Lynn University in Boca Raton hosts the final presidential debate on Oct. 22, 2012. (Source: CBS4)
Reporting Gary Nelson
CAMPAIGN 2012
BOCA RATON (CBSMiami) — Monday’s third and final presidential debate at Lynn University in Boca Raton could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the race for the White House but the debate is also playing a pivotal role for the town of Boca Raton.
Boca Raton is a largely wealthy town where the sun winks down through palms on oceanfront mansions, and period lamps line streets strewn with high-end shops.
Singers Natalie Cole and Dion both live in Boca, along with tennis legend Chrissy Evert.
So what kind of important political history does Boca have?
Not much until now.
“This is huge. This is huge,” said Mary Csar of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “And I’m so proud of Boca Raton because Lynn University went out and sought that out and got it.”
Everyone is excited about the debate.
“This event is obviously an investment, a financial investment from Lynn University to host this historic event, but it will come back ten-fold, twenty-fold,” said Troy McLellan of the Boca Chamber of Commerce.
The debate and all the people who come with it will be bringing their cash.
The Wyndham is among the hotels booked solid. The debate at Lynn will draw more than 3,000 journalists alone.
“In addition to selling a number of rooms, we’re catering, doing the catering events. We have a tent at Lynn University, itself,” said Ron Kohlscheen of the Boca Wyndham Resort.
Down at Luigi’s Barber and Style Shop the debate’s pretty much all folks talk about.
“Has Boca ever seen an event as big as this one coming up?” asked CBS4’s Gary Nelson. “No,” replied Luigi Silvestri. “And I’m very excited about it because I know it’s good for the city.”
Of course, some already have their minds make up.
“The President, the President, he’s my top dog,” said one Luigi’s customer.
Someone else in the shop countered, “I like Mitt, yes, I really do.”
In a race too close to call, it’s the undecided’s that could decide. Monday’s third and final debate may make or break someone’s campaign.
“It’s a ten. No question about it, it’s a ten. It’s an exciting time for the city of Boca Raton,” said Boca Mayor Susan Welchel.
On debate night, all of Boca is invited to the city’s Mizner Park to view the big event on a jumbo screen and watch history being made in the city of Boca Raton.
