December 2023 Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

SF Headshot

As we soak in the festive spirit of December, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates! The DNA Holiday Party is sold-out—thank you for your incredible response! Your enthusiasm and engagement, along with the generous support from our sponsors, make our community stronger.

I'm looking forward to having a fantastic time together at the Holiday Party—let's make it a night to remember! Looking ahead to January, the DNA Board Election at the DNA General Meeting is where we will finalize the 2024 board members.  Also, our commitment to advocacy, especially regarding our waterfront, remains steadfast. See below on the current activites. As we wrap up the year, let's celebrate our achievements and anticipate an even more vibrant 2024. Keep an eye out for an upcoming DNA Envisioning Meeting to contribute your ideas!

I wish you an excellent December and look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you.

Sitima Fowler, WPB DNA President


UPCOMING EVENTS

December 14th, 6:30-9 PM, DNA Holiday Party - Get ready to mix, mingle, and make memories at our Holiday Extravaganza at the brand-new Watermark. The event is SOLD OUT but you can still join the fun by taking part in the auction! Take a look at the fabulous auction and raffle prizes and have a ticket-holding friend bid on your behalf!

A huge THANK YOU to our generous sponsors:

Thank you to our auction and raffle prize donors - The Breakers, Kravis Center, MD Beauty Labs, The Ben, Pistache, City Cellar, Hakuna Matata, Field of Greens, Lynora's, West Palm Beach Food Tours, Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Elisabetta's, Wellington Equistrian and more.

January 11th,  6:00-8 PM, 1st Quarter General Meeting and Community Chat RSVP HERE - Join us for an exclusive opportunity at our Members-Only 1Q 2024 General Meeting sponsored by Seacoast Bank! This is your chance to influence the future of our neighborhood with a dynamic agenda, including updates from our DNA President, WPB Police, Planning Division, and the City. Not a member yet? Seize the chance to become one and be a part of the conversation that shapes our community's path. 

Calendar of Downtown Events Click Here

City of WPB Events Click Here


BECOME A MEMBER

Not a DNA MemberJoin Now for only $25/year and get involved!

As a DNA member, you are helping to enhance the quality of lives of downtown residents.  We do this by strengthening the collaboration between downtown residents, government and businesses through Social Interaction, Information Sharing and Advocacy.  #StrengthInNumbers


ADVOCACY

Our waterfront - Following the city's unsuccessful initiative this summer to approve a marina on the public space along the downtown waterfront without public input, the administration is now exploring ways to enhance waterfront activation beyond current levels.The City will be introducing “Your Waterfront. Your Way.,” a community engagement initiative to solicit feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors on their vision for the City’s downtown waterfront (bridge to bridge) in the first quarter of the 2024. City staff is currently meeting internally and working with consultants to formulate a detailed strategy for the engagement, which will include public workshops, surveys, and other outreach methods. This effort will be marketed to have input from all members of the public who utilize the waterfront. Please be on the lookout for notifications regarding this initiative because we want downtown residents to participate as much as possible to ensure that the City understands the importance of this valuable amenity for the downtown neighborhood. Once the final strategy has been determined, it will be presented to the City Commission for input and buy-in before launching the engagement process to the general public.


INFORMATION SHARING

Jose Marti Park is becoming an outdoor fitness zone. The project has to go through the procurement process before an exact timeline is known. 

E-Minibus Demonstration - Schedule your test ride. The City of West Palm Beach will be testing a new vehicle to be considered for local transit use. Please join us for a ride along the potential future route from Northwood Village to Belvedere Road.  Email Jessica Keller at [email protected] to reserve your space for an 11am ride or noon ride, departing from City Hall. If you cannot participate in the test ride, people may casually stop by, explore the vehicle, and ask representatives questions in front of City Hall between 1 and 3pm.


BE IN THE KNOW.  LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Downtown residents pay additional tax to fund the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  The DDA budget is $8,833,459.  Check out the November 2023 DDA board meeting packet. Click here.

The October minutes show that the board approved the allocation of $100,000 to fund shade tree plantings in downtown. This was initiated by the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) back in August 2021.

Attend the next DDA board meeting on December 20, 8:30 AM. Come to the DDA office at 107 S Olive Ave, St 200  or use Zoom to join. For questions or to submit public comments, please email [email protected]


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization.  Tell us what you are passionate about and we will work to find a spot for you! CLICK HERE to find out more.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH THE DNA? 

