West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio

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October 15, 2017

An Open Letter from Mayor Muoio:

Come to Flagler Shore!

After eight meetings in six neighborhoods during Gehl study research, West Palm Beach residents voiced that the waterfront along Flagler Drive is what they like most about our City. However, despite this, an alarmingly small number of people actually use the waterfront: 91 people per hour, according to Gehl's pedestrian counts.

This information as well as similar findings from the Jeff Speck walkability study and Shore-to-Core study are key to the City's decision to implement Flagler Shore, an innovative pilot project designed to learn how we can make our waterfront better so that everyone can enjoy it. 

Coordinated by the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the five month project aims to create a more dynamic waterfront by repurposing two lanes on Flagler Drive from Lakeview Avenue to Banyan Boulevard to expand the waterfront public space for pedestrians, bicyclists, and merchants as well as allow for additional programming. 

By prioritizing a waterfront built for people, we can build a waterfront with a better sense of place and make it a place where everyone wants to be.  

As a first step toward creating a Flagler Drive that looks and feels less like a highway, we conducted the temporary lane elimination. Flagler Drive was built to accomodate up to 44,000 trips per day. However, only 8,000 cars per day actually drive it. 

To create a more inviting space, we installed bistro tables and moveable seating that provide more places to sit and empower folks to chase shade. These have already been used by friends, families and neighbors to enjoy good food and conversation along the waterfront.

The DDA is also activating the space with a robust programming series. A food trucks lunch event last Wednesday, which was very well attended, shows that people can and will enjoy our waterfront even more if given more reasons. Again, that's the idea behind Flagler Shore.

Flagler Shore is a pilot project and, therefore, will remain a work-in-progress through March. Staff are observing the project on a daily basis and making improvements to the current design and aesthetics. Flagler Shore's success hinges on not only the vision and creativity of staff but also feedback and input from you. Email us at flaglershore@wpb.org to tell us what you like about the space or what we could do differently. Our waterfront is a space for everyone to enjoy, and so everyone should have a voice in Flagler Shore.

At Tuesday's City Commission meeting, Commissioners demonstrated that they believe in the project's merit and potential by unanimously voting to approve an interlocal agreement among the City, the CRA and DDA for the Flagler Shore project.

Come out and try it! Share with us your feedback, and join us in working together to develop a shared vision for Flagler Shore.

Sincerely,

Jeri Muoio

Mayor

What’s in Store at FLAGLER SHORE?

Residents and visitors can enjoy numerous events and activities on West Palm Beach’s expanded waterfront

Flagler Shore is open on the downtown waterfront with a number of events and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy in the expanded public space. The City encourages the public to explore the temporary changes on Flagler Drive, attend events and activities planned for the next five months, and provide feedback of their experiences. 

Below is a preliminary listing of events and activities planned along the expanded Flagler Shore waterfront:

Coffee Outside

Mondays (Now – February 26)

7:00 to 8:00 AM

Meet at Centennial Fountain

Free

Co-Hosts: BikeWPB & Flagler Shore Peloton

Coffee and bikes go hand in hand. Break out of the Monday blues, perk up and explore our Downtown all before going into work! Meet at the Centennial Fountain at 6:50 a.m. and begin an easy bike ride to a secret location starting at 7:00 a.m. Each Monday will take you to a new location. Make your brew on the spot or b.y.o.b. (bring your own brew) - think camping out in the city. Morning ride will conclude at 8 a.m.

What you need to know:

• Bikes are required for ride
• Reusable coffee cups are preferred
• Brew and/or enjoy coffee
• Make new friends

Lunch on the Shore

Wednesdays (Now – February 28)

12:00 to 2:00 PM

Across from 501 S Flagler Drive

Free

Co-Host: Gourmet Truck Expo

No lunch plans. No problem! Invite your friends and co-workers to Flagler Shore every Wednesday for "Lunch on the Shore". Bring your own lunch or pre-order food from our downtown restaurants to have it delivered at Flagler Shore through Delivery Dudes, Cravy and UberEats. There will also be food trucks on the south end, located at 501 S. Flagler, for you to sample from.

