Council locks in next year's budget and adds $1.8 million for a new fire truck
Plus Lake Boca is open again, and four local bands play for school grants Saturday.
The City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday night to adopt the 2026-27 budget and tax rate, which take effect Oct. 1.
The City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday night to adopt the 2026-27 budget and tax rate, which take effect Oct. 1. The operating rate holds at 3.6476 mills. Chief Financial Officer Jim Zervis said that is 4.39% above the rolled-back rate of 3.4941. With voter-approved debt service, the total rate is 3.6639 mills. The residential fire assessment rises to $224 from $155, which pays for converting Station 8 into a full-service fire rescue station. The one late addition was $1.8 million to replace a Fire Rescue truck that was struck in the southbound I-95 express lanes while its crew worked a crash. Zervis said the truck is likely a total loss, insurance is expected to cover part of the cost, and a replacement could arrive in 12 to 13 months. The council also put off deciding whether to appoint a temporary replacement for Council Member Yvette Drucker, who is leaving the council to run for another office. That question returns at the next workshop.
Lake Boca and Camino Real are open for swimming again
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County lifted its advisory Wednesday for Camino Real, Lake Boca and the Intracoastal next to the Boca Raton Resort. Lab testing by the city, the health department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found bacteria levels at Lake Boca low enough for water activities to resume. The advisory followed a wastewater spill last week. City Manager Mark Sohaney told the council Tuesday that the spill came from a failed connection on a 16-inch wastewater pipe and that repairs are complete. Health questions go to DOH-Palm Beach at 561-837-5900.
Local professionals play for school grants Saturday at BRiC
Four amateur bands made up of South Palm Beach County business and community leaders compete Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Season 8 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands. The event runs from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at Boca Raton Innovation Campus, 4920 Conference Way North. The bands are Hell on Heelz, BandsWithBenefits, Storm Surge and No Retreat No Surrender, and School of Rock Boca Raton coached them. Proceeds go to the Golden Bell Education Foundation, which the Boca Regional Chamber of Commerce created to fund grants for Boca Raton public schools. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.
Boca Green Market opens its season Sunday on Fifth Avenue
The Boca Green Market returns Sunday, Sept. 27, at the 5th Ave Shops, 1954 NE Fifth Ave. It runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the market season. More than 65 vendors sell produce, artisan breads, flowers, baked goods, specialty foods, candles and soaps, and there is live music. Admission is free, and the market is family and pet friendly.
Nature talks, paddleboarding and beach Zumba this weekend
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., holds a free Nature Connections talk on native plants and animals Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to noon; no reservation is needed. For experienced paddlers, the center's Advanced SUP session on the Intracoastal and its mangrove trails runs Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The class costs $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents, and advance registration is required. Paddlers must be able to balance on a board. Life jackets are provided and must be worn, and the weight limit is 275 pounds. Free Zumba at the Beach meets Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the South Beach Park Pavilion, 400 N. State Road A1A. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.