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Whose reef is it anyway?

reefrescue — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:49:06 +0000

SCUBA diving community united in search for threatened coral

Not waiting for the National Marine Fisheries Service to make their determination on the Reef Rescue petition to designate most of Palm Beach County as critical habitat for ESA listed coral, the local dive community embarks on a search for more staghorn coral colonies.

The struggle to gain federal habitat protection for the reefs offshore of the Town of Palm Beach is chronicled below in previous Reef Rescue blogs. The Florida Reef Tract along the east coast, south of the Boynton Beach Inlet is now designated critical habitat essential for the survival of ESA listed elkhorn and staghorn corals. Reef Rescue has petitioned the federal government to afford the same protections to the coral reefs offshore of the Town of Palm Beach.

In Palm Beach, they say the rules should be different

Federal habitat protection along the east coast of Florida extends from a depth of 6 out to 98 feet deep. All reef stuctures capable of supporting elkhorn and staghorn coral within the designated area are protected. Unable to deny the existence of the largest stand of staghorn coral in Palm Beach County, recently discovered offshore of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, the Town of Palm Beach backed down on their opposition to habitat protection for some – not all of the neighboring reefs.

The catch – off the Town of Palm Beach they say nothing in less than 45 feet of water should be protected. Why? Not much has changed – the reefs interfere with the town’s beach renourishment projects – or so they claim.

The dive community’s search for new staghorn locations is designed to negate Palm Beach’s opposition. Since, once staghorn is found in less than 45 feet of water or anywhere north of Breakers (deep) Reef another of the town’s contrived excuses unravels.

Check with your dive operator for details, some are offering rewards. All staghorn sightings must be reported to Reef Rescue and verified.

In Tough Real Estate Times, A Sense of Community Emerges on Top

hermangrouprealestate — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:05:20 +0000

As reported by the Miami Herald, there’s a new type of home care maintenance being done by neighbors: taking care of the empty lot next door.

With foreclosures soaring, many residents in hard hit cities such as Detroit and Miami are rising to the occasion to protect their neighborhoods- and one another. Where once occupied homes have become vacant shells, neighbors are mowing lawns, painting boards and trying to maintain a sense of upkeep and pride in the areas they love to call home.

On a larger and more official level, many police and fire departments have begun hosting foreclosure prevention workshops and encouraging neighborhood councils and associations to speak to their residents in hopes of creating a dialogue that may possibly save their homes. In addition both citizens and police departments are keeping an eye on vacant homes to ensure that homes aren’t broken into, used for illegal activity or damaged further.

Some neighborhoods are even pooling their resources to buy foreclosed homes or contacting realtors to find out who owns the property. Small steps like these are helping to prevent communities from becoming crime areas or veritable ghost towns. After all, a neighborhood surely begins with its neighbors.

In a dim real estate light, it’s a shiny spot of camaraderie and committment to weather this storm.

For more real estate stories, please contact The Herman Group.

Frenchmans Creek

palmbeachflorida — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:30:24 +0000

Frenchman’s creek is a one of a kind community in Palm Beach County offers the ultimate Florida living experience. The tropical landscape and miles of waterways are only the beginning. Frenchman’s Creek Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens is committed to providing the highest quality private golf course experience in Florida. There are 17 Har-Tru tennis courts an amazing spa and fitness center with fifteen personal trainers and five fitness instructors that offer a wide-array of classes to choose from. Adjacent to the community and accessible through the deep water canals is the full-service Loggerhead Club and Marina, where residents have priority access to available boat and yacht slips. Frenchman’s Creek offers the ultimate concierge lifestyle with resort style amenities delivered by our exceptional and educated staff. Sunny Palm Beach Gardens offers a vibrant Florida lifestyle with access to art and cultural choices including Broadway performances, shopping malls that include the finest stores, day spas, resorts and outstanding dining opportunities.

