Tommy Morrissey qualifies for the U.S. Adaptive Open at 15
A local golfer's record run headlines a busy week of civic deadlines and summer events.
Palm Beach Gardens resident Tommy Morrissey, a 15-year-old student at The Benjamin School, became the youngest golfer ever to qualify for the U.S. Adaptive Open. He shot rounds of 79 and 76 and missed the cut, but simply reaching the field at his age is the milestone here. Morrissey was born without most of his right arm, and he said he wants to show children with disabilities that they can pursue what they want. During the championship he was on the golf course alongside Dennis Walters. The two rounds ended his week inside the ropes, and the mark he set as the youngest player ever to qualify is the part that follows him home. (WPBF)
Speed crackdown runs statewide through July 18
Operation Southern Slow Down runs July 13 through 18, with Florida joining Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee in a coordinated effort that pairs stepped-up speed enforcement with public education. State transportation officials point to their 2024 crash figures, which found speeding was a factor in roughly six percent of Florida traffic fatalities. The campaign is statewide and not tied to any single checkpoint or location. (Florida Department of Transportation)
Resident Photography Contest opens for 2026
Entries are open for the city's 2026 Resident Photography Contest through September 18, limited to Palm Beach Gardens residents or students who attend school in the city. Every photo must have been taken within city limits between September 2025 and September 2026. The five categories are iGardens cellphone photography, Beauty Abounds, Digital Manipulation, People & PBG, and a new America 250 category, with up to two photos allowed in each. Submissions have to meet minimum technical standards of 300 DPI, at least 2,000 pixels on the longest side, and a 2 MB minimum file size. Winners are set to be announced at an October 19 reception at City Hall. (City of Palm Beach Gardens)
City takes comment on its 2026 Action Plan
The city is taking public comment on its Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan through August 6, a window that opened July 7. Comments can go to the Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall, 10500 North Military Trail, by phone at 561-799-4243, or by email to oellison@pbgfl.gov. The draft plan notes that the city also plans to accept comment in person at the August 6 City Council meeting. (City of Palm Beach Gardens)
Free Kids Club Mad Science Party Saturday
The Gardens Mall hosts a free Kids Club Mad Science Party on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon in Nordstrom Court. Mad Science Palm Beach leads interactive experiments and a live show, and participating stores add promotions during the event. (The Gardens Mall)
Williams Sonoma Ice Cream Social Sunday
Williams Sonoma at The Gardens Mall holds an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 19, at 9 a.m., with tickets at $30 per person and proceeds going to No Kid Hungry. Guests are asked to RSVP by calling Randi at 561-799-2425. (The Gardens Mall)
Next Gen Podcast Creators Camp starts July 20
Next Gen Podcast Creators Camp runs July 20-24 at the Burns Road Community Center, 4404 Burns Road, for children entering grades 1 through 6, with daily hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Khanna House Studios supplies cameras, lights, microphones, headsets, and monitors as campers work as a team to produce a show. The fee is listed at $525 for residents and $630 for nonresidents. Registration may fill. (Palm Beach Gardens Recreation)
Weekday swim lessons begin July 20
The city's next weekday swim-lesson session runs Monday through Thursday, July 20-30, with 9-9:25 a.m. and 10:30-10:55 a.m. sections priced at $60 for residents and $85 for nonresidents. A separate Level 6 section meets from 9:30 to 10:10 a.m. at the same rate. Registration may fill. (City of Palm Beach Gardens Aquatics)
Sandhill Crane junior golf camp July 21-23
Sandhill Crane Golf Club's next junior summer camp runs July 21-23 from 8 a.m. to noon at 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive, covering putting, chipping, pitching, full swing, rules, and etiquette with PGA professionals. Pricing is listed at $100 per day or $240 for all three days. Registration may fill. (Sandhill Crane Golf Club)