Page 8 - Boca Exposure - December '20

Page 8, Boca Exposure
Mayor’s Update:

A Year-End Tribute To What Makes Boca Raton Great

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

Bright Spots To Look Forward To At This Difficult Time

By Andrea Levine championship golf course, tennis courts and a clubhouse, incorporating the existing and upgraded amphitheater with
O’Rourke, Boca Raton and will become publicly owned October 2021. During the additional multipurpose space for the arts and innovation
City Council Member, next 10 months, we will evaluate the property for potential of the future. I have personally been a champion of this
Deputy Mayor, and CRA and possible improvements. The clubhouse will offer the incredible initiative. Please take a moment to visit their
Chairperson opportunity to serve us well as a much-needed meeting website and take a few minutes to view their video. I hope
We can all breathe a big and gathering space. I would not be surprised if the courts you are as pleased as I am to visualize the cutting-edge
sigh of relief that we safely are converted to the ever-rising sport of pickleball. This potential for Boca Raton.
made it through hurricane opportunity could not have come at a better time for the New mural: When the COVID-19 pandemic is finally
season without any major residents of Boca! The city, along with the Beach and Parks behind us, and we start opening up activities, you can
impacts. However, we are District, have been in a longtime conversation about building look for the new and improved stage doors at the Mizner
still dealing with the effects a new championship golf course at Ocean Breeze in Boca Park Amphitheatre. We recently put out a “call to artist”
of a world-wide coronavirus Teeca. Building the new course came at a cost that the City asking local artists to come up with ideas for adding this
pandemic. It is too soon to let down our guard as the city Council found hard to come to terms with. With this gift, special layer to our outdoor entertainment venue. While
continues to proceed cautiously. we can now look at that Ocean Breeze green space for other we struggle though this difficult time, it is something to
Although COVID-19 has slowed down our social activity, forms of recreation. Keep an eye out as public participation help raise spirits and give local artists an opportunity to
it has not affected the business of the city. Your city council, will be welcomed. work and contribute to the community.
along with staff, is working hard to assist local businesses, Boca Raton Center for Arts and Innovation: A Join the city on committing to a culture of health.
restaurants, safety, recreation demands and other important nonprofit has recently been formed to work with the city Wear your mask where required or requested, keep social
needs. We meet virtually for all meetings. Please join us by in a proposal for the creation of a world-class performing distance and respect the feelings and welfare of others.
going to the MyBoca website/webinar information, which will arts and innovation center. The proposed center would be Let’s make the best of this happy season! Here’s wishing
guide you through the easy process to watch or participate. located at the north end of Mizner Park. The vision includes you a healthy 2021!
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-foot 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 pickup.
There are several hot topics I would like to share.
Owners of Boca Raton Resort and 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 Avenue
just north of Clint Moore. The property includes an 18-hole

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