The 25-story waterfront proposal is off the table
A major downtown plan changed, West Palm Move is nearing launch, and Swamp Tromp requires reservations.
West Palm has removed its tallest waterfront allowances from the downtown growth plan. A new electric transit service is nearing launch, and four street segments close for an event Saturday.
West Palm Beach has withdrawn a proposal that could have allowed 25-story buildings along the waterfront from Datura Street to Lakeview Avenue. The idea appeared in an early draft of the city's first major Downtown Master Plan update in nearly 20 years. It drew months of public pushback over height, traffic and the waterfront's future.
The revised plan also removes incentives for taller waterfront construction. A separate idea for buildings up to 12 stories between Banyan Boulevard and Datura Street was scrapped too. The Downtown Action Committee reviews the plan Wednesday, September 9. The Planning Board follows September 15, then the City Commission October 26. If a state agency approves the zoning changes, final City Commission approval is scheduled for January 18.
West Palm Move is almost ready to roll
West Palm Move is getting close to launch, with seven bright-orange electric vehicles now in testing. The first fixed route will run north and south on Dixie Highway, linking Northwood with the Norton Museum area. Riders will be able to track vehicles online.
The fare will be $1, with riders waiting no more than 10 minutes at a stop. A citywide on-demand service east of I-95 is also planned by the end of September at $2 a ride. The fixed-route service is expected to soft-launch next week and be fully operational by October. An east-west fixed route is planned for next year.
BBQ Brews and Blues closes four street segments Saturday
Rosemary Avenue closes between 6th and 9th Streets from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday for BBQ, Brews and Blues. The closure also reaches 7th Street from Rosemary to Sapodilla, 8th Street from Rosemary to Henrietta and Henrietta from a private parking lot to 9th Street.
Clematis by Night closures return Thursday, September 10 on North and South Clematis streets and Lantana Avenue. The September 12 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K will close portions of 4th Street, 5th Street, North Olive Avenue and North Flagler Drive.
West Palm's police cameras stay put
The Florida Department of Transportation is ordering Flock cameras and similar automated license-plate readers off state roads, but West Palm Beach's police camera network is not part of that removal. FDOT revoked existing permits, stopped approving new state-road requests and gave affected agencies 30 days to remove covered systems.
The city's separate system uses closed-circuit television cameras around local streets and neighborhoods. West Palm expanded the program in May with a grant for eligible commercial and non-residential properties. The City Commission approved $120,000 for cameras at businesses in targeted neighborhoods.
Swamp Tromp requires reservations at Grassy Waters
- When
- Saturday, September 5 · 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Where
- Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center
- Address
- 8264 Northlake Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33412
- Price
- $10/adult, $5/child
Grassy Waters Preserve's Swamp Tromp is built for people who do not mind getting wet. The guided hike uses a rugged cypress-swamp trail with vegetation, obstacles and water that can reach knee depth. Participants must be at least 8, children need a participating adult, and reservations are required because space is limited. Call the Nature Center at 561-804-4985 before heading over; the program asks guests to check in 15 minutes early and wear closed-toe shoes that can handle mud. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.
Sunday afternoon comes with free bingo
- When
- Sunday, September 6 · 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Where
- Loading Dock
- Address
- 1401 Clare Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Price
- Free
Brunch & Bingo starts its weekly run Sunday at the Loading Dock, 1401 Clare Avenue. The game is family-friendly and free, with vendor prizes and themed music that changes each week. Good As Gold Events is hosting the series, which runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays through February. Bottomless mimosas are available at the bar. The contact number is 561-398-2481. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.