Ode to Boca

A unique opportunity for residents to
reflect on their connection to the city

Ode to Boca is a celebration of Boca Raton’s Centennial, told through the voices of those who know it best-our residents. By writing a simple five-line poem based on your zip code, you can share what makes this city unique, from its neighborhoods to its spirit. These personal stories will come together in public art projects, reflecting the heart and soul of Boca Raton as seen through the eyes of its community.

Ode to Boca

The Ode to Boca program offers a unique opportunity for Boca Raton residents to reflect on their connection to the city through the timeless art of poetry. Inspired by the numbers of your zip code, this five-line poem invites you to creatively express what makes your neighborhood, community, and experiences special. This initiative brings together diverse voices across the city to celebrate Boca Raton.

ode-to-boca-green
ode-to-boca-pink
ode-to-boca-blue
previous arrow
next arrow
Create your own Ode to Boca today

Ode to Boca Initiatives

Partnership with PBC Schools

We have partnered with Palm Beach County School District to ensure the Ode to Boca program is engrained in students’ curriculum from K-12.

Public Workshops

In partnership with the City, O’Miami has hosted a variety of workshops around the community to engage residents, students and businesses with the Ode to Boca program.

  • CocoFest activation at BRiC
  • FAU, Lynn U
  • Boca Fest
  • Future public workshop with Boca Museum of Art..
  • Stay Tuned

Community Involvement

Our community partners have been an integral part of engaging with the OTB program. Here are some ways they have/are participating.

  • Boca Raton Museum of Art hosted a workshop for their employees to pen Odes.
  • Boca Regional Hospital is actively engaging their employees in a competition with prizes.
  • BRiC encouraged their tenants to write odes using their zip code. Winners were selected as part of an art exhibit.
  • Boca Raton Airport shared some of their odes on social media to encourage the community to participate.

How to
Ode to Boca

We invite all Boca Ratonians to join us in celebrating the City’s Centennial and pen a personal “Ode to Boca” based simply on your zip code!

Ode to Boca is the City’s call for heartfelt words from the people who know it best. We invite residents, workers, students, and visitors to write brief “Odes”, poetic tributes that express what they love about our city. Each submission adds a unique voice to a chorus of community pride, preserving personal memories and perspectives about Boa Raton. 

Selected Odes are appearing in public art, community collaborations, and placemaking projects. Stay tuned for more Odes in unexpected places across the City!

How to Write Your Ode to Boca
It’s easy! Five lines, with each line containing the number of words based on your zip code.

  1. Using the link below, start by writing the numbers of your zip code down the left side of the page.
  2. Each number represents how many words should be in that line of the poem.
  3. Use each line to describe your zip code, neighborhood, or community—think about words, phrases, or feelings that reflect your connection to the area.
Submit Your
Ode to Boca

Tip: If your zip code includes a zero, that line is a wild card!
You can leave it blank, use an emoji or symbol, or include any number of words from 1 to 9.

Ode to Boca Installations

Background 
Ode to Boca is Boca Raton’s citywide poetry initiative inspired by Zip Odes, a program developed by O,Miami  in partnership with WLRN,. Rooted in local pride and creative expression, the initiative captures what makes a community special through the voices of the people who live, work, and play there.