PRODUCTION
Public Media Relations Division
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ki Ki Hobbs
Candice Temple
David L. Williams II
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Olivia Glowala
Ross Gilmore
Candice Temple
David L. Williams II
CONTACT US
signaturecity@pbgfl.gov
Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152
Main City Line: 561.799.4100
Website: pbgfl.gov
SignatureCity
The City of Palm Beach Gardens will conduct a Municipal Election on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The election for Groups 2 and 4 shall be for a three-year-term. The qualifying period ended on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
The candidates for each Group are listed below in alphabetical order:
GROUP 2
John “Scott” Gilow
Marcie Tinsley (Incumbent)
GROUP 4
John D. Kemp
Charles “Chuck” Millar
Please contact the City Clerk’s office for information by calling 561.799.4122 or emailing psnider@pbgfl.gov.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Thursday, May 1, 2025
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.
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.gov/LiveStream Archives: www.youtube.gov/citypbg
Have you seen the City’s revamped monthly e-newsletter, The Pinnacle?
It contains upcoming events and monthly City News. To stay connected subscribe here:
I REMEMBER ARTIGRAS ALWAYS FEELING SO BIG.
This massive, important event that showcases the largest quantity of art Palm Beach Gardens would see at one time, all thrillingly packed into a single weekend. The very first time I attended, I was in a stroller at the young age of 9 months old, so my sense of scale might have been a little different. From then on, over almost 17 years, it was my mom with me and my older brother attending in support of my dad, Joseph LaPierre, until his passing in 2009. Then I picked up the torch.
My very first full exhibit of artwork was ArtiGras in 2010 (their 25th year). I was a part of the “emerging artist” program that my dad had once assisted in developing in years past. The only goal 18-year-old me had at the time was to sell enough artwork to fund a trip to Portugal, and I did just that! My friends showed up to encourage me by wearing handmade “I Heart Sarah LaPierre Paintings” shirts. And the biggiethe first sale of my artwork to a total strangerhuge moment!
By Sarah LaPierre, 2025 ArtiGras Poster Artist
David L. Williams II
As I reflect on multiple decades of attendance and participation in the fine art festival, those feelings of “this is something big” still hold true. ArtiGras stands out to me as a major holiday would for other people. My entire immediate family would always participate, sometimes even aunts, uncles, or various cousins. There would be many hours of prep work and heightened anticipations and then, this huge gathering of artists; many of whom also felt like extended family members. All there for one purpose: to celebrate art.
ArtiGras is truly an event that allows all to celebrate. Some celebrate by making and showcasing art. Others celebrate by collecting it. Many just by taking in the sight of it and letting it brighten their spirit. Even children, with their families, create their own art at the activations. And of course, there is the music, tasty food, and drinks. All the staples that come with any well-worthy fete. It marks a high point of the season in Palm Beach County, fully bustling with activity, and when we’re lucky, the most beautiful Florida winter weather!
My style has developed and deepened over the years, going from soft brushwork to bolder palette knife techniques, and now, bringing in assemblage and weaving found objects into my paintings. I still hold dear to many of the same familiar points of inspiration, though. The things that always give me pause, and make me think, “How would I put that on canvas?” It’s always nature, wildlife, and the unique feeling of life in South Florida, especially from the perspective of a full-time resident who was born and raised locally.
Attendees of ArtiGras this year will get to see my brand-new assemblage series “Second Nature” for the first time. For those who have come to know my work, you’ll still recognize some telltale thick paint strokes, but with these new works, I began including found objects and repurposed materials. Little details that will catch your eye and hopefully give you a reason to
pause with the art for a few moments more. It’s something that I’ve been very keen to work on. The new portion of this creative process is much more time-consuming, but fortunately, it’s just the kind of thing I’ll happily lose track of time doing.
The series is mostly portraits depicting some of Florida’s special and notorious wild inhabitants, like the Florida panther, roseate spoonbill, black bear, alligator, gopher tortoise, scrub jay, and more. A standout in the series is the piece I created to be this year’s commemorative poster titled “Local Legacy” and it holds many hidden treasures and references to our city, and my own personal history and family legacy.
I can’t give more than that away, but I’m very excited for this year's poster to be revealed at the ArtiGras Kickoff Party on January 29. I’m so honored to be the featured artist for this 40th anniversary year, and I look forward to sharing my new paintings, assemblage works, and limited-edition reproductions in booths #336-337, located just inside the red gate entrance.
ArtiGras has become a keystone event for so many artists. It's one event that’s impacted my artistic journey greatly.
