Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What witnesses saw before the deadly Brightline crash at SW 18th Street

Make time for Become A Better Speaker at West Boca Toastmasters Boca Raton, Florida on the Boca Raton Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday December 18th Patch AM
Thursday December 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey there, Boca Raton! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What witnesses saw before the deadly Brightline crash at SW 18th Street
  • How will BLUPAC’s endorsement reshape Boca Raton’s City Council race?
  • How Boca’s elite fire rating could lower your insurance bill

Also on today's calendar: Become A Better Speaker at West Boca Toastmasters Boca Raton, Florida and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Boca Ratonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Boca Ratonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: A shower; breezy in the a.m., with a high of 82 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Friday: Sun and clouds, temps: high: 82, low: 67.
  • Saturday: A passing shower or two, with a high of 81 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Driver Killed After Brightline Train Strikes Pickup In Boca Raton (bocapost.com) — A Margate man died after his pickup was struck by a Brightline train at the SW 18th Street crossing in Boca Raton, shutting down the area for a traffic homicide investigation. Boca Raton Police are still determining what happened and are asking anyone who saw the crash to contact their traffic investigators with information.
   

2. Marc Wigder Secures Endorsement From Local Business Coalition in City Council Re-election Bid (bocaratontribune.com) — Boca Raton voters will see incumbent Councilmember Marc Wigder touting a new endorsement from Business Leaders United for Boca Raton (BLUPAC) in his re-election bid for Seat B. The business PAC’s backing highlights his focus on economic growth, fiscal stability, and managing development while preserving neighborhood character as the city heads into its next municipal election.
   

3. Boca Raton Fire Rescue Among Top In Nation (bocanewsnow.com) — Boca Raton residents can expect continued top-tier fire protection and potentially lower insurance premiums after Boca Raton Fire Rescue again earned the elite ISO Class 1 rating, effective through March 2026. City leaders say the designation reflects years of investment in staffing, training, equipment, and water infrastructure that keep local homes and businesses safer.
   

4. BIJOUX! Brings Bold, Wearable Art Back to Boca in a New Venue (bocamag.com) — Boca Raton jewelry lovers can mark their calendars for BIJOUX!, returning Jan. 13–17, 2026 at The Studio at Mizner Park with daily public hours and special talks. The nationally recognized contemporary jewelry exhibition will feature bold, collectible pieces from acclaimed artists, plus VIP and tea events, giving locals a chance to browse, buy, and meet makers close to home.
   

5. Florida Atlantic's Pack to Give Back Day (bocamag.com) — Boca Raton volunteers are invited to Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business on January 31, 2026, to help pack food for families in need across Palm Beach County. The free Pack to Give Back Day offers a hands-on way to fight hunger, earn community service hours, and connect with students, faculty, and neighbors.
   

📸 Around Boca Raton

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Boca Raton

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Boca Raton Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Boca Raton PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County Treated to Holiday Shopping Spree at Macy’s —Paige Feigenbaum Read on Patch
  • Palm Beach Symphony Names Christopher M. De León as 2025 Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year —Paige Feigenbaum Read on Patch
  • Palm Beach Symphony Announces Second $250,000 Challenge Grant From Paul and Karen Levy —Paige Feigenbaum Read on Patch
  • LOST CAT - PLEASE READ
    Hello! Our cat ran away yesterday and we have been looking for him. His name is Findus, he might scratch if he is alarmed. He is mostly white with… (Nextdoor Les Jardins)
  • Hello everyone!
    My friend found this dog in the grove in Miami. She’s keeping him temporarily to find the owner or a foster till owner is found. No chip. She can’t… (Nextdoor Sandalfoot Cove)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Sanitation Equipment Operator in Boca Raton. Apply here.
  • Johnston & Murphy posted a job opening for Stock Person in Boca Raton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Boca Raton here.

Ok Boca Raton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Boca Raton