Page 12 - Boca Exposure - April '23

Page 12, Boca Exposure
Mayor’s Update: State Of The City (Part Two)

Scott Singer is the 35th past year. Our proactive efforts have led to new Class A offices transforming the world by making computing a reality for not
Mayor of Boca Raton and underway in midtown and proposed for downtown to attract just a few businesses, but for everyone.
was re-elected without the next wave of companies that will enhance our economy and We are poised for the next chapter because innovation
opposition for a final term. local philanthropy. And we are working on regional solutions has been and will always be at our core. We remain focused
A south Florida native, to address housing attainability – a challenging byproduct of on continuous improvements, as Boca Raton’s centennial
attorney, mediator, and small our rise in property values that is good news for homeowners. approaches in 2025. And that innovation and improvement will
business owner, Scott and Let’s remember that Boca Raton has always been a place for make our second century even greater than our first. Nothing
his wife Bella live in Broken new ideas. Addison Mizner dreamed of a city to be the world’s less than our best – that’s the promise of Boca Raton. Together,
Sound with their two young most beautiful playground. we will keep seizing this moment – and I thank you for being
children. During World War II, we were home to the Army’s only a big part of it all.
Last issue, I shared Part radar-training school, which helped our nation safeguard Please stay connected on social media at @ScottSingerUSA.
One of highlights from the freedom and defeat tyranny. You can also reach out by email to ssinger@myboca.us with
2023 State of the City Address. This issue continues with In the 1980s, IBM developed its personal computer here, any thoughts or requests. Thank you.
additional key points. As I wrote, we can be pleased that the
Culture and the arts are thriving here. In October, we Council Corner:
state of the City of Boca Raton is stronger than ever.

