Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Lake Worth, FL.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Lake Worth, FL, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Lake Worth, FL, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
Though an incredible musician and songwriter, Jimmy Buffett's name is practically synonymous with the sea. Whether sailing, paddle boarding, surfing or fishing, he had strong ties to all of it.On Sunday, Sept. 24, friends will get the chance to say goodbye in a manor befitting ...
Though an incredible musician and songwriter, Jimmy Buffett's name is practically synonymous with the sea. Whether sailing, paddle boarding, surfing or fishing, he had strong ties to all of it.
On Sunday, Sept. 24, friends will get the chance to say goodbye in a manor befitting Buffett's love of the ocean during a paddle-out ceremony at Lake Worth Beach.
The event is being hosted by the nonprofit organization Piper's Angels Foundation.
Founded by Travis Suit, the group is named after his daughter Piper, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 4. Its goal is to provide innovative solutions to the cystic fibrosis community, empowering each individual and family to live their greatest life possible.
More:West Palm Beach to honor Jimmy Buffett downtown with cheeseburgers, margaritas, live music
A lifelong fan of his music, Suit was one of those lucky people who also actually got to meet and know Buffett.
Suit said it was 2012 and he was working as bartender at Nick & Johnny's in Palm Beach. It was a slow Sunday afternoon when an older guy rode up on his bicycle, he said. When that guy sat down at the bar and looked up, Suit said he was like, "Holy cow, that's Jimmy Buffett!"
Buffett lived just down the street on Root Trail, and Suit said he would stop by the restaurant several times year and more frequently during the winter season.
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Being a bartender, Suit said that you can sometimes get into pretty deep conversations with patrons, especially regulars.
He said that over the years, when Buffett would stop in they would talk about life, surfing and family.
Suit said that when he told Buffett about "The Crossing," a long-distance paddle challenge from the Bahamas to Florida that supports families affected by cystic fibrosis, Buffett said "anything you and Piper ever need, I'll help."
Having Jimmy Buffett say that had a profound impact on him, "just to know that he was in our corner," Suit said.
True to his word, Buffett stepped up and sponsored the foundation and became an advisor to its board of directors.
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Suit said he'd been a fan of his music his whole life and loved him for his authenticity.
One Sunday evening, Suit recalled Buffett stopped by the bar and told him that it looked like there were going to be good waves the next day. Suit said that he'd been praying for surf because not only was it his day off, but also his birthday.
Jimmy gave him his number and said, "Text me early tomorrow and we'll hit it."
Suit got a birthday surf session with Jimmy Buffett just north of The Breakers off Wells Road in Palm Beach.
The paddle out starts at 8 a.m. and will take place just south of the Lake Worth Pier. Everyone will then circle up on the beach at 8:30 before paddling out.
There will a time for sharing and some music, and flowers will be handed out. There will be a moment of silence, and then blowing of a conch shell.
Where: Lake Worth Beach, 10 Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach
When: 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24
Information: instagram.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
The fate of the iconic art deco building that once housed the Blue Front Bar and Grill in Lake Worth Beach has been in question since a new restaurant expected to debut this past spring never materialized.But property owner Martin Sprock, who co-founded Moe’s Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie, said he still plans to open one of his RuRu’s Tacos a...
The fate of the iconic art deco building that once housed the Blue Front Bar and Grill in Lake Worth Beach has been in question since a new restaurant expected to debut this past spring never materialized.
But property owner Martin Sprock, who co-founded Moe’s Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie, said he still plans to open one of his RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila in the unique building at 1132 N. Dixie Highway.
“We are dying to be working on Blue Front,” Sprock said in a Sept. 19 interview. “We’ve had a bit of a tussle to get permits, but we will get rolling as soon as we get the green light. We have two construction crews waiting to go.”
City of Lake Worth Beach officials said there are "no outstanding or in-progress building permit applications registered within the city's database for the property located at 1132 North Dixie Highway, formerly known as the Blue Front Grill or Kristen's. Neither are there any pending planning, zoning or business license applications for this location.”
Sprock said he's still working through a phase in the process that happens before a formal permit request is submitted.
If RuRu's opens in Lake Worth Beach, it would be the first in Florida. The restaurant offers Mexican-inspired fare, and has locations in Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
RuRu’s is noted for its dishes with playful movie-themed names such as a crispy tofu bowl called You Got No Legs Lt. Dan!, from the film “Forest Gump.”
