[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6163220,"mediaKeyId","5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0","parentId",5436385,"title","Commissioners announce North Lake Boulevard closure, Styx Promenade opening and seawall repairs","audioSeconds",496,"startMs",3905000,"endMs",4401000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0&start=3905&end=4401","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0/thumbnail_3905000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6163220/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Commissioners-announce-North-Lake-Boulevard-closure-Styx-Promenade-opening-and-seawall-repairs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163220-bd93b6993fcfe870b6c765e2598b6af8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144854&Signature=oekWj0RvQIIaNNQcw~ZQrlt08E9-dD4wi286nY0dBcKvFvKMFggPKBF9Dl-ezwwK7YHbmCnTUpqoP~w4K5WdbeysNQAOMPa7aVi6oKU0XuEZVvOOO939Zz-rTa4ZPqHadUOgfhX0QytRKiR1Ow29Z1KF5KJf~6zw1wwvcuyFu-Lk1FDlz4n3aHVONs13TK0jt2v8HVjzyj~JC1EWR3D~TX9u5Z6NHBJpKno29pGN8aH1qrORaYI4uqZiqJhp0T8tJEgT1spYkRCp1VcccqdJDOFCT52V0gb7OXoxHkFQv4nw0xfOQXnqX7JLwR9yVsyF31QcE0xKhwoRMhXAv0QrPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of West Palm Beach, FL","date","2025-07-21T20:49:08Z","article","Commissioners used the July 21 meeting to provide a series of community notices affecting travel, neighborhood initiatives and city maintenance.

North Lake Boulevard closure: Commissioner Peduzzi told residents west of the CSX tracks to expect a full closure of North Lake Boulevard at the Beeline starting in early August for an operation the city described as an emergency repair. \"Please don't even try to drive east on Northlake Boulevard from August 1 through the eighth,\" Peduzzi said, adding that the initial plan did not include emergency vehicle access but that county and city officials successfully secured 24/7 emergency access. He said CSX reported track compromise and that the closure is intended to avoid a potential derailment.

Seawall repairs and schedule: Commission President Lambert updated residents that the city has been repairing nearly 20 damaged locations along the South Flagler seawall and has scheduled additional work for the next fiscal year along the stretch between Plymouth Road and Murray Road. She said the city plans a comprehensive seawall study to guide longer-term repairs.

Styx Promenade opening and community recognition: Commissioners also announced the official Styx Promenade grand opening event set for Friday, August 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting at 6:30 p.m. President Lambert and Commissioner Fox described the project as a $2.6 million effort restoring historic structures to house six minority-owned small businesses. Lambert also noted the Clean Streets Task Force earned a 2024 Keep America Beautiful Innovation Award and encouraged residents to report issues via the WPB Key app.

How residents will be affected: The North Lake Boulevard closure will require residents who live west of the tracks to use alternate routes for entry and exit during the closure window; emergency vehicles will be provided access. Seawall repair work will proceed in identified sections and may include temporary traffic or access impacts as construction is scheduled.

Ending: Commissioners urged residents to attend the upcoming budget workshops and to use city reporting tools for neighborhood issues; no formal commission actions were taken on these items at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting - July 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners used the meeting to announce a planned full closure of North Lake Boulevard at the Beeline in August for emergency track repairs, the August 1 grand opening of the Styx Promenade small-business project, and ongoing seawall repairs and a comprehensive seawall study for South Flagler.","taxTitle","West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",4250,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163224,"Commission adopts ordinance tightening enforcement on oversized vehicles in residential neighborhoods",101,2059000,2160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0&start=2059&end=2160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0/thumbnail_2059000.jpg","/articles/6163224/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Commission-adopts-ordinance-tightening-enforcement-on-oversized-vehicles-in-residential-neighborhoods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163224-77b4e09fe8921936d42457ffd2af02c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144854&Signature=egaKV6fWE9ckVDIMQblXC4QR5qvoWOp-3ZfpWdMnPtImzjsp0IEi5dmz29~0tUd2OyUbjEK5bq2I~JMw4r3n67HTOoRp67GjmUoS-IUML3WpXWXS~3gRrdljvSamApJPNpTxeaXBrzmJSHBPemWaH1AvhxK3szkRbR5TxEZvGzUjD~ERm0DUNNWsaVqgiYPnmYyXWdlAOmnRLanRaXALJT7ill~QZAhUb7bC07u8pR2EmzohdcGIoTv8rbINuKKnyX1YL4Kpzru6EPoUnOeddW-herhlJfyqg3sfu80aQIiu4ZUQvn5lGJIBVzS0ZeNa6iFzOjyP78zwHaB-lXto6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Palm Beach City Commission on July 21 adopted Ordinance 5136-25 on second reading, amending Chapter 86 (Traffic and Parking) of the city code to add definitions and streamline enforcement of parking violations involving oversized vehicles in residential districts. Armando Fano, assistant city administrator, told commissioners there had been \"no changes since the first reading.\" The commission voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.

