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CRA says Winter in Paradise drew about 1,500 people to Heart and Soul Park
Summary
City staff presented a recap of the Dec. 6, 2024 Winter in Paradise event in the Historic Northwest, describing attendance, marketing reach and follow-up goals for neighborhood redevelopment and cultural tourism.
Ansley Lacey, a CRA presenter, told the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on Jan. 6 that Winter in Paradise, held Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heart and Soul Park in the Historic Northwest, drew an estimated 1,500 attendees and was intended to share information about CRA programs and redevelopment efforts.
Lacey said the event supported five goals in the CRA strategic finance plan: protecting the neighborhood's historic fabric, promoting redevelopment of the Tamarind mixed-use area, restoring the Sunset Lounge and Heart and Soul Park, promoting cultural tourism and improving neighborhood image and safety. "This will be a really quick recap presentation," Lacey said as she opened the report and later noted the event was publicized on the mayor's newsletter to about 36,000 recipients.
Staff described a rebrand and new website used to attract a broader audience, direct mailings to the 33401 ZIP code and physical window clings placed in local businesses. The presentation credited photographer Michelle Appreese for event photos and listed performances by Faith Place (drumline), UBKenzie, Palm View Elementary and the Palm Beach Lakes marching band. Free food was provided by TNT Cuisine through a partnership with the Historic Northwest Business Alliance and the CRA, and vendors participated in an artisan market.
Rose Trolley tracking provided by "Tanya" showed 178 rides to the event, with many riders coming from nearby neighborhoods and some using parking garages; staff used surveys at the CRA tent to collect demographic and feedback data. Lacey said survey respondents skewed toward people in their 30s, and that a substantial share were first-time visitors to the Historic Northwest; many respondents cited location and lack of awareness as reasons they did not visit more often.
Commissioners and the mayor praised the event. Mayor (not specified) said it was gratifying to see Heart and Soul Park active and noted the presence of the African American Mayors Association. Commissioner Fox called it "such an outstanding event" and thanked staff and small-business participants. Commissioners asked staff to apply lessons learned to future promotion and community outreach.
Staff closed by thanking volunteers, partners and the CRA team and said they will continue to evolve event promotion and track attendance for future planning.
