Freddie Mac: 15-year mortgage drops below 3%
DELRAY BEACH — Bankers aren’t quite giving money away. But it’s getting awfully close as mortgage rates continue to plunge to new lows.
Consumer confidence soars in Florida
DELRAY BEACH — Consumer confidence rose sharply in May but fell sharply nationally, according to separate reports released Tuesday. The University of Florida’s consumer confidence index gained three points to 77, its highest reading since January, largely on a more optimistic view of where the economy is going. Perceptions of where the economy is now versus a year ago declined slightly, but expectations for the economy a year from now and five years from now increased.
Always remember: Memorial Day 2012
DELRAY BEACH — More than 1.3 million Americans have given their lives for country since the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord in 1775. On Monday, Memorial Day, we remember their sacrifice.
Europe concerns hold down mortgage rates
DELRAY BEACH — Surprise! Mortgage rates dropped over the past week to a record low. Actually, it would be surprising if rates hadn’t dropped, given the trend this year. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropping to an average of 3.78 with 0.8 point, down from 3.79 percent a week earlier.
Comerica: Florida's economy strengthened in March
DELRAY BEACH — Comerica Bank's Florida Economic Activity Index, released Wednesday, rose four points in March to a reading of 109.5 boosted by an improving housing market and increasing tourism.
Palm Beach timeshare scammer pleads guilty
WEST PALM BEACH — The manager of a Palm Beach County boiler room that scammed as many as 2,000 victims in the United States and Canada has pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud charges, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.
SEC sues Broward hedge fund operators
FORT LAUDERDALE — The Securities and Exchange Commission is suing two Broward County hedge fund operators, alleging that they created two “feeder funds” that became the biggest source of capital for the billion-dollar scam pulled off by Scott Rothstein.
Stitches by the Sea celebrates Delray Beach grand opening
DELRAY BEACH — For Judi Alweil, it’s a natural, an extension of what she’s done for decades. For Dick Alweil, let’s just say it’s new territory. The husband-and-wife team operates Stitches by the Sea, a needle point and specialty knitting supply store on East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. The store opened in September but recently celebrated its grand opening with the help of Delray Beach city Commissioner Al Jacquet and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. READ MORE.
Delray receives $24,000 check for beach pavilion project
DELRAY BEACH — Delray’s Beach Properties Owners Association put its money where its proverbial mouth is Tuesday, presenting the city with a check for nearly $24,000 to help cover the cost of restoring the municipal beach pavilion.
Florida's housing market continues slow recovery
DELRAY BEACH — Florida’s housing market, one of the vital engines of the state economy, continues show slow improvement, with prices jumping but sales essentially flat, according to the numbers released Tuesday by Florida’s Realtors.
Palm Beach jobless rate lowest since Jan. '09
DELRAY BEACH — The jobless rate continued to drop statewide and in Palm Beach and Broward counties last month, according to the latest report from Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity.
Europe concerns drive mortgage rates south
DELRAY BEACH — Not surprising given what’s happened to stocks over the past week, but mortgage rates hit yet another record low, according to both Freddie Mac and Bankrate.
Payrolls rise by 115,000; jobless rate dips
WASHINGTON — The economy added 115,000 jobs in April, with the unemployment rate dropped a point to 8.1 percent, the Labor Department reported Friday.
Freddie, Bankrate see record low mortgage rates
DELRAY BEACH — Tame inflation and economic uncertainty teamed to push mortgage rates once again to record lows, according to both Freddie Mac and Bankrate surveys, released Thursday.
lOffice Depot goes from red to black
BOCA RATON — Sales fell but profit was up during the first quarter at Office Depot, the office supply retailer said Tuesday. For the quarter, profit totaled $41.3 million, or 14 cents a share, on sales of $2.87 billion, compared with a loss of $14.4 million, or 5 cents a share, on sales of $2.972 million for the same period a year ago.