Pedal/Run/Walk with Purpose

Last Wednesday of every month (Oct 25, Nov 29, Dec 27, Jan 31, Feb 28)

6:00 to 9:00 PM

Meet at Datura & Flagler Intersection (Across from E. R. Bradley’s Saloon)

Free

Co-Hosts: Bike WPB & Flagler Shore Peloton

Come out and enjoy the evening after work on the last Wednesday of the month. Need a quick workout? Bring your running shoes or bike to meet up with friends and community members. Not an athlete, not a problem! Enjoy a nice stroll through Flagler Shore and enjoy the food truck line up.  There’s fun in store each time on this themed bike ride, runs and walks.

Meetup will take place at 6:00 p.m. and ride will commence at 6:10 p.m. to a secret location. Scenic ride through Downtown West Palm Beach will conclude at 7:00 p.m. on Flagler Shore where attendees can enjoy food trucks, music, or simply stay and relax with everyone on the Shore.

Upcoming Rides:

• Oct 25 - Pumpkin Walk, Run & Ride
• Nov 29 - Early Santa Walk, Run & Ride
• Dec 27 - Lantern Walk, Run & Ride
• Jan 31 - Love Walk, Run & Ride
• Feb 28 - Run of the Bulls

Food Trucks @ The Shore

Last Wednesday of every month (Oct 25, Nov 29, Dec 27, Jan 31, Feb 28)

6:00 to 9:00 PM

Meet at Datura & Flagler Intersection

Co-Host: Gourmet Truck Expo

Enjoy a flavorful night in Downtown WPB and indulge in fusion cuisine, comfort foods and sweet treats from 15 – 20 of the best food trucks in town.  

Flagler Shore Bike Valet

Saturdays

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Downtown Waterfront (across from the Green Lawn)

Free

Co-Hosts: BikeWPB & ConnectWPB

Start your Saturday's with a healthy ride through Flagler Shore and enjoy the West Palm Beach GreenMarket. No need to hold your wheels while shopping around. Ride right up to the complimentary Bike Valet stationed across from E. R. Bradley's on the grassy median area. Need some air in your tires, have a flat tire, brakes or gears don't work? No problem! A bicycle tech with supplies will be happy to fix your ride. Helmets, lights, baskets, and other accessories will be available for purchase.

Made in WPB

First Saturday of every month (Nov 4, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3)

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Next to the Visitor Center Waterfront Kiosk

Free

Co-Host: Resource Depot

Discover your inner crafter.  One reusable custom bag or 200 bags per year? Resource Depot is activating a “live sewing bee booth” for the community to observe and potentially participate in. Stop by and get a bag or make one with the Resource Depot. Be GREEN at Flagler Shore.  Learn about how you can be part of the "Sew for Sustainability" project & be part of the Plastic Free movement!

Ciclovia

Sundays

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Next to the Visitor Center Waterfront Kiosk and throughout

Free

Co-Hosts: BikeWPB & Flagler Shore Peloton

Take your whole family out for this great opportunity to explore and experience Flagler Shore. Ciclovia gives people the chance to enjoy great weather, see neighbors, friends and people from the area, and get a little exercise every last Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Palm Beach Plage & Sunset Wellness

First Sunday of every month (Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4)

5:00 to 9:00 PM

Throughout Flagler Shore

Free

Co-Host: ConnectWPB

Bring your hammock, blankets and picnic baskets to this community picnic every first Sunday of the month. It's an informal, family-friendly gathering for you to enjoy. Bring some food and drinks, relax, and just savor the Flagler Shore and good company. There will be picnic tables, games, and more.  “Plage" is a play on words -- "plage" means "beach" in French, and the event is inspired by Paris Plage, the summertime beach along the Seine River in Paris - and just picnicking in general.

