Latest news with #PalmBeachCounty
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies following heart attack
Veteran Florida state legislator Joe Casello died late Friday, July 18, after suffering a massive heart attack earlier in the month. The 73-year-old Democrat had represented Florida House District 90, an area of Palm Beach County including Boynton Beach, since 2018. "We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack," the Florida House Democratic Caucus said in a social media post announcing his death. "The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time." Nikki Fried, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, said he would be "deeply missed." More politics news: Trump approval rating drops in new poll; more Americans oppose immigration policies Remembering Rep. Joe Casello A private ceremony will be held in the family's home state of Massachusetts, the caucus said, and a public memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks. Casello was a firefighter for 33 years in Worcester, Massachusetts, before moving to Palm Beach County. His first entry into politics was in 2013, when he became a city commissioner in Boynton Beach. Last November, he was reelected to a fourth term in the state House by a double-digit margin. He had filed papers to run for the Palm Beach County Commission in November 2026. Gov. Ron DeSantis will need to call a special election to fill Casello's seat, according to Florida state law. Casello was taken off life support the morning of July 18, after he was taken to regional hospital about two weeks ago after complaining of chest pains, the Palm Beach Post reported. State Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach, was a close friend, and told the Palm Beach Post he and his wife visited Casello for about half an hour July 17. "He was very lucid," Caruso said. "I asked him if there was anything I could do for him. He said: 'See if you could get a fire truck named after me.'" "My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community," Casello said in a statement released July 17, a day before his passing. "Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people — through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge — has been a privilege I will always cherish." Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at mdiamond@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida state representative Joe Casello dies after heart attack
National Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- National Post
Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies while in office following a heart attack
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida Democratic lawmaker Joe Casello has died while in office following a heart attack, according to state House officials. He was 73. Article content Casello, who was first elected to the Florida House in 2018 from a district in Boynton Beach, was surrounded by his girlfriend and family when he died Friday, the Florida House Democratic Caucus said in a social media post. Article content 'The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time,' the caucus said in a statement. Article content We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time. — Florida House Democrats (@FLHouseDems) July 19, 2025 Article content Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026. Article content Article content
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Essential eats: Palm Beach County's must-try Asian restaurants from Boca Raton to Tequesta
Welcome to our summer series spotlighting essential restaurants spanning Boca Raton to Tequesta. Essential can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, so to be clear, this is how we're defining essential for this series: It's not necessarily the most popular spot in its category — or even the absolute best. Think of it more as the best right now. As someone new to Palm Beach County, I haven't tried all of our 3,000 restaurants, but I've found reliable crowd-pleasers. These are the spots I'm excited to take visiting friends or turn to when I can't decide where to eat. Over the coming weeks, we'll highlight the area's must-visit newcomers, Italian gems, steakhouses and Michelin picks. No matter the category, hopefully these personal favorites bring you the same kind of joy and encourage you to try somewhere new. First up: Palm Beach County's vibrant Asian dining scene. These standout spots blend authenticity, innovation and judging by the off-season crowds that pack these picks, serious local love. Sushi Simon in Boynton Beach I found Sushi Simon thanks to a friend who insisted it was worth the drive from Palm Beach Gardens. Her late partner, who was Japanese, would eat sushi only there. 'If the fish isn't perfect,' she said, 'it doesn't get served.' Hidden behind a Starbucks and Walgreens, the restaurant isn't visible from the road. But it's definitely worth the search. Inside is sleek, intimate and all about the food. A wall of dated Boca Raton Magazine covers quietly boasts its 'best sushi' status. The menu is a sushi lover's dream — pristine sashimi, delicate nigiri and creative rolls that showcase real skill. I chose the lunch combo (soup, salad, sushi, sashimi) and added extra sashimi selections: Bronzino, which I'd only had grilled before, was a silky surprise, and Japanese madai was pure indulgence. Sushi Simon isn't flashy — it's just seriously good. It can get expensive, especially anything offered at market price; my $22 combo escalated to a $58 tab with the additional sashimi. When I visited, two finance bros at the next table were feasting like it was payday. I wanted to join them. 1614 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, 561-731-1819, no website Blackbird Modern Asian in Jupiter On Mondays, when a less expensive menu is available all night, traffic can back up to the road. It happened to me a few times at this spot which came highly recommended from my NYC pals when I first moved here. The fourth time was the charm and so were repeat off-season visits. While everything is terrific, my go-to dish is chow fun, a vegan rice noodle dish loaded with shiitake mushrooms and bok choy. For an extra charge, you can add beef, poultry or tofu, but there's really no need to. Details: 1511 N. