Council approves first reading to prohibit most commercial activity in town parks

The Lantana Town Council on Jan. 26 approved on first reading Ordinance No. 01-2026, which adds a section to the town code to prohibit most commercial activity within town parks. The motion to approve first reading passed unanimously, 5-0.

Max, who read the ordinance title and summary for the council, said the change responds to a “significant uptick in commercial activity” at Bicentennial Park and Sportsman’s Park that has included semi‑trucks and commercial vessels accessing park seawalls and parking. He said the ordinance would give law enforcement clearer authority and that commercial activity “is strictly prohibited within and or upon all town parks,” while allowing written exceptions for town functions or if the town manager authorizes a permit.

Council members asked for clarification that routine local fishing or small vendor activity was not the target; one councilor noted the intent was to curtail large commercial uses such as construction haulers and tour-boat operations rather than small‑scale local fishermen who use the parks early in the morning. The ordinance permits town-manager-approved activity and authorizes the manager to set a permit fee for exceptions.

The measure now moves forward with standard second-reading procedures; the council approved first reading 5-0. Staff noted enforcement would be handled administratively and directed staff to continue refining permit language and enforcement tools.