Hello, Delray Beach!

We're gearing up for the holiday season, with Halloween just a few weeks away. We've got lots of fun "spook-tacular" events for the whole family to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Halloween Festivities page on our website to learn about all the family-friendly events we have lined up this year. We wish you all a fun and safe Halloween!

Also, we're asking the community to help support our deployed military members during the holiday season. For a list of much-needed items and drop off locations please visit our website .

Here's what's making news for the month of October 2018:
Update on Red Tide Conditions
Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed the presence of red tide in the coastal waters of Palm Beach County. Cities along the coast, experienced a higher than normal concentration of algae bloom also known as Karenia Brevis . This phenomenon is known to cause a number of issues including fish kills and respiratory irritation for beach attendants. Recently, in Delray Beach, red tide reportedly caused minor respiratory problems for a few patrons. As a precaution, Delray Beach Fire Rescue/Ocean Division flew red and purple flags warning beach attendees about the possible airborne irritant.

As of the morning of October 11, red tide conditions have subsided and a single green flag was posted. The Ocean Rescue staff reports they have been swimming in the ocean the past three days and there have been no reports of any airborne respiratory irritants. Although, it is safe to swim, beach goers are advised to follow the warning flags which are meant to keep them safe and alert the public of potential safety risks. If you're not sure if the water is safe, be sure to ask a lifeguard. Our staff continues to monitor the health advisory issued by the Florida Department of Health. Updates will be will be posted as needed.

Stay up-to-date on our beach conditions by visiting our web page below.
Project Holiday of Delray Beach Seeks Support in Annual Effort to Deliver True Spirit of the Season to Deployed Military Members
To support deployed members of the U.S. military, the City of Delray Beach is partnering with two local organizations – You Are Not Alone and One Soldier at a Time – on December 13 for Project Holiday , an event where much needed items are collected and shipped to servicemen and servicewomen who aren’t able to come home for the holidays.

You Are Not Alone provides encouragement and emotional support to family members and friends of soldiers, while One Soldier at a Time sends care packages and words of encouragement to deployed military members. Items may be donated Nov. 4 to Dec. 7. Read more to learn about the annual initiative as well as drop-off locations.
Delray Beach CRA and Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County
Partner on “LOTS OF HUMANITY”
Championed by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners and Staff, (Delray Beach CRA) granted Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County (HFHSPBC) five lots for $1,000 each for homes to be built in “The Set” district in the West Atlantic Avenue area immediately east of I-95. According to the HFHSPBC CEO & President Randy Nobles, this opportunity, which HFHSPBC has named “LOTS OF HUMANITY” in Delray Beach is the first time Habitat has been able to build in two years.
Delray Beach Fire Rescue Invites the Community to the Fire Safety Open House
Delray Beach Fire Rescue along with the Police department is holding its quarterly Fire Safety Open House on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. All activities/events will be at Fire Station #111 at 501 West Atlantic Ave.

Come out and meet Sparky the Fire Dog, firefighters and police officers. Kids get to paint the fire engine, play in the bounce house and receive free popcorn and snow cones from the Delray Beach Police Department P.A.R.T.Y Trailer. Also, there will be a Kid's Firefighter obstacle course, where learn kids will learn what it takes to be a firefighter, plus much, much more!

If you have any questions, please call the station at 561-243-7400.
Downtown Delray Beach Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Have you noticed? City Hall has gone pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Thursday, October 25, join Downtown Delray Beach as we "go pink" to raise funds and awareness for local, life-saving breast cancer programs in Palm Beach County. Enjoy decorative lighting, special discounts and promotions from merchants, restaurants, businesses and community partners.

Delray Beach will be one of three South Florida cities to host the first ever “Downtowns Go Pink” in support of Susan G. Komen South Florida® and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink lights, compliments of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, will adorn trees and light poles on Atlantic Avenue and in Pineapple Grove, and businesses throughout Downtown.

We invite you to show your support by wearing pink, dining out or shopping for a cause throughout the month!
The Office of Economic Development Launches 'Go Build Delray Beach'
The Office Economic Development has recently launched a community initiative, Go Build Delray Beach , designed to grow the construction, real estate and development industry in Delray Beach. The first subcontractors mini conference will be held on Saturday October 13, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Delray Beach Public Library.

