collegiate Academy 561-784-1776

MEN & LADIES ALTERATIONS

RESTAURANT

PEDIATRICIAN

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Nutinfits 561-795-3278

Raja Indian Cuisine 561-855-2765

Dr. Rosa Fernandez, M.D. 561-793-3232

Dr. Steven Miller, DDS 561-798-8023

CHILDREN’S PRE-SCHOOL

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR

Children’s House of Wellington 561-790-3748

Dr. Michael Harris 561-204-3242

Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 561-790-6200

Cycle Fit Studio 561-795-3038

MED SPA, REJUVENATION & SEXUAL WELLNESS CENTER

GENERAL INSURANCE

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

SYNAGOGUE

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

VETERINARIAN

AEROSPACE COMPONENT SALES

ENGINEERING SERVICES

Calla Genics 561-252-5398

Chris Barker Insurance 561-242-3603

Children’s Pediatric Dentistry 561-793-7515

Temple B’nai Jacob 561-793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.org

Spillane & Zahul, CPAs 561-790-1488

Animal Medical Clinic 561-798-2900

AeroGear Telemetry 561-223-2590

RJ Behar & Company 561-333-7201

MORTGAGE BROKER

BARBERSHOP

BOOT & SHOE REPAIR

MARTIAL ARTS

TITLE INSURANCE

NAIL SALON

CUSTOM BOOTS & SHOES

COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIR

Sunvest Mortgage Group 561-337-4848

Arturo Fashion Cuts 561-328-7176

Woody’s of Wellington 561-798-1440

Villari’s Studios of Self Defense 561-792-1100

South Shore Title, Inc. 561-798-9092

Glamorous Nail Spa 561-422-8882

La Mundial 561-459-1629

PC Pros of Wellington 561-420-0554

LITIGATORS

TUTORING AND TEST PREP

HAIR SALON

EQUINE INSURANCE

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

REAL ESTATE

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Florida Litigators 561-463-8444

Sapneil Tutoring 305-968-6364

Isabel Beauty Salon 561-633-6586

Marshall & Sterling Insurance 561-318-5604

Andrea Karpel, LCSW, LLC www.therapyofwellington.com

Dunamis Advisors, RIA 561-313-0535

The Fabbri Group Concierge Properties

CAREGIVER SERVICES

GENERAL INSURANCE

MAKE & TAKE ART STUDIO

NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

U.S. POST OFFICE

(GRADES 1 -12)

Wellington Mall Center Court

561-444-7230

www.dunamiscapitaladvisors.com

561-468-7653

PRIVATE SCHOOL

561-281-3603

WWW.WELLINGTONCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.ORG

Leasing Information Call

Chris Santamaria 561-793-4500 True Angel Care Services Inc. 954-326-8551

BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE 561-331-6652

WOOD • PAPER •GLASS 561-557-9583

Nursing School 561-688-5112

Page 8 October 2 - October 15, 2026

The Town-Crier

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The

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 15, 2026 Page 9

Conveniently Located at the Corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. PRIVATE SCHOOL

NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS

United States Post Office

#1 Education Place 561-753-6563

Town-Crier Newspaper Wellington The Magazine / Royal Palm The Magazine

561-793-7606

Wellington Collegiate Academy 561-784-1776

MEN & LADIES ALTERATIONS

RESTAURANT

PEDIATRICIAN

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Nutinfits 561-795-3278

Raja Indian Cuisine 561-855-2765

Dr. Rosa Fernandez, M.D. 561-793-3232

Dr. Steven Miller, DDS 561-798-8023

CHILDREN’S PRE-SCHOOL

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR

Children’s House of Wellington 561-790-3748

Dr. Michael Harris 561-204-3242

Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 561-790-6200

Cycle Fit Studio 561-795-3038

MED SPA, REJUVENATION & SEXUAL WELLNESS CENTER

GENERAL INSURANCE

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

SYNAGOGUE

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

VETERINARIAN

AEROSPACE COMPONENT SALES

ENGINEERING SERVICES

Calla Genics 561-252-5398

Chris Barker Insurance 561-242-3603

Children’s Pediatric Dentistry 561-793-7515

Temple B’nai Jacob 561-793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.org

Spillane & Zahul, CPAs 561-790-1488

Animal Medical Clinic 561-798-2900

AeroGear Telemetry 561-223-2590

RJ Behar & Company 561-333-7201

MORTGAGE BROKER

BARBERSHOP

BOOT & SHOE REPAIR

MARTIAL ARTS

TITLE INSURANCE

NAIL SALON

CUSTOM BOOTS & SHOES

COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIR

Sunvest Mortgage Group 561-337-4848

Arturo Fashion Cuts 561-328-7176

Woody’s of Wellington 561-798-1440

Villari’s Studios of Self Defense 561-792-1100

South Shore Title, Inc. 561-798-9092

Glamorous Nail Spa 561-422-8882

La Mundial 561-459-1629

PC Pros of Wellington 561-420-0554

LITIGATORS

TUTORING AND TEST PREP

HAIR SALON

EQUINE INSURANCE

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

REAL ESTATE

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Florida Litigators 561-463-8444

Sapneil Tutoring 305-968-6364

Isabel Beauty Salon 561-633-6586

Marshall & Sterling Insurance 561-318-5604

Andrea Karpel, LCSW, LLC www.therapyofwellington.com

Dunamis Advisors, RIA 561-313-0535

The Fabbri Group Concierge Properties

CAREGIVER SERVICES

GENERAL INSURANCE

MAKE & TAKE ART STUDIO

NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

U.S. POST OFFICE

(GRADES 1 -12)

Wellington Mall Center Court

561-444-7230

www.dunamiscapitaladvisors.com

561-468-7653

PRIVATE SCHOOL

561-281-3603

WWW.WELLINGTONCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.ORG

Leasing Information Call

Chris Santamaria 561-793-4500 True Angel Care Services Inc. 954-326-8551

BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE 561-331-6652

WOOD • PAPER •GLASS 561-557-9583

Nursing School 561-688-5112

Page 10

October 2 - October 15, 2026

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Page 11

NEWS

THE KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION BREAKS GROUND ON NEW BUILDING IN RPB

The Kids Cancer Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new building on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The nonprofit’s new Kids Cancer Center will be located at 100 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach, directly across from Royal Palm Beach Village Hall. Learn more about the foundation at www.kidscancersf.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Brad Miller, RPB Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, RPB Mayor Jeff Hmara, Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter, RPB Vice Mayor Sylvia Sharps and RPB Councilman Richard Valuntas.

Foundation supporters gather for a group photo.

Mike Meyers, Lennar Homes Purchasing Vice President Mark Welch, Yukon Construction President Robert Barbuto, Yukon Construction Vice President Carlo Barbuto and KCF Advisory Council Member Frank Dowling.

KCF founder and Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle watches as Mark Welch of supporter Lennar Homes addresses the gathering.

Len Johnson, Vice Mayor Sylvia Sharps, KCF founder Michelle O’Boyle, and Carolyn and Mayor Jeff Hmara.

RPB Mayor Jeff Hmara, Brad Miller, Mark Welch, KCF founder Michelle O’Boyle, Frank Dowling and Darren Marotta.

Emma Hoffman, Alexia Ledesma, Juniper Hoffman, Maggie Alvarez and Ezra Hoffman.

Brandon Phillips with Onyx and Ocean, KCF founder Michelle O’Boyle, Nic Roldan and Darren Marotta.

Francesca Cupero, Gemma Smith, Zoey Hidalgo, Jonathan Ortiz, Sophia Nelson and Barrie Hughes.

Frank Dowling, Kayla West, RPB Councilwoman Selena Samios, Jeff McDonald, Michelle O’Boyle and Frank Trischetta.

Robin and Jeff McDonald, Michelle O’Boyle, Frank Trischetta and Pat Paladine.

KCF kids launched gold confetti. They are shown here with Darren Marotta, Brad Miller, Frank Dowling, Mark Welch, Michelle O’Boyle and RPB Mayor Jeff Hmara.

Francesca Cupero, Gemma Smith, Sara Wishengrad, Lois Spatz, Megan Smith, Hayley Smith, Michelle O’Boyle, Barrie Hughes, Emily Downey, Liz Figueroa and Marla Pipkins.

Page 12

October 2 - October 15, 2026

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NEWS

Senate Race

Roth Vs. Silvers

continued from page 1 just trying to deal with policy,” Roth said. “I think I can bring some change to the Florida Legislature… There are some things we need to do a little bit differently.” Agriculture and development are top priorities for Roth. Based on his experience as a farmer, he knows firsthand the challenges that the agriculture industry in the state is facing. Development is one of the key areas he identifies as impacting farmers because it can take away agricultural land, and he wants to do everything to protect the industry. Similarly, Roth stressed that concurrency, the policy requiring necessary public infrastructure and services to be in place as new development is constructed, is needed to deal with growth in the state, particularly in Palm Beach County. However, he is not entirely opposed to development. Roth supports building more affordable housing because the county has become too expensive for many people. To further address the affordability concerns of residents, he believes there needs to be some reforms in the property insurance industry. He supports implementing changes that will penalize insurers for not paying out claims and creating legislation that would encourage more competition in the industry to bring down prices. Before running for the Florida

Council

Village Landing Permit

continued from page 5 housing. The site was annexed into the village in 2024. • The council approved a conditional use permit for four building heights in the Village Landing development, formerly known as K-Park, which are above the village’s 35-foot threshold. The heights range from 37 to 47.5 feet. Developers from Related Ross began construction on the project off State Road 7 earlier this year. The site is expected to open in the fall of 2028 with a mixed-use, walkable commercial and pedestrian plaza.