Why this matters: The ordinance revises definitions and enforcement provisions in the city’s traffic and parking code to give staff clearer authority to address oversized-vehicle parking within residential areas. The change was framed by staff as a response to neighborhood concerns about large vehicle parking and its impacts on safety and livability.

What the commission did: President Lambert moved approval of Ordinance 5136-25, the motion was seconded and the ordinance was read on second reading by the city clerk. The vote was recorded as unanimous \"aye,\" and the ordinance will be codified as amended.

Ending: The ordinance includes severability and codification clauses and updates penalty language. No public testimony or amendments were recorded during the second-reading hearing; implementation will follow through the city’s enforcement processes.","The commission adopted Ordinance 5136-25 on second reading to amend chapter 86 of the City Code, adding definitions and streamlining enforcement of parking violations involving oversized vehicles in residential districts; the ordinance passed unanimously at second reading.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163230,"Resident urges investigation into code enforcement leadership, alleges retaliation and high turnover",666,3003000,3669000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0&start=3003&end=3669","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0/thumbnail_3003000.jpg","/articles/6163230/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Resident-urges-investigation-into-code-enforcement-leadership-alleges-retaliation-and-high-turnover","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163230-05ffed882350a0e6e5ccd853efde8731/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144854&Signature=m2OnxqooPgxbjaegke1KzhBXJD51Y8xVDGMqY4hToUoe-pz0caMcpNUF7Qu85RgHC6wTVd3XsnaiLuEB9kgtw-Mhxfi63VpXCn1c5LP8np-6Rf~~z35Dn78sFgisrL0uie7k-ADf4H2mc3JlxjLiPhEEgID9-Ty~w6Klz53G7Ljcu8gBRVpoLaLgjNTb7Z59uX-M-gx~0NYtv7PIJebrArbAt110A52cjXZxs1Z2JzkfKnu6KiL4zsdI1nOoF2wKXVDf-8pOL4RBzQ6VrQUazxZl9s-uC2FkL1Q~Fb6smjLS93fqj-PaSP7adsBUG-tJCUqjxSVMjVczKtCxe0cn0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Danielle Underwood, speaking during public comment on July 21, urged the commission to order an independent investigation into leadership and operations in the Housing and Community Development department’s code enforcement unit. \"They are here for the collective demand for immediate and decisive action regarding the utterly unacceptable operational environment and leadership within the code department,\" Underwood said, citing recent retirements, resignations and what she described as retaliatory behavior toward long‑standing staff.

Why this matters: The complaint alleges losses of institutional knowledge and reduced department effectiveness tied to leadership practices. Underwood told commissioners a 25‑year employee was forced to retire and that new hires have rapidly left, including a recently hired retired police officer who she said lasted two months.

What callers asked for: Underwood called for an immediate, comprehensive and impartial investigation into operational practices, leadership style and the department’s retention problems. She said the situation had \"profoundly negative impacts on the department's efficiency and the employee's well‑being\" and asked the commission to intervene.

Commission and administration response: Commissioners acknowledged receipt of the comments. The mayor and city administrator responded that personnel matters are handled at the administrative level and that a public workshop on personnel issues would not be held. The mayor told commissioners and the speaker, \"It's a personnel matter, so we won't be having a public workshop. If you have any questions you can certainly continue to direct them to the city administrator.\" The city administrator and commission president were identified as points of contact for follow-up.

Action requested and next steps: The speaker requested a formal investigation; the commission did not take a vote or issue a formal directive in the meeting minutes. Commissioners suggested transferring questions to the city administrator for administrative response. No administrative report, timeline or investigation order was recorded on the public record during the meeting.

