Call Center Company in Boca Raton, FL

BOCA RATON — Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, a popular lunch and dinner spot in Boca Raton, has been closed for two weeks after a kitchen fire Wednesday, April 16.

Restaurant owner Todd Herbst says he doesn’t know how long it will take before the restaurant opens, but he hopes it will be “very soon.”

The fire started in the early evening April 16. At 7:52 p.m., Boca Raton Fire Rescue responded to calls about a potential structure fire at the Hyatt Place hotel, located on the corner of East Palmetto Park Road and Federal Highway. Hotel residents and restaurant-goers were already in the process of evacuating.

The fire originated in the kitchen of the restaurant, which is attached to the hotel.

Boca Raton Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Michael LaSalle said the cause of the fire was an uncleaned smoke stack attached to an over-the-oven exhaust hood, which is not an uncommon fire source in restaurants. The fire spread onto the space above the restaurant ceiling, but firefighters contained it quickly.

The fire report notes no injuries or fatalities, but estimates that the recovery cost could be as much as $500,000.

Since the fire, the restaurant has remained closed. It is now a construction site, barren aside from ladders and other construction materials occupying the interior.

There are signs on the still-open doors reading “Danger: Hard hat required in this area.” Two sets of heavy stone sink units lie against the front of the restaurant.

Big Time Restaurant Group, the company that owns Louie Bossi’s, is overseeing the reconstruction process. According to Facilities Manager Eliana Martinez, they are working to obtain new permits from the city.

Louie Bossi's opened in Boca Raton in 2017

Louie Bossi’s opened its Boca Raton spot eight years ago, adding to its already popular original Las Olas Boulevard location.

It has been a popular weekend brunch and dinner spot in both locations.

On its the menu: wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza, house-cured salumi, steaks that have been dry-aged on premises, pasta that’s made onsite with the help of a fancy Italian extruder, homemade breads, pastries, gelati, plus wine, beer, classic cocktails and homemade limoncello.

Louie Bossi’s Boca filled its dining spaces with retro Italian décor and vibe.

The restaurant is named after Louie Bossi, a chef born in New York to an alcoholic father who left the family when Bossi was seven years old. Bossi found himself following his father’s path, getting heavily addicted to heroin and putting his family in a tough position.

He eventually turned his life around, getting sober and securing not just one, but three restaurants in South Florida.

Louie Bossi’s first opened 10 years ago in Fort Lauderdale, with the Boca Raton location following in 2017 and a sister restaurant in Delray Beach, Elisabetta’s, opening in 2019.

Bossi has hosted A Taste of Recovery, a culinary festival at Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach where guests enjoyed live entertainment and food samples from neighboring restaurants.

Boaters and partygoers crowded Lake Boca Raton on Sunday, April 27, for Boca Bash 2025, an annual unsanctioned event that signals the start of South Florida’s summer season. Photos from the event show hundreds of vessels anchored close together, with attendees on floats and boat decks under clear skies.

Law enforcement maintained an increased presence on the water, but no major incidents were reported as of late Sunday, April 27. Boca Bash, which has drawn criticism in the past for safety concerns, once again brought visitors from across the region for a day of music, partying, and celebration on the lake.

Boca Bash 2025: See images from wild boat party on Lake Boca Raton

Boca Bash boat party through the years in Florida

Boca Bash 2021 on Lake Boca Raton

Pre-COVID Boca Bash 2019

2017 Boca Bash

Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

On May 7, ALINA Residences Boca Raton, developed by El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company with a South Florida-based team, partnered with the Boca Raton Museum of Art to host a sculpture unveiling at ALINA 220, 220 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432, a world-class residential destination. The event mirrored ALINA Residences’ longstanding partnership with the museum, collaborating on a rotating public art initiative that brings museum-curated sculptures to the ALINA campus.

The event, which commenced with opening remarks and a preview of the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s upcoming programming by its new CEO, Dr. Ena Heller, included a brief walking tour between the sculptures, a champagne toast and optional ALINA property tours led by the ALINA sales team.

It was attended by the City of Boca Raton’s Public Art Coordinator, Veronica Hatch; El-Ad National Properties CEO Matthew Jeffries and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Candace Jorritsma. Members of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, the exclusive sales and marketing team for ALINA Residences Boca Raton, were also present. Boca Raton Museum of Art representatives included Heller, Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions Martin Hanahan, and Board Chair John DesPrez.

