Riviera Beach inducts 17 new Youth Council members; council formalizes expansion to 17 seats

The Riviera Beach City Council unanimously approved a resolution to permanently expand the Riviera Beach Youth Council’s membership to 17 seats and then formally accepted and inducted the new class during Tuesday’s meeting.

Councilwoman Kesha Miller-Anderson explained the procedural change and the use of one alternate to preserve an odd number of voting members. “If we have an even number up to maybe 16, one person will be designated as an alternate,” she said, summarizing the amended process.

Seventeen applicants briefly introduced themselves and described their priorities. Reese Cabalero, a senior vocal major at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, said the council taught “the importance of collaboration and civic engagement.” Several members highlighted ongoing Youth Council work including a vaping-prevention campaign and advocacy for e-bike safety and improved youth mental-health resources.

After council members moved and seconded a motion to accept the slate, the mayor administered an oath committing members to leadership, service and respect for Sunshine Law restrictions. The council scheduled orientation and a July meeting to begin the new term’s work.

Council praised the inaugural cohort’s previous civic activities and said the program is intended to build a pipeline of future city leaders. “These are going to be our future city managers, our future mayors, chairs and leaders that push this community forward,” the chair said as inductees took the oath.

Staff will follow up with orientation dates and programming details.