Ending: The commission heard the complaint during public comment and accepted it into the record; resolution of the matter was left to administrative channels rather than to a public commission process.","A resident addressed the commission during public comment asking for an impartial investigation into the Housing and Community Development code enforcement unit, alleging retaliation, mismanagement, staff departures and a toxic work environment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163235,"Commission approves amended special-use permit for 200‑foot private dock at 7405 South Flagler Drive",369,2299000,2668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0&start=2299&end=2668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0/thumbnail_2299000.jpg","/articles/6163235/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Commission-approves-amended-special-use-permit-for-200foot-private-dock-at-7405-South-Flagler-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163235-e81c8df569a2f674aaef64b2a441c9e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144854&Signature=OaGBx4QCnkzXpYTfs1RaHepkZJRifOMxokmZIqlfQ72q6cv4x8AtgyNPmSCTx5sYu5ruqpHxkKJl1f~lfWia9~uPFH6gzH3l80qDgFZxoJYtD5hehJ9EP88mQbaY3XoKjhOIoU-vtOOqydFJV7b5aZDtamHexwoRNouYNNTKePNXDVUZDKeStOmGMx2yIMU2VBLXDknjA0IwX0cgq-X73vGhRrZ3cNQOFNZANFQpy0UrQ75pqy2VZ9-9qyB~qRoQrvV3ydSglXsRC388aM~j4txQif4Nld12x4B6XgF3-MS5-d11kKRmodX2ZBm6rNR46vq9SS4YrC5mZBlDtDL8tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously approved Resolution 141-25 on July 21 to amend a previously approved Class A special-use permit and allow construction of a 200-foot private dock with two boat lifts at 7405 South Flagler Drive. \"We are in compliance with all of the standards of code compliance, the general use standards, the specific use standards, and most importantly, the dock standards with the exception of the length,\" applicant Brian Chekis said during his presentation, noting he had required FDEP and ACOE permits for the plan.

Why this matters: The property is in a single-family low-density zoning district north of Summa Street. The applicant said local bathymetrics are shallow close to shore and deepen further out; the proposed length matches adjacent docks and is intended to permit docking of commonly used 30–35-foot vessels in that area. Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval with two conditions: no advertising from the dock and a requirement to return to the city for any major future modifications.

What the commission heard: Brian Chekis of iPlan and Design LLC said the site was purchased in 2024 and that an earlier longer dock had previously been approved but never constructed. He told commissioners the dock’s first 40 feet would extend over land before reaching water and that the final design orients the lifts perpendicular to shore to reduce visual impact. Senior planner Louis Denny told commissioners staff had \"no objections\" and reiterated the required conditions. Commissioner discussion confirmed the requested extension would not bar neighbors from pursuing their own dock requests and that no public comments were received in the period between agenda publication and the hearing.

Formal action: Commissioner [moved for] approval of Resolution 141-25 based on the application, staff report, planning board recommendation and code findings. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously, recorded as \"aye\" by all commissioners present. The approval implements two staff conditions: (1) no advertising on the dock and (2) return to the commission for any major modifications.

Background and context: The applicant said several nearby docks range from about 125 to 191 feet and that the requested extension is driven by underwater conditions specific to the Summa Beach area. The planning board recommended approval in March by a unanimous vote. The permit amendment replaces an earlier approval that had not been constructed.

Ending: The applicant may proceed with construction after satisfying the listed conditions and the local building, FDEP and ACOE permitting requirements; the commission’s action was the final local land-use approval recorded in the meeting.","The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously approved a Class A special-use permit to extend a private residential dock to 200 feet with two boat lifts at 7405 South Flagler Drive after staff and the planning board recommended approval with two conditions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163240,"State lawmakers brief West Palm Beach on 2025 budget, tax proposals and local appropriations",965,283000,1248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0&start=283&end=1248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436385-da7b66ef5ac2bcb6ff01e73c0344f6f0/thumbnail_283000.jpg","/articles/6163240/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/State-lawmakers-brief-West-Palm-Beach-on-2025-budget-tax-proposals-and-local-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163240-3f8dc06c147fa1dc54e4cdf3df22a108/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144854&Signature=MeRzb~au7QL-pUwVjjw7DxlecnZJk1Lp4l3gBbCOTwIvNa27WV0KFZPdHjcPcuCqLYLtAcDdZZYJi6yYOUDB~9bEgDQIvtugp~tIFcO2WrmNIFUDSRTmuAZ59RuOlgizmrqzTGQaCvaNjb7sKM4kMij3ufUACWPlm8UYHR7K-ipU2PtDIMsnFO029Lex4Ob8v0uxd0WqPsP3ji91lwu0n-15ONiv5Xk467iYFbNT7Wp4gQzVFlMteNbCcPMD5peD2LJI44OC6PKxqw8W0LPYwsxzlWxbyq-jkbE4osbyl~6Ah1KSXrabOp3-331DtSNAiJXJAAS20aLIJW1D1-tlJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Florida State Representative Javonte Edmonds and State Senator Mac Bernard gave a joint update to the West Palm Beach City Commission on July 21 about the 2025 Florida legislative session, recapitalizing state budget decisions, bills of local interest, and appropriations affecting West Palm Beach. \"We passed a record breaking budget of a $117,000,000,000,\" Representative Javonte Edmonds told the commission. He urged local leaders to track several tax packages and property-tax proposals likely to return in the next session.

