Firefighters Retirement Dinner & Police Awards Ceremony | | | | |
On the weekend of March 7th, we celebrated our first responders, honoring the dedicated members of the West Palm Beach Fire Department and Police Department with separate ceremonies recognizing their tenacity and hard work.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, over a dozen firefighters concluded their careers in the fire service, each receiving a ceremonial axe engraved with their badge number in recognition of their dedicated years to the job. Then on Sunday, The FUND for West Palm Beach Police hosted their annual awards ceremony for police personnel who demonstrated outstanding service in 2025.
Congratulations to these women and men for their commitment to our community. May their following years be filled with health, happiness, and continued success in all their endeavors.
| | Northwood Annual Community Yard Sale | | On Saturday, March 13, 2026, the Old Northwood and Northwood Shores Neighborhood Associations once again partnered to host their annual community yard sale, welcoming over 800 visitors. This remarkable turnout highlights the strength, enthusiasm, and effective marketing efforts of the neighborhood. Congratulations to both associations for their planning and dedication, which helped make this fundraiser a success and a wonderful way to welcome spring. | | | Mayor Jumpstart Academy Graduation | | |
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, our very own Nerlande graduated from the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy (MJA). In addition to serving as my Commission Aide, Nerlande and her business partner, Jenna Llorens-Blas, co-own the pop-up bookstore Embargoed Editions. Through the MJA program, they and other small business owners gained foundational tools to strengthen their ventures and became eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding for operational expenses. Throughout the program, participants also learned from fellow entrepreneurs across diverse industries who served as facilitators.
Congratulations to all the graduating entrepreneurs for this notable achievement, and special shoutout to Nerlande and Jenna for promoting banned and diverse literature while embracing every opportunity to grow as knowledgeable entrepreneurs and community changemakers.
| | (L) to (R): Jenna Llorens-Blas and Nerlande Adolphe | | Senator Philip D. Lewis Bruncheon | | |
On Friday, March 20, 2026, the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County hosted its annual Lewis Bruncheon, highlighting the impact achieved to date and the work that still lies ahead.
During the event, Alexandria Ayala, CEO of the organization, provided important insights into the current state of homelessness in the community. She emphasized that this is a complex and evolving issue. Now more than ever, in addition to chronic homelessness, there is a growing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness for the first time. The message was clear: addressing this challenge will require strong community-wide collaboration, not just government intervention, to create lasting solutions.
This year’s bruncheon also featured Alan Graham, founder of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a Christian social outreach ministry that provides essential items to those facing homelessness. He shared his life’s work and highlighted the organization’s innovative community village in Austin, Texas, which supports individuals transitioning out of chronic homelessness. He was an engaging speaker who provided valuable insight to a group of leaders and stakeholders, encouraging exploration of similar models in Palm Beach County.
| | For this issue of the newsletter, let’s take a closer look at one of the new security initiatives provided by the City. | | |
CCTV Security Grants for Commercial Properties:
The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency has launched a new incentive program designed to help improve safety and reduce crime within designated CRA districts.
The program encourages commercial and non-residential property owners to install security cameras that connect directly with the West Palm Beach Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center. By expanding access to integrated surveillance technology, the initiative supports innovative policing strategies, provides valuable investigative evidence, and helps deter criminal activity while addressing crime-related blight.
In addition, the program aims to strengthen partnerships between the community and law enforcement, enhance neighborhood stability, and support economic growth. Eligible businesses and property owners may receive up to four professionally installed CCTV cameras—including mounting hardware and standard installation—at no cost to the applicant, with grants of up to $3,000 per property.
| | 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 Luxe, a local business that goes beyond catering.
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Shaleena Bell is the proud owner of Luxe Events and Catering, located in the Coleman Park area of West Palm Beach, Florida. As a past participant of the Mayor’s Jumpstart Program, she continues to grow her business with a strong foundation in community and entrepreneurship. Established on March 13, 2024, Luxe Events and Catering is a growing event rental space dedicated to hosting life’s most meaningful moments. From baby showers and birthday celebrations to graduation parties, trainings, and more, the venue offers a versatile and welcoming environment for a wide range of occasions.
With a mission centered on excellence, service, and community impact, her mission is to deliver memorable experiences through exceptional service by providing clients with a space where their visions can come to life and create lasting memories.
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Beyond her event services, Luxe Events and Catering is deeply committed to giving back to the community. In partnership, she has proudly hosted initiatives such as holiday turkey giveaways and back-to-school bookbag drives, helping families in need and supporting local youth while becoming a source of care, support, and positive impact within the community she serves.
As she continues to grow, she is excited to expand the Luxe brand with the upcoming opening of Luxe Beauty and Barbershop, a space rooted in purpose, where giving back remains at the heart of everything she does. This vision is bigger than business; it's about building a stronger community to uplift families, invest in youth, and create lasting change one initiative at a time.
More information can be found on Facebook Page: Luxe Bee and Instagram Page: Luxeeventsandcatering, or please call 561-698-0633.
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For this month, the spotlight is on the Esperanza Community Center for its community cleanup and educational outreach event. During the event, volunteers cleaned the streets from 39th to 44th Street, collecting a total of 18 bags of trash while also providing educational information to more than 30 community members. The effort brought together high school youth volunteers and residents, all working side by side to improve their neighborhood.
Esperanza Community Center also used the opportunity to invite residents to participate in future cleanup events, continuing its efforts to promote community pride.
| | | | 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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