Delray Alliance

ALLIANCE OF DELRAY RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATIONS

By Judy Goldberg

May 2025 Meeting Minutes:

The Delray Alliance meeting began with Dr. Lori Vinikoor, President of the Alliance, she started the meeting at 9:30am with a few updates. Reminder of our July 2 meeting, “A Taste of the Tropics” Pre-July 4th fun.

Captain Mike Morales of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was our first speaker.  He spoke of the horrid crash at the entrance to the POLO CLUB on Military.  4 people were killed when making a left as a woman was speeding south and slammed into their car.  Be especially aware when making left turns as people do drive dangerously fast for no reason. This was senseless and took the lives of 4 good people. Capt. Morales suggested that we leave early for our appts. Especially at high traffic times. Stay alert when making left hand turns! He then spoke about the arrest at Ronnies Shoes in the Famous Shopping Center. The owners had $250K in counterfeit bags in the back room and they were confiscated after a tip.

Chief Bill Stansbury of the Palm Beach Fire Rescue spoke about a recent poll that gave this department a 99% satisfaction rating! Good job protecting all of us. June 1st is the start of hurricane season. Try to prepare early by getting needed supplies. Paper goods, flashlights batteries, and put important papers in waterproof bags. Canned goods and foods that do not need to be heated. Go bags are important. Know where your evacuation place is. Station 49 is now active for rescues at Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue. With all the continued growth, our Fire Rescue Dept is always prepared.

Dr. Lori Vinikoor, our President, took a moment to speak about the proposed DMV office proposed to be built in the Agricultural Reserve. The plan has been withdrawn; however, Ann Gannon could resubmit it with amendment to fit into the Reserve, setbacks are important and the additional traffic to an already overwhelmed area of Lyons Rd and Atlantic Ave would be very detrimental to all of us as drivers. Other areas have been suggested that would have less impact on the congestion of drivers in this area. Our Dr. Lori Vinikoor was on Channel 12 speaking about the importance of our Agricultural Reserve. We, in the Alliance of Delray, are so proud of her leadership!

Senator Lori Berman spoke about the Legislative Session which has not been concluded. Budget has not passed as of now, so the leaders will resume the budget voting. Also, Lori is now the Minority Leader. Congratulations. She also said that lowering property taxes would be detrimental to funding Social Services, Fire and Police Departments. Other important issues are the lowering of age in Child Labor Laws, No! Interns at places like McDonalds wouldn’t be paid, NO! The House and Senate should be co-equal and NOT partisan. Milestone inspections passed. Condos have an extra 2 years to get up to. Speed and lines of credit were okay.

Our School Board Chairperson, Karen Brill said that there were 20,000 graduates this year. That is great. Also, no start time change was approved, and conversation about cellphones for students during school day. They would be prohibited in elementary and middle school, and there would be no decision yet on high school students. The other decision was whether the H.S. students would have access during lunch. No vote yet but our audience was in favor of cellphones for H.S. students as so much information is on the web and effects tests, etc. Our breakfast sponsor was Rose Sqarlotto for the beautiful VI 55 and over Senior Community.

Preparing for Hurricane Season was our program and Mary Blakeney, Director of Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management /Public Safety Dept. and Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center Overview.  There were 25 hurricanes in 2017, and we are experiencing more as the years go on. 2023 was unprecedented for the Panhandle. Those numbers were not seen for more than 100 years until now.

Even when you hear Tropical Storm and poo-poo it, it takes 3 days before landfall and that is the time when it builds in strength. It could be 50 hours until landfall and should not be ignored. Have supplies prepared from day 1. Heed the warnings and be prepared. Evacuation Zones stages are another important part of the weather message.

6400. Mobile Homes and prefabs. Leave and get to safely.
6401. Watch the Cone and where the eye is. Danger lies miles from the cone or center. One big example was Kings Point. They were hit with a tornado as part of the Hurricane on the west coast. Listen to the weather and when there is a tornado siren, take cover in an inside bathroom or closet, away from windows and doors! Being prepared relieves some of the stress so make a plan, have a kit ready, Prepare to contact family/friends out of area. The kit should be 1 gal. Water per person, for 5-7 days. Hygiene products, canned foods (look for BOGOs) Flashlight batteries, personal products (toilet paper), drugs, cash as ATMs and Banks may not be available, Important Documents/marriage certificates in a watertight bag, List of Meds and special photo should be kept in a waterproof bag. Also, check in on your neighbors that are disabled or elderly. To stay informed we have a team on call…CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) It will help you to stay informed, and the phone number is 561-712-6400. Open 24-7 and the email address is readypbc.com. Follow them for alerts. PBC has a “Dart app that flashes alert direct to cellphones. Keep it on for updates in storm events. Very precise. These are important ways to stay ahead of a storm crisis.

The next speaker was Tommy Strowd, Executive Director of Lake Worth Drainage District: Flood Prevention during Hurricane Season. The flood district plan was created in 1915. There is a Flood Water District in Okeechobee Agricultural Reserve to communities from Broward Line to 95 and the Everglades. 500 miles of canals for flood protection. 5 members are on the governing board. The Storm drains keep the water in lakes from going into homes. The line of command for South Florida is:

The District Regional Canals system is controlled by Florida State.

Smaller canals belong to Lake Worth Water District.

Ponds/Storm Drains/Culverts are the local community’s responsibility.

Florida Water District (FWMD) has automated remote gates that control water and the gates. Updates communities by phone.

At 24-48 hrs. Before landfall, we look at our systems.

At 23-36 hrs. Lower canals to push more pond flow.

Control Structure:

Permit to connect lakes to canals. Fixed flow of water.

Operate Structure. Wheel lets out storm water.

Lowers lakes for rain events.

24 hrs. before storm, close the Wheels in communities.

3” to 4: of rain is okay.

5” to 6” in 24 hrs. means rain in streets.

Extreme rain is 15” to 20” in 24 hours.

Keep alert June to November and don’t drive on flooded roads, watch for downed power lines. In emergency, contact automated phone line, 561-498-5363.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 9:30 am. Our speaker will be Ronald Rice, Cooperative Extension Director. He will discuss our Agricultural Reserve backyard, plus, “Taste of The Tropics”, with yummy snacks and desserts. Also, July 4th party fun gift giveaways.

The meeting will be held in the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Rd, across from Morikami Gardens. Doors open at 9AM when refreshments are served. The meeting starts at 9:30AM and always finishes by 11AM.  All are invited to attend. See you there!