BOOKSTORE and ZED 451 RESTAURANT COMING TO MIZNER PARK

Expanding the former Museum of Cartoon Art, a 25,000 sq ft 2-level bookstore and Brazilian-style eatery will be opened within the year. The restaurant is described as a contemporary, internationally-inspired upscale steakhouse.

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT IN HONOR OF YOUR FRIEND OR RELATIVE

Luv-A-Pet is one of the organizations that lost county funding this year, and they need help from the public. There is a very touching story in the current Town-Crier Online (http://www.thecrier.co) of a Chichuahua who needs surgery that they are helping. On Saturdays and Sundays, Debbie Shields, a member of the pet rescue organization, brings Gemma to the Royal Palm Beach PetSmart. Take the kids there and give Gemma some loving attention. And, leave a donation in honor of the kids, your Mom, your spouse, your own pooch or kitty. That is in keeping with the “giving” part of the Christmas holiday. Make it a better year for another creature who is in distress.

Feb. 10th Healthy Living Expo in West Boca seeks vendors

The Levis Jewish Community Center and West Boca Medical Center are holding their 11^th annual Healthy Living Expo from 11 am to 3 pm on February 10^th, catering to those age 55 and over. They are looking for participation from physicians, nutritionists, chiropractors, dentists, vision and hearing specialists, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers and related vendors. Location will be the JCC, 9801 Donna Klein Boulevard, off Glades Road at 95^th Avenue South. Register up to 12-31 and pay $250. Afterwards: $350. Contact Lesley Surfer at LesleyS@levis jcc.org or call 561-852-3212.

LATEST BIG TIME REAL ESTATE SALES

The Denver Post reports that billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Moore Bacon has purchased Steve Forbes’ 171,000 acre Trinchera Ranch in Colorado for $175,000,000, pictured above, a new record for housing purchases. AP reports that Forbes ($500 MM net worth)sold the property to 51-year old Bacon ($1.7 BB net worth) because he has a solid conservation record and could be trusted to preserve the ranch. The Aspen Daily News article says the property is the largest privately owned ranch in Colorado and was part of the Sangre de Cristo Spanish land grant made in 1843. Malcolm S. Forbes purchased the property for roughly $20 an acre in 1969 and bought more land contiguous to the property in 1982. A spokesman for Mr. Bacon says he doesn’t have plans for the property “beyond spending part of every year there with his family and friends, enjoying its spectacular vistas, hunting, hiking and the like.” Former highest purchase was made by Ron Baron for his Hamptons’ tear-down. Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan took his $135,000,000 90-acre Hala Ranch off the market after receiving no acceptable bids. There is a helicopter pad at Trinchera, and here is the description from the listing: Colorado's largest ranch. Miles of trout-filled streams and herds of elk, deer and big-horn sheep share the 250 square miles of this private paradise in the Rockies. Acquired by Malcolm Forbes in 1969, it is a place where he would come to savor the tranquil, wide open spaces, to think, reflect and entertain. His children have expanded on this tradition and now make the ranch available for select groups. Headquarters, including the main lodge and state-of-the-art conference facilities are situated in the Trinchera Valley. The lodge itself is a virtual art museum with diverse collections of ships models, toy motorcycles, western paintings and bronzes acquired by Malcolm and his sons. The Forbes Trinchera Ranch offers corporate and business groups beauty, privacy, and luxury. It is a place to think, create, re-charge, and have fun.

AGREEMENT NEAR TO FREEZE MORTGAGE RATES FOR SOME

A new program aimed at homeowners who have steady incomes and relatively clean repayment histories, who can afford the lower introductory mortgage rates they have now, but cannot afford the higher adjusted rates, may freeze their current rates temporarily. While some government regulators are calling for a 5-7 year freeze, investors want 1-2 year freezes. Two million sub prime mortgage holders, offered to borrowers with spotty credit histories, are scheduled to reset to much higher levels by the end of 2008, pushing payments up by $350/month and more. When enacted, this may start to relieve the worst housing slump in many years. Also being discussed is a program to create more affordable loans to homeowners who would like to refinance mortgages with lower payments. Expansion of FHA loan availability and boosting government oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are being discussed as well. One trigger for these moves is fear of a full-blown recession if nothing is done to alleviate the current problems for many homeowners. This news is from the Florida Association of Realtors.

