Tag: Press Releases

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 25, 2022) – Come on and take a free ride! The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) today announced an extension to its sponsorship of the Circuit on-demand shuttle program, which offers free rides to residents and visitors from place to place throughout Downtown and the Town of Palm Beach. The DDA’s program was launched in October 2021, and the response has been tremendous.   

In just 12 months, ridership has grown 1,000 percent, from 1,100 passengers in September 2021 to more than 12,600 passengers in August 2022. That represents over 85,000 rides provided in the past 12 months, a reduction of more than 60 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of 37 jobs for local residents as managers, supervisors and driver/ambassadors. In addition, since most of the rides are shared among passengers, this also reduces the total vehicles miles traveled on Downtown streets.  

“As Downtown continues to add new residents and workers, and attract more visitors to hotels, the need for convenient mobility options also grows. We’re very pleased with the positive response to Circuit as people look to move around Downtown and beyond without the need for their personal vehicles,” said Raphael Clemente, executive director of the DDA. “Every passenger on these electric, emission free vehicles helps to reduce parking demand in our city center and greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.”   

Rides can be scheduled through the Circuit app available at ridecircuit.com. The service is available 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.  

The Circuit shuttle uses 100-percent electric vehicles, promoting better air quality while offering a first-mile/last-mile transportation option that is convenient and easy to use. Free rides are available between any two locations within the Circuit zone, available at DowntownWPB.com/Circuit. Gratuities for Circuit drivers are appreciated but never required.  

The Circuit shuttle and Downtown Trolley are just two of the many DDA initiatives aimed at improving downtown life and supporting downtown businesses. Other programs include the Downtown Clean Team, the Security Ambassadors, a homeless outreach program, and marketing and public relations support.   

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. (October 19, 2022) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the appointment of Samantha Bratter as a member of the DDA Board of Directors. The appointment was made by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. 

Bratter is a Downtown West Palm Beach resident and Chief Operating Officer of the Downtown West Palm Beach-based immigrant law firm Bratter P.A. She previously held leadership positions in advancement and development with The Miami Foundation, Mt. Sinai Medical Center Foundation and Temple Beth Sholom of Miami Beach.  

“The thing that impresses me most about Downtown West Palm Beach is the culture of kindness, which stretches from our business community to individual residents and visitors,” said Bratter. “My goal as a DDA board member is to foster the continued growth of our arts and culture community while leading smart, focused investments in our business community.” 

The DDA is governed by a seven-member board of directors which includes downtown property owners, business owners, and/or residents. Board Members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Commission of West Palm Beach. 

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. (October 12, 2022) – Kings and Queens of South Florida – It’s your move in Downtown West Palm Beach! On National Chess Day, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) celebrated the grand opening of the Fern Street Chess Park, a fun, new, outdoor community space with chess boards in a centrally located park full of shade. Located at 402 S. Dixie Highway, the Chess Park is open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset, for all ages and skill levels and is the first established chess park in Palm Beach County. Chess sets will be available but in limited supply, so players are encouraged to bring their own sets and timer.  

“As Downtown West Palm Beach continues to grow in both the number of residents and visitors, this peaceful respite will create new opportunities for social interaction, bringing together a diverse range of people from all ages and backgrounds,” said DDA Executive Director Raphael Clemente. “Over the coming months, we look forward to seeing how people connect on a daily basis; whether learning the game, reuniting, meeting a neighbor, or chess competitions among local clubs.” 

Through the new Chess Park, the DDA aims to enhance connectivity within the Downtown community, extending the sense of a neighborhood feeling for residents and visitors while creating comfortable street spaces and encouraging foot traffic and the pedestrian experience.  

Chess gained popularity in 2020 following the release of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. As a result, tens of millions of new players have been attracted to the game, with a percentage right here in West Palm Beach. 

For further information about the DDA, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call (561) 833-8873. 

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. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 13, 2022) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), with support from the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, today announced the winner in its search for “The Next Big Thing” — a quest to bring a unique and imaginative outdoor experience to the heart of the city.  A community-wide project called Trojan Rocking Horses was chosen from a search that generated more than 20 international submissions aimed at engaging the West Palm Beach community, downtown residents, and visitors. 

Trojan Rocking Horses consists of eight life-sized rocking horses, each custom-designed by local children during design workshops and then fabricated locally, under the guidance of world-renowned Finnish artist and architect Marco Casagrande. The horses will begin their journey through various communities in West Palm Beach collecting messages from West Palm Beach citizens.  

Casagrande, a five-time invitee to the Venice Architecture Biennale and a recipient of the UNESCO Global Award for Sustainable Architecture, envisions each horse as a work of art and a gathering source for the community’s ideas and visions for the for the future of Downtown West Palm Beach.   