Continued on page 8 >
Without it, I wouldn’t be the same. I may not have recognized the influence early on, but the example set by the festival stuck with me. They set a high standard for the caliber of art exhibited, the manner in which it’s shown, and the organizational skills required from all parties involved to make a truly excellent and successful event for both professional participants and attendees.
Beyond meeting hundreds or thousands of art enthusiasts for the first time and getting to form relationships with many of them, I also know every year there are people from the community that I can expect to see. Whether they’re a part of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce team working tirelessly, friends who volunteer (hi Kerri!), fellow local artist comrades, or many of the wonderful people I’m lucky enough to call collectors, it’s always been a place to connect with people through art and I look forward to that feeling every single year.
ArtiGras includes 300 juried artists exhibiting and covering a diverse range of mediums from painting and ceramics to photography, jewelry, fiber arts, metalwork, and many others. Plus, special features like kid zones with fun activities, live music, and even cooking showcases that highlight the art of cuisine and feature local chefs.
As soon as the gates open, there is a steady stream of people coming through, and that energy is thrilling. I have some of the sweetest memories of ArtiGras, many with my dad, watching a master at work in his element, and many with his collectors who came to see me and share stories with me after his passing. I’ve been a part of this community my whole life, and truly, the support and encouragement that is received from the heroes behind this festival is like nothing else. They work their tails off for months putting this on every year and they make art for our community a year-round part of their mission. Just in the past decade, ArtiGras has raised over $300,000 for youth art education and local charities. They have free mentorship for local emerging artists, and they are
by
always seeking to improve ways to support arts and culture in our area.
I’m always going to encourage people to attend because it’s a full-on immersive art experience. It’s in a beautiful outdoor park venue in Palm Beach Gardens, there is something for every age, and it’s an opportunity to connect with local, national, and international artists. Supporting these types of events is so important because art is something that always gives back. It feeds us. It is a universal language, one that can foster curiosity and inspire new ideas. It can provide joy or be an outlet to voice heavier emotions. It’s shared humanity that has the power to connect us across time and space. For some people, it may be beauty, and for others survival, or a combination of both.
Mark your calendars, invite family and friends, and experience the event firsthand! For so many reasons this is a must-attend event. There is inspiration waiting here for everyone, whether you’re looking for art to decorate your home, adding to a unique collection, finding a special gift, or just making colorful memories. I invite you to attend ArtiGras 2025, on February 15th & 16th and be a part of this vibrant artistic celebration!
To find out more about my art journey you can visit SarahLaPierre.com or follow @thickpaint on Instagram.
Saturday and Sunday, February 15 & 16 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park, 5101 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens Tickets are conveniently available online at ArtiGras.org.
EVERY SUNDAY
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
NOW - MAY 4
Spring Aquatics Red Cross Certification Classes
Various Sessions & Times
Aquatic Complex
More info at pbgfl.gov/aquatics
NOW - FEBRUARY 13
GardensArt Exhibition
“A Preview to ArtiGras 2025”
Group Exhibition of Tropical Artworks
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.
NOW – MARCH 11
GardensArt Exhibition
Laura Steinhauer
“Birds of a Feather” Oil Paintings
Dawn to Dusk
Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 1
Les Grandes Dames Women’s
International Tennis Tournament
Tu-Su 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
JANUARY 27 - MARCH 13
GardensArt Exhibition “Along the Road”
Original Oil Paintings by The Highwaymen
Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 28
Code Compliance Special Magistrate Hearing
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 1
Stories in the Park (feat. Lovie Dovie)
10 a.m.
PGA National Park
Live at the Amp Concert: Bee Gees Tribute
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16, 23
The Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
FEBRUARY 3
Camp Gardens & Specialty Camp
Summer 2025 Registration opens for PBG residents
FEBRUARY 6
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –
Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 7
Artist Reception for The Highwaymen
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Visual Presentation & Formal Talk @ 6:30 p.m.
City Hall Municipal CampusLobby
Films on the Field: Inside Out 2 7 p.m.
Gardens North County District Park
FEBRUARY 8
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse
FEBRUARY 11
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board
6 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 15-16
Artigras Fine Arts Festival: 40th Anniversary Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
Tennis & Pickleball Center and Russo Pickleball Courts Closed for Maintenance
FEBRUARY 17 - APRIL 26
Spring Swim Lessons
M-Sat, Various Sessions & Times Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
More info @ pbgfl.gov/aquatics
FEBRUARY 17 - MAY 14
GardensArt Exhibition
Dr. Helga Jensen-Ruopp “Florida Fauna and….”
Acrylic Paintings
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.