Sunrise Wellness

Saturdays

9:00 to 10:00 AM

Waterfront Pier

Free

Co-Host: Spotlight Yoga Shala

Refresh the mind and meet up at the Flagler Shore for free yoga, tai chi, or guided meditations by local instructors.

To find out more about the city’s Flagler Shore project, please call (561) 822-2222 or visit www.wpb.org/flaglershore.  The city encourages public feedback on the new design and new activities via email at  flaglershore@wpb.org.

Last Call for Irma Debris Pickup

Customers face Sunday deadline to avoid fees, as City nears storm debris pickup completion

The City of West Palm Beach Public Works Department is now entering the final pass for Hurricane Irma debris removal and pickup. Customers have until noon on Sunday to place any Irma related vegetative waste or construction and demolition debris for collection. Any Irma related bulk debris set out after Sunday will be subject to a normal collection fee of $100 plus any excess weight charges.

The City has set the Sunday deadline so that Public Works employees can conduct assessments on Monday to plan for deployment of assets for next week’s cleanup. The City will resume regular pickup of vegetative waste within the next two weeks. The City continues to pick up household garbage and recyclables.

Residents are asked to please be mindful of the following tips for debris removal:

• Do not place construction and demolition debris on top of the yard waste pile. Please separate piles into like materials.
• Don’t obstruct sidewalks, walkways, travel lanes or storm drains.  

Residents can view the status of Irma related debris removal by visiting http://wpb.org/News-Video/Storm-Preparedness/Irma-Debris-Cleanup or call (561) 822-2222 for questions.

WPB-TV Headlines

Click on an image to watch the video!!!

VIDEO: Mayor Muoio Thanks Firefighters, Details Hurricane Response at Chamber Breakfast

VIDEO: Flagler Shore: From Pavement to People

Ghouls and Games to Take Center Stage at Annual Clematis by Fright on October 26

City of West Palm Beach announces expedited costume contest judging, so families can focus on more games than ever before

To pack in even more spooky celebrations, the City of West Palm Beach has announced that this year’s Clematis by Fright will feature an expedited judging process for its famed costume contest – all for the sake of packing in more games than years prior. This family-friendly event, which adds a frightful twist on the weekly Clematis by Night concert series, will also feature live music by the Miami-based Latin/Funk sensations, The Spam Allstars. Free kids’ activities range from hay rides to face painting, and a costume contest for all ages, with a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. Clematis by Fright takes place on the West Palm Beach Waterfront on Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“Clematis by Fright is one of our most popular annual events,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation. “From trick-or-treating in the Haunted Hallows, playing Ghoulish Games, to enjoying enchanted hay rides, we help families from all over South Florida get a jump on their happy Halloween. And with our efforts to streamline the costume competition, there will be more time for FUN!”

Activities will be located on the Great Lawn, where kids can safely trick-or-treat with a free Halloween bag provided by Clematis by Night in the Haunted Hallows area. Candy will be provided by approximately twenty nonprofit organizations and local businesses, and kids will enjoy even more free activities and games, including hay rides, face painting, a caricaturist, balloon twisters, and more.

Guests are encouraged to don their most imaginative costumes for a contest with categories for kids, adults, couples, families and pets. Registration for the contests begins at 6:00 p.m. and guests must be present to win. The kid and family costume contests start at 7:00 p.m. and the adult, couple and pets costume contests start at 8:00 p.m., all at the Lake Pavilion. More than $7,000 in prizes are on the line. The children’s categories go from ages 0-15. Prizes will also be awarded to the adult costume winners for first, second and third places and for the best overall costume for couples.

Celebrating more than 20 years on the West Palm Beach waterfront, Clematis by Night is a free weekly outdoor concert series featuring live performances by the area’s best bands, delicious food and an unmatched ambiance. Clematis by Night is sponsored by The Palm Beach Post, X102.3, Sunny 107.9, 97.9 WRMF, 103.1 WIRK, Beats 96.3, 850 WFTL, Fox Sports 640 AM.

