Get Local | West Boca Community Blogtag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/news/local/community/westboca/1732008-12-23T12:18:03ZA community blog from the residents of West Boca Raton.Movable Type 3.36A Little Nosey Can Be a Good Thingtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1521602008-12-23T12:15:40Z2008-12-23T12:18:03ZA seriously ill, elderly woman in West Boca has been recuperating for some time in another state, leaving her home of 14 years here temporarily vacant. The home is in the middle of a lovely block, surrounded by many other...Alan Kellock
A seriously ill, elderly woman in West Boca has been recuperating for some time in another state, leaving her home of 14 years here temporarily vacant. The home is in the middle of a lovely block, surrounded by many other houses.
Her relatives recently came to check on the house. As soon as they walked through the house, they saw that their mother’s house had been broken into during her absence.
But it turned out to be worse than that. The house was a filthy mess. Graffiti was scrawled around the kitchen, including the N-word and references to a satanic cult. When the relatives found personal effects that could not possibly belong to their mother, they realized that this was not just a break-in. Her house was being lived in by one or more intruders.
When police came and went through those personal effects, they found an ID belonging to a young man from Wooster, Massachusetts, along with a Circuit City employee badge. They also found a used plane ticket from Boston to South Florida suggesting that the squatter may have been living in the house for some weeks. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
No one in the neighborhood ever called the police while this home was occupied by one or more squatters.
The number of vacant homes is rising all over South Florida, including West Boca. It’s a sign of the times, caused by people abandoning homes that have more debt than equity, homes that are in foreclosure limbo, and sellers who had to move elsewhere before they were able to find a buyer for their home here.
Police say vacant homes everywhere have become targets for the homeless, for drug dealers and users, and for those seeking places to hang out.
In this deteriorating climate, it would be good if all of us paid a bit more attention to what’s going on in our immediate neighborhood. If you know an owner is away or has moved out and you see activity in their house, call the police.
And when you go away or move out and your home is vacant, let your neighbors know and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
We all need to become more pro-active neighbors in this worsening economy.
Cable TV Forumtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1521592008-12-23T12:06:19Z2008-12-23T12:07:11ZCable TV subscribers all over the country who are not set up for digital TV have been complaining loudly about losing analog channels in recent months. In response, the Cable TV trade association, of which Comcast is a member, has...Alan Kellock
Cable TV subscribers all over the country who are not set up for digital TV have been complaining loudly about losing analog channels in recent months.
In response, the Cable TV trade association, of which Comcast is a member, has just announced that effective December 31, its cable provider members would suspend further migration of analog channels to digital channels until March 1.
Meanwhile, the transition of broadcasters (NBC, CBS etc.) to digital-only broadcasting is set to occur on February 17, 2009. The date for this event was mandated by the federal government many years ago.
There is widespread confusion and anxiety about these major changes. Additionally, many community associations throughout West Boca are struggling with their cable future as bulk service contracts with Comcast are approaching expiration dates.
In response to these developments, the West Boca Community Council will host a public Cable TV Forum. The event will feature expert speakers. There will be ample opportunity for the audience to ask questions or make comments. Comcast has been invited to field questions about their service.
The Forum will be held on January 13 at the Boca Lago Country Club starting at 7:30 pm.
Nasty Infestation in West Bocatag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1521582008-12-23T11:59:17Z2008-12-23T12:01:02ZA small insect called the ficus whitefly a.k.a. the fig whitefly has been spotted recently in West Boca. It is capable of completely defoliating ficus hedges and even killing them altogether. If this infestation is not thwarted, it has the...Alan Kellock
A small insect called the ficus whitefly a.k.a. the fig whitefly has been spotted recently in West Boca. It is capable of completely defoliating ficus hedges and even killing them altogether.
If this infestation is not thwarted, it has the potential reduce the privacy provided by our ficus hedges along roads and between the properties of neighbors.
It can be stopped by the thorough spraying of hedges with insecticides.
The cost of the spraying will likely be in the vicinity of $2.50 per linear foot. It is also possible that the hedges will have to be sprayed more than once, which would double the cost. However, spraying will still be considerably cheaper than having to replace destroyed hedges with new ones. Plus replacement hedges will probably be no higher than three feet at time of planting, so it will likely be a couple of years before they reach hedge heights – and the level of privacy -- currently enjoyed.
