"Boca's Tax Rates Drop But Expenses Soar, Beach Reopens After Bacteria Scare & Driverless Shuttle Service Launched!"

Living in Boca Raton Florida EXPLAINED in 10 Minutes!


October Edition

Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy October 08, 2025! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨

Today’s Edition of the Boca Luxe Ledger

The Local Lowdown

Challenges Ahead for Boca Raton as Tax Rates Decrease but Expenses Rise
South Inlet Park Beach in Boca Raton Reopens for Swimming After Brief Closure due to High Bacteria Levels
Boca Raton Enhances Park with Inclusive Playground Catering to Children of All Ages

Get Out & Go!

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
Intracoastal Cleanup
Bright & Smart Homeschool: Mindstorm Madness – Brick & Code Creators

Business Buzz

1950s Auto Shop Building in Boca Raton Approved for Transformation into AutoZone
Boca Raton Launches Driverless Shuttle Service for Enhanced Urban Mobility

Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Boca Raton, Florida. 🌴

Trivia Question❓

In what year did the Intracoastal Waterway officially open in the Boca Raton area?

Challenge: How was this waterway important for the development of the city?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by Boca Raton Zaarhub, your go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit Zaarhub today!

The Local Lowdown

🌟 Uncover the Essence of Your Community: Stay updated with the latest happenings, hidden gems, and exciting events right in your neighborhood, making you feel more connected than ever!

Challenges Ahead for Boca Raton as Tax Rates Decrease but Expenses Rise
South Inlet Park Beach in Boca Raton Reopens for Swimming After Brief Closure due to High Bacteria Levels
Boca Raton Enhances Park with Inclusive Playground Catering to Children of All Ages

📰 Boca Raton – Highlights

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

🕵️ Skeletal Remains Found After Decade-Long Mystery

After nearly ten years, the skeletal remains of **Steven MacKrell**, who went missing in 2015, were recovered from a pond near I-95 close to Boca Raton.

His missing vehicle was also found submerged.

The case is currently under investigation by local authorities.

(People Magazine / news report)

🏙 City Programs & Civic Alerts

The City of Boca Raton announced its **“Walk & Roll to School Day”** to be observed on **October 8**, encouraging safer routes and active travel among students.

(City News Flash)

Also from the city alerts: From **October 5–19**, the water utility will modify disinfection protocols and carry out hydrant flushing to maintain water quality.

(City News Flash)

Also happening...

Challenges Ahead for Boca Raton as Tax Rates Decrease but Expenses Rise

The tax rate in Boca Raton is set to decrease in 2026, but costs for city services and infrastructure projects continue to rise.

The city is facing challenges in maintaining services while managing increasing expenses.

The reduction in the tax rate may provide some relief for residents, but the city will need to find ways to address the growing costs to ensure continued quality services for the community.

South Inlet Park Beach in Boca Raton has reopened for swimming after being closed due to high levels of bacteria in the water.

The closure, which lasted one day, was a precautionary measure taken by officials to protect public health.

Water quality tests have since shown safe levels of bacteria, prompting the reopening of the popular beach.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the newly reopened beach while practicing good hygiene and following safety guidelines to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants.

The city of Boca Raton has awarded a contract for the construction of a new playground at Lake Wyman Park.

The playground will cater to children of all ages and abilities, featuring accessible equipment and various play structures.

The project aims to enhance the recreational facilities at the park and provide a safe and inclusive space for families to enjoy.

The new playground is expected to be completed within the next year, offering a fun and engaging experience for the community.

Today's Weather Outlook

🌧️ Boca Raton Mid-Week Forecast (Oct 8 – Oct 10, 2025)

Here’s your weather outlook for Boca Raton, Florida, from October 8 through October 10, 2025:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025: High: ~87 °F (≈ 31 °C), Low: ~76 °F (≈ 24 °C) – Moderate rain likely, periods of heavier rain possible.
Thursday, October 9, 2025: High: ~85 °F (≈ 29-30 °C), Low: ~73 °F (≈ 23-24 °C) – Heavy rainfall expected, thunderstorms probable.
Friday, October 10, 2025: High: ~85 °F (≈ 29-30 °C), Low: ~71 °F (≈ 22-23 °C) – Continued heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially later in the day.