1920's Mizneresque Property for Sale in Lantana

Pecky cypress ceilings… hardwood floors… beams… archways… fireplaces… iron grillework… are typical features found in 1920’s Spanish mansions, including a 1920’s early Mizneresque mission-Mediterranean home, ”Captain’s House,” on a dead end with 75’ of picturesque intracoastal waterway frontage in Lantana. The property is for sale for $2.45-MM. The main house and guest apartment, including five bedrooms, 5 baths and 2 kitchens, can be purchased separately for $1,999-MM and the adjoining properties for $455,000. The 2-story vaulted Great Room features the pecky-cypress ceilings, newly refinished red-oak floors and massive fireplace. The room is flanked on two sides by twin enclosed loggias with arched windows and has French Doors and the original 8” sq tile floors, similar to those manufactured by Addison Mizner, famous society architect. The dining loggia was the original entry; the other loggia, formerly a screened porch, has been closed in and is setup as a music room. “Eyebrow” windows are featured. The main door was milled and shipped in the 1920’s. The kitchen has reconditioned vintage appliances. The fireplace has applied masonry that looks like stone. Original antique sconces and massive metalwork chandeliers, as well as a buggy under the staircase are included. Kitchen cabinets are made of hardwood, but facings are built of cypress beadboard from old storm shutters from a 1926 house across the street. Shower rods are brass, curtain hooks are stainless steel, faucets are high-end reproductions. It includes a separate 1930’s-era duplex with two 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments, and 1-bedroom, 1-bath 1940’s era cottage with Spanish tile floors and leaded-glass windows and runs along Lake Worth Avenue to South Lake Drive. These units include Dade County pine, Spanish tile and a shared fireplace. Enter the main residence through a walled courtyard. A big cement pond was dug up, landscaped and made into a koi pond with a brass Cupid fountain. Careful restoration has been done to a scrolled metal gate and metalwork on the grounds. Marilyn will be happy to show you this beautifully restored 1920’s Spanish property.

FAU PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” BY BOCA BALLET

The 16th annual production of “The Nutcracker” will be held November 23-25 at the FAU Theatre. NYC’s American Ballet Theatre dancers Sara Smith and Jared Matthews will be dancing in the production. Smith began her first serious ballet training at Boca Ballet Theatre at age 11, and later attended the Harid Conservatory for four years on full tuition scholarship, and then receiving a scholarship to train at the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC. She next attended Indiana University with a merit scholarship, majoring in ballet performing and nutrition science, and dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Odette in Swan Lake. In January 2004 Smith joined the American Ballet Theatre as an apprentice. Jared Mathews studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts summer program and with scholarships attended summer intensives at Joffrey Ballet School and School of the American Ballet. In April 2003 he became a member of the corps de ballet of the American Ballet Theatre and was promoted to solist in July 2007. Performances are scheduled at 7 pm Friday November 23, 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, November 24 and 2 pm on Sunday, November 25. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for children and seniors. Call 561-995-0709 or go to www.bocaballet.org. The Boca Ballet Theatre Volunteer Guild is holding a Gingerbread Ball after both matinee performances, including punch and cookies and a change to meet and get autographs from the dancers. Tickets are $6 and must be purchased in advance, with limited availability.

NATIONAL TRUST HISTORIC HOTELS WELCOMES BRAZILIAN COURT IN PALM BEACH

Citing its history and ambiance, the Brazilian Court, a condominium-hotel that is a favorite Palm Beach landmark, has joined the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, under the auspices of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are 200 hotels and resorts in the US that the organization acknowledges for preserving and maintaining historic integrity, architecture and ambience. Built in 1926, and designed by Rosario Candela (who built luxurious Manhattan apartments) the hotel’s south wing was added by Maurice Fatio and William Treanor in 1936. Multi-million dollar improvements were made, starting in 2002 and are now in the final phase. A central see-through lushly landscaped courtyard links the marbled lobby on Australian Avenue with an arched portico on Brazilian Avenue. A barrel-tile roof is accented with cantilevered wrought-iron balconies. The interior “speaks of Provence,” and complements the hotel’s Tuscan-villa roots. Stars who stayed there include Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo, Tommy Lee Jones and designer Bob Mackie and Marjorie Merriweather Post. Featured in the hotel are Café Boulud and the Frederic Fekkai Salon and Spa.

