Thanksgiving

In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the first national day of Thanksgiving. Even then, in the throes of war, President Lincoln rightly felt that our nation had much to be thankful for. Without doubt, that remains true today. Although our community and country has been through a tough year, we have been given so many blessings that we often lose sight of them. Let’s do our best to count and focus on those blessings as we come together to celebrate, not just this week but always.

From the Thomson family, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

#RUNTHECITY UPDATE – ALMOST DONE FOR 2021!

We keep moving in my #RunTheCity initiative, where I’m running and cleaning all 475 miles of Boca Raton streets in 2021. At this point, our journey is almost complete! Since January 1, here’s what we’ve done:

Here’s what we completed so far (blue) compared to what we have left (white):

But the best part: we’ve had 413 volunteers join us to help keep their City clean and safe.  Volunteers from community groups and non-profits across our City have partnered with #RunTheCity, including Christ Community Church, Boca Raton Innovation Campus, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton Historical Society, Riviera Civic Association, Boca Save Our Beaches, the Spanish River High School cross-country teams, Rotary Club of Downtown Boca Raton, Boca Raton Community Church, Addison Mizner School PTA, and the Junior League of Boca Raton.

We have only a few neighborhoods left to do this year, including all or parts of:

Boca Bay Colony

Broken Sound

Camino Gardens

The Estates

Fairfield

Royal Palm

Sanctuary

Seasons

Woodfield Country Club

Woodfield Hunt Club

As we hit these remaining neighborhoods, I’d love for you to join me. Whether you run, walk, or just meet up with us to give me your thoughts, I want your input. Let me know what your neighborhood needs and what the City can do better. If you or your organization want to partner with us as we #RunTheCity, you can sign up at www.andythomson.com/run-the-city

HOLIDAY EVENTS

After taking last year off, the City’s holiday events return this December, including:

Holiday Street Parade

Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The 50th Annual Holiday Street Parade will feature more than 50 floats and groups which will entertain viewers as they bring dance, lights, and song to Federal Highway in Downtown Boca. The parade will start at Federal Highway and SE 5th Street, and travel north to the Mizner Park Amphitheater.  This year’s theme will be “What Are You Streaming?,” a nod to the popular pastime in recent years.

As a reminder, traffic will be congested in the area as Federal Highway will be closed. Parking for attendees at the City lots listed below is free, ample, and highly recommended:

  • City Hall – 201 W. Palmetto Park Road
  • Downtown Library – 400 NW 2nd Avenue
  • Building Administration – 200 NW 2nd Avenue

And BEFORE the parade, participate in a family-friendly 1 mile “Boca Mile Run” with the Boca Raton Police Athletic League. Visit their Facebook event page for more details and registration.

Merry in Mizner

Holiday entertainment and strolling pop-ups in Mizner Park on weekend nights throughout the holidays from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on the following days:

  • Friday, December 3
  • Saturday, December 4
  • Friday, December 10
  • Saturday, December 11

Visit the Merry in Mizner page for details.

FAU’s Tuba Christmas

Enjoy traditional holiday music performed by tubas and euphoniums in this worldwide tradition.

Sunday, December 12, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Visit the FAU’S Tuba Christmas page for details.

Holiday Boat Parade

PINE BREEZE PARK AND HUGHES PARK REOPEN

The City recently reopened two popular neighborhood parks – Pine Breeze Park and Hughes Park – after planned renovations and improvements were completed.

At Pine Breeze Park, improvements included two new pavilions, a new walking path, new fitness equipment, benches, and a rebuilt basketball court. In addition, a new storm water drainage system was installed, and repairs were made to the irrigation system and some playground equipment. The new walking path that runs through the park and along the perimeter was repaired to meet ADA certification.

Hughes Park, meanwhile, underwent a complete renovation of its playground area. The park now features new playground equipment, new surfacing, and added shade. There is also an improved ADA entrance to the restroom building.

At 3.2 acres, the park is a large and inclusive playground for all residents, and especially younger visitors from the adjacent Florence Fuller Child Development Center. Other amenities at the park include picnic tables, grills, pavilions and basketball and volleyball fields.

BOCA RATON GOLF & RACQUET CLUB NOW OPEN

In October 2020, the Boca Raton Resort and Club (now known as The Boca Raton), donated the Boca Country Club facility, including an 18-hole golf course, tennis center, and other amenities, to the City of Boca Raton.  Beginning October 1, 2021, the City of Boca Raton assumed operations, management, and ownership of the club located at 17751 Boca Club Blvd., which has been renamed  the Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club

The Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club golf course is now open for play as of November 1 from dawn to dusk. Daily rates and frequent player program information can be found on the City webpage here.

All other amenities will remain closed as the City continues to invest over $7 million to upgrade the property and provide a premier golf and racquet facility. Renovations will include meeting and banquet space, a restaurant, and a racquet center with tennis and pickleball courts — all available to the residents of Boca Raton and the homeowners of the Boca Golf and Tennis Community.

NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING

December 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

6500 Congress Avenue

Visit www.myboca.us/calendar for details on all public meetings.