FEBRUARY 21
Tot Time: Heart-y Party 10 a.m.
Mirasol Center
FEBRUARY 21-22
SafeSitter Babysitting Class Fri - 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sat - 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lakeside Center
FEBRUARY 22
Jr Rec Singles Tournament 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Jamie’s Angels Youth Adaptive Tennis Clinic
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
FEBRUARY 24
Schools Out Golf Camp 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse
FEBRUARY 25
Code Compliance Special Magistrate Hearing
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 2
Cognizant Classic
PGA National Resort
More info @ thecognizantclassic.com
MARCH 1
Stories in the Park (feat. Seuss-Kate in the Hat) 10 a.m.
PGA National Park
Live at the Amp Concert: Rolling Stones Tribute
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
The Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
MARCH 6
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
MARCH 8
“Spring Mixer” Adult Mixed
Doubles & Lunch Tournament
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse
MARCH 12
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board
6 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
MARCH 13 - MAY 27
GardensArt Exhibition
Marcelle Zanetti
“Ephemeral Moments in Realism” Oil Paintings
Dawn to Dusk
Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
MARCH 15
Junior Rec Singles Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Artist’s Reception for Dr. Helga Jensen-Ruopp
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
Jamie’s Angels Youth Adaptive Tennis Clinic
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
MARCH 15 - 16
PaddleTap Pickleball Tournament
Daily, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
MARCH 17 - MAY 15
GardensArt Exhibition
Chelsea Smith
“The Color of Wheat” Mixed Media
Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall Municipal Campus
MARCH 21
Tot Time: Lucky Leprechauns
10 a.m. Mirasol Center
Artist’s Reception for Chelsi Smith
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
City Hall Municipal CampusLobby
MARCH 24 - 28
School’s Out “Spring Break”
Tennis Camp
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
MARCH 25 - 27
Spring Break Golf Camp
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse
MARCH 25 - 30
National Women’s Clay Court Championships
Daily 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
*Daily start and end times may vary over the duration of the tournament.
MARCH 25
Code Compliance Special Magistrate Hearing
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
MARCH 29
Community Outdoor Yard Sale
7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
APRIL 3
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –
Council Chambers
APRIL 5
Stories in the Park (feat. Mother Goose)
10 a.m.
PGA National Park
2nd Annual April Pools’ Day
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Aquatic Complex
Junior Rec Singles Tournament 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
APRIL 6, 13, 20, 27
The Gardens GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
APRIL 7
Camp Gardens & Specialty Summer Camp Summer 2025 Registration opens for non-residents
APRIL 8
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus –Council Chambers
APRIL 11
The Golden Egg Hunt
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Egg Hunt at 6:15 p.m.)
Gardens North County District Park
APRIL 12
Jamie’s Angels Youth Adaptive Tennis Clinic
1 – 2 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Brunch with Live Music by Mr. Ron
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse
Asmall gathering for an immense cause took place last October when the Banks Family took part in the dedication of a special memorial in memory of their grandson and nephew Corey Jones. The moment culminated many years of considering a fitting way to honor Corey, who was tragically killed on October 18, 2015, during an officerinvolved shooting in our city.
The memorial pays homage to a sensitive topic for our community. Following the shooting, the city has quietly worked with members of Corey’s family and the Anita Banks Justice for Corey Foundation (named in honor of Corey’s late mother) to change state laws, strengthen city policies, and heal community connections. Nine years later, almost to the date of the anniversary of his death, a striking memorial was revealed just outside the entrance to City Hall.
Corey was a musician; a passionate drummer who gigged with local bands and faithfully played on Sundays at his family’s church in Boynton Beach. A favorite family story recalls one performance when he played with such intensity that he split the drumhead of his snare. The moment was impactful enough to warrant a photo to capture that day.
Inspired by Corey’s love of drumming, local artist Mark Fuller was commissioned to design a custom art piece. A single drum was custom designed using stainless steel which has been CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine milled in delicate detail, despite some areas being as much as an inch
Written by Candice Temple
thick. Drummers often have a signature way of resting their drumsticks on a snare when not in use. The Banks Family provided this detail and Fuller cast the sticks accordingly. They are laid side-by-side at an angle across the drum, pointing up and to the left. Exactly the way Corey rested his drumsticks.
The drumhead of this piece has a mirror effect, providing the viewer with a moment of literal and figurative reflection while they gaze at the memorial. From a distance, the artwork looks like a real drum sitting on a park bench. This design was selected to allow visitors to interact with the piece and invites them to sit for a while.