Senate, Roth was a member of the Florida House of Representatives for eight years. In 2016, he was elected to represent District 85 and subsequently won three re-election campaigns, with the final one in District 94 after the 2022 redistricting. With this previous legislative experience, Roth said that he has developed a reputation as a policy-driven lawmaker who gets things done. He pointed to contributions in revising laws to redirect more government funds to affordable housing and advocating for legislation that would change how food recovery is funded so food banks can negotiate for better prices as examples of his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents. “I’ve worked on legislation that nobody else worked on and got it passed because once I believe in something, I’m not going to give up until I get it passed,” Roth said. Roth wants to bring this same level of commitment to the Florida Senate to make the government

ITID Rain

Streets And Yards

continued from page 1 in The Acreage, said Supervisor Richard Vassalotti, who has lived in the area for 31 years. “I don’t call this a ‘flooding event.’ Most of the issues were minor,” he said. “I think our staff did a great job handling that water.” However, Vassalotti added that with ongoing development at ITID’s perimeter, and larger homes being built within it, the likelihood of serious flooding has increased. Many of ITID’s canals “were built 75 years ago, in the 1950s, when I suspect no one anticipated the kind of development we see out here today,” Vassalotti said. On top of that, he continued, the amount of permeable soil in the area that lets excess water drain into the aquifer has been substantially diminished by aggressive building on many of the district’s 17,000 lots and by nearby developments, such Avenir and Westlake. Hanson said that the ongoing issues between ITID and the nearby Seminole Improvement District (SID) over the M-2 Canal had no impact on the high water in parts of the area. SID staff “communicated and coordinated with us very well,” Hanson said.

KIRK

more transparent and accountable. He asserted that the government spends too much money, and to combat this problem, conservative-oriented policy is needed. With the endorsement of President Donald Trump and the Conservative Political Action Conference, Roth is aiming to continue fighting for responsible fiscal management, property tax relief and agricultural rights. “I can bring a lot of necessary change that is needed for Palm Beach County and is needed in the State of Florida,” he said. “I’m conservative, I’m a businessperson, I’m very logical and I’m very rational.” Learn more about Roth at www. rickroth4senate.com. David Silvers — Silvers describes himself as one of the most effective Democrats in the legislature. After first being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, and serving until 2024, he is hoping to continue the work that he has done over the last decade by becoming a state senator. For

Silvers, serving as an elected lawmaker is about people, not politics, so he is pledging to work tirelessly to pass meaningful, impactful legislation. “My goal is to address human issues across the state, whether or not you’re a Republican, a Democrat or nonpartisan — it doesn’t matter,” Silvers said. “If they’re Florida issues, I want to tackle them, and I want to help.” Silvers pointed to his record to show how effective he has been while serving as a state representative. He noted that he secured $40 million in appropriations and helped pass several bills. His biggest accomplishments so far have been his efforts for mental healthcare reform, he said. Silvers has sponsored multiple pieces of legislation targeted at addressing mental health issues among children. Those include bills requiring mental health facilities receiving minors under the Baker Act to begin a medical evaluation within 12 hours and one that allows

school districts to utilize mobile response units and crisis stabilization services as a first line of assistance to children who need mental healthcare. Outside of mental healthcare reform, Silvers said that affordability is one of the top issues for residents. He believes that property insurance is a large factor in causing these problems. To address this, he said that there needs to be more private insurance companies that could give homeowners more choices. He also would like the Office of Insurance Regulation to do more in investigating complaints to ensure insurance companies are held accountable if they do not pay out claims. Aside from this, Silvers will prioritize workforce housing to increase the availability of homes that are affordable for Floridians. To accomplish all these goals, Silvers will be drawing from his experience as a legislator. During his tenure as a state representative, he made sure to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle

in both chambers to make progress on legislation — a strategy he is committed to continuing. “I’m the most qualified individual for this seat because of my effectiveness, my bipartisan leadership, and I want to do whatever I can to improve the State of Florida moving forward,” Silvers said. If elected, Silvers added that he is ready to hit the ground running. The transition, he believes, will be seamless, and he already has ideas on legislation to continue his policy priorities. He sees a promising future for Florida and wants to be a part of serving the people to get things done that will benefit everyone in the state. “I’m a native Floridian. I was born here, I was raised here, I was educated here and I love my state through and through,” Silvers said. “I truly do believe that the future is bright for the state, and I’m going to do whatever I can in my power to help Floridians.” Learn more about Silvers at www.votedavidsilvers.com.

In March, ITID sued SID to preserve what ITID said are longstanding rights to use the canal, which runs through SID/Westlake and drains much of ITID’s west side. SID has demanded roughly $3 million in outfall-structure work and about $300,000 annually for continued use. ITID contends that it has historic access rights dating to the mid1960s and sought an injunction before hurricane season to prevent interruption of drainage access. Hanson noted that “staff-level discussions” are going on between ITID and SID in an effort to avoid further legal wrangling. Meanwhile, the ITID Board of Supervisors held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16. At that meeting, ITID staff told the supervisors that approximately $6.36 million would be needed to complete the final four segments of the R3 Road Plan — 180th Avenue North, Tangerine Blvd. between 180th and Mandarin, and portions of 73rd and 74th streets. However, only some $3 million remains from the 2022 bond issue, leaving a gap of about $3.31 million. ITID Engineer Jay Foy attributed the overage to inflation in the price of materials and labor, and the fact that cost estimates were created in 2020 — before geotechnical work, survey and final design — plus added scope, such as a

school turn lane and speed tables that were budgeted at $900,000 but actually cost roughly $1.5 million. Foy suggested a scaled-back version of the Tangerine Blvd. and 180th Avenue work near Frontier Elementary School and Osceola Creek Middle School using existing engineering plans. “This is something we could do now to get part of the promised improvements done,” he said. Supervisors postponed the decision to its Oct. 21 meeting and asked staff to come back with detailed plans for how to move forward. In other business: • The supervisors voted 5-0 to deny a side-road access request from the Loxahatchee Muslim Community Center on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road at 62nd Road North despite its meeting county and district legal requirements, according to staff. Supervisor Betty Argue made a motion for denial anyway. She said her opposition had nothing to do with it being a Muslim center, instead framing it as being consistent with the district’s broader position that it can bar commercial and institutional uses from connecting to district-maintained roads. “I don’t care what the county does,” Argue said. “This is not [the county’s road] and they cannot force us.” • The supervisors spent more

than 40 minutes in open conflict over a motion by Supervisor Patrica Farrell to strip Argue of her board secretary title and other duties. Farrell said that Argue has repeatedly engaged in cursing, false accusations on the dais and attempting to micromanage the executive director and his staff. Argue did not return calls and

texts requesting comment. Farrell withdrew her motion after Accomando said she would not support it. • The board voted 5-0 to award a one-year park security contract to Regions Security Service Inc., replacing after-hours Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office patrols at a projected savings of about $260,000.

Recent heavy rains left standing water in yards and on some roads throughout the Acreage/Loxahatchee area.

VOTE VOTE VOTE JACK

CHRISTOPHER

LJONGQUIST

BELL

KARCH

INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT SEAT 1

INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT SEAT 3

INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT SEAT 5

• Operation Efficiency • Improve Community Relationships • Maintenance aligned with Assessments

• Accountability • Improved Project Quality • On-time Project Delivery

• Fiscal Restraint & Responsibility • Improve Road & Drainage Infrastructure • Protect District Roads

INFRASTRUCTURE, MAINTENANCE AND GOVERNANCE   

Stick to the core responsibilities of drainage, roadways and parks ITID’s Mission is to benefit and serve the landowners of the District It’s time for a change!

Enough - LET’S FIX ITID!

Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Kirk Allen Llongquist, Seat 1 Indian Trail Improvement District, Jack Lloyd Bell, Seat 3 Indian Trail Improvement District, and Christopher Charles Karch, Seat 5 Indian Trail Improvement District

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Page 13

NEWS

Wellington Sci-Fi Author Helps Others See Invisible People

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report Would you notice if society’s most overlooked people began disappearing? How about if they returned, but they were somehow transformed? Who are you, if your memories were never actually yours? Wellington-based author Jeremy Luna, writing under the pen name Jeremiah Moon, explores these questions and the conse-

quences of engineering memory, identity and consciousness in his five-book psychological science-fiction thriller series, the Quantum Seed Saga. Luna takes his experiences living many lives, as a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran who lived around the world, a serial entrepreneur and now a teacher, to hold up a critical lens to society through the sci-fi genre. Five years ago, Luna was in a

Wellington-based author Jeremy Luna writes under the pen name Jeremiah Moon.

car crash in a small Oregon town. By a cosmically good stroke of luck, an old Navy buddy he hadn’t seen in years lived in the same town and offered him a place to stay for a few days to recover. Over his stay, Luna realized that his friend was suffering from anxiety and depression from their Navy days — something Luna could relate to. While they had fallen out of touch, both men had separately gone through similar experiences. After spending three days recovering from the crash and encouraging his friend to seek support, Luna got back to his journey on the road: He was heading to Washington state for a real estate venture. Deciding to stop on the way to pick up something for the office, he passed by an unhoused man as he entered a donut shop. “He didn’t say anything to me or ask me for anything, and I walked right past him, bought my donuts and walked back out. When I got back to my car, it hit me that he’d become invisible to me the moment my eyes looked past him. And it hit me really hard, because I saw in myself that I was devaluing people,” Luna said. It dawned on him that he’d gone out of his way to bring donuts and coffee for colleagues he hadn’t even met yet — people he didn’t know any better than the man sitting on the curb. When he went back inside to get donuts and coffee for the man, the seed for his book saga had been planted. Luna’s fascination with society’s invisible people might have been ignited by a car crash and a donut shop, but it’s something that has grown since that day. He is

now prone to noticing the stories of those who reside on the margins of society: the veteran who returned from combat and suffers from mental illness, the individual sitting on a curb experiencing homelessness, the foreigner who doesn’t yet speak the language in a new country. “It came together into this story of how people who are marginalized and on the outside of social norms become invisible to everyone else,” Luna explained. Luna published his first book in the saga, The Invisible People, in 2025, which follows Ava Chen as she begins to notice unhoused individuals in her neighborhood mysteriously vanish. Some return, but not quite as they left: Their memories don’t fit and personalities have been altered. Ava uses her past as an investigative journalist to get to the bottom of this puzzle, with the help of a wary police officer. A sinister organization lurks beneath the surface of society as reality begins to fracture. The second installment, The Entangled, came out in May of this year. Ava and her team are back, along with the insidious organization. Reality is continuing to be muddied with truth and illusion blurring across timelines. “It’s going to really focus on the whole of society — what’s perceived and what’s real. It wants to make people question what reality is and what sacrifice means. It’s a very human story; it really cuts to the heart of what it means to be human and to truly see people,” Luna explained. Since the theme of Luna’s writing is so close to his heart, he has

The Entangled, the second book in the Quantum Seed Saga, was published earlier this year. committed to donating 10 percent humans around them. of his book earnings to communi“You don’t have to be an overties that are often overlooked. His seas prince driving a Lambo, or most recent donation was to the you can be working at McDonLord’s Place, which aims to break ald’s flipping burgers: There’s no the cycle of homelessness in Palm difference in human value between Beach County. those two people,” Luna said. Luna was also featured as a When he’s not creating melocal author at Barnes & Noble thodical outlines for his stories, in Wellington, where he had the you can find Luna spending time opportunity to meet fans in his with his wife and their six-yearcommunity and sign copies of his old daughter, baking, learning to newest book. He expects the next play the violin or working on his installment in his series will be out doctoral dissertation. sometime next summer. Visit www.jeremiahmoon.com He hopes that his books inspire to learn more about Luna and his people to appreciate the fellow book series.

WELLINGTON SENIORS ENJOY HAVANA NIGHTS LUNCH AT COMMUNITY CENTER Wellington seniors gathered for a luncheon with a “Havana Nights” theme on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the Wellington Community Center. The luncheon included a performance by Lore Pereira and Marvin Meza of Sugar Music Latin Band.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Sugar Music’s Lore Pereira and Marvin Meza.

Kyle Ostroff, Ian Williams, Kristen Langford, Ashley Hamzik, Vice Mayor Maria Antuña, Jenifer Brito and Heather Navarro with Rick Febles and Gus Ponce in the back.

Bill and Myra Klacko.

Maria and Roberto Franco.

Carol Okin and Michael Lederman.

John McNally, John Moran and Nicole Tiffeau.

(Seated) Jenny Lopez, Patty McFarland and Alicia Costello, with (standing) Monique Lananna, Margie Cruzado, Hazel Surin and Catherine Brooks.

Lore Pereira with Hazel Surin.

Roberta and Arthur Jacobs.

(Seated) Miriam Olshina and Marco Gomez, with (standing) Fernando and Gloria Rodriguez, and Leonor Gomez.

Julian and Ana Sanchez, Vice Mayor Maria Antuña, and Flora and Mandy Perez.

Spookyville And Fright Nights: Two Very Different Halloween Experiences Take Over South Florida Fairgrounds This Month

This October, the South Florida Fairgrounds offers two ways to celebrate Halloween: family-friendly fun at Spookyville in Yesteryear Village, or haunted thrills at Fright Nights. SPOOKYVILLE: FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Spookyville invites families on Oct. 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31, and brings the season to life at historic Yesteryear Village with trick-or-treating, costume contests, a petting zoo, live entertainment and family photo opportunities. DJ Mark returns every day of the event, and a balloon twister will be on hand daily, giving kids their choice of a free balloon shape. Costume parades take place on Sundays, with food trucks and vendors rounding out the fun. The family-friendly event runs Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays (including Saturday, Oct. 31) from 11 a.m. to

9 p.m. From Oct. 1-16, admission is $9 for adults and $13.50 for children, reflecting a 10 percent discount. Regular admission prices of $10 for adults and $15 for children begin Oct. 17 and will be available online and at the gate once the event opens. A $45 family package for two adults and two children is also available online and at the gate once the event opens. Children under age one get in free. Spookyville tickets and details can be found at www. southfloridafair.com/spookyville. FRIGHT NIGHTS: THE HAUNTING DETAILS When the sun sets, things get considerably scarier at Fright Nights, running Oct. 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29 and 30. The event features haunted attractions, carnival rides, live entertainment and a DJ, with 40 Fright Credits included in every admission for use toward attractions and rides.

Right now, the Fright Nights team is in full production mode, building the experience from the ground up and working long days to meet opening night. Once the gates open, the work continues from day into night as more than 150 members of the “family of freaks” get into full makeup and wardrobe and prepare to scare guests. Because at Fright Nights, the monsters don’t just appear — they take hours of work to create. The midway and outdoor vendors open at 6 p.m., with three haunted houses opening at 7 p.m. Guests can stretch their visit further with special offers, including a Thursday BOGO deal for advance online tickets, an R.I.P. Experience upgrade with front-of-line access, R.I.P. Lounge access and scare-actor photo opportunities ($15 per haunt Thursdays, $20 Fridays and Saturdays), and the Dead Ringers Club, which offers

VIP perks, expedited attraction access, free parking and exclusive merchandise for a limited number of guests each night. Fright Nights vendors are serving up a lineup of spooky bites and sips, including the Scream Snack (crispy tater tots and fried pickles topped with roasted garlic aioli, sriracha and green onions), the Hellfire Chicken Philly, the Bat Breathe Burger and the smoked Walking Dead Leg. Guests can cool off with a Poison Apple Slushie or warm up with a specialty cocktail like the Pumpkin Pie Punch or the Black Cat Margarita. For Fright Nights tickets and details, visit www.myfrightnights. com. Both events take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds at 9067 Southern Blvd. Spookyville is located inside Yesteryear Village and is accessed via Gate 3 from Sansbury’s Way.

Enjoy a dreadfully scary experience at Fright Nights this month at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

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NEWS

WELLINGTON ROTARY CLUB HOSTS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CEREMONY The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual International Day of Peace ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Wellington Rotary Peace Park. The ceremony is aimed at promoting multicultural understanding as a means to achieve world peace. The words on the peace poles — “May Peace Prevail on Earth” — were read in eight languages by local residents. Several students were recognized for their contributions for promoting world peace through posters, poetry and essays. The Wellington Community Award was presented to John Sitomer of the Council of Dads. The ceremony concluded with Wellington Rotary Peace Initiative founder Dr. Wes Boughner releasing doves. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Rotary Club President Nikki Stinson addresses the gathering.

Rotarian Randy Pfeiffer presents the Wellington Community Award to Council of Dads founder John Sitomer.

Dr. Wes Bougher releases peace doves.

Wellington Councilman Stephen Levin speaks from the podium.

Wellington Elementary School’s Bruce Almeida with art teacher Erica Bordonaro and Rotarian Nikki Stinson.

Binks Forest Elementary School’s Santino Rovirosa with teacher Candice Fleming and Rotarian Don Gross.

New Horizons Elementary School’s Belen Rodriguez Yagua is joined by family members and Rotarian Caroline Pena.

Palm Beach Central High School’s Clairsey Buenrostro with Rotarian Tom Carreras and teacher Terry Valenti.

Wellington High School’s Jose Melendez Olivares with Rotarian Tom Carreras and teacher Elizabeth Wilson.

Benoist Farms Elementary School’s Nathaniel Medina with teacher Autumn Schlegel and Rotarian Don Gross.

Carly Cantor sings the national anthem.

Rotarian George Kinoshita leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

Wellington Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri speaks.

Panther Run Elementary School’s Chaitra Jammula with Rotarian Mark Candreva.

Emerald Cove Middle School’s Alexander Van Trikt with Rotarian Maria Fernanda Cruz.

Elbridge Gale Elementary School’s Elaine Amor with Rotarian Nikki Stinson.

Polo Park Middle School’s Isabel Sowers with Maria Fernanda Cruz.

