Mayor Scott Singer touted the accomplishments of Boca Raton in the annual State of the City address on Wednesday, but this time, much more fanfare was included.
This year, a Community Celebration was added to the update from the mayor, which included interactive tables from each city department, yard games, food trucks, and live music.
The gathering was hosted at Mizner Park Amphitheatre, where Singer was joined on stage by his fellow city council members as he shared the city’s accomplishments and things to look forward to in a Ted Talk style. Behind him, video and photos of city development, festivals, and other happenings played.
Some points he shared:
- The city passing ordinances to promote affordable housing
- Ridership on the Brightline, new to Boca Raton, has surpassed projections (we have to note that the company’s overall projections are down 21% for 2024)
- Boca Raton beaches saw a record number of sea turtle nests (1,325 nests)
- Rutherford and Lake Wyman parks will be reopening at the end of the month with improvements, such as boardwalks, new greenery and dredging
- In the works is the Center for the Arts and Innovation, which will include a concert and performance hall
- Boca Raton is becoming more corporate friendly. Its office leasing numbers (525,237) are greater than West Palm Beach (126,282) and Fort Lauderdale (343,453) combined
- The city hosted more than 50 community events, including Festival of the Arts Boca and holiday festivities
After his address, attendees could visit each city department, which gave away plenty of city-branded swag and hosted spin-the-wheel games. Kids played basketball and giant yard games, food trucks doled out food, and the crowd enjoyed music from the band Remix. There was a fresh water station from Utility Services, trivia from Municipal Services (did you know the city moves 85 million tons of waste a year?), fireman hats from the Fire Department, a test of facts from the Building Department (you do not need a permit to replace your garbage disposal), and other interactive moments for the public.