At Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to enjoy a fulfilling career that they love. Unfortunately, many people Near Boynton Beach, FL settle for thankless jobs with no room to grow. If you're stuck in a job just so you can make ends meet, your opportunity to build a better life for yourself is here.
Unlike traditional colleges, DAAPB provides students with an expedited road to success through hands-on education. Students learn by doing, not by reading lectures. We believe that the most effective way to learn is from an expert with real-world experience. That's exactly what you'll get when you enroll in our dental assisting school Near Boynton Beach, FL.
Established in 2011, DAAPB makes it possible for driven students to graduate in just eight weeks. People say our courses sound too good to be true compared to the longer programs. But when they see our reviews and walk in that front door, they know they've made the right choice.
The Dental Assisting Academy of Boynton Beach, FL offers a hybrid, accelerated 8-week entry-level program with hands-on training in a dental lab setting. We host courses in a dental office where students eventually complete 65 clinical externship hours. To make employment easier to achieve for our students, we have partnered with over 400 dental offices across Florida.
The bottom line? We teach our students the skills and techniques involved with orthodontics, pediatrics, surgical procedures, and more. When you join Dental Assisting Academy, a rewarding career and financial freedom are at your fingertips.
They say the best way to predict the future is to create it, and that's precisely what you'll be doing at Dental Assisting Academy. We believe in prepping our students for lifelong careers, not short-term gigs. When you attend our dental assisting school, you're investing in yourself - and the future looks bright!
Unlike some schools, our students enjoy a quick start in the dental industry, especially after completing their externship. Soon after, financial freedom and personal growth follow. Few emotions are as great as having the confidence and knowledge that you're well-prepared for life after graduation.
Here are some of the most common reasons why students choose our dental assisting school Near Boynton Beach, FL:
Excel in a Growing Industry: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth for dental assistants is increasing faster than in other industries. That's great news for both new students and graduates of DAAPB. You can rest easy knowing the skills you learn at Dental Assisting Academy will last for a lifetime.
Fulfilling Life and Work Balance: Balancing life and work is a problem for many in the United States. Spending every waking hour at the office is draining and even depressing without break time. Unlike other professions, dental assistants usually have normal working hours. That means they have more time to spend with children, friends, and family.
Make a Difference in the Community: Dental assistants Near Boynton Beach, FL play an important role in the dental community. As an ambassador of the profession, our students educate patients about the benefits of proper oral hygiene. Because dental hygiene and heart health are tied together, our graduates even save lives.
Higher Wages: When students graduate and work as dental assistants, many make it their career for life. For others, dental assisting is just the start, and use their schooling to get better-paying roles. With only a few years of experience as dental assistants, our students often become supervisors, office managers, and more. The sky is the limit with DAAPB!
At DAAPB, our goal is simple: Give our students access to the very best dental assisting courses and educators in Florida, at reasonable rates. Our school is approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry and Licensed by the Commission of Independent Education, #4801.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
But that's not all. Other reasons that students choose DAAPB is because we:
Students graduate with an Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification (EFDA), Radiology Certification, CPR Certification, and BLS Certification. These certifications are valid for General & Specialty dental offices across Florida.
As working professionals, we know your time is valuable and limited. We understand you can't uproot your family and quit your current job to start a new career. That's why we structure our courses around your schedule. Our dental assisting school Near Boynton Beach, FL offers hybrid class formats. These classes allow you to visit our campus once a week while also studying online. That way, you can achieve your goals at your own pace.
Becoming an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant requires more than reading textbooks. We supplement in-class lectures and online education with hands-on drills and skill-building exercises on campus. Hands-on training helps our students master the skills necessary to excel in dental assistant work. Also, by mimicking real-life dental procedures, students get a feel for a professional work environment.
As part of our program, students work off-campus to complete 65 hours of clinical externship experience. Students gain this experience at real dental offices, giving them an incredible opportunity to learn from the best. Because we're partnered with more than 400 dental offices, students are often offered jobs once their externship is completed.
When it comes to decisions, choosing a new career is one of the most monumental choices you'll make. It's not easy, and it can be difficult for working adults while they attend class and study material.
That's why, at DAAPB, we provide both in-person and online course structures. Unlike some schools, we focus on teaching practical skills that real-world professionals use every day in the office. We're proud that our students don't have to spend energy figuring out confusing lectures or irrelevant tasks.
