Downtown Master Plan heads to the Planning Board
Plus the Southdale Publix closing date, $2 on-demand electric rides, and the GreenMarket's return.
The Downtown Master Plan update, which would add as much as 6 million square feet of potential development downtown, goes before the city Planning Board today after clearing its first decision point over sustained resident objections.
The Downtown Action Committee voted 3-1 last week, after a five-hour meeting, to recommend the update, on the condition that the city's neighborhood partnership be heard when the plan reaches final consideration at the City Commission. The plan would add a maximum of about 6 million square feet to the 13.2 million square feet of potential development left under the current plan, a 45 percent increase, and would let residential developers provide a quarter fewer parking spaces than now required. Staff pulled the rules that would have allowed 25-story buildings along the Flagler Drive waterfront. The commission is scheduled to hear the plan Oct. 26, with final approval expected Jan. 18 if commissioners agree and a state agency signs off.
Southdale Publix closes Sept. 26 for complete rebuild
The Publix at 828 Southern Blvd. in the Southdale Shopping Center closes at 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 to be rebuilt, spokeswoman Lindsey Willis said. Associates will transfer to other Publix locations in the area, and the company has not offered a timeline for reopening. The nearest alternative is the Belmart Plaza store at 500 Belvedere Road, about 1.3 miles away; others are Greenwood Shopping Centre in Palm Springs (4.1 miles), Village Commons at 831 Village Blvd. (5.1 miles) and Crosstown Plaza at 2895 N. Military Trail (6.2 miles).
West Palm Move launches $2 on-demand electric rides today
On-demand service starts today at $2 a ride, requested and booked through the West Palm Move app, with a five-mile cap per trip to keep vehicles available for shorter runs. The fixed route went live Sept. 8 at $1, running north and south along Dixie Highway between the Norton Museum of Art and Northwood Village with no app required, riders board at marked stops and tap a card, phone or watch. Neither service accepts cash. Riders who need a wheelchair-accessible on-demand vehicle should call 561-264-0458 to set that up on their account rather than using an in-app toggle.
GreenMarket announces Oct. 3 kickoff for 32nd season
The GreenMarket returns Saturday, Oct. 3, at 100 N. Clematis St., running 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekly through May 22, 2027, closed Feb. 6 and March 20 for festivals. This season's theme is “The World, Right Here,” and new vendors include Ba Café, Arya Tea Bar, Macaroner, Sayblee Products and Truffle Smiles. The City Center, Clematis and Sapodilla garages are free during market hours.
Kravis Center hosts Hunger Action Day meal packaging
- When
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026 · 9–11:30 a.m.; noon–2:30 p.m.; 3–5 p.m
- Where
- Kravis Center
- Address
- 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Price
- Free
The Palm Beach County Food Bank's third annual Pack to Give Back aims to pack 300,000 meals at the Kravis Center today. Registration and parking are free, with no app or QR code needed; lunch is provided on the first two shifts, snacks on the third, and Sweet Justice ice cream is on site from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Organizers ask attendees to bring a jar or two of peanut butter for the food drive. Questions: 561-670-2518.