Jupiter Hills

palmbeachflorida — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:16:14 +0000

Jupiter Hills in Jupiter Florida is a one of a kind community located between the intracoastal and Jonathan Dickenson State Park. Jupiter Hills offers large estate homes as well as golf villas, courtyard town homes, all with beautiful views of the lakes, intracoastal, and golf course. There are two beautiful and challenging golf courses shaped out of the dunes and rolling hills and a brand new 40,000 square foot clubhouse which overlooks the golf course and beautiful intracoastal waterways. Jupiter Hills is in close proximity to such famous shopping and dining as The Gardens Mall, Worth Avenue, Clematis Street, and CityPlace as well as The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Jupiter blends a uniquely appealing quality of life with an ideal location to become one of the most sought-after residential areas in Palm Beach County.

The Palm Beach social season in 1895

therichlife — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:59:50 +0000

Here’s a link to today’s column in the Shiny Sheet.

David Desmond

82 Acres Palm Beach-Prime Residential Land

gautengusa — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:01:57 +0000

Unique site

82 Acre PUD site in Lake Worth Bank owned Approved for 208 Single family homes 123 tdr sites 85 regular

near Jog and Hypoluxo

Bank upside down on this one, over 45 Million invested .. Offers from 5 Million will be looked at.

Site Plan availible

New FCCAA polls released: 11/17

Josh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:56:12 +0000

Women

Rank	Team	Record	Pts	Pvs
1.	Gulf Coast (11)	4-0	128	1
2.	Pensacola	5-1	106	4
3.	Northwest Florida State (1)	4-0	105	3
4.	Chipola (1)	3-2	81	2
5.	Santa Fe	5-0	72	5
6.	Central Florida	5-0	58	6
7.	Tallahassee	3-2	52	7
8.	Indian River State	2-1	51	8
9.	Miami Dade	1-1	20	10
10.	Daytona State	2-3	14	–

Also receiving votes: Florida State College at Jacksonville 9, Brevard 8, Palm Beach 6, Hillsborough 5.

Dropped from rankings: No. 9 Brevard

Men

Rank	Team	Record	Pts	Pvs
1.	Central Florida (12)	5-0	131	2
2.	Northwest Florida State (1)	5-0	114	3
3.	Chipola (1)	5-0	108	4
4.	Gulf Coast	4-0	93	5
5.	Tallahassee	3-1	83	1
6.	Broward	4-0	76	7
7.	Santa Fe	5-1	54	9
8.	Polk State	3-2	21	–
9t.	Palm Beach	4-1	19	–
9t.	St. Petersburg	3-1	19	–

Also receiving votes: Pasco-Hernando 12, Miami Dade 11, Daytona State 10, Pensacola 6, St. Johns River 6, Indian River State 4, State College of Florida 2, Hillsborough 1.

Dropped from rankings: No. 6 Miami Dade, No. 8 Indian River State, No. 10 Hillsboroug

Marni Rothstein Wedding April 4th 2009

dalsimer — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15:05 +0000

In april we had the Pleasure of Working with Marni Rothstein on her Wedding Day.

The wedding was held at Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton .

Many Thanks to Ed Cichelo, Tim Nelson and Loranth Botha and for all of the help and assistance.

We are always so fortunate to work at this property as there attention to detail is second to none.

The room was designed with a a combination of square , round and rectangular tables.

The arrangemnts consisted of rose pomeranders suspended within crystal vases with caps of Ostrich Feathers.

The other Half of the displays consisted of Fabric Lampshades set on oversized crystal vases. The center of of each vase was filled with Dutch Calla Lillies .

The room perimeter was filled with color changing Led Lights .

The ceremony was held outside on the Lawn fronting Broken Sounds golf course.

The Wedding Canopy consisted of four Posts appointed with Bands of deep red Black Magic roses.

The Aisle consisted of wrought iron candelabras as well as a eggsell toned runner with red rose petals.

A special thanks to Tom from Munoz Studios for another great event as well as providing us with these Images .

Brrr! It's getting cold in Manhattan!

QuestMag — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:21:48 +0000

So, the fall foliage is wonderful and all, but don’t you kind-of already miss the warmer months? Not to worry, these beauty products are sure to tide you over until next summer! (Or until your next escape to lovely Palm Beach.)

QUEST loves BUMBLE AND BUMBLE’s Surf Spray made with SEA KELP extract — your perfectly tossled locks will make you look as though you spent an entire day at the beach. No sailboat necessary! And MOLTON BROWN’s Island Sand Foot Exfoliator is made with actual white SAND from Bora Bora.