Saddle View Elementary School’s Diego Polupa with Rotarian Dana Ray.

The Student Motivational Award is presented to Cristal Auger of FAU High School by Rotarian Jay Broder.

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NEWS

BINKS FOREST PTA HOSTS 1980S-THEMED ‘PARTY WITH A PURPOSE’ EVENT

The Binks Forest Elementary School PTA hosted its annual Party With A Purpose fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. The event featured a “1980s Prom” theme and included raffles, a silent auction, a game room, casino tables and dancing. Several hundred people turned out in their best 1980 attire for the event, which raised money to purchase educational supplies for the school. Learn more at www.binksforestpta.org. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Binks Forest Principal Michella Jimenez, Party With A Purpose Chair Monica Castillo and PTA President Natalie Macken.

David Jimenez and Binks Forest Elementary School Principal Michella Jimenez.

Binks Forest teachers Toni Calkins, Kelly Giegerich, Niki Giliberti and Tiffany Riaboukha.

Pryscilla Datena and Nicole Chao.

Melissa Lawler, Heather Knapp and Caroline Epstein.

Aleshia and Bryan Tucker.

Lazara and Xavier Sanchez.

Diego and Melissa Soto.

Adam Horner and Cory Britt.

Ryan and Makenzie Fowler.

Danielle and Chris Burnett.

Party with a Purpose Chair Monica Castillo takes a photo.

Olina Silva and Julija Joy.

Binks Forest Elementary School PTA board gathers for a group photo.

Josh and Stacie Tobin.

Attendees gather together for some fun on the dance floor.

Teachers Courtney Finnerty, Brandie Soto and Jennifer Benevides.

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SPORTS & REC, PAGES 17-20 • PEOPLE, PAGE 21 • SCHOOLS, PAGE 22 • BUSINESS, PAGE 23 • COLUMNS, PAGE 24 • CLASSIFIEDS, PAGES 25-26

SPORTS & RECREATION

Middle School Basketball Season Gets Underway With Wellington Tip-Off Classic

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report On Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Thursday, Sept. 24, the boys and girls basketball teams from the three middle schools in Wellington — the Stallions of Polo Park Middle School, the Pirates of Emerald Cove Middle School and the Gators of Wellington Landings Middle School — gathered for a series of exhibition basketball games in order to get themselves

tuned up for the upcoming regular season. The two-day event was called the inaugural Village of Wellington Tip-Off Classic and was held in the gymnasium at Emerald Cove. According to Brian Tilley, the athletic director at Emerald Cove, no official statistics were kept in the scorebook, the games lasted 30 minutes and there was a running clock throughout the games. The

games were simply contested as a final preseason warm-up scrimmage. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the three girls teams played a roundrobin format. In the first game, Emerald Cove defeated Polo Park. In the second game, Wellington Landings defeated Polo Park. And in the third game, Emerald Cove outplayed Wellington Landings. On Thursday, Sept. 24, the three boys teams played their own

round-robin tournament. In the first game, Emerald Cove defeated Polo Park. In the second game, the boys from Wellington Landings defeated Polo Park. And, just like with the girls, Emerald Cove defeated Wellington Landings in the final. The event included visits from several elected officials. Wellington councilmen Stephen Levin and Johnny Meier were on hand for the ceremonial first toss.

PHOTOS BY BABETTE GUZIK/TOWN-CRIER AND COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

The boys basketball team from Polo Park Middle School.

Emerald Cove Athletic Director Brian Tilley introduces Councilman Stephen Levin.

The teams from Emerald Cove and Polo Park battle on the court.

Councilman Johnny Meier helps start one of the games.

School Board Member Marcia Andrews tosses up the ball to start one of the girls basketball games.

The Emerald Cove boys basketball team with coach Christina “Ti” Hayden, Principal Dr. Eugina Smith Feaman and Wellington Councilman Stephen Levin.

The boys basketball team from Wellington Landings.

Councilman Stephen Levin tosses up the jump ball to start one of the games.

Councilman Johnny Meier with Emerald Cove Athletic Director Brian Tilley.

TKA, Palm Beach Central Remain Unbeaten At Season’s Midpoint

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report The varsity football teams from the King’s Academy and Palm Beach Central High School remain undefeated at the season’s halfway mark. Going into the games on Friday, Oct. 2, both squads have identical 5-0 records — and the chances are strong that their winning ways will continue, at least for another week. The King’s Academy — After a bye week on Friday, Sept. 25, TKA returns to action on Friday, Oct. 2, when they host Miami’s SmartEn Sports Academy. While the Lions are currently 5-0, they could eas-

ily be 3-2 or 4-1. Their last two games ended up being one-point victories — a 10-9 win over Miami Beach on Thursday, Sept. 10, and a 25-24 come-from-behind victory at home against the Stallions from American Heritage-Delray on Friday, Sept. 18. In that game against the Stallions, TKA was trailing by 10 points with seven minutes to go in the game. In those last seven minutes, the Lions successfully faked a punt by Chase Croteau, which enabled TKA to later kick a 30-yard field goal that narrowed the deficit to seven points. On its last possession, TKA

scored the game-tying touchdown in the final minute of the game when junior quarterback DJ Beneby threw a touchdown pass to Jack Miller to tie the score at 1717, which sent the game into overtime. After the Stallions scored a touchdown and kicked the extra point in their opening possession of overtime, TKA responded with a touchdown pass from Beneby to Miller. Instead of going for the traditional point-after-touchdown kick to tie the game, again, which would have set up a second overtime, TKA head coach Dan Burack decided to go for the two-point

conversion to either win the game or lose it in one play. “I sensed our players wanted to go for the win,” Burack said. “I read their body language, and they were excited by my decision.” The play worked when Beneby ran off left tackle and was able to cross the goal line to secure the two-point conversion, giving the Lions the 25-24 victory. “DJ ran to the left, got bumped and kept moving his legs all the way into the end zone,” Burack said. “DJ is not easy to tackle. He’s 6-foot-4 and weighs 215 pounds.” After playing SmartEn Sports Academy on Oct. 2, TKA will

host the Cougars from Somerset Academy-Canyons on Friday, Oct. 9. Burack is delighted with the togetherness of his team this season. “Our team has great unity, continuity and is a real brotherhood,” said Burack, now in his fourth year as the school’s football coach. “It’s a fun team. They are all playing for each other. It’s a selfless group of young men.” Palm Beach Central High School — While the Broncos are 5-0, they have won four of their five games by a touchdown or less. While a win is a win, Palm Beach Central head coach Kevin Thomp-

son said his squad needs to realize there’s room for improvement in all areas, especially in scoring points. “On offense, we are moving the ball well down the field and then not converting when we get into the red zone,” Thompson said. “When we get close to the goal line, we are making too many mental mistakes and not scoring touchdowns. We are making too many self-inflicted wounds.” An excellent example was the most recent 13-7 victory on Friday, Sept. 25 in the game at Palm Beach Lakes High School. “We scored a touchdown on See FOOTBALL, page 20

Seminole Ridge Girls Volleyball Team Continues Standout Season

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity volleyball team is continuing its dominant run of success this fall. After 22 games, the Hawks are 20-2 and currently riding a six-game winning streak. Three of the team’s most recent victories took place Sept. 25-26 when Seminole Ridge hosted eight teams for this year’s Palm Beach Classic girls volleyball tournament. The teams played a total of 32 games in the two-day tournament, during which Seminole Ridge captured the championship of the gold division.

According to Seminole Ridge head coach Scott Barnwell, the biggest difference between last year’s team, which had a losing record, and this year’s team, which has a winning record, is the attitude and mindset of his players. “My entire coaching career motto is: ‘Hard work, pays off!’ And these ladies are doing exactly that,” Barnwell said. Senior team captain Abi Chin Lee is playing a leading role in practices and in games. “She is the heart and soul of our team and continues to lead by example,” Barnwell said. Lee is not the only member of the team playing well this season.

Barnwell said that Dominika Hilton, the team’s libero, has been brilliant in every match. “Dominika Hilton has been nothing short of amazing,” he said. “She is the best libero in Palm Beach County.” The team’s scoring success can also be attributed to Gracie LaCroix’s ability to provide wellexecuted sets. “Gracie is one of our setters, and she has been playing amazing,” Barnwell said. Seminole Ridge’s ability to block the opposition’s kill shots has been a huge part of the team’s defense. “Our two middles — Giulia Freitas and Leah Gailey — have

been playing outstanding volleyball,” Barnwell said. He added that Aliyah Giannetto’s strength is her ability to defend. “Aliyah is one of the best defensive specialists you will find,” Barnwell said. Meanwhile, Ava Clearwater’s willingness to do whatever the team needs in order to win has been invaluable. “Ava has changed positions for us, and she has been unbelievable with her blocking and defense, and her offense has been great,” Barnwell noted. Some of Seminole Ridge’s statistical leaders include Lee, who leads the team in kills per See VOLLEYBALL, page 20