Upon arrival in Downtown, there will be a performance where the horses are placed as interactive sculptures that will symbolically deliver these aspirational messages to the heart of the City. The horses will continue to collect inspiring messages from the community as they remain in downtown. Several times each year, the messages will be reviewed and published both online and in printed newspaper. 

“This project is special because it directly involves the community from beginning to end, and truly is a project of, by, and for the people in West Palm Beach,” said Sherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director for the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. “It will give local residents the opportunity to express their ideas and vision for the future of Downtown West Palm Beach through a visible expression of the community’s voice, empowering them in the process, as they build something together.”  

The goal of The Next Big Thing Project was to inspire placemakers to create a new experience that would be interactive, unique to the place, artistic, and ignite the community’s imagination. Applicants were asked to interpret the theme in their own, original, creative way reflecting on the idea of sparking moments of fascination, wonder, and imagination.  

With the selection process complete, the West Palm Beach DDA will work with Marco Casagrande and his team to bring this project to life over the next several months.  

For further information about the DDA, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call (561) 833-8873. 

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. 

About the West Palm Beach A&E District 

The West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment 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. 

About Casagrande Laboratory 

Casagrande Laboratory is a multidisciplinary architecture and innovation company with projects ranging from one-family houses to CLT apartment buildings and from environmental art to landscape architecture and local knowledge based biourbanism. Spearheaded by world-renowned architect Marco Casagrande the Laboratory is involved with commission, research and educational projects with equally respected individuals, families, communities, companies, organizations, industries, cities, governments and environments as our clients. www.casagrandelaboratory.com.  

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 22, 2022) – Three of the area’s cultural gems – Palm Beach Symphony, Ballet Florida and the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Orchestra – will work in perfect harmony on Saturday, May 21 for a special performance on the waterfront, the 5th annual Harmony: An Exhibition of the Arts.  Starting at 4 p.m., Harmony is a free, two-hour outdoor event at the Meyer Amphitheatre including more than 75 distinct and distinguished performers. This year’s performance is presented by the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District with the support from the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend a day enjoying our local artists and performers along the spectacular Downtown waterfront,” said Teneka James-Feaman, Associate Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Association. “This once-a-year event is also a great chance to explore what’s new in Downtown West Palm Beach while supporting homegrown talent.”  

Palm Beach Symphony will kick off the afternoon of the arts with the national anthem sung by Kaia Clemente, followed by familiar and beloved selections such as Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Rossini’s Overture to Barber of Seville and Copland’s An Outdoor Overture. Ballet Florida joins the Symphony for Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 and Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance. Palm Beach Symphony Lisa Bruna B-Major Award winner Dion Sellitti joins the Symphony and Ballet Florida to perform Saint-Saëns’ The Swan.  

Following this year’s call for artists, 20-year-old award-winning singer and trumpeter Chris Santiago will take the stage with Palm Beach Symphony to perform You’ll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini). Santiago is a highly decorated performer as recipient of the 2019 Songbook Celebration Award, 2018-19 Young Artist Award Winner of the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook, 2020 National YoungArts Winner in Jazz Voice. Chris has garnered local and national audiences with his performance in the Kravis Center Pop Orchestra alongside Michael Feinstein, on Legends Radio 100.3 FM and on radio show American Standards by the Sea. This year, he’ll make his Australian debut in the premiere of, “CHET: The Prince of Cool.” 

 The Harmony program will feature an engaging intermission program with the always exciting Dreyfoos School of the Arts Orchestra led by Director Jeffrey Adkins. In the concert’s second half, Dreyfoos School of the Arts Orchestra members will play side by side with Palm Beach Symphony musicians under the baton of Palm Beach Symphony Assistant Conductor Matthew Cooperman to perform popular standards and Broadway hits with Cole Porter Salute, The Carousel Waltz, and selections from The Sound of Music as well as Sousa’s rousing The Liberty Bell. Harmony culminates as Ballet Florida returns to the stage to join the Symphony and Dreyfoos musicians in Buckaroo Holiday and Hoe-down from Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo.  

 “Harmony makes the arts more inviting, more accessible and, therefore, more relevant to all members of the community,” said Palm Beach Symphony CEO David McClymont.  “It deepens our appreciation of the value of a community so rich in quality cultural experiences. With no charge, no reservations, and no dress code, everyone feels welcome at Harmony. Don’t miss this!” 

Harmony will take place Saturday, May 21 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Meyer Amphitheatre located at 105 Evernia St. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon of music and dance al fresco!  

For more information about Harmony, please visit DowntownWPBArts.com or call (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, visit DowntownWPBArts.com.  

