Boca Raton’s 100th birthday: The city’s past, present and hopes for its future

Boca Raton turns 100 this year, and city officials are celebrating with events that honor its rich history and growth.

Incorporated in 1925 with a population of 5,000, Boca Raton was a farming community before evolving into a thriving city with one of the region’s fastest-growing downtowns. Today, it boasts around 100,000 residents and international recognition.

The Boca Raton Historical Society emphasizes the importance of preserving the city’s past, warning that without efforts to protect it, its history could be lost forever.

Key moments in Boca Raton’s growth include the arrival of architect Addison Mizner in 1925, the establishment of a World War II military base (now Florida Atlantic University), and IBM’s presence, which transformed the city into a tech hub.

Now, Boca Raton continues to expand with major mixed-use developments, including a billion-dollar downtown project and the transformation of the former IBM site into the Boca Raton Innovation Campus.

To mark its centennial, the city unveiled the “Reflections of Time” sculpture and will host a Memorial Day Weekend concert and drone show. Residents can also submit an “Ode to Boca” poem celebrating their connection to the city.

Despite its growth, Boca Raton maintains its small-town charm, natural beauty, and commitment to a refined, high-quality lifestyle.