Instead, they'll learn critical techniques and skills that distinguish them from others, so they can start a new chapter in their life with an edge up on the competition.
When you enroll in our dental assisting school, you will reap the benefits of:
By creating a professional, consistent, and welcoming environment, Dental Assisting Academy helps foster the confidence and curiosity of our students while preparing them for their future. Each day is enriched with hands-on experiences, providing ample opportunities for students to build their knowledge base while developing essential academic skills. We offer three course options, each with its own benefits and structure. Be sure to reserve your spot early - our classes quickly reach capacity.
With a 98% graduation rate and a 97% job placement rate, our eight-week dental assisting course is one of the most effective and popular Near Boynton Beach, FL. This course is designed to help students get a leg up on peers and jump-start their new careers in the dental industry. To ensure maximum retention and collaboration, we keep class sizes as small as possible. This course is also supplemented with online learning, so students can learn with self-paced, instructor-guided studying.
Our eight-week course teaches students more than 75 expanded function dental assistant skills. Students learn critical skills in the following areas:
The Expanded Functions Dental Assisting program is 8-Weeks long in total! The program includes both on-campus clinical labs and an online interactive study component. The online study is during the week, at your own schedule. On-Campus Classes are available to pick from on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturdays, with hours from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, or 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. You only come to campus one day out of the week, on the lab day that you choose!
Though any person is welcome to take our dental assisting courses Near Boynton Beach, FL they must meet the following minimum requirements:
The cost of our eight-week course Near Boynton Beach, FL is $4,600. The cost of tuition includes:
Our goal is to create a healthy learning environment that fosters success. Unlike many dental assisting schools, we strive to keep our pricing reasonable for our students. We know you aren't made of money!
Our Tuition is all inclusive, meaning that all your clinical supplies, school materials, uniform, textbooks, and everything you will need to succeed during your program is included into the cost. Our Tuition is all inclusive, and the cost of tuition is $3,975 with a $500 deposit to save your seat! Once your spot is saved we have many different styles of interest free payment plans that we can make custom for your financial needs.
Our dental assisting school Near Boynton Beach, FL was founded to help students achieve their goals through quality education. If you're sick of working for minimum wage, Dental Assisting Academy may be the solution you need. With flexible class schedules, in-person and online options, and competitive pricing, a new career in dentistry might be closer than you think.
If you're craving a fulfilling career with room to grow, contact our school today. By tomorrow, you could be carving your own path toward newfound success.
(561) 900-7141
November 24, 2025Things to Do This Weekend in The Palm BeachesWondering what to do this weekend in Palm Beach County? Explore our top picks for free events, live concerts, Thanksgiving happenings and festivals across The Palm Beaches, from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Check out our Holiday Guide and our events page for all happenings in The Palm Beaches this weekend and beyond!Events for Friday, November 28???? Date: November 28 – November 30???? Ho...
Wondering what to do this weekend in Palm Beach County? Explore our top picks for free events, live concerts, Thanksgiving happenings and festivals across The Palm Beaches, from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Check out our Holiday Guide and our events page for all happenings in The Palm Beaches this weekend and beyond!
???? Date: November 28 – November 30
???? Hours: Vary
???? Location: Olympic Heights Performing Arts Theater. 20101 Lyons Road Boca Raton 33434.
Step into the holiday season with Boca Ballet Theatre’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker, returning November 28–30, 2025. Featuring American Ballet Theatre stars Zimmi Coker and Carlos Gonzalez, this magical performance brings festive sparkle, timeless music, and elegant choreography to Boca Raton for a holiday tradition everyone will love.
???? Date: Now – January 11, 2026
Wednesdays – Sundays (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
???? Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM???? Location: Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Mounts Botanical Garden’s popular holiday light spectacular is back – bigger, brighter, and more dazzling than ever – with ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival. Step into a world of light, color, and wonder with ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival – where nature, art, and imagination come alive in a radiant celebration of light.
As night falls, ILUMINA transforms Mounts Botanical Garden’s lush landscape into a glowing paradise filled with more than 500 handcrafted glowing silk lanterns, inspired by the plants, animals, and vibrant spirit of the tropics. As you stroll through illuminated pathways, you’ll encounter towering chameleons, radiant flamingos, shimmering butterflies, luminous orchids, and the festival’s breathtaking centerpiece – a 195-foot dragon rising from the Garden’s lake, a masterpiece of color and light that leaves you in awe. is family-friendly and walkable, making it an ideal evening outing for couples and friends.
