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A ruptured water main caused traffic headaches in Boynton Beach for much of Wednesday. City officials said the 16-inch water main at Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lawrence Road.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A ruptured water main caused traffic headaches for drivers in Boynton Beach for much of Wednesday.

City officials said the 16-inch water main at Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lawrence Road broke at approximately 2 a.m.

A tractor-trailer then drove into a sinkhole near the water main, but the driver was not hurt.

"It's a semi truck. Very heavy. And the road, with that water main break underneath, just couldn't handle it and gave way," Holly Picciano, the public information officer for the city of Boynton Beach, said.

Aerial video from WPTV Chopper 5 just before 6:30 a.m. showed the tractor-trailer on its side and water gushing from a large hole in the road.

Workers are now in the process of fixing the broken water main.

Westbound lanes of Boynton Beach Blvd. have been reopened as workers continue repairing damage caused by this morning’s water main break. Lawrence Road north of Boynton Beach Blvd is also open. Eastbound lanes remain closed. Work is expected to be completed by the weekend. pic.twitter.com/qU6733XVx5

— City of Boynton (@cityofboynton) January 24, 2024

Westbound lanes of Boynton Beach Boulevard reopened just after 4:30 p.m. but eastbound lanes remained closed. Lawrence Road north of Boynton Beach Boulevard is also open. Work is expected to be completed by the weekend, according to city officials.

"The workers are working incredibly fast," Boynton Beach spokeswoman Dani Moschella said. "They've already got the water out of that hole, which is about 45 feet in length and about 10 feet deep. It's a significant hole. They've removed all the water. They got the old pipe out and the new pipe in. They're going to start to refill it."

Crews removed all of the water from the area by 11 a.m. and are now working to repair the water main and repair the road. Nearby businesses are under a boil water notice, but no residents are impacted.

Drivers are advised to take Gateway Boulevard or Woolbright Road as an alternate route.

Businesses hurt by water main break

Juliana Lutwin, a receptionist at nearby Palm Beach Periodontics, said the water main break impacted their business.

"We had to cancel the whole day because of the road closure," Lutwin said. "Nobody was able to get in and out of the road. We didn't know if we would have water, and that's important."

Palm Beach Periodontics specializes in dental implants and procedures.

Lutwin said without no water they can't do their job — a problem for both doctors and their patients.

"A lot of people were very unhappy and didn't really understand how it was out of our control," Lutwin said. "We've rescheduled most of our patients for Monday, which the doctor doesn't usually work."

COMPLETELY CLOSED NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND.

BY: TRAFFIC CENTER | BocaNewsNow.com

UPDATE: 12:01 p.m. — Update from Florida Highway Patrol. Read below.

UPDATE AT 9:33 a.m. — Complete advisory from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Read below.

UPDATE AT 8:45 a.m. — All lanes are reopening, but traffic is expected to be extremely heavy throughout the morning.

UPDATE AT 7:49 a.m. — One southbound lane now open.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Florida Department of Transportation tells BocaNewsNow.com at 6:05 a.m. that the Florida Turnpike is closed in the area of Boynton Beach Blvd. due to a tanker fire. The closure is NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND.

Traffic is backed up on the turnpike and the closure is expected to continue throughout the morning.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. U.S. 441 northbound and I-95 are your best alternates. Rejoin the turnpike north of Boynton Beach Blvd.

We encourage you to check FL511.com for the the latest updates direct from the Florida Department of Transportation.

UPDATE FROM PBCFR:

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Firefighters responded to the northbound lanes of the Florida’s Turnpike north of Boynton Beach Blvd. near the Hypoluxo overpass just before 6am this morning to reports of an explosion and a massive fuel tanker fire. The tanker was the only vehicle involved and thankfully, the driver of the vehicle was able to escape in time with no injuries.

The impact of the crash split the tanker open and the fuel was actively burning sending a large plume of black smoke that could be seen from far away. The semi was carrying approximately 1000 gallons of diesel fuel and 7500 gallons of gasoline. The fuel was leaking to both directions of the highway so there were flames on both sides of the Turnpike. For safety reasons, firefighters and FHP shut down the highway in both directions.

PBCFR’s Special Operations Team, which specializes in HazMat (hazardous materials) and Technical Rescues had command of the scene. Firefighters quickly built a dam to contain the fuel and keep the fire from spreading further. They attacked the flames with water and foam to blanket and smother the fire. This took some time due to the massive amount of fuel. PBCFR had 18 units/trucks on the scene with dozens of firefighters to mitigate this massive fire. Once the fire was completely out and the area was deemed safe, PBCFR worked with FHP to open the roads back up. The DEP and DOT will be on scene assessing damages. Expect delays to continue throughout the morning.