The Seminole Ridge girls volleyball team after winning the gold division championship at the Palm Beach Classic.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League To Open New Season By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report As Major League Baseball winds down its season, another diamond-like activity will soon be starting its 2026-27 season in Wellington. The Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League is getting ready for another year of competition. The new season is scheduled to begin Friday, Oct. 30 and will conclude next April. The league has been in existence for more than 20 years. This coming season, all the games will be played on the existing stickball “diamond” at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road, Wel-

lington). Teams in the league will be competing for the Rick MacInnis Memorial Trophy. Some of the prior league championship teams have been Legends (2021), Coco Nutz (2022), Legends (2023), Outkasts (2024) and Coco Nutz (2025). According to spokesman Barry Davis, the league is actively looking for new participants to register and play. The registration fee is $100 per person. The expectation is that there will be six teams in the league, with at least 10 players on each team. The team names this year will be Barry’s Bombers, the Hurricanes, Del Boca Vista, Brooklyn OGs, Silver Stars and

Coco Nutz. Games will be played on Fridays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. “We are currently inviting players — at least 40 years of age, of all skill levels — to come out, enjoy the game, stay active and become part of our league,” Davis said. “Our oldest player is 94-year-old Joe DeVirgilio.” While the score will be kept for each game, the purpose behind the league is not to simply determine the best stickball players. “The league is about more than just stickball,” Davis said. “We promote fun, fitness, friendship, good sportsmanship and an active lifestyle for senior players. Our

league is open to the public, and we welcome anyone who wants to play. We truly believe that everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy the game of stickball.” League sponsors include the Palm Diner, Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ, Cucina Moderna, Kruisland Insurance Agency, Wellington Insurance, Robert James Insurance and USA Sports Medicine. If you are interested in more information about the Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League, contact Davis at barrys.davis@ gmail.com or (516) 449-6813. For more information, visit www.thestickballleague.com.

Royal Palm Beach’s Giuseppe Puebla Represents U.S. At International Golf Event

94-year-old Joe DeVirgilio bats in the Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League. PHOTO BY KELVINS ARELLANO

Holiday HOOPS & ARTS Celebrates 25 Years Of Community Impact

Holiday HOOPS & ARTS will celebrate 25 years of community impact, youth development and leadership with its 25th anniversary gala on Friday, Oct. 16. The evening will bring together program alumni, supporters and leaders for a celebration featuring a cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, entertainment, silent auction, door raffle and special recognition of community leaders and supporters who have helped advance the organization’s mission. Since 2001, Holiday HOOPS & ARTS has served more than 2,000 youth and families through programs focused on sports, arts, health and life skills. Proceeds from this year’s gala will support the organization’s Legacy Fund, which helps provide

scholarships, strengthen long-term sustainability and advance the group’s vision of establishing a permanent home for its programs and the community. As the organization looks toward its next 25 years, the gala will serve as both a celebration of its history and an investment in its future. The gala will take place on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the DoubleTree Palm Beach Gardens (4431 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Tickets are available at www. holidayhoops.org/event-details/ galatickets. To make a donation, visit www. holidayhoops.org/donate. For more information, contact info@ holidayhoops.org.

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach resident Giuseppe Puebla played a big role in the recent Junior Presidents Cup held Sept. 20-21, when Team USA defeated the International Team, 17.5 to 6.5. It was the fifth consecutive win for Team USA in this biennial team golf event, which was held at the historic Medinah Country Club in Illinois. The 11-point margin of victory marked the largest win in Junior Presidents Cup history. At this year’s Junior Presidents Cup, Puebla was undefeated in three matches. Each match was a different format — four-ball, foursomes and singles. They were decided by match play, rather

than medal play. In the four-ball match, Puebla teamed with Jessy Huebner of Port St. Lucie against the International Team of Emilio Velez (Colombia) and Cooper Moore (New Zealand). The match was tied through six holes before Puebla and Huebner took control of the match by winning four of the next six holes to build a threehole lead. They maintained the advantage through the 16th hole, where they closed out the match and won, 3 & 2. In the foursomes (alternate shot) competition, Puebla and Ronin Banerjee of Irvine, California, played Settawut Kenanan (Thailand) and Tuan Anh Nguyen (Vietnam). Puebla and Banerjee prevailed, 5 & 3. In the singles

competition, Puebla played Zhi Li of China. The match lasted all 18 holes. Puebla won the match, one up, but it was not an easy win. “I actually trailed [in singles] from hole five all the way until I won the 15th, 16th and 17th holes to win the match,” Puebla recalled. He felt honored to be selected for Team USA and to have the privilege of playing in the Junior Presidents Cup. “It is always a great experience to play for your country,” Puebla said. “To play with all my best friends for the United States is a memory I will have for a lifetime. I was, of course, nervous on the first tee for every match.” At the Junior Presidents Cup, each squad had 12 players. Both

teams had captains with significant PGA Tour experience. Former Players Championship winner Matt Kuchar, 48, was the captain of Team USA, while veteran PGA Tour professional C.T. Pan, 34, of Taiwan led the International Team. The U.S. team was comprised of players from Florida, Texas, California, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey and North Carolina. The players on the International Team hailed from Argentina, South Korea, China, Thailand, New Zealand, Japan, Guatemala, Singapore, Columbia and Hong Kong. Puebla’s next competitive event will be the AJGA Ping Invitational at Seminole Legacy, set for Oct. 9-12 at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee.

(Left) Giuseppe Puebla golfs at the Junior Presidents Cup event in Illinois. (Right) Puebla holds the Junior Presidents Cup.

PHOTOS BY MINA PUEBLA

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Page 20

October 2 - October 15, 2026

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Football

Undefeated Broncos

continued from page 17 the first play of the game when senior Nazier Watkins returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. After that, we could only manage two more first half field goals,” Thompson said. “The game was scoreless in the second half. Our defense did a great job of keeping the Rams out of the end zone.” According to Thompson, two of his standout performers against Palm Beach Lakes were junior wide receiver Logan Hartwig and junior linebacker Ashton Davis. “Logan is a hard worker and very humble. Against Lakes, Ashton had a great game. He showed up and played hard,” Thompson said.

Palm Beach Central’s next game is Friday, Oct. 2 at home against western communities rival Royal Palm Beach High School. On Friday, Oct. 9, the Broncos host the Chiefs from Santaluces High School. Royal Palm Beach High School — After opening the season with a shocking 16-13 defeat at home against Pahokee High School, the Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcats have rattled off four consecutive victories to improve their record to 4-1. The toughest part of the schedule was winning two games in four days, when the Wildcats defeated Archbishop McCarthy, 16-13, on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Wildcats then came back on Friday, Sept. 25 and dominated South Fork High School, 32-14. The win against Archbishop McCarthy was impressive since the Wildcats scored

10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to claim the three-point victory. The Wildcats are looking to continue their winning ways when they make the short trip to Wellington to play undefeated Palm Beach Central on Friday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, Oct. 9, the Wildcats are back home, hosting the Gators from Palm Beach Gardens High School. Royal Palm Beach High School head football coach Samuel Curry feels that his team’s success this season can largely be attributed to strong, positive mental attitudes by the players. “We have come together as a team,” he said. “On the football field, we play for each other. Our players never give up and fight till the end.” And the results are speaking for themselves. Two of Royal Palm

The Palm Beach Central offense takes the field in the game against Wellington. PHOTO BY BABETTE GUZIK

Volleyball

Seminole Ridge’s Season

continued from page 17 set (6.1), total kills (336), hitting percentage (.334) and serving aces (39). Hilton tops the team with the most digs (343). LaCroix is the team leader in assists (266), while Freitas is the team leader in total blocks (38). For Seminole Ridge, the regular season comes to an end on Thursday, Oct. 8 when the Hawks host West Boca Raton High School. The Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 5A, District 13 tournament begins during the week of Monday, Oct. 12. Seminole Ridge is focused on reaching the Class 5A state final four on Thursday, Nov. 5 (state semifinals) and Saturday,

Nov. 7 (state final), which will be held at the Winter Haven Sports Center. In other high school volleyball news: • The King’s Academy is 15-5 after its first 20 games. TKA, which has won four out of its last five matches, is ranked seventh in Florida among FHSAA Class 3A teams. Senior outside hitter Miranda Knoll is leading the squad in seven different statistical categories: kills (254), kills per set (4.6), hitting percentage (.318), digs per set (2.4), digs (134), serving aces (43) and aces per set (0.8). • The team from Berean Christian School is having the strongest season in school history. After 17 games, Berean has a record of 12-5 and is ranked 17th in the latest Class 1A state rankings. Sophomore libero Sarah Bockisch is leading Berean in five different statistical categories: digs per set (3.2), serving aces (64), aces per

Beach’s biggest playmakers this season are running back Demetrice Rolle and senior linebacker Rodney Hammonds. “Demetrice is our workhorse on offense, and he is averaging 137 yards a game at running back. Against Archbishop McCarthy, he ran for more than 140 yards. He’s had a number of big runs this season,” Curry said. “On defense, Rodney has a great attitude and plays sideline-to-sideline on defense. He also possesses a great attitude.” Wellington High School — Head coach Pete Walker’s Wolverines had a strong start to the season and won their first three games. Then, the Wolverines lost games to both Palm Beach Central and Jupiter High School. Palm Beach Central defeated Wellington, 21-14 on Thursday, Sept. 10, and Jupiter handed Wellington its second loss of the season, 17-3, on Friday, Sept. 25. Wellington’s record is now 3-2. Walker expects his young Wolverines to respond like champions and return to their winning ways when they play at Lake Worth High School on Friday, Oct. 2 and at Dr. Joaquín García High School on Thursday, Oct. 8. “In practice, we are just trying to get better each and every day, one game at a time,” Walker said. “We lost to two good, undefeated football teams. We have a lot of football yet to play.” Seminole Ridge High School — The Hawks’ record of 1-4 is

set (1.3), digs (162) and receptions (321). • At Wellington High School, the Wolverines have an 11-10 record. Senior outside hitter Madison Martinez is leading Wellington in kills per set (2.9) and total kills (149), while junior setter Audrey Keefe is leading in serving aces (34). • At Royal Palm Beach High School, under the leadership of first-year head coach Payton Reis, the girls volleyball team is 8-7 after 15 games. Senior outside hitter Leslie Mentor is leading the team in five statistical categories: kills per set (3.0), serving aces (44), aces per set (0.9), digs (105) and kills (143). • At Palm Beach Central High School, the Broncos are 5-15 after the first 20 games of the regular season. Junior middle blocker Madison Seick is leading the team in two statistical categories: total blocks (17) and aces per set (0.9).