The ficus whitefly is thought to have arrived in the Port of Miami from somewhere in Southeast Asia about 18 months ago. It has since migrated to much of Miami-Dade County and parts of Broward. For more information, just Google ficus whitefly.
You can test for it by shaking the foliage on your hedge. If it’s infested, you will see small, white, gnat-like bugs flying out of the foliage. The whiteflies are in the hedges to breed, not to devour leaves. Their offspring, in the larvae stage, are what destroys the foliage.
Winter Camp at Daggerwingtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1497212008-12-11T19:19:17Z2008-12-11T19:23:21ZThe Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is offering Winter Camp for children ages 9-12 at Daggerwing Nature Center on December 29, 30, 31, and January 2 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Participants will discover the wonders of...Alan Kellock
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is offering Winter Camp for children ages 9-12 at Daggerwing Nature Center on December 29, 30, 31, and January 2 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Participants will discover the wonders of winter in South Florida! Campers will visit local attractions to learn about migration, hibernation, and special adaptations animals use to survive the winter weather.
The fee is $80 per child. Registration is open until full and limited to 20 campers. For more information and to get an application, visit Daggerwing Nature Center or visit our website at www.pbcparks.com/nature and click on the Daggerwing link.
Daggerwing Nature Center is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located in South County Regional Park at 11200 Park Access Road, off Cain Boulevard between Glades Road and Yamato Road, in western Boca Raton.
Visit www.pbcparks.com/nature for more!
Upcoming Amphitheater Eventstag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1497202008-12-11T19:10:51Z2008-12-11T19:16:38ZUpcoming Events at Sunset Cove Amphitheater Sunday December 14, 2008 – First United Methodist Church Christmas Sing Along. 6-7 PM. Come and sing Christmas Carols and your favorite holiday songs. Admission is free. Saturday December 20, 2008 MPj04387210000[1] – A...Alan Kellock
Upcoming Events at Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Sunday December 14, 2008 – First United Methodist Church Christmas Sing Along. 6-7 PM. Come and sing Christmas Carols and your favorite holiday songs. Admission is free.
Saturday December 20, 2008 MPj04387210000[1] – A family fun-filled event as we celebrate the “Winter Solstice” 4 PM to 8 PM. Admission is free. Come and play in 24 tons of SNOW, make winter arts and crafts, play reindeer games, pictures with Santa and enjoy the magic of “STEPHAN.” Vendors on site, so no outside food or drinks allowed. No pets. Don’t forget your mittens!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL FROM SUNSET COVE AMPHITHEATER
Saturday, February 7, 2009 – Compassionate Pug Rescue’s (CPR) first Pugs and Pooches WinterBark 2009. South County Regional Park, Sunset Cove Pavilion 9 AM - 4 PM. Spend the day hanging out with your pooch while enjoying the festival. All proceeds will benefit a local animal rescue. Vendors on site. No outside food or beverages allowed. $10 parking fee.
Saturday, February 21, 2009 – Boca Raton Dog Club’s AKC Show. Sunset Cove Amphitheater and Pavilion 7 AM - 5 PM. Come and enjoy the thrill of competition combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs compete in the AKC All Breed Conformation Show. Vendors on site. No outside food or beverages allowed.
Festival seating - bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Vendors on site, no outside food or drinks (or pets) allowed inside the gates.
Visit www.pbcgov.com/parks for new additions to the schedule and sign up for E-lerts. Event Hotline 561-488-8069 ]]>
New Way to Report Crimes by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1466512008-11-28T13:24:10Z2008-11-28T13:24:50ZThe Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has announced an innovative new program that enables citizens to report various types of minor crimes and incidents. Online Citizens Reporting provides a more efficient alternative to the traditional method of reporting, whereby the...Alan Kellock
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has announced an innovative new program that enables citizens to report various types of minor crimes and incidents.
Online Citizens Reporting provides a more efficient alternative to the traditional method of reporting, whereby the victim has to phone in a complaint and then wait for a deputy to come write down the details of what occurred. The new program not only saves the victim’s time – it also enables more deputies to remain on patrol.
The types of incidents that can be reported online are:
Lost property
Vandalism
Traffic crash/hit and run
Theft
Graffiti
Identity theft
Trash dumping
Harassing phone calls
The new program can also be used to update information previously given to PBSO.
A few caveats to keep in mind. Online Citizen Reporting can only be used to report incidents in those areas of Palm Beach County where PBSO provides law enforcement services. It should not be used as a substitute for calling 911 during an emergency or when there are known suspects. You must have a valid email address and be at least 18 years old to file. Lastly, filing a false report online is subject to criminal prosecution.