entered into an agreement with the nonprofit Center for
million performing arts center in Mizner Park with private Springtime in Boca Raton! GO Owls!
the Arts and Innovation as they endeavor to build a $150
contributions – not public funds. The Boca Museum of Art
and rebranded Studio at Mizner Park continue to earn acclaim, By Yvette Drucker, who was Department of Transportation to support the city’s Vision
and high-profile events like the Festival of the Arts, the Boca re-elected to the Council in Zero Action Plan using the Safe System Approach. The city
Raton Bowl and PGA TimberTech Golf Championship her own name. Drucker had will use the award to develop a comprehensive safety action
bring us millions of worldwide viewers and direct economic been serving on the Council plan with the goal of eliminating fatalities and reducing
impact. Last year, the city hosted more than 50 special events, after being appointed to fill serious injuries due to traffic accidents.
enhancing our sense of community and our brand. the vacancy left by Jeremy Things to do in April:
Our financial position remains strong. For the tenth year Rodgers when he was called Celebrate Earth Day/Arbor Day. We will have special
in a row, we had no increase in the property tax rate, and city to military service. programming at the Downtown Library and in the city, which
bonds continue to be Triple-A rated. Boca Raton still has one The City of Boca Raton include Earth Day drop-in story time, Earth month book club,
of the lowest tax rates of any full-service city in Florida, while has been busy! As we move and Gardening with Farmer Jay for both children and adults.
providing lower service costs than other cities which, as you into the next few months, I For more information, visit www.bocalibrary.org.
can see, makes the value even greater for residents. And we will just wanted to share some The Great American Cleanup will take place on April
continue to find new value for residents through efficiencies, highlights of what we have been working on this past 15 at Spanish River Park (8 to 11 a.m.).
new ideas, and processes driven by common sense. month and what is planned for this spring. Spring is a time Food Truck Fridays continue; this month we head to
Last year, Bloomberg News called Boca Raton “suddenly of renewal and a time where we can strategize, discuss Sugar Sand Park on April 7 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
cool.” Last month, the New York Post featured our transition and plan on the future of our city. Boca Bacchanal presented by the Boca Raton Historical
into a younger, more vibrant city attracting top-line brands and I would like to say farewell to our Deputy Mayor and Society & Museum. www.bocahistory.org.
major investment. As a city, we have improved our services; colleague, Andrea O’Rourke. It has been an honor to serve What’s up next? The city council and staff are preparing
made our neighborhoods more livable; enhanced our workforce, with you on the city council – thank you. I would also like for our days of Strategic Planning Sessions. Myself and city
mobility and education; and kept taxes low. What’s next? to welcome our newest council members, Fran Nachlas council colleagues, along with our senior leadership, will
Plenty – because once again we are the next big thing. We will and Marc Wigdor. I am looking forward to working with meet in person and continue to focus on our goals, priorities
lean into how best to leverage Brightline as a new gateway both as we continue to focus on our residents and the and desired future outcomes. We will review our vision
to our city, and to build on the improvements we made in the community. and mission statements and have a collaborative discussion
Congratulations to the Men’s FAU basketball team around our four goals: 1) Financially Sound City, 2) World-
for reaching the Sweet 16 round. Not only are they Class Municipal Services, 3) Strong Partnerships with the
Travel from page 11 #winnninginparadise but #dancinginparadise. GO OWLS Community and 4) Vibrant & Sustainable City, and the
– good luck! priority items within each goal. We will then vote on the
bedrooms to 8,800-square-foot private villas. Because The Boca Raton City Council unanimously voted to priorities under each goal and prioritize them for FY 2023/24.
Long Bay is much less developed, guests tend to feel like approve a resolution last October designating the City of Strategic Planning Sessions will be held on May 10 to 12.
they are in quiet seclusion on their own private island. Boca Raton as a “Vision Zero City.” The resolution directs I am always available for questions or concerns:
An important note about this property is that it has city staff to create a Vision Zero Action Plan to establish a ydrucker@myboca.us and you can follow me on social
two other sister properties on Grace Bay: The Palms and goal of no severe traffic injuries or fatalities. media @yvettedrucker. For more city updates, visit www.
The Sands. A shuttle runs hourly between all three, so feel As a transportation champion, I am happy to announce myboca.us.
free to explore the amenities at all of the resorts if you are that the City of Boca Raton since then has been awarded #thebestisyettocome – Yvette
looking to mix it up in terms of dining options. Dining at a grant of $300,000 in federal funding from the U.S.
the Shore Club includes such options as Japanese fusion
at Sui- Ren, where you can dine on specialty sushi rolls
and grilled fish, or try Almond Tree for a more casual
family-friendly eatery serving modern comfort food and
wood-fired pizza.
Because of its location on the windward side of the
island, warm breezes prevail and kite surfing is quite
popular, so feel free to grab a lesson or two. The Shore
Club offers four pool options on site: The Colonnade, their
chic main pool lined with posh cabanas and retro inspired Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
hanging sun chairs, two beachfront options including an Mon. - Thurs.
adults-only pool … or their family-friendly Sea Grapes at Bar Only all Day
pool with swim-up bar, and a lap pool by the fitness center.
Wheels Up: Everywhere we went on the island, we Mon. - Fri. 3 - 6 pm
were greeted by some of the friendliest staff and island inside Only
residents. The people of the Turks and Caicos islands
really bring a new meaning to the term “Southern Lunch SpeciaLS
Hospitality.” Everyone speaks English and the currency
used around the island is USD, making visiting this island every Day
$
so easy for Americans to travel to! But do bear in mind that starting at 11
they drive on the left side of the road here (it is a British
territory, after all) but in right-sided vehicles, which can
be a bizarre feeling!
While other islands in the Caribbean tend to cater to
tourists looking for giant water parks, nightlife, casinos
and other extravagance, the Turks and Caicos instead
choose to be a bit closer to nature. With pristine white
sand beaches and crystal-clear ocean water, the island is
a true paradise that feels unspoiled by the masses. I highly
recommend you make this your next island destination,
because while the island may feel unspoiled you surely
won’t be.
Wishing You Safe Travels,
Jessica