Dental Assisting School Near Lake Worth, FL

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A collision claimed the life of a toddler Tuesday evening after he was struck by a pickup truck while crossing an intersection in Lake Worth Beach.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) said that the collision happened at around 7:26 p.m. on November 18 at the intersection of South A Street and 10th Avenue South. Investigators say a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by a 43-year-old man from Greenacres, was turning eastbound onto 10th Avenue South when the child ran into the roadway.

The victim, identified as Cristian Felipe Andres, just 2 years old, reportedly darted out from in front of a parked vehicle on the south side of the street and into the path of the truck, according to the news release. The driver’s side front of the pickup struck the child, throwing him to the ground.

"The mother was getting out of the house with the child, ready to go to church. There was a van that was picking them up for church. And then she said, go to the van. Get inside. She let go the child so he can go to the van, inside the van, and then he got hit by the truck," said Juana Andres, the victim's aunt.

"It's very deeply sad, losing child. He was still a baby, and to the mother, it was like her very precious child, her baby. It was her child, her young child, losing him. She didn't expect losing him that soon," Andres said.

Andres says the spot where the boy was hit is very dark. There's a street light at that intersection at South A Street and 10th Avenue South but Andres says it's not working, and it sometimes flickers. "We have asked them multiple times to fix this street light, but they never come and fix it. Like the city, like we have asked them multiple times," she said.

We called the City of Lake Worth Utilities Electric Department, seeking comment. We also went there in person. Mike Jenkins, Energy Delivery Manager, City of Lake Worth Beach Utilities Electric Department, said he would look into the situation.

Rebecca Seelig, Public Information Officer, City of Lake Worth Beach, said in an email Wednesday afternoon: "I checked with Utilities Customer Service and there is no log of any requests coming in for the light at 10th Ave South and A Street." Seelig says after CBS12 News inquired about the street light, the city inspected it and she believes it is working properly.

Emergency responders transported Cristian to St. Mary's Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. PBSO confirmed that the child’s next of kin was present at the scene and has been notified.

See also: Teacher Feature: PBC elementary educator shaping future leaders with personalized approach

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No injuries were reported for the driver, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Alcohol or drug involvement has not been indicated.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is handling the case.

Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day's top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can't miss video.

Hollywood’s golden age will be coming to South Florida when the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County rolls out the red carpet for a film series at the now-shuttered Lake Theatre in Lake Worth Beach.

The Council is lighting up the silver screen with the Lake Theatre Revival Series celebrating the movie theatre’s 85th anniversary.

The theater, set in an Art Deco building designed by celebrated Florida architect Roy A. Benjamin, opened in 1940 and once seated up to a 1,000 guests, making it one of South Florida’s largest cinemas of its time.

The venue closed in 1974. The Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building was repurposed and has lived many lives since, said Nick Murray, the curator and programmer of the series. It currently serves as headquarters of the Council.

“ It became a dine-in theater called the Pasta Palace and two different discothèque in the seventies, late seventies and eighties,” Murray told WLRN. “And then was home to three different art museums.”

Organizers are using a 100-inch OLED screen to show the films, which is comparable in size to the projector that was once used in that building.

Murray said the programming is also a way to tap into local talent by hosting local performances and creatives.

“And I think that this is just another way for us to communicate creatively and communicate the arts with everyone here in Palm Beach County,” Murray said.

The series runs through spring as part of a local creative partnership with Subtropic Film Festival and FLAVAR, an arts and culture collective.

The kicks off at the Lake Theatre with a nostalgic screening of the 1940 classic comedy His Girl Friday on October 24, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

The show is followed by a post-film discussion with Palm Beach County resident Scott Eyman, a film historian and New York Times bestselling author who wrote Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise.

The Subtropic Film Festival will showcase award-winning short films on December 12; in February, FLAVAR presents Sidney Lumet’s 1978 musical classic The Wiz. And in April, the series concludes with a screening of Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, at the nearby Lake Worth Playhouse.

Telegrams from Hollywood stars

The theater opened on February 29, 1940, with fanfare that included telegrams from Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable and Shirley Temple and an inaugural showing of Little Old New York. It eventually closed in June 1974 following a final screening of Disney’s Robin Hood.

Continued efforts to revive the Lake Theatre is also helping community artists foster connection.

Dave Lawrence, the Council’s president & CEO, said the series “reflects our commitment to celebrating Palm Beach County’s rich history.”

