IDEAS FOR the 4th of JULY

BOCA RATON:

Wear your red, white and blue outfit and mosey over to FAU, beginning at 6 pm on Wednesady, 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.

DELRAY BEACH:

Join the day-long celebration on the beach, an ongoing tradition in Delray, starting at 8 am on Wednesday July 4^th. Three days in advance world-class sand sculptors being their work, with a grand unveiling of the large-scale sculpture on July 3^rd. At 10 am there will be a flag raising ceremony of a 30’x60’ American flag near the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. At 4 pm the traditional Patriotic Bicycle and Scooter Parade will leave from Veterans Park and head for the beach. New bicycles, helmets, gift cards and more will be awarded for the best decorated bicycles, wagons and scooters.

There will be music, entertainment and food available at restaurants on the beach. At 8:45 pm Mayor Rita Ellis will lead the pledge of allegiance and at 9 pm the fireworks begin acoompanied by music.

HOME & CONDO SALES PREDICTED TO MAKE STRIDES

More and more positive mentions of home sales are being seen in the media.

NAR projects that sales will have a gradual upturn becoming more pronounced by the end of 2007. FAR reports that statewide sales of existing single-family homes in Florida totaled 12,607 in May, which is more in line with May 2002 activity, prior to the housing boom years, than May 2006 with 19,072 homes – a 34% decrease in the year-to-year comparison.

The MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) reported that the Boca-West Palm area had 741 homes sold last month compared to 982 a year ago, producing a 25% decrease. Median price was $387,800 whereas in May 2006 it ws $391,000 resulting ina 1% decrease. 613 existing condos changed hands last month, up 11% from the 552 condos sold the previous year. Existing condo medial sales price in May was $217,400; a year ago it was $218,900, for a 1% decrease.

Among the state’s larger markets, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported 741 existing homes sold last month compared to 982 homes sold a year ago for a 25 percent decrease. The market's median sales price for homes was $387,800; it was $391,000 in May 2006 for a 1 percent decrease. A total of 613 existing condos changed hands in the MSA last month, up 11 percent from the 552 condos sold the previous year. The existing condo median sales price in May was $217,400; a year ago, it was $218,900 for a 1 percent decrease.

WEST BOCA LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN JULY

The new 20,000 sq ft facility, costing $12-MM, will be located on the west side of State Road 7/Highway 441 between Clint Moore and Yamato. A 40-foot strip of land creating a right-of-way has been conveyed by Palm Beach County to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Library Director John J. Callahan III says that book circulation numbers are up 13% this year vs. 2006. There will be wireless access throughout the building, and the library will include computers, DVDs and auction tapes.

County library holders can use any of the 14 branches in the Palm Beach County Library System.

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.

10th Annual Delray Beach International Tennis Championships

10^th Annual Delray Beach International Tennis Championships to be held February 9-17, 2008. The Number 1 Doubles Team, Bob and Mike Bryan, have committed to play in this tournament. Past players have included Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Carlos Moya, Jim Courrier, Patrick Rafter and Marcelo Rios. Tournament activities will include live music shows, DJs and street performances as well as the tryouts.

Ticket packages which include priority reserved chair-back seating for all 13 sessions, start at $250 and the Weekender Series starts at $200 and includes chair-back reserved seating for the quarter-finals through the finals – 5 sessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Courtside box seat packages are priced between $1030 and $1200 for two seats or $1730 to $2300 for four seats and include amenities such as preferred parking and invitations to the exclusive Box Holders Party. To purchase tickets go to www.YellowTennisBall.com or call 561-330-6000. Courtside seats can only be purchased by phone.

