Category: Press Releases

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 21, 2022) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the appointment of Daryl K. Houston as a member of the DDA Board of Directors. The appointment was made by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James.

 Houston is a life-long resident of Palm Beach County and has worked in downtown West Palm Beach for the past 14 years. He currently serves as the interim vice president for community impact for the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He previously held leadership positions at the United Way of Palm Beach County.

Houston’s volunteer work includes a role as board chairman of the Emergency Food Shelter Program and vice chair of the Florida Philanthropic Network. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Sociology.

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (November 5, 2021) – The Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) has recognized the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for its unique approach to outdoor dining amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Dining on the Spot”, a program launched by the DDA to help downtown restaurants to continue generating revenues while providing a safe environment to serve patrons outdoors, was named winner of the 2021 ‘Out of the Box’ Award by the FRA at its annual awards ceremony. 

While the concept of outdoor seating was already prominent in downtown West Palm Beach, the Dining on the Spot project was created when health and safety protocols limited indoor dining. It extended the seating availability and transformed alleyways, sidewalks, and parking lots into seating areas for West Palm Beach residents to enjoy their favorite downtown spots. For participating restaurants, the program also provided funding for equipment rental and marketing kits.  

The program was created and led by DDA Manager of Urban Placemaking Sherryl Muriente, who accepted the award at the FRA’s Annual Conference in Tampa.  

Even as concerns surrounding indoor dining ease, the success of the program is still alive in Downtown West Palm Beach, as various business continues to utilize the space and funding that Dining on the Spot provides.  

About the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority 
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. 

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873. 

WHAT: The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announces Sunset Silent Disco, a monthly event to bring people together through dance. The event takes place the third Saturday of each month beginning October 16, 2021 through May 2022 at the Waterfront Landing, 109 S. Flagler Dr.  

Facilitated by Be You Disco, everyone who registers will be provided with headsets that sync music for everyone to enjoy. Instructors from Be You Disco will guide the dance portion followed by entertainment by a local musician or sound healer for an immersive live experience. This event promises to provide a freeing and healing process for attendees during the 90-minute journey. 

This is a free event aimed at bringing people together and connecting the downtown community while encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear and bring water and a yoga mat or towel.   

WHEN: The third Saturday of each month from October 2021 through May 2022  

6:40 p.m. Check-in 

7:00 p.m. Guided Dance Journey  

8:00 p.m. Live Music/Sound Bath  

WHERE:            Waterfront Landing 

109 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach 

*The March 19, 2022 event will be located at CityZen Garden, 400 Datura Street 

HOW: Registration is available at DowntownWPB.com/SilentDisco. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 21, 2021) – West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Manager of Urban Placemaking Sherryl Muriente has been selected as one of just 25 placemaking leaders across the country to share their expertise during this year’s Placemaking Week conference in Flint, MI. The event, taking place this week, is produced by What’s Up Downtown Flint and PlacemakingUS.  

Muriente will be a featured speaker during a panel on managing downtowns and will facilitate a week-long workshop to create placemaking solutions for Flint.  The city, known as the crucible of the car, was one of the first communities to be designed around the automobile, and now Flint is refocusing its energy to reinvent the city around people and places for a brighter urban future. The goal of PlacemakingUS is to elevate Flint’s ground game, share techniques and learn from this unique city’s history and future.

The Placemaking Week conference will be filled with workshops, discussions and idea-sharing centered around topics including connecting neighborhoods, placemaking and the local economy, creative placemaking, streets for people, healthy placemaking and downtown management. “I look forward to connecting with the visiting placemakers and exploring the opportunities we have here in Flint with their base of knowledge,” said Kiaira May, executive director of the City of Flint Downtown Development Authority.

In her role with the DDA, Muriente guides projects and programs focused on placemaking, community engagement and residential programs, capturing the vitality of downtown’s creative community to enhance the appeal of downtown. She’s overseen award-winning projects including Dining on the Spot, pop-up vendor shopping location Thoroughfare, and community outdoor wellness hour classes.

About the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (August 2, 2021) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announces the appointment of Richard V. Reikenis as president and William P. Jacobson as vice-chair of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors. Attorney Varisa Lall Dass will also be joining the board following her appointment by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James.  

Reikenis previously served as vice-chair of the DDA Board. He also serves on the Advisory Council of The LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He was city commissioner and mayor of West Palm Beach between 1985 to 1989. He also served on the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority and the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors and Executive Board. Reikenis, who has more than 40 years of infrastructure and environmental engineering experience, is currently active on projects and initiatives in Florida, Africa, and Central America. 

Jacobson is a member of the Florida Bar Association. He has lived and practiced law in Palm Beach County since 1973 when he started his legal career as an assistant county attorney for Palm Beach County. Jacobson specializes in the areas of real estate, zoning and land development, and governmental coordination. Mr. Jacobson has served as a member of the DDA Board twice and has been on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.  

