Boca Raton Turns 100: A Century of Sunshine, Stories, and Celebration
Boca Raton is hitting a major milestone in 2025—its 100th anniversary! It’s incredible to think about how much this city has grown over the past century, and even more incredible for me personally, as I’ve been here for nearly half of it!
My Boca journey began in 1978 when my dad moved our family from Canada to Boca Raton for a business venture that many of my friends still remember—Waterboggan in Lighthouse Point/Pompano Beach. Those were the days! From sliding down those water ramps to growing up in a city that’s transformed in so many ways, Boca has truly been home for my entire adult life.
I went to Boca Raton Community High Slchool, met and married my husband Andy, raised my family here, and built my career in real estate and content creation here, all while watching this beautiful city flourish.
My love for Boca runs so deep that I even created #SoooBoca—a brand dedicated to sharing all the things that make this city special, from events and history to lifestyle, local businesses, and everything in between.
Now, as Boca Raton gears up to celebrate 100 years, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this community and to share in this incredible milestone!
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Disclosure: This post contains Amazon and other retail affiliate links. If you purchase I will earn a small commission from these companies. Shopping through these links helps support my business. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
100 Years of Boca Raton: From Addison Mizner’s Vision to a World-Class Destination
Boca officially became a city on May 26, 1925, and thanks to visionary architect Addison Mizner, it was designed as a Mediterranean-inspired paradise from the start. His influence can still be seen today in the historic pink-tinted Boca Raton Resort, the charm of Mizner Park, and the city’s signature Spanish-style architecture.
Over the past century, Boca has grown into a thriving hub for culture, business, and lifestyle. From its stunning beaches and lush parks to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, Boca Raton has found the perfect balance between luxury and laid-back coastal living.
As we celebrate this centennial year, it’s a time to reflect on how far Boca has come, the people who have shaped it, and the bright future that lies ahead.
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Centennial Celebrations: How Boca Raton Is Honoring 100 Years
Boca is pulling out all the stops for its 100-year celebration, with a year-long series of events, exhibits, and activities designed to bring the community together. Here are some of the exciting ways Boca is marking this historic milestone:
Boca Raton Historical Society’s Centennial Programs
- “Boca Raton 1925-2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy” Exhibit
A major multimedia exhibition at the Schmidt Boca Raton Museum running through May 30, 2025, exploring Mizner’s lasting impact on the city. - Centennial Trunks for Schools
Sponsored by JM Family Enterprises, this educational initiative provides fourth graders with hands-on materials to learn about Boca’s rich history. - Boca Raton’s History – A Traveling Exhibit
A portable display featuring key moments from Boca’s past, available for schools, libraries, and community spaces. - Free Fun Saturdays: Centennial Edition
Held on the first Saturday of each month at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, these family-friendly events offer free admission and themed craft activities. - Centennial Speakers Bureau: Centennial Talks
A series of free 30-minute presentations diving into Boca Raton’s fascinating history.
🎉 City-Led Centennial Events
- Boca Street Fest – January 25, 2025
A huge community festival at Mizner Park featuring live music, a beer garden, and local vendors. - Centennial Concert – May 24, 2025
A celebration weekend concert showcasing Boca’s musical heritage. - Centennial Drone Show – May 25, 2025
A dazzling high-tech drone display at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, lighting up the night sky. - Holiday Street Parade – December 4, 2025
A festive year-end parade through downtown Boca, featuring floats, bands, and holiday cheer.
🎤 Community Storytelling & Legacy Projects
- Ode to Boca – A creative initiative where locals write five-line poems based on their zip codes, capturing personal memories of Boca.
- Boca Raton Untold – In partnership with Lynn University, this storytelling project highlights the visionaries and leaders who have shaped the city.
- Voices of the City – A collection of audio recordings featuring residents sharing their personal Boca stories.
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Boca Raton’s Legacy: Why This Celebration Matters
For me, Boca Raton isn’t just a city—it’s my home, my history, and my inspiration. Watching it evolve over the years while still maintaining its elegance and charm is something truly special.
That’s why I love sharing Boca’s story through #SoooBoca—whether it’s the best local spots, exciting events, or hidden gems that make Boca such a unique and beautiful place to live. The Centennial is a perfect time to celebrate all the things that make Boca Raton amazing, from its deep-rooted history to its thriving present and exciting future.
So whether you’ve been here for decades like me or you’re just discovering Boca’s magic, I invite you to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
Join the Celebration!
For a full schedule of Centennial events, visit Boca100.com and be sure to follow along as I share updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments on #SoooBoca.
Here’s to 100 years of Boca Raton—and many more to come! Let’s celebrate the past, embrace the present, and keep making history together.
This festive weekend brings together world-class chefs and vintners, offering their finest specialties, providing the entire community with a delightful opportunity to support the heritage education and historic preservation programs of the Boca Raton Historical Society.
GRAND TASTING ~ April 6, 2025 at the Addison* 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Boca Raton’s premier community wine and food event will be held at the exquisite and historic the Addison. World-renowned wine makers will offer over 200 tasting selections of their prized wines and Champagnes along with spirits and craft beers.
Attendees will enjoy creative dishes by celebrated local chefs and the Addison will offer a selection of delectable bites Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items of lifestyle lots, such as fabulous wine, food and travel packages. It’s a gastronomical afternoon and you’re invited!
About Michele Bellisari
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Michele is a South Florida Realtor, based in Boca Raton, Florida, serving surrounding cities, and the founder of #Soooboca Lifestyle and Media.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate!
You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
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