This program is a multi-year economic development initiative designed to grow the construction, real estate and development (CRED) industry sector in Delray Beach and for the benefit of Delray Beach. By targeting local construction, real estate and development firms with focus training on business and management disciplines, as well as providing mentoring and one-on-one counseling, Delray Beach aims to see this sector employ hundreds more as they grow successfully.
Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Turkey Trot 5K! Feel the breeze as you run through the All-America City on the 3.1 mile USATF certified course starting in the heart of Delray Beach. All participants will receive a custom Delray Beach Turkey Trot finisher medal and a commemorative t-shirt.

Interested in volunteering? Call (561) 243-7277 or email BeardsleyD@mydelraybeach.com. No experience necessary.
Parks and Recreation Department Invites the Community to Help Design Pompey Park
The Parks & Recreation department is asking for your help in enhancing the much-loved Pompey Park. A public meeting will be held on Monday, October 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Pompey Park Recreational Building (1101 NW Second St., Delray Beach) to receive community input for the proposed concept site plan and recreation building alternatives for Pompey Park.
High School Juniors and Seniors Invited to Experience Municipal Government on Student Government Day
Student Government Day is an exciting opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students attending Atlantic High School and Village Academy to gain valuable experience regarding local government day-to-day operations, participate in demonstrations with public safety, meet the Mayor and Commissioners and gain first hand knowledge of the policy making process.

Student Government Day will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at Delray Beach City Hall 100 NW 1st Avenue. To participate, students must submit an application. Selected students will be picked up from their school at approximately 8:15 am, and will be taken back to their school at the conclusion of the day prior to 5 pm.
The Community is Invited to a 'Spook-tacular' Family-Fun Filled Day on October 27

Looking for a fun Halloween activities in Delray Beach this month? Take your pick.This year, we're offering a lineup of spook-tacular events that the whole family can enjoy. On October 27, you can look forward to fun-filled day with festivities, including "Trick-or-Treat Along the Avenue", the 56th Annual Halloween Parade and Kidsfest. This year we've added a special bonus with Movie Night on the City Hall Lawn. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
Boaters Needed for the Boynton Beach & Delray Beach Annual Holiday Boat Parade
The Annual Boat Parade is around the corner and boaters are needed for the line up. Boats must be decorated and lighted (no spotlights). The parade will form at the Palm Beach Yacht Center and starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 14, traveling south to the C-15 canal in Delray Beach. Boaters must finish the parade and check in at the C-15 canal to be eligible for prizes.

Prizes will be awarded for First, Second, and Third Place in three size categories: Under 25 feet, 25 feet to 34 feet and 35 feet and up. City and CRA staff, Commissioners and Board members may enter boats in the parade; however, they may not receive gifts or cash prizes.
The City of Delray Beach Announces Downtown Parking Permits for All City Residents
The City of Delray Beach is now offering a new Downtown Parking Permit Program for all City residents. Starting on October 1, 2018, City residents can purchase a downtown parking permit that will allow them to park in designated garages, surface lots and side-streets in Downtown Delray seven days a week, between the hours of 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Permits can be purchased online by logging onto delraypermits.rmcpay.com or in person at City Hall (100 NW First Ave, Delray Beach). Residents must show proof of residency by providing a copy of their driver’s license and vehicle registration. Permits are $12 each and will be valid for one year (permits will expire on September 30, 2019). If purchased after April 1, the cost is prorated to $6. Only two City Resident Downtown Parking Permits are allowed per housing unit. This parking permit program is for residents who live within the City of Delray Beach city limits. Unincorporated Delray Beach residents are not eligible and will not be granted a permit.  View this map to determine your eligibility.   

For more information on parking guidelines, please visit mydelraybeach.com/parking .
I-95 Interchange Improvements & Resurfacing Projects to Commence Soon
I-95 Interchange Improvements on Atlantic Avenue
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is anticipated to begin Monday, October 22, 2018 in the City of Delray Beach. Scope of work includes widening the northbound entrance ramp from Atlantic Avenue, creating a dedicated lane for I-95 northbound and southbound access from westbound Atlantic Avenue, construction of two turn lanes from westbound Atlantic Avenue; one to northbound Congress Avenue and one to southbound Congress Avenue, milling, resurfacing, construction of retaining walls, new watermain installation, drainage improvements, guardrail, sign structures, lighting, installation of fiber optic, pavement markings for improved safety and visibility, realigned crosswalks for improved pedestrian safety, internally illuminated and electronic display signs, signalization, pedestrian detectors, and traffic monitoring sites. The work is being performed by Russell Engineering Inc. and is expected to be completed early 2020.


