A new city report says West Palm Beach’s signature waterfront is falling short of its potential — and calls for a dramatic overhaul to make it safer, more welcoming, and more connected to downtown.
The 89-page “Your Waterfront, Your Way” report outlines a vision to transform the waterfront from a car-dominated corridor into a vibrant public destination focused on people, activity, and access.
Below are the biggest takeaways.
🔍 Key Findings: What’s Not Working Now
The report says the waterfront — despite being one of the city’s most valuable public assets — is:
- Underused between major events
- Poorly designed for pedestrians and cyclists
- Too hot, too exposed, and lacking shade
- Disconnected from downtown by an oversized roadway
- Not consistently maintained
- Fragmented between multiple departments, with no single leader
🚧 5 Major Recommendations
#1: Shrink Flagler Drive: 4 Lanes → 2 Lanes
Consultants say the road is far wider than needed and acts as a barrier between downtown and the water. Reducing to two lanes would create room for:
- Dedicated bike lanes
- Wider sidewalks
- Safer pedestrian crossings
- An expanded waterfront promenade
#2: Reimagine the Seawall
The report calls for replacing long stretches of blank seawall with features like:
- Native landscaping and mangroves
- Floating gardens
- Steps to the water
- Kayak launches
- Touch-the-water zones
- Potential wading or swimming areas
The goal: make the water accessible, not just viewable.
#3: Add More Shade, Seating & Comfort
The report calls for:
- Shade structures
- Better seating
- Upgraded restrooms
- More lighting for safety
- An overall “cared-for” feel
#4: Program It Year-Round — Not Just For Big Events
Consultants say the waterfront shines during major events — but sits empty most other days.
Recommended additions:
- Yoga and fitness classes
- Daily kiosks (coffee, snacks, rentals)
- Family-friendly activities
- Small cultural and community events
#5: Create a Waterfront Department / “Waterfront Czar”
Currently, multiple departments share responsibility — and none are fully in charge. The report recommends:
- One dedicated administrator
- Full-time management
- Unified maintenance and programming strategy
Mayor Keith James said he agrees with hiring a “waterfront quarterback” and promised the report “won’t sit on a shelf.”
🚫 What’s Not Recommended
The report is clear on one major point: no new marina. Consultants said the idea of adding docks or expanding marina operations never came up in community conversations. The focus, they said, should be on improving public access and environmental resilience
👥 Community Feedback: Split Opinions
Residents had mixed reactions to the biggest idea — lane reduction:
Concerns
- Potential increase in traffic congestion
- Fear of slower commutes along Flagler Drive
Support
- Reduce speeding
- Make the waterfront safer
- Shift travel to walking, biking, Circuit shuttle, water taxi, etc.
🧭 Why This Matters
The city considers the waterfront one of its top economic engines, but the report argues it isn’t living up to its potential. A redesigned, people-first waterfront could:
- Attract more residents and tourists
- Support local businesses
- Improve safety and accessibility
- Make downtown feel more connected and walkable
- Enhance quality of life year-round
📌 Next Steps
None of the recommendations are final. City commissioners expressed support for:
- Hiring a waterfront czar
- Adding shade and seating
- Improving day-to-day management
More dramatic changes — like lane reduction — will require further study and community input.
West Palm Beach now faces a big decision: Keep the waterfront as it is — or transform it into one of South Florida’s most iconic public space