???? Date: November 28
???? Hours: 4:00 PM – Close
???? Location: Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place
Get cozy this holiday season at Wyndham Grand Jupiter as our holiday pop-up bar returns for the second year in a row. From Friday, November 21, 2025, through Saturday, January 3, 2026, the lobby and lounge will transform into the Harbourside Ski Lodge—a festive hideaway brimming with holiday cheer. Gather your friends or co-workers, savor holiday-inspired, hand-crafted cocktails, made from scratch-to-order bites, with daily specials and events including live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays
???? Date: November 28
???? Hours: Open Thurs–Sun, 1 PM–12 AM
???? Location: Pop Stroke, 2429 Perimeter Rd West Palm Beach
PopStroke is going full North Pole–meets–Palm Beach with festive holiday cocktails, shareable bites, and skyline views strung with twinkle lights. It’s the perfect spot for date nights, group outings, or post–mini golf drinks.
???? Date: November 28 – January 3
???? Hours: Thursdays to Saturdays, 5:00PM – 9:00PM
???? Location: HiltonWest Palm Beach, 600 Okeechobee Boulevard West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401
Get into the holiday spirit at Jingle & Mingle, an outdoor bar experience filled with cozy firepits, twinkling lights, and spirited fun for all ages. From cheerful cocktails to family-friendly gatherings, celebrate the magic of the season in true South Florida style — merry, bright, and just steps from Downtown West Palm Beach.
???? Date: November 28
???? Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Fridays & Saturdays)
???? Location: 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Get into the holiday spirit at Jingle & Mingle, an outdoor bar experience filled with cozy firepits, twinkling lights, and spirited fun for all ages. From cheerful cocktails to family-friendly gatherings, celebrate the magic of the season in true South Florida style, merry, bright, and just steps from Downtown West Palm Beach.
???? Date: November 29
???? Hours: 5:00 PM
???? Location: Harbourside Place, 200 N US Highway One Jupiter, FL 33477
Harbourside Place in Jupiter kicks off the season with its annual Tree Lighting, a sparkling waterfront celebration that brings the community together. Stroll the festive plaza, enjoy live entertainment, and watch the towering holiday tree illuminate the night sky—all set against the scenic backdrop of the Jupiter Inlet. It’s the perfect way to welcome the holidays in true Palm Beaches style.
???? Date: November 29
???? Hours: Check Website
???? Location: 3414 Eastview Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
November 29, 2025, at 3 PM for the Historic Northwood Hills Centennial Home Tour. Explore charming, time-honored homes and discover the stories that shaped our neighborhood. Guests will explore a curated selection of distinctive, historic homes, each offering complimentary appetizers, wine, or specialty beer.
For an elevated experience, VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive tour of a 1920s castle-style residence, followed by a private speakeasy-themed cocktail party, complete with curated drinks, catered hors d’oeuvres, and roaring twenties jazz.
A century of history awaits, Get your tickets!
???? Date: November 29 – January 4
???? Hours: Check Website
???? Location: The Ben Hotel, 251 Narcissus Ave West Palm Beach, FL
This holiday season, experience a winter wonderland in the heart of West Palm Beach! The Ben Hotel, an Autograph Collection property, is South Florida’s only outdoor ice-skating rink with real ice. This unique attraction will bring entry to the Winter Tree Forest and Holiday Market. Stroll the forest and shop the market for unique gifts this holiday season.
???? Date: November 29
???? Hours: All Day
???? Location: Downtown Delray, 350 SE 1st St Delray Beach, FL 33444
Pledge to #ShopSmall on Saturday, November 29th and throughout the holiday season! Did you know that 96% of our businesses in Downtown Delray are small, locally owned, independent businesses?
Support our local economy and shop the hundreds of unique boutiques, salons, spas, art galleries, restaurants, and professional services downtown.
This year, we are kicking off the holiday season with our new Downtown Delray Shop Small Holiday Pass! Launching on Small Business Saturday (November 29th), you can sign up for FREE for the mobile pass, check-in at Downtown Delray retail stores to earn points and win gift cards!
???? Date: November 29
???? Hours: Check Website
???? Location: 300 N Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film invites visitors to step into Florida’s rich movie-making past with archival footage, vintage artifacts, and interactive exhibits that showcase the state’s starring role in film history. It’s an engaging, family-friendly look at how Florida helped shape Hollywood magic.