Surf Spray ($22); Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles — whenever, wherever; Bumble and Bumble

Island Sand Foot Exfoliator ($27); Instantly transform tired, out-of-condition feet with this exotically scented exfoliating treatment; Molton Brown

Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne ($55 or $100); Reminiscent of the scent of limes carried on a Caribbean sea breeze, a modern classic of men and women; Jo Malone

EQB

Jonathans Landing

palmbeachflorida — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:19:40 +0000

Jonathans Landing located in Jupiter Florida is a luxurious Golf and Country Club community. Jonathans Landing features a variety of luxurious homes including single family homes, townhomes and condos in an ideal location for lovers of all fun in the sun. With a Health Club, three championship golf courses, two impressive clubhouses, and a tennis center the fun is only beginning. Jonathans Landing offers the superb amenities of a golf course community, waterfront homes and is ideal for a boater’s lifestyle. This amazing neighborhood features a variety of villages that are linked by a promenade system to encourage walking and biking. The homes in this community are exceptional many with breathtaking views. This wonderful Palm Beach County location is just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter’s finest beaches, great shopping and fine-dining. Welcome Home.

$1,000 a-day fine for tall grass in Jupiter, Florida

infolution — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:06:56 +0000

Fines for too-tall grass could rise to $1,000 a day in Jupiter

Bill DiPaolo
Palm Beach Post
November 18, 2009

JUPITER — An overgrown lawn could cost a homeowner $1,000 a day.

A plan to quadruple the penalty from the current maximum of $250 per day for a first violation is scheduled for consideration at Tuesday night’s town council meeting.

A repeat violation by the same person would be boosted to $5,000 a day maximum from $500 per day.

If the code enforcement board finds that the violation is irreversible — the unapproved removal of an historic tree, for example — the violator would face a maximum fine of $15,000. The current maximum penalty is $5,000.

“That’s outrageous,” said Stefan Harzen, a member of the property owners association for the Woodland Estates neighborhood. Increasing the fines will not result in prettier neighborhoods, he said. “This is an easy way for the town to get more money,” Harzen said.

Read Full Article Here

The other Boca

Karla — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:58:30 +0000

The other Boca

Yamato Scrub Natural Area

Boca Raton: it’s a sometimes snooty concrete jungle dominated by high-end shopping centers and roomy homes. Yet amidst its sprawling cement hide more than three miles of trails looping through the city’s largest public natural area. Known as the Yamato Scrub Natural Area (YSNA), this 217-acre site is the other Boca.

Wildlife:

Palm Beach County alleges all manner of flora and fauna hang out at the YSNA, including threatened species (like the eastern indigo snake) and endangered species (like the wood stork and the Arctic peregrine falcon). I can’t vouch for the birds, but on the Cicada Nature Trail, I’ve spotted a sunning black racer that may or may not have been an eastern indigo snake. I’ve also watched a raccoon swim across a stream.

If you’re on an animal-spotting quest, however, YSNA may disappoint. Most of its residents (like the gopher tortoise and the Florida mouse) carry on beneath the dense scrub-habitat vegetation that comprises the majority of the site. If you’re into vegetation itself, check out the YSNA during the fall, when various wildflowers are in bloom.

The bottom line:

If you live more than 20 minutes away, there’s probably a similar nature area closer to you than the YNSA. But if you’re in or near Boca, YSNA is a nearby escape from your daily grind and a quick change of scenery. Just ignore the ever-present power lines in the distance and you may forget you’re in the concrete jungle of Boca. Whether you take a lunch-break stroll on the paved trail or break a sweat hiking for two hours, it’s free, so you have little to lose.

A view of the restored wetlands from the paved 0.7-mile Cicada Nature Trail. When I visited at the start of the dry season, I was actually able to walk its muddy perimeter.

Stuff to know before you go:

> Sun: Long stretches of trail provide no shade.

> Water: Bring water because YSNA doesn’t offer drinks or even have a vending machine or water fountain. Carry it on you, too, because the longer trail can feel deceptively long.

