WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT “EYESORE” THAT HAS LINED ROAD FOR DECADES?
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — While many consider them to be eyesores, five over-the-top memorials that line the Palmetto Park Road near the Florida Turnpike were removed by Palm Beach County workers over the past several days. The memorials, which included four crosses and a Star of David, “honored” five teens killed in a 1996 crash. Among those killed, Dori Slossberg, daughter of former lawmaker Irv Slossberg.
Many West Boca Raton residents often wondered why public land was used for roadside markers that were embedded in cement. Apparently, Palm Beach County wondered as well, and ordered their removal. However, the County — in a statement issued late Thursday — said workers made a mistake. This is the statement issued to BocaNewsNow.com.
“On Friday, August 18, 2023, Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works staff removed the memorials from four sites, including the memorial located on the south side of Palmetto Park Road, approximately 0.4 miles west of the Florida Turnpike. The memorial’s position was outside of Palm Beach County’s Right of Way, and the removal was in error.
The County has contacted the family of this memorial site to re-install the memorial at its original location. Palm Beach County offers its deepest sympathy to all families involved.”
What do you think about the roadside memorial that has lined Palmetto Park road for decades? Is it appropriate? Share your thoughts, below.
51 responses to “Palm Beach County Apologizes For Removing Five Roadside Markers In Boca Raton”
-
The right thing to do would reinstall the markers. This is a memorial for people who have lost their lives. People who knew the family and many of us who drive by it, find comfort in it and even say prayers.
-
They were there for 31 years. There’s nothing wrong with removing them.
-
You must not have known them. We did. There is EVERYTHING wrong with removing them.
-
Nothing wrong with removing them??? They were CHILDREN when they died… All of us that knew them sat there day in and day out truth process what happened!! WE WERE KIDS… we shouldn’t have had to bury our friends! Everything is wrong with what they did!
-
If they were there for 26 years actually but who is counting. Did not see to be a problem or be in anyone’s way all this time. No reason to take them down unless they were a problem. People lost loved ones, should have more respect for them.
-
I didn’t know them, but I remember when this happened. I’m against removing the memorial.
-
-
-
These were not an eyesore, and that categorization is disrespectful to the deceased and their families.
Hopefully this sad 25 year old site has prevented some drunk driving or drag racing.
May their memories be for a blessing.-
There are memorials all over Boca. It’s a good reminder to drive safely and pat attention in this age of multiple distractions. These victims were only teenagers, and their memorials serve us well.
-
It’s a memorial for lost loved ones.
The ground should not have been disrupted.
Let them rest in peace.
Families should not suffer again.
-
-
-
Actually they are a distraction and could cause another accident while looking at them memos belong in a cemetery
-
In 31 years they did not cause one single accident. There goes your theory.
-
-
The county should have investigated on why the memorials were put there. They should be reinstalled IMMEDIATELY! They are memories of the teens that died in 1996. That is why they were there in the first place.
-
The markers on Palmetto Park Road are a comfort to family and strangers alike. They are also a source of education every time we drove by with our children and grandchildren . I am happy They will be put back in place. Bless the Moms and Dads as they live with this everyday.
-
I think it is a thoughtful way to remind people of those that died from an accident there! A way of reminding people about driving in an inappropriate way of driving from excess speed, drunk driving, racing, passing when unnecessarily passing cars that others feel that they are driving too slow, and those that need to show off! Nobody should be killed by people that don’t follow the rules of the road and/or care only about themselves and not others sharing the road!
-
I agree.
-
-
I never understood why these religious memorial markers have been allowed on public land. Are ashes buried at this site?
-
They are not “religious” markers. They are a memorial to 5 kids that tragically died. I knew them all. I went to funerals. I had to comfort my daughter who was friends with them. Have some compassion please.
-
Seriously? Maybe you should open your heart, you might have a better understanding of how people heal after losing loved ones.
-
-
The memorials should be replaced. When I drive past and observed the various memorials along roadways, I am brought to thinking of the people that died in nearby auto accidents. These memorials may the impact on younger drivers by making them aware of the potential hazards while driving.
-
There should have never been a memorial. They did nothing to be memorialized for.
