Page 10 - Boca Club News - December '20

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Page 10, Boca Club News
Government

Mayor’s Update:

A Year-End Tribute to What Makes Boca Raton Great

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor have strong reserves to prepare for worst-case scenarios, and his service in this role and pray for his safe return. For the
of Boca Raton. A South Florida those reserves have helped us handle this pandemic without a interim, until the coming March city council election for two
native, attorney, mediator and small tax rate increase. While other cities have had to reduce their seats, Yvette Drucker has been appointed as a City Council
business owner, Scott and his wife, core services, lay off their staff members, and raise taxes of Member. You may recognize her name. Ms. Drucker formerly
Bella, live in Broken Sound with their their residents, we have been able to avoid those problems, chaired the City’s education task force and served on other
two young children. and additional disruptions beyond the cancellations and city boards, and has been active in our City as the former
As the start of an unusual winter closures necessitated by COVID-19. president of the Boca Raton Historical Society, a former PTA
season approaches, we have much to Part of our efforts to adapt have been our virtual offerings. president, and co-chair of the recent Junior League Women
be thankful for in Boca Raton – even We recently completed our Veterans Day virtual ceremonies, Volunteer of the Year event.
during this most trying of recent years. Our residents have which also included musical groups and moving tributes This December will not see our traditional holiday-
generally been considerate of our neighbors in practicing safe from veterans and organizations. We have offered resources season street parade nor boat parade. Instead, the City will
behaviors in COVID-19. Please keep it up, and continue to for veterans and a safe, contactless drive-up where veterans have additional virtual offerings. As of late November,
safely distance, wear your masks, and follow CDC guidelines. could receive thank-you medallions and other items from the the Boca Raton Bowl is scheduled to be televised to a
We continue to be in touch with state and local officials for City. The City maintains a robust list of veterans’ programs nationwide primetime audience on ESPN on Tuesday,
coordinated responses. This month, I convened a working on our City website, at https://www.myboca.us/QuickLinks. December 22nd. Even with fewer fans, our City would still
group of mayors in the county and have been working through aspx?CID=88. Please check it out and, while there, check out shine on TV. Please check local listings for any updates.
my roles as president-elect of the Florida League of Mayors our continually improving guides for residents. As always, As I close with thanks, I am very thankful for all of
and a member of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership thank you for your service. As the son and grandson of World you who are doing your part to help others and keep our
Initiative, a group of 40 mayors across the country, to better War II veterans, I am grateful for all who served in the armed community safe, strong, and ready to recovery. As always,
exchange ideas and lobby for greater support and funding forces to keep our nation free and strong. I remain so grateful for the opportunity as Mayor to serve
for cities. Speaking of veterans, we are also grateful for our active our residents. We have reasons for optimism, and you
We can be thankful that, despite the most active hurricane duty personnel. Council Member Jeremy Rodgers, a U.S. can help others draw on that positivity when needed. We
season on record, none of the first 28 storms hit our way (and Navy Reservist, has taken a military leave of absence while could also use a little more of it now as we look toward a
hopefully none do by December, when you read this). We deployed overseas in the Middle East. We are thankful for brighter 2021.
Council Corner:

Bright Spots to Look Forward to At This Difficult Time

By Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Boca are converted to the ever-rising sport of pickleball. This incredible initiative. Please take a moment to visit their
Raton City Council Member, Deputy opportunity could not have come at a better time for the website and take a few minutes to view their video. I hope you
Mayor, and CRA Chairperson residents of Boca! The City, along with the Beach and Parks are as pleased as I am to visualize the cutting-edge potential
We can all breathe a big sigh of District, have been in a long-time conversation about building for Boca Raton.
relief that we safely made it through a new championship golf course at Ocean Breeze in Boca New Mural: When the COVID pandemic is finally
hurricane season without any major Teeca. Building the new course came at a cost that the City behind us, and we start opening up activities, you can look
impacts. However, we are still dealing Council found hard to come to terms with. With this gift, for the new and improved stage doors at the Mizner Park
with the effects of a world-wide we can now look at that Ocean Breeze green space for other Amphitheatre. We recently put out a “call to artist” asking
coronavirus pandemic. It is too soon forms of recreation. Keep an eye out as public participation local artists to come up with ideas for adding this special
to let down our guard as the City continues to proceed will be welcomed. layer to our outdoor entertainment venue. While we struggle
cautiously. Boca Raton Center for Arts and Innovation: A non- though this difficult time, it is something to help raise spirits
Although COVID has slowed down our social activity, it profit has recently been formed to work with the City in and give local artists an opportunity to work and contribute
has not affected the business of the City. Your City Council, a proposal for the creation of a world-class performing to the community.
along with staff, is working hard to assist local businesses, arts and innovation center. The proposed center would be Join the City on committing to a culture of health:
restaurants, safety, recreation demands and other important located at the north end of Mizner Park. The vision includes Wear your mask where required or requested, keep social
needs. We meet virtually for all meetings. Please join us incorporating the existing and upgraded amphitheater with distance and respect the feelings and welfare of others.
by going to the MyBoca website/webinar information, additional multi-purpose space for the arts and innovation Let’s make the best of this Happy Season! Here’s wishing
which will guide you through the easy process to watch or of the future. I have personally been a champion of this you a healthy 2021!
participate.
It is with regret that I report due to the pandemic all City-
sponsored holiday events will be cancelled this season. We
will sorely miss the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Mizner
Park, which generally draws crowds of thousands, as well as
the Street Parade, and the Boat Parade. However, to lift your
spirits, please take a ride through Downtown Boca to visit
our traditional holiday display. You can take in the 25’ tree
with more than 7,500 lights at Sanborn Square. While there,
make sure to support our local businesses. Check out all of
the restaurants offering safe outdoor dining and curbside
pick-up.
There are several Hot Topics I would like to share.
Owners of Boca Raton Resort & Club Donate Boca
Country Club: As reported in Mayor Singer’s column
last month, the City of Boca Raton received an amazingly
generous gift this past October. MSD Partners and the
Northwood Hotel Group, owners of The Resort, donated
the 130-acre Boca Country Club, located on Congress Ave.
just north of Clint Moore. The property includes an 18-hole
championship golf course, tennis courts and a clubhouse,
and will become publicly owned October 2021. During the
next ten months, we will evaluate the property for potential
and possible improvements. The clubhouse will offer the
opportunity to serve us well as a much-needed meeting
and gathering space. I would not be surprised if the courts

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