YOUR RENTAL CAR MAY PAY TURNPIKE & BRIDGE TOLLS WITHOUT USING SUNPASS


Customers of Avis, Budget and Hertz will pay daily fees of $2-$2.50 using “Plate-Pass” with charges billed to credit card of renter. “Rent-A-Tollpass” can be used with Dollar and Thrifty for a flat daily fee of $5.95 per rental day or $27.95 weekly with all toll charges included. These agreements are between Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and American Traffic Solutions and Rent A Toll, Ltd. License plate information will identify the vehicles and electronically collect the toll. In it’s current newsletter, SunPass states that open road tolling will soon be available in 4 turnpike plazas – Lantana, Cypress Creek, Bird Road and Homestead Toll Plaza with plans to add this feature to other turnpike plaza areas. This will entail removal of the concrete islands (barriers, gates and columns) and adding new toll equipment structures and equipment so that cards with SunPass transducers can keep traveling at speeds of 55 mph instead of the current designated speed limit of 25 mph. Go to http://www.sunpass.com/ to update your license plate, check account balance, replenish your account, update your contact info and answer survey questions. Did you know that Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise invested $7.5-MM for generators for all service plazas giving full power for 72 hours without refueling, for use during hurricanes, and has external defibrillators available? Construction updates and real-time traffic info is available at http://www.floridasturnpike.com/. Another site for traffic info is http://www.traffic.com/.

FIRST BOCADOG WALK – BRING ALONG YOUR POOCH

Do you and your dog look alike? Is yours very small, very large, or very talented? Come to the Canine Carnival and the First BocaDog Walk on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at Mizner Bark, Banyan Trail in Boca Raton and you and your pooch might win a prize! There will be vendors, contests, prizes, and demonstrations. $25 registration fee for you, and the pooch has free admission. Your pooch will get a goodie bag! Registration is at 8:30 am. Walk begins at 9:30 am. Canine Carnival is from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Owner/Dog Look Alike, Best of Show, Biggest, Smallest and Most Talented. For more info call 561-305-3351 or go to http://www.bocadogmagazine.com/CanineCarnival

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE…

Alas, all the sand-renourished beach areas in the county have been returned to the ocean by abnormal winds and tides, leaving behind long buried groins, rocks, tree stumps and revetments. Stairs, lifeguard stands and building foundations have also been removed. Nearby parking areas and parks have been flooded. Millions of tons of sand are gone, ensuring death to the off-shore environment. The sand smothers fragile coral reefs and all life that inhabits them, limiting food sources for sports and food fish, interfering with “catches” for the fishermen. According to the NEW YORK TIMES (10-2-07) the world’s polar areas are experiencing and ice melt so vast that predictions are that by 2013 a blue Arctic Ocean will exist. Would you say this is an exercise in futility, and that Mother Nature wins?

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SLATED FOR JANUARY 8, 2008 - MIZNER TRAIL TRIAL

Mizner Trail principals applied to build luxury town homes on the Mizner Trail Golf Course, and the County voted 4-3 in January 2006 to move forward to the County Commission, but recommended denial, stating that the golf course was a firm and wholistic part of the community. However, the property is properly zoned for building luxury town homes. Mizner’s owners purchased the property in 1998 with the expectation that it would be used temporarily as a golf course, which was never established in perpetuity, and that the property would ultimately be developed residentially. They also claim that it is no longer economically viable to use the property as a golf course, and has not been used as such for several years. The course was closed October 1, 2005. Litigation between Palm Beach County and owners of Mizner Trail Golf Course will soon begin. County Commissioners approved $350,000 for hiring expert witnesses and consultants a few months ago to defend the county in the $38-MM “inverse condemnation” lawsuit (taking of property by a government agency that so greatly damages the use of a parcel of real property that it is the equivalent of condemnation of the entire property) filed last year by Mizner Trail Golf Course principals. Prices of the 202 town homes proposed would start at $500,000. One-third of the golf course would have been used for the town homes and the rest would have been converted into an executive 18-hole course. Included in the new deed would be a covenant preventing the remaining 2/3 percent of the land from ever being developed. This case would set a precedent for the area, where there now is a lack of land to develop, and also of concern to environmentalists.

NEW INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY – PALADIN IN DOWNTOWN BOCA – GETS “GOAHEAD” FROM CITY COUNCIL

Construction will soon begin on a new luxury high rise independent living facility in downtown Boca Raton at the corner of South Federal Highway and 8th Street, across from the Boca Raton Resort & Club and near Mizner Park and Royal Palm Plaza. Included along with homeownership opportunities and health care options will be in-home healthcare, on-site assisted living, a wellness center, rejuvenating spa, temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool, private Mercedes transportation to local venues, varied dining options, concierge services, lush amenities, memory support and rehabilitative services. 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom and larger loft units are available. “The Paladin” will be operated by Sunrise Senior Living. Marilyn Jacobs (561-988-0070) can give you more information on this project.

