ArtiGras 2024
An Artistic Journey
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PRODUCTION
Public Communications Department CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Martin Fitts Ki Ki Hobbs Joann Skaria Candice Temple David L. Williams II CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Candice Temple David L. Williams II
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CONTACT US
signaturecity@pbgfl.com Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152 Main City Line: 561.799.4100
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Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Communications Department. Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.
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F E A T U R E S
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The Golden Egg Hunt
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I <3 PBG
@SandhillCraneGolf
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City Briefs/Community Risk Education Week
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An Artistic Journey with Aaron Reed
@GardensGreenMarket
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April Pool’s Day/Community CPR
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Featured Art – Contiguous Currents
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Calendar of Events
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Around Town
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The Cognizant Classic
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What is annexation, anyway?
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Lilac Park Pickleball is Here!
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City Social
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Paddle Battles Pickleball Tournament
@CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation
@CityofPBG @PBGardensFire @PBGPD @CityPBG @CityofPBG flickr.com/cityofpalmbeachgardens
ON THE COVER: This year’s ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival poster will feature original artwork by Aaron Reed, who poses here in his Atlanta, Georgia gallery. Read about his artistic journey on page 6.
“A unique place to live, learn, work and play” WINTER 2024
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CITY BRIEFS
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Thursday, January 11, 2024 Thursday, February 1, 2024 Thursday, March 7, 2024 Thursday, April 4, 2024 City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled.
(l to r) Councilmembers Robert Premuroso, Dana Middleton, Vice Mayor Carl Woods, Mayor Chelsea Reed & Councilmember Marcie Tinsley.
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH Our City Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website. Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home! LiveStream: www.pbgfl.com/LiveStream Archives: www.youtube.com/citypbg
March Voting UNINCORPORATED AREAS TO VOTE ON ANNEXATION
A ballot question will go before voters in certain unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County to allow residents to vote on whether they would like to annex into the City of Palm Beach Gardens. The question will appear on the March 19, 2024 ballot.
VOTE-BY-MAIL
The Florida Legislature has limited Vote-by-Mail ballot requests to just one election cycle. Voters who want to Vote-by-Mail in 2024 must complete a new ballot request with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. You may contact them at 561-656-6200 or complete the request at www.VotePalmBeach.gov.
It Takes A Team to Reduce Community Risk Community Risk Reduction Week takes place January 15 - 21, 2024. Community Risk Reduction helps identify and prioritize local risks with a goal of reducing the occurrence and impact of emergency events for both emergency responders and community members.
CRR focuses on the five “E’s” Education • Engineering • Enforcement Economic Incentive • Emergency Response Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue will be distributing information on social media, as well as internally with City personnel, to raise awareness about CRR. Visit crrweek.org for more information.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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PALM BEACH GARDENS Della Porter
Budget Review Board Member
“I love living here! There is so much to do in the Gardens. There’s something for everyone from activities, events, shopping, and restaurants. I think it’s great how the Gardens keeps its residents informed through things like the GardensLife brochure and Signature City magazine. I have worked in banking for 38 years and was recently appointed to the Budget Review Board. From the financial world, I like that the City has reserves and enough money to tackle new projects when they are needed. I’ve lived here for 25 years and am still so impressed with what the City has to offer.”
Irwin F. Edenzon
President, Palm Beach Gardens Police & Fire Rescue Foundation Board of Directors
“I’ve seen Palm Beach Gardens grow quite a bit over the past 40 years, but the reasons I wanted to move back and retire here have stayed the same – a commitment to great public safety services, a disciplined planning and zoning process, the favorable business environment and even more transparent governance. That said, I think the most significant factor in deciding where to live is safety. Over the course of my career, I had the opportunity to develop relationships with local first responders. So, when I got back to Palm Beach Gardens, the Foundation presented an opportunity to get directly involved in supporting our public safety personnel. The city provides great training and great equipment. The Foundation works to fill any gaps and we can move quickly to assist both Police and Fire Rescue with the adoption of new technology and proactive and reactive tools. Public safety is important to quality of life, and I’m impressed with the City’s focus on what matters.”