I-95 Milling & Resurfacing from north of Atlantic Avenue to north of Gateway Blvd
Construction on this 7.66-mile project began Friday, October 12 in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. Scope of work includes milling, resurfacing, drainage improvements, guardrail, rumble strips, signing and pavement markings, and traffic monitoring site installation along I-95. Other improvements at select ramps along the corridor include: curb and gutter, sidewalks, and detectable warnings. Work is being performed by Community Asphalt Corp. and is expected to be completed early 2020.

 
There are no anticipated traffic restrictions. For more information, please contact Andrea Pacini, FDOT Community Outreach Specialist, 561-214-3358.
Set it & Forget it
Utility Automatic Bill Pay is now available, sign up today!
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The City's Utilities department has recently launched the automatic bill pay option for its utility customers. Now, you never have to miss a payment again! Have your payments automatically deducted from your authorized bank account on the date that your utility bill is due. 

Learn more on how to enroll!
Upcoming City Commission Meetings & Workshops
  • Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - Regular Meeting
  • Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - Workshop Meeting
  • Tuesday, November 20, 2018 - Regular Meeting

Upcoming Community Redevelopment Agency Meetings
  • Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 5 p.m. Meeting held in the City Hall Commission Chambers.
  • Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. Meeting held in the first floor conference room.
  • Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Meeting held in the City Hall Commission Chambers.

Committee/Advisory Board Meetings
  • Thursday, October 18, 2018 - Board of Adjustments
  • Monday, October 22, 2018 - Public Art Advisory Board. Meeting held at 6 p.m. Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. Delray Beach.
  • Wednesday, October 24, 2018 - Site Plan Review and Appearance Board
  • Thursday, November 1, 2018 - Board of Adjustments

*NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, all meetings will be begin at 6 p.m. in City Hall .
Road Closures & Construction Updates
  • Road construction on SW 10th Street and Swinton may affect the timing of traffic lights. Travelers may experience inconvenience in waiting longer than normal as construction prevents ability for the signals to communicate. Road construction must be completed prior to lights being sequenced, therefore it is anticipated that it will be a few weeks before timing is restored.
  • Construction of the crosswalk on Gleason Ave is still in progress. While it may appear to passerby's that construction has ceased, efforts have in fact been redirected towards restoring a leaking water main. The water main repairs are estimated to take approximately two weeks at which time construction of the crosswalk can resume. 
  • From September 4, 2018 through October 19, 2018, Palm Beach County will be performing a road closure (detour) on Golf Road from Military Trail to Congress Avenue (local traffic only). 
  • Beginning September 4, 2018, R&D Paving, LLC will be working in conjunction with the City on the Venetian Drive & Gleason Street Intersection Improvements.To minimize the inconveniences, the project will be constructed in two phases; Phase 1 & Phase 2. During Phase 1: east/westbound traffic along Atlantic Ave will remain open, pedestrian traffic will remain open, and ONLY right turns (eastbound) are available from Venetian Dr. and Gleason St. During Phase 2: east/westbound traffic along Atlantic Ave. will remain open, pedestrian traffic will remain open, Venetian Dr. & Gleason St. access to Atlantic Ave. will be closed. During the construction period, there will be lane shifts, road detours, and pedestrian detours. For your safety please adhere to the posted maintenance of traffic signage. It is anticipated that construction will be completed by December 3, 2018.  
  • Beginning Monday, October 22, 2018, the I-95 Interchange Improvements at Atlantic Avenue Construction is anticipated to in the City of Delray Beach. Scope of work includes widening the northbound entrance ramp from Atlantic Avenue, creating a dedicated lane for I-95 northbound and southbound access from westbound Atlantic Avenue, construction of two turn lanes from westbound Atlantic Avenue; one to northbound Congress Avenue and one to southbound Congress Avenue, milling, resurfacing, construction of retaining walls, new watermain installation, drainage improvements, guardrail, sign structures, lighting, installation of fiber optic and ITS with CCTV video and ethernet, pavement markings for improved safety and visibility, realigned crosswalks for improved pedestrian safety, internally illuminated and electronic display signs, signalization, pedestrian detectors, and traffic monitoring sites. Pavement markings for bike lanes will be included throughout the project. The project cost is $5.2 million dollars. Work is being performed by Russell Engineering Inc. and is expected to be completed early 2020. Click here for more information this project.

For more information on road closures and construction notices, please contact the Public Works department at 561-243-4104 or visit our website .
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