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There’s also a double-stacked quesadilla called You’re My Boy Blue, from the movie “Old School,” and a Fletch-themed marinated chicken bowl called It’s All Ball Bearings.
In addition to making sure permitting is “100% perfect,” Sprock said it’s been difficult finding qualified contractors due to the increase in residential and commercial construction happening in Palm Beach County since the pandemic.
Sprock also plans to build a new two-story Mediterranean-themed restaurant along Antique Row in West Palm Beach. He paid $1.75 million for an empty lot at 3500 S. Dixie in March 2022 for what he said will house a Kid Cashew eatery, which features wood-fired meals including marinated chicken and lamb skewers, and multiple salads.
“That one is going to have a really cool covered patio on it,” Sprock said. “That has been drawn up, but it’s the same slow process. It’s taking a while.”
Sprock couldn’t give an estimated opening date for either the Lake Worth Beach or West Palm Beach restaurants. He said the RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila could be open in three to four months once permitting is complete.
The former Blue Front building was built in 1949 with an eye-catching tower for the entrance and an expansive landscaped garden area. It was the home of Kristine’s Restaurant for decades, followed by a catering and events company.
It became the Jetsetter Lounge around 2006. Blue Front was open from 2014 to 2018.
Sprock, through his limited liability corporation Round Boys, paid $1.6 million for the Blue Front property in April 2022. The building borders the Northeast Lucerne Historic District but isn’t in it. That means it could be torn down.
“We are trying to salvage it. We want to make it sing again,” Sprock said.
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Andy Amoroso, a former Lake Worth Beach vice mayor who is running for mayor in 2024, said he’s heard several complaints about permitting delays in the city.
“Delays cost businesses money, and every day they aren’t open costs more money,” said Amoroso, who owns the Tacky Tourist gift shop on Lake Avenue. “Yes, we want to make sure everything is done right, but we can do better.”
Sprock, who bought a home near Worth Avenue in Palm Beach in April 2021, has also been investing in real estate in some of West Palm Beach's historic communities and in Lake Worth Beach.
He has about a dozen homes he's renovating with the goal of either leasing them out or selling them.
“We believe in West Palm Beach and Lake Worth in a big way,” Sprock said. “It would just be nice if things were a little easier to get work done.”
Kimberly Miller is a veteran journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to [email protected]. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.
Dozens of Jimmy Buffett fans went to the beach Sunday morning for one final farewell to the late singer.A lot of fans told WFLX’s Victor Jorges this is the only way they know how to say goodbye to the legend. Just like Jimmy Buffett would’ve wanted it, his life was celebrated amid music, waves and his fans.“He brings a gathering,” Richard Albanese of Lake Worth Beach. “Everybody is enjoying each other’s company and enjoying his music, and this… the beach.”Dozens gathered a...
Dozens of Jimmy Buffett fans went to the beach Sunday morning for one final farewell to the late singer.
A lot of fans told WFLX’s Victor Jorges this is the only way they know how to say goodbye to the legend. Just like Jimmy Buffett would’ve wanted it, his life was celebrated amid music, waves and his fans.
“He brings a gathering,” Richard Albanese of Lake Worth Beach. “Everybody is enjoying each other’s company and enjoying his music, and this… the beach.”
Dozens gathered at Lake Worth Beach with plans of honoring Buffett by paddling out at sea. Mother Nature had different plans but like true Buffett fans, people embraced the rain.
“The man talked about living your life easy,” Albanese said. “Life is not complicated, it’s what you make of it and he talked about enjoying your time.”
“It’s one of those things that you’re just here for the moment,” Jeff Eder of Ocean Ridge said. “It’s a really nice thing to do for someone who was really a nice person, genuinely, deep down.”
Fans like Albanese and Eder came out to thank Buffett for his music. They said when times got tough, his music was always there.
“We all have problems and everything but when you sit and have a Jimmy Buffett day, it’s all gone,” Albanese said.
“Relaxation, dreams of the islands, all the water stuff that he loved, and I love too,” Eder said.
Behind this seaside goodbye is Piper’s Angels, a local organization fighting for cystic fibrosis. Buffett was on the board for the non-profit before he passed away earlier this year.
“That’s the kind of guy Jimmy was,” Travis Suit said. “He just knew how to show up authentically for everything he did.”