UPDATE FROM FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL:

The fuel tanker was northbound on SR 91 in the inside lane.

For unknown reasons, the vehicle collided with the concrete barrier wall on the left shoulder. The driver exited the truck and the truck caught fire. The driver is on scene and refused medical treatment. The State Warning point has been notified.

All southbound lanes opened end and southbound traffic diversion at exit 92 was cleared at 8:35 AM.

Northbound outside lane opened and northbound traffic diversion at exit 86 was cleared at 9:35 AM.

All northbound lanes opened at 12:02 PM.

Eddie Ritz

As they prepared to open Tavolo in Boynton Beach on Dec. 2, owners Leonard and Sherri Mello were focused on bringing the same high-quality, fine-dining caliber food they serve at their two Rhode Island locations to South Florida and do it at a price that wouldn't break the bank.

Veterans in the restaurant business, the couple opened the first Tavolo in Smithfield, Rhode Island in 2005 and the second a few years later in Warwick, about half an hour south of there.

The couple has homes in both Rhode Island and South Florida and splits time between both. The restaurant is in the well-worn path of snowbirds. Leonard said he's already had "regular customers from up north that have popped in to the new restaurant."

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Leonard described the menu as "upscale casual," saying they work hard to put a "good product on the plate, but ... keep the prices reasonable."

Located off of Jog Road, Tavolo, which means 'table' in Italian, took over the space formerly occupied by Arrabiatas.

Leonard said the spot had a good demographic, excellent accessibility and it was good for families. Now they are working to carve out their own culinary niche in the area, he said.

One thing that sets them apart is that nearly everything at Tavolo is made in house from scratch. This includes the sauces, salad dressings, pastas and more.

One item not made in house is the signature pasta: the wagon wheel rigatoni. That's not to say it's store bought or made by a nearby third party. No, it is made from scratch in one of their Rhode Island restaurants and flown down fresh every week.

With a creative culinary team led by chef Gary Small, Tavolo already has several dishes that have become local favorites. These include their braised beef short rib, which is served on the bone with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots and green beans with a demi glace; the wagon wheel rigatoni Bolognese; and the pan seared salmon served with black bean edamame salad, whipped avocado and charred poblano butter.

Other dinner entrees include eggplant rollatini, osso bucco, linguini & clams, stuffed Atlantic cod and zuppa de Portuguese.

Tavolo also offers pizzas including the margherita; the grilled chicken with basil pesto, parmesan, shredded mozzarella and chopped tomato; and the Italian grinder topped with prosciutto, soppressata, salami, capicola, hot peppers, shredded provolone and fresh lettuce.

Leonard said that they were incredibly fortunate with their culinary team. He said chef Small was impressive from the start and was able to take instruction and create the dishes here exactly like their restaurants in Rhode Island. Leonard added that the staff's talent runs so deep that "we have sous chefs that should be chefs."

He said he and his wife Sherri like to go out to eat with their three children as a family and he wanted the restaurant to be accommodating to families as well as couples and singles. He didn't want people who enjoy fine dining to feel like they had to take the kids to one restaurant and then go to another by themselves another night, he said.

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A certified sommelier, Leonard can help guests choose the perfect wine to accompany their meals. Though open less than two months, Tavolo is continually expanding its selections.

Prefer a beer to go with your meal? No worries as there are dozens to choose from at Tavolo. These range from classics like Heineken, Coors and Stella Artois, to some linking to their New England roots like Whalers Rise Pale Ale, Foolproof Porter, Clown Shoes Clementine White Ale, Wachusett Blueberry Ale and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale all brewed in either Rhode Island, Massachusetts or New Hampshire.

Finishing off an evening (or lunch) at Tavolos could not be sweeter with a dessert menu that includes cold fusion gelato, sorbet, bread pudding, vanilla bean creme brulee, affogato and more.

Tavolo: Italian Kitchen & Bar restaurant in Boynton Beach

What: Tavolo: Italian Kitchen & Bar

Where: 8260 Jog Road, Boynton Beach

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Information: 561-336-3862; tavolowinebar.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

The semi was carrying approximately 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 7,500 gallons of gasoline.

Palm Beach Post

A massive fuel tanker explosion on Florida's Turnpike west of Boynton Beach shut down all lanes of the highway and caused backups during rush hour all morning.

