Home Care In Palm Beach, FL

Before sold-out tours, they were just two young boys from Broward County bowing their first strings.

Now, the hip-hop classical duo Black Violin is making its much anticipated return to South Florida for two special performances on Oct. 10 at Glazer Hall in Palm Beach.

Bringing its national "Be Free" tour back to the region where their musical roots were planted, the duo is offering local audiences an intimate look at its evolving sound, said co-founder and violinist Kev Marcus.

For him and his long-time collaborator Will Baptiste, the tour is more than a set of performance dates — it represents a profound artistic homecoming.

The Broward County native explains that the tour's title also reflects a mindset rooted in complete creative liberation and performing unapologetically.

"It's really just Broward Boys coming home full circle," Marcus said. "I'm feeling free right now... And that's the whole spirit and essence of this tour."

"It's being free."

READ MORE: Amendment 3 financial impact on Arts & Culture in Palm Beach County could be 'devastating'

Reaching that state of artistic freedom, he said, required learning to perform for himself rather than carrying the weight of audience expectations.

Marcus noted that stepping onto the stage with total comfort allows him to enter a flow state that keeps audiences fully dialed in.

"I care what the audience thinks tremendously, but at the same time, I really don't," Marcus explained. "And it's that middle that is what attracts people, I think."

"And it's also what gets the best art where you're not tense and not, like, so worried about what the audience is thinking."

Be Free

That unapologetic approach has defined Black Violin since its inception. Marcus and Baptiste first crossed paths in orchestra class at Dillard High School in Broward County, where they spent hours mastering classical technique.

After high school, Marcus attended Florida International University (FIU) while Baptiste attended Florida State University.

It was during their college years, he said, that they began merging classical strings with hip-hop music.

Discovering that playing by ear allowed them to blend the two styles seamlessly, they realized their natural approach matched the rhythm of hip-hop — an easy revelation that became the catalyst for their signature musical sound and identity.

"And then we also had kind of just a feel about us and just sort of how we played," Marcus recalled. "It really felt like it matched hip-hop. It didn't sound like classical and hip-hop colliding. It sounded like classical, hip-hop collaborating."

Through their music and local foundation initiatives, the members of Black Violin continue to inspire young artists to embrace art on their own terms.

That collaborative spirit shines on their latest project, too, which features vocal tracks from Baptiste alongside their instrumental arrangements.

And among the standout songs on the setlist is "Beautiful Day," featuring soulful vocals by legendary Chicago-born singer-songwriter Lalah Hathaway on lyrics written by Baptiste.

That song, which Black Violin plans to perform, illuminates the "be free" mantra, Marcus said.

"That song to me... it feels really almost like gospel a little bit in there, but it just feels like a warm hug," Marcus said. "And that's feeling—that's what art is. When you're able to from thin air create a warm hug feeling, it's amazing."

IF YOU GO: What: Black Violin - The Be Free TourWhen: October 10; 4pm and 7:30pmWhere: 70 Royal Poinciana Way Ste. P70, Palm Beach, FL 33480For more information,

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As of the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. advisory, the center of Isaias was located about 170 miles north of Progreso, Mexico, and about 380 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The hurricane is moving east-northeast at 10 mph.

WATCH: WPTV Tropics update

Forecasters expect Isaias to continue strengthening through early Friday and remain a strong hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast. The latest forecast calls for the storm to pass north of the Yucatan Peninsula later Thursday before turning northeast and then north, making landfall late Friday or early Saturday.

WATCH: How could Hurricane Isaias affect gas prices?

A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida. Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area Friday night into early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions beginning Friday.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the Jefferson-Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to west of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and from east of the Bay/Gulf County line to the Aucilla River in Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is now in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River east to the Suwannee River in Florida. The National Hurricane Center warned that life-threatening coastal flooding is possible and urged residents in vulnerable areas to complete preparations and follow evacuation orders issued by local officials.

In addition to damaging winds and storm surge, Isaias is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the central Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect 3 to 7 inches of rain from far southeastern Louisiana to Florida's Big Bend region, with isolated totals up to 15 inches possible, particularly across parts of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend. Flash flooding, urban flooding and isolated river flooding could occur.

The storm's impacts may eventually extend farther inland across parts of the Southeast, including Georgia, the Carolinas and the Tennessee Valley, where localized flooding is also possible.

The National Hurricane Center said isolated tornadoes could develop Friday night across coastal Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and southwestern Georgia, with the tornado threat continuing Saturday across portions of Alabama, Georgia and northern Florida.

While Isaias is forecast to make landfall along the Gulf Coast, residents across Florida should continue monitoring forecasts. The storm is expected to be a significant rain producer, and its moisture could contribute to continued periods of heavy rain across portions of the state in the coming days.