To access this new service, go to www.pbso.org and click on the “file a police report online” on the home page.
Great Program for Kids at Daggerwing by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1366832008-10-20T18:50:58Z2008-10-20T18:52:55ZThe newly expanded and renovated Daggerwing Nature Center in nearby South County Regional Park has lots of upcoming events for your children. Here’s the lineup from now until Thanksgiving: ANIMAL ENCOUNTER: ALLIGATORS Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 pm Families, $3...Alan Kellock
The newly expanded and renovated Daggerwing Nature Center in nearby South County Regional Park has lots of upcoming events for your children. Here’s the lineup from now until Thanksgiving:
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER: ALLIGATORS
Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 pm
Families, $3 per person
Reservations Required
What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Come found out and get a chance to meet an alligator up close!
CHILDREN’S NATURE SERIES: BATS
Tuesday, October 28 at 2:30 pm
Ages 3-6, $4 per child
Reservations Required
Parents, bring your little ones to experience exciting nature topics! Programs may include activities such as: stories, puppets, games, role play, nature walks, and crafts.
HALLOWEEN “BOO”ARDWALK
Friday, October 31 anytime between 7:00 – 9:00pm
All Ages/Families, FREE
Reservation NOT Required
After trick-or-treating, bring your costumed kids and take a walk on the family-friendly “Boo”ardwalk through a real swamp! Take part in fun Halloween activities and crafts while learning about some spooky creatures of the night! Bring a flashlight to see what creatures you can find in the swamp! Bug spray is recommended.
STORY TIME
Sunday, November 2 at 2:00pm
Children, $2 per child
Reservations NOT Required
Join us as we go on adventures through stories, both fiction and non-fiction, about animals and nature!
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER: CAMOUFLAGE
Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 pm
Families, $3 per person
Reservations Required
Why are colors and patterns on animals important? Come find out and meet some hard to find animals!
NIGHT HIKE
Friday, November 14 at 6:00 pm
Families, $3 per person
Reservations Required
What comes out at night? Join us for a walk through our wetlands and see some special adaptations of nocturnal animals. Bring bug spray and a flashlight.
CHILDREN’S NATURE SERIES: RECYCLING
Tuesday, November 18 at 2:30 pm
Ages 3-4, $4 per child
Reservations Required
Parents, Bring your little ones to experience exciting nature topics! Programs may include activities such as: stories, puppets, games, role play, nature walks, and crafts.
ORIGAMI
Friday, November 21 at 3:00 pm
Children 7+, FREE
Reservations NOT Required
Join volunteers Jerry and Marilyn Lambert as they teach the ancient art of paper-folding.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER: OWLS
Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 pm
Families, $3 per person
Reservations Required
Whoooo’s curious about owls? Come learn about these amazing and important birds and get a chance to meet an owl!
CHILDREN’S NATURE SERIES: RECYCLING
Tuesday, November 25 at 2:30 pm
Ages 5-6, $4 per child
Reservations Required
Parents, Bring your little ones to experience exciting nature topics! Programs may include activities such as: stories, puppets, games, role play, nature walks, and crafts.
Please note that most of these programs are by reservation only, which you can make by calling 629-8760. Most programs also charge a modest fee, payable at the door by cash or check only. All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form for each program you attend.
The Daggerwing Nature Center is located close to the Coconut Cove Waterpark.
Crime Wave by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1364732008-10-20T02:14:17Z2008-10-20T02:15:22ZCaptain Matt Eisenberg, who commands the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in West Boca, told the audience at the West Boca Community Council’s October meeting that residential burglaries in West Boca have shot up 50% since mid-summer. Most such crimes...Alan Kellock
Captain Matt Eisenberg, who commands the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in West Boca, told the audience at the West Boca Community Council’s October meeting that residential burglaries in West Boca have shot up 50% since mid-summer.
Most such crimes were committed during the day, and many involved breaking and entering. The two favorite points of entry were sliding glass doors and rear windows.
In a number of cases, thieves in an unmarked white van stole the aluminum panel type of hurricane shutters.
He also said that car burglaries had jumped 50% last summer, but the rate has fallen considerably since then. The great majority of such burglaries involve unlocked cars, as we have reported numerous times on FRONT PAGE.