BOCA RATON HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE DROPPED BY CITY BUT CORPORATIONS COULD CHIP IN TO SAVE IT

Deep cuts in this year’s budget made to meet state legislative mandates eliminated funding for the Holiday Boat Parade, a traditional and popular local event. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County has partnered with the city to run this annual event since 2003, when the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce dropped the event, but they cannot pay for the parade without the City’s contribution. However, they have said that if the City funds the Boat Parade next year, they will again participate. The City of Boca Raton has also cancelled funding for this year for the downtown concert series, Halloween Happenings and the Police Athletic League, though the PAL got $50,000. Other area boat parades planned include Parade of the Palm Beaches, and events in Boynton-Delray, Pompano Beach and the Winterfest in Ft. Lauderdale. Participation in the boat parade has dropped, but the association would increase the number of participating water craft to 45. Boats decorated for the holidays took part in the parade that traveled south on the ICW from Delray Beach to the Deerfield Beach border. Best entries received prizes in several categories. Boats would pull up along the shore and people donated items for a holiday “Toys for Tots” drive.

NAR: A GOOD DAY FOR HOUSING… September 18, 2007

Along with “the FED” cutting the discount rate by half a percentage point, the House of Representatives passed the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, HR 1852, offering homeowners a safer alternative to risky mortgage products, helping homeowners who may be facing foreclosure, increasing loan limits and eliminating the statutory 3% minimum cash down payment. Mortgage modifications will allow borrowers to change mortgage terms so they can afford to stay in their home. “Partial Claim” programs will cure a loan default with the FHA lending the borrower money with a no-interest loan due when the property is sold or paid off. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), America’s largest trade association, represents 1.3MM+ members involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate and is known as “The Voice for Real Estate.”

KRAVIS UPDATE

November 7: Queen Latifah... December 13: Anita Baker... January 30: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Kravis Members can buy tickets prior to this Saturdays Public Ticket Sale to be held in the center's Rinker Playhouse, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. There will be refreshments available. To become a Kravis Center member, call 561-651-4320. You can choose your seats at www.kravis.org or call 561-832-7469 or 800-572-8471.

BEACH CLEANUP SATURDAY SEPT 15TH

Make it a BEACH DAY... a bit farther north... take the kids and grandkids... Come to Gulfstream Park, 4489 No. Ocean Blvd, Gulfstream, 8-10:30 am and help cleanup, get free t-shirts, drinks and cookies and be awarded community service hours. Pre-reister with Gary Solomon, TheRecipeExchange@Comcast.net, 561-734-9128. www.Sandsifters.org. Gulfstream Park is a small beach park nestled on a hill behind a mass of Sea Grape bushes and shaded by Australian Pines. There are open picnic benches, a few BBQ grills, a children’s play area, showers and restrooms as well as areas to sit overlooking the ocean. The beach is wide and clean and there is usually a lifeguard on duty. Walk the vegetation-covered boardwalk to the beach. There are 86-parking spaces (free). Activities include fishing, swimming and sunbathing – a great place to take the kids to!

MARCH OF DIMES PRESENTS SIGNATURE CHEFS & WINE EXTRAVAGANZA

Don’t miss this fabulous night of gourmet food presented by 20+ local restaurant chefs (Chef Chair is Zack Bell of Café Boulud in Palm Beach), fine wine spirits, exciting entertainment and live and silent auction prizes at the Marriott Boca Raton, 5150 Town Center Circle on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Advance Purchased Tickets are $100; $125 on event day. Purchase tickets at marchofdimes.com/florida or call 561-276-2001. Valet parking provided. Located one mile north of Palmetto Park Road on Military Trail in Boca Raton.

