WELLINGTON - The village of Wellington will be hosting three events this year for the Fourth of July. They include:

Patriotic Pool Party from noon - 5 p.m. at the Aquatics Complex, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. There will be music, games, giveaways and more. Regular pool entrance fees apply.

A Family Fourth Celebration from 6 - 9 p.m. at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road. There will be traditional games, inflatable rides, face painting, bingo and foods for purchase. Live musical performances by Rumour Hazit. There will also be free shuttle transportation service available from the Mall at Wellington Green Palm Tran bus stop.

Fireworks Extravaganza by Zambelli Fireworks at Village Park at 9:15 p.m.

Over in Royal Palm Beach there will be a kid's fishing tournament, golf tournament, a party at Cruzan Amphitheater, two live concerts and fireworks display.

The day's events begin at 6 a.m. with the 19th annual Royal Palm Beach Red White and Blue Fourth of July Kids Fishing Tournament at Lakeside Challenger Park hosted by the Royal Palm Bassmasters. There is no charge for the event.

"We have more sponsors and more donations this year. Every kid last year walked away with a prize," said Mike Gershberg, president of the Bassmasters. When asked how he was able to get more this year during a recession he laughed "it's all about who you know."

He expects about 300 people will participate. Children of all ages are welcome. There will be two categories, one for Bass and the other for all other fish.

"We're also helping the waterways by removing all of these non-native fish that have taken over," he said. The native fish will be released back in to the water. The non-natives will be disposed of.

At 8 a.m. will be the Firecracker Golf Tournament.

"We do it every year and it should be fun," said Carlos Morales, director of the event. "I'm looking forward to ti. It will be a good family fun event."

There's room for 36 foursomes to participate. Last year it filled up. There will be several prizes awarded as well.

At 4 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach there will be live music starting at 4 p.m. with "On Target" and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hot Brass Monkey's Evolution will perform. There will also be water slides, a bounce house, sports center, gyro and rock wall and food will be available.

The Fireworks celebration will take place at 9 p.m.

Call 561-790-5149 for more information about the golf tournament and fishing tournament.

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Wellington - The Wellington Community Center will close Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July.

The Wellington Aquatic Complex, however, will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday in observance of the Fourth of July.

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WESTERN COMMUNITIES - The Palm Beach County Division of Mosquito Control will be aerial spraying at sundown Friday, July 3, weather permitting.

The county plans to spray 135,000 acres, which includes all populated areas from north of Lantana Road and west of U.S. Highway 441, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, The Acreage and Jupiter Farms.

Aerial spraying is used to control the mosquito population, which has increased during the recent rains. To further help control mosquitoes, the county asks residents to drain or minimize standing water on their properties.

The county advises people who are going outdoors after dark to use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

The Aerial Spray Hotline is 561-642-8775.

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WELLINGTON - Folke Peterson Wildlife Center in Wellington announced today it is closing its doors after five years. The organization has been having financial troubles for several months now and sent out a plea to the community for funds just a couple of months ago.

Folke cares for injured and displaced native Florida wildlife. The center has more than 350 animals under its care right now.

For assistance with injured wildlife in Palm Beach County, the public is asked to call Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at 561-575-3399. In Broward County call the Wildlife Care Center at 954-524-4302.

The center has admitted more than 15,000 animals to its veterinary hospital and rehabilitation facility since opening in 2004.

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Lizbeth Benacquisto was elected to the Wellington Council in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. She recently announced her candidacy for State Senate District 27. District 27 stretches from coast to coast and includes parts of Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte Counties and Lee counties.

Benacquisto has lived in Florida for the past 31 years. She's also a Realtor and a mother of two school-age children.

Senator Dave Aronberg announced he will be vacating the seat in order to run for Attorney General.

What do you do outside of the council?

I am a real estate agent and I do special events consulting.

How and why did you get involved in government?

I was involved in the project to build Tiger Shark Cove and I felt a stronger sense of community through that process about 10 years. As our family became even further rooted in the community I felt a young mother with a young family was needed on the council. I am finishing up my 8 years on the council and it's been an incredibly fulfilling experience.