???? Date: Now – January 2026
???? Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
???? Location: Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road West Palm Beach, FL 33470
Glow wild at Lanterns and Lights Safari Nights—the first lantern festival at Lion Country Safari! From November 2025 to January 2026, explore 60+ glowing wildlife displays, a Prehistoric Land of Legends, festive bites, holiday cocktails, and visits from Santa. A magical after-dark adventure for all ages.
???? Date: November 27 – 30
???? Hours: Vary by Day
???? Location: Sunset Cove Amphitheater 20405 Amphitheater Circle Boca Raton, FL
Garden Bros Circus brings high-energy thrills to Boca Raton with jaw-dropping acrobatics, electrifying stunts, and over-the-top entertainment for all ages. From daredevil performances to larger-than-life production effects, it’s a fast-paced, family-friendly spectacle that keeps the excitement soaring from start to finish.
???? Date: November 30, 2025
???? Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
???? Location: 6000 North Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Designed for adults and families, both residents and visitors, this engaging half-day adventure connects participants with three of the region’s most cherished wildlife sanctuaries: Manatee Lagoon, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Through engaging experiences and interactive learning, the WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour promises to create lasting memories while supporting the essential work of each partner organization.
???? Date: November 21 – December 28
???? Hours: 6 PM – 9 PM
Fridays and Saturdays 6 PM – 10 PMSundays and select weeknights 6 PM – 9 PM(weather permitting)
???? Location: Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413
Enjoy over 2 miles of spectacular holiday lights from the comfort of your vehicle including dancing lights, talking props, synchronized light displays, and so much more.
More Information
???? Date: November 30
???? Hours: 7:00 PM
???? Location: Arts Garage 94 NE 2nd Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444
This fantastic tribute to Bob Marley features Yvad, former lead singer of The Wailers band and solo artist. Yvad & The Legal Roots perform over 90-120 minutes of the hits and songs of this legendary Reggae artist, plus original reggae music. You’ll hear hits like No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Buffalo Soldier, Redemption Song and many more!
From November 2025 through March 2026, The Singer Oceanfront Resort debuts Beachside Igloos on its private beach. Each igloo features a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, a holiday playlist, and seasonal treats including shareable plates—such as artisanal cheese boards and a Mediterranean mezze platter—along with an a la carte menu from Caretta Caretta, s’mores, and hot chocolate. Family-friendly packages with cookie-decorating kits and holiday games are also available. Guests can reserve a cozy dome for small groups of up to six via the resort’s website or ResortPass.
???? Dates: Get your tickets now – Event takes place January 15-18
???? Time: Check Website
???? Location: The Boca Raton, 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Artisans of Wine & Food returns for its second edition, January 15–18, 2026, bringing four unforgettable days of culinary magic and wine distinction to Florida’s coastline. Experience more than 100 esteemed Napa Valley wineries and 20+ celebrated chefs from Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants, all gathered at The Boca Raton for a weekend devoted to epicurean excellence. The event lineup features over 20 experiences, from intimate vintner-hosted dinners to an expansive grand tasting and a dazzling gala headlined by the legendary Mario Carbone. Purchase your Weekend Pass or A La Carte ticket today and savor every extraordinary moment.
Check out all the Holiday Happenings in The Palm Beaches this season
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The City of Boynton Beach is set for its tree lighting event. Planned for December 5th, the event will be a “Polar Express” experience. BocaNewsNow.com received this official announcement:>> Grab your golden ticket and join us for a night full of magic at the City of Boynton Beach’s annual holiday tree lighting with a special Polar Express theme from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5 at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 1...
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The City of Boynton Beach is set for its tree lighting event. Planned for December 5th, the event will be a “Polar Express” experience. BocaNewsNow.com received this official announcement:
>> Grab your golden ticket and join us for a night full of magic at the City of Boynton Beach’s annual holiday tree lighting with a special Polar Express theme from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5 at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E. Ocean Ave.
The event will feature special performances from Poinciana Elementary School chorus, Galaxy Elementary School chorus, Melissa & Starlings Performing Arts, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Capoeira Karkara, Southern Dance Theatre, Nanny Gingerbread and the Boynton Beach Community High School drum line. Delicious food vendors will include G’s Hibachi, Empanada Outlaws, Kobschies Ice Rolls, Babci’s Kitchen, Tacos Veracruz, Kona Ice, Glow Bowl Food, Fruit to the Max, Taste T’s Pastries, Pepe’s Hey Babe, City Sweets, Incredible Kettle Corn, Cocoa & Crème, Brie’s Bake Shop, Keisha Cakes, Cool Lagoon Drinks and bar options for attendees 21 and older.