Known world-wide for its charming historic districts and 100+ years of history, a map of walking tour sites is now available form the City of Delray Beach Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall, 100 NW 1^st Avenue, or call 561-243-7284… The Sundy House, listed on the local and national Register of Historic Places, at 106 S. Swinton Avenue, is a popular restaurant and inn with a botanical gardens to roam through and enjoy, former home of John Shaw Sundy, the first Mayor of Delray, when the town was incorporated in 1911… The most expansive historic site in downtown Delray Beach is the Old School Square which includes the Crest Theater, and Cornell Museum of Art and History. Points of interest there include the recently added arcade and band shell… Also included are the fully restored S.D. Spady Cultural Museum at 170 NW 5^th Avenue, former home of locally prominent African American educator, businessman and civic leader Solomon D. Spady – open to the public… Listed on the Local Register of Historic Places, as is the Spady Museum, is the Susan Williams House at 154 NW 5^th Avenue. Susan Williams was a local midwife, often the only one available to provide medical treatment to residents of the “Sands” neighborhood, now known as the West Settler’s Historic District, moved in 2000 to it’s current location with renovation coming for use as a community education corner as part of the Spady Cultural Arts Complex. The building is not currently open to the public… The Cason Cottage Complex at 5 NE 5^th Avenue, is both the first restoration done in the Old School Square District and the first museum in Delray Beach, once home of the Cason family, Delray pioneers, and it reflects the South Florida Lifestyle from 1915 – 1935… Homes in Bankers Row, circa 1930, NE 1^st Avenue between 2^nd and 3^rd Streets, is in the Old School Square Historic District, belonged to many prominent Delray business leaders… The Masonic Building, circa 1924, 40-44 East Atlantic Avenue housed the local post office from the late 1920’s through the 1950’s and is now a home for local Masons… A must-see is the Colony Hotel, circa 1926, 525 E. Atlantic Avenue, designed by Martin L. Hampton, an Addison Mizner associate. It opened in 1926, needed extensive renovation after the 1928 hurricane, and is the last remaining hotel out of eight that existed during the 1920’s boom years… Don’t miss the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, circa 1951, in the Marina District, a gear-driven, Chicago-style, double leaf bascule bridge, built in 1911, which replaced a swing bridge… Sandoway House, circa 1936, currently the home of the Sandoway Nature Center, was originally the home of J.B. Evans, a local produce dealer in Delray Beach. Walk through history on this informative and interesting tour.

COASTAL CLEANUP PROJECT IN DELRAY BEACH

Wanting to preserve environmental resources, the city of Delray Beach joins the Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 South Ocean Boulevard in celebrating Florida Coastal Cleanup Saturday starting at 9 am at the nature center on September 15^th. Local residents are asked to participate. The annual event is the largest and most successful volunteer effort of this type of project. Thousands of worldwide volunteers from more than 90 countries have, since 1986, cleared more than 100-MM lbs. of trash from 170,000 miles of shorelines, rivers, lakes and wetlands. They are given free commemorative t-shirts, water and snacks for as long as the supplies last and earn community service hours. Pre-registration can be made by calling 561-274-7263, Registration forms can be found in the lobby of Delray Beach City Hall, 100 NW 1^st Avenue, and should be completed and returned to Jennifer Buce, litter prevention coordinator.

RECENT GRANT TO HELP OUR CHILDREN

Remember the slogan, “A (wo)man never stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child?” A new Boca Raton children’s support group, the first of its kind in the US, and other schools with projects devoted to caregiving children, are among the recipients of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s $500,000 grant. About 15,000 children in Palm Beach County care for relatives with mental illness, disability or frailty, without any organized support, taking time away from their education and homework hours. The Volunteers Homebound & Family Caregivers Inc. are helping bring aid to those children, and to promote awareness of the dual role of youth who are both students and young caregivers within families. The Caregiving Youth Project will use grant money to determine whether 1,000 children are emotionally and physically healthy, get adequate education with time for homework. The funding will support 100 children in 10 schools. Among those being worked with are Boca Middle School, Congress Middle School and Lantana Middle School. Olympic Heights High School may be included. There are 192 Boca Middle School students who are caregivers.

FL MASTER NATURALIST COURSE OFFERED Sept 8 through Oct 16

The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service will provide programs of interest to those with “green thumbs,” who love the great outdoors. Freshwater Wetlands is the first in the series, to promote awareness, understanding an respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens. Topics will include concepts of echo-system processes, identification of key plants and wildlife, and how humans can help shape Florida’s environment. There will be both classroom learning and field trips. Cost is $225 per course and will include detailed course manuals with certificate, path and pin upon completion. Participation is limited to 20. The 2nd module, the Uplands Module, begins in October, and the 3rd will be at the Gumbo Limbo Center in Boca Raton on A1A. You can register at http://www.MasterNaturalist.orgAdodd@co.palm-beach.fl.us. or call Alyss Dodd at 561-233-1725 or email Adodd@co.palm-beach.fl.us.

FL DOT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON PARTS OF A1A

Work has begun or 2 ½ miles of Delray roadway from south of Linton on A1A to north of George Bush Boulevard. There will be alternate lane closings between 7 am and 6 pm daily through Friday, August 17th, with flaggers on site.

WANT A HOUSE IN A WALKABLE, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT?

Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is good for your health and good for the environment. Homebuyers, renters, and real estate agents can find houses and apartments in great neighborhoods. Walk Score shows you a map of what's nearby and calculates a Walk Score for any property.

CITYPLACE EVENTS in WEST PALM BEACH

On August 9th, CityPlace fine restaurants are featuring CityPlaceUncorked at the Harriet Himmel Theater. Over 150 fine wines from all over the world to taste… VIP Receipton 6:30-7:30. General Admission 7:30 – 10 pm. Call 1-866-449-2489 to purchase tickets. Tickets are $100 (reserved for exclusive tastings) and General Admission is $60 in advance, $75 on day of event. Participating restaurants in clued Blue Martini, Il Bellagio, Legal Seafoods, Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse, Starbucks, City Cellar, Brewzzi, Columbia, Continental Catering, Jinja, Mark’s and Taverna OPA.

WATER RATE HIKE COMING TO BOCA RATON RESIDENTS IN NOVEMBER

Water consumption in Boca Raton has been cut back about 15% since drought-related water restrictions started in April. However the City Manager, Leif Ahnell told City Council this is NOT related to the increase coming soon.

AUGUST BRINGS BOCA FESTIVAL DAYS

Organized by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, special activities include:

Saturday, August 4: 22^nd ANNUAL OPEN JURIED ART EXHIBITION. Open Mon/Fri 9 am – 5 pm. The Artist Guild of the Boca Raton Museum of Art has opened this show to all South Florida artists and sales of the artwork will benefit the Museum. Exhibit is open through September 7^th at the Courtyard Building, 5301 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Call 561-738-4842 or 561-487-3362 for more information.

August 4, 11, 18, 25, 2-3:30 pm, GUIDED TOUR OF HISTORIC BOCA RATON RESORT AND CLUB. Here is an opportunity to see a famous area in Boca Raton with historic significance. 90 minute tours of this beautiful historic property built in 1926 by Addison Mizner will be conducted by the Boca Raton Historical Society docents. $12 per person ($10 for BRHS members). $9 for valet parking. See www.bocahistory.org or call 561-395-6766 Ext 100 for more information.

Friday, August 10, 7-9 PM, SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK will feature the Hal Roland Band – a free concert at Sanborn Square on Federal Highway, a half-block north of Palmetto Park Road. Bring a blanket or chair. Parking available nearby. For information call 561-393-7827.

Friday, August 24^th, 7-9 PM SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK will feature the Applause Band with Joel Lawrence. A featured Las Vegas entertainer and lead singer in a “Doo-Wop” group. See Sanborn Square directions above.

Tuesday, August 14^th, 9 am, BIRD WATCHING BASICS at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton – learn about birds in your backyard. Binoculars recommended. All ages – children must be accompanied by adults. $15 each, reservations required. 561-338-1473. Info: 561-338-1483.

FAR “PUTS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS” RE PROPERTY TAX REFORM BALLOT

The Florida Association of Realtors, the largest trade group in the state, with 150,000 members, has pledged up to $1-MM to support passage of the Save Our Homes Amendment to allow homeowners to continue the 1992 Amendment for a 3% tax cap or to choose a new “super-homestead” exemption, taking up to $195,000 off their home’s taxable value. Passage of this amendment will provide meaningful tax relief for thousands of families including 1^st time homebuyers, and will equalize neighbor’s property taxes, says the FAR President Nancy Riley. She stated that then nurses, police officers, teachers and emergency first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.

BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS AVAILABLE AT BRCH

BRCH has opened a satellite location of the Diagnostic Center of Boca Raton BRCH on the Clint Moore campus, Suite 114, at 1905 Clint Moore Road, offering state-of-the-art digital technology for breast screenings with hours from Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Other locations are at the Women’s Center at BRCH, 690 Meadows Road and Women’s Center at Deerfield, 1979 W Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 3, Deerfield Beach.. Screening appointments are now available – call 561-955-5000.

BOCA MUSEUM PLANS EXHIBIT OF DEGAS SCULPTURES

While a Jacksonville art gallery owner claims the 74 sculptures are “fakes,” made after Degas’ death in 1917, the Museum’s Board of Trustees discounts the art gallery owner’s opinion, noting the goal might be “to get his name in the newspaper.” Museums currently displaying all or portions of the Degas bronzes include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago. The National Endowment for the Humanities has underwritten some of the insurance expenses for the upcoming show. The museum’s website says that the exhibit, DEGAS IN BRONZE, “offers an extremely rate opportunity to view 74 sculptures, posthumously cast in bronze from Degas’ original composite and wax models.”