Jim McCarten
PBG Resident since 1989
“I moved to Palm Beach Gardens in 1989 for a job opportunity, which has given me a resident and employer perspective. I spent much of my career as General Manager for The Gardens Mall. During that time, I have seen the City go through a lot of change and I have been consistently impressed. The sophistication I’ve witnessed in the growth of services and public safety is something to be proud of. Palm Beach Gardens has always been outstanding. Through my profession, I’ve seen how the City works with businesses. I recall years ago when the Police Chief took time to meet with community leaders. From a business perspective, the police and fire departments have been phenomenal. They have great response times to any needs and services have continually gotten better.”
Do you Palm Beach Gardens? We’d like to hear about it! Send us a message at signaturecity@pbgfl.com and tell us what you LOVE. WINTER 2024
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An
Artistic Journey
with Aaron Reed
By Ki Ki Hobbs
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and the 2024 ArtiGras poster artist, Aaron Reed, are hoping to put a new twist on the commemorative artwork. When the Chamber’s Director of Events, Brian Elkins, was looking for someone to design this year’s poster, he knew he wanted an abstract artist, and Reed, a self-taught painter from Albany, Georgia, seemed like the perfect choice. “When I found him, [his art style] was exactly what I was looking for,” Elkins says. When the Chamber called and asked Reed if he would like to design this year’s commemorative poster, Reed says he had a two-word response: Of course. “Why would you say no?” he joked. For Reed, the decision was a no-brainer. He says designing this year’s poster would be a great way to increase his exposure by putting his artwork in front of ArtiGras patrons who might be unfamiliar with his work. He also says it would be a great way to introduce ArtiGras fans to a different style of art. 6
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“I really wanted to push the envelope. To do something totally different. To look at art in a different light,” he explains. In recent years, many of the ArtiGras commemorative posters had a distinctly tropical theme with art featuring palm trees, flowers, animals, or waterways. “They were beautiful pieces,” Reed says, but he wanted to create something patrons might not already have in their own collections. That’s a sentiment echoed by Elkin, who says it’s one of the main reasons the Chamber picked Reed to design this year’s poster.
“I didn’t want us to stick with the same tropical theme,” Elkin says. “I wanted it to be very different looking.” “I’m excited to see what people think and really excited to bring more light to ArtiGras. In return, I’d just like people to meet me and know me as an artist and get a chance to collect my work,” Reed says. Reed first began exhibiting work at ArtiGras back in 2011 after a friend and fellow artist told him about the festival. Now, years later, Reed fondly looks back at his first ArtiGras experience. He says he can still remember where his first-ever booth was located: “Right in front of the Cardinals training facility.” He also vividly remembers the festival atmosphere, saying he was surprised by the attendees’ enthusiasm for art. “I couldn’t believe how early people got to the show,” he says. He remembered as soon as the gates opened, people were rushing inside so they could stroll through the festival, meet artists, and of course, purchase some art.
“Life requires change and adjustment,” says Reed. And that “People were buying like crazy,” he says. He later added, “It was a big deal at that time. I mean, it still is. I want to support my family.” Reed describes that time in his career as a “grind,” saying he was working hard so he could sell enough artwork to support himself and his family. ArtiGras, according to Reed, was a major financial boon. He called it one of his best shows and says he remembered thinking, “I want to be a part of this show every single year.” So far, he’s made that plan into a reality, returning to ArtiGras for 13 consecutive years.
belief is prevalent in his art, where he explores the journey of life and how that journey molds us into who we are.
Feeling Lucky
Since his first exhibit at ArtiGras, Reed says he’s grown a lot as an artist, and he’s constantly looking to evolve. While his earlier works were extremely detailed pieces, he says the work he’s putting out now has a stronger focus on movement, color, and texture. WINTER 2024
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On his website, he says life requires “change and adjustment.” That belief is prevalent in his art, where he explores the journey of life and how that journey molds us into who we are. His 2024 poster art entitled “Artistic Journey” reflects those themes, and if it sounds familiar, it’s likely because that theme has inspired this year’s marketing campaign for ArtiGras. “We saw what he was bringing. From there, we sat around as a staff trying to determine how we wanted to incorporate it,” says Elkin. This year’s marketing materials for ArtiGras feature a colorful, mosaic pattern, meant to look like a walkway. Many of the graphics you’ll see on social media and the ArtiGras website also feature arrows, adding to the theme of movement. For Reed, being chosen to design this year’s ArtiGras poster, a collectible piece of art, feels like hitting the lottery. He hopes his journey inspires more young artists to exhibit their work at ArtiGras and similar outdoor festivals, saying it’s a great way to get their art into the hands of art enthusiasts. “You just have to keep working and be nice to people and when it’s your time, it’s your time,” he says.