Miraculously, the driver of the tanker was able to escape with no injuries, according to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

Fire Rescue said the impact of the crash split the tanker open and the fuel was actively burning, which sent a large plume of black smoke that could be seen from far away. The semi, traveling northbound on the Turnpike, was carrying approximately 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 7,500 gallons of gasoline.

The fuel was leaking to both directions of the highway so there were flames on both sides of the Turnpike, Fire Rescue said.

The Florida Highway Patrol also confirmed the tanker exploded between Hypoluxo Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard (mile marker 89) just before 6 a.m. The fire quickly spread to both sides of the Turnpike.

One southbound lane reopened near the crash site around 8 a.m. Northbound lanes started opening around 9 a.m.

Firefighters from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue were able to spray down the tanker with a combination of water and foam to put out the fire.

PBCFR’s Special Operations Team, which specializes in HazMat (hazardous materials) and Technical Rescues, quickly built a dam to contain the fuel and keep the fire from spreading further.

Fire Rescue dispatched 18 units/trucks to the scene with dozens of firefighters to mitigate the fire.

Nearby resident Silvia Taylor captured the aftermath of the explosion on a video here.

West Palm Beach's Tiffany Degroff, who was traveling southbound on the Turnpike for her job as a registered nurse in Miami, said she was very close to the explosion when it occurred on the roadway.

"I have never experienced something like that and being so close," Degroff said. "Honestly I just started praying for the safety of those involved, the drivers who were closer and then once first responders arrived I prayed for their safety.

"At the time there was no way to tell what was even burning because the flames and smoke were so massive."

Degroff said the incident happened just south of the Hypoluxo bridge on the Turnpike. She said she, along with other vehicles, had to stop abruptly to avoid a pileup. Degroff said a semi crossed in front of her, blocking her view but believes there was a second explosion because the fire and smoke became even bigger.

She said the fire was so big it spread to the northbound lanes as another semi and multiple vehicles swerved and slammed on their brakes.

She estimates the accident happened around 5:45 a.m. and said the normal 90-minute commute during rush hour took her an additional 90 minutes Friday morning.

The north-south highway closures ran from Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach south to Boynton Beach Boulevard in west Boynton Beach.

Drivers going north and south were told to take U.S. 441, Jog Road, Military Trail, or Interstate 95 as alternate routes.

Taylor, a resident of the Isola Bella Estates community west of Boynton Beach between the Turnpike and U.S. 441, said she heard the explosion around 5:30 a.m. that "sounded like a bomb went off."

"I live near the Turnpike so I hear all the cars go by each morning at rush hour," Taylor said. "After the explosion, there was just silence ... no cars ... so I knew it was on the Turnpike."

Taylor said she rushed to her window and saw the bright black, red and orange flames engulfed in the sky.

James Coleman is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jcoleman@pbpost.com and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — At Two Georges Waterfront Grille in Boynton Beach, the water tends to come up when the rain comes down. In past storms, it's been made clear the tides and flooding combined can make for a lot of water.

Kevin Kudlinkski, the restaurant's head of operations, said Wednesday morning's high tide has him more at ease.

"We prepare (for) a lot of things," he said. "All of our electrical equipment we raise up off the ground. Sometimes the flooding will come up through the sidebar area."

He said they also monitor the water during off hours via cameras.

"We monitor it," he said.

WPTV also spoke to Chip Sheehan, another familiar face, whom WPTV's Tory Dunnan met the night of Hurricane Nicole.

"I've never seen the tide as high as it is now," he said that night. "No, it's nerve-wracking."

Sheehan is back at it, making sure his boat is protected.

"It's our livelihood," he said. "This is what we do for a living."

Sheehan, who is the owner of Chips Ahoy Charters in Boynton Beach, pointed to the rising water levels during the morning high tide.

"The water was well over here, almost onto this dock over here," he said. "I think it's just from how much wind, how much water, it is blowing in from the ocean."

Sheehan said it's a community effort.

"Kind of a cool fishing community. We kind of check on each other's boats, stay on a group chat," he noted. "I've seen boats sink here. I've seen boats get stuck under the dock."

On the residential side of the Boynton Harbor Marina, George Casey, who said he's lived here for 12 years, takes it all in stride.

"When you are by the water, winds kick up, the water gets pushed into the lagoons. It's common," he said.

The next moment to watch will be high tide. That's when Sheehan said he'll be monitoring water levels.

"You know you just have to keep an eye on everything, see what this next tide is going to be," he said.

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