There will also be a holiday market full of vendors and nonprofits including Herculeads Marketing Group, Sunny + Salty Swimwear, Craft Addicts, Petey’s Jewels, Florida Blue, Suncoast Basset Rescue, Calvary Christian Academy, Little Princess, Petezpop, Pepperprint, Acuarela Jewelry, Shell Garden, Knoty Joys, Love Always Permanent Jewelry, From Miami to the World, Velvet Bloom, Aloha Glow, Tango Shop, Boho Vibes and Bead Mama.
Several activities will be offered as well including crafts from the Children’s Schoolhouse Museum and iCare, face painting and glitter tattoos, giveaways, photo ops, trackless train, a giant ferris wheel, photobooth, snow throw, meet & Greet with Elsa, Ana, Olaf and Kristoff from 6 to 8 p.m., meet & Greet with BBPD officers and BBFRD personnel, tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m., meet & greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6:45 to 9 p.m., and a spectacular Drone Show!
Public parking will be free and available within walking distance. Despite road closures, the library will maintain normal hours and stay open until 5 p.m.<<
Several stores and malls across the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast will be open on Black Friday.Malls closed Thanksgiving, open on Black FridayPalm Beach CountyThe Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens): 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.The Boynton Beach Mall: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.Town Center Mall (Boca Raton): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.Tanger Outlets (West Palm Beach): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.The Mall at Wellington Green: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.Martin County...
Several stores and malls across the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast will be open on Black Friday.
Malls closed Thanksgiving, open on Black Friday
Palm Beach County
The Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens): 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Boynton Beach Mall: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Town Center Mall (Boca Raton): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tanger Outlets (West Palm Beach): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Mall at Wellington Green: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Martin County
Treasure Coast Square (Jensen Beach): 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Indian River County
Indian River Mall (Vero Beach): 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Stores
Winn-Dixie: Closed on Thanksgiving Day, open Black Friday for regular business hours
Publix: Closed on Thanksgiving Day, open regular business hours on Black Friday
Walmart: Closed on Thanksgiving Day, open Black Friday at 6 a.m.
Target: Closed on Thanksgiving Day, open Black Friday at 6 a.m.
Trader Joe’s: Closed on Thanksgiving, open regular business hours on Black Friday
Walgreens: 24-hour locations to remain open, non-24-hour stores to close, open regular business hours Black Friday
CVS: Check local store for operation hours on Thanksgiving Day, open regular hours Black Friday
Costco: Closed on Thanksgiving, open Black Friday
Whole Foods: Many stores are open for modified hours on Thanksgiving. Check local store for hours of operation.
BJ's Wholesale: Closed Thanksgiving, open Black Friday
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it .
Be careful, Florida. At the rate you're going, you too will be like Boynton Beach, an aging, congested community showing more than suburban sprawl.Boynton Beach has a coyote problem.Be careful, Florida. At the rate you're going, you too will be like Boynton Beach, an aging, congested community whose abundant housing, crowded roadways and underutilized shopping plazas show more than suburban sprawl. The city, like many communities in Florida, illustrates what happens when natural habitat gives way to rampant development....
Boynton Beach has a coyote problem.
Be careful, Florida. At the rate you're going, you too will be like Boynton Beach, an aging, congested community whose abundant housing, crowded roadways and underutilized shopping plazas show more than suburban sprawl. The city, like many communities in Florida, illustrates what happens when natural habitat gives way to rampant development.
A recent fatal coyote attack on a dog, along with increased sightings of these wild animals by residents, prompted city officials and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to address growing concerns. Coyotes, like bears, deer, racoons, opossums and other animals, are losing their unspoiled natural habitat. So, they are adjusting to city life.
Boynton Beach isn't the only community trying to figure out how its citizens should adapt to its new four-legged neighbors. City and county officials are now left with a problem that state leaders let fester for years — the erosion of growth management policies that has encouraged rampant development and the loss of natural wildlife habitat.
Truth is the encroachment, as humans and wild animals compete for space, has been an ongoing problem that hasn't drawn much concern from state government. Back in 2006, the FWC released a report that predicted what would happen if the state's population doubled within the next 50 years. The forecast? Roughly 7 million acres of rural and natural habitat would be converted to urban use. That's equivalent to the state of Vermont, according to the Florida 2060: A Population Distribution Scenario for the State of Florida report.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!That's a whole lot of Boynton Beaches.
