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Advocating for the safety, well-being, & quality of life of downtown WPB residents.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 
Thank you to everyone who attended the recent City Commission meeting to voice your concerns about the DDA board nominations. Although the appointments were approved by a 4-1 vote, Commissioner Warren called for changes to the DDA's bylaws and a more transparent board nomination process. The DNA looks forward to seeing the changes in the DDA bylaws. If you want to be considered for serving on city boards, you can see the list and apply here.
I'm also excited to share that the Mayor has invited the DNA to participate in a resident-led advisory group for the Downtown Master Plan Update (DMPU). Before any future review or vote, the City has committed to sharing key infrastructure studies and gathering resident feedback—an unprecedented opportunity for our residents to help shape downtown's future. As we prepare for these discussions, we want your input. Please fill out this DNA- DMPU Resident Survey.
Finally, I hope you'll join us on July 23 for our community meeting at Banyan Tree Residences. Thanks for staying engaged!
Sitima Fowler
President, Downtown Neighborhood Association
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BE IN THE KNOW. BE HEARD |
THE SCHMIDT REPORT
ISSUES WATCH
Do you have an issue that you can’t get a resolution to? Come to the next DNA board meeting and let's work together. DNA Board Meetings are open to the public and are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6pm at 107 S Olive Ave, #200. The DNA has partnered with the DDA, law enforcement and city leadership to amplify the voice of residents and get issues resolved. READ THE REPORT
DDA BOARD MEETING REPORT
Downtown residential property owners contribute 50% of the Downtown Development Authority’s budget (before the CRA match) through a special property tax levy. Check out the May 2026 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. READ THE REPORT
HISTORY OF THE DNA
How did the DNA get started?
After the June release of the DNA history, we were made aware of a few corrections. It's important that we capture the history of the DNA accurately. So many people had a hand in creating and evolving the DNA to what it is today. Please read the updated DNA History.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Exclusive DNA Member Reception:
Inside the Banyan Tree Residences Project
July 23 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Free
Banyan Tree Residences, 400 Hibiscus Street
Join fellow DNA members for an exclusive community meeting hosted by Banyan Tree Residences at their sales gallery. Drinks and lite-bites will be provided. This evening will provide DNA-Members with an overview of the Banyan Tree Residences project, followed by an open Q&A session.
This FREE event is open to DNA members only. Limited to 40 attendees. Not a member? Sign up now and then RSVP to the event.
| RSVP TODAY |
Secrets of Mandel: Cocktails,
Curiosities and Hidden Treasures
August 21 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | $15 pp
Mandel Library, 411 Clematis St.
An exclusive after-hours experience for DNA Members and Friends
Most people know the Mandel Library as a place to borrow books. Few know about the rare collections, artwork, archives, technology, and unique resources housed inside one of downtown's most important civic institutions.
Join fellow residents for a private evening exploring some of the library's most fascinating hidden treasures, followed by cocktails, wine, and appetizers overlooking downtown from the 4th floor.
Open to members and non-members. Limited to 40 attendees.
| RSVP TODAY |
🗓️ Downtown Events Calendar Click Here
📍 City of WPB Events Click Here
🏙️ CityPlace Events Click Here
🗓️ Calendar of FREE events at the Mandel Library Click Here
Celebrate America's 250th: Seed Giveaway
Celebrate America's 250th with seeds packets to create your own garden inspired by our founding fathers. Seed packs are available starting July 1st, one per household, and available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis at the customer service desk on the 4th floor.
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County Presents: Historical Figures
Mandel Library, Thursday, July 16 | 2 – 3 pm
Meet four diverse pioneers who impacted early life in Palm Beach County: the Barefoot Mailman in the unique 1885 mail system; Millie Gildersleeve, a freed slave, vegetable farmer, and midwife; Alligator Joe, owner of Palm Beach tourist attractions; and Lillie Pierce Voss, the first non-Native American born between Jupiter and Miami.
Celebrate America’s 250th: Preserve Your Part in History
Mandel Library, Monday, July 27 | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Create your own masterpiece using repurposed materials. Registration is required and opens one week before the program. All materials are provided.