The session and why it matters: The lawmakers said the 2025 session ran longer than usual and centered on a tax package that produced a multibillion-dollar compromise and changes affecting business taxes and local funding. \"We put about $15,000,000,000 away in reserves,\" Edmonds said, and he flagged that the state will need to manage revenue reductions tied to proposed property-tax changes and the gradual elimination of the business rent tax. Senator Bernard added that he expects property-tax reform to again be a primary issue in the next legislative cycle.

Local appropriations and vetoes: Bernard summarized final appropriations and vetoes that affect West Palm Beach. \"We ended up getting $15,000,000 for District 24,\" he said, and he broke that allocation into multiple city projects. The commission and the legislators listed projects funded in the enacted budget and those the governor later vetoed: funded items include more than $9 million for West Palm Beach projects, including an allocation for the Fern Street Crossing (about $3 million), $1,000,000 for the Cox Science Center and Aquarium expansion, $600,000 for YMCA of the Palm Beaches commute center, and $853,999 for Roosevelt Elementary enhancements (the governor vetoed $21,000 of that amount). The downtown traffic organization upgrade Phase 2 received $1,500,000 and an item listed as PBAU received $2,000,000 in the budget as described in the update. The county Australian Avenue project and the city’s digital-twin public-safety project were among items the governor vetoed; Senator Bernard said the team will seek remedies and revisit those requests.

Policy highlights discussed: Edmonds and Bernard summarized other session outcomes and bills of local interest: Edmonds described a proposal to allow renters to use a universal credit report (not enacted this year), theMy Safe Florida Home grant program (a $10,000 homeowner grant Edmonds said would reopen August 4) and a My Safe Florida Home condo pilot (a $275,000 pilot for condo associations that began July 1). On education, Edmonds said K–8 schools will ban cellphones statewide with a pilot for high school exemptions and that school districts will be allowed to set exemptions for students who are caretakers or have health conditions; he also noted a requirement passed this session that every school have an automated external defibrillator (AED).

On insurance, Edmonds said substantial reforms did not pass this year but mentioned proposals that did not reach final approval, including protections against insurer nonrenewals immediately after hurricanes. Bernard described three bills he filed that became law this session (three signed, one vetoed by the governor) and noted the governor vetoed one parole-related bill he had sponsored. Bernard also described a successful claim bill (Jacob Rogers) that provided a $10,800,000 award to an injured person.

Regulatory timing and permitting: Edmonds pointed to Senate Bill 1080 (as described during the update) that sets timelines for local review of applications for variances or rezoning — notifying receipt within five days, 30 days for initial completeness review and 180 days to approve or deny — and warned some rural jurisdictions may be challenged to meet those timelines.

Next steps and local asks: Both lawmakers asked the commission and city staff to continue advocacy in Tallahassee, particularly on property-tax proposals they said will dominate the next session. \"Really the discussion will be about property taxes,\" Senator Bernard said. They encouraged city leaders to continue to make the case for local needs and to work with the city's lobbying team to preserve home-rule interests.

What the commission said: Commissioners thanked the legislators for bringing funding and expressed concern about ongoing property-tax proposals and potential impacts to municipal budgets and public safety funding. Several commissioners also asked the legislators to continue defending community redevelopment authorities and other local mechanisms the city uses for redevelopment financing.

Ending: Edmonds and Bernard said they will return to Tallahassee to press for funding on vetoed projects and to continue work on property-tax and insurance reforms. No formal commission action resulted from the update; it was received as an informational legislative report to the commission.","Florida Rep. Javonte Edmonds and Sen. Mac Bernard updated the city commission on the 2025 legislative session, discussing the state budget, pending property-tax proposals, insurance and housing programs and listing local projects that received appropriations and those vetoed by the governor.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners announce North Lake Boulevard closure, Styx Promenade opening and seawall repairs

Commission adopts ordinance tightening enforcement on oversized vehicles in residential neighborhoods

Resident urges investigation into code enforcement leadership, alleges retaliation and high turnover

Commission approves amended special-use permit for 200‑foot private dock at 7405 South Flagler Drive

State lawmakers brief West Palm Beach on 2025 budget, tax proposals and local appropriations