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, 561-589-7505, ROK Prime Korean BBQ in Boynton Beach In November, chef-proprietor Michael Kwon opened this sister restaurant to his 14-year-old Lauderhill original that now 'runs like a machine' and was featured on CNN as one of celeb chef Douglas Rodriguez's favorite places for local eats. Bento boxes are my thing because you get a little of this, a little of that. Mine had a beef bulgogi main and it was really good. Korean miso soup came with it; be prepared because it's a bit spicier than what's served at Japanese-style restaurants. Details: 1727 Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, 561-739-8927, More: What to eat, what to know at the new ROK PRIME Korean BBQ in Boynton Beach Le Colonial in Delray Beach As someone who worked at the boutique PR firm that launched the original New York City location in 1993, perhaps I'm partial, but I've always loved this glamourous spot where the food focus is French-Vietnamese. Fun fact: It was the first restaurant to make lounge dining a thing. Though best experienced when money is no object, if you can only get one dish, go with 'Shaken Beef,' a shareable classic since opening night. Details: 601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-566-1800, Kasumi in Boca Raton Tucked inside Boca Raton's Waterstone Resort & Marina, this sleek Japanese restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite. Its modern Japanese menu is a draw, but the real attraction is 'Sunset Happy Hour' — a walk-in-only affair at the bar and outdoor lounge that's worth braving rush hour traffic for. Running Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., it's perfect for cocktails, indulgent bites and waterfront breezes. The happy hour menu offers upscale small plates at unbeatable prices: wagyu beef gyoza for $10 (normally $21), blistered shishito peppers for $6 and flounder crudo for $11. Portions are generous, making it a flavorful, budget-friendly way to sample the kitchen's creativity. Cocktails shine too — the 'Nashi Mule' mixes Asian pear, ginger, and wasabi, while the 'Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned' adds floral depth to a classic. Details: 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton; 561-226-3033; More: New Boca Raton waterfront happy hour offers sushi, dumplings and wagyu sliders Red Pine in Boca Raton On any given night, I could make a meal of dumplings and my first choice for where to do it is the très chic Red Pine where Executive Chef/Partner Chi Chan, a Hong Kong-born third-generation dumpling specialist, blends authentic Chinese flavors with modern techniques. Seven selections with ingredients like Wagyu beef make this a no-brainer. Details: 1 Town Center Road, 561-826-7595, Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's new food and restaurant writer. If you have any news tips about the local dining scene, please send them to dbiederman@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best Asian food near me: Restaurants from Boca Raton to Jupiter Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Best Palm Beach County restaurants: Essential Italian ones serve comfort, crowd-pleasers
Welcome back to our summer series spotlighting essential off-Island restaurants spanning Boca Raton to Tequesta. Essential can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, so to be clear, this is how we're defining essential for this series: It's not necessarily the most popular spot in its category — or even the absolute best. Think of it more as the best right now. As someone new to Palm Beach County, I haven't tried all of our 3,000 restaurants, but I've found reliable crowd-pleasers. These are the spots I'm excited to take visiting friends or turn to when I can't decide where to eat. Last time, we dived into essential Asian restaurants. Over the coming weeks, we'll highlight the area's must-visit newcomers, steakhouses and Michelin picks. This week we tackle Palm Beach County's Italian dining scene. These standout spots blend authenticity, innovation and — judging by the crowds — serious local love. Andiamo! (That's Italian for let's go.) La Sirena in West Palm Beach When chatting with the Palm Beach Gardens DMV staff during a license and registration transfer, its team sang high praises of the seasonally-opened La Sirena (as have hundreds of you, dear readers), our most famous Italian spot owned by Marcello and Diane Fiorentino with name recognition beyond the county. Described as a "Florida institution" by Wine Spectator magazine, it's among the publication's rare global Grand Award winners, a designation given to the 97 restaurants boasting the world's best and most comprehensive wine lists; a feat repeated 10 years running. Details: 6316 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 561-585-3128, Lynora's Where did I eat after my interview at The Palm Beach Post? Lynora's in Palm Beach Gardens—a two-minute stroll from my cousin's home. Since moving within walking distance, I too pass it daily and can confirm: this place is always buzzing. No matter the season, there's a line out the door from 4 p.m. on. It's the very definition of a crowd-pleaser. Founded by Ralph and Maria Abbenante and family-owned for nearly 50 years, Lynora's began as a humble by-the-slice pizza joint in Lake Worth. Their son, Angelo, has since grown it into a mini Roman empire with six locations, including four in Palm Beach County, plus a Delray Beach spot opening in 2026. Known for wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and signature sauces (now sold at Publix, Whole Foods and at their restaurants), Lynora's is a local staple. Pro tip: Dinner's usually packed, so consider going at lunch to avoid the rush. Four locations: 1548 U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, 561-203-2702; 5320 Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-249-1822; 207 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, 561-899-3117; 9560 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561-235-5096; Tavolena This heartfelt Italian restaurant blends tradition, family and culinary passion. Opened in 2023 by Chef Michael Rolchigo, the restaurant takes its name from his grandmother Lena Bello, whose recipes and spirit shape the menu and ambiance. The restaurant features an intimate, elegant space peppered with family photos and Lena's original kitchen table in the private dining room. There's also a chef's table in the kitchen where celebs seeking privacy might be found on any given night. The menu is a refined take on Italian comfort food, with highlights like pork spedinis, handmade meatballs and rich Sunday sauce—all rooted in Lena's legacy. Rolchigo, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, brings both heart and technique to every dish. I'm an even bigger fan of Tavolena Bakery, his much less expensive cafe next door. Open for lunch, it offers rustic