As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches south Florida, many in West Boca are getting active. Early in the week I was in Lowe’s where they were putting out all kinds of hurricane-related displays. There was a big display of generators and multiple displays of 5-gallon gas cans (I bought three). They were selling bottled water near the door – a very good deal with 2 32-packs of 16.9 oz bottles for $7.50. I’m not sure if that deal is still on.
There are reports of people starting to put their hurricane shutters in place. I myself am planning on closing the shutters that require a ladder sometime today. Many people are filling their gas tanks and taking other common sense steps to prepare for a rough few days.
For Republicans and others thinking of heading to Tampa for the Republican National Convention, Isaac may discourage a few. On the current path, West Boca will be getting substantial wind and rain from the storm on Sunday if not earlier. Even the rains last night and today could arguably be attributed to Isaac.
West Boca, like the other western communities in Palm Beach County, is generally safe from any storm surge because we are so far inland. Storm surge mostly affects areas east of I-95. Predictions suggest we will get a lot of rain and some strong winds, but on current models the brunt of the storm should miss us. Nevertheless, those models are far from perfect so people are being extra careful and even stocking up on survival food, should the worst come to the worst.
If conditions get really bad the safest place is probably your home. But if necessary, West Boca Community High School (on the far west end of Glades Road) is an official hurricane shelter. There’s a lot of information on the Palm Beach County hurricane page.
The Home Depot and Publix at 441 and Glades both have generator power, and so does the Lowes at Palmetto and 441, as well as the Publix markets at Sandalfoot, at the Reserve (Clint Moore at 441), and in Loggers Run Plaza (far west Palmetto Park).
Category: Uncategorized
A Problem With ZocDoc
Recently I found a pretty cool website, ZocDoc.com. You put in a little information and the site helps you find doctors near you who take your insurance.
The site also appears to allow you to schedule an appointment online. And there’s the fly in the ointment. Too good to be true? Maybe. Despite the imperfect experience I’m about to describe, I like ZocDoc’s website very much and intend to continue using it myself.
The above image shows what are supposed to be the available appointments this week for a highly regarded hand surgeon. Who apparently has lots of free time on his hands (excuse the pun).
After an attack by a particularly aggressive penguin (okay maybe it was just a careless car door incident), I made an appointment this weekend for Wednesday at 4:15 pm. I was not surprised when I got a call from the doctor’s office this (Monday) morning that the appointment time was “invalid.” Credit to Boca Raton Orthopedic Group that they actually got me a better time.
Knowing something about creating websites, I understand that it ain’t easy to get something like this working. But ZocDoc has ample funding, so they should get it fixed quickly and in the meantime warn users that the appointment they make may not be valid. -Update- ZocDoc actually called me this morning and assured me they’d look into this and get it fixed. Credit to them for being on top of things and for monitoring what’s being said on the web about them.
For other criticism of ZocDoc, see for example:
BetaBeat: ZocDoc Customer Support Problems
And from a competitor (grain of salt?): DxTopDoc – ZocDoc problems
ZocDoc is still worth a look if you need to find a doctor. I will certainly use it again.
Attack Mailer in GOP Primary
We received an attack mailer today. It is targeted at GOP Senate candidate Melanie Peterson.
The mailer labels Ms. Peterson as a “Top Liberal.” The main basis for this label appears to be that the Palm Beach Post endorsed her. This includes a twisted reference to Congressman Allen West, whose picture appears on the back side.
As far as we know, West has not made an endorsement in the race. So the use of his picture in the mailer is deceptive.
The supposedly liberal editorial is here: Palm Beach Post Endorses Peterson.
The burning part of the editorial?
Geoff Sommers, Ms. Peterson’s opponent, has four college degrees and is a one-day-a-week adjunct professor at George Washington University but his political philosophy never gets beyond talking points.
We like Mr. Sommers. He is genuinely pleasant. But we would prefer that he get beyond talking points and show some real substance on issues. Reading Sommers’ issues page, one wonders why a candidate for the Florida legislature would be talking about repealing Obamacare, dependence on foreign oil, or the US government’s relationship with Israel. If he’s concerned about foreign oil, does that mean he supports oil drilling off the Florida coast?
Of course, Peterson does not say much more on her website. But she has delivered substance at public events and apparently in her conversations with the Post as well. We hope Mr. Sommers will do so soon.
One final note: The mailer doesn’t indicate clearly who it’s from. It claims it’s “not authorized by any candidate,” but it sure seems aimed at attacking Sommers’ opponent.
Boca Tea Party Tonight at Boca Greens
A couple photos from tonight’s Tea Party candidate night are at bottom. We will report on what they said in our next post.
We have heard that the Boca Tea Party event tonight will have a lot of candidates speaking. Most are probably be on the August 14th ballot for primaries or other elections, so this may be your last chance to see them before voting.
Candidates normally start at 7 pm, but due to the number of candidates they may start speaking earlier. There is a buffet dinner slated for 6 pm, for a price.
Boca Tea Party August 7th.
Paul Tocker on the West Boca Question
County Commission candidate Paul Tocker responds to our West Boca Question 2:
Q: The office you seek covers West Boca Raton and other communities. What issues do you see as particularly relevant for the residents of West Boca?
A: The County Commission in a 6-1 vote approved giving developers 57 million dollars in the form of a 27 million dollar subsidy and a 30 million dollar loan guarantee for the building of a Hilton Convention center hotel located next to the convention center and across the street from City Place in the City of West Palm Beach. Though I see the benefits of the hotel to the local (West Palm Beach) economy I can’t see the taxpayers in West Boca paying for it. The financing needed to be done with the City of West Palm Beach resources or totally with private financing. The deal provides for payments back to the County. Lets hope the venture is profitable so we can recoup the investment.
Also there are concerns that esthetics and landscaping are being neglected along Clint Moore. This needs to be attended to. There are also ideas about the City of Boca annexing parts of unincorporated West Boca. You always need to look at the pros and cons of annexation and I would hope that the West Boca News brings everyone up to speed on those issues.