“We invite the public to join us as we revisit classic films and view works in the place where it all began: the historic Lake Theatre,” he said.

IF YOU GOWhat: Lake Theatre Revival SeriesWhen: Runs from October 25th to April 5th, 2026.Where: Cultural Council of Palm Beach County: 601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, Fla., 33460Learn more details here

Posted

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — City leaders in Lake Worth Beach are moving forward with a plan they say will bring more clarity to how the city grows.

During Tuesday night's commission meeting, officials unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to update the city's Comprehensive Plan — aimed at cleaning up inconsistencies between its zoning map and future land use designations.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

The update would revise the city's Future Land Use (FLU) table to better align with how properties are already zoned.

Specifically, it adds the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning district to the Artisanal Mixed Use (AMU) category and the Single-Family Residential (SFR) zoning district to the Medium Density Residential (MDR) category.

City planners say the changes won't increase development density but will make zoning rules easier to interpret and more consistent with the city's long-term goals.

"We're just trying to get crystal clear that in one portion of the city, SFR zoning, which allows seven units an acre, can be utilized to implement a medium-density future land use category," said William Waters, the city's Community Sustainability Director.

For longtime resident Amy Mihelich, the update offers reassurance.

"We also became aware that there is already single-family zoning within medium family residential, so that gives us some precedent in order to say it already exists in the city, and so we can have it here too," said Mihelich.

She's been part of a 20-year fight over a proposed housing development at 826 Sunset Drive, near Lake Osborne, where neighbors have opposed higher-density projects.

"I think that this amendment gives the city back some control," said Ruth Lynch during the commission meeting. "For many of us, this isn't about restricting growth but about placing it where it makes sense," said Mihelich.

While Mihelich supports the ordinance, she notes it won't be finalized in time for the next hearing on the disputed property, set for November 4.

The ordinance will now be reviewed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity before returning to the city commission for a final vote.

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign up for our Morning E-mail Newsletter to receive the latest headlines in your inbox.

A Lake Worth father is speaking out after he says his 9-year-old son was questioned by school staff and an officer at Panther Run Elementary over a threatening note. (WPEC)

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (CBS12) — A Lake Worth father is speaking out after he says his 9-year-old son was questioned by school staff and an officer at Panther Run Elementary over a threatening note.

Yunior Topico says his son, Nataniel, was pulled from class and questioned about the note, which was found on campus. He says his son repeatedly denied writing it, but eventually confessed out of fear.

“After he denied multiple times to the counselor, the assistant principal, and the principal that he did not write the note, he felt threatened. He felt a lot of pressure,” Topico said. “The principal kept telling him, ‘Be honest, be honest.’”

Topico says he was out of the country celebrating his anniversary with his wife when the incident happened. His 26-year-old daughter, who was caring for Nataniel, received a call from the school.

“My daughter called me right away, crying. She was a mess,” Topico said. Topico called the officer who told him his son confessed and that the handwriting matched.

Later, another student came forward and admitted to writing the note as part of an online game. In a letter to families, the principal said the situation was “fully resolved” and the note was never intended as a threat.

Still, Topico says he’s upset that his son asked for his parents to be called and that request was denied.

“It doesn’t mention anywhere that if a child requests his parents be notified, that request will not be satisfied,” Topico said.

According to the Palm Beach County School District’s Threat Assessment and Management Policy, administrators can interview a student without first contacting parents if there’s reasonable suspicion the student violated the code of conduct. However, later on when the officer questioned Nataniel, his 26-year-old sister and acting guardian at the time was present.

The Palm Beach County School District told CBS12 News it does not comment on active investigations but confirmed an internal review is underway.

Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day's top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can't miss video.

_{OCTOBER 21, 2025}

Things to Do This Weekend in The Palm Beaches

Wondering what to do this weekend in Palm Beach County? Explore our top picks for free events, live concerts, Farmers markets and festivals across The Palm Beaches, from Jupiter to Boca Raton.

Check out the Halloween Guide here!

Written By: Jessica Pierce

Events for Friday, October 24

???? Date: (Check the schedule)

???? Hours: 6PM – Midnight

???? Location: South Florida Fairgrounds, Parking at Gate 8 on Fairgrounds Rd. Haunts open at 7 PM

Fright Nights is South Florida’s top haunted attraction, bringing brand-new scares every year. From zombies to evil clowns and twisted carnivals, we deliver the best frights at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. Don’t miss the number one Halloween event! Located at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, we have ACRES of scares and plenty of parking.