> Restrooms: Nonexistent

> Contraband: This is a natural area, not a park, so hiking is about all you’re allowed to do here. You’ll have to leave the following at home: pets, fishing poles, cigarettes, and — yes, I’m sorry to report — firearms.

For better or for worse, the 2.4-mile Skyblue Lupine Hiking Trail does not appear to harbor wolves.

Location specs:

> $: Free admission, free parking

> Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily

> Web site: Click here.

> Phone: Try Boca Raton’s Recreational Services (561-393-7810) or Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (561-233-2400)

> Acreage: 217

> Address: 601 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton

> County: Palm Beach

> Map: Click here.

> Photos: Click here.

Most of the Skyblue Lupine Hiking Trail snakes through dense scrub habitat. Follow the trail's posts, marked with yellow circles, to avoid getting lost in the brush.

Trail specs:

> Length: 0.7 miles (Cicada Nature Trail) + 2.4 miles (Skyblue Lupine Hiking Trail) = 3.1 miles

> Terrain: Pavement (Cicada Nature Trail) and sandy dirt (Skyblue Lupine Hiking Trail)

> Map: Click here.

Clint Moore Road bisects the Yamato Scrub Natural Area. Running beneath the road, a tunnel -- decorated in curious graffiti -- connects the northern and southern segments of the natural area's longer hiking trail.

Tequesta Riverfront

palmbeachflorida — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:27 +0000

Tequesta, Florida offers some amazing properties located on the Loxahatchee River. Known for it’s natural beautiy the Loxahatchee River is a place you can sit and watch for hours. The nature and elegance of the river is amazing and can’t be compared to anything. Watch the fish jump, the hawks soar, and the dolphins glide on the beautiful blue waters of the Loxahatchee.

The small town of Tequesta is located in both Martin and Palm Beach County and has so much to offer. Tequesta offers great parks, activity center, and many great social events for people of all ages. Tequesta is a small town with a ton of activty and natural beautiy. Tequesta also offers amazing golf clubs such as Turtle Creek, Tequesta Country Club, and Jupiter Hills.

Willkommen in meiner Welt, Mika! Welcome to my world, Mika!

Peter — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:59:54 +0000

Palm Beach
View Larger Map		Newtown – Palm Beach – Bondi Beach – Newtown
		Dominica Kern, Katharina Volkmer, Therese Berge, Andreas Wecker, Peter Jagla
		Ein Tag
		127 km
		Ø 127 Km/Tag:
		Die Taufe von Mika, die Stimmung,Palm Beach, die Küstenstrecke nach Palm Beach!
		Verspätung einiger Reisender, Staus – Sydney ist voll von Autos!

Blue Mountains

(Die Version des Blogeintrags findet ihr unter der Version auf )

What an awesome first Roadtrip - and what a great last week! After a couple of uni-days last week I had my final Radio Journalism 1-broadcast on Saturday. Michelle, my fellow student, and I where the presenters of 2SER’s Razors Edge, a current affairs show on Sydney’s community radio. Listen back to this current affairs show. My own story on Indian and Australian ties starts after 36:40 mins. On Sunday my Angels and I went to Palm Beach to christen my car! Thanks for all your name suggestions on Facebook, my blog and via txt-message! We finally agreed on Mika. So, welcome Mika to his new world!

Me presenting Razors Edge on 2SER, Sydney's Community Radio

Listen back to the show with me as presenter

Last check before going on air. My teacher Stephen Crittenden on the right

Can chill out while others are working: Alison Marks

Presenting current affairs: Peter Jagla

Razors Edge on 2SER

Presenting Razors Edge on 2SER

Group picture after all the work was done

Mika’s Christening

Christening Mika - die Taufe von Mika

The christening has been a big party. We started on Sunday morning, heading north to Palm Beach. With a name on my mind we chilled out at the beach first. Palm Beach is quite famous and spectacular but quite far out of town. As there has been so much traffic on the streets we actually needed more than 90 minutes to get there… After a long name-discussion at the beach, Andreas had the idea to name my car Mika. I must admit, this is the best idea out of all. I love Mika, the singer and song writer, and I go crazy when listening to his songs. One of my favorite songs is “Big Girl” – which kinda describes my van, doesn’t it?