General admission tickets to ArtiGras are available online at www.ArtiGras.org for the advance ticket price of $15; the gate price is $20. Children 12 and under can enter for free with a maximum of two children per adult. In addition, volunteer opportunities with ArtiGras are still available. It takes over 600 volunteers to successfully run the festival, and there are many openings to be a part of the fun from assisting in the chef showcase area to working in artist relations. Students can also earn community service hours when they volunteer at the festival. You can learn more about volunteering at the ArtiGras website – www.ArtiGras.org. This amazing outdoor art event is presented by Tampa General Hospital and University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine. It is produced by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit organization serving more than 10 municipalities from Tequesta to Mangonia Park. For additional information, visit www.ArtiGras.org or contact the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce at (561) 746-7111. 8
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Calendar of Events
FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18, 25 The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 23-28 Les Grandes Dames Women’s International Tennis Tournament T.– Su., 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center *Hours may vary due to special events or other programs
JANUARY 25 – APRIL 30 GardensArt Exhibition Cynthia Maronet “Horizons” Oil Paintings, Drawings & Prints Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
Serenity by Fred Croen NOW-JANUARY 23
JANUARY 15
JANUARY 27
GardensArt Exhibition Barry Zelikson “My Travels” Oil on Canvas Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance City Administrative Offices Closed
Pre-Concert Artist Reception Frederick Croen 4:30 - 6 p.m. City Hall Lobby
JANUARY 15
Community Concert: Absolute Queen 7 – 9 p.m. Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
NOW-FEBRUARY 1 GardensArt Exhibition Frederick Croen “Discovering the Familiar” Views of Palm Beach County Photography Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY JANUARY 7, 14, 21, 28 The Gardens at Green Market 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 9 Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
School’s Out Tennis Camp 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
JANUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 14 GardensArt Exhibition A Preview to ARTIGRAS M. – Th. 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse *Hours may vary due to special events or other programs
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 28 MARCH 27, APRIL 24 Walk the Exhibition with Cynthia Maronet 1 p.m. Discussion to follow on site at the Dancing Crane Restaurant.
Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
JANUARY 18
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 1
JANUARY 12
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 14 The Gardens GreenMarket 22nd Anniversary Celebration & Tote Giveaway 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 20 Public Safety Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park Adult Rec Singles Tournament 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
JANUARY 23 Special Magistrate Hearing 2 – 5 p.m. at City Hall
FEBRUARY 3 Stories in the Park (feat. Lovie Dovie Valentine) 10 – 11 a.m. Burns Road Park
FEBRUARY 3-4 National Wheelchair Tennis Tournament Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center *Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
FEBRUARY 8 Artists’ Reception for Celebration of the Arts through the Diaspora Anthony Burks, Barbara Cheives, Kianga Jinaki, Lupe Lawrence 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. City Hall Lobby
FEBRUARY 10
Hoping to See the Green Flash by Cynthia Maronet
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
Films on the Field (The Super Mario Bros. Movie) 6 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park, Field 5
FEBRUARY 6
Films on the Field (Beauty & the Beast) 6 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park, Field 5
Child/Infant CPR Class 6:30 – 8 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 11
GardensArt Exhibition Celebration of the Arts through the Diaspora Paintings and Fiber Art Artists: Anthony Burks, Barbara Cheives, Kianga Jinaki, Lupe Lawrence Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. City Hall Lobby
FEBRUARY 9
JANUARY 16
Artists’ Reception for A Preview to ARTIGRAS 5:30 - 7 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
FEBRUARY 5 – MARCH 28
SPIRIT Team Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex “Sweetheart” Adult Mixed Doubles & Lunch Tournament 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center Jamie’s Angels Youth Adaptive Tennis Clinic 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center Sweetheart Dance “My Candy Crush!” 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
FEBRUARY 10 - MARCH 23 Community Yard Sale 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
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FEBRUARY 11
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‘En Plein Air at the Gardens GreenMarket’ 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
FEBRUARY 17-18
MARCH 10 ‘En Plein Air at the Gardens GreenMarket’ Group Display & Sale of Paintings ‘under the tent’ 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
FEBRUARY 20 Hands-Only CPR Class 6 – 7:30 p.m. Fire Station 61
FEBRUARY 24 Jr. Rec Singles Tournament 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
FEBRUARY 27 Special Magistrate Hearing 2 – 5 p.m. at City Hall
MARCH MARCH 2 Stories in the Park (feat. Salty Sue) 10 – 11 a.m. Burns Road Park
MARCH 3 Teen Art Exhibition at The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center 8 a.m.-1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