???? Date: October 24

???? Hours: 5 PM – 7:30 PM

???? Location: Jupiter Community Center, 200 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Enjoy a Halloween-themed, family-friendly free event in Jupiter. Event Features include trick-or-treating, carnival games, character appearances, food trucks, a live DJ, teal pumpkin project featuring non-food items that are safe for all trick-or-treaters, arts & crafts, and a monster maze.

Don’t forget to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) to collect candy and other witch-approved treats!

???? Date: October 24

???? Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

???? Location: 1121 Lucerne Avenue Lake Worth, FL 33460

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Lake Worth Beach!Join the 10th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, October 24, from 6–8 PM at Hatch 1121. Experience 8 stunning ofrendas, the Marigolds, Memory & Magic art exhibit, student T-shirt designs, and mesmerizing marigold mobiles. Don’t miss the special showing of Skullduggary: The Dance of Deceit.

Honor. Remember. Celebrate.

???? Date: October 24

???? Hours: 7:00 PM

???? Location: John H. Denson Pool 1300 NW 3rd St, Boynton Beach, FL 33435, United States

Enjoy Disney Pixar’s Coco under the stars! Guests can enjoy free popcorn (while supplies last) and purchase concessions. Kids 12 and under will receive a free Raising Cane’s Kids’ Combo coupon. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your crew for a fun outdoor movie night!

Events for Saturday, October 25

???? Date: October 25 & 26

???? Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

???? Location: East Ocean Avenue & Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435

The Boynton Beach Pirate Festival takes over Ocean Avenue with a weekend of swashbuckling fun. Enjoy live music, pirate shows, magic acts, kids’ activities, and mermaid encounters. Join the treasure hunts, cheer on daring stunts, and feast on food and drinks fit for every pirate and mermaid ashore. More Details

???? Date: October 25

???? Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

???? Location: East Ocean Avenue & Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.

Downtown Delray Beach transforms into “Halloween Town” on Saturday, October 25, with a full day of spooky fun. From the early morning Witches Ride to Trick-or-Treating on the Ave, the Halloween Parade, and KidsFest at Old School Square, there’s something for everyone. The day wraps up with the DBHS Fall Cookout, featuring food, games, and family entertainment — [see the full schedule here].

???? Date: October 25, 2025

???? Hours: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM

???? Location: Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Join the Winter Season Opening Day of the Delray Beach GreenMarket on Saturday, October 25.The event will feature live music and a fall festival to kick off the market!

You’ll find more than 50+ vendors featuring Palm Beach County farm-to-fork produce, just picked citrus and juice, farm fresh eggs, raw milk, and butter, 100% grass-fed and finished (antibiotic and hormone free) Florida beef, poultry, pork and lamb, fragrant artisan baked goods, plenty of gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free products, fresh cut flowers, plants and other unique gourmet fare along with live musical entertainment each week.

???? Date: October 25, 2025

???? Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

???? Location: Cox Science Center, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Celebrate fall at the Annual Fall Family Fun Fest! Families can enjoy live entertainment, outdoor games, a mini petting zoo, science-themed crafts, and more. Admission includes access to the center’s exhibits, with food and drinks available for purchase throughout the event.

More Info

???? Date: October 25, 2025

???? Hours: 7:00 PM Doors Open. 8:00 PM Concert

???? Location: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL

An encore presentation of the show that took place earlier this year at the 2025 Festival of the Arts which featured the Festival BOCA Jazz Orchestra will be repeated by the City of Boca Raton as a free performance for the community. www.Boca100.com.

???? Date: October 25, 2025

???? Hours: 4:00 PM– 8:00 PM

???? Location: The Gardens North County District Park, 5101 117th Ct. N.

Step into adventure at this year’s Fall Festival, where dinosaurs meet the wilds of safari for a night of family fun! Dress in your favorite costume, grab your treat bag, and get ready for an evening filled with trick-or-treating, music, and non-stop excitement.

Dance to live DJ beats, enjoy character appearances, savor tasty bites from local food trucks, and bounce into fun with inflatables galore. From little explorers to big kids at heart, everyone’s invited to discover the magic of this unforgettable fall celebration!

