Page 10 - Boca Club News - October '23

Page 10, Boca Club News

Government

Mayor’s Update:

My Message from an Historic Brightline Trip!

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of With regular service to Orlando, South Florida and
Boca Raton and was re-elected Central Florida, tourists can now connect these markets. We
without opposition for a final term. Boca Raton residents have the opportunity for business and
A South Florida native, attorney, leisure travel. This is the nation’s first-ever privately financed
mediator, and small business owner, high-speed rail, and this premium offering was smooth and
Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken luxurious even at a top speed of 128 mph. Orlando is now
Sound with their two young children. accessible in just over two hours, and we can look forward
I’m writing this update from an to domestic and international travelers bringing tourism and
historic venue: the first-ever high- commerce to our shops, restaurants and cultural facilities.
speed train from Orlando to South Florida! Today, September The Boca Raton City Council, like so many of our
22nd, Brightline launched its long-awaited service to Central residents, recognizes the value of this new gateway to the
Florida. These inaugural trains from and to Boca Raton have state. One of our strategic priorities is a master campus plan
been, like Brightline’s presence in Boca Raton since last for our city hall, community center and Downtown municipal
December, exceeding already-high expectations. complex that will include a transit-oriented district and
When Brightline launched last year in Boca Raton after bring retail and office uses near our land and Brightline. In
years of planning and rapid construction, residents and so doing, we aim to create a vibrant destination to the west
businesses were thrilled at the presence of this game-changer. portion of Downtown Boca. Today’s first rides may be only
We saw the value of being connected to a major transportation the beginning of what promises to be a new era for mobility,
network. In the nine months Brightline has been serving Boca Raton City Council Member Yvette Drucker, Orlando convenience and activity as Boca Raton approaches our
Downtown Boca Raton, ridership is even higher than predicted. Mayor Buddy Dyer, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Boca centennial in 2025.
It’s been gratifying to hear so many residents and executives Raton City Council Member Fran Nachlas As always, I appreciate your thoughts and ideas. Please
talk about how Brightline has brought new options and vitality email your thoughts to ssinger@myboca.us. Your opinions
to our city. It’s only getting better. with parallel losses in retail, culture and safety, Boca Raton matter to me. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook,
In July, the city approved the first two Class A office continues to garner major investment. One of the reasons for Instagram and Twitter at @ScottSingerUSA for more details
buildings to be built in Boca Raton in more than two decades. the new office construction, and demand for our market, is the on future town halls and my regular updates on city news
While other cities are seeing huge downtown office vacancies presence of Brightline. and events.
Council Corner: Getting Involved in Your Community!

By Fran Nachlas, Boca Raton City The City of Boca Raton has ways for you to get involved informed, active and involved, so it is important to attend
Council Member/CRA Vice-Chair and provide a valuable service by serving on one of our meetings of the board or boards in which you are interested
When I was growing up, my Advisory Boards and Committees. The list includes: Airport prior to seeking appointment to make sure it is the right fit.
parents were always volunteering— Authority, Boca Raton Housing Authority, Citizens’ Oversight So whether you’re a (and these are just a few!) current
at our schools, for my Girl Scout Committee, Citizens’ Pedestrian & Bikeway Advisory or retired CEO, CFO, Architect, librarian, pilot, attorney,
Troop, for all of our athletic events, Board, Civil Service Board, Community Advisory Panel, cyclist, engineer, business owner, financial planner, have a
at the hospital, raising funds for Community Appearance Board, Environmental Advisory passion for the environment, history, our beautiful beaches
local charities and causes—all Board, Executive Employees’ Retirement Plan Board, and stretch of ocean, or simply a concerned resident with
while running their own business Financial Advisory Board, General Employees’ Pension time and talent to share, please consider checking out the
and raising a family. They instilled in me the importance of Board, Historic Preservation Board, Library Board, Marine “Current Board Vacancies” we have on the City of Boca
“giving back,” whether by talent, time or treasure. Advisory Board, Parks & Recreation Board, Permitting and Raton’s website. Our volunteers are an essential part of our
And our family was, and is not, unique. There are Construction Review Board, Planning & Zoning Board, city, and I’d like to express my gratitude for your willingness
literally thousands of nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach Police & Firefighters’ Retirement System Board, Special to serve. To quote tennis icon Arthur Ashe, “Start where you
County. While looking at the Greater Boca Raton Chamber Magistrate and, finally, the Sustainability Advisory Board. are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
of Commerce list of nonprofit organizations, I counted over City of Boca Raton, FL Boards & Commissions I hope this information is helpful, and as always please
25 that I have contributed to, or volunteered for, just on their Applications for Appointment can be found at www.myboca. reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I love to hear
list alone. This got me thinking about a question I get asked us under the Government Boards and Committees tabs. from you! You can reach me at fnachlas@myboca.us or (561)
frequently: “How do I get involved and find somewhere to Remember, serving on one of these boards is about being 221-7902.
volunteer?” It’s easy if you start with three simple questions:
*What am I passionate about?
*What’s important to me and my family?
*How much time do I have to give?
Over the years that I was working as a Registered
Nurse, I asked myself these questions often. The desire
to help others has always lived in me, and I found myself
volunteering and supporting many organizations in our area,
sometimes by donations but more often with my time as
I like to be hands-on. Ultimately, this passion to actively Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
give back has led me to be in the position I am in today, as
one of your Boca Raton City Council Members–a position Mon. - Thurs.
I am humbled and honored to hold. at Bar Only all Day
Mon. - Fri. 3 - 6 pm
Editor ............................................................................ Nils A. Shapiro
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