Seminole Ridge’s Dylan Johnson looking for daylight in the game against Martin County. PHOTO BY RICHARD AREYZAGA JR. not a reflection of how they have improved since the first two weeks of the season. After starting 0-2, Seminole Ridge gave up a combined 84 points and only scored 15 points. In the last three games, while the Hawks have only won one, the defense has only given up a total of 14 points, while the offense has scored 44. The team’s lone win was an impressive 41-0 shutout against Tradition Prep on Friday, Sept. 4. Seminole Ridge head coach Eric Poyner, in his first year at the school, is now seeing progress from his players. “Our defense has really improved and gotten better in so many areas,” he said. “Our biggest

focal point of improvement is getting better in our blocking schemes and finding some different ways to get our best playmakers in positions to where they can make plays.” The team’s two most recent losses were by narrow margins — a 7-3 setback at Palm Beach Gardens High School on Thursday, Sept. 10, and a 7-0 home loss to Martin County High School on Friday, Sept. 25. On Thursday, Oct. 1, Seminole Ridge hosted Olympic Heights High School. The final score was not available at press time. On Friday, Oct. 9, the Hawks will travel to Palm Beach Gardens to play the Panthers from William T. Dwyer High School.

(Above) Aliyah Giannetto jumps high at the net for Seminole Ridge. (Left) Gracie LaCroix serves for Seminole Ridge in a game against Spanish River High School. PHOTOS BY RICHARD AREUZAGA JR.

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October 2 - October 15, 2026

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Animal Rehab Institute And Farrier Andre Tufano Host The Renowned Yogi Sharp

In September, the Animal Rehab Institute, in conjunction with South Florida farrier Andre Tufano, hosted the legendary Yogi Sharp for a two-day seminar at the institute in Loxahatchee Groves. Sharp, a British farrier, researcher, educator and equine hoof-care specialist, is best known internationally as “The Equine Documentalist.” Sharp, who has a PhD in farrier science, is dedicated to sharing his scientific insights with owners, farriers and veterinarians to shed light on how the hoof impacts the entire body. His holistic approach has helped make radical improvements in the lives of countless horses around the globe. South Florida-based farrier Andre Tufano of Advanced Equine Hoof Care had been following Sharp’s work and teachings and teamed up with Arlene White, owner and founder of the Animal Rehab Institute, to put together the seminar with Sharp.

“I really like the holistic aspects of Yogi’s approach and the research and attention to detail he puts into his work,” Tufano said. “I wanted to work with him firsthand and help share his knowledge with our community.” The seminar included two halfday classroom sessions and two half-day lab sessions troubleshooting horses and applying Sharp’s techniques to foster learning in a real world setting beyond the classroom. The Animal Rehab institute, located in Loxahatchee Groves, offers certification programs in equine rehabilitation for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapist assistants, farriers and more. They also offer certification in equine sports massage therapy. The facility brings internationally acclaimed instructors in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation with an emphasis on hands-on

ROYAL PALM BEACH THANKS VOLUNTEERS

ROTARY ICE CREAM PARTY AT HOSPITAL

The Wellington Rotary Club hosted an Ice Cream Party at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Rotarians treated the hospital staff to ice cream and all the toppings for all their hard work for the community. The Wellington Rotary wanted to give them this “sweet treat” in appreciation of their service to their neighbors every day.

Yogi Sharp, Andre Tufano and Arlene White of the Animal Rehab Institute. PHOTO BY JRPR teaching. Yogi Sharp was extremely well received, and plans are underway for additional seminars in 2027. For more information

The Village of Royal Palm Beach recently held a luncheon at Outback Steakhouse to honor village volunteers, celebrating them and thanking them for volunteering. (Seated, L-R) Lilly Snell, Maria Gonzalez, Lorane Smith, Ronnie Kaplan, Pamela Williams, Sandy Rubin, Judith Kohler, Carolyn Hmara, Mary Kaminski and Eli Rosenshei; and (standing, L-R) Mark Pawlowski, Nancy Fearon, Argentina Batista, Ann Harrison, Francine Bryant, Shakeera Thomas, Lorna Pearson, Barbara Patterson, Prudel Bell, Dolly Hughes, Vinette Tracey and Helene Bloom.

Event co-chairs Elizabeth Nunez and Jodie Schmitz. to the most vulnerable children and families in the community. Tickets are $250 per person or tables of 10 at $2,500 each. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket or sponsor the event, call Roxanne Jacobs at (561) 376-0488, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org.

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Piano Duo Gastesi-Bezerra, comprised of longtime Wellington residents Estibaliz Gastesi and Márcio Bezerra, will be a feature of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s 16th Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Envisioned and organized by Gastesi and Bezerra in 2009 as a way to commemorate their 10th year living and performing in Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach Atlantic University Hispanic Heritage Festival is a celebration of the Iberian-American cultural heritage through a display of art music from various countries. “We hope to see a lot of Wellington residents at our festival, which has become a staple in the cultural life of the county,” Gastesi said. According to Bezerra, “The program this year will be especially meaningful to us, as we will dedicate it to the memory of our late mentor, Prof. Luiz de Moura Castro. He was a great pianist and a renowned pedagogue. This program was performed by us in Barcelona last March, and

Pianists Estibaliz Gastesi and Márcio Bezerra.

PHOTO BY AMY PASQUANTONIO

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on future Yogi Sharp seminars, contact Tufano at (407) 360-5473 or visit www.animalrehabinstitute. com.

Nunez and Schmitz To Chair Grandma’s Angels Luncheon

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Grandma’s Place will hold its 11th annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon at the Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. The board of directors is thrilled to announce that Elizabeth Nunez and Jodie Schmitz will serve as the co-chairs. Committee members include: Susy Burrowes, Margaret Donnelley, Manda Galin, Jourdan Isasi, Brittney Jones, Susan Moran, Debra Norris, Madison O’Connell, Dina Rubio and Kim Proenza Smith. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch, there will be special speakers and a small live auction. Neil Saffer will serve as the celebrity emcee and auctioneer. The proceeds benefit Royal Palm Beach-based Grandma’s Place, which provides housing, compassionate loving care, educational opportunities and support

Page 21

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October 2 - October 15, 2026

Cardinal Newman To Host Open House On Nov. 1

Cardinal Newman High School will welcome prospective students and their families to an open house on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The beautifully landscaped, 40-plus-acre campus is located at 512 Spencer Drive in West Palm Beach. Registration is required. For more than 65 years, Cardinal Newman has provided students with a premier, college preparatory Catholic education. Guided by its mission to educate the whole person, spirit, mind and body, the school strives to build life’s champions through faith, academics, servant leadership and a strong family atmosphere. Student-led tours will give families a firsthand look at the Cardinal Newman experience. Prospective students and their parents will visit classrooms, explore the campus, and meet teachers, academic department heads, counselors and athletic coaches. Families will be greeted by the Cardinal Newman band and cheer-

leaders, while the Crusader mascot will be available for photos. Light bites and refreshments will also be served. “Open House gives families the opportunity to experience what makes Cardinal Newman such a special place,” Cardinal Newman President Charles Stembler said. “They can explore our campus, meet members of our community, and see how our faith-filled environment helps young people grow academically, spiritually and personally. We look forward to welcoming prospective families to Crusader Nation.” Cardinal Newman offers a rigorous, student-centered curriculum that includes 22 Advanced Placement courses, along with honors, dual enrollment and learning strategies courses. Students benefit from small classes, individualized attention and a supportive family environment. To learn more and register, visit www.cardinalnewman.com.

Wellington El Welcomes Special Patriot Day Guest

On Friday, Sept. 11, the fifthgrade class at Wellington Elementary School had the incredible opportunity to learn about Sept. 11, 2001, from someone who experienced that day firsthand, Major Anthony Makowski. Makowski served 20 years as an NYPD police officer, including during the events of 9/11. After retiring from the NYPD, he continued his career in law enforcement here in Palm Beach County, serving 15 years with the School District of Palm Beach County

Police Department and retiring as a major in 2020. He shared his personal experience of 9/11 and helped students understand not only what happened that day, but also the courage, sacrifice, teamwork and compassion demonstrated by so many first responders and everyday Americans. Students listened respectfully, asked thoughtful questions and gained a deeper understanding of why we remember the people, honor the heroes and never forget.