Supply and demand drives down gas prices
DELRAY BEACH — Those fears of $5 a gallon gasoline this summer appear to be premature, as gasoline dips nearly a dime below year ago prices at the pump, according to Monday’s report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
St. Pete druggist pleads guilty to Oxy Alley charge
WEST PALM BEACH — A St. Petersburg pharmaceutical wholesaler on Monday became the 28th defendant to plead guilty to federal charges stemming from a massive pill mill operation in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Europe, economic data keep mortgage rates low
DELRAY BEACH — Some disappointing economic data and the seemingly never-ending European debt saga combined to push mortgage rates down. Again. To yet another record low, according to Bankrate.
NextEra Energy reports profit surge
JUNO BEACH — NextEra Energy, parent of Florida Power & Light, on Wednesday reported first quarter earnings of $461 million, or $1.11 a share, compared with profit of $268 million, or 64 cents a share, for the same period a year ago.
Consumer confidence lags improving economy
DELRAY BEACH — Consumer confidence dipped statewide in April, despite an improving labor and housing markets, while holding steady nationally, according to separate reports released Tuesday.
Independence Title hosts the Delray Beach Chamber
DELRAY BEACH — Call it a two-fer, a showcase not for one, but two businesse. Independence Title hosted April's Contacts and Cocktails, the Delray Chamber of Commerce's monthly business card exchange. READ MORE.
Former state Sen. Dawson pleads guilty to tax charges
FORT LAUDERDALE — Former state Sen. Muriel Amanda “Mandy” Dawson has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of tax evasion and failing to file an income tax return. Dawson, a Democrat, represented portions of Broward and Palm Beach counties, including Delray Beach, in the early and mid-2000s.
Palm Beach Area Red Cross recognized for tracing work
WEST PALM BEACH — The International Holocaust and War Tracing center of the Red Cross has announced that the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter will receive the Outstanding Chapter Award for the work of chapter volunteers in their community outreach programs. The Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center, based in Maryland, is a national clearinghouse for persons seeking the fates of loved ones missing since the Holocaust and its aftermath.
Forkas joins board of Unicorn Children's Foundation
BOCA RATON — Unicorn Children’s Foundation has added one new board member, while announcing the return of two others. Marleen Forkas joins the foundation’s board. Forkas was the first woman to graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Management Engineering Division. She is recognized for her 40-year career as a fashion designer and embroidery manufacturer as well as for her philanthropic efforts in South Florida.
Hospice gets grant for electronic records system
BOCA RATON – Hospice by the Sea has received a $40,000 grant from Health Foundation of South Florida to help implement an electronic medical record system for field staff serving patients in Broward County.
Habitat for Humanity dedicates Bivins home
BOYNTON BEACH — Some people save money for a down payment on a home. Habitat for Humanity owners make the down payment using their two hands, working to help others and working to help themselves. Habitat calls it sweat equity.
Wellington man gets prison for Oxy Alley
WEST PALM BEACH — A Wellington man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges in connection with a massive pill mill operation in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Broward woman faces prison for tax filing scheme
FORT LAUDERDALE — A Broward County woman is facing prison after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud and identity theft charges in connection with a scheme to file fraudulent income tax returns and then collect the refunds.
Jobless rates dip in Florida, Palm Beach County
DELRAY BEACH — Unemployment continued to dip statewide and in Palm Beach County, according to the latest report from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Home prices rise in Florida, Palm Beach County
DELRAY BEACH — The number of used-home sales dropped in Palm Beach County during March, but the median price actually rose, according to reports released Thursday by Florida’s Realtors. The same pattern held statewide.
Mortgage rates hover at or near record lows
DELRAY BEACH — Mortgage mavens Freddie Mac and Bankrate disagree about whether rates moved up or down this week, but they do agree about one thing: they moved little and still represent a very good deal for borrowers.
Delray commissioners kill fire service fee — again
DELRAY BEACH — Delray’s on-again, off-again proposal to establish a fire service fee is back in the off mode. For now.
