Delray Beach and Boca Raton News and Insight

We've got our fingers firmly on the pulse of everything that is Delray-Boca.

And while we're not out to replace the local news media, we think you'll agree we have a very unique perspective to offer on some of the most important stories that affect current and future local residents.

Subscribe to our updates so you never miss a thing in Delray-Boca. Have a tip? Send it to us here.

27 September, 2013 0 Comments

Boca Reserve Opens Model Center

September 27, 2013 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Minto enters West Boca market

It’s been quite some time since a new community has come out of the ground in West Boca Raton. The Minto Group is doing just that with the Grand Opening of Boca Reserve (www.bocareserve.com) , a luxury single-family home community featuring a wide range of single-family homes priced from $500,000.

This private, gated community is located west of State Road 7 on Palmetto Park Road. It is located near other communities such as Loggers Run, Boca Winds, and Boca Falls.

Boca Reserve will have only 44 homes. Seven floor plans are available with up to six bedrooms in one and two-story designs.

The key appeal of Boca Reserve is its location. It is minutes from the beach, Town Center Mall, and South County Regional Park. Families also have access to some of the finest schools in the area such as Loggers Run Middle School, Sandpiper Shores Elementary School, Waters Edge Elementary School, and West Boca Raton Community High school.

Boca Reserve is located at 12066 Boca Reserve Lane.

About The Company

Minto was founded in 1955 by four brothers in Ottawa. Since then, the company has grown into a multi-dimensional real estate development, construction and management company. It currently has operations in Ottawa, Calgary, and Florida and has built more than 70,000 homes and has in excess of 17,000 rental homes and apartments under management.

Minto has a commercial portfolio of more than 3 million square feet of office, retail, and industrial space.

25 September, 2013 0 Comments

Villagio Reserve Plans 598 homes in West Delray

September 25, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Ansca Homes is bullish on Delray

Ansca Homes recently held the official groundbreaking for Villaggio Reserve, their newest South Florida retirement community for adults 55 and older in Delray Beach at Atlantic Avenue and Hagen Ranch Road.

According to Ansca Homes Senior Vice President Ron Yuter, “We have really nailed it this time for homebuyers 55 and up who are looking for an active, social and luxurious lifestyle. We were excited to officially break ground at Villaggio Reserve recently, and we are even more excited by the enthusiastic response that has almost immediately followed our recent groundbreaking.”

Yuter believes the reason for all the excitement about Ansca’s newest residential community for adults is, once again, the home builder’s unique combination of home quality and lifestyle quality.

“Upon its completion, Villaggio Reserve will be an intimate and exclusive community of just 598 homes, surrounded by lakes, golf courses and lush landscaping. It will offer residents more than 38,000 square feet of total recreational area and preferred amenities including a clubhouse with grand ballroom; fitness and business centers; four pool areas; dedicated space for yoga, mah jongg, zumba, massage and more; and six tennis courts. Plus all the things that everybody loves about downtown Delray Beach are just minutes away.”

Prices start at about $300,000.

The villas at Villaggio Reserve offer home buyers a choice of nine unique floor plan designs that will be priced from $300,000. All homes will include a garage, a choice of two or three bedrooms and quality features and finishes such as GE appliances, Mohawk carpeting, Moen fixtures and KitchenCraft cabinetry. Delray Beach has been described as one of the best places to retire in Florida.

Pre-Grand Opening at Villaggio Reserve is scheduled to be held in October. For more information about Villaggio Reserve, call the sales hotline at (855) 230-1858 or visit their website: https://www.villaggioreserve.com.

About the company:

Ansca Homes has grown into a leading Florida home builder proudly led by the experience of Angelo Scardina; his son Charles Scardina, president of the company; his son-in-law Ramsey Akel, vice-president; and his grandson Charles Scardina Jr., representing the next generation. With the vision and resources to continue to create homes and new home communities that feature uncompromising excellence and attention to detail, Ansca Homes continues to lead the way.

23 September, 2013 0 Comments

The Interview: “Big” Joe Stout of The Food Beat.com

September 23, 2013 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Joe Stout, the visionary behind The FoodBeat.com

HUNGRY? VISIT THEFOODBEAT.COM

We recently caught up with Big Joe Stout, founder of www.thefoodbeat.com, a web site that reviews and features many of the restaurants here in Delray Beach. This is what he had to say about the culinary delights in Delray.