"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the National Hurricane Center said in Thursday morning's advisory.

WFLX is listening to concerns about what could come next following a lot of controversy surrounding a proposed Islamic center, school and daycare in Palm Beach County’s Agricultural Reserve near Delray Beach.

Now, WFLX’s Joel Lopez is getting answers from Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs, who is asking county staff to review how some projects, including places of worship, receive approval, a move that could affect how similar projects are handled in the future.

The proposed development near Lyons Road in Delray Beach has sparked public debate for months, with residents raising concerns about the project and whether projects of that nature should receive additional public scrutiny.

During a recent county commission meeting, Sachs asked county staff to review portions of the county’s land development code involving government facilities and places of worship.

“I would like board direction to staff to research and prepare a presentation on government services and places of worship uses with draft revisions to the ULDC to require their approval as a Class A conditional use approval before the BCC,” Sachs said.

Later in the discussion, Sachs explained why she wants staff to take another look at the current process.

“For many years, any government facilities or places of worship were able to get approval through DRO, which is an administrative approval through the zoning staff, and never came before the board for a hearing,” Sachs said.

Sachs stressed she is not proposing an immediate change to county rules, but to begin the first steps in the process.

“I’m asking the staff to review that and bring it back to us for a presentation and our consensus on it and what we think about it,” Sachs said.

The discussion comes as residents continue to question how the proposed Islamic center moved through the approval process.

“The issue is whether or not we are going to bring all classifications back to the board as opposed to singling out places of worship,” said County attorney David Ottey.

Lopez has been digging into this project and learned that the school and daycare portion of the project went before county commissioners in 2023. Sachs, then-Commissioner Sara Baxter and former Commissioner Michael Barnett voted against the proposal, but it was ultimately approved in a 4-3 vote.

Commissioners Maria Marino, Marci Woodward, Gregg Weiss and then-Commissioner Mack Bernard voted in favor, allowing the project to move forward.

The proposed mosque on an adjacent parcel, however, did not come before county commissioners because places of worship can currently be approved administratively by county staff.

That process was the focus of several public comments during Tuesday’s meeting.

One resident urged county commissioners to revisit the issue.

“Please consider the vote that was made in 2023,” said Pamela Higer-Polani, an attorney who lives in the Ag Reserve. “There is precedent that if this body, this esteemed body, reevaluates its decision, you have it within your power to open up the vote again. We are asking you to do so and reconsider.”

Another resident questioned whether the project has already obtained legal protections that could make changes difficult.

“My question is whether those approvals have become legally vested and immune from subsequent action from this commission,” the resident said.

The resident also asked county officials to answer several legal questions publicly, including if the projects will grandfather development rights, and if construction has not commenced and vested rights have not been established, could a moratorium or new Agricultural Reserve development restrictions adopted by the commission legally apply to this project.

WFLX got answers from Sachs, who told WFLX that any changes to the approval process would not affect projects that have already received county approval.

“If we are able to get these amendments passed, do you think that’s going to change the projects going forward?” asked Lopez.

“It won’t change any project that’s already been approved,” answered Sachs.

Sachs said changing the status of previously approved projects would likely require legal action. She also said she is considering a moratorium on new applications, and those in the works while county staff reviews the current process and prepares recommendations for commissioners.

“My message is very clear: I hear your voices, I know that you’re upset, and I understand that, and actually I agree,” Sachs said. “This has been an issue, and this is something we need to clear up.”

Not everyone speaking during public comment opposed the project.

Rabbi Steve Moss urged county leaders and residents to support religious freedom regardless of faith.

“As faith leaders and citizens of Delray Beach, we value living in a pluralistic, respectful democracy where faith communities can live side-by-side in peace,” Moss said.

Moss also defended the ability of religious groups to build facilities in the community.

“We join communities throughout our country in standing together and defending every faith community’s right to build houses of worship and community centers,” Moss said.

Questions were also raised by commissioners about the legal implications of changing approval standards for houses of worship.

Commissioner Maria Marino asked county attorneys whether federal protections could limit what the county can do.

“Before we go this route, I would like clarification on what we can and can’t do when it comes to a religious use or a place of worship,” Marino said.

County attorneys told commissioners they would return with research and legal analysis, including any federal and state legal considerations.

For now, no code changes have been approved, and no action has been taken against previously approved projects. County staff is expected to review the issue and bring findings and recommendations back to commissioners for future discussion.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — WPTV is working to get answers to questions residents raised about a controversial Islamic center approved in Palm Beach County's Agricultural Reserve. After , many viewers reached out asking who is behind the project, how it was approved and what happens next.

The proposed development would be located off Lyons Road and 152nd Place South in Delray Beach, on what is currently a dirt road and grassy field. The project includes a mosque, school and daycare.