The state can do more to better manage growth. It's just hasn't been willing to do so, and the future outlook isn't all that encouraging. The trend coming out of Tallahassee calls for an even greater relaxation of what's left of growth management and more legislation that will further cripple what local communities can do to address development.
Remember when Florida was known for its clear springs, pristine beaches, majestic forests and vast open spaces? A time when agriculture was the state's largest industry with a growing competitor called tourism? Well, population growth changed all that. In 1970, according to U.S. Census data, Florida had 6.7 million residents, about the population of today's Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties combined. Today, almost 24 million people now call Florida home.
The state's laissez-faire approach to development hasn't helped either. There's money to be had in population growth, and state leaders were all too willing to comply to the demands of builders and financiers who saw big bucks in Florida's undeveloped farmland and forests.
Florida once had a growth management law that required local communities to create comprehensive plans for future development. But, state lawmakers and then-Gov. Rick Scott repealed it in 2011. At the time, creating jobs — an ongoing mantra for Scott — was the given rationale, but unchecked development became the harsh reality.
Without strong state mandates to manage urban growth and protect environmentally sensitive lands, the burden fell to local communities, which embraced the challenge of land use planning. Those efforts irked developers who used their influence to get help from a proven ally — the governor's office and the Florida Legislature. Over time, cities and counties saw new state laws that pre-empted their efforts to address and manage growth within their communities.
Hurricanes are getting stronger, and hotter oceans are to blameIn June, SB 180, a controversial bill that freezes local land-development regulations and comprehensive plans through October 2027, became state law. The law, which restricts cities and counties from adopting measures that are more restrictive than what existed before the 2024 hurricane season, effectively ties the hands of local communities from adopting and enforcing any significant ordinances that might rein in developers or build climate change resilience.
Several communities, along with 1000 Friends of Florida, have gone to court challenging the new law. It remains to be seen how the lawsuit will turn out but one thing is becoming clear. Local communities, like the coyotes of Boynton Beach, had better adjust to a challenging landscape that allows unfettered development over growth management.
Douglas C. Lyons is an editorial writer and columnist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network-Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
Boynton Beach, FL — The City of Boynton Beach proudly celebrates the Boynton Beach Bulldogs Youth Football League for an historic achievement: a record-breaking six teams advancing to the 2025 AYFL Super Bowl, the most in program history.This milestone marks a defining moment for the league, the athletes, their families, and the Boynton Beach community. Of the six teams advancing:• Three teams are undefeated, 6u, 8u, and 10u, each boasting an extraordinary 12–0 season.• Two teams ho...
Boynton Beach, FL — The City of Boynton Beach proudly celebrates the Boynton Beach Bulldogs Youth Football League for an historic achievement: a record-breaking six teams advancing to the 2025 AYFL Super Bowl, the most in program history.
This milestone marks a defining moment for the league, the athletes, their families, and the Boynton Beach community. Of the six teams advancing:
• Three teams are undefeated, 6u, 8u, and 10u, each boasting an extraordinary 12–0 season.
• Two teams hold an impressive 11–1 record, 11u and 13u, showcasing consistency and resilience throughout the season.
• One team posted a strong 9–3 record, 9u, earning their place in the championship through perseverance and teamwork.
“These young athletes have demonstrated the true meaning of discipline, teamwork, and heart,” said Rodney Atwaters, President of the Boynton Beach Bulldogs. “To have six teams reach the Super Bowl is something our program has never achieved. We are incredibly proud of every player, coach, and parent who worked tirelessly to make this moment possible.”
The Bulldogs’ success reflects years of investment into youth programming, mentorship, and community support across the City of Boynton Beach.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Bulldogs and a big moment for the entire Boynton Beach community,” said Andrew Mack, Deputy City Manager. “Our youth teams continue to demonstrate excellence both on and off the field. The City is proud to support their journey and celebrate this historic achievement.”
The City of Boynton Beach will continue cheering on the Bulldogs as they prepare to compete for championship titles. Residents are encouraged to support the teams at their upcoming Super Bowl matchups and join in recognizing the dedication, talent, and community spirit that define the Boynton Bulldogs.
Congratulations to our Boynton Bulldogs for making history and making Boynton Beach proud.