Principal Dr. Shannon Makowski, her father Major Anthony Makowski and Instructional Superintendent Vivian Green on stage.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Certified Security Systems Donates $1,000 To Western Academy Charter School In RPB

Certified Security Systems, a locally owned security camera and alarm company serving South Florida, has donated $1,000 to Western Academy Charter School in Royal Palm Beach — a school with roots that run through three generations of one of the company’s own founding families. The donation was presented by Operations Manager Wendy Crown, who spent more than 20 years in education, including years teaching at Western Academy and later serving as its assistant principal, before retiring in 2024 to join her husband, Evan, in growing Certified Security Systems. “Western Academy is where I spent decades of my career, where my daughter teaches today and where my grandkids go to school. Supporting this school isn’t a

marketing decision for us — it’s family,” Wendy Crown said. That personal history made the school an easy choice when Certified Security Systems began looking for ways to give back to the Royal Palm Beach community it serves. The $1,000 gift supports the school’s students, teachers and programs, and reflects a company built by people who see their business as part of, not separate from, the community around it. The donation also ties directly into Certified Security Systems’ own mission of education. The company recently launched a Homeowner Security Education Initiative, offering free guides, video tutorials and an interactive CCTV planning tool to help South Florida homeowners and business owners make informed security

decisions — before, during and after installation. “Whether it’s a child’s education or a family’s security, good decisions start with good information,” Crown said. “Supporting Western Academy and educating our customers come from the exact same place for us.” The Western Academy donation is the first in what the company hopes will be an ongoing commitment to local schools and community organizations throughout its Royal Palm Beach service area. Certified Security Systems provides professionally installed security solutions for residential and commercial customers, including security cameras, CCTV systems, alarm systems, access control, monitoring and customized surveillance solutions. Learn more at www.certifiedsecuritysystems.org.

Evan and Wendy Crown of Certified Security Systems in front of Western Academy.

American Heritage Schools Again Leads Florida In National Merit Semifinalists

American Heritage Schools, which celebrates 62 years of fostering academic excellence and shaping future leaders this school year, recently announced that 95 seniors (65 from the Broward campus and 30 from the Palm Beach campus) from the Class of 2027 were named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. Additionally, 64 more seniors were honored with the distinction of National Commended Scholar, further highlighting the deep pool of talent and academic potential at the school. This milestone solidifies American Heritage’s standing as Florida’s premier college-preparatory institution. American Heritage’s Broward campus is once again ranked as the No. 1 school in Florida and the No. 2 private school in the U.S. for the highest number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. The Palm Beach Campus is the No. 1 school in Palm Beach County and the No. 2 school in Florida with the highest number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national academic competition and the most prestigious award a senior can receive. The combined students from both campuses comprise 10 percent of all semifinalists

National Merit Scholars from the Palm Beach campus of American Heritage Schools. throughout Florida’s public and nior class achieve this honor across other schools simply do not have. private high schools. Together, both campuses is an incredible It’s a unique opportunity to underthese high-achieving seniors rep- milestone. We are exceptionally stand engineering outside of the resent more than 25 percent of the proud of these students and excited classroom,” said Norah Smucker, senior class across both campuses to see the impact they will make at a senior at the Palm Beach campus. earning recognition. the nation’s top universities.” American Heritage Schools This marks the 17th consecutive Beyond the prospect of securing also announced that 94 percent of year that American Heritage has millions of dollars in potential the students passed the Advanced had the highest number of National scholarships, these exceptional Placement (AP) exams with a Merit Semifinalists in Florida. students are presented with a score of 3 or higher, compared “Earning National Merit rec- wealth of new opportunities for to 69 percent in Florida and 73 ognition is never an accident. It is their collegiate journeys, instilling percent globally. This accomplishthe direct result of years of consis- a profound sense of confidence in ment solidifies American Heritage tency, discipline and hard work,” their prospects. “American Her- as a leading institution for college said Dr. Doug Laurie, president itage’s pre-professional program preparation nationwide. of American Heritage Schools. gives us access to resources and Learn more at www.ahschool. “Having over 25 percent of our se- real-world engineers that many com/nationalmerit.

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Page 23

BUSINESS NEWS

HCA Palms West Hospital Showcases Advanced Robotic Surgery Program

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital recently welcomed community members for an interactive Robotics Night, offering attendees a firsthand look at the advanced robotic technology being used by surgeons across multiple specialties at the hospital. The event gave attendees an opportunity to see robotic surgical systems up close, interact with the technology and learn directly from physicians about how robotic-assisted surgery is

being used in patient care at the local hospital. The evening concluded with a panel discussion featuring members of the hospital’s robotic surgery team, including Dr. James Goad, Dr. Fred Muhletaler, Dr. Alberto Zarak and Dr. Christopher McCann. “We’re incredibly proud of the robotic surgery program we’ve built and, even more importantly, the exceptional physicians and care teams behind it,” CEO Cory

Mead said. “Our continued investment in advanced technology reflects our commitment to ensuring that patients in our community have access to high-quality surgical care close to home.” HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the SRC and has continued to expand its robotic surgery program, investing in a fleet of robotic surgical systems that supports procedures across multiple

specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, urology and bariatrics. The program is positioned for continued growth, as the hospital moves forward with its ongoing expansion project. Expected to be completed in May 2027, the project will add 42 beds and include dedicated space for robotic surgery patients, further supporting the hospital’s ability to meet the healthcare needs of the growing community.

Community members learn about the robotic surgery program at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.

Petrone Technology Group Earns Award For National Polo Center Petrone Technology Group, a Wellington-based technology integration firm, has earned a CEDIA Global Award for its work at the National Polo Center in Wellington, marking one of the company’s most significant industry honors to date. The award recognizes a technology project completed at one of Wellington’s most prominent landmarks and an internationally recognized destination for highgoal polo. The National Polo Center project began as an audio system

retrofit and ultimately evolved into a significant infrastructure and technology overhaul. Petrone Technology Group designed a new distributed audio system from the ground up, installing underground cabling and infrastructure and extending audio throughout key areas of the property, including the pool, patio and restaurant. The project also included improvements to the property’s network infrastructure and centralized control, creating a reliable system capable of supporting a large venue while keeping the technology

discreet. The permanent system can integrate audio from DJs and special events and distribute it throughout the venue, providing a sophisticated solution designed around the unique demands of the property. The Global Award comes during a standout year for Petrone Technology Group. The company also earned gold and silver honors in the 2026 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards for its luxury residential work in West Palm Beach. Edge of the Green earned gold, while Edge Theory received silver,

recognizing Petrone Technology Group’s approach to integrating sophisticated automation, lighting, entertainment, networking and other technologies into high-end residential environments while complementing the architecture and interior design. “Receiving a CEDIA Global Award for a project in our own hometown is incredibly meaningful,” said Anthony Petrone, founder of Petrone Technology Group. “Additionally, to have our residential work recognized with gold and silver by CE Pro in the

Wellington Bay Introduces New Urban Beekeeping And Wellness Program

Wellington Bay, a luxury senior living community, has announced a new environmental and wellness initiative in partnership with urban beekeeping company Alvéole. The community is now hosting an on-site honeybee colony, bringing nature, interactive programming and environmental sustainability directly to its residents. Through the partnership, Alvéole provides a fully managed, turn-key honeybee program that includes a living beehive, handson seasonal workshops led by certified beekeepers and a digital engagement platform to track local biodiversity metrics. The initiative brings nature into the heart of the community while encouraging resident engagement and environmental stewardship. The introduction of the hive

aligns with growing scientific evidence highlighting the mental health benefits of beekeeping for older adults. A study from Temple University explored therapeutic beekeeping as a novel tool to support emotional wellness, mindfulness and social connection among seniors. “We are so excited to launch this unique venture at Wellington Bay,” Executive Campus Director Jay Mikosch said. “Partnering with Alvéole allows us to bring another nature-based experience to our campus that not only supports local biodiversity, but also enriches the daily lives of our residents. Seeing our community gather, learn and connect around the hive has brought a wonderful new energy to Wellington Bay.” The impact of the new bee colony extends directly to Wel-

lington Bay’s kitchens with Chef Joshua Crane incorporating the fresh, hyper-local honey harvested from the hive into special meal preparations, handcrafted dishes and seasonal menus for residents. In addition, prospective residents touring Wellington Bay will receive custom-labeled, small honey jars as a sweet takeaway from their visit. By blending environmental responsibility, culinary craft and resident wellness, Wellington Bay continues to set a benchmark for innovative senior living. Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management specializing in senior living communities. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and its communities, visit www.libertyseniorliving.com.

Wellington Bay has created a new partnership with urban beekeeping company Alvéole.

same year makes this an especially meaningful moment for our entire team.” Together, the honors put a spotlight on the caliber of technology integration being designed and executed right here in Palm Beach County, from a 161-acre internationally recognized equestrian destination in Wellington to

some of West Palm Beach’s most sophisticated luxury residential environments. The Petrone Technology Group specializes in custom technology integration for luxury residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida. Learn more at www.petronetechnologygroup.com.