Finally at about 3:30 pm we christened MIKA – and welcomed him to his new world with champagne, cake and fruit salad! What a great party!

Christening Mika - die Taufe von Mika

Was für ein grandioser Roadtrip – und was für eine tolle letzte Woche! Nach einigen Uni-Tagen vergangene Woche hatten wir unsere Radio-Journalism 1 Sendung am Samstag. Meine Kommilitonin Michelle und ich waren die Moderatoren von Razors Edge auf 2SER, einem Nachrichtenprogramm in Sydneys Community Radio. In meinem Blog könnt ihr euch die Sendung anhören. Mein Beitrag über die Beziehungen zwischen Indien und Australien beginnt bei 36:40. Sonntag sind meine Angel mit mir nach Palm Beach gefahren, um mein Auto zu taufen. Danke für alle Namensvorschläge per SMS, bei Facebook und hier im Blog. Wir haben uns auf einen anderen Namen geeinigt: Mika. Also heißt Mika in seiner neuen Welt willkommen!

Präsentieren Razors Edge: Michelle und Peter

Die ganze Sendung, die ich präsentiert habe:

Michelle Stephenson hat mit mir präsentiert

Bei der Arbeit

Das Moderatoren-Duo Michelle und Peter

Besprechung mit der Technikerin

EP Joel

Hannah wartet geduldig, bis ihre Story in der Show gesendet wird...

Listen up.

Gruppenfoto die Zweite

Happy Birthday! In der Lobby von Therese's Wohnung empfangen wir Anne

Anne hat Geburtstag gefeiert – und wie das so ist zurzeit, hat sie es gleich mit dem Abschied verbunden. Bald wird sie nach Japan und anschließend nach Dänemark aufbrechen, viel Zeit bleibt da nicht. Und auch heute bei der Taufe konnte sie leider nicht dabei sein, da sie noch in Melbourne war. Zum Geburtstag am Donnerstag vor einer Woche haben wir sie erst einmal in den Swimmingpool eingeladen. Außerdem gab es Kuchen und Geschenke!

Hurray! Entspannen im Swimmingpool von Therese

Cheers!

Unser Geschenk: Ein FlipFlop - selbst gebastelt und von uns allen unterschrieben.

Kuchen und Desert zum Geburtstag

Alle Kerzen auf einmal ausgepustet. Geburtstagskind Anne!

Knall-Dings-Bums zum Geburtstag in die Luft feuern...

und auf (wunderschöne, bildhübsche... ähem...) Füße stecken!

Und nach dem Kuchen: Schön entspannen!

Ihre Geburtstagsparty war eine große Mardi-Gras-Party – man musste sich mal wieder verkleiden. Heißt Raffaela herzlich willkommen!

Na, wo bin ich?

Anne's Geburtstags-Mardi-Gras-Abschieds-Party

Die Taufe am Sonntag war ein Highlight. Wir sind Sonntag morgens in Richtung Palm Beach aufgebrochen. Weil die Straßen so voll waren, haben wir über 90 Minuten gebraucht… Zuerst haben wir an dem recht berühmten und schönen Strand gechillt und ich hatte die ganze Zeit einen Namen für den Van im Kopf. Aber nach einer langen Diskussion hat Andreas den Namen Mika vorgeschlagen – die beste Idee! Ich liebe Mika, den Sänger, und ich dreh völlig durch, wenn seine Lieder laufen. Eines meiner Lieblingslieder: “Big Girl” – und das beschreibt den Van ja auch ganz gut, nicht? Außerdem haben wir da das “B” am Anfang, was so ein bisschen die Baby-Bedzy-Namensreihe fortsetzt.

Therese chillin' @ Palm Beach

Dominica chillin' @ Palm Beach

Katharina chillin' @ Palm Beach - with a fat free apple!

Andreas chillin' @ Palm Beach

Sommergefühle!

Wartet geduldig auf die Taufe: Mika!

Wartet ungeduldig!

Toller Strand - tolle Aussicht. Und alles fett-frei!

Dieses Foto beschreibt meinen momentanen Gefühlszustand wohl am Besten!

Flip Flops am Strand von Palm Beach

Palm Beach

Aussichten

Wir hier, Auto da.