-
Oh really, and would you feel that way if they were your children ? Insensitive
-
Wow, you have a big pathetic heart. I would imagine if this one of your children your response would be quite different.
-
-
These signs should have never been removed. Not only are they on sacred land and a memorial for those who died, they are a reminder to never drive impaired, and to
drive carefully.
They should be left alone.-
“Sacred land” ? Seriously ? So every foot of land where someone dies should be considered “sacred” now ?
-
Definition of Sacred – Connected with God (or the gods) or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.
Perhaps you should understand what it means before you disrespect people.
-
-
-
Most of us who are driving are thinking about our destination, our errands, our problems, and are brought to the Moment when a Memorial of an accident having been at that spot is noticed; these Memorials are a reminder that driving a vehicle is a potential danger and an alert to drive carefully
-
The memorial in the intersection of Powerline and SW 18th street was removed as well. Is the removal happening all over the county?
-
Probably some heartless person who does not understand how much these memorials mean to some people.
-
Who in their right mind wants to be reminded *every single day* of a tragic death ? And most of the people who would remember this tragedy are now likely dead, dying, or moved away from our area a long time ago. Temporary memorials are find. But don’t replace these.
-
-
Any “memorial” over one year old should be automatically removed from roadside and public-use lands.
Period.-
Wow…you sure are a heartless individual..I’m glad I don’t know you.
As you read the comments most people have a ❤️…certainly not you!
-
-
-
Personal memorials like grave markers belong in cemeteries. If one wants to purchase a tree in a park, that is also nice. Personal markers like the one that was removed should not be permanent placements just because a family or families decide to erect it. With all the bad drivers distracted by their mobile phones they will soon be all over the place.
-
Total eyesore. Temporary ones ? Fine by me.
But permanent memorials for civilians should only exist in cemeteries, not by the roadside.
Especially religious ones, which are threatening to those have been molested and raped by priests, deacons, reverends, bishops, rabbis, etc.-
You are a joke! What a thing to say.
-
-
Years ago, the state if Florida began to allow and provide markers for deaths along Florida roads. The typical state provided marker is a cross, but I assume a Star if David is also provided by the state. These markers were intended to be permanent, with the individuals name and details carved into wood. This practice began after so many persons made shrines of silk flowers and stuffed animals. This was a clean looking permanent legal memorial. It also served as a reminder to others what had happened at the location. It is a lovely thought to remember those lost so tragically. And a comfort to the family. What person with even half a heart would condemn this beautiful practice?
-
It’s very sad. Do you thing it’s unfair for all the death. There must be hundreds of others that have pasted on the street of Boca Raton. RIP
-
I don’t think people are heartless to say they want this memorial removed. My heart goes out to all affected that knew the kids, but to those who want to respect and remember a loved one, they go to the gravesite. Public areas are for everyone to enjoy, not view others memorials, as heart felt as the memorials may have been intended. We have all lost loved ones, some in tragic situations, but don’t expect others to observe this every day.
-
100% agree. I lost a brother tragically and my family does visit the site we lost him but we do not have a memorial at the site. We place flowers and mementos at his grave.
-
I agree
-
-
I am going to remove them myself as soon as they get replaced.
-
Try and do that David! We will be waiting for you!
-
Just try and remove them David! We will be waiting for you!
-
They are all back up now I will help you!
-
-
Try and do that Dave! We will be waiting for you!
-
This is a huge distraction.. isn’t there a grave you can go visit?
-
Memorials for deaths along Florida roads are state sanctioned. Any family can apply to have a memorial placed for their loved one. The state reserves the right to remove any clutter left at the site. Families are expected to be content with the lone crosses. There are many persons living in South Florida. We must be respectful of one another. Including the crosses placed by the state. Removal of state owned property is a crime. Some of us remember a time where western Boca Raton began west of Dixie Hwy. And the Everglades began with Military Trail. We have accepted many of the changes and crowding to our once beautiful city. Accepting the sight of a small wooden cross is nothing compared to the changes we have had to put up with over the decades.
-
Cemeteries are for memorializing someone with religious symbols and flowers, not our roads.