How did you come up with the idea for The Food Beat?: I was watching “Diner’s, Drive In’s, and Dives” one night and thought to myself, “Why couldn’t I do something like this for Delray Beach?” With the amazing popularity of the Food Network and Delray’s expansive array of eating places, it just seemed to make sense. And when you factor in that my life’s work has focused on food and video production, the marriage came naturally. I owned and operated a chain of five restaurants, a catering company, and a wholesale bakery in Michigan from 1980 to 1997, and then jumped into video production soon after. The Food Beat provides a restaurant and entertainment search engine where each business is featured in high definition video. This gives people looking for a place to eat a more comprehensive understanding of what they will be getting. We also have programs that provide an in-depth look at the restaurant and also gives viewers some unique insight. Everything we do is off-center and generally whimsical. Our show “Rollin with Murph” stars Danny Murphy, a chair-user for over 30 years. Danny has been in many major motion pictures including “There’s Something About Mary” and “Kingpin.” The show brings out the user friendly attributes of a restaurant’s accessibility. “The Nutrition Goddess” features bubbly nutrition expert Coco Fry who explores the healthier side of Delray dining, and “Food Woofers” is our version of “Man VS Food.” We even have a show called “Home Cook’n” that provides our viewers with video recipes they can also print out.

What are some interesting stories you can tell about exploring the world of restaurants here?: Two things kind of jump out at me. One, the majority of the locally owned restaurateurs are extremely passionate about their work. Part of that is because they know the competition is significant, but I believe more so because they have a tremendous amount of pride in what they do. There is a huge level of satisfaction knowing customers love your food and service, and of course, that generally equates to a growing business.

The other things that jumps out is the high level of skepticism most of these business owners have. I’m from Michigan where most people are more trusting and open…certainly more guarded here in south Florida. When I tell them the listing is free and they have no obligation, you can sense they are wondering what the catch is. You really have to work at building the trust, but once you do, the entire process gets much easier.

Overall, I have met some really good people who are hard working, community oriented people that love Delray Beach.

How many different types of restaurants are there in Delray?: On one of our shows, “Street Beat” where we ask locals random food related questions, we asked what restaurants is Delray Beach missing? There is certainly no shortage of Italian joints, but a few mentioned Indian and a Brazilian Steakhouse. Other than that, I believe most cuisine bases are covered nicely. We have really made a diligent effort to locate the unique and off the radar places a lot of people are unaware of. Believe it or not, there are many great places to eat in Delray Beach that are not in the downtown section of Atlantic Avenue. Although the “Ave” is hard to beat for food and excitement, there is a bigger food picture in Delray.

Any particular favorites that you can recommend for the following activities?:

Watching a football game: Delray gives you many sports bar options, but I tend to gravitate to the great food, great people spots where I can enjoy the camaraderie. Johnny Brown’s is always fun and has a great bar menu.

Taking wife/girlfriend out for birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day: Throw a dart. It all depends what you are looking for, but again, I tend to favor the places where the people are the most welcoming and make you feel special. My wife and have been going to Da Da since we moved here and always take out of town guest’s there for a great evening. Caffe Luna Rosa is wonderful and has a great beach location. SoLita’s has a really hip, chic atmosphere that relates to romance that my wife thinks is really cool. And if you want to feel like you are going to your Italian Uncle’s for a family like gathering, Casa Di Pepe in Pineapple Grove is a great option. I would also suggest a trip out to Patio Delray where Miss Lilly will treat you like a long lost friend.

Looking for the most diverse selection of brewskis?: Believe it or not, Puccini’s Pizza has some really great craft beers and they take it very seriously too. I have been there when they host events centered around the introduction of a new ale. I also enjoy throwing back a cold one at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub. Great bar, great people, and great food. And if you like Irish Whiskey, no one has a bigger variety in Delray Beach.

Other: The organic/health craze is well represented at The Green Gourmet on Jog Road. Joey and Wilson are the gurus of great tasting organic and they really know how to treat their customers. And of course, Fit Food Express brings healthy options right to your door .

18 September, 2013 0 Comments

New Facebook Page Highlights Lost Pets in Delray

September 18, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Mimi, a six month Shepherd is missing. Call the Delray Equestrian Center at (561) 495-4701 if you have any info.

Animals Lost and Found in Delray is a new Facebook page designed to reunite people and their lost pets.

The new page recently made its debut on the world’s largest social media platform and is already buzzing with pictures and descriptions of lost and found pets.