Palm Beach

Andreas und der wunderschöne Palm Beach-Sand

Therese und ihre wunderschönen - ach quatsch: ...und der wunderschöne Palm Beach-Sand

Katharina

Strandgefühle

Strandträume

Strandträume - ein Haus am Palm Beach

Strandträume

Endlich gegen halb vier haben wir MIKA getauft – mit Sekt, Kuchen und Obstsalat haben wir ihn in seiner neuen Welt begrüßt! Was für ein Fest. Mehr Bilder oben!

Christening Mika - die Taufe von Mika

An diese Aussicht muss ich mich dann wohl gewöhnen...

Sonntagabend nach der Taufe an den Northern Beaches sind wir nach Bondi Beach gefahren, im Osten, wo Katharina zum Abschied einlud. Auch ihre Zeit in Sydney ist fast vorbei und das wollte sie gerne noch einmal mit allen Freunden feiern.

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Tschüss, Katharina!

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Wir sind nicht die einzigen am Strand!

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Tschüss, Angels!

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Clem, Darran, Anne und Therese

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Total lecker!

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Total lecker, Katharina!

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Nora, Andy und Alex

BBQ am Bondi Beach - Therese

Vorbei ist nun auch die Uni – komplett. Nach einem anstrengenden Semester in Deutschland hat mein erstes Semester hier in Australien direkt nach zwei Tagen Unterbrechung begonnen. Die Hausarbeiten für Deutschland nebenbei geschrieben, musste ich mich hier schnell auf ganz viele neue Dinge konzentrieren. Dass das nicht immer einfach war, konnte jeder in meinen Blogeinträgen verfolgen. Jetzt ist aber alles vorbei! Mit der Radioshow am Samstag habe ich mein allerletztes Uni-Projekt abgeschlossen. Ab jetzt heißt es entspannen. Ferien! Bis Ende Februar.

Freut euch auf die nächsten Einträge aus Melbourne, Adelaide, Jervis Bay, den Blue Mountains, der Great Ocean Road – und Neuseeland!

The Palm Beach Code of Conduct

therichlife — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:33:27 +0000

Here’s a link to today’s column in the Shiny Sheet.

David Desmond

Cielo

palmbeachflorida — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:00:52 +0000

Cielo is a beautiful town home community located in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. This beautiful gated community consists of two and three level town homes, each elegantly designed with granite throughout the kitchen and baths, huge rooms, stainless steel appliances, hurricane impact windows, and so much more. Amenities include a clubhouse; a resort style heated pool and spa, as well as a secured pedestrian path to the shops and restaurants at Donald Ross Village. You are close to all the amenities that famous Palm Beach County has to offer. Treat yourself with world class dining, shopping at the Gardens Mall, or just play in the sun and sand.

New Ammended Tax Credit Caters to Needs of Military Personnel and Their Families

hermangrouprealestate — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:16:27 +0000

The news of the amended and extended tax credit has given hope to realtors that excited buyers and current homeowners thinking of moving will continue to take advantage of the program all the way through Q1 of next year.

However, what many don’t know is that in light of the hectic and often incongruous schedule of military personnel, special provisions have been made to ensure that these men and women can take advantage of the tax credit as well.

According to the NAR (National Association of Realtors), two special regulations can help military and intelligence service members with the homebuying process:

Armed services members, as well as intelligence service and foreign service personnel, who are on active duty and out of the U.S. for 90 days during any part of 2009, get an additional year to buy their homes, to May 1, 20ll.

Another benefit is a waiver on the time of occupancy of the home purchased with the tax credit. Homebuyers who purchase their home using the tax credit must use that home as a principal residence for a period of no fewer than three years, or must forfeit the entire credit. Military, intelligence and foreign service members do not have to repay the credit if they have to sell their home after fewer than three years occupancy due to official business.

For more information about the tax credit or other real estate related maters, please Contact The Herman Group.

If you're driving a Bentley, I guess you're out of luck

therichlife — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:06:31 +0000

I was out on a long run last weekend when I happened upon this sign, which is located just off Worth Avenue next to the Everglades Club. It stopped me dead in my tracks:

At first I thought it might be a joke, and I probably would have been right if I had been in any town other than Palm Beach.