Segway Tours gets initial OK from Delray
DELRAY BEACH — Delray Beach city commissioners on Tuesday pass first reading of an ordinance making Segway operations legal in the city and regulating their use. The only point of contention between the firm that proposed the ordinance, Segway Tours of Delray Beach, and the city is the use of the machines along A1A. Final reading of the ordinance is set for April 5.
Delray Beach celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a parade
DELRAY BEACH — Delray Beach turned green Saturday as firefighters from throughout South Florida and beyond took part in the city’s 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, the one that almost didn’t happen. READ MORE ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
Delray Beach joins financial literacy campaign
DELRAY BEACH — Delray Beach city commissioners have agreed to support a financial literacy program and contest that is to be conducted by Consumer Credit Management Services, a nonprofit consumer counseling agency in Delray Beach. READ MORE.
Dr. Delia Weiss takes less stressful approach to medicine
DELRAY BEACH — Dr. Delia Weiss’ office looks like anything but the traditional medical setting. Yet it is. And it isn’t.The lighting is soft; the furniture appropriate for a living room than a clinic. The exam table, the only conspicuous piece of medical equipment, is tucked away in a corner of a room that feels more like a home office. READ MORE DR. DELIA WEISS.
Del Potro powers past Tipsarevic to win Delray Beach ITC
DELRAY BEACH — Juan Martin del Potro says his game is not yet back to where it two years ago when he beat Raphael Nadel and Roger Federer in consecutive sets to win the U.S. Open. Heaven help his opponents on the ATP World Tour when it does get there. READ MORE.
Garlic Fest begins in Delray Beach
DELRAY BEACH – Delray Beach's annual salute to allium sativum is underway. The three-day celebration known as Garlic Fest begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday. Workers were putting final touches on booths and displays throughout Old School Square Park.
McDuffie, Frankel unopposed; Delray cancels election
DELRAY BEACH — One civic duty Delray Beach residents won’t have to perform this year: voting. Delray Beach City Commissioners have canceled the election set for March 8 because of a lack of candidates. Three seats on the commission were up for election, including the mayor’s chair, but only three candidates, one for each race, qualified for the ballot.
Cutting Delray's budget tough act for citizens
DELRAY BEACH — If Delray Beach City Commissioners were expecting some solid budget cutting ideas from the 50-some residents attending the annual citizens round table at Old School Square Tuesday evening, they had to come away disappointed. READ MORE.
Delray recognizes You Are Not Alone volunteers
DELRAY BEACH — Delray’s fifth annual “You Are Not Alone” drive raised more than $46,000 in donations last fall for military personnel serving abroad. Delray Beach City Commissioners Tuesday evening recognized two of the hundred-plus volunteers who made that possible, Atlantic High School Student Franklin Castro and radio talk show host Joyce Kaufman. READ MORE.
Delray Beach Public Library goes green
The Delray Beach Public Library Library has instituted several new measures in order to become more eco-friendly, including using recycled paper and gradually replacing incandescent lighting with energy-efficient LED and fluorescent lighting both inside and out. Delray Library goes green.
Study recommends Delray switch to paid parking
DELRAY BEACH — The days of free parking on Atlantic Avenue and Delray’s downtown appear to be numbered. Read Delray Beach Parking
Delray library to hold August lifelong living course
DELRAY BEACH — The Delray Beach Public Library has announced that its Lifelong Learning Community Institute will offer is final summer course in August . On August 3, 10, and 17 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. the Lifelong Learning Institute will offer a course presented by Marilyn Charwat entitled: “The Toolbox for Making the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life” DELRAY LIFELONG LEARNING ...
Jacquet, Gray provide Delray Beach with 'historic' moment
DELRAY BEACH — One new face joined the Delray Beach City Commission Thursday evening, and one familiar returned. Together, they provided what Mayor Woodie McDuffie called an historic moment for the city.
