Residents report unsafe watercraft in swim zone and raise concern over unpermitted dock; council says issue being pursued

Several Lantana residents used the public‑comment period at the June 22 meeting to report safety and enforcement concerns about watercraft in town swimming areas and about an allegedly unpermitted dock installed across the water in South Palm Beach.

Robert Conklin reported that on June 21 a marked Manalapan watercraft entered the town’s swimming, surfing and snorkeling buoys and performed "really crazy maneuvers" inside the swimming area, creating a safety risk for families and snorkelers. "There were snorkelers in the water — there's families there, and it's just a safety issue," Conklin said. Council members asked for the date and time and said staff would follow up.

A staff representative told the council the town had been in contact with Manalapan and that the Manalapan police chief had assured Lantana officials he was addressing the incident and that it would not recur.

Separately, residents Lisette Schabani and Terry Sharavani said they believe a condo in South Palm Beach was issued a permit in error to construct a dock, then was notified that the permit was canceled; they say the dock nevertheless was built and that the town must enforce its rules to avoid setting precedent. "If you want anybody to take you seriously, the dock has to be removed," Schabani said. Sharavani warned of environmental impacts from barge removal and reinstallation and urged the town to balance enforcement with community character.

Council and staff said they were aware of the dock situation and continuing to seek information; staff asked residents to submit documentation and the town said it would pursue the best administrative resolution.

Next steps: Staff said it had contacted Manalapan officials and is gathering documents related to the dock permit and notice of violation; the council asked staff to continue pursuing a resolution and to report back to the council.