In a recent government meeting, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the adoption of the Port of Palm Beach Master Plan Update, following a public hearing that highlighted the importance of ongoing communication between the county and the port. The plan, which was initially adopted in September 2023, is now incorporated into the county's comprehensive plan, ensuring alignment with state requirements.

Gerald Ward, a long-time engineer and former port employee, presented several recommendations aimed at enhancing the port's operations and environmental impact. His suggestions included implementing federal appropriations for navigational safety improvements, exploring electrification of container operations, and considering the county's potential takeover of the port's management, similar to a previous action taken with the South Lake Worth Inlet.

The board expressed support for Ward's recommendations, emphasizing the need for staff to review and report back on these proposals. While the motion to adopt the master plan did not formally include Ward's suggestions, there was a consensus that they should be part of the record and considered in future discussions.

Additionally, the Westgate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) presented a request for an additional 3,000 housing units to address current and future demands. The CRA, which has already utilized a portion of the 1,300 bonus units granted in 2005, aims to accommodate ongoing redevelopment efforts over the next two decades. The board acknowledged the CRA's existing infrastructure capabilities and the necessity for these additional units to support community growth.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration between the county and the port, as well as a focus on addressing housing needs within the Westgate area.