It’s Peter Gary, publisher of the Boca Voice. Welcome to the February edition of our monthly newsletter.
Boca’s reputation keeps growing and attracting more people to escape the cold and high property taxes. And as the city expands, our downtown is going from quiet to bustling. No doubt about it, lifestyles are changing and apartments and condos are coming online to meet a new demand.
On the south end of Federal Highway, progress continues on the future Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences at Via Mizner. Two levels of underground parking are complete, and the lobby level is well underway. Excavation on The Residences is nearly finished and pilings are being installed. Penn-Florida Company’s 2 million-square-foot resort promises to transform the city’s allure and level of sophistication.
The city’s hospital is keeping up with the level of medical expertise expected, too. Boca Raton Regional joined the Baptist Health South Florida network. And the new CEO and a Baptist executive will update the outlook at Boca Chamber’s February breakfast meeting.
And if you’ve ever tried to park there, there’s even better news. The hospital will have a grand opening for the much-needed Schmidt Family Parking Facility.
Look for changes in how the city’s governed, too. After a ban for years, the final public hearing to allow medical marijuana dispensaries will be heard by council on Feb. 11.
So many changes are in the works, Mayor Scott Singer’s inaugural State of the City address is set for Feb. 18.
It’s high season and the city’s social life has a packed schedule, too. There’s aircraft and autos, not to mention food and beverages at the hangar party Feb. 7 at the airport’s Atlantic Aviation. It’s the glamorous start to the 2020 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance.
Comedian Billy Gardell of “Mike & Molly” fame is the headliner at the fundraising gala and auction at the Boca Resort & Club Saturday. He’s also the celebrity judge at Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance on the open field at the Resort. There’s a huge exhibition of classic and vintage cars and motorcycles. And spectators can watch a competition of truly fabulous vintage automobiles. All the proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, $10 million so far thanks to founders Rita and Rita Case of The Rick Case Auto Group.
Back in the city, the tent goes up over Mizner Park Amphitheater by Feb. 21. This annual ritual happens to host Boca’s Festival of the Arts Feb. 28 to March 8 and other events through April.
George Snow Scholarship Foundation’s annual Rhinestone Cowboy Ball “Boots & Bling” rounds out the calendar Feb. 29.
Thanks for following Boca Voice. Enjoy the cooler weather in our slice of paradise.