WATCH BELOW: Who's behind the Ag Reserve Islamic Center? Residents seek answers

, several residents questioned who is involved with the project and where funding is coming from.

One speaker told county leaders, "If credible documented evidence exists connecting specific individuals or organizations associated with this project to extremist organizations, residents deserve to know what authorities have investigated and determined. Who controls this organization? Who is financing this project? Where is the money coming from? And what security review has been conducted?"

The project also drew protesters outside the meeting.

"Where are they from, who are they, were they vetted? Build it and they shall come," said a woman pushing back against the Islamic center, calling the developments part of a "Muslim takeover."

Sachs pushed through the feedback from the crowd and said places of worship of all faiths go through a review process.

"Yes, an investigation was made into every house of worship, whether it is Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and we do have Hindu temples if anybody here is interested," Sachs said. "Here in our county ... there's an investigation made as to who owns it, who's going to run it, and whether or not they're going to abide by the rules of the county and the United States Constitution."

Inside the meeting, a woman who identified herself as a Latina Muslim convert questioned the nature of the concerns being raised. Her comments drew a strong reaction from the crowd as some wanted to focus on traffic impacts and nearly caused the meeting to be shut down.

"I want to be safer again; will this development help my community to be safe? My mosque welcomes people of other faith to ask questions," she said.

Questions about who is behind the project have remained a focal point for residents.

The project consists of a 15-acre Islamic center featuring 5 acres for the mosque and 10 for the school and daycare along Lyons Road.

County documents reviewed by WPTV appear to identify the applicant as the Islamic Center School of west Delray Beach. The organization also appears to own an additional 5 acres on the north side of 152nd Place South. Plans for that portion are uncertain.

Seeking more context on the concerns raised at the meeting, WPTV spoke with former Rabbi David Steinhardt, who retired about 16 months ago after serving for more than 30 years as senior rabbi at B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. He also served as co-president of the Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association.

When asked what his message would be to residents expressing concern about a mosque coming into the area and the impacts on the Jewish community, Steinhardt said, "No one's trying to take their place. The issue is how do we live together."

He said fear often grows when people lack familiarity with one another.

"I think that when you don't know people, then you suspect people, and when you're suspicious, you fear people. And so when you fear people, then you don't necessarily act rationally. This is not a new group of people. These are people that have been in town for decades. We have worked together at the hospitals, in the courts, in business, in all different arenas of public uh public uh society. And in our community, we have shared in various efforts to bring peace to the world. And so, I know that community. I have been in conversation with that community and its leadership for decades."

Steinhardt said he knows the president of the mosque approved for the site and said they are members of the Islamic Center of Boca Raton seeking a second mosque to provide better access for members.

"I don't know if it's a need, if it's a desire; that should be enough. Is there a need for the number of synagogues we have in our Community? I'm not sure, but there's a desire for more, and we all have the right to do that."

WPTV also learned the project is represented by Brian Seymour with the Gunster law firm. A request for additional details has been sent, and WPTV is working to hear back.

Another issue repeatedly raised Friday involved notification requirements. Several residents questioned why people living more than 500 feet from the site were not notified.

The county's Planning and Zoning Division told WPTV that only property owners within 500 feet were notified because the project is located within the U/S, AGR and Glades tiers. Had the project been located within the Exurban and Rural tiers, a 1,000-foot notification radius would have applied.

To see which growth tier a property falls under, open the Palm Beach County GIS Map Viewer. Once you're in the map, click the menu icon (the "pancake" in the upper corner), then use the "Search Layers" tool and type in "Managed Growth Tier System." That layer will show all of the county's designated growth tiers and allow you to see exactly where a property is located within the system.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs is planning a second public meeting focused on projects in the Agricultural Reserve following feedback from Friday's meeting. Her staff told WPTV details are still being worked out.

Sachs also told WPTV she is working with county staff to find an appropriate date to propose changes to the Unified Land Development Code regarding the Development Review Officer process for places of worship and governmental entities.

The issue has become a focal point because several projects residents protested were approved through an administrative review process that has existed for years and allows certain government entities and houses of worship to move forward without direct approval from county commissioners.

"I think for the most part people had their voices heard, but what they said is they want to have a voice in what comes to development in this county. I respect that I hear them," Sachs said Friday.

While the mosque was approved through the administrative process, the proposal for an Islamic school and daycare next door did require a vote by county commissioners.

WPTV reviewed records from a 2023 county meeting and learned the project was approved by a 4-3 vote.

Sachs, former Commissioner Michael Barnett and then-Commissioner Sara Baxter voted against the proposal, citing concerns that not enough input from residents had been collected.

Vice Mayor Marci Woodward, Commissioner Maria Marino, Commissioner Gregg Weiss and former Commissioner Mack Bernard voted in favor of the project.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.