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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Delray Beach, FL

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Delray Beach, FL You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Delray Beach, FL

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Delray Beach, FL

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Delray Beach, FL

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Delray Beach, FL

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance Delray Beach, FL

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
phone Call Now
 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Delray Beach, FL

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Delray Beach, FL

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Delray Beach, FL phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Delray Beach, FL phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Delray Beach, FL phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Delray Beach, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Delray Beach, FL

Latest News in Delray Beach, FL

Beach bar-hopping: New oceanfront bar opens, 2 others named ‘best’ in The South

There’s a brand-new beach bar in Palm Beach County, and it has something many beach bars don’t have: an actual beach location. The new Top Shell bar, which sits a few steps away from the beach on Singer Island, has been in soft-opening mode since Wednesday, March 20.Top Shell, which took over the space most recently occupied by Coconuts on the Beach...

There’s a brand-new beach bar in Palm Beach County, and it has something many beach bars don’t have: an actual beach location. The new Top Shell bar, which sits a few steps away from the beach on Singer Island, has been in soft-opening mode since Wednesday, March 20.

Top Shell, which took over the space most recently occupied by Coconuts on the Beach, is part of the newly rebranded Singer Oceanfront Resort. The resort, now part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is expected to debut in late March, after a multimillion-dollar makeover.

The Top Shell beach bar, which is open to the public and takes its name in tribute to Singer Island’s sea turtles, offers a full cocktail bar and Florida-inspired pub bites.

The beachy menu items include blue crab fritters with chipotle aioli and a seafood “charcuterie” board that includes smoked salmon, pickled shrimp and fish dip. Complete the bar-in-paradise vibe with a rum-pineapple-coconut-cream cocktail that’s served in a whole coconut. It’s called “Top of the Tree”.

Some menu items may not be available, as the bar operates on a limited menu during its soft-opening phase. But a rep for the resort says “the full concept and menu will be available shortly.”

Top Shell: 3700 N. Ocean Dr. on Singer Island, Riviera Beach

Speaking of beach bars…

Southern Living just released a list it calls “The 18 Best Beach Bars in The South,” selected by the magazine’s editors. Eight of the bars are in Florida, two of them Palm Beach County favorites.

Sandbar, Delray Beach

The oceanfront Sandbar, part of the Boston’s on the Beach family, made the “best” list for location and vibe. The open-air spot offers a full beach-bar experience by day — tiki hut on the sand, fruity rum drinks, fish dip and Bahamian conch fritters for nibbling, a menu that lists “frozen concoctions” that include a Tropical Storm daiquiri, plus the scent of suntan lotion in the ocean breeze. Cue your Kenny Chesney playlist.

After sundown, the place revs up into nightclub mode. Think live DJs and bottle service by moonlight.

Sandbar: 40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, 561-278-3364,BostonsSandbar.com

The Square Grouper Tiki Bar, Jupiter

The rustic, Jupiter Inlet bar made famous by Alan Jackson’s 2003 video for “Five O’Clock Somewhere” (starring Jimmy Buffett) is about as iconic as the Jupiter Lighthouse that stands just across the inlet waters.

If you’ve seen the video, the place is easy to recognize, “even if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of sipping something tall and strong at this palm tree-blessed waterfront hangout,” writes Southern Living’s Marisa Spyker in describing The Square Grouper.

More upscale spots with lighthouse views have opened in recent years, but the funky Square Grouper offers those views with one of the most beachy settings on the inlet. Also, pets are not welcome.

Something to know before you go: You must be at least 21 and prepared to show a valid ID to visit the place, and the only foreign ID accepted there is a valid passport.

The Square Grouper: 1111 Love St., Jupiter, 561-406-6417,SquareGrouper.net

Other Florida beach bars on 'best' list

Aruba Beach Café — A lively bar/restaurant on the beach at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.

Kane Tiki Bar — A Marco Island resort bar on the Gulf.

The Mucky Duck — A British-style pub on the beach at Captiva Island.

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar — An oceanfront bar on St. Pete Beach.

Peg Leg Pete’s — A Pensacola Beach bar with pirate inspiration.

Flora-Bama — In Perdido Key, a 60-year-old bar that practically straddles the Florida-Alabama border.

You can find Southern Living’s full “best beach bar” list here.

Read recent columns by Liz Balmaseda

3 new pizzerias to put on your radar

Where to find the best meatballs in town? Some favorites!

5 new restaurants to get excited about in Palm Beach County

Mexican restaurant gets new look, Food Network contestant chef

Best new restaurants for a big weekend brunch

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on Instagram and Post on Food Facebook. She can be reached by email at lbalmaseda@pbpost.com.