Among the success stories, a stray cat recently was adopted after its owner could not be located.

A lost dog was also featured by a local family who found the pooch and many tips were received.

This innovative service is a welcome addition to Delray.

While the city is widely regarded as among the most pet-friendly communities in South Florida, there has been a longstanding issue with abandoned pets and dogs that get loose.

A few years back, the city employed an animal control officer, but the position was eliminated when city budgets were trimmed during the economic downturn.

At last count, the page had less than 50 “likes”, let’s boost that number and increase awareness as well.

If you’re on Facebook, search for “Animals Lost and Found in Delray” and hit the like button.

Check back often to see if you can help reunite pets with their loved ones.

Other online resources include:

https://www.lostmydoggie.com which recently listed 50 missing pets in Boca Raton.

https://lostfoundpets.us/

Here are two highly recommended no kill shelters if you should find a lost pet.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League–3200 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 686-3663 www.hspb.org

Tri-County Humane Society–21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton (561) 482-8110 www.tricountyhumane.org

16 September, 2013 0 Comments

A Slice of Local History

September 16, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

I confess.

I love history.

All kinds of history, but especially local history because it’s often ignored especially in places like Florida where so much happens and so much is new.

But Boca Raton and Delray Beach have a local history rich with great characters and stories.

So I was delighted to recently receive a publication celebrating 80 years of Palm Beach State College.

That’s right, the alma mater of Burt Reynolds and thousands of others first opened its doors in 1933.

Since then, the school has grown enormously in size and importance and today occupies a central place in the progress of Palm Beach County.

But when it comes to history sometimes it’s the hidden gems that grab you.

In the commemorative magazine, there was a story about Palm Beach State’s (then known at Palm Beach Junior College) first graduating class in 1936.

The class of ’36 featured three people, two women and a gentleman named Frank Kamiya, who happened to live in Delray Beach. Not only was Mr. Kamiya the only male in the graduating class, he was Japanese, a rarity then in what was mostly a white student body.

Kamiya was born in 1915 in the famous Yamato Colony near Boca Raton. The Japanese immigrant colony was co-founded by Kamiya’s uncle Jo Sakai in 1905 and was well-known for its pineapples and vegetable farms.

Kamiya attended schools with other members of the Colony in Boca and Delray and a became a four year letterman on the Delray Beach High School basketball team graduating in 1933, when Palm Beach Junior College opened its doors.

While he received a basketball scholarship to Lakeland College, Kamiya turned it down and headed to the University of Florida. But financial hardship forced him to return home and attend Palm Beach Junior College. He would graduate with a teaching certificate and a degree in health and physical education.

Mr. Kamiya had hoped to become a teacher, but a job as a cook changed his ambitions and he pursued a career as a chef, specializing in the delicacies of Italy.

It proved to be a wise move and at the height of his career, Kamiya was considered to be among the best Italian chefs in the southeast United States.

Just a little slice of local history that we thought we’d pass along. That’s how history stays alive.

11 September, 2013 0 Comments

All Cash Deals Driving Market

September 11, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Cash buyers are flocking to Florida

When it comes to Florida real estate, cash is king.

The Sunshine State led the nation in July in the percentage of “all cash” home sales.

In fact, a whopping 66 percent of home sales were all cash deals, a new report shows. Real estate experts call the rate “astounding” and the trend is being fueled by investor groups, international buyers, landlords and those seeking vacation homes.

The high rate of all cash deals is putting a crimp on entry-level home buyers who are still having some difficulty obtaining mortgages. Sellers and realtors are opting for all cash deals rather than wait for appraisals, mortgage approvals and other issues associated with those seeking FHA mortgages.

Cash sales made up 57 percent of Florida’s home sales a year ago and 61 percent of all sales in June of this year, according to real estate research company RealtyTrac.

That trend rose again to 66 percent in July. Realty Trac executives called the trend astounding.

Only Nevada—another hard hit state in the recession–and Maine compare with Florida’s numbers.

In Nevada, 64 percent of deals are all cash. In Maine, a popular vacation home destination for Floridians, 60 percent of homes were sold for all cash.

In Nevada, another trend is beginning to take shape. Some underused hotels are converting a portion of their units to condo’s which are attractive to overseas investors, especially Chinese who enjoy gambling.

The hotel market in Florida continues to be robust, but the idea of condo-hotels, popular before the real estate bust in 2007-08, does not seem to be making a comeback.