Dass is a practicing attorney at Kelley Kronenberg, P.A. where she focuses on homeowner and first-party property cases. She serves as membership co-committee chair of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, the National Organization for Women, the Palm Beach County chapter and is a member of the West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association. 

About the Downtown Development Authority 
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. 

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 21, 2021) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District are partnering with Sub-Culture Group and Street Art Revolution to bring a powerful new mural to Camelot at 114 S. Narcissus Ave in Downtown West Palm Beach.  

Titled “The Revolution of the Groove,” the 100 ft. wide by 80 ft. tall mural will portray six revolutionary African American artists who utilized their music to challenge entrenched ways of thinking about social injustice and racism. Featured musicians include Miles Davis, Nina Simone, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Billie Holiday. Several of these artists performed in West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest neighborhood. Work will begin the week of July 12 and completion is expected by August 15. 

The Revolution of the Groove mural is a collaboration between local Street Art Revolution artists Anthony Hernandez and Caron Bowman. Street Art Revolution is a Black-owned artist-led public art collective and firm, one of the few firms of its kind in the United States that specializes in providing highly curated and culturally sensitive public art, civic design, and sculptures. 

“The power of music and its ability to communicate was a vital part of the civil rights movement,” said artist Caron Bowman. “Blues music tells the story of life’s difficulties and takes the hardest realities of black life and puts them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph.” 

Street Art Revolution and its artists have been behind a number of murals in Downtown West Palm Beach, including the recent “Icons of the Civil Rights Movement” on display at Respectable Street at 518 Clematis St.    

“These new murals not only bring new vibrancy to Downtown West Palm Beach but also honor the history and legacy that influence our future,” said Teneka James-Feaman, Associate Executive Director of the DDA. “We’re proud to partner with Sub-Culture and Street Art Revolution to further enhance the downtown experience.”  

            For more information on Street Art Revolution, please visit their website at streetartrevolution.org.  

About the Downtown Development Authority 

The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. 

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873. 

About the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District 

The West Palm Beach A&E District is a centralized collection of inspiring arts and entertainment venues; art and history museums; galleries; libraries; performing arts companies; and art education institutions. Situated in the heart of South Florida’s most progressive city, the District includes more than 20 distinct and distinguished cultural destinations that form a defining industry cluster. The A&E District enhances the appeal of West Palm Beach as a visitor destination, drawing attention to its status as a vibrant city illuminated by its beauty and range of creative expression. 

For more information about the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, please visit downtownwpbarts.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 15, 2021) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the City of West Palm Beach, and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) today announced that applications for the lease of retail space at 407 Clematis Street will open on Monday, July 19. This premiere space on the ground floor of the Mandel Public Library was previously home to a Dunkin Donuts store.

The desired business to fill this opening will have an innovative and creative approach that complements West Palm Beach’s Downtown Clematis District. Qualified applicants must be a small business with a minimum of two years’ experience in food service operations, an ability to open within 120 days of signing of the lease and have no more than one current downtown location.

“This is a prime space with 900 square feet of interior space and an outdoor patio that will attract a high volume of qualified applicants,” said DDA Executive Director Raphael Clemente.  “We look forward to helping our small business community grow and supporting the success of the next addition to downtown by making grants available to the selected business to aid in covering interior and exterior improvements.”     

“Located inside the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, this space is a very attractive location in which to do business,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “The City of West Palm Beach, together with the Downtown Development Authority and Community Redevelopment Agency, remain committed to supporting our business community and to the continued vibrancy of the Downtown. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the Downtown Development Authority.”

Once the application period has closed on August 17, a committee composed of Downtown stakeholders as well as leadership from the DDA, CRA, and Mandell Public Library will review and narrow proposals to the top five. The DDA Board will then select the top three candidates who will be ranked and presented to the CRA Board for final review and award. Final selection will be made by November.

Further information on the application and selection process can be found at www.DowntownWPB.com/Work.  

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

About the City of West Palm Beach
In partnership with our communities, the City of West Palm Beach delivers exceptional customer service that enhances quality of life. West Palm Beach is a vibrant world-class city.

About the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency:
Nationally recognized as one of the most innovative CRAs in the country, the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (WPB CRA) sets the standard for redevelopment through award-winning marketing and branding campaigns, events and attractive business incentive programs. The mission of the WPB CRA is to enhance the viability, long‐term stability and the overall economic health of the Downtown City Center and Northwood/Pleasant City districts, core areas in the City of West Palm Beach. For more about the WPB Community Redevelopment Agency, visit wpb.org/cra.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 25, 2021) – The Trolley is back! The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the City of West Palm Beach announce the return of service for the West Palm Beach Downtown Trolley on Thursday, July 1. The Trolley’s three routes connecting downtown to nearby hotspots provide a convenient, quick and free way to experience the best of West Palm Beach.

The Trolley service will return to the same schedules and routes as before the suspension on March 23, 2020.

“Many downtown businesses and organizations are returning to the office, and our restaurants and retail shops are reaching pre-pandemic levels of activity, so we felt this was the right time to restart service,” said DDA executive director Raphael Clemente. “We will also be following CDC guidelines to assure the safety and health of our passengers and drivers.”