Jay Alperin says good-bye to Delray Beach City Commission
DELRAY BEACH — Jay Alperin said he lost a little sleep the night before as he thought of what to say during his final moments Thursday evening as a Delray Beach city commissioner. Turns out they were words he lived by during the past seven months, and years ago during his first tour of duty as city commissioner and later as mayor.
1st United of Boca buys Anderen Bank
BOCA RATON — 1st United Bancorp of Boca Raton said Monday that it has bought Anderen Bank for about $38 million in stock and cash. The deal provides 1st United with an expanded presence in the Tampa area and a new presence in the Orlando market. 1st United will now have about $1.7 billion in assets, $1.4 billion in deposits and 23 full- branches. Based on total deposits, 1st United will be the 13th largest bank headquartered in Florida.
Hospice gets grant to upgrade electronic records
BOCA RATON — Hospice by the Sea has received a $30,000 grant from Health Foundation of South Florida to implement the next phase of a state-of-the-art electronic medical record system.
Parkland woman pleads guilty to mortgage scams
FORT LAUDERDALE — A Parkland woman who owned a title service company has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud charges stemming from two separate mortgage fraud scams involving properties in Palm Beach and Browad counties.
Randy Nobles joins Hospice by the Sea board
BOCA RATON — Randy Nobles, Florida region president and regional managing director at Comerica Bank, has been elected to the board of directors of Hospice by the Sea. Nobles adds his extensive experience in both business development and community relations to the board, as well as his longstanding relationships with key business and community leaders.
Gotkin to be featured at American Orchid Society show
By Palm Beach Business.com
Jerry Gotkin, a Smithsonian Institution collected artist and a supporter of Hospice by the Sea, will be a featured exhibitor at “Color Your World,” the American Orchid Society’s largest orchid exhibition of the year, to be held November 19-21 in Delray Beach.
Boynton Sweet Tomatoes raises money for United Way
BOYNTON BEACH - The newest Sweet Tomatoes, located at 1100 N. Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach, is scheduled to open on Monday, Nov. 8. To celebrate the grand opening, Sweet Tomatoes will host a preview fundraiser for the United Way of Palm Beach County on Friday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Palm Beach Business.com aids Caring Kitchen
DELRAY BEACH - Palm Beach Business.com, Delray's online business and community newspaper, announces the launch of The Outlook Holiday Edition, a weekly compilation of holiday-related news, plus a calendar of holiday-related events. This year, 50 percent of all ad revenue generated from this email newsletter will help feed the hungry through the Caring Kitchen.
Darci McNally runs for cancer patients
BOCA RATON — 26.2 miles. Ten ribbons. One great cause. Boca Raton Regional Hospital's Darci McNally is "running for you!" McNally will don a specially designed running jersey representing a colorful array of the 10 cancer awareness ribbons as she competes in this year's ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 7.
Caitlin Foundation donates carbon monoxide detectors
BOCA RATON — The Caitlin Foundation was at the Toppel Family Place at Boca Raton Regional Hospital on October 22 donating carbon monoxide detectors to all new parents in hope of raising awareness about children and carbon monoxide poisoning. The campaign, called "Safe Home/Safe Baby," provides detectors to new parents when they leave the Hospital with their babies.
World Habitat Day Nets $7,400 at Sundy House
DELRAY BEACH - Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County hosted its third Annual World Habitat Day celebration at the Sundy House in Delray Beach and pulling in $7,400 for the cause.
Boat for Haitian village honors South Florida woman
COCONUT CREEK - Members of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Palm Beach recently donated money to equip a Food For The Poor fishing village in Haiti with a fiberglass boat and engine in memory of their friend and comrade, Ann Marie Briere, who died on Feb. 22. The boat’s name, “Relief,” will be a symbol of hope to the fishermen, villagers, and all who struggle daily to survive.