The best protection against car burglaries is:
1. Lock your car doors at all times – even in your own driveway.
2. If you have any valuables in your car, keep them out of sight.
Skateboarding in West Boca by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1349642008-10-14T13:58:51Z2008-10-14T13:59:46ZWould you like to see a skateboarding facility in West Boca that provides a safe and supervised environment where young people could go to skateboard? The Board of Directors of the West Boca Community Council recently passed a resolution by...Alan Kellock
Would you like to see a skateboarding facility in West Boca that provides a safe and supervised environment where young people could go to skateboard?
The Board of Directors of the West Boca Community Council recently passed a resolution by unanimous vote to encourage the establishment of just such a facility.
Skateboarding has become an increasingly popular sport among young people all across the country. The growing number of skateboard enthusiasts in West Boca skate in all the wrong places, such as HOA recreational facilities, on residential sidewalks and streets, and in the parking lots of commercial complexes. Currently, they have no place else to engage in this activity, which can be both a nuisance to others and a danger to themselves.
For those who think that a skateboard facility is too problematic because of liability issues, there are plenty of examples to go to school on. There are now thousands of such facilities all across the country – many operated by local governments, some by the private sector.
There are numerous skateboard facilities in our own area – in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, West Boynton, and even within the city limits of Boca Raton. The one in West Boynton is the first such facility opened by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department. It’s located in an area loaded with senior communities and where the teen and pre-teen population is a fraction of West Boca’s.
The West Boca Community Council is encouraging the county to build a skateboard park in cavernous South County Regional Park, or perhaps in the much smaller Loggers Run Park on Palmetto.
Whether the county builds one or the private sector does, the time has come for a skateboard park to be built in West Boca.
Dog Day Afternoon -- Morning Too! by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1344612008-10-11T21:08:37Z2008-10-14T14:00:46ZThe Boca Raton Dog Club is sponsoring NUTTS FOR MUTTS, an all-day festival for dogs on Saturday, November 1 at the new Amphitheater in South County Regional Park. The event will kick off at 10 am with an animal blessing...Alan Kellock
NUTTS FOR MUTTS, an all-day festival for dogs on Saturday, November 1 at the new Amphitheater in South County Regional Park.
The event will kick off at 10 am with an animal blessing from Father Frank and Rabbi Frank, followed by fun contests for adults, young people and their dogs. PBSO’s K9 tracking unit will put on a demonstration, as will the obedience and agility clubs. There will be presentations on CPR and critical care from top professionals as well as from breeding clubs, the American Kennel Club, the American Red Cross and the fire department.
The Boca Raton Dog Club, a non-profit organization, will conduct raffles for the best products, services and gift certificates generously donated by local and national merchants.
There will be lots of great vendors at the event, including purveyors of food and beverages.
NUTTS FOR MUTTS will raise funds to provide every rescue vehicle in Palm Beach County with smoke inhalation equipment for animals.
Anyone interested in volunteering should call the Boca Raton Dog Club at 394-4404.
Vendors wanting to book space at the event should also call 394-4404.
It is recommended that you bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Admission to NUTTS FOR MUTTS is free. A donation of $5 for parking will be collected to help pay for the smoke inhalation masks.
Where: the Amphitheater at South County Regional Park
When: Saturday, November 1
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Directions: west on Glades 2.5 miles from 441, turn right into park and follow signs
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Free Counseling for Teens by Judi Graytag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1335832008-10-08T15:10:19Z2008-10-08T15:11:20ZMany teenagers are dealing with outsized challenges such as drug and alcohol addiction, depression, academic pressures, teen pregnancy and relationship issues. All teenagers travel through periods of isolation as they struggle to cope, but for some the benefit derived from...Alan Kellock
Many teenagers are dealing with outsized challenges such as drug and alcohol addiction, depression, academic pressures, teen pregnancy and relationship issues. All teenagers travel through periods of isolation as they struggle to cope, but for some the benefit derived from counseling can be crucial to a healthy outcome.
Mark Cherny, LCSW supervisor of outreach and community services for the Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of South Florida (RRJFS), offers free e-mail counseling at www.teentalk4u.org as well as counseling via phone at (561) 852-3333 or (800) 393-5397 Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, and Fridays until 4:30 p.m.
The teen talk e-mail counseling is a confidential service that is offered to all teenagers regardless of race, religion, creed, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. Cherny also welcomes calls from concerned parents dealing with teenage issues.