  • Make a positive impact on downtown and improve our quality of life
  • Build up your resume: Social media ninja, marketing guru, bookkeeping, event planning, etc
  • Network with government leaders, business professionals and build relationships
  • Make new friends and have fun!

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

  • WPB Police (Non-Emergency): 561-822-1900
  • Security Ambassadors: 561-446-2036 
  • City Hotline: 561-822-2222
  • City Services: 561-822-2210 (emergencies)
  • Download Free App - The WPBKey app provides a platform for residents to engage with the city to maintain a cleaner & safer neighborhood. 

November 2023 Newsletter


MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

SF Headshot

As November rolls in and the holiday spirit twinkles, we have exciting news and important updates to share! 

First, mark your calendars for the upcoming DNA Holiday Party. It's the season of merriment, and we're ready to celebrate together. We also have a few sponsorship packages to give your business some customized exposure. Don't miss out – get your tickets before they sell out!

Looking ahead to January 11, 2024, we have a significant event on the horizon – the DNA Board Election at the DNA General Meeting. Four board seats are up for re-election, and we encourage all members to consider running for a board position. To throw your hat in the ring, please communicate your intent to run for a board position by December 20, 2023, by emailing us at [email protected]

If you're passionate about our community and want to play a more active role in shaping its future, this is your chance. Run for a board position and let your voice be heard!

I wish you an excellent November and look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you.

Sitima Fowler, WPB DNA President


December 14th,  6:30-9 PM, DNA Holiday Party - The holiday season is here, and we've got something special for you! Get ready to mix, mingle, and make memories at our Holiday Extravaganza at the brand-new Watermark.

🍸 Signature Cocktails 🌟 Michelin Star Level Appetizers 🎭 Captivating Entertainment 💎 Incredible Silent Auction

And that's not all! We have sponsorship packages for your company's exposure. Hurry, they're going fast!

Thank you to our generous auction donors - The Breakers, Kravis Center, MD Beauty Labs, The Ben, Pistache, City Cellar, Hakuna Matada, Field of Greens, Lynora's, West Palm Beach Food Tours, Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Elisabetta's.

Don't miss out on the party of the year. Tickets are selling out.  RSVP NOW

Calendar of Downtown Events Click Here

City of WPB Events Click Here


PAST DNA EVENTS

On October 28th, DNA member Rick Gonzalez led our members on a SOLD OUT DNA Downtown Historical Tour. We learned so much about our downtown's history.  Thank you Rick!


Not a DNA MemberJoin Now for only $25/year and get involved!

As a DNA member, you are helping to enhance the quality of lives of downtown residents.  We do this by strengthening the collaboration between downtown residents, government and businesses through Social Interaction, Information Sharing and Advocacy.  #StrengthInNumbers


BE IN THE KNOW.  LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Downtown residents pay an additional 1 mill tax to fund the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  The DDA budget is $8,833,459.  Check out the October 2023 DDA board meeting packet. Click here.

The September minutes show that the fiscal year 2023 - 2024 DDA budget was approved. Also to note a millage rate of 0.9700 mill to fund the budget is a 10% decrease from the rolled back rate of 1.0780 mills was passed.

Circuit Extension - DDA entered into an extension agreement with Circuit Transit to continue providing services through April 2024.

Attend the next DDA board meeting on November 14th, 8:30 AM. Come to the DDA office at 107 S Olive Ave, St 200  or use Zoom to join. For questions or to submit public comments, please email [email protected]


Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization.  Tell us what you are passionate about and we will work to find a spot for you!

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH THE DNA? 

  • Make a positive impact on downtown and improve our quality of life
  • Build up your resume: Social media ninja, marketing guru, bookkeeping, event planning, etc
  • Network with government leaders, business professionals and build relationships
  • Make new friends and have fun!

Find out more.  Click Here!


IMPORTANT CONTACTS

  • WPB Police (Non-Emergency): 561-822-1900
  • Security Ambassadors: 561-446-2036 
  • City Hotline: 561-822-2222
  • City Services: 561-822-2210 (emergencies)
  • Download Free Mobile App - The WPBKey app provides a platform for residents to actively engage with the city to maintain a cleaner and safer neighborhood. Click Here.


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