“We are excited to resume West Palm Beach Downtown Trolley service with the Downtown Development Authority,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “The trolley is a convenient, reliable and free method of transportation that connects residents and visitors to jobs, healthcare, education and leisure activities. In line with my work creating a community of opportunity for all, the trolley is important to the economic vitality of our community, the vibrancy of our downtown, and quality of life for our residents.”

The Downtown Trolley was launched by the DDA and the City of West Palm Beach in September 2000. The Yellow Line connects Clematis Street to Rosemary Square, the Kravis Center and the Waterfront. It runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. The Green Line connects Downtown to the Tri-Rail station, Dixie Hwy. and Okeechobee Blvd. It runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Trolley is handicap accessible, runs seven days a week, and picks up and drops off passengers every 15 minutes at designated trolley stops. The Blue Line connects Downtown to Northwood. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday – Saturday.  The Blue Line picks up and drops off passengers every 30 minutes at designated stops. 

For live updates, guests can download the WPB Trolley Tracker app on iOS or Android. For more information, please visit www.DowntownWPB.com or call (561)833-8873.

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

About the City of West Palm Beach
In partnership with our communities, the City of West Palm Beach delivers exceptional customer service that enhances quality of life. West Palm Beach is a vibrant world-class city.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 14, 2021) — Indulgence is the inspiration this year at the 9th Annual Pairings: Food & Wine Event happening Thursday, May 27, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Downtown West Palm Beach.  Participants will stroll along Clematis Street and the District streets to sample mouth-watering chef specialties and favorite dishes from area restaurants. Highlighted by light appetizers, entrées, and desserts masterfully paired with specialty cocktails, wine, coffee and more, the event attracts crowds of hungry devotees each year looking to sample downtown’s finest. It’s hosted by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) , the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, SunFest and  QuenchTime.

            “Pairings is our most popular event and it was unfortunate we had to take a hiatus last year,” said Teneka James-Feaman, Associate Executive Director of the DDA. “Guests will enjoy a fun, in-person event, while adhering to CDC guidelines. In addition to enjoying  discounts at participating restaurants for a week, so even more people can have a taste of what Downtown West Palm Beach has to offer.”

            In addition to the traditional Thursday evening event, this year’s Pairings will also feature a week-long celebration. Between Friday, May 28 and Friday, June 4, visitors can stop into any of the Pairings’ restaurants and taste their featured dish for 20 percent off. Participating restaurants include Alchemy Juice Co. & Market, Batch New Southern Kitchen, Crema Rolls, FIWE Caribbean Cuisine, Leila Restaurant, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Ganache and more.

While food and drink are certainly the stars, they aren’t the evening’s only delights. There will also be pops of entertainment throughout Downtown, including live music.

Advance tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased online at www.DowntownWPB.com/Pairings. Ticket sales are capped at 500, but if any remain to be sold at the event they will be for $40 at the registration area located at Dixie Hwy. and Clematis St. starting at 5:00 p.m. Tickets include entry and sampling at each of the participating businesses and a map showcasing each location.

For more information on this year’s Pairings or the West Palm Beach DDA, call (561) 833-8873 or visit DowntownWPB.com.

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit downtownwpb.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 5, 2021) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the City of West Palm Beach, the West Palm Beach Police Department and Salento Coffee have teamed up for a community fundraiser and cultural celebration by activating an underused alleyway in Downtown West Palm Beach. “Esperanza Day” takes place on Saturday May 15, 2021 from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the alleyway near 120 S. Dixie Highway.

“We hope this event creates new connections in the West Palm Beach community through art, dance, music, and food from Latin culture, while also raising  money for the Esperanza Community Center,” said City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. “It’s also a great way to activate an under-utilized space in Downtown West Palm Beach.” 

The event will showcase Hispanic folklore with special performances from Michu Michu band and Mariachi de mi Tierra musical groups. A special Columbian food and drink menu  will be available from Salento Coffee.  A percentage of sales will be donated to the Esperanza Community Center (ECC). Founded in 2019, the ECC’s goal is to help West Palm Beach appreciate their Latino neighbors, assist the day laborer community and their families, and provide accessibility to resources.

Esperanza Day is part of the DDA’s mission to improve quality-of-life in the Downtown District by connecting a series of pedestrian-oriented passageways into public spaces.

“The goal here is to create a more walkable City and creating a safer environment for all,” said Sherryl Muriente Manager of Urban Placemaking for the DDA. “We’re activating and encouraging the public to use this alleyway so it becomes a viable and beautiful passageway for pedestrians to utilize on a regular basis.”

For more information on the West Palm Beach DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit www.DowntownWPB.com/EsperanzaDay.

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

About the City of West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a vibrant, resilient, inclusive and safe world-class city. The City of West Palm Beach partners with our communities to preserve and enhance quality of life through an extraordinary focus on service. West Palm Beach is a 4-STAR certified city. For more information, visit wpb.org.