Sunday felt like a hug for people who came together to live life like Jimmy. By the ocean, guitar in hand, and smiling from ear to ear.
“He left a lot of people happy, he made you happy, just sitting there listening to his music, just makes you happy,” Albanese said.
The beloved singer-songwriter passed away at his home in Long Island on Sept. 1 surrounded by family and friends.
He was 76 years old.
Fans in South Florida are holding his memory, and music, close to their hearts.
Drone footage courtesy of Jesse Pettifor/Palm Beach Drone Works.
Scripps Only Content 2023
LAKE WORTH, Fla. —City of Lake Worth Beach leaders voted Wednesday night to approve an amended lease for Benny's on the Beach. The move allows for the iconic restaurant to stay in business on the pier.The new lease amendment raises the restaurant's rent to $42 per square foot, putting it on par with some of the higher rent rates at the nearby Casino building. The new amendment keeps the restaurant on the pier for at least the next 10 years.Previous coverage: ...
LAKE WORTH, Fla. —
City of Lake Worth Beach leaders voted Wednesday night to approve an amended lease for Benny's on the Beach. The move allows for the iconic restaurant to stay in business on the pier.
The new lease amendment raises the restaurant's rent to $42 per square foot, putting it on par with some of the higher rent rates at the nearby Casino building. The new amendment keeps the restaurant on the pier for at least the next 10 years.
Previous coverage: Lake Worth Beach city attorney 'very confident' deal for new Benny's on the Beach lease imminent
“I’m feeling very happy for (all the supporters) and the 200 employees who worked for Benny’s on the Beach," said Lee Lipton, owner of Benny's on the Beach. "I’m also very happy for the people of the city who really do love Benny’s on the Beach and have been here for the last 40 years. Hopefully, some of my children or whoever will take it on and keep it going. Benny’s on the Beach is Lake Worth Beach and we’re very, very happy to be here."
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The @LakeWorthBchPBC city commission has voted to approve the new lease amendment for Benny’s on the Beach. That means the iconic restaurant will stay on the pier for at least the next 10 years. Live report coming up on @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/yOqhqX8QhR
— Steve King WPBF (@WPBF_Steve) May 10, 2023
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Related: Commissioner who voted against Benny's on the Beach lease renewal 'open to continued negotiations'
"Personally, I feel it’s in the best interest of the city to have this continuity of Benny’s on the Beach," said Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch. "It’s been there for a long time. We have very little. Lake Worth, there’s a dearth of activities to come to in Lake Worth. Right now, it’s Benny’s. People come for special occasions and for birthdays and to go on vacation and feel like they’re in the islands, and that’s the place to do it."
Commissioner Christopher Mcvoy voted against the amendment on Wednesday because he says it leaves money on the table, since he thinks the city could have charged more for its pier property and he also thinks city staff should have gathered more data to have more information before making this latest offer.
Other commissioners say they're excited to keep Benny's on the Beach where it is since it’s a landmark of the community.
The commission recently voted against a lease amendment proposal and city staff and the owner of Benny's on the Beach had been working over the last few weeks to come to a different agreement.
Critics have said the millions of dollars needed to redesign the municipal pool would be better spent elsewhere. Supporters of the pool say the city lost a beloved gathering spot.0:000:22ADThe former pool in Lake Worth Beach is nearing a turning point. Closed since at least 2017 amid safety concerns an...
The former pool in Lake Worth Beach is nearing a turning point. Closed since at least 2017 amid safety concerns and budget constraints, the Olympic-sized hole in the ground has fueled debates about whether to revive the pool or to use the space for something different.
City commissioners reviewed the latest proposal for a new pool at their Aug. 15 meeting. Happy with the redesign, at least for the most part, they gave city staff the OK to move forward with a cost analysis that takes into account not only the construction price, but also the cost of operating and maintaining a pool.
"If it is not — after careful consideration — feasible to have the pool, then we must deal with the fact that we have a giant concrete hole at our beach, and we need to come up with some alternative plan to use that space," said Mayor Betty Resch, who is in favor of reopening the pool.
Critics have said the millions of dollars needed to redesign the pool would be better spent elsewhere. Supporters of the pool — once a place for swim lessons, water aerobics, holiday celebrations, picnics and other community get-togethers — say Lake Worth Beach lost a beloved gathering place.
