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Insider Newsletter
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Mayor's Office
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Housing Heroes Awards | Kravis Center
"This annual gathering holds personal meaning for me — not only because of the work we celebrate, but because last year, I had the great honor of receiving the Housing Hero Award.
At last year's event, I shared an ambitious workforce housing goal of '1,400 in 8.' The goal was clear: to complete or have under development 1,400 units of affordable and workforce housing by the end of my eight-year tenure as Mayor in April 2027.
I’m proud to share that as of today, we are 77% of the way with 1,079 units completed or under development. With several hundred more units in active negotiations, we’re not only on track, we’re positioned to exceed that vision.
My approach has never been just about being pro-development though — it’s about being pro-community and making sure growth reflects the needs, hopes, and realities of the people who live and work in West Palm Beach. Together, we are truly building a community of opportunity for all.
At this year's event, it was my honor to present the Housing Hero Award to Joan Oliva, who has has been Executive Director of the Lake Worth Beach CRA for more than 17 years. Under her leadership, their CRA has been instrumental in attracting investors and developers and acquiring underutilized and vacant properties for innovative and conscientious development.
Oliva’s leadership exemplifies dedication to maintaining the character of the city, responding to community needs, and encouraging sustainable economic growth to improve the quality of life for all Lake Worth Beach residents.
Congratulations, Joan!"
— Mayor Keith A. James
Health Care District News Conference Held During Law Enforcement Appreciation Month & Mental Health Awareness Month
"Our City's law enforcement is dedicated to public safety in our community — and true public safety includes trust, prevention, and care, not just crisis response.
Since August 2024, we partnered with the Palm Beach Chiefs Association and the Health Care District on their Behavioral Health Pilot Program, which is helping us build a stronger and healthier West Palm Beach. We know that roughly 1 in 5 calls to law enforcement are tied to behavioral health or substance abuse, so this program provides a pathway to appropriate care.
To date, 87 individuals have already received support through this program — people who didn’t meet the threshold for a Baker Act intervention but were clearly in need of help. That’s 87 lives touched. Eighty-seven chances to redirect someone’s path toward stability, dignity, and hope.
Today, I’m proud to stand alongside local law enforcement and community leaders as we celebrate the Health Care District’s announcement of Operation: COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) — a groundbreaking partnership that is redefining how law enforcement responds to mental health crises in our community and has already helped more than 300 people across the county. It is especially meaningful that we gather at this moment, as we observe both Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month — a timely reminder of why this work matters and why collaboration is so essential.
When someone calls for help in West Palm Beach, they deserve more than a response; they deserve care that best meets their needs."
— Mayor Keith A. James
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ALS Awareness Month in West Palm Beach | May 2025
"I have officially proclaimed May as ALS Awareness Month here in West Palm Beach. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe.
This month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families, and support research to eradicate this disease.
I call upon all citizens to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease.
If you would like to contribute in life-changing research, the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally and has committed more than $154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries. The ALS Association is committed to accelerating the pace of discovery, fueled by the hope that one day ALS will be a livable disease for everyone, everywhere, until a cure can be found.
Thank you, Mary Murphy, for accepting this proclamation on behalf of the ALS Association."
— Mayor Keith A. James
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WPB-TV
If you love animals and want to help those in shelters find forever homes, the folks at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League need your help! They're looking for pet foster parents, and you might just be a perfect fit.
Watch the Peggy Adams video.
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There were beautiful sights and sounds of Hawaii at the Mandel Public Library during the Hula Party event in KidSpace. A lesson on Hawaiian culture was followed by hula lessons, which kept both kids and moms on their feet!
Watch the Mandel Public Library's Hula Party video.
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The Commons: 5 Artists 5 Spaces: Endless Summer 2025
The City’s Public Art Program ArtLife launched its third iteration of The Commons, an initiative aimed at encouraging local artists to take their projects out of the art studio and into the public realm. Through a competitive process open to Palm Beach County artists, five multidisciplinary artists were selected to create temporary site-specific work throughout the City with the theme of Endless Summer.
Quimetta Perle
Quimetta Perle’s Let Me Bring You Something Beautiful is an original poem that's been transposed onto a series of eight textile works installed on the 4th floor of the Mandel Public Library.
“I have always thought of summer as a joyful time; and endless summer, despite its sometimes-intense heat, as paradise. Libraries provide opportunities for reading, learning, and not least of all, refuge.” — Quimetta Perle
Upcoming event with the artist at the Mandel Public Library: Fabric Collage Workshop for adults. | Saturday, November 8, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
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Mei O'Malley
Mei O'Malley’s immersive comic series, Endless Summer, vividly captures young adult characters exploring West Palm Beach while diving into summer reading books! This work is displayed in the Mandel Public Library's elevators and the 3rd floor.