-
I was on PP Road the night it happened. 5 kids dead, several other people wounded/maimed. The driver criminally charged. Lives were destroyed bc of the rampant speeding that used to occur there. It doesnt matter what people think about how it looks, maybe ask why it was allowed to remain for so long.
If you dont know the story, you didnt live here when it happened. You cant complain about seeing it, you moved to a town where it already existed. -
This may be an eye sore to people with no heart or to people that just moved to the area. Bring back the memorial!
-
Time to remove, let them rest in peace
-
If all deaths on the highway were permitted to be marked with a memorial, we would have a mess on our hands. Why are these people different than countless others who have lost their lives on a local roadway? I don’t mean to be insensitive. Of course it was a tremendous loss. But why are they different than all the other victims? Were they better people than all other accident victims? Are they from privileged families? Just asking questions.
The right thing to do would reinstall the markers. This is a memorial for people who have lost their lives. People who knew the family and many of us who drive by it, find comfort in it and even say prayers.
They were there for 31 years. There’s nothing wrong with removing them.
You must not have known them. We did. There is EVERYTHING wrong with removing them.
Nothing wrong with removing them??? They were CHILDREN when they died… All of us that knew them sat there day in and day out truth process what happened!! WE WERE KIDS… we shouldn’t have had to bury our friends! Everything is wrong with what they did!
If they were there for 26 years actually but who is counting. Did not see to be a problem or be in anyone’s way all this time. No reason to take them down unless they were a problem. People lost loved ones, should have more respect for them.
I didn’t know them, but I remember when this happened. I’m against removing the memorial.
These were not an eyesore, and that categorization is disrespectful to the deceased and their families.
Hopefully this sad 25 year old site has prevented some drunk driving or drag racing.
May their memories be for a blessing.
There are memorials all over Boca. It’s a good reminder to drive safely and pat attention in this age of multiple distractions. These victims were only teenagers, and their memorials serve us well.
It’s a memorial for lost loved ones.
The ground should not have been disrupted.
Let them rest in peace.
Families should not suffer again.
Actually they are a distraction and could cause another accident while looking at them memos belong in a cemetery
In 31 years they did not cause one single accident. There goes your theory.
The county should have investigated on why the memorials were put there. They should be reinstalled IMMEDIATELY! They are memories of the teens that died in 1996. That is why they were there in the first place.
The markers on Palmetto Park Road are a comfort to family and strangers alike. They are also a source of education every time we drove by with our children and grandchildren . I am happy They will be put back in place. Bless the Moms and Dads as they live with this everyday.
I think it is a thoughtful way to remind people of those that died from an accident there! A way of reminding people about driving in an inappropriate way of driving from excess speed, drunk driving, racing, passing when unnecessarily passing cars that others feel that they are driving too slow, and those that need to show off! Nobody should be killed by people that don’t follow the rules of the road and/or care only about themselves and not others sharing the road!
I agree.
I never understood why these religious memorial markers have been allowed on public land. Are ashes buried at this site?
They are not “religious” markers. They are a memorial to 5 kids that tragically died. I knew them all. I went to funerals. I had to comfort my daughter who was friends with them. Have some compassion please.
Seriously? Maybe you should open your heart, you might have a better understanding of how people heal after losing loved ones.
The memorials should be replaced. When I drive past and observed the various memorials along roadways, I am brought to thinking of the people that died in nearby auto accidents. These memorials may the impact on younger drivers by making them aware of the potential hazards while driving.
There should have never been a memorial. They did nothing to be memorialized for.
Oh really, and would you feel that way if they were your children ? Insensitive
Wow, you have a big pathetic heart. I would imagine if this one of your children your response would be quite different.
These signs should have never been removed. Not only are they on sacred land and a memorial for those who died, they are a reminder to never drive impaired, and to
drive carefully.
They should be left alone.
“Sacred land” ? Seriously ? So every foot of land where someone dies should be considered “sacred” now ?
Definition of Sacred – Connected with God (or the gods) or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.
Perhaps you should understand what it means before you disrespect people.