City commissioners and supporters hope that reopening the pool with modern amenities will make the site a destination for residents and tourists. Up to now, the greatest obstacle has been the cost.
The latest design by CPZ Architects would cost an estimated $16 million. The concept includes a food pavilion, covered seating, restrooms and changing rooms, a lifeguard office and a nearby splash pad.
A major sticking point for commissioners during the last discussion on Dec. 6 was the depth of the pool. The previous rendition had a depth of only 4 feet throughout the pool, and the new design has various depths that start at 3 feet and gradually lead up to a 10-foot section.
Commissioners applauded the new addition and said it would open the door to more people getting their scuba diving certifications or brushing up on their scuba skills. With a public beach and the Atlantic Ocean directly across the street from the proposed pool, diving would be a draw, they said.
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They were less certain about a splash pad situated just outside of the pool. In the latest design, the splash pad — an area with jets that spray water from the ground — would offer a free option to anyone who wants to have some fun and cool off without having to pay an entry fee for the pool area.
Commissioner Kim Stokes pushed back on the idea of dividing families and separating the pool site into a paid and unpaid area, especially when the city already has a free playground across the street.
Commissioner Sarah Malega, however, agreed with the idea of putting the splash pad in a separate area, offering families more options outside of the paid pool area. But if the city were to move forward with a splash pad, it should be moved farther from Ocean Boulevard and the dangers of passing cars and sidewalk travelers, she said.
The meeting also included some debate about a food pavilion — an area similar to a tiki bar — that was included in the latest design. Instead of building a kitchen and selling its own food, the city could save money and welcome vendors on a rotating basis, Commissioner Reinaldo Diaz said.
Agreeing with the use of mobile vendors, whether it be trucks or food carts, Vice Mayor Christopher McVoy said it would support local entrepreneurs and allow for a constant offering of new foods.
"Sometimes the food is one of the biggest revenue-makers of the project," City Manager Carmen Davis said in response. "But we will certainly be open-minded and evaluate that on both ends."
Even before the pool's permanent closing, it shut down temporarily in 2010 to save money, amid budget concerns in the city. The pool cost about $322,000 to operate every year, but it generated only about 20% of that amount in revenue.
The pool reopened in 2013, after residents pushed for its return, but fewer than 50 people used it each day. "If no one utilizes the pool, it will be hard to justify the expense," the city's sales, marketing and event manager said at the time.
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Commissioners spent the next several years debating about whether to close the aging pool. Built in 1971, it needed costly repairs and was operating at an annual deficit, and while some city leaders wanted it closed for good, others said the pool was an important public resource.
"We sat, we talked, we reminisced, we got to know our neighbors,” a swim instructor said in 2016, describing a community event at the pool. “It was more than just a class. It was like family.”
Safety concerns finally led to the pool's permanent closing by 2017. Concrete chunks "the size of small sandwiches" began falling from the pool's pump room ceiling, nearly hitting a staff worker, and a 12-inch water line exploded, firing shrapnel dangerously close to another city worker.
Since that time, supporters have continued to push for the reopening of a modern public pool. A group of residents — carrying boogie boards, snorkel masks and dioramas of the pool — filled the commission chambers in 2019, encouraging city leaders to not give up on the project.
The current commissioners, who inherited the controversial pool project after their arrival in 2021 and 2022, are tasked with figuring out a solution before it grows even more expensive.
The city’s leisure services director said about eight years ago that a total redesign of the pool would cost between $2 million to $8 million. That estimate jumped to $10 million about four years ago, before this year's $16 million concept was presented to the commission.
"We don't have the money," the vice mayor said. "We're going to have to come up with the money by borrowing, grants, who knows what sort of way. Inspiring somebody to donate big chunks or multiple people to donate."
"I would say don't hold back on imagination of what you build. Use that as your attractor for the funding," he continued, arguing that the current design lacked the level of creativity he expected.
The commission ultimately voted 4-1, with McVoy dissenting, to move forward with a cost analysis for the project, including construction, operations and maintenance. That process will take into account the commissioners' recent comments and suggestions, and the city manager will bring the estimated price back to the city leaders at a future meeting.
"But not like a year from now, right?" Malega said.
"No, ma'am, I don't think you'll let me do that," the city manager responded.
Giuseppe Sabella is a reporter covering Boynton Beach and Lake Worth Beach at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism and subscribe today.