Upcoming event with the artist at the Mandel Public Library: “Creating Characters” panel at this year's Mandel Fan Fest for all ages. | Saturday, May 24, from 3 – 4 p.m.
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Gregory Dirr
Gregory Dirr’s Canopy Realm is a garden fairy tale featuring fantastical flora, mischievous cats, and otherworldly creatures. It welcomes our youngest residents to explore this magical garden located in the City Hall Courtyard.
Upcoming events with the artist at the Mandel Public Library: Fantastical Sticker-Making Workshop for tweens. | Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
BAM (Books, Art, Music) Festival for kids and teens | April 11, 2026.
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Allan Creary
Allan Creary’s Endless Summer Pop invites the viewer to feel the City's summer energy in the Mandel Public Library's Urban Living Room.
Upcoming event with the artist at the Mandel Public Library: Pop Art Postcard Workshop for all ages. | Saturday, August 9, from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
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Milena Arango
Milena Arango’s immersive project Ocean Echoes at Jose Marti Park is inspired by nature and the surrounding waterways.
Upcoming event with the artist at the Mandel Public Library: Introductory Crochet Workshop for all ages. | Saturday, October 18, from 1 – 3 p.m.
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Collection Connection
Join the Art Adventure and pick-up your Collection Connection passport at the Mandel Public Library. Experience ART around the City with the New ArtLife map!
Complete and return your passport to Mandel Public Library by December 31, 2025, to receive a collector's enamel pin and enter to win an art-inspired prize package.
Email ArtLife@wpb.org for more information.
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Introducing "The CBN Big Three-OH!" — a month-long celebration happening every Thursday in June from 6 – 9 p.m. on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. We’re bringing the energy with FREE live music, food trucks, games, contests, prizes, and plenty of surprises as we honor three decades of good times and great tunes.
The first CBN in June will feature Uncle Morty's Rhythm Cream!
About the Band: Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream is a 10-piece R&B / Soul / Rock cover band working out of Gainesville, Florida. The band specializes in feel good party music with intricate, four-part harmonies punctuated by the popping sounds of a full horn section. Their set lists include hits from contemporary artists like Bruno Mars and Harry Styles, along with classic hits from Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, and more!
- June 5, 2025
- 6 – 9 p.m.
- Palm Beach Health Network Stage at the Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis Street
These family-friendly events are free to attend! For more information, visit wpb.org/events!
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* If you can't attend the final meeting, no worries! Fill out the survey to participate.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Fantasy Island
We are excited to invite you to the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Fantasy Island — a vibrant new culinary destination located at 325 N. Sapodilla Avenue in West Palm Beach! The event will take place on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. Fantasy Island is a pan-Caribbean restaurant that brings together the rich flavors of Haitian and Jamaican cuisines, with a special focus on fresh seafood. Led by Chef Fritz Jean-Louis and co-owner Nivia, who bring over 25 years of restaurant industry experience, this spacious new establishment offers 155 indoor and outdoor seats along with a full bar.
Join us as we celebrate this exciting addition to the Historic Northwest community, support local entrepreneurship, and enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of the Caribbean. No RSVP is required — we look forward to seeing you there!
Learn more about the CRA at wpb.org/CRA or contact the CRA team at CRA@wpb.org | (561) 822-1550.
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Staged Post-Storm Training
This week, the City of West Palm Beach prepared for hurricane season with an annual training exercise where staff participate in a staged post-storm recovery drill. Several City departments took part in the training, including Public Works, Utilities, Fire Rescue, and Parks and Rec!
During this year's simulation for "Hurricane Zeke," staff cleared out tons of debris and flood waters while navigating downed powerlines, hazardous conditions, and frustrated residents who violated safety protocols by entering the work zone.
The City is ready for the upcoming hurricane season — are you?
Watch the latest City Center Podcast episode for simple tips on how to stay safe during a storm!
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*Click the image above to watch the meeting!
Next City Commission Meeting
The next City Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, at 5 p.m. in City Hall, 401 Clematis Street. Commission meetings are held every other Monday, except for holidays, and the public is encouraged to attend.
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Submit Service Requests with the WPB Key Portal
Submitting a service request has never been easier — access City Hall right in the palm of your hands! Sign in online or download the app. *Accessible in Español, Kreyòl Ayisyen, and Português.
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CITY NEWS | STAY INFORMED
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SPEND TIME IN WEST PALM BEACH
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Upcoming City Events
Grassy Waters Preserve | 8264 Northlake Blvd.
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach | 411 Clematis St.
Office of Sustainability | Events & More
Participate in initiatives and events that reflect the City's mission to provide a healthy, equitable, environmentally progressive, resilient, and ecologically sustainable community for all!
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Questions? Contact us at (561) 822-2222 (TTY:800-955-8771)
City Directory
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