sandwiches, fresh-baked breads, Italian quiches, pinsas and a swoonworthy array of pastries and gelato. The bakery's nostalgic treats, including addictive almond cookies which I could fist-pound all afternoon, reflect Rolchigo's childhood memories and culinary roots. : 185 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, 561-850-4156, Gabriella's It was a toss up in two categories as this new Italian spot fuses sumptuous flavors in a gorgeous, high-energy setting that's both stylish and welcoming. Opened in March by Brooklyn-born/Staten Island-raised Frankie Brusco, the restaurant is a tribute to his roots; he spent childhood vacations in Delray Beach and calls it 'the sixth borough.' Brusco became an accidental restaurateur in 2015 after purchasing a neighborhood spot in Holmdel, New Jersey. Gabriella's, named for his hardest-working employee turned business partner, features house-made pasta, premium Pat LaFrieda steaks and a stunning circular bar that blooms like a treehouse and anchors the space with elegance and energy at lunch and dinner. Just off Atlantic Avenue, it's already a celebrity magnet: 50 Cent, NFL star Jason Pierre-Paul, Mob Wives' Carla Facciolo, and even Jon Bon Jovi's dad have been spotted. Details: 40 NE Seventh Ave., Delray Beach,: 561-916-3001, More: New upscale Italian restaurant with New Jersey roots opens in Delray Beach: What we know Sicilian Oven Sicilian Oven has become a go-to spot for many on our team, with four locations across Palm Beach County. It's all about bold flavors, wood-fired pizzas (you can watch them being tossed) and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. The menu puts a fresh spin on the classics — everything's made to order and comes out hot. Fan favorites include the Corleone and Captain pizzas, homemade meatballs, eggplant Parmesan and mussels. If you're watching carbs, there's pasta-free lasagna or cervellata with broccoli rabe. Each location has its own charm. One coworker swears by the patio in Wellington, while I was into the open kitchen setup there. And our executive editor? Totally hooked on the sauce. It's a family-friendly go-to for locals craving authentic Italian comfort food with a modern twist. Four locations: 2460 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-940-0770; 10610 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, 561-770-1966; 8862 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-639-0099; 21170 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, 561-750-9772; What's your essential Italian restaurant? Did we miss your favorite? Vote here to let us know. Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's new food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County's best Italian restaurants for every budget Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Former Palm Beach County middle school teacher faces charge of sexual battery on a child
A School District of Palm Beach County employee is facing a criminal charge after authorities alleged he sexually assaulted a child who was between the ages of 7 and 14 years old. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office took Miguel Benavente, 57, of Royal Palm Beach into custody July 15 on one count of sexual battery involving a minor. The agency said it is working to determine if there are additional victims. According to the sheriff's statement, Benavente has worked for the school district since 1991, serving in various roles, including as a teacher. Palm Beach Post archives show he was named the district's Hispanic teacher of the year in 2005. His work as a medical sciences teacher also garnered national recognition, with a panel of Hispanic leaders selecting him in 2003 for a national teacher of the year award. At the time, Benavente taught at Roosevelt Middle School in West Palm Beach, where he created a premedical program. Benavente most recently has worked in an administrative position, the sheriff's office said. In a statement released July 16, the district said it placed him on administrative leave pending the outcomes of both the criminal investigation and an internal review. He will not be permitted to have access to a school campus or interact with students, the school district said. During a court hearing at the Palm Beach County Jail, County Judge Marni Bryson ordered that Benavente be held without bail and that he have no contact with minors, school district property or school district employees. An attorney who represented Benavente in court was not immediately available for comment. Python hunt: Florida has dangerous animals that can kill. Here's a list of the deadliest PBSO: Alleged contact with student happened decades ago According to an arrest report, the sheriff's office began investigating in June after being contacted by school district police regarding alleged sexual contact involving a minor that occurred during Benavente's time as a teacher. A person who is now an adult described to authorities being groomed by Benavente as a child during visits to Benavente's home. The accuser described Benavente as a family friend and alleged that the sexual contact began when the accuser was 9 years old and lasted for about five years. The accuser described seeing Benavente bring students from Roosevelt Middle to his home. Investigators said Benavente used school work as an excuse to bring other children to his home. Sheriff's investigators reviewed a 2000 school police case involving another accuser who made sexual assault claims against Benavente. The other accuser described being assaulted at Benavente's home while the accuser was a student at Roosevelt Middle. Investigators said the accusers did not know each other but provided similar accounts of Benavente's behavior. According to a sheriff's statement, Benavente did not face charges in the 2000 case because it had exceeded the statute of limitations. The child was over the age of 12 at the time of the alleged conduct. Under Florida law, there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault crimes involving a victim under the age of 12. In 2020, Florida lawmakers passed "Donna's Law," which removed the statute of limitations on sexual assault cases involving minors on or after July 1 of that year, regardless of age. Anyone with information on other victims is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477), or the School District Police Department at (561) 434-8700. Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@ and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Former middle school teacher faces charge of sexual battery on a child Solve the daily Crossword