Brevard County in Florida, home to Daytona Beach led the state with 70 percent all cash deals in July.

The Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach market, which includes Boca Raton and Delray Beach, was second in Florida with 69 percent all cash deals in July.

A deeper dive into the numbers suggests that large institutional investors such as private equity firms are beginning to seek out other states for their purchases. Only 14 percent of the cash deals were from institutional investors, according to Realty Trac.

Most of the all cash deals now seem to be driven by smaller investors seeking vacation homes, retirement homes or homes that can be fixed up and rented for income.

While some experts are concerned about the entry level buyer, others say the activity is helping the market by flushing out inventory and creating new demand.

Indeed, residential homebuilding in Boca-Delray appears to gaining steam with GL Homes, Ansca and others entering the market and custom builders focusing on hot neighborhoods including the beach area in Boca-Delray and the red hot Lake Ida market.

10 September, 2013 0 Comments

Insurance Workshops Brings Experts to Delray-Boca

September 10, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

State Sen. Maria Sachs

September is the height of hurricane season and as much as we don’t want to admit it—we’re vulnerable.

Not only does the threat of severe weather impact us from a health and safety standpoint, but it also affects our homes and businesses as well.

With that in mind, State Sen. Maria Sachs who represents Delray Beach is hosting a series of workshops this month designed to give residents and business owners an overview of the property insurance marketplace in South Florida.

Sen. Sachs has arranged for a group of experts to visit Delray, Boca, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale to answer questions, dispense information and help citizen’s access services.

The Delray Beach workshop will be held 2 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 West Atlantic Ave.

“The workshops are purely information,” says Sachs. “The goal is to provide as much information as possible and to answer questions that business owners and homeowners might have.”

If you can’t make the Delray workshop you can catch the event in Boca Raton, 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the new Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Avenue.

“The workshops are being held because it has come to the attention of the Senator that there is great public interest in this subject area,” says Joshua Freeman, chief of staff to the Senator. “The workshops are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend whichever session is most convenient for them and they are encouraged to bring their property insurance policy with them, in order to have their specific questions answered.”

The workshops will feature several representatives from state agencies and consumer advocacy groups. The panelists will include representatives from the Office of Insurance Regulation, Department of Financial Services, Florida Association for Insurance Reform, and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Each panelist will introduce themselves and describe their role and their agency’s role. After the introductions, there will be a chance for the public to ask questions of the representative they believe will best be able to help them.

Property insurance in Florida has been a hot button issue for the past decade, with dramatic increases in cost coming as a result of hurricanes in 2004-2005.

The issue has been front burner for local and statewide business groups because the high cost of insurance is viewed as a drag on business already in the state and a hindrance to attracting new business to Florida.

Residents have also complained and realtor groups have expressed concern that the costs have made home ownership costs prohibitive for many.

Local governments have also made property insurance reform a priority over the years.

Efforts to create a national disaster fund to spread risk have failed in Congress.

30 August, 2013 0 Comments

Delray’s Teen Sensation Makes Splash at U.S. Open

August 30, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Duval rocks the Open

Victoria Duval, 17, of Delray Beach stunned the tennis world earlier this week by knocking off 2011 champion Samantha Stosur in the first round of the U.S. Open.

Duval pulled off the stunner of the tournament by knocking off the 11th seed from Australia 5-7, 6-4, 6.4. Duval showed a veteran’s poise in defeating Stosur on center court before a large crowd.

The magic didn’t last as Duval fell 6-2, 6-3 to Daniela Hantuchova in the second round.

Still, it was an auspicious debut for Duval who showed impressive court speed and steely nerves in her first Open. Ranked 296th in the world, Duval was playing in just her second major tournament.

Her debut caught the attention of national media including a feature on CBS News that recounted her rough road to the Open. https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57600705/victoria-duvals-tough-road-to-u.s-open-helps-her-thrive/

Born in Miami but raised in Haiti, Duval was held hostage at gunpoint as a 7 year-old during an incident at a relative’s house.

When Haiti was struck by a catastrophic earthquake in 2010, her father, a doctor, was trapped under rubble and suffered devastating injuries. He is doing better now, but the road to recovery was long and emotional.

Duval was lackluster in her second round defeat. She told the Associated Press she just couldn’t get it going during her second round match.

Still. her Open performance will be remembered by an American public anxious for a new generation of American tennis talent.