BOCA TEECA TOWNHOUSE PROJECT NEARS FINAL RULING

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended the 211-unit townhouse project to be built on 30 acres on the southwest edge of Ocean Breeze Golf Course at Boca Teeca to the City Council after a hearing this past week. A public hearing will be held on August 14, and next the Department of Community Affairs must review the proposal. It then goes back to City Counsel in November or December for a final vote, requiring 4 yes votes of the 5 members voting. The proposal includes renovating the Inn at Ocean Breeze by adding 46 hotel rooms to the existing 46, and refurbishing the Boca Teeca clubhouse by adding a new social center. Included would be creating a new 9-hole executive golf course and a redesigned 18-hole golf course on the existing fairways. The townhouses would have golf course views. President of the President’s Council said that “the overwhelming majority of Boca Teeca unit owners fully endorse this plan and voluntarily agree to lift the deed restriction on 30 acres of the south course to allow for a limited 211-unit town home project.” Concerns included traffic along NW 2^nd Avenue and the loss to some residents of golf course views.

“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.

NOISE REDUCTION PROGRAM TO START NEAR BOCA AIRPORT

Eligible homeowners will have their homes improved to reduce the impact of the noise level from Boca Airport. The Airport Manager will seek permission to advertise bids for the QuieterHome Program, funded with grants from state and federal agencies. There will be no cost to homeowners. First 10 homes, already selected, will be improved with sound insulation treatments, then another 35. Door and windows treatments, including impact glass which can help with hurricanes. Interior target noise level is 45 decibles. Residential structures within the FAA-approved 65 decibel day-night noise level contours may be eligible to participate in the program. Pilot phase is estimated to cost about $1.2-MM. The FAA provides about 95% of the funding. 2.5 % comes from the Florida DOT, 2.5% from the Airport Authority which collects revenue from airport tenants. For more information call 561-544-8077.

MORIKAMI MUSEUM & JAPANESE GARDENS CELEBRATING 30TH YEAR

On Monday, June 25, a very special anniversary party, free to members and non-members, will be held at the facilities from 10 am to 5 pm. At 1:30 pm a huge anniversary cake will be cut and served.

There will be two free tours of the Pastimes and Amusements of the Japanese exhibition including Japanese toys, games, musical instruments and other objects depicting the spirit of amusement and playfulness enjoyed in Japan, which officially opens on June 26^th. One tour will be held at noon, one at 3 pm, limited to the first 100 people. Two tours will also be offered of the exhibition Yamato Colony at 11 am and 2 pm, each tour limited to 50 people. These are provided by a one-year Florida state grant. Tickets for all tours will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 10 am. Guests are invited to stroll through the Japanese Gardens and can use a free audio tour.

For children, a treasure trek activity is being scheduled to take place in the Gardens. The Cornell Café will be open for lunch. The museum store will give a free Japanese fan for purchases over $15 and discounts on some items.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are owned and operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. They are located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach off Jog Road between Linton Boulevard and Clint Moore Road. 561-495-0233 or www.morikami.org.

FLORIDA’S HERITAGE TO BE SHOWN IN ART SHOW & THEATRE AT SUGAR SANDS PARK

Willow Theatre presents “The Life of Ivy Stranahan: A florida Pioneer, Saturday June 23^rd at 2 pm. Reknowned historical Chautauqa portrayal artist tells tales of old Florida, with Mrs. Stranahan trekking through knee-deep mud, championing the Seminole Indians cause and becoming Ft. Lauderdale’s first teacher, a portrait of achievement and courage. Tickets are $12. Purchase at box office (561-347-3948).

The Boca Historical Society exhibits will include”Herstory: Boca Raton’s Pioneer Women.”

Sugar Sands Park Community Center and the Willow Theatre are located at 300 S. Military Trail, B oca Raton (561-347-3900 or www.sugar-sandpark.org).

DOT EAST ATLANTIC AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS HEARING

On June 6 a meeting will be held to discuss proposed improvements to East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach between NW and SW 12^th Avenue to A1A. This will include milling and repaving existing roadway, updating curb ramps at intersections and adding cross walks, installing new mast arm traffic signals at some intersections, installing new highway lighting and adding new landscaping and decorative features. No formal presentation will be made; it will be an informal open meeting. It will be held 3-8 pm at the Old School Square Gymnasium at 51 N. Swinton Ave, just north of Atlantic Avenue. Construction is expected to begin in August 2008 and completed in a year and a half. Estimated cost is about $6-MM. For more information call FDOT’s Project Manager John Thmpson at 866-336-8435, Ext 4680 or email: John.Thompson@dot.state.fl.us.