Charter debate stalls over who faces the challenger
Who debates the charter amendments, 736 apartments at Rivertowne, a free beach movie and a pink walk.
Twenty-seven minutes is all it took Commissioner Daniel Shanetzky to say yes when the mayor handed him a charter debate, and his whole reply ran six words.
On Oct. 6, Mayor Todd Drosky turned down attorney Tom Connick's repeated requests to debate him on the nine charter amendments. He offered District 3 Commissioner Daniel Shanetzky instead, saying Shanetzky is among the commissioners in the minority on the measures. Shanetzky accepted fast: "Sounds like fun. Happy to oblige." Within the hour, Connick rejected the swap and pressed again for the mayor himself.
The sticking point is the elections complaint. Drosky called the invitation a trap designed to pull him into advocating in his official role, citing Connick's Sept. 17 complaint against the city to the Florida Elections Commission. Connick wrote back that the complaint names the city, which he says state law requires to stay neutral, not Drosky, who is free to push for YES votes. His first invitation, sent Sept. 24, asked for a one-hour debate by Oct. 15.
Among other changes, the amendments would shift the timing of city elections, decide whether voters get a say before major city-owned property is sold, and set beach-area development rules in the charter. No email Boca Post reviewed shows a debate on the calendar.
The voting dates are firm. Early voting runs Oct. 19 to Nov. 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., per the city, giving residents two full weeks. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls keep the same hours, and mail ballots must arrive by 7 p.m. to count.
Rivertowne Square rezoned for 736 apartments
The 14-acre plaza at Federal Highway and Southeast 10th Street dates to the 1970s and is only half leased. Commissioners last week rezoned it from highway business to a planned development district, making room for 736 apartments, a redesigned parking lot, a rebuilt Winn Dixie and new shops and restaurants.
Its eight-story residential building would hold 106 affordable units plus a pool, a gym and a dog spa, while Tijuana Taxi and other businesses stay on the outparcels. Gloria Battle, who once served on the commission, said the affordable units would let her young relatives come home: "We've been trying to get this for years."
For neighbors, a traffic study projects 25% fewer daily trips to and from the site, and another says three nearby schools would stay at or below 78% capacity. Rebuilding also means a new stormwater system, which may ease flooding in the Southeast 8th Avenue neighborhood. Owner JBL Rivertowne Square is weighing deep-well injection to drain its land and offered to explore the same for neighbors to the northwest.
Speakers raised traffic on Southeast 6th Avenue, building height and drainage. Dan Herz noted the new zoning obliges the developer to give back to the community, then knocked the offer: "So we are getting more trees and a mural."
Also approved: a 14,000-square-foot, three-story building at 301 W. Dixie Hwy. with a brewpub, offices and a rooftop lounge meant for cornhole and bocce players, in line with the city's Pioneer Grove plan, which takes in City Hall and Pioneer Park. Tom Plaut, a commissioner whose office at City Hall looks out on the parcel, said, "I never dreamed anyone would build there."
Michael (2026) comes to Movies in the Park
- When
- Friday, Oct. 16 · Gates open 6:30 p.m.; movie begins 7:30 p.m.
- Where
- Main Beach Area
- Address
- 149 SE 21st Ave.
- Price
- Free
It's rated PG-13, and food trucks will be on site for anyone who skips the picnic.
Next up, on Nov. 6: The Wild Robot (PG) at Quiet Waters Athletic Complex, with a Pumpkin Smash beforehand where you can smash an old pumpkin and compost it.
Breast cancer walk comes to Constitution Park
- When
- Saturday, Oct. 17 · 10 a.m. to noon
- Where
- Constitution Park and Arboretum
- Address
- 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, hosted by the city and the American Cancer Society, asks walkers to wear pink for survivors and for people still fighting the disease. Register or donate at makingstrides.org/deerfieldbeach, and the money goes directly to the cancer society.
Not walking? Drop off clothes, shoes and housewares at Constitution Park, the Hillsboro Community Center at 50 Hillsboro Technology Dr. or the Johnny L. Tigner Center at 445 SW 2nd St.