Cricut Open Studio
Mandel Library, Saturday, July 25 | 1 - 3:00 p.m.
This class is for Cricut enthusiasts who are working on existing projects, or those who have ideas for new designs. Cricut machines, tools, vinyl, and laptops are available to make your ideas into a custom creation. Registration is required and begins at 9:30 a.m. one week before the program.
The Ocean Needs More Friends
Mandel Library, Wednesday, July 22 | 7 - 8:00 p.m.
From beach cleanups to water testing, learn how local volunteers get involved to protect our ocean waves and beaches. The Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group’s Energy Committee presents this talk on grassroots conservation along with Evan Orellana, Regional Manager from the Surfrider Foundation. Light refreshments provided.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Welcome to the Board, Raul Mercader
Please join us in welcoming Raul Mercader to the DNA's Board of Directors.
A Downtown West Palm Beach resident, Raul is the Co-Founder and CEO of Solida Health and serves as Regional Executive Vice President at Amwins. He joined the DNA Board to help strengthen resident engagement, support thoughtful growth, and enhance the quality of life that makes our downtown community thrive.
We're excited to have Raul on board and look forward to his leadership and community involvement.
DNA-DMPU Resident Survey: Help Shape Downtown's Future
The proposed Downtown Master Plan Update (DMPU) could affect traffic, parking, building height, infrastructure, public spaces, noise, and the overall character of downtown. Please take 2 minutes to complete the DNA DMPU Resident Survey and tell us what matters most to you. Your feedback will help guide the DNA's advocacy efforts as the City moves forward with its review process.
Volunteer Opportunities
The DNA needs your help! Marketing, social media, advocacy, and admin support needed. Email: [email protected]
Are you interested in serving on City boards?
The list of all city boards can be found at this link and the application to apply is at the top of the page. You can choose specific boards or send a general application.
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DNA RECOGNIZES |
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Founding Donors of the DNA for their generosity and commitment to shaping the future of Downtown West Palm Beach — the place we call home. A tax deductible investment in the DNA enables our organization to plan and execute activities that enrich our cultural experience, foster camaraderie and advance our downtown’s unique character
Check out all our Founding Donors. We appreciate their support of the DNA mission.
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COMINGS AND GOINGS |
Excerpts from CityPlaceAngels e-newsletter by Tom Carelli. Join his lunch club by emailing Tom at [email protected]
Howdy Neighbors!
Le Petit Cafe Returns
2013: Georges and Nannette Vlachakis purchased the former Paris Bakery Café from its original French owners.
2024: The café was leased to Leila Restaurant and renamed La Maison de Paris.
2026: The owners have returned and reopened the café as Le Petit Cafe, following the dissolution of the previous business.
Summer Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. • Sat 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. • Sun Closed
📍 212 S. Olive Ave. (between Datura & Evernia) • (561) 820-9281 • www.LePetitCafeWPB.com
HAPPY HOUR GUIDE
Explore the latest downtown happy hours in the WPBDNA Guide. See something new or updated? Let us know at [email protected]
| READ GUIDE |
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
👮 WPB Police (Non-Emergency): 561-822-1900
🦺 Downtown Ambassadors 728-206-4545
☎️ City Hotline 561-822-2222
🚨 City Services (emergencies) 561-822-2210
Download Free App The WPBKey app provides a platform for residents to engage with the city to maintain a cleaner & safer neighborhood.
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VOICES DRIVE CHANGE |
Have an issue you care about in West Palm Beach? You can contact the Mayor and City Commissioners directly to share your perspective.
Important: Due to Florida’s Sunshine Laws, commissioners must be contacted individually on any issue that may come before them for a vote. Sending a group email could be interpreted as discussion outside of an official public meeting.
Mayor Keith James, (561) 822-1400 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Steve Sylvester, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Cathleen Ward, 561-822-1393 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Shalonda Warren, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Christy Fox, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
Thank you for being part of the Downtown community.
- WPDNA team
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