David Desmond

The Devil is in the Details

reefrescue — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:06:30 +0000

Breakers Shallow Reef to go without federal protection if the Town of Palm Beach gets their way

The Palm Beach Daily News article posted below (see Reef Rescue 11/11/09 blog) might give one the impression the Town of Palm Beach is acquiescing to federal critical habitat protection for ESA listed corals off their coastline. Not quite true – the devil is in the details. The town council has only agreed to what they know will inevitably be taken away from them by the National Marine Fisheries Service. They still refuse to give up their objection to habitat protections for inshore reefs such as Breakers Shallow and miles of offshore barrier reefs.

The Town of Palm Beach agreed to back down on their opposition to federal critical habitat protection for Bath & Tennis Reef; location of the largest stand of ESA listed staghorn coral in Palm Beach County and the barrier reefs (Breakers Deep) for two miles north of B&T Reef. An additional 4 miles of offshore reefline will go unprotected if NMFS were to accept the town’s position.

Also off the table, if the Town of Palm Beach gets their way, is federal protection for Breakers Shallow Reef, which according to a Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission press release is: “…a popular local dive and snorkel spot, approximately one-half mile directly offshore of the Breakers Hotel on Palm Beach. This diverse shallow reef is home to sponges, hard corals and abundant marine life, including protected species.”

As of today over 1,000 emails have been sent to the Town of Palm Beach asking them to withdraw their objections to the critical habitat protections for the ESA listed staghorn coral.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Breakers Shallow link: http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/09/south/News_09_S_MooringBuoys.htm

Wildlife Foundation of Florida Breakers Shallow link: http://www.wildlifeflorida.org/default.tpl?PageID=115

Breakers Shallow Reef

Mirasol Country Club

palmbeachflorida — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:35:32 +0000

Mirasol Country Club located in Palm Beach Florida is located in the city of Palm Beach Gardens. This beautiful gated and secured country club community offers a great location close to the Turnpike, Mall, Great Restaurants, and the Beach. Mirasol Country Club offers around 1100 homes and is divided into villages.

Mirasol offers 2 beautiful golf courses, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, restaurants, and so much more. Mirasol offers everything you could ever need without leaving your home.

BallenIsles Country Club, Frenchmans Reserve, and Old Palm are some of the amazing golf communties that Palm Beach Gardens has to offer.

Town Council supports coral protection zone extension

reefrescue — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:13:48 +0000

By WILLIAM KELLY
Daily News Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Town Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to accept a consultant’s recommendation that the town go on record in favor of extending a critical habitat designation zone for staghorn coral from the Boynton Inlet north to The Breakers.

The recommendation is that the habitat designation zone come no closer to shore than a depth of 46 feet.

The town had previously opposed the habitat designation for the endangered staghorn coral in Palm Beach County waters, saying there wasn’t enough of it to warrant the habitat protection.

But Palm Beach County Reef Rescue petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will decide on the coral protection zone, to extend the designation to the Palm Beach Inlet. Reef Rescue said it discovered a field of staghorn coral about a mile off the coast of the Bath & Tennis Club.

The town hired consultant Cheryl Miller to dive the site of the coral field, and Miller told the council Tuesday she thinks the habitat designation is warranted as far north as The Breakers.

“I found an area of unusually high density of staghorn coral for this area,” Miller said.

A Florida Department of Environmental Protection official, Dr. Vladimir Kosmynin, also spoke in favor of extending the protection zone. He said it would make no sense to extend the zone closer to shore because the amount of sediment and other features prevent the staghorn coral from propagating in that area.

The fisheries service has said it will announce a decision Jan. 6.

A few divers, including Reef Rescue leader Ed Tichenor, spoke in opposition to Tuesday’s decision, saying the protection zone should be extended farther north.

Town resident Connie Gasque said she’s done thousands of dives in offshore from Palm Beach County and “the coral does not stop at The Breakers.”

Ask the Dentist: D.I.Y. Dental Emergencies

pbdentist — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:34:47 +0000

Q: How do I get emergency dental treatment when the power is out from a storm?