Molé Cantina To Unveil New Leadership And Refreshed Menu Oct. 6

Molé Cantina, a favorite Wellington destination for authentic Mexican cuisine and nightlife, recently announced an exciting new chapter in its story. On Tuesday, Oct 6, the restaurant will host “Meet Us at Molé: Same Table, New Familia” — a community celebration to introduce its new ownership team, Sia Hemmati and Chef Daryn Garcia. Hemmati and Garcia are two seasoned industry leaders who bring more than 65 years of combined hospitality experience and a track record of managing $350 million in lifetime revenue. Their extensive backgrounds span high-volume chain operations and Michelin-caliber, James Beard Award-winning fine dining. Hemmati also owns and operates a celebrated Miami dining institution with a 40-year history of serving the local community. “Our focus is on preserving the warm, vibrant atmosphere that the Wellington community loves while elevating our culinary offer-

ings and guest experience,” Garcia said. “We’re looking forward to bringing electric vibes and making Molé Cantina the destination for happy hour, brunch and post-polo events.” To mark the occasion, Molé Cantina invites longtime locals and first-time guests to a special evening featuring a preview of updated menu offerings, drink specials and live music. Preview Molé Cantina’s elevated culinary offerings featuring fresh, handcrafted dishes at this upcoming community celebration. Meet Us at Molé will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the restaurant, located at 2557 S. State Road 7, Suite 150 in Wellington. Admission is free and open to the public. Guests can enjoy a high-energy evening featuring DJ Babalu of Power 96 & 102 JAMZ, alongside two-for-one margaritas all night and complimentary passed bites from the refreshed happy hour menu.

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My Granddaughter Can Be A Challenge, But A Fascinating One

My granddaughter Tess is a challenge. She’s 12 now, so she’s even more of a challenge than she was as a tot. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. “Challenging” people often grow up to be quite successful, rising to heights no one ever expected. But those of us around them — those of us who see how they behave and what they value and what they don’t — well, it often leaves us scratching our heads. Tess has been described by her teachers as “unapologetically Tess.” I think this is the kindest possible way to describe her. She is what she is. It’s the “unapologetically” word that gives me pause. I’ve seen Tess apologize. She’ll say she’s sorry for being late, for accidentally

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER damaging people’s possessions, for taking two pieces of candy instead of one. She looks and sounds sincere when she does this — but is she? Before she was born, I lobbied hard for Tess to be named after me. There just aren’t enough Deborahs in the world, and

it’s such a good name. I can be Deborah, Debbie or Deb, as the mood strikes. I named my daughter Jennifer for the same reason — Jennifer, Jenny, Jen... all good. But when I saw how much Tess resembled her other grandmother, I could see why she just couldn’t have my name. But I watched for other signs of my DNA within her. There weren’t many. She and I are both fairly creative, but that’s about it. She loves fashion. Not me. She makes friends easily. Not me. She keeps up with trends. I’m still saying “6-7.” We are simply not alike. There was hope last week when Tess created something she called a Social Battery for her doorknob. If the little arrow

points to green, you may enter. She’s feeling social. If it points to yellow, you may be able to enter, but knock and announce your presence before proceeding. If it points to red, Tess wants to be alone with her tablet, and you’d better keep walking. I told her to make a dozen of these and give them out as Christmas gifts. But I was surprised when my daughter Jennifer called yesterday to say that Tess had been working on “her percentages.” This was something new. “What percentages?” I asked. “Her personal percentages,” Jen said. (I could have written Jenny, but this was more of a Jen conversation, see?) “Tess feels that she is made up of 20

percent me, 20 percent her father, 5 percent Bowser...” “The dog?” “5 percent Ninja...” “The previous dog?” “15 percent her best friend, 10 percent her brother and 25 percent you.” “She feels she is more like me than anyone else?” “Yes. Consider it a compliment.” So, I’m trying to figure out if I am habitually late, “accidentally” ruin other people’s things and take more than my share of proffered candy. Hmm. If I did any of these things to you, I apologize. Sort of. In the meantime, I will be sitting behind my door with my Social Battery stuck on red.

‘Daniel And The Fiery Furnace’ Is An Interesting Faith-Based Film

The movie Daniel and the Fiery Furnace is another one of the faith-based films that are now becoming more popular. It is a bit simplistic, but very strong in its depiction of faith. I have always been fascinated by that particular book of the Old Testament, the only one that has a significant part of it written in Aramaic, a common language for everyone in the Middle East hundreds of years before Christ, instead of Hebrew. The particular elements of the story told in the movie, one covering only a couple of events in the long life of Daniel, come from the Aramaic version. The movie begins with Nebuchadnezzar’s (Elijah Alexander) conquest of Judea and the start of what is called the Babylon Captivity. Daniel (Mena Massoud) and his three closest friends Meshach (Adam Lahraoui), Shadrach (Sunjay Midda) and Abednego (Zaki Ali) are marched with thousands of other Jews, who as

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler followers of prophet Jeremiah (Roberto Zenca) did not fight back, into slavery in Babylon. However, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that bothers him, one so frightening he loses sleep, although he cannot remember it. Daniel, however, sees the dream in a vision and interprets it. A great statue of a man, one with a head of gold, shoulders and chest of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, and legs of iron, stands tall but is destroyed by a rock “not shaped by the hands of man” and a great mountain erupts, covering the earth. Dan-

iel interprets it to mean that there will be four great empires: Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman that will rise and fall, but then an empire of God will arise and cover the world. Nebuchadnezzar accepts the interpretation and makes Daniel his top advisor. But other advisors are jealous, and when a statue is built, one representing the emperor, they demand that all people bow to it, knowing that Jews will not. Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego refuse and are forced to go into a blazing hot furnace. But they believe God will protect them, and he does. They walk through it unharmed. The story is considered important to Judaism because of a couple of major concepts: God is everywhere, not just in his own territory, and God will protect his people everywhere. That is a major point in the development of Jewish philosophy and one that is carried into Christianity. What fascinates many religious histo-

rians is how vital the story and the time period is to the development of Christianity as well. The ideas of Zoroaster were becoming important. His philosophy (which remains today in the Parsi people of India) focused on both a God of Wisdom and a God of Evil, a strengthening of the role of Satan for some elements of Jews of the time. Also, he focused on a Day of Judgement after death where those who were evil would be punished. Many of these ideas were carried on within different groups of Hebrews of ancient times, particularly the Essenes. The ideas became a key part of the message of Jesus. The story is told from the point of view of a key player in the saga of Jesus. The film focuses on the power of faith, and it succeeds in that. How close is it to the Biblical version? Well, reasonably so. The acting, which tends to be of people who are very serious and more involved in dealing with issues of faith than we are

used to, is certainly fairly good. And the actors have different looks enabling easier recognition. There are a lot of byways, extra discussions with other performers, which do not propel the plot, slowing things down. But Daniel does have good production values. Clearly, the producers and the performers believe in the message they provide, and that gives it more power. They seem to clearly believe in the message of faith, which is one that many of us can admire. This is not a movie for everyone. For people of faith, it seems to work. There were many people in tears leaving the theater. Movies like this seem to feed a need for alternatives to the assorted horror movies that seem to be playing everywhere at this time of the year. If you like movies of this type, I would recommend it. While simpler in notion than many other films of the type, it has its own power.

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE • WESTLAKE

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Professional Services A/C Refrigeration Services September 18, 2026

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. “We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks” 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

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Home Improvement ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

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Roofing ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. R O O F I N G R E PA I R S R E - R O O F I N G A L L TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated. Residential/ Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-6564945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates

Screening J O H N ’ S S C R E E N R E PA I R S E RV I C E — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinklefree,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

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Rotary is looking to add a few good spokes to our Rotary Wheel.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WEEKEND

Begin your weekend by making yourself brighter with what’s happening around the Western Communities.

Join us at one of our weekly meetings

Wellington Rotary

Meets Thursdays - 12:15 p.m. The Wanderer’s Club For additional information call Chris Warren, 561-350-7247

Royal Palm Beach Rotary Meets Tuesdays - 7:30 a.m. Hilary’s For additional information call Andre Blackwood 772-631-1716

Make lasting friendships. Enjoy good fellowship.

JUNIOR PROGRAM DATES September 8 through November 18

Starting Date: September 14 Weekly: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Time: 5:00 to 6:30 pm Fee: $1,000

Registration fees are non-refundable.

NEW STUDENTS (no prior rowing experience) Starting Date: September 8 Weekly: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Time: 5:00 to 6:30 pm Fee: $1,075

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ELEVATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR LUXURY RETIREMENT LIVING.

For residents of Wellington Bay, life is an enchanting blend of elegance and comfort. You’ll enjoy a beautifully designed home in a lush setting, a vast array of recreational, cultural and educational opportunities, and distinctive dining options that cater to your culinary preferences. You’ll also value our no-entry-fee rental model and maintenance-free lifestyle that offer you the flexibility to make this part of your life the best of your life.

Learn more about the exceptional lifestyle of Wellington Bay.

IND E P E ND E N T L I V I N G | AS S I ST ED L IVIN G | MEMO RY CA RE 1 0 4 3 0 S TA B L E L A N E | W E L L I N G T O N , F L 3 3 4 1 4 5 6 1 . 6 7 7. 9 8 9 3 | W E L L I N G T O N B A Y F L . C O M

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