MARCH 19 Child/Infant CPR Class 6:30 – 8 p.m. at City Hall
The Golden Egg Hunt 6 – 8 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
MARCH 23
FEBRUARY 19 - MAY 14
*Hours may vary due to special events or other programs
EVERY SUNDAY
MARCH 22
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival: An Artistic Journey Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
GardensArt Exhibition Diane Prater “Intelligent Design”: Inspired Treasures from the Sea Watercolors M.- Th., 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri., 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat. & Sun., 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
Ongoing:
Community Yard Sale 4 p.m. 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. City Hall Municipal Campus Artist’s Reception for Cynthia Maronet 1:30 – 3 p.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
MARCH 12 Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
MARCH 16 “Spring Mixer” Adult Mixed Doubles & Lunch Tournament 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
MARCH 18-22 School’s Out Tennis Camp 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
School’s Out “Spring Break” Pickleball Camp 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Daily drop off and pickup at Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex Pickleball Courts
MARCH 18 – MARCH 25 School’s Out Camp 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mirasol Center
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: City Hall Municipal Campus/ Veterans Plaza Amphitheater 10500 N. Military Trail
MARCH 26
Burns Road Park 4404 Burns Road
Special Magistrate Hearing 2 – 5 p.m. at City Hall
Lakeside Center 10410 N. Military Trail
APRIL APRIL 4
Fire Station 61 4425 Burns Road Sandhill Crane Golf Club 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse 9900 Sandhill Crane Drive
APRIL 5
Tennis & Pickleball Center Clubhouse/ Center Court Café 5110 117th Court N.
Artists’ Reception for En Plein Air Artists 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. City Hall Lobby Applications for GardensArt are currently being accepted for all venues. Please visit PBGREC.COM/ GARDENSART
APRIL 6 April Pool’s Day 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Aquatic Complex Stories in the Park (feat. Geo Jane) 10 – 11 a.m. Burns Road Park Jr. Rec Singles Tournament 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
APRIL 7, 14, 21, 28
APRIL 9 Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
APRIL 10 School’s Out Camp 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mirasol Center
APRIL 16 Hands-Only CPR Class 6 – 7:30 p.m. Fire Station 61
APRIL 23 Special Magistrate Hearing 2 – 5 p.m. at City Hall
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus WINTER 2024
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Contiguous Currents
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Written and Photographed by David L. Williams II
t is very likely that you’ve driven by this sculpture quite often. Maybe you never paid it much attention, or maybe you’ve seen it and thought to yourself “what in the world am I looking at?” Either way, this feature will cover all you need to know about the structure “Contiguous Currents,” celebrating the 20th year of its installation right outside of the City Hall Municipal Campus along North Military Trail. The origin of this structure lies in the heart of Athens, Greece and is designed by renowned Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos. This thought-provoking sculpture is a seamless blend of art, science and nature and serves as an iconic representation of the delicate dance between art and the environment. This artwork contains hundreds of green and blue glass pieces suspended in the air, seemingly defying gravity. Each glass element is arranged to mimic the fluidity of water currents. The use of color and form in “Contiguous Currents” creates a visually stunning representation of the ebb and flow of natural forces. What makes this sculpture even more dynamic is Varotsos’ use of materials. He opted for aerospace resources such as aluminum and Plexiglas, which provided durability and flexibility for this intricate structure. The reflective surface of the glass elements were designed to interact with natural light and cast a captivating reflection and shadow that changes throughout the day. The inspiration behind the sculpture is deeply rooted in Varotsos’ fascination with the environment, particularly the complex and ever-changing patterns of water currents 12
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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translating these natural elements into a three-dimensional art form. As viewers stand in the presence of “Contiguous Currents,” they are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with the environment. The sculpture serves as a metaphor that illustrates the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact that human actions can have on the Earth’s ecosystems. This sculpture also goes hand in hand with the City of Palm Beach Gardens’ ecofriendly philosophy. In August 2002, the City Clerk made the decision to go paperless with the council members’ large supplemental agendas for City Council meetings. During this time of transition, the City also approved a resolution with Costas Varotsos to install this sculpture on City Hall grounds as part of the Art in Public Places program. The July 2, 2003 dedication ceremony for the sculpture also marked the City’s commitment to continuously find ways to preserve and protect the environment. As we face environmental challenges in the 21st century, this work of art serves as a beacon, inspiring us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to consider the consequences of our actions. “Contiguous Currents” is not just a sculpture; it’s a call to action as well as celebration of the harmony that exists between art and the environment.