What are your biggest accomplishments since joining the Village Council?

"There are so many things we've done. Wellington finds itself today in very strong financial position in this economic climate. I am very proud of our work, our reserves are strong, and our taxes are low. We have done a lot of great things over the years. The crime rate is low here in town. I'm involved in the economic development initiative, the rehabilitation of Forest HIll Boulevard and preserving our sense of our community. Our commitment to the environment has been very strong. Our commitment to the Everglades restoration program and the
investment we have made in our public education in Wellington I am very proud of. I believe the Citizens Volunteer Organization will have a lasting legacy.

Why do you want to run for State Senate District 27? What do you want to accomplish in the Senate?

I always have had a strong desire to serve in the legislature. I believe the timing is right. Some of the hardest hit neighborhoods in the state are in this district in terms of loss of jobs and foreclosures. I believe it's time to be a part of that dialogue so I can help shape the future of Florida. I want to help people get back to work. I want to see businesses begin to thrive again and that really motivates me to seek the office.

Besides the budget crisis what are the other big challenges facing Florida?

Well certainly property taxes and insurance remain critical issues for the state.
I want to be a part of the dialog and strengthen those systems. I want to keep Florida affordable to live here.

How will you differ in office than Dave Aronberg?

I can't really contrast myself. The universal feeling in the area is that he's done a great job and I hope when I am elected I will too.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am incredibly grateful for the support we've received so far. When so many well respected and wonderful people lend their name it's very gratifying. We are very energized to win this seat. I look forward to having everyone on the team
and I want to start with a big thank you to all of the folks who have expressed their support so far,

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WESTERN COMMUNITIES - The Palm Beach County Division of Mosquito Control will be aerial spraying at sundown Thursday, June 18, weather permitting.

The county plans to spray 108,000 acres, which includes all populated areas from north of Lantana Road and west of U.S. Highway 441, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, The Acreage and Jupiter Farms.

Aerial spraying is used to control the mosquito population, which has increased during the recent rains. To further help control mosquitoes, the county asks residents to drain or minimize standing water on their properties.

The county advises people who are going outdoors after dark to use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

The Aerial Spray Hotline is 561-642-8775.

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WELLINGTON - Folke Peterson Wildlife Center, 10948 Acme Rd, is hosting "Wild Wednesday" at 7 p.m. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

The topic will be "The Purple Martin - Backyard Birding at its Best" with Susan Halpin, a local purple martin landlord and owner of PurpleMartins-R-Us.com. The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow. Halpin will share techniques to attract purple martins and teach how to help in the conservation of the migratory songbird.

Click here for more information about Folke Peterson or call 561-793-2473.

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WELLINGTON - Capt. Greg Richter of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office will be the Wellington Chamber of Commerce's key note speaker Wednesday at its June 17 luncheon. The topic will be “Crime in Wellington: Reality vs. Rumor."

Richter is the commander of District 8-Wellington.

The luncheon will be held at Kontiki Restaurant, 13860 Wellington Trace Ste 21-22. Cost is $20 for Chamber members (with RSVP); $25 at the door and $30 for Non-Members. Call 561-792-6525 for reservations or more information.

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WELLINGTON - Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will host his monthly community forum from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 in the center court of the original Wellington mall, southeast corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace.

This month's topic will focus on the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s recently released grand jury report.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - The president of PROCER (The Puerto Rican Organization for Cultural Enhancement and Reaffirmation), Israel Pabón, was honored Wednesday with the Blue Dove Award 2009 in West Palm Beach during a ceremony at the Airport HIlton.

The Blue Dove Award is given out each year to a distinguished member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This year's award was presented by Hospice of Palm beach County and sponsored by the Chamber. The Black Chamber of Palm Beach County also co-sponsors the Blue Dove Awards.

PROCER is based in Royal Palm Beach and presents several community programs such as Puerto Rican Cuatro Lessons, Acrylic Painting Classes and Folkloric Dance at the Boys and Girls Club in Wellington and West Palm Beach.

Visit www.procercultural.org for more information.

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