Education
University of Florida, Building Construction
Experience
Retired now, past partner in a commercial construction company for 17 years. Member and past chairman of the Boca Raton Community Appearance Board for 27 years, ten years on the Planning and Zoning Board
Instagram
Larry4Boca
Campaign Phone
5617221924
Boca Raton's biggest threat is overdevelopment outpacing infrastructure. The One Boca project exemplifies this: 947 units, retail, offices, and a hotel near Brightline, with residents fearing Second Avenue traffic gridlock. Traffic already doubled commute times citywide, with 15-minute trips now taking 30 minutes or more. We don't need added density on public land on top of the growth that we know will be coming on private land! Think K-Mart and BRIC.
I will demand developers fully fund traffic mitigation before approval. New development strains our traffic grid and developers should pay into a fund to support expanding Boca Connect and providing a free shuttle from Tri-rail to employment centers around town.
Our greatest assets are our coastal environment and exceptional parks, and I'm committed to enhancing them through targeted initiatives. At Red Reef Park, I plan to establish an artificial reef system that will create vital marine habitat, support fish populations, and offer world-class snorkeling opportunities for residents and visitors. This project will strengthen our marine ecosystem while boosting eco-tourism. Equally important is restoring the turtle rehabilitation program at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. This beloved facility has been instrumental in rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, educating thousands of visitors. By bringing back this program, we reaffirm our goal of protecting endangered species and environmental education.
Any changes to our property taxes require 60% voter approval—it's not guaranteed. Here's my promise: Boca Raton will not cut our city services. We're a financially strong community with the resources to maintain our quality of life. If tax changes occur, we'll adapt through smart budget management and alternative solutions. Our residents expect excellent police, fire protection, well-maintained parks, and responsive services. I'm committed to delivering that regardless of state tax policy. We will always protect what makes Boca exceptional.
AI is coming like a freight train and will reduce staff in all departments. Imagine the Building Department using AI while reviewing plans for a new building, in under a minute! That helps the department be more efficient and the applicants will be thrilled. Expect similar results in all of our city services.
I've volunteered at Boca Helping Hands for the past seven years, and it's taught me a lot about homelessness. The homeless face tough challenges and need understanding and compassion, not just enforcement. I'm proud that our Boca Raton Police created a special squad focused solely on helping homeless individuals. These officers are trained to understand what homeless people are going through, they know about mental health issues and addiction. And they know what services are available to help—like shelters, food programs like ours, and housing assistance. Instead of just making arrests, these officers are helping people with the resources they need to get back on their feet. This approach shows compassion and works best for everyone.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Experience
Clinical Pharmacist with a specialty in oncology, I am NOT a politician.
Endorsements
1. Save Boca 2. Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance
Campaign Phone
561-654-6365
Overdevelopment. Our city needs to focus on sustainable development, affordable housing, and re-evaluating height, size and density limits. Variances need to be kept to a minimum. Our "hard" and "soft" infrastructures are unable to keep up with our rapid growth, which not only affects our quality of life but our public safety. Our city council, along with the planning and zoning board need to work together to make these changes happen. Public land projects should have a public vote, with residents having a say in the fate of their land.
Our greatest strength is our community. We have so many residents with different backgrounds, skills and talents. We are also lucky to live in a unique area with diverse wildlife. We need to expand public notice of upcoming projects, to promote resident input. Our residents are key in shaping Boca Raton's future. We also need to protect the little green space we have left to help our wildlife survive and flourish. Our nature complexes, such as Gumbo Limbo, are our hidden gems and we must ensure they receive the funding to continue to educate future generations.
This is a difficult question, as we have several very expensive projects being voted on by a referendum, without knowing the status or extent of the property tax issue. We would have to start with the budget and see where cuts can be made without hurting our residents or the services they currently use. The council, along with the city accountants will have to scrutinize every expenditure and incoming revenue. The city budget should be treated like it is our personal budget and given the same thought and fiscal responsibility we show ourselves, if not more.
These are some suggestions to start with:
Prioritize audit areas: finance, procurement, overtime, utilities
Set measurable goals: e.g., “reduce non-labor operating costs or overtime by 10%”
Introduce employee idea program with incentives
Conduct energy/utilities audits next quarter (water audits and electricity audits have huge potential for savings)
Establish performance budgeting metrics for next budget cycle
We have 2 police officers trained in issues involving homeless individuals. We have facilities that have the resources to help with mental illness, addiction, job training and re-housing, however, many do not want the help. As, we are a relatively safe and warm area, the House Bill will probably not deter these activities without law enforcement. All agencies are going to have to work together to help get a handle on this and do our best in helping these people, with dignity, to persuade them to accept the help or possibly face criminal charges, which should be a last resort.
Education
NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL of LAW - Boston MA - Awarded Juris Doctor June 1978; NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - Boston MA - Awarded Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Experience
SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS STRATEGIES LLC - President & CEO - January 2024 to Present; PALM BEACH COUNTY BOARD of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Commissioner Dist 4; County Vice Mayor (2 yrs); County Mayor (1 yr) - November 2018 - November 2022; BOCA CITY COUNCIL - Deputy Mayor (1yr) - MARCH 2013 - MARCH 2018
Endorsements
Boca Raton Firefighters; Boca Raton Police; Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
Campaign Phone
5612126000
RISING REAL-ESTATE COSTS, RENT PRESSURES & AFFORDABILITY - As property values in Boca Raton continue to climb, residents are being pressured out of their homes or they are unable to secure a safe place to live within a commutable distance to their place of employment.
The City of Boca Raton is an efficient, well run city offering a balance of cultural, recreational, educational and employment opportunities. The City can boast the lowest millage of any full service city in Palm Beach County while offering A rated schools, top rated police and fire services, 5 miles of public beaches and an abundance of public parks.
Before cutting services, the city would undertake an analysis of its remaining revenues and necessary services. Public safety would remain paramount. Police, fire and municipal services (water, infrastructure, sewage and other health related services) would be protected. Unfortunately, routine maintenance of our recreational amenities would likely be the first area where residents would see a decline in services. The City is fortunate to have adequate reserves to cushion the immediate impacts.
Zero base budgeting has been a vehicle for requiring a fresh look at the services provided and the staffing necessary to meet the community's needs. This would be my first step to identify areas where greater efficiencies can be found. Likewise, opportunities for aletrnate revenue streams (e.g., fee for service and/or payments in lieu of taxes) would be examined.
Our first responders act with compassion when it comes to individuals in need of additional services. The city and county offer programs in tandem with community nonprofits to house, counsel and feed individuals in need.