The unveiling highlighted two sculptures by renowned American sculptor Richard Erdman — Continuum (2005), bronze, and Belladonna (2005), bronze — reflecting the synergy between ALINA and the museum. Both sculptures were acquired by the Boca Raton Museum of Art in 2016 as gifts from noted philanthropists Carole and Barry Kaye and are currently on loan to ALINA Residences. Erdman’s adaptability and his intimate understanding of the materials with which he sculpts have led to the creation of a prolific body of work that encompasses intimate maquettes to massive, monumental works. He is known for his forward-thinking, modern adaptations of marble and bronze sculptures in graceful, flowing designs. His works belong to collections in 52 countries across six continents, including the United Nations, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Princeton University, and the Rockefeller Collection. Continuum and Belladonna are currently on display outside ALINA Residences Boca Raton along Southeast Mizner Boulevard, enhancing the cultural landscape of downtown Boca Raton.

This unveiling builds on ALINA’s art partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art, which began during Phase One with the installation of two sculptures in 2021. The new works by Erdman are the first to be added at ALINA 220 as part of the development’s second and final phase.

This initiative began 2021 with the installation of two sculptures — Larry Mohr’s cXc XXII (1984), which strikes a balance between light, mass, and space; and Guy Dill’s Key Angel (2005) bronze, which balances several bronze shapes to create a precarious yet beautiful structure — along Mizner Boulevard in front of ALINA, enhancing the streetscape for residents and the public.

The unveiling aligned with Boca Raton's commitment to public art through its Public Art Boca program. Established in 2023, the program aims to enhance the city's urban landscape and distinctive sense of place by integrating art, creativity, and culture throughout the community. Notable installations include murals at Red Reef West and Spanish River Park’s beach tunnels, as well as sculptures at Wildflower and Silver Palm Parks.

“At ALINA Residences Boca Raton, we are pleased to share in Boca Raton’s commitment to public art,” said Jeffries. “This delightful event expanded upon our dedication to the Public Art Boca program and now showcases new museum-curated works as part of our streetscape.”

“Boca Raton Museum of Art’s collaboration with ALINA Residences Boca Raton represents the value that this world-class destination places upon the importance of showcasing and appreciating exquisite pieces,” said Heller. “We are honored to be a part of the incredible lifestyle that ALINA offers.”

A potential SpaceX rocket launch is on the horizon — and if all goes according to plan, it should be a pretty sight in the sky.

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a SpaceX rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast could be visible from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to Vero Beach and West Palm Beach. When there’s a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, there’s an opportunity for unique photos — the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo.

Below is more information on rocket launches from NASA and Cape Canaveral and suggestions on where to watch them from this part of Florida.

For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

When is the next Florida rocket launch? Tuesday, May 6: SpaceX Starlink 6-93

Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like?

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. When there’s a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, there’s an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles.

Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way.

If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include:

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

Students across Florida took flight on April 25 during the Drones in School Florida State Championship, held at the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. The groundbreaking event welcomed 32 middle schools and high school teams, all vying for a coveted spot at the national STEM Drone Racing Championship this May in Houston, Texas.

Supported by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and Embry-Riddle, the competition highlighted the ingenuity, teamwork and technical skills of Florida’s next generation of STEM leaders. Participants tackled a series of high-intensity challenges, including obstacle courses, scrimmages and capture-the-flag-style drills.

Teams from Boca Raton stood out among the competition: 6 Arrows from A.D. Henderson University School took first place in Middle School Overall Placing, while Cypress Speeds, also from A.D. Henderson, claimed second in the same category. The Donna Klein Jewish Academy Eagles earned third place in both the High School and Middle School Overall Placing categories.

Beyond drone racing, the event also served as a platform for students to connect with like-minded peers, mentors and industry professionals united by a shared passion for drone technology and innovation.

“I love this program because I like bonding with my team and I’m gaining so much experience,” said Ethan Henry, a student at A.D. Henderson University School. “I want to be an electrical engineer when I grow up and I’m going to need to know these key components.”

Students also explored Embry-Riddle’s campus and learned about its cutting-edge programs in drone and autonomous robotics — spanning air, land, sea and space.

This year marked FPL’s fifth time supporting the Drones in School initiative. “At FPL, we are deeply committed to supporting the advancement of robotics and drones in education. It has been inspiring to watch this STEM sport advance in our state,” said Sarah Marmion, FPL senior manager for education programs. “This program provides students with the tools and opportunities to explore and excel in cutting-edge technology and together with our partners, we are helping build a brighter future for all.”

For more information, visit fpl.com.