For more information about Clematis by Fright, or the City of West Palm Beach’s other free community events, please visit www.wpb.org/events or call (561) 822-1515. For news and updates, follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @westpalmbch.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY WALKING TOUR TO OFFER HALLOWEEN THRILLS AND CHILLS!

On Thursday, October 26, join the City of West Palm Beach and historians Janet DeVries Naughton and Dr. Ginger Pederson for a Halloween-themed walking tour of historic Woodlawn Cemetery! The cemetery, located at 1500 S. Dixie Highway, is the final resting place of some of Palm Beach County’s most influential and important citizens, including a few infamous ones whose story must also be told. The tour begins at 7:30pm and will last 90 minutes. Please arrive by 7:15pm. Bring water and any needed insect repellent. Comfortable shoes are a must! Parking is available in the cemetery. Call (561) 804-4900 for more information.

Join us for the PACE Open House on Oct. 17
 

PACE is a financing tool designed to assist individuals with making energy and wind hardening improvements to their home. These improvements-- such as installing energy efficient windows, water heaters, roofs, solar panels, hurricane shutter panels or others--could save you money. Through PACE, the cost of the improvements could be added as a Non- Ad Valorem assessment on one's home's property taxes. Money saved on energy and insurance bills from the improvements could be utilized to pay for this assessment.

Learn more about the PACE program at our PACE Open House on October 17th! Mayor Muoio will give a brief introduction and you will have a chance to speak directly to PACE providers.

Please RSVP to let us know if you will be joining us. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP, visit: http://whoozin.com/C9P-NKW-6AFR

Storm of ’28 Memorial Event Scheduled for Oct. 21

Saturday, October 21, 2017
3:00 p.m.
924 25th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(corner of Tamarind Avenue and 25th Street)

FREE

The City of West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the Storm of ’28 Memorial Park Coalition will host a community memorial event to remember the victims who lost their lives to Florida’s infamous and tragic Hurricane of 1928.  The storm made landfall in Palm Beach County on September 16, 1928 and caused at least 2,500 area deaths, most of which were migrant, black farm workers who did not receive proper burials at the time. The burial site in West Palm Beach recognizes the African American victims of the storm who were laid in a mass gravesite at 25th Street and Tamarind Avenue, and is the final resting place for 674 victims.  The site was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and a state historical marker was added in 2003 during the 75th anniversary of the hurricane.                
 

Registration Open for City of West Palm Beach

Jr. NBA Youth Basketball League

Basketball is more than a game. It’s fun, entertaining and exciting, but it also teaches sportsmanship, respect and teamwork. Register for the City of West Palm Beach Beach Jr. NBA Youth Basketball League today! Children ages 5-14, residents and non-residents can participate.

• League Divisions: 5-6 year olds; 7-8 year olds; 9-11 year olds; 12-14 year olds.
• Cost: $50 resident / $65 non-resident. All participants must pay a $25 annual registration fee. Fee assistance is available for those who qualify. 
• League Locations: South Olive Community Center, Gaines Park, Coleman Park
• Registration deadline: Friday, October 20, 2017
• Practices: Begin the week of October 30, 2017
• League play: Begins the week of November 13, 2017. There will be a seven week league play season with single elimination playoff.

Registration can be done at any community center or online at www.teamsideline.com/wpbathletics. For general information, volunteering or coaching opportunities, contact Erin Paige at (561) 804-4915.

Join WPB for Prescription Drug Take Back Day

West Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue invite you to participate in the

14th National Prescription Drug Take Back.

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal!

October 28, 10am - 2pm

Locations:

Fire Station #2; 4301 S. Dixie Highway

Fire Station #5; 700 N. Congress Avenue

HCD Offers Landlord Training Seminar on Oct. 19

Save the date for the next Landlord Training Seminar! Join us on October 19th at 5:30pm at City Hall. Learn how to protect your asset and keep illegal activity out of your rental property. For more information on the class and to register, visit: wpb.org/landlordtraining.

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