Overall: Expect a wet stretch mid-week with frequent heavy rainfall and storms.

Mornings may offer brief lulls, but afternoons and evenings look increasingly active.

Tip: Keep an umbrella or rain jacket handy, and plan outdoor activities for earlier hours.

DIY Wednesday ✨

🔥 Get ready to unleash your inner creator: This DIY Wednesday promises to ignite your imagination like never before! 🌟

Can I Repair Gardening Gloves? - The Plant Enthusiast

🧤 Gardening Gloves Refresh: Give Your Well-Used Gloves a New Lease on Life

Before tossing out your worn gardening gloves, try refreshing them!

With a few easy cleaning and repair tricks, you can extend their life, save money, and keep your hands protected season after season.

Deep clean: Soak fabric or leather gloves in warm soapy water, then gently scrub off dirt using a soft brush.

Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Condition leather: Use a small amount of natural leather conditioner or olive oil to restore flexibility and prevent cracking.
Reinforce seams: Stitch any small tears or weak areas with heavy-duty thread before they worsen.
Deodorize naturally: Sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside the gloves and let them sit overnight to absorb odors.
Label and store: Keep gloves in a dry, ventilated spot—use a clip or small bin to avoid moisture buildup and mold.

🌿 Tip: Have an old pair that’s beyond saving?

Cut off the fingertips and repurpose them as plant ties, tool grips, or knee-pad covers for weeding.

A little care goes a long way—refreshing your gloves keeps them durable, comfortable, and garden-ready for many more blooms to come.

🌸✨

🌳GET OUT & GO

Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! 🌍✨

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
Intracoastal Cleanup
Bright & Smart Homeschool: Mindstorm Madness – Brick & Code Creators

🎉 Boca Raton Events

Wednesday – Friday • October 8–10, 2025

📅 Wednesday • Oct 8

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
🕒 12:30 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Watch marine animals being fed at the outdoor aquarium. More info

Resident Sea Turtle Talk
🕒 1:00 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Learn about sea turtle conservation and current programs. More info

📅 Thursday • Oct 9

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
🕒 12:30 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Daily marine feeding show. More info

Resident Sea Turtle Talk
🕒 1:00 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Join the talk on local sea turtle life and protection efforts. More info

Intracoastal Cleanup
🕒 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 📍 James A.

Rutherford Park
Community beach & waterways cleanup event. More info

Music Together with Laurie
🕒 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | 📍 Sugar Sand Park Community Center
A music & movement class for children and caregivers. More info

Music Together with Laurie (Alternate Session)
🕒 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | 📍 Sugar Sand Park Community Center
Second session of the music & movement class for children & caregivers. More info

📅 Friday • Oct 10

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
🕒 12:30 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Marine animals’ feedings at the outdoor exhibit. More info

Resident Sea Turtle Talk
🕒 1:00 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Join the discussion about sea turtle rescue & conservation. More info

Intracoastal Adventures – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
🕒 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Beginner-friendly SUP guided over mangrove and estuary areas. More info

Gumbo Limbo After Hours Tours
🕒 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 📍 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Evening tour through butterfly gardens, shaded trails & lighted aquariums. More info

Bright & Smart Homeschool: Mindstorm Madness – Brick & Code Creators
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍 Sugar Sand Park Community Center
Kids build and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms kits. More info

Bright & Smart Robotics: Tiny Innovators (Parent & Me)
🕒 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | 📍 Sugar Sand Park Community Center
A hands-on STEM activity for toddlers with parent participation. More info

🌴 Events are confirmed via the City of Boca Raton calendar and local programming.

Always double-check closer to the date for possible changes or updates.

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce Boca Raton, Florida's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Bay!

1950s Auto Shop Building in Boca Raton Approved for Transformation into AutoZone
Boca Raton Launches Driverless Shuttle Service for Enhanced Urban Mobility

"1950s Auto Shop Building in Boca Raton Approved for Transformation into AutoZone"

The Boca Raton Planning Board has approved the transformation of a 1950s auto shop building into an AutoZone.

