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On Thursday, April 2, 2026 I was honored to be sworn in for another term as City Commissioner representing District I. It is a privilege to continue serving our community, and I remain committed to working hard on behalf of our residents.
The ceremony also marked important moments for my colleagues. Commissioner Christy Fox (District III) was sworn in for her final term, reflecting her continued dedication and years of service to our city. Additionally, we welcomed Commissioner Steve Sylvester (District V), who was officially sworn in as our newest elected official. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow commissioners as we continue working together to strengthen our community and address the priorities that matter most to our residents.
| | Roosevelt Middle Classroom Makeover | | |
On Friday, April 10, 2026, Roosevelt Middle School celebrated its classroom makeover reveal as one of twenty Florida schools selected for the Florida Power & Light STEM Classroom Makeover Grant.
The morning began with remarks from Principal Attallah McLawrence, elected officials, and representatives from the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. As we approached the newly transformed classroom, the school’s band delivered a wonderful performance, setting a spirited tone ahead of the reveal and ribbon cutting.
On behalf of our community, thank you to Florida Power & Light for your generous support of STEM education through the FPL STEM Classroom Makeover Grant program. Investing in our schools and students helps inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
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(L) to (R): Jay Taylor, Gianluca Galletto, and
Commissioner Cathleen Ward
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On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, I joined a panel for Tomorrow.City USA discussing the legal and policy frameworks shaping the modernization of cities.
Alongside Jay Taylor, Partner at Stinson LLP, and moderator Gianluca Galletto, Founder of I³/NYC, we explored the intersection of governance and innovation, including how cities can modernize operations and adapt to evolving technologies within government structures. The conversation allowed me to draw from both my experience as a City Commissioner and my professional background as an attorney specializing in commercial lending, real estate, and corporate law.
Tomorrow.City was an incredible conference focused on helping leading U.S. cities become more modern and globally competitive, featuring timely and forward-thinking discussions throughout the event. I was grateful to be a part of the experience.
| | Urban League Equal Opportunity Awards Gala | | |
On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Urban League of Palm Beach County hosted its 53rd Annual Equal Opportunity Awards Gala. This year’s theme, “A Wicked Affair,” inspired attendees to dress in stunning attire, with many creatively embodying characters from Wicked & The Wizard of Oz in true celebration of the theme.
Each year, the gala honors community leaders whose work has made a meaningful impact on underserved communities. This year’s honorees included George T. Elmore, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Mary Ann DuPont, honored with the Alfred Malefatto Humanitarian Award; State Attorney Alexcia Cox, recognized with the Trailblazer Achievement Award; and Elijah Brown, recipient of the Youth Achievement Award. Congratulations to all the awardees.
In addition to spotlighting leadership and service, the event also raised funds to support the Urban League’s ongoing initiatives that help ensure opportunities for all in our community.
| | For this issue of the newsletter, please see general information regarding construction hours in West Palm Beach. | | | |
Construction Standard Hours:
Construction is permitted from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends, unless a project has received a special permit for adjusted hours.
North End Extended Hours Projects:
- DC Construction – 420 L.A. Kirksey St. – Permit #23110728 – Extended concrete pour on March 28 beginning at 2:00 AM
- Gilbane Building Company – PBAU Residence Tower, 1215 Wallingford Pl. – Permit #24110720-COM-BLDG – Extended concrete pours on March 23, 25, and 30, and April 1, 6, and 8, each beginning at 2:00 AM
- Related Ross – 10 & 15 City Place, 550 S. Rosemary Ave. – Permit #23080342 – Extended concrete pour on March 11 beginning at 4:00 AM
- Gilbane Residential Construction – Olara, 1919 N. Flagler Dr. – Permit #22120881 – Extended concrete pours on March 11, 23, and 30, each beginning at 4:00 AM
- Kast Construction – Mr. C Project, 383 Okeechobee Blvd. – Permit #23120049-COM-BLDG – Extended concrete pour on March 3 beginning at 2:00 AM
Please note: This list is subject to change and may not reflect the most current updates or approvals.
Contact Information:
If you suspect a project is operating outside approved construction hours or violating permit conditions, please contact ds@wpb.org.
| | Northend Business Spotlight | | |
Our local businesses are part of the backbone of our District just as much as our neighborhoods, and it's imperative that we shine a light on them as well.
For this month, the feature is on Belzeb Wellness, a wellness center that blends natural healing and community energy.
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About Founder:
Belzeb Wellness is an evolution of Founder Dr. Marie Roberte Laurent’s personal experiences and philosophy surrounding self-care. Her journey has been shaped by her own path of overcoming fibromyalgia-related distress, hormonal imbalance, and sleepless nights, as well as navigating the debilitating effects of living with an autoimmune disease. Guided by her family’s influence and her soul’s mission, Dr. Laurent has transformed her experiences into a practice that now helps others on their own healing journeys, encouraging them to awaken the body’s natural ability to heal through illness.
Dr. Laurent earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Clinical Nutritional Herbalist from the Florida School of Holistic Health. She is also a proud alumna of Trinity School of Natural Health in Warsaw, Indiana, where she received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine.
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About Belzeb:
At Belzeb Wellness, advanced wellness therapies are combined with natural healing approaches to support the body from the inside out.
Through personalized assessments, targeted treatments such as red light therapy and hydrotherapy, and customized wellness plans, support is provided for concerns including detoxification, hormonal balance, inflammation, and overall vitality.
A curated line of herbal teas, natural oils, and body care products is also available to help continue the wellness journey at home. The mission is simple: to help restore balance, improve well-being, and encourage a natural reconnection with the body.
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For this month, the spotlight is on the Old Northwood neighborhood for hosting a BBQ cookout and meet-and-greet with the West Palm Beach Police Department, specifically their sector officers. Gatherings like this help strengthen community relationships, so it’s gratifying to see our neighbors take the initiative to create programming that centers on fellowship.
| | | Shaping West Palm Beach Together | |
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West Palm Beach is a thriving city, but there's always room for improvement. That responsibility doesn't only fall on city officials and staff. Community input plays an integral role in identifying opportunities and creating positive change.
Noticed a tricky intersection that could be safer? An ordinance that needs updating? Do you have innovative ideas on how we can hold more effective community outreach meetings?
Constructive feedback and creative ideas are always appreciated. Send your thoughts to my office.
Together, we can shape a more connected, efficient, and inclusive West Palm Beach.
| | | | Contact Information for District I | | |
Commissioner Cathleen Ward:
Phone: 561-822-1393, Email: cward@wpb.org
Commission Aide Nerlande Adolphe:
Phone: 561-822-1391, Email: nadolphe@wpb.org
General Line for Commission (& Other Districts):
Phone: 561-822-1390
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