Public speakers urge West Palm Beach to find solution for JetRide after city attorney cites state lease limits
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Summary
Multiple residents and JetRide representatives urged the city to allow JetRide boat club use at downtown public docks; City Attorney said the city's submerged‑lands lease with the state requires free, first‑come, first‑served dockage and that a membership program occupying slips would violate the lease.
Scores of residents and JetRide representatives used the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on May 12 to ask the city to let JetRide continue operating from downtown public docks, saying the membership boat‑club expands public access to the water.
Founder and CEO Travis Zalesco and employees told the CRA and commissioners that JetRide — founded in West Palm Beach in 2017 — has provided thousands of trips and made boating more accessible for teachers, nurses and retirees who otherwise would not own boats. Several speakers, including members and employees, described JetRide as a community amenity and said removing its downtown location would limit access for locals. Several speakers cited petitions and membership support.
During the public‑comment period, City Attorney Rothenberg said the city does not and never has had a contract with JetRide for exclusive use of the public docks. She told the board the city’s lease of submerged land from the state requires that dockage be provided free to the general public on a first‑come, first‑served basis and that a membership program occupying slips would violate the state lease. Rothenberg said continued use by JetRide in the current manner “violates our lease with the state,” which is why the city asked JetRide to cease that use.
Speakers asked for a path forward and urged city leaders to explore legal or operational alternatives that would allow JetRide to remain downtown. Evan Bell, a JetRide employee, asked for “an open line of communication” with the city. Founder Travis Zalesco said, “We’re here to ask for a conversation and a path forward.” Several speakers described personal and economic benefits from JetRide’s downtown presence, saying members frequently patronize nearby businesses.
Commissioner Fox asked that Rothenberg’s explanation be made part of the public record; Rothenberg reiterated that the city must comply with the terms of its submerged‑lands lease to maintain rent‑free dock rights and avoid state penalties. The CRA did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; staff and commissioners said they will continue to explore options and directed members of the public to contact Parks and Recreation and the city attorney’s office for follow‑up.
The City’s Parks & Recreation director and the city attorney’s office were present for follow‑up conversations; the CRA adjourned after the public‑comment period.