Delray Beach elects new mayor, 2 new commissioners

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — There is new leadership coming in Delray Beach.A one-time mayor, a former commissioner and a political newcomer will soon become regulars at City Hall.Tom Carney defeated current Vice Mayor Ryan Boylston and former city Commissioner Shirley Johnson in Tuesday's mayoral election, according to unofficial results from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections.With all precincts reporting, Carney beat Boylston by nearly 1,300 votes. Johnson finished third with 1,058 votes.Carney, 70, rep...

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — There is new leadership coming in Delray Beach.

A one-time mayor, a former commissioner and a political newcomer will soon become regulars at City Hall.

Tom Carney defeated current Vice Mayor Ryan Boylston and former city Commissioner Shirley Johnson in Tuesday's mayoral election, according to unofficial results from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections.

With all precincts reporting, Carney beat Boylston by nearly 1,300 votes. Johnson finished third with 1,058 votes.

Carney, 70, replaces outgoing Mayor Shelley Petrolia, who has served in that role since 2018.

"I can't tell you how humbled I am and how grateful I am," Carney told WPTV.

Boylston declined to comment on the election, while Johnson wished Carney the best.

Former Commissioner Juli Casale, who narrowly lost her seat to Rob Long in last year's municipal election, defeated opponents Anneze Barthelemy and Nick Coppola.

Political newcomer Tom Markert edged out Jim Chard and Tennille DeCoste to replace current Commissioner Adam Frankel, who is running for Palm Beach County public defender.

Voters also overwhelmingly rejected a charter amendment asking whether to eliminate Delray Beach's Board of Adjustment, which considers and decides on appeals and variances to the city's land development regulations.

Carney was previously a city commissioner from 2011-13 and briefly served as acting mayor in 2013. That was the same year he ran for mayor but lost to Carey Glickstein, who endorsed Boylston.

Development was a sticking point throughout this campaign cycle.

"If you want to preserve the 'Village by the Sea,' which I do and which we are, you really need to get citizen engagement," Carney said.

Susan Rutherford moved to Delray Beach from Virginia in 2020. She was concerned about overdevelopment and was looking for a leader who could keep Delray Beach accessible.

"I walk everywhere. I want to be able to see my neighbors, know my neighbors," she said. "I want to be able to feel like I'm in a community versus cement buildings everywhere."

Carney said overdevelopment is threatening the city's charm and tranquility.

"We have so many developments being approved without them being out of the ground that we have no idea what the effect is going to be on the infrastructure, and that's really going to be important because we have an aging infrastructure and we have taxpayers that deserve – you know, residents that deserve – better," Carney said.

Carney said he's ready to get to work.

"I think there's a lot of work to be done and I'm ready to start the day I'm sworn in," he said.

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

32nd annual Delray Beach Open begins, tournament director and businesses discuss economic impact

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. —The 32nd annual Delray Beach Open is now underway, and tournament leaders say they’re proud of how far the 10-day event has come. They say they're especially proud of its impact to the local economy."I am just am proud that we’re able to do what we do,” said Mark Baron, the tournament director.Related: World-class tennis set to begin at...

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. —

The 32nd annual Delray Beach Open is now underway, and tournament leaders say they’re proud of how far the 10-day event has come. They say they're especially proud of its impact to the local economy.

"I am just am proud that we’re able to do what we do,” said Mark Baron, the tournament director.

Related: World-class tennis set to begin at Delray Beach Open this weekend

Baron moved the tournament from Coral Springs to Delray Beach 26 years ago. He still remembers the moment he decided to move the tournament to the Delray Beach Tennis Center.

"They took me around, and I went into the stands, and I went to the top and I saw the ocean from the top of the stairs in the stadium and right then I decided, I believe we could do enough marketing and we can create an economic impact that would change this whole city,” said Baron.

Courtesy: Delray Beach Open

Andre Agassi (left) and Mark Baron (right), 2006

Over the last 26 years, Baron says that’s exactly what the tournament has done. He says the event now brings in more than $20 million to the local economy and accounts for about $40 million in advertising value.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Taylor Fritz warming up ahead of the Delray Beach Open pic.twitter.com/qvzIA7HNOI

— Steve King WPBF (@WPBF_Steve) February 9, 2024

"The economic impact would also include awareness, people knowing Delray Beach,” said Baron. "We get people seeing Delray in February, and they’re somewhere in the world and freezing and they say, ‘This would be a great place to come next year.'"

This year, the Delray Beach Open is televised in more than 110 countries.

"You walk up and down Delray Beach right now, and you hear 15 different languages,” said Baron.

Related: Tickets on sale for Delray Beach Open

Employees at businesses near the Delray Beach Tennis Center say they have more international guests when the tournament is happening.