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 15, 2022) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has received grants totaling $35,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to support two successful programs that increase livability and placemaking in Downtown West Palm Beach.  

Knight Foundation awarded $25,000 towards the DDA’s Dining on the Spot program, which was created to help businesses expand service into public spaces to allow greater distance between patrons during the restrictions put in place under the COVID pandemic. The funds will be used to offset the cost for businesses to create additional and/or expanded outdoor dining spaces.  

“We’ve had many restaurant owners tell us that their businesses might not have survived the pandemic without the Dining on the Spot program,” said West Palm Beach DDA Executive Director Raphael Clemente.  “The program was so successful the City of West Palm Beach is now actively working on changes to the parklet ordinance, and this grant will help Downtown restaurants fund the expansion of outdoor dining spaces under the revised ordinance.”  

Dining on the Spot has been recognized by the International Downtown Association, Florida Redevelopment Association, PlacemakingX, and others as a model program for urban districts. Based on what was learned through the Dining on the Spot program, the DDA and the City of West Palm Beach went on to develop design guidelines to streamline the process of permitting and installing flexible, adaptable outdoor dining spaces, also known as parklets throughout the downtown area.  

Knight Foundation also granted the DDA $10,000 to create a Placemaking Mini-Grant program that awards community stakeholders the ability to plan and implement their own placemaking projects in public or semi-public spaces. It will provide funding of up to $5,000 to individuals or businesses within the downtown area to supplement the cost of doing placemaking projects that engage the community and enhance everyone’s quality of life, from the youth to the elderly.  

“A successful place has four key qualities that differentiate it from a common space, it must be accessible, comfortable, sociable, and active for all ages,” said Public Realm Director, Sherryl Muriente. “Providing opportunities for more community-led placemaking programs that focus on wellness, inclusivity, and stewardship, encourages our downtown to be more welcoming and celebrates our local community.” 

 Among the goals for this program are to build community networks and foster the community’s involvement in activating spaces in their neighborhood, promoting diversity and inclusion, and stimulating community dialogue around shared goals. 

For more information about these programs, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (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. 

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation 

We are social investors who support democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. Learn more at kf.org and follow @knightfdn on social media. 

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. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 12, 2021) – It’s never been easier to visit your favorite spots in Downtown West Palm Beach. Beginning Monday, October 18, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is launching a three-month pilot project sponsorship of the Circuit on-demand electric shuttle, which will offer free rides throughout downtown and the Town of Palm Beach through January 16, 2022.  

“We’re constantly looking for opportunities to reduce congestion and get people out of their cars,” said DDA Executive Director Raphael Clemente. “Through both the Circuit shuttle and Downtown Trolley, we’re giving resident and visitors multiple options to make it easier to enjoy what downtown has to offer.” 

Rides can be scheduled through the Circuit smartphone app available at ridecircuit.com. The service is available 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. 

The Circuit shuttle uses 100-percent electric vehicles, promoting better air quality while offering a first-mile/last-mile transportation option that is convenient and easy to use. Free rides are available between any two locations within the Circuit zone, available at DowntownWPB.com/Circuit. Gratuities for Circuit drivers are appreciated but never required. 

“As a business owner and resident of downtown West Palm Beach, I couldn’t be more excited about expanding Circuit’s services,” said Alexander Esposito, co-founder and CEO of Circuit.  “With the help of the DDA, our amazing team of local drivers and a growing list of loyal riders, we’re excited to help make downtown West Palm Beach an easier place to get around, while reducing congestion and emissions along the way.” 

The Circuit shuttle and Downtown Trolley are just two of many DDA initiatives aimed at improving downtown life and supporting downtown businesses. Other programs include the Downtown Clean Team, the Security Ambassadors, a homeless outreach program, and business development grants.  

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. (September 23, 2021) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was the recipient of nine awards at the Florida Festivals & Events Association 2021 Sunsational Awards ceremony. The awards program recognizes achievements in event marketing, programming, service and innovation.  

The DDA brought home three first-place wins, including two for its programming and promotional mailer for the 9th Annual Pairings Food & Wine Event in Downtown West Palm Beach. The event also garnered a second-place win in the Promotional Item category. The DDA also won first place in the Best Instagram category for its West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District account. 

“These programs are an example of the high standards we strive to achieve when implementing our mission to enhance quality of life, support cultural initiatives, and drive economic development in Downtown West Palm Beach, said DDA Associate Executive Director Teneka James-Feaman.” 

Additional Sunsational Awards for the DDA include three second place wins and four third places for newly created programs Dining on the Spot, Black Arts Matter, and Esperanza Day.  

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.