Palm Beach Gardens has a history of art and has been dedicated to its use as an expression of sentiment, as well as beauty. Although still mourning his death, it was the family’s wish that the memorial focus on how Corey enjoyed life. The Corey Jones Memorial is sure to spark conversation and solidify Corey’s impression upon our City, as we honor his legacy.
Written
A new office building is being built at Donald Ross Village. The 7,000 square foot, two-story building will be home to Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Law Firm (DCY Law). Plans for the building include a roof deck and a modern mediterranean architectural theme featuring pink pandora climbing vines. Construction is expected to be completed in December 2025.
Street Address: 4560 Donald Ross Road
Palm Beach State College’s new sports arena facility opened its doors in January 2025. The 135,000 square foot facility is home to the TMRW Golf Leage (TGL). TGL is a new, technology-based golf league with six teams representing six different cities. Tournaments are hosted in the So-Fi Center and broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Street Address: 2961 RCA Boulevard
Written by: Tim Ford, Sport & Special Facilities Director
Drone photos by David L. Williams II
The City of Palm Beach Gardens has built and maintained some of the finest public park facilities in the country, proven by residents’ feedback, awards, and the level of attention the facilities get on an international stage. One award that was recently received was the 2024 Florida Recreation and Parks Association’s (FRPA) “Excellence in Sports Tourism – Large Market” award, typically won by major cities or counties.
The motivation behind the construction of City sports facilities is to provide world-class assets for the residents of Palm Beach Gardens to enjoy for years to come. The secondary benefit has been a sport tourism boom, driving a substantial economic boost to the City’s business community. These efforts also give local, youth athletes an opportunity to compete in elite events without leaving home, and bragging rights that they share field and court space with some of the best athletes in the world.
“For the parents and kids in our community to see professional and national-level sports events taking place on the same fields that we use creates a great sense of pride in being a part of youth sports programs in our community.”
Some of the notable sports tourism events from 2024 include: Major League Soccer preseason training, Les Grandes Dames (tennis), Cressey Sports Performance preseason baseball training, Uruguay Men’s National Soccer Team training, “Little Mo” (tennis) Internationals, seven U.S. Soccer Federation training camps.
In each of the past three years, the City has produced an economic impact of at least $25M, with no signs of slowing. For the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Success = Top-Notch Facilities + Community Partnerships + Convenience.
“These groups, often during slower times, provide our staff more hours, our outlets more revenue and fill our rooms with these first-rate guests. We are so grateful to be in the center of such a dynamic sports metropolis!”
- Bridget Adlen, Senior Sales Manager – Hilton Garden Inn Palm Beach Gardens
The most important factor for sports event owners is the quality of the sports facilities, meticulously maintained by the City’s Public Services Division. While the City boasts many state-of-the-art facilities, the most highly sought-after assets for sport tourism events are Gardens North County District Park, Gardens Park Baseball Complex, and the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is an industry leader, tirelessly working to promote Palm Beach Gardens as a premier landing spot for sports events. Lodging is a major factor for events, and the City’s hotels go above and beyond to provide superior service to elevate sports tourism experiences in Palm Beach Gardens.
The year-round temperate climate, endless options for dining and shopping, and the convenience of airports and travel to major cities give Palm Beach Gardens an edge when teams and event owners scour the country to make decisions on where to bring their event.
The Indoor Field House will be a highly anticipated and exciting addition to the recreational amenities in Palm Beach Gardens. This City-owned initiative is part of a conceptual master plan to develop The Gardens North County District Park. The initial phases of this plan introduced the soccer fields, playground, splash pads, concession stand and pavilion area, all of which have been met with great success.
The upcoming Field House will offer several state-of-the-art features, including 6 full-size high school basketball courts and 12 volleyball courts, meeting the minimum requirements for hosting organized tournaments. Additionally, the facility will feature 18 indoor pickleball courts, scoreboards, a sound system and 14 see-through dividers to split courts as needed. Outdoor amenities will include a playground and picnic area.
Parking will see a significant upgrade, as well. The property currently has 514 parking spaces, with plans to add 230 paved spots exclusive to the Field House. Temporary parking areas will be available for large-scale events like the Cognizant Classic and ArtiGras, adding 584 grass parking spaces. This will bring the total parking capacity to 1,355 spaces, with lighting. When not in use for events, the temporary grass parking areas will serve as flexible, open space where individuals and families can enjoy a wide range of activities.
This project is slated for completion in early 2026, offering an outstanding new space for community activities and sporting events.
TRAILBLAZER 5K & TREE LIGHTINGFestival
City of Palm Beach Gardens
10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