"This table here was just from Ireland,” said Savannah Pienaar, a bartender at Farmhouse Kitchen in Delray Beach.

Staff at Farmhouse Kitchen says they see a huge increase in sales during the Delray Beach Open.

"We definitely double our sales," said Pienaar. "Especially for lunch."

The general manager of Brule' Bistro, Rose’s Daughter and the Pantry (all in Delray Beach) says all of his restaurants get a 10 to 15 % increase in sales because of the annual tennis tournament.

"The influx is absolutely amazing, definitely a big, big pop for us,” said Taylor Wuennemann, general manager of Brule’ Restaurant Group. "I’ll put in an extra bartender, an extra server and a food runner definitely in preparation for that."

The Delray Beach Open runs through Feb. 18.

Delray Beach's 100-foot Christmas tree celebrates 30 years. How does it compare to others?

Jasmine FernándezDELRAY BEACH — It’s 10 stories tall, just celebrated 30 years in the city and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to ...

Jasmine Fernández

DELRAY BEACH — It’s 10 stories tall, just celebrated 30 years in the city and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Delray Beach come holiday season.

What is it that makes the Delray Beach 100-foot Christmas tree so special?

The tree’s gone up every year since 1993. It started as a 50-footer purchased by the city’s Downtown Development Authority to help grow the area’s economy, per the DDA. Downtown wasn’t always as buzzing with people as it is today.

Two years later, in celebration of the city’s centennial in 1995, the DDA bought an additional 50 feet to add to the tree. 100 feet for 100 years — and it's stayed that way since.

How does the Delray Beach Christmas tree compare nationally?

It’s about 20 feet taller than Rockefeller Center’s, and twice the height of Bryant Park’s — two of New York City’s most iconic holiday attractions.

It’s a third of the size of the largest Christmas tree in the U.S. — DeSoto Parish’s 300-foot tree — in Louisiana. And it’s about three times the size of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace Christmas tree in Boston.

Nearly 40 feet taller than Detroit’s Campus Martius Park tree and about five times the size of the White House and Atlanta airport Christmas trees, Delray Beach’s tree is the largest in Florida. It was ranked among the most famous trees in America this year by the North Carolina radio station Kiss 95.1 FM.

How much did the Christmas tree cost in Delray Beach?

In 2017, a replacement tree was needed after city leaders deemed the original 100-foot tree had become unsafe. Its steel frame caused rusting and cracking, making it structurally unsound.

The replacement, this time with an aluminum frame, cost taxpayers nearly $800,000. It’s since been going up with the help of volunteers, some of whom have been in the gig for decades, on North Swinton Avenue in Old School Square.

Other fun facts about Delray’s 100-foot tree

The tree has 18,000 ornaments and 217,980 individual LED lights.

It's made of aluminum sections, which, when stacked together, create rings. The rings are lifted via crane to form the tree.

It goes up in the middle of October because its structure and the houses inside and outside of it take around two weeks to set up.

The tree will be up until Dec. 31. The last days to visit Santa will be Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23. Pictures with Santa cost $10, but visitors can walk through the tree for free. A full list of hours and holiday village activities can be found online at www.delraybeachfl.gov.

Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

Coffee, sandwiches and soups: West of Delray Beach, Panera Bread opens its latest location

Jasmine FernándezDELRAY BEACH — Panera Bread is spreading the love on Valentine's Day west of Delray Beach with its latest opening in Palm Beach County.On Wednesday morning, the chain café opened on Atlantic Avenue just east of Fl...

Jasmine Fernández

DELRAY BEACH — Panera Bread is spreading the love on Valentine's Day west of Delray Beach with its latest opening in Palm Beach County.

On Wednesday morning, the chain café opened on Atlantic Avenue just east of Florida's Turnpike, greeting a line outside the door of 6:30 a.m. customers. With more than 2,000 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, the restaurant offers diners a variety of bakery-café fast food ranging from salads to sandwiches and soups.

Here's what else to know:

What are the store hours at the new Panera Bread?

Doors opened at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday with the first 50 dine-in guests receiving a free "You Pick Two" meal every month for a year, valid only at the new Delray location at 7655 W. Atlantic Ave. One offer was available per person, and the free certificate is nontransferable.

The chain's famous "You Pick Two" option allows customers to create their own meal by pairing any two of the following selections: a cup of soup or mac and cheese, a half salad, a half sandwich, toasted baguettes, a chef's chicken sandwich, a pizza or a warm bowl.

The restaurant will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce also partnered with Panera Bread for its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

There are more than a dozen in Palm Beach County. For information on Panera Bread, visit www.panerabread.com.

Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

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