Cherny may be a familiar name for children who have attended his lively, interactive skits at south Palm Beach County middle and high schools. Cherny has reached out to 7,500 students annually during the past 10 years using his unique skit format to address issues of addiction, substance abuse and other significant problems.
The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of South Florida has been offering various programs to benefit the Boca community for over 27 years from their west Boca location at 21300 Ruth & Baron Coleman Boulevard, as well as the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center located at 14620 South Military Trail in Delray Beach. The organization boasts of over 200 volunteers, which include teenagers. Trained teens participate in the Teen Connect program weekly by calling homebound elderly people. Twice a year the teenagers and their elderly counterparts have an opportunity to meet face-to-face for a richly rewarding inter-generational experience during a RRJFS sponsored luncheon.
A Federal Grant titled “Fighting The Pain of Youth Depression” has recently been awarded to RRJFS to work with teenagers in local middle and high schools. Cherny says, “An important aspect of this work will be to train teachers to spot symptoms of depression and identify suffering students”. Teenagers often do not admit to feeling depressed, and it is the adults in their lives who can make all the difference in getting the needed help.
For additional information on services provided by RRJFS visit www.ruthralesjfs.org
Imagine This! by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1291862008-09-20T13:44:46Z2008-09-20T13:46:49ZYou and your kids get away for a much-deserved one week vacation before the new school year starts up. While you are gone, 20 people in their mid-teens invade your house and have a wild, all-night party during the weekend...Alan Kellock
You and your kids get away for a much-deserved one week vacation before the new school year starts up.
While you are gone, 20 people in their mid-teens invade your house and have a wild, all-night party during the weekend while you are gone. They eat your food, drink your alcoholic beverages, and even have sex in your master bedroom. The next morning, they cook a big breakfast for all those who are still partying in your home.
Even though you’ve lived in that house long enough to know all your neighbors, some of whom knew you were out of town, no one calls the police despite considerable noise and steady foot and car traffic all night long.
You come home to a filthy house and an empty fridge. The only thing left to quench your thirst is tap water – every other beverage was consumed by those who came to party while you were gone.
This is not a dream I had last night, or a dramatization for TV. It really happened. Right here in West Boca!
Unfortunately for the revelers, they posted photos of their caper on the Internet, which enabled the police to ID some of them. The host of this home invasion party turned out to be a 16 year-old who lives in the house next door.
This story is being posted as a cautionary tale.
Next time you leave town, make sure you tell your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye on your property. If they see anything even a little suspicious, tell them to CALL THE POLICE!
New Library Coming Soon by Judith Graytag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1283342008-09-17T01:53:59Z2008-09-17T01:55:54ZMany of you have probably noticed the attractive building being erected on the west side of 441 just north of Yamato Road. This eye-catching structure is the new 20,000 square foot South West Palm Beach County Library. According to John...Alan Kellock
Many of you have probably noticed the attractive building being erected on the west side of 441 just north of Yamato Road. This eye-catching structure is the new 20,000 square foot South West Palm Beach County Library.
According to John Callahan, the Director of the Palm Beach County Library System, the new library is slated to open on December 20, 2008. The building will have taken 16 months to complete at an estimated total cost of $11,500,000.
The new library will feature a meeting room with a 100-person capacity that will be available for use by local civic and non-profit groups. A special teen room will offer age- related book collections and computer access. Another separate room will be designated for younger children and will include popular story-time events.
This modern structure offers aesthetically pleasing natural lighting, comfortable seating, handicap accessibility, and parking for 136 cars, including 7 handicapped spaces. For those on a tight schedule, time-saving features abound, such as a drive-up book return and an express checkout station to allow for fast, efficient service.
There will be 30 Internet word processing computers and laptop computers available for meetings and training purposes. Free wireless access will also be available for those wishing to bring their own laptop computer to the facility. Several computer classes will be offered to the public, ranging from beginning e-mail training to hot topics such as MP3.
The old library located on Glades and 95th Street will close for refurbishing for six months, at which time its staff will be reassigned temporarily to the new library on 441. When the refurbishment is completed, its current staff will return to their original Glades and 95th Street location, and a new staff will be hired to operate the new library.
Please visit www.pbclibrary.org for additional information and services provided by your Palm Beach County Library System.
