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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
April is here, bringing new opportunities to stay informed, get involved, and celebrate our community! As always, the DNA is committed to enhancing the lives of residents through advocacy, events, and information sharing. This month, we’re highlighting key news and events so you can have a voice in shaping our downtown. This month, the newsletter is extra long with critical updates you need to know. So grab an XX-Large coffee and start scrolling. There's a lot going on and we want to keep you informed. Check out the city commission meeting highlights, Downtown Master Plan updates, issue tracker and the comings and closings towards the bottom of the newsletter. Let’s continue making downtown the best place to live! Sitima Fowler, WPB DNA President UPCOMING EVENTSApril 4th, 5PM - 7PM, DNA Meet and Greet Cocktail Party - Join us for an exclusive Members-Only free event! Meet Olympians Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe while mingling with neighbors over drinks and appetizers, generously sponsored by Bill Bone. Space is limited. RSVP Now! Not a member yet? Seize the chance to become a member and join us.
April 24th and May 22nd, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Downtown Master Plan Roundtables, Mandel Library. Learn More Calendar of Downtown Events Click Here City of WPB Events Click Here CityPlace Events Click Here SCHMIDT'S ADVOCACY REPORT
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the Schmidt's Report for key updates on the must-know highlights from this month’s City Commission meetings! ---Schmidt
PAST DNA EVENTSThe FREE Members-Only ArtWalk and Happy Hour was a huge success. We had the perfect weather, beautiful art and of course, amazing neighbors to make this an event to remember. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for more pictures and announcements.
STACY'S DOWNTOWN WATCH: ISSUES & UPDATES
The DNA has partnered with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to amplify the voice of our residents. We're actively collecting your requests and adding them to our Tracker spreadsheet, which we're sharing with the DDA and the City to work towards building awareness and resolutions. Come to the next board meeting and share your thoughts. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST ISSUES TRACKER REPORT
BE IN THE KNOW. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARDDowntown residents pay additional taxes to fund the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Check out the March 2025 DDA board meeting packet and financials. DDA Board Meetings are open to the public and are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at 107 S Olive Ave, #200, WPB. For questions or to submit public comments, email [email protected] Downtown Safety & Police Update At the March 18th DDA Board meeting, concerns were raised about an increased presence of unhoused individuals and crime downtown. The shortage of officers has made it challenging to fill all shifts, but adjustments are being made. A recent meeting with Chief Araujo and Deputy Chief Shearer highlighted efforts to address these challenges, including forming a Homeless Intervention Team. The Entertainment District Unit (EDU) now has an increased police presence, with three daytime officers and seven nighttime officers. Additionally, the DDA’s $600K budget for extra-duty officers is now fully staffed due to the PD’s tiered overtime system. A new Quality-of-Life detail, launched last week, is already yielding results, including arrests, referrals to treatment, and shelter placements. The DDA’s Safety Task Force will reconvene on April 15 to further address these concerns. Efforts continue to enhance safety and quality of life downtown. BECOME A MEMBERNot a DNA Member? Join Now for only $25/year and get involved! As a DNA member, you are helping to enhance quality of lives by strengthening the collaboration between residents, government and businesses through Social Interaction, Information Sharing and Advocacy. #StrengthInNumbers VOLUNTEERING MATTERSHave fun, make new friends and share your talents by joining us! Please reach out to us at [email protected].
BECOME A FOUNDING DONOR OF THE DNAThank you John Rothberg for your 2025 commitment to the DNA! The DNA recognizes the special generosity of Founding Donors. These donors enable our organization to plan and execute activities that enrich our cultural experience, foster camaraderie and advance our downtown’s unique character. In appreciation, the DNA recognizes each Founding Donor, by name and by level, on the DNA’s website. Check out all our Founding Donors! COMINGS AND GOINGSExcerpts from CityPlaceAngels e-newsletter by Tom Carelli ([email protected])  After 4 extensions, City Pizza has left CityPlace after not having its lease renewed. Fans can visit their new location, which has been open for months now
, at the Tanger Outlets, north of Whole Foods.
Charles Schwab recently acquired TD Ameritrade, with combined assets of $6 trillion & 28 million accounts, & took over it's longtime home, adjacent to the new Cheesecake Factory. Today they announced they have "moved". The other end of the block remains empty after 2.5 yrs, when Capitol One Cafe did not have their lease renewed. The popular Anuska Spa & Salon is located between the 2 sites.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
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Sour Seed Bagels was originally scheduled to open at 300 S. Dixie Hwy, the new home of Makeb's Bagels. It will now open around the corner at 325 Fern St at the base of The Avalon apartments, directly across from Meraki Juice Kitchen. Soft opening on March 28.
Construction has started on the 1st of 2 Office/Retail Towers. 10 CityPlace will have 480K Sq Ft, followed by 15 CityPlace at 500K Sq Ft, including Cleveland Clinic with 120K Sq Ft.
An autonomous electric shuttle is being tested downtown. It has a capacity of 8 with a maximum speed of 15mph & up to 20hr daily service. It can be fast charged in 55 min.
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