AROUND TOWN
Your resource for the burning question:
“What are they building over there?” W r i t t e n b y C a n d i c e Te m p l e
Drone Photos by David L. Williams II
Banyan Tree PUD Phase 2 Over the years, various infill projects have been proposed to take up the vacant space in Banyan Tree Plaza at MacArthur and Northlake Boulevards. In May 2023, City Council approved a new building to be constructed in the north end of the parking lot. Over 10,600 square feet will become the home of restaurant, retail and medical office space with covered outdoor seating and bike racks for patron’s use. Street Address: 3335 Northlake Boulevard
Diamonds Direct Out with the old, in with the new! The end of 2023 saw the demolition of the old BB&T building and drive-through lanes at PGA Boulevard and Minsk Gardens Boulevard. In its place, a bright, shiny 5,871 square foot specialty retail store will be constructed and will become the new home of Diamonds Direct. Visitors will immediately notice a more modern building design, including an aluminum standing seam roof. Expected completion for the Diamonds Direct building is May 2024. Street Address: 2899 PGA Boulevard GET THE DETAILS! To keep up with development around the City, visit our Project Location Map at www.pbgfl.com/ProjectMap. WINTER 2024
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What is Annexation, anyway? By Martin Fitts, AICP
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With contributions by Joann Skaria, AICP
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alm Beach Gardens has long been a city of choice for families moving to Martin Pitts, AICP south Florida. Over the years, many local residents have also chosen to join the City through annexation. The City has not only experienced significant growth in residential development, allowing new residents a variety of housing options, but also commercial and office development, including the Alton Town Center and the Florida Power and Light campus. Recreational facilities, including the North County Gardens District Park and the newly expanded Sandhill Crane Golf Club, provide residents with numerous high-quality options to play, making the City the ideal location to live, work, learn, shop, and play. You may have heard that the City of Palm Beach Gardens is seeking to annex five areas in the northeast area of the City. This process, known as a Referendum Annexation, allows the residents to vote on whether they want to annex into the City or not. If the majority of voters choose to annex into the City, the referendum passes. If the majority choose not to annex, then the referendum fails. In 2016 and 2017, voters in the Carleton Oaks, Osprey Isles, and Bay Hill Estates communities chose to join the City through Referendum Annexations on the west side of the City. However, this is not the only method of annexation. 14
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Annexation is governed by Chapter 171, Florida Statutes, which details three methods of annexation. The first is the Referendum Annexation Process proposed by the City for the five areas to the northeast. The second is through an Interlocal Agreement with Palm Beach County to take over the provision of public services to a given annexation area. This method is limited to areas that are defined as an “enclave”. The third method is a Voluntary Annexation in which all property owners of a given area request to annex into the City. This is the most frequent method of annexation in the City. Annexation also allowed the City to eliminate gaps in service and provide for logical municipal boundaries. Recently, Palm Beach Gardens completed two successful Voluntary Annexations. Another is on the horizon. The first is an annexation along western Northlake Boulevard consisting of over 300 acres of land on either side of Northlake Boulevard, adjacent to the Avenir Development. The area includes the Pierce Hammock Elementary School campus, two unbuilt commercial developments approved in the County, a cellular tower, and other vacant parcels. At the western entrance of the City, annexation of the parcels allows the City to guide the growth and provide consistent service along the Northlake Boulevard corridor. [MAP 1]
MAP 1
MAP 2 PGA Boulevard
Ellison Wilson Road
Avenir Northlake Boulevard Coconut Boulevard