The decision was made after a presentation by the project's architect, who highlighted the planned renovations to maintain the building's historical integrity while updating it to fit the needs of a modern automotive store.

The board praised the design and approved the project, which will also include improvements to the landscaping and parking lot.

The AutoZone is expected to provide a convenient retail option for residents in the area.

Beginning this fall, Boca Raton will introduce a driverless shuttle service in downtown area.

The service aims to provide convenient transportation for residents and visitors.

The autonomous shuttles will operate within designated routes, offering a safe and sustainable mode of transport.

The pilot program will be closely monitored to ensure efficiency and safety of passengers.

This initiative is part of the city's efforts to embrace innovative technology and enhance mobility options for the community.

Green Living Tip✔️

⚡ Conserving Energy During Peak Hours

Adjusting your usage to reduce strain on the grid

During peak hours—typically late afternoon to early evening—electricity demand surges as households and businesses use more energy.

By adjusting how and when you use electricity, you can help prevent power outages, lower your utility bills, and reduce stress on the grid.

Small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference in energy conservation.

🌤️ Shift Your Energy Use

Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers early in the morning or later at night.
Use timers or smart plugs to schedule high-energy appliances outside of peak times.
Pre-cool your home before peak hours begin, especially during hot days.

💡 Improve Energy Efficiency

Replace old bulbs with LED lights that use up to 80% less energy.
Seal doors and windows to prevent cool or warm air from escaping.
Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use to avoid “phantom” energy drain.

🌬️ Optimize Cooling and Heating

Set thermostats a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter during peak hours.
Use ceiling fans to circulate air efficiently without increasing AC use.
Close curtains or blinds during the day to keep rooms cooler naturally.

🔋 Go Smart with Technology

Install a smart thermostat to automatically adjust settings during high-demand periods.
Monitor real-time usage through your utility provider’s app or online dashboard.
Consider solar panels or battery storage systems for sustainable energy management.

Business Spotlight✨

🌟 Boca Raton Business Spotlight 🌟

Each month, we shine a light on local businesses that bring flavor, culture, and community to our city. From innovative eateries to beloved favorites, these spots help make Boca Raton a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

This month’s spotlight goes to...

🥙 Café Motek – Fresh Mediterranean Flavors in Boca Raton!

This spotlight celebrates local businesses that bring culture, community, and amazing dining experiences to Boca Raton. Congratulations to Café Motek for serving authentic Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist!

🍽️ A Taste of Tel Aviv in Boca
Café Motek began in Miami and has quickly become one of South Florida’s most beloved spots. Now open in Boca Raton’s Restaurant Row, they’re known for their award-winning Arayes Burger, freshly baked pita, and vibrant Mediterranean plates made with love and tradition.

✨ What Guests Are Saying:
“Motek is my go-to for fresh, flavorful food. Every dish feels like a trip to the Mediterranean.”
– Sarah L., Boca Raton resident

🎉 Visit Café Motek Today
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Café Motek is ready to welcome you with warm hospitality and unforgettable flavors.

📍 5355 Town Center Rd, Suite 139, Boca Raton, FL 33486
🌐 motekcafe.com
📲 instagram.com/motekcafe

Let’s continue to support the restaurants that make Boca Raton shine!
#BocaRatonEats #SupportLocal #BusinessSpotlight #CafeMotek

BOCA LUXE LEDGER SNAPSHOT

🌺✨ From lush arrangements to bespoke celebrations, Boca By Design brings creativity and craftsmanship together to turn your vision into an unforgettable reality - right here at The Boca Raton. 🎉

Credits: Boca By Design

Hashtags: #BocaByDesign #TheBocaRaton #Creativity #Craftsmanship

Making it through the mid-week!

Keep your news tips, event submissions, and photos coming!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The Intracoastal Waterway opened in 1912, providing a vital transportation and trade route for the area.

🌟 Help us grow by sharing this email with a neighbor, and if you have a news tip, simply hit reply! 📩

🌐 Stay connected by visiting our website at bocaluxeledger.com
📘 Follow us on Facebook for news and updates: facebook.com/bocaluxeledger
👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/bocaluxeledger

See you tomorrow,

- Boca Luze Ledger Team