???? Date: October 25, 2025

???? Hours: 8:00 PM– 11:00 PM

???? Location:

Get ready for a spooktacular night of fun! Join us at the Lobby Bar from 8:00–11:00 PM for live music, festive cocktails, and a thrilling costume contest.

Winners will be announced at 10:30 PM, so bring your best look for a chance to win and bragging rights!

Check out all the events.

NOTE: 21+ only

???? Date: October 25, 2025

???? Hours: 11:00 AM– 1:30 PM

???? Location: 60 S Trinity Place West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Step into the Wasteland, Treehouse-style! Bring your pup in their best post-apocalyptic look for an epic pet costume contest with prizes like a 2-night stay at Canopy, a $100 Treehouse gift card, and more. Guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind brunch buffet ($54 adults | $25 kids) with unlimited mimosas & bloody marys for $20. Assigned seating ensures everyone (pets included!) has a comfy spot in the Fallout fun. Tickets and info

Events for Sunday, October 26

???? Date: October 26

???? Hours: 10 AM – 2:00 PM

???? Location: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter, FL, 33478.

Join Busch Wildlife Sanctuary for a family-friendly Halloween event! Trick-or-treat along the nature trails from 10 am to 2 pm and join in for special education programs all day:

Admission to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is by donation. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of wildlife and education of the community.

Click here for more information.

Halloween Catamaran Cruise, West Palm Beach

???? Date: October 26

???? Hours: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

???? Location: 138 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Climb aboard the Hakuna Matata for a Family Halloween Catamaran Cruise and set sail for a spook-tacular evening on the water! This 90-minute adventure is packed with festive fun for all ages, featuring lively dance music, Halloween hits, and goody bags for every guest. Sip on spooky-themed cocktails or kid-friendly refreshments from the cash bar, and pre-order food to make your night even easier. Costumes are encouraged—so grab your crew, dress to impress, and enjoy a spirited cruise along the scenic waters as you kick off Halloween in style!

More Things to Do

Eudēmonia Summit Returns to West Palm Beach in November

Book your tickets now!

Wellness takes center stage as the Eudēmonia Summit returns to The Palm Beaches (Nov. 13–16). The three-day event brings together more than 130 experts in health, longevity, and performance, including Andrew Huberman, Mark Hyman, Halle Berry, Dave Asprey, and Gabrielle Lyon.

Beyond inspiring talks, you’ll find hands-on wellness experiences—from yoga and breathwork to cryotherapy, biohacking tools, and the EXPOSŌME wellness tech expo with 120+ brands. Whether you’re curious about the latest health innovations or just looking for fresh inspiration to feel your best, Eudēmonia offers a one-of-a-kind weekend immersion in well-being.

Fall into Fun at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Loggerhead Marinelife Center is rolling out new ways to “shell-ebrate” the season. October brings family-friendly programs like Early Access Tours (get a behind-the-scenes look at sea turtle care), Jr. Veterinary Lab (kids become turtle vets for the day), and Hatchling Tales Story Time for little ones. Outdoors, join a Juno Dunes Hike (with a Halloween twist on Oct. 31), a hands-on Living Beaches exploration, or the Kids Fishing Program at Juno Beach Pier.

Other highlights include Sensory Saturdays, the Little Naturalist early learning walk, and the evening By the Sea Lecture Series with local brews.rs and including Halle Barry an advocate for Health and Wellness! Check out all of the events in The Palm Beaches!

Arts Garage’s 2025-2026 Theatre Package

Are you a theatre fan? Receive 15% off tickets for the ’25-’26 Arts Garage theatre season!Package includes 1 ticket to each performance:

Buy The Package Here

Armory Art Center

This fall, the Armory Art Center (811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) is the place to be for art lovers and curious creatives alike. Starting September 2 through October 25, explore two inspiring exhibitions — Between Form and Feeling and colorforms — both free to enjoy.

Celebrate the season at the lively Opening Reception on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, perfect for an evening out in the heart of West Palm. Looking for something a little more Zen? Don’t miss Exhale: The Power of Meditation in the Creative Life on Saturday, September 27, a free but registration-required event that blends mindfulness and creativity.

The inspiration keeps flowing with a Heather Couch Artist Demo on October 18 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — a chance to see an incredible artist at work. Check out the Armory Art Center’s website for all the details and registration links.