Another series of Voluntary Annexations were approved in 2023 for approximately 18.5 acres of residential property on Ellison Wilson Road south of PGA Boulevard. The parcels include the Ritz-Carlton Residences, currently under construction at the southwest corner of Ellison Wilson Road and PGA Boulevard, as well as other vacant parcels to the south. The Ritz-Carlton Residences were approved in Palm Beach County, but the owners wanted to avail themselves of the streamlined permitting process utilized by Palm Beach Gardens and all the other benefits the City has to offer. They approached the City to discuss annexation and were welcomed in at the beginning of 2023. [MAP 2] A third voluntary annexation in Palm Beach Gardens is on the horizon. The City has been approached by property owners along Howell Lane north of Northlake Boulevard just east of Christ Fellowship Church. These parcels are currently in an area that is considered as an “enclave” by Florida Statute. In other words, the area is completely surrounded by the City. An enclave creates a gap in the city’s jurisdiction resulting in inefficiencies in the provision of municipal services such as police and fire rescue as well as possibly causing questions of jurisdiction in the event of a vehicular accident which could delay critical rescue operations. Whenever possible, cities are encouraged to reduce enclaves through annexation. The City has utilized annexation to reduce the size of an enclave three times in the past year alone. Annexation allows the City to grow without placing a large burden on the current tax paying residents. By reducing the number of gaps in the municipal boundary and growing in areas where municipal services can be provided in an efficient and economical manner, the city is able to spread the cost of those services over a larger area, reducing the individual taxpayer’s cost. Additionally, the City cannot annex areas that
Annexed Parcels
will negatively impact public services. The City is required to conduct an Annexation Feasibility Study (AFS) for annexation areas to determine what would be required to provide the same level of service for public services to the annexed areas as are provided to the rest of the City. The City cannot provide less services to the annexed areas, nor can the existing level of service drop for the current residents as a result of the annexation. The City does not charge an application fee when a property owner wants to annex into the City. Once the application is submitted and verified, then staff conducts the analysis and prepares the studies needed. Staff ensures all notice requirements are met from newspaper ads and property postings to notify Palm Beach County. Following annexation, the City also takes care of the process necessary to assign a city land use and zoning designation, consistent with the approvals from the County. All previous approvals from Palm Beach County are honored and incorporated into the land use and zoning designations assigned by the City. It is important to note that for any existing developed/built communities, all existing approvals are honored by the City upon annexation. All permitted uses remain, and the unique character of the communities are allowed to continue as they are currently existing. Palm Beach Gardens welcomes all of its new residents and property owners whether they have moved into an existing community or annexed their existing property into the City. These two recently annexed areas saw the benefit of living in the Gardens and chose to join the City. The City recognizes that choice and works to maintain Palm Beach Gardens as a great place for people to call home!
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Lilac Park Pickleball Courts NOW OPEN Written and Photographed by David L. Williams II
The summer 2023 issue of Signature City magazine included an update on the beginning process of the Lilac Pickleball Courts. This project was originally slated to be installed in Oaks Park; the location was changed to Lilac Park based on further research and feedback and has now been completed for public use. What was once a multipurpose field has been changed to a state-of-the-art pickleball facility with 24 courts, an operation building, funbrellas for shading, fencing, seating areas and an abundance of parking.
Before
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW Generally, this facility will be open for play from dawn until 9 p.m. and will be managed from 8 – 11 a.m. and 5 – 9 p.m. daily. Hours are subject to change depending on some holidays or weather conditions. During managed hours, players will need to acquire a pickleball pass to access the courts. Outside of these hours, courts are open for play to the public free of charge. The daily pass can only be purchased onsite, and the 6- and 12-months passes can be purchased online at www.pbgfl.com/lilacpickle under the “Registration” section. The courts are managed by Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Department and require a separate membership from the Tennis & Pickleball Center.
After
FEES (Enforced During Managed Hours) Pass Length
PBG Residents
Non-PBG Residents
Daily
$5
$15
6-Month
$35
$225
12-Month
$50
$350
On January 12, 2024, the City hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony officially marking its grand opening to the public. The first tournament held at this new facility will be the annual SPIRIT TEAM “Paddle Battles” Fundraiser on February 10, 2024; see page 20 for details.
WINTER 2024
17
City Social
Fall Festival
Photo Contest Reception
18
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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City Social
Tree Lighting & Concert
VETERANS SALUTE
WINTER 2024
19
City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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