New Kind of Playground Opens by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1283312008-09-17T01:45:07Z2008-09-17T01:57:59ZPerhaps overshadowed by all the hoopla this year surrounding the opening of the Sunset Cove Amphitheater and the Canine Cove dog park in nearby South County Regional Park, there’s another new attraction there worthy of mention. The County also recently...Alan Kellock
Perhaps overshadowed by all the hoopla this year surrounding the opening of the Sunset Cove Amphitheater and the Canine Cove dog park in nearby South County Regional Park, there’s another new attraction there worthy of mention.
The County also recently opened an accessible playground, a unique concept that enables children with disabilities to play alongside those without such disabilities. It is located next to the new amphitheater and dog park.
The new playground was inspired by the highly successful Picower Super Park in Lake Worth, which features one of over 100 Boundless Playgrounds™ that have opened throughout the United States over the last decade.
Many children have disabilities that make it difficult for them to enjoy traditional playgrounds. These children often do not get to experience what most other children take for granted.
The new barrier-free playground has ramps that allow children in wheelchairs to experience elevated areas safely. Balance beams and stepping pods support children with Down Syndrome and help to improve their equilibrium.
Rigorous and challenging activities will allow all children to play at their highest potential. This new playground provides an opportunity for all children – with and without disabilities – to play together side-by-side.
A shaded gazebo with benches is included in the playground, as well as 19 additional benches and a drinking fountain.
To get to the accessible playground, the dog park or the amphitheater for the next six to eight months, go west on Glades 2.5 miles from 441 to the park’s new southern entrance just past the fire station, then follow the signs.
By April of next year, the road that now ends at Coconut Cove Waterpark will be extended to these newest attractions, making it a much shorter trip for those of us who live in northwest West Boca.
WEST BOCA RISING! by Alan Kellocktag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/community/westboca//173.1176852008-08-01T02:42:53Z2008-08-01T12:29:11ZNobody over 30 was born and raised in West Boca. So why did we all move here? The biggest magnet was probably the public schools west of the Turnpike, combined with good house value for the dollar. Over time, more...Alan Kellock
Nobody over 30 was born and raised in West Boca. So why did we all move here?
The biggest magnet was probably the public schools west of the Turnpike, combined with good house value for the dollar. Over time, more schools were added to the mix, and there has been a steady improvement in performance. The latest scores say it all – with one exception, every single elementary, middle and high school in West Boca currently has an A rating!
Another big factor in West Boca’s success is South County Regional Park, which just keeps getting better and better. The dazzling expansion of the Daggerwing Nature Center, the stylish new amphitheater with our own 4th of July fireworks extravaganza, and now the dog park and playground without boundaries are just the latest additions, with much more yet to come in the second largest park in all of Palm Beach County.
The widening of 441 has been accompanied by continued upgrading of the commercial infrastructure, especially north of Glades. The Reserve has proved a big success, attracting first class restaurants, a variety of upscale boutiques, and an outstanding Publix. The new retail complex on Yamato and 441 is getting closer to opening day and will feature a family seafood restaurant and a Gary Woo’s takeout, along with a super CVS, among other things. The facelift of the post-Winn Dixie Boca Greens Plaza has ushered in a much welcomed turnaround with attractions like the Australian Outback, Annie Sez, a nifty Italian ice parlor, and the somewhat pricey but yummy Westside Bagels.
Further south, there is Boca’s only Home Depot and Lowe’s, which serve a market of over 250,000 people, a much-improved Best Buy, the always innovative Bed Bath & Beyond, a cavernous Sports Authority, Target, and an epidemic of big pet stores.
The story of 441 doesn’t stop with retailing. It now offers a first-rate medical complex. And we are just months away from the opening of a wonderful new library. It may not compare with the new one in the city of Boca Raton near 95, but it’s going to be a great improvement over the current facility on Glades and 95th.
In a county with loads of private golf courses, West Boca is also blessed with several public courses, and more are on the way.
So, do you find yourself driving east less often than in years past for shopping, dining and medical care?
Admittedly, Town Center is still a big draw. We don’t yet have anything nearly as gourmet-like as the new Publix Greenmarket or Whole Foods, though I for one sure do appreciate Doris’ Market on Lyons. We don’t have a community center, nor an appropriate place for teenagers to hang out. And even our tireless Commissioner Burt Aaronson, a driving force of so much mentioned in this article, can’t bring the beach to West Boca!
But overall, I’m sure most of us are driving east of the Turnpike less than we used to – and not just because we’re paying $4 and change at the pump!