Most of us who are driving are thinking about our destination, our errands, our problems, and are brought to the Moment when a Memorial of an accident having been at that spot is noticed; these Memorials are a reminder that driving a vehicle is a potential danger and an alert to drive carefully
The memorial in the intersection of Powerline and SW 18th street was removed as well. Is the removal happening all over the county?
Probably some heartless person who does not understand how much these memorials mean to some people.
Who in their right mind wants to be reminded *every single day* of a tragic death ? And most of the people who would remember this tragedy are now likely dead, dying, or moved away from our area a long time ago. Temporary memorials are find. But don’t replace these.
Any “memorial” over one year old should be automatically removed from roadside and public-use lands.
Period.
Wow…you sure are a heartless individual..I’m glad I don’t know you.
As you read the comments most people have a ❤️…certainly not you!
Personal memorials like grave markers belong in cemeteries. If one wants to purchase a tree in a park, that is also nice. Personal markers like the one that was removed should not be permanent placements just because a family or families decide to erect it. With all the bad drivers distracted by their mobile phones they will soon be all over the place.
Total eyesore. Temporary ones ? Fine by me.
But permanent memorials for civilians should only exist in cemeteries, not by the roadside.
Especially religious ones, which are threatening to those have been molested and raped by priests, deacons, reverends, bishops, rabbis, etc.
You are a joke! What a thing to say.
Years ago, the state if Florida began to allow and provide markers for deaths along Florida roads. The typical state provided marker is a cross, but I assume a Star if David is also provided by the state. These markers were intended to be permanent, with the individuals name and details carved into wood. This practice began after so many persons made shrines of silk flowers and stuffed animals. This was a clean looking permanent legal memorial. It also served as a reminder to others what had happened at the location. It is a lovely thought to remember those lost so tragically. And a comfort to the family. What person with even half a heart would condemn this beautiful practice?
It’s very sad. Do you thing it’s unfair for all the death. There must be hundreds of others that have pasted on the street of Boca Raton. RIP
I don’t think people are heartless to say they want this memorial removed. My heart goes out to all affected that knew the kids, but to those who want to respect and remember a loved one, they go to the gravesite. Public areas are for everyone to enjoy, not view others memorials, as heart felt as the memorials may have been intended. We have all lost loved ones, some in tragic situations, but don’t expect others to observe this every day.
100% agree. I lost a brother tragically and my family does visit the site we lost him but we do not have a memorial at the site. We place flowers and mementos at his grave.
I agree
I am going to remove them myself as soon as they get replaced.
Try and do that David! We will be waiting for you!
Just try and remove them David! We will be waiting for you!
They are all back up now I will help you!
Try and do that Dave! We will be waiting for you!
This is a huge distraction.. isn’t there a grave you can go visit?
Memorials for deaths along Florida roads are state sanctioned. Any family can apply to have a memorial placed for their loved one. The state reserves the right to remove any clutter left at the site. Families are expected to be content with the lone crosses. There are many persons living in South Florida. We must be respectful of one another. Including the crosses placed by the state. Removal of state owned property is a crime. Some of us remember a time where western Boca Raton began west of Dixie Hwy. And the Everglades began with Military Trail. We have accepted many of the changes and crowding to our once beautiful city. Accepting the sight of a small wooden cross is nothing compared to the changes we have had to put up with over the decades.
Cemeteries are for memorializing someone with religious symbols and flowers, not our roads.
I was on PP Road the night it happened. 5 kids dead, several other people wounded/maimed. The driver criminally charged. Lives were destroyed bc of the rampant speeding that used to occur there. It doesnt matter what people think about how it looks, maybe ask why it was allowed to remain for so long.
If you dont know the story, you didnt live here when it happened. You cant complain about seeing it, you moved to a town where it already existed.
This may be an eye sore to people with no heart or to people that just moved to the area. Bring back the memorial!
Time to remove, let them rest in peace
If all deaths on the highway were permitted to be marked with a memorial, we would have a mess on our hands. Why are these people different than countless others who have lost their lives on a local roadway? I don’t mean to be insensitive. Of course it was a tremendous loss. But why are they different than all the other victims? Were they better people than all other accident victims? Are they from privileged families? Just asking questions.
Comments are closed.