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION…

With reports just in that New York City and Salt Lake City are avoiding “the [real estate] bust,” can Palm Beach County be far behind? Some investors tell me they are “sitting on the sidelines” waiting for prices to keep dropping… other investors want to “sell and get out now,” but in many cases sellers are “standing pat.” Expired listings number near or over 500 properties each day. Some sellers cancel listings after getting low low bids. Remember that June and July are usually “slow months” with so many residents and part-timers out of town. August has been an outstanding month for sales in past years as folks come down to purchase residences for this coming winter… perhaps that will happen in 2007 as well. As a Realtor, I can tell you that every day in this career is exciting… new faces… new properties… no two ever alike. Like the stock market, real estate is cyclical… and what goes down will go up… just a matter of time. Stay cool. Hang in there.

Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Realtor, ePRO

IF YOU "FLIP" HOMES, THIS MAY BE OF INTEREST

A nationwide search is being done for the new cast of characters who will be featured on the upcoming season of Flip This House! The producers are searching for confident, charismatic, motivated and opinionated people who "flip" residential properties for a living. They want real-estate adrenaline junkies who love the high risk, high reward nature of their jobs and who are devoted to doing a great job! If you would like your team featured on the upcoming season send me an email and I’ll have them contact you.

marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

SPANISH RIVER LIBRARY DEBUT SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2008

After more than a year’s hiatus, construction has restarted. Once completed it will have a café, two terraces, computer lab, teen meeting room and story area for children. Computers have been purchased. The planned downtown library on the NW 2^nd Avenue site is in the pre-design state, and it’s future depends on how tax reform impacts the city. This library will be adjacent to a new development, Library Commons.

MIZNER PARK LEASEHOLDER SUING PROPERTY APPRAISER

Accusing Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits of using different appraisal practices to set a value for the retail/office/residential shopping center in downtown Boca Raton, rather than for “comparable properties within the same class in Palm Beach County,” the lawsuit says Nikolits assessment “is in excess of the value of the property”… and that Nicolits “failed and refused to consider all the factors set forth” in the applicable state statutes. Nicolitis said, “Highest and best use is one of 8 criteria considered for appraising property.” Nicolitis set a value on the property of $44-MM. The land is owned by Boca Raton and the current 99-year leaseholder and management company is General Growth Properties, who, along with Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency have filed the lawsuit.

4th of JULY

Wear your red, white and blue outfit and mosey over to FAU, beginning at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 4^th for a musical revue at 4 pm of “An American Songbook: Irving Berlin, at FAU’s University Theater. Tickets are $20. At 5:30, a few blocks away, the outdoor event will begin with games at the carnival midway and family activities. The muxic beings with the “Rumor Has It” band offering music of the 1950’s and 1960’s. At 6 pm family activities are held and at 6:30 pm there will be a stage show, “You’re A Grand Old Flag. At 7:30 the Florida Wind Symphony presents a patriotic musical tribute including vocal selections from the “Irving Berlin Review” and popular family musical, “Bye Bye Birdie, both currently being presented at the University Theatre.

At 9 pm, a fireworks display will take place with traditional patriotic music supplied by Radio station WRMF 97.9 FM.

Other activities include appearances by FAU athletic teams and coaches, clowns amking animal sculptured balloons, face painting, sand art, gift drawings and family games. Special music and activities will be provided by the Childrens Museum and Glass Productions. “Operation Goody Boxes”, coordinated by the Humanitarian Society and othes, will receive monetary donations at their tent by the stage area to prepare and mail “goody boxes” to troops overseas.

Food vendors will provide picnic-type foods. No personal fireworks, open fires, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Closest parking lots to the events are 1, 2, 4 and the parking garage next to parking lot 1. Those with handicapped needs are asked to use the 20^th Street entrance and go to parking lot 1. For information call 561-393-7806, selection 2.

ISRAEL BONDS INVESTMENT BILL SIGNED BY GOV CHRIST

A bill authorizing county and local governments throughout the state to invest surplus funds in bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Israel has been adopted by the Florida State Legislature, starting July 1st, and was signed by Governor Charlie Christ on June 8th at a ceremony at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

Those authorized to invest are state agencies, municipal fire and police pension funds and local governments.

Gov. Christ recently returned from a trip to Israel that focused on bilateral trade between Israel and the State of Florida.

The first Israel bond was sold in 1951 and close to $25-billion in investment capital has been secured for the development of every aspect of Israel’s economy including agriculture, commerce and industry, and to absorb Jews from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere.