Boca Raton Little League raises money for cancer patients
St. Jude Catholic Church to recognize residents
Boca Raton Regional gets grant for women's health center
Hospice by the Sea gets grant for Camp Good Grief
Posters on sale to benefit Big Cat Rescue
TD Foundation to award affordable housing grants
Delray library sets lifelong living course for August
United Way of Palm Beach County raises $14.1 million
Boca Hospital gives free physicals to Snow Scholars
Wolens Foundation recognized for Hospice support
Muralists donate seascape to Lynn Cancer Institute
Habitat South Palm Beach County dedicates 84th home
West Boca chamber foundation awards scholarships
10th Kayak Against Cancer looks to break $200,000 mark..
United Way looking for 'Day of action' support
Delray Lions Club donates to the Delray Library
Jobless rates drop in Florida, Palm Beach County DELRAY BEACH — The recovery of the national economy continues to create jobs in Florida and Palm Beach County, dropping unemployment rates to levels not seen in three years. The Department of Economic Opportunity on Friday reported that the statewide jobless rate dropped to a seasonally adjusted 9.4 percent in February from 9.6 percent a month earlier and 10.8 percent a year ago. That’s the lowest rate for Florida since 2009. Freddie Mac: Housing data drop mortgage rates DELRAY BEACH — Weaker data on the housing market pushed mortgage rates southward once again, according to separate reports from Freddie Mac and Bankrate released Thursday. Consumer confidence dips nationally and in Florida DELRAY BEACH — Consumer confidence fell back in March nationally and in Florida despite an increasingly positive view of the present economy, according to separate reports released Tuesday. Great Florida Insurance celebrates Delray grand opening
DELRAY BEACH — For John Macatangay, it was welcome to Delray Beach. Macatangay celebrated the grand opening of the Great Florida Insurance agency Wednesday with the help of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. Members of the chamber, including Chairwoman Kimberly Comejo were on hand for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Delray Chamber goes 'green' for Contacts and Cocktails DELRAY BEACH — There were still nine days before St. Patrick's Day when member and guests of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday for the monthly Contact and Cocktails, but they were in the mood to party early. Tax preparer charged with filing false returns FORT LAUDERDALE — A federal grand jury has indicted the owner of a Sunrise tax preparation business for allegedly conspiring to file false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. Freddie and Bankrate find mortgage rates surging DELRAY BEACH — Good news on the economy translated into bad news for borrowers as mortgage rates surged to the highest levels this year, according to Freddie Mac and Bankrate surveys released Thursday. Boca man charged with fraud in corporate ID theft FORT LAUDERDALE — A federal grand jury has indicted a Boca Raton businessman on 26 counts of mail fraud in connection with a corporate identity theft scheme that cost its victims millions of dollars in bogus shipping charges. Mortgage rates rise on economy DELRAY BEACH — A more optimistic view of the economy helped push mortgage rates higher over the past week, both Freddie Mac and Bankrate reported Thursday. However, rates remain near their all-time lows. Gray cruises in Delray; Jacquet just misses DELRAY BEACH — There will be a second election in Delray Beach. By a hair. Meanwhile incumbent Commissioner Angeleta Gray coasted to another term in office in the seat 4 race, while a proposed charter revision that would have increased the term in office for elected city officials burned and crashed. Broward woman gets prison for cleansing scam FORT LAUDERDALE — A Broward woman has received 15 months in prison for her part in a fraudulent money “cleansing” scheme. Mortgage rates hold near all-time lows DELRAY BEACH — Mortgage rates stayed near historic lows, moving little over the past week, according to both Bankrate and Freddie Mac surveys released Thursday. Delray OKs zoning change despite reservations DELRAY BEACH — It wasn’t WalMart redux. Not even close. But as Delray Beach city commissioners passed first reading of an ordinance changing the zoning of the southeast corner of Linton Boulevard and South Federal Highway the thought did cross a few minds that the move could be paving the way for a WalMart-like store to slide into the neighborhood. Tax preparers charged with filing false returns FORT LAUDERDALE — Two North Broward tax preparers have charged with submitting false income tax returns with the Internal Revenue that inflated client refunds and brought them higher fees. Anderson bests Matosevic to win the Delray Beach ITC DELRAY BEACH — Hail the new champion. Kevin Anderson powered passed Marinko Matosevic 6-4, 7-6 Sunday afternoon to win the singles competition of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. Anderson oust Isner, faces Matosevic at the Delray Beach ITC Kevin Anderson Saturday night.
