Riviera Beach formally reestablishes sister-city ties with Freeport, Bahamas

The Riviera Beach City Council voted to formally reestablish a sister‑city relationship with Freeport, Grand Bahama, endorsing a resolution that affirms cooperation on culture, economic development, tourism, governance, sustainability and emergency management. The measure (Resolution 62‑25) passed unanimously during the July 16 meeting.

City chief of staff Eric Rains recapped the May 18‑23 delegation visit, saying the group toured city facilities, met with public safety officials, and discussed trade ties, tourism and student exchanges. Rains said the city incurred $14,317.52 in expenses to host the delegation for hospitality, local events and meetings.

The resolution directs the city manager to coordinate a formal collaboration framework but does not commit recurring funding. City manager Jonathan Evans told council there is currently no fiscal impact tied to adopting the resolution; any budgetary effects would be discussed as part of the city’s upcoming budget process.

Council members asked how the city will measure results from the relationship. Evans replied that sister‑city activity commonly alternates visits year‑to‑year, that Riviera Beach would likely visit Freeport next year, and that staff will identify measurable outcomes to report during budget season. He said discussions with the Port of Palm Beach and the Community Redevelopment Agency had already identified potential tourism and trade opportunities.

Mayor Douglas Lawson and former mayor Bishop Masters presented the Freeport delegation with a proclamation and a ceremonial acknowledgement during the May visit, Rains said. The council’s resolution recognizes the delegation’s May visit and authorizes the manager to coordinate future exchanges.

The resolution passed with a roll‑call vote recorded by the clerk.