Good morning, Boca Raton.

Boca Raton professionals will trade suits for guitars at the Season 8 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands on Sept.

26 at Boca Raton Innovation Campus to raise funds for public schools via the Golden Bell Education Foundation. General admission tickets cost $75 and VIP tickets cost $100.

The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League will host its annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, Oct.

3 at 10 a.m. in West Palm Beach to honor the bond between pets and families (pet food donations for Peggy’s Pantry are welcomed).

The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon has announced five local charity partners for its 2026 race weekend (Dec.

12-13), including Friends of Manatee Lagoon, Habitat for Humanity, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Palm Beach Roadrunners and Red Apple Supplies, and will match 50% of funds raised through its official platform.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, volunteers packed 300,000 meals at the Kravis Center's Gimelstob Ballroom — with 1,200 helpers working to support local families facing food insecurity amid SNAP funding cuts — as the Palm Beach County Food Bank distributed meals to 150 partner agencies countywide.

Rising fuel costs are straining the local food bank as diesel exceeds $6 a gallon and gas tops $4 a gallon; the Palm Beach County Food Bank now spends about $15,000 a month on fuel, up from $8,000 to $10,000 last year.

Florida Atlantic University and Bar-Ilan University signed an agreement allowing gap-year students to transfer approved credit for courses in Israel + supporting FAU’s deferred enrollment policy, as announced following an event with college counselors and leaders from local Jewish high schools in Boca Raton.

Boca Save our Beaches invites volunteers to join the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sep.

19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at South Beach Park — participants must register in advance and bring a reusable water bottle to help track and reduce plastic waste.

UF launches Challenge 250 to fund TREC rapid-response research for invasive pests that threaten agriculture.

The $250,000 initiative will help protect farms and natural areas with an event planned on Nov. 7 in Homestead.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center launched its monthlong Tour de Trash campaign on Sep.

15 to boost conservation efforts in the area. Conservation manager Valerie Tovar said the initiative focuses on environmental awareness for local visitors.

Palm Beach County dropped plans to charge parking fees (a proposed $4 per hour for nonresidents) at 12 beaches, keeping parking free for residents and visitors.

Officials may revisit the proposal next year.

Dr. Thomas Morrissey from Baptist Health’s Lynn Cancer Institute explained that persistent bloating or pelvic discomfort should prompt women to seek medical advice during Gynecologic & Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The WPBF interview highlighted key ovarian cancer symptoms that should not be ignored.

Florida Atlantic and Florida International renew their rivalry in the Shula Bowl on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, with coach Zach Kittley determined to reclaim the trophy after last year’s loss.