DELRAY BEACH — In the Battle of the Aces at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, the margin between victory and defeat proved small. A service break in the 11th game of the first set and a double fault by John Isner on the first serve of the tiebreaker was all South African Kevin Anderson needed to defeat the American 7-5, 7-6 in the semifinals Saturday night at the ITC. Anderson, meanwhile, played near flawless tennis. Roddick ousted; Isner, Anderson advance to semifinals at Delray ITC Kevin Anderson against Andy Roddick Friday evening at the Delray ITC. DELRAY BEACH — For Kevin Anderson, it was the difference between night and day. Literally. Badly losing the first set of his quarterfinals match with Andy Roddick, Anderson turned his game around and defeated the Boca Raton Prep graduate 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 Friday evening at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. Roddick wins rematch with Istomin; Top-seeded Bryan Brothers upset Andy Roddick Thursday night. By Palm Beach Business.com DELRAY BEACH — Andy Roddick got a measure of revenge Thursday evening at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships when he beat Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-4, 7-5. In the night cap, unseeded Frank Moser of Germany and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia stunned the crowd by upsetting Americans Bob and Mike Bryan, the top seed in the doubles portion of the tournament and the No. 1 ranked doubles team in the world, 4-6, 6-4, 10-4. Moya claims spot in Delray ITC finals; Lendl loses to Kriek DELRAY BEACH — This much is clear after three days of Champions Tour play at the Delray Beach ITC: Carlos Moya is in the finals. Moya of Spain defeated Boca Raton’s Aaron Krickstein 6-4, 6-4 Sunday to win his group in the round robin format with a 3-0 record. Arias, Lendl win Champions Tour matches at Delray DELRAY BEACH — It was almost like two different matches, watching Mikael Pernfors and Ivan Lendl play Saturday evening at the Delray Beach ITC. In the first set, Pernfors dominated Lendl, 6-2. The second set had the same score, only with Lendl coming out on top. The two went back and forth, exchanging the lead in the tiebreaker. Pernfors double-faulted to give Lendl the win. DELRAY BEACH — Jimmy Arias jokingly complained throughout their opening Champions Tour match Friday evening at the Delray Tennis Center that Ivan Lendl was becoming more and more like John McEnroe. Delray Beach ITC begins Friday DELRAY BEACH — It’s tennis time in Delray Beach. Workers, volunteers, vendors, and tennis players were spending Thursday on final preparations for the start of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, which begin Friday night at the municipal tennis center on West Atlantic Avenue. Call propels Isner past Sweeting at Delray Beach ITC Tim Smyczek tracks down a shot against Bernard Tomic Wednesday evening at the Delray ITC. Smyczek, however, lost the match. DELRAY BEACH — There are times when you’re luck. There are times when you’re good. And then there are times when you’re both lucky and good. That was John Isner Wednesday night as he caught a break on a call, then used a serve that at time hit as high as 135 mph to power his way passed Ryan Sweeting of Fort Lauderdale at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. Isner, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, moves on to face eighth seeded Bernard Tomic of Australia in the semifinals. Moya beats Lendl in Delray ITC Championship DELRAY BEACH — Carlos Moya turned professional in 1995; Ivan Lendl retired from the tour in 1994. On Tuesday, the two met in the finals of the Champions Tour event at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. Moya won 6-4, 6-4. Lendl displayed some of the skill that made him one of the greatest players in tennis history, but in the end was no match for Moya, 17 years his junior.
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