More than $100-million of Israel Bonds are purchased every year within the State of Florida by individuals, corporations, pension plans, universities, hospitals, foundations, unions, banks and insurance companies.

“PROTECTING FLORIDA’S INVESTMENTS ACT” SIGNED

Florida has now become the first state in the US to link its public investments with the actions of “rogue” nations.

The new law allows Florida to divest some of its $150-BB fund and other public investments from firms that refuse to stop doing business with or otherwise support Iran and Sudan. Genocide and the development of nuclear weapons by Iran, the “world’s leading state sponsor of terror,” will not be sponsored by Florida, said Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and he praised Florida Governor Charlie Christ, just back from a trip to Israel, for signing the bill.

Deutch says he is working with other states to accomplish a similar program, and Governor Christ has sent letters to Governors of 49 other states encouraging them to follow suit. Deutch said the use of the law would require three steps: Identify firms with ties described by the law, Engage those firms “in a dialogue that causes them to understand what they are doing, and Ask that those ties be severed. If they are not severed, those stocks will be divested from the pension funds holdings.

This bill was signed by Governor Christ at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

TAX CUTS ARE IN.....

Dear Property Tax Reform Supporter:

I am excited to announce that an agreement has been reached between the House and the Senate on the tax cut levels for historic relief and reform package that will save Florida taxpayers $31.6 billion over the next five years. This is, by far, the largest tax cut in Florida’s history.

I cannot be more proud of the excellent work of our negotiating team and the valuable input from our respective legislative chambers. Together, we are bringing forth a thoughtful and comprehensive plan that will give every property owner – homestead, non-homestead residential, and commercial/industrial – a tax cut this year. We are confident that when this plan is implemented, Floridians will finally have a more equitable tax system that will yield property tax bills that they can afford to pay.

The details of the plan are provided below. Thank you for continued involvement in this very important issue. Please e-mail us at info@nomorepropertytax.com for more information.

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio

Speaker, Florida House of Representatives

$15.6 billion in Immediate Tax Relief and Reform (Statutory Changes)

• Beginning this year, every category of property taxpayer will benefit from the cut and the cap that the statute imposes.
• All cities and counties will be required to cut taxes in the upcoming 2007-2008 fiscal year to the 2006-2007 revenue levels. These local governments will then be required to make an additional cut of 3%, 5%, 7% or 9%. The level of cuts will be determined by a formula that analyzes their taxing performance over the past 5 years, measured against a statewide average.
• Special taxing districts and fiscally limited cities and counties will be required to cut taxes to the 2006-2007 revenue levels and make an additional cut of 3%.
• A cap on future property tax revenues (based on the rate of personal income growth and new construction) will be imposed to ensure that government cannot grow faster than personal income.
• Local governments may override the cut and the cap. The method for the override will vary based on the magnitude of the local government’s action (escalating from a supermajority vote of the local governing body, to a unanimous vote of the local governing body, to a referendum).

$16 billion in Further Tax Relief and Reform (Constitutional Amendment)

• The estimated average savings for a homestead property (combining statutory and constitutional changes) will be $1,300 in 2008-2009. This average savings represents a 44% reduction.
• “Save our Homes” is replaced with a new “super exemption”. An estimated 73% of homesteaded properties will receive a greater benefit under this new exemption.
• The new “super exemption” will be as follows:
• Level 1: Homestead Property will receive an exemption of 75% of the first $200,000 in value of the home. The minimum exemption is $50,000 per homestead.
• Level 2: In addition to Level 1, homestead property will obtain another 15% exemption for the next $300,000 in value.
• We will grandfather the tax savings and assessment cap for the minority of property owners who have greater benefits under the current “Save our Homes” plan.
• We will preserve all existing constitutional exemptions based on special circumstances, including those now provided to disabled veterans, low income seniors and agricultural lands.
• Because the tax base for all taxing authorities will decline under the constitutional amendment, the fiscal analyses reflects a reduction in school funding. We intend to hold schools harmless from these cuts.

Other Constitutional Changes

There has been agreement to address remaining issues such as additional relief to low income elderly taxpayers, offering incentives for affordable housing and providing tax reform for “working waterfronts” and small businesses. Small businesses will receive a $25,000 tangible personal property tax (TPP) exemption resulting in a total exemption for $1 million of the 1.3 million businesses who must pay this tax. Furthermore, those who receive a total exemption on their TPP will never have to file the burdensome paperwork associated with the tax again.