DEERFIELD BEACH

Feb. 23 A home at 601 SE 14 Court was broken into by smashing a garage window. A washing machine was stolen.

Feb. 24 A man reported his flatbed tow truck stolen from the Z building at 4100 Powerline Rd.

Feb. 24 A man reported his car parked at Quiet Waters Park at 401 S. Powerline Rd. The man reported his driver’s license, credit cards and $1,500 worth of pesos stolen.

Feb. 24 A woman reported that two men broke into her home at 808 Tivoli Circle, entered her bedroom and were looking through items. When the woman entered the bedroom, the men fled. The woman said nothing was missing.

Feb. 25 A man reported that two men with semi-automatic pistols commanded him to get on the ground at 1801 Green Rd. The men entered his car and stole a bag. They also took the man’s pin number from his wallet. Man reported he was kicked while lying on the ground. The robbery was similar to another one nearby.

Feb. 25 A woman reported that she was exiting her vehicle at 1997 NE 3 St. when two men with semi-automatic pistols demanded her bag, which she surrendered. Bag contained $1,000 in cash, credit cards and an iPhone. They also demanded her pin number. It was reported that an attempt was made to use the woman’s pin number at a gas station in Palm Beach County. The robbery was similar to one nearby.

Feb. 26 A woman reported that three pitbull puppies were stolen from an outer utility room at 430 NW 43 St.

Feb. 26 A man was arrested and charged with armed burglary. The man was carrying a knife. He entered a fenced yard at 355 SW 33 Terr. and was observed taking an air-conditioning unit from a home.

Feb. 26 A man reported that he placed $180 in a dresser drawer in a bedroom at 271 SW 1 St. He went to work. Upon returning, he noticed the money missing. He also saw handprints on windows to the house.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Feb. 27 Strong-arm robbery was reported at Dunkin Donuts at 3390 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 9:44 p.m. Deputies responded to a holdup alarm. Reporter of the crime said suspect, a white male in his early 20s, came into the store and asked for a small coffee. When she went to ring up the sale, suspect demanded money and said “make it quick.” She was afraid the man would hurt her and gave him all of the $20 bills in the register. Suspect left store on foot in unknown direction. Surveillance footage was reviewed and will be copied for investigative use. Area searched, but no apprehension.

Feb. 26 Burglary arrest was made in Deer Run. BSO deputies responded to the 300 block of SW 33 Terrace after a neighbor advised someone was in the backyard. Upon arrival, deputies apprehended a suspect attempting to remove the air conditioner from the side of the home. His intent was to sell parts to a scrap yard for money. Suspect was charged with several felonies.

If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood. call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Feb. 22 A woman reported that someone stole fencing from her home at 2241 NE 32 St. Value of the fencing was reported at $132.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”— Parks & Recreation

Dear Editor:

Why fix something that isn’t broken — Parks and Recreation of Deerfield Beach?

Five years ago, I started my first 10-week boot camp session through the Parks and Rec. of Deerfield Beach. At the time, my goal was to get in shape and the instructor didn’t seem to matter. My opinion has changed. Since then, I have lost 10 lbs. and am in the best shape of my 47 years. I truly believe it is due to the nature of the instructor.

Six months ago, my sons wanted to join a gym, so my husband and I tried the gym’s boot camp classes. Before long, I was making every excuse to miss the classes. That was my wake-up call. I discovered, not all “boot camp” instructors are created equal and we went back to our “tried and true” instructor, Blaise.

Over the years, I have heard some bad jokes that make me laugh and developed camaraderie with many other people my age, but in the end, my husband and I go to the Deerfield Parks and Rec. boot camp because of Blaise.

He may not know this, but I often think to myself, if he cares enough to come out three days a week on his own time, then so can I.

In addition, I don’t recall attending a city-sponsored event that my family didn’t run into him at one time or another.

At our Saturday class, I found out that after all these years, he is being replaced.

If the leadership at the Parks and Recreation division thinks it can find a unique, dedicated and irreplaceable employee like Blaise, they are in the wrong division. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love the guy. But don’t take my word for it, do your homework.

People, like Blaise, who have dedicated their adult lives to this city and truly love our city, should be respected.

I am living proof; this man is special and shouldn’t be pushed aside and discarded for a new agenda.

Of course, the first question I ask myself is, “Why?”
Why would anyone want to replace Blaise?

I say, “Let Blaise continue to motivate!” For all of those who feel the same way, let our recreation department know, “It isn’t broken!”

Angela Jacques

Deerfield Beach