A: A few years ago I was interviewed on a morning news program in Westchester, N.Y. The topic was: “The Dental Emergency Travel Kit.” What to pack in your luggage in case you don’t wish to see the local “island dentist” who practices out of a grass hut and has an iguana as his dental assistant.

This kit can be used as a “Dental Emergency Natural Disaster Kit”. Many items in the dental isle of your local pharmacy are designed for dental emergencies, such as replacing lost fillings, re-cementing crowns and bridges, and repairing broken dentures.

Other items I recommend to put in your kit are a bottle of peroxide, and an empty prescription bottle to store any dental work until you see your DDS.

Always ask your dentist to give you a paper copy print-out of your digital X-rays to keep with you. Should you wind up in another dental office on a trip or if your dentist does not have a generator during outages, the X-rays will be very helpful.

Mitchell A. Josephs D.D.S., P.A.

Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry

44 Cocoanut Row #206

Palm Beach, FL 33480

tel. (561) 832-4675

fax (561) 832-7018

www.palmbeachdentist.com

New York is a great place to leave, especially if Palm Beach is the destination

therichlife — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:52:35 +0000

Here’s a link to today’s column in the Shiny Sheet.

David Desmond

InASense, Lost... Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken

sgottahurt — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:42:28 +0000

This product was announced last week, and although it doesn’t make me feel as weak as Fetish Tots did, it still borders “What-the-Fuck-is-Mattel-Thinking?” Ville, therefore still rendering me InASense, Lost.

The “toy” goes bi by this official name: Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken. They might have well placed the word Super in there, too.

The dog's name is Sugar, and Ken is his "daddy"... none of this is helping...

Mattel claims that it’s a part of their adult toy line, which I 100% believe. And it’s not like the neutered doll was ever a hero of mine, like how G.I. Joe’s Shipwreck or Star Wars’ (duh) Luke Skywalker were (pictured below).

A Real American Hetero!

It's not a bath in the "traditional" sense...

But this fact remains: it gives me the Malibu Dream Heebie Jeebies. The last time I felt this weird and twisted inside because of a toy was when I learned that Dr. Claw (the unseen bad guy in Inspector Gadget) looked like this:

Come to think of it, he had MAD Cat as a pet, so he was MAD Car's "daddy". And his hair looks fabulous... Perhaps Ken could give him a ring sometime? Perhaps.

World famous Breakers Reef thrown under the bus

reefrescue — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:03:38 +0000

Unable to deny the existence of the largest stand of staghorn coral in Palm Beach County, Palm Beach’s coral reef consultant recommends protection for the Bath & Tennis Reef, but not much else.

Town of Palm Beach splitting hairs over coral protection

In a report dated November 3, 2009, Coastal Eco-Group Inc. (CEG), recommended the Town of Palm Beach allow critical habitat protection designation for the Bath & Tennis Reef staghorn coral, discovered by Reef Rescue volunteer divers. But, CEG proposes the northern boundary for staghorn coral habitat protection be established south of the Breakers Hotel eliminating the north end of Breakers Reef, Turtle Mound, Double Ledges and all reefs to the north from the protection zone. Some of the best diving spots in Palm Beach County and reefs that contain the features essential for the survival of the ESA listed staghorn coral would go unprotected.

The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has designated staghorn and elkhorn coral critical habitat boundaries along the east coast of Florida from 6 to 90 feet deep. CEG argues the rules for the Town of Palm Beach should be different and recommends no shallow habitat protection in waters less than 45 feet deep. This effectively eliminates habitat protection for all of Breakers Shallow Reef, where mooring buoys were recently installed by Palm Beach County to help protect the reef from anchor damage.

The report also uses the increasingly tiresome argument that since no staghorn coral has been documented north of the Bath & Tennis reef, no staghorn habitat protection is warranted for the reefs to the north. This is the same logic employed by the town’s former consultants who argued none of Palm Beach County should be designated as critical habitat because the only staghorn sightings were reported by recreational divers. It’s the old, if you don’t look for it, you can’t find it ruse.

To view the entire CEG report click here.

TAKE ACTION: Send an email to the Town of Palm Beach and ask them to stop the hair splitting and withdraw their objection to ESA listed coral habitat protection click here.