Duval’s charismatic personality and sense of humor coupled with a promising game may signal a bright future.

14 August, 2013 0 Comments

Strand Project Proposes Downtown Delray Apartments

August 14, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Update: The Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve the project. It will now head to the City Commission for a final vote and public hearing in September. Yourdelrayboca.com will keep you posted.

The Delray Beach Planning and Zoning Board will host a public hearing Monday, Aug. 19 to discuss a much buzzed about project “The Strand.”

The Strand, designed by well-known local architects Kupi Eliopoulos, is envisioned as a 198 unit apartment complex located on the north and south sides of SE 1st Street, west of SE 3rd Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, near the railroad tracks opposite Sun Trust bank.

The site, which is currently vacant, consists of two parcels that are separated by SE 1st Street.

The north parcel contains 0.79 acres and the south parcel contains 2.34 acres.

The development team is seeking a conditional use request that will allow an increase in density on the site from 30 units to the acre to 63 units.

If approved, the smaller north parcel would have 43 residential units within a four-story structure, three floors of residential with covered parking on the ground floor.

The south parcel would have 155 residential apartment units within a five-story structure which will have four residential floors with covered parking on the ground floor.

The proposal also includes recreational amenities including a swimming pool, exercise rooms and clubhouse for each parcel.

The project also includes certain green initiative designs such as a charging station, a “greenwall” system, roof mounted photovoltaic panels and solar bollards. Access to the site will be via SE 1st Street for the north parcel and SE 2nd Street and SE 3rd Avenue for the south parcel. The buildings will accommodate three different unit types including, studio (efficiency), one bedroom and two bedroom units that range in size from 500 square feet to 1,200 square feet.

Once the project is heard by the Planning and Zoning Board, it will be heard by the City Commission most likely in September.

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, 100 NW First Ave.

This project is being considered in an atmosphere in which some residents have expressed dismay at the conditional use process which allows for an increase in height and density. Proponents of conditional use say it gives policy makers discretion to approve or turn away projects based on what is needed or compatibility. They argue that a certain amount of density is desirable to keep downtown vibrant and to support local businesses. They also contend that attractive design is more important than the number of units and that density is good for the environment because it limits car trips (people living downtown enjoy walking over driving) and allows for services to be delivered more efficiently.

Others are concerned by increases in density which they believe increases traffic and endangers the village by the sea ambience.

The density argument has been raging in Delray since the late 90s, when Worthing Place (93 units to the acre) was proposed splitting the community. Some “high” density projects have sailed through with ample public support including a recent project by the Related Group south of Atlantic Avenue. Others, including Atlantic Crossings near Veterans Park, have met fierce resistance.

The City Commission is expected to review the conditional use process as part of a comprehensive review of the city’s land development regulations.

13 August, 2013 0 Comments

Here’s Your Chance To Join An Old School Hackathon

August 13, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Startup Delray is hosting an Old School Hackathon.

If you head to downtown Delray, you can’t help but notice the Delray Center for the Arts at Old School Square.

If you ever had any ideas to improve the place, here’s your chance.

Delray Beach Center for the Arts is partnering with Startup Delray to explore creative possibilities for the Center’s future, and they need your help.

Delray Center for the Arts and Startup Delray are asking community leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists, makers, writers, artists, musicians, educators, businesses, and students to participate in an evening of discussion and innovation, hosted by Startup Delray on Monday, Aug. 19.

In the world of computer programming a “hackathon” refers to a large group of programmers gathering to collaborate on a specific project.

Startup Delray would like you to “hack” Delray Beach Center for the Arts and generate creative ideas for building upon the center’s already successful programming and exciting new uses for existing spaces.

Of particular interest: in exploring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programming for youth and young adults and how those disciplines can be infused into programming at Delray Center for the Arts.

Here’s a look at how the night will flow. All are welcome, so come and hack.

When: Monday August 19th, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Vintage Gymnasium at Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave.

Agenda:

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Check-in and Networking (Pizza and refreshments will be served)

7:00 PM – 7:20 PM Tour the Old School Square Campus

7:20 PM – 8:50 PM Facilitated Group Hacking

8:50 PM – 9:00 PM Wrap-up and Next Steps

9:00 PM After Party at 3rd and 3rd (301 NE 3rd Ave)

Please use this link to RSVP: https://startupdelray-oldschoolhackathon.eventbrite.com