Residents urge council to protect public boat access and slow development

During the public‑comment period, three longtime Jupiter residents urged the town to prioritize public access to the waterfront and to reconsider the pace and scale of development.

Joe Spano, who said he has lived in Jupiter for about 50 years, told the council the town is changing and urged officials to preserve public spaces. “We don't need a CVS on every corner,” Spano said, arguing that the town should acquire Sunny Sands and create public recreation instead of permitting more commercial development.

Christie Panello, owner and operator of Jupiter Inlet Boat Rentals at Yutiki Marina, told council members her family business provides the only public boat rental service in town and that recent events threaten that access. “When the bridge went down, we right off the bat lost 40% of our business...our landlord doubled our rent to $250,000 a year,” Panello said, adding that she has two weeks to find a new location and that there are few commercial docks that can accommodate a fleet. She asked whether a public–private partnership or assistance from the town or CRA could help preserve public rental access.

Captain Pete Leo, a 53‑year resident and former Palm Beach County lifeguard, asked the council to consider a resolution supporting development of an affordable town dock and marina, suggesting potential sites such as Burt Reynolds Docks and Ramps, Sunny Sands, or Sawfish Bay.

Councilmembers thanked the speakers, asked staff to follow up with Panello about possible public‑private solutions, and acknowledged that boat access and maritime tourism are priorities to investigate further. No formal council action was taken during the public comment period; staff said public comments would be referred to appropriate departments for follow‑up.