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South Palm Beach, Florida

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South Palm Beach is a town located in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. The town is part of the Miami metropolitan area of South Florida and situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The entire town is approximately 5⁄8 of a mile (1.0 km) long along South Ocean Boulevard (Florida State Road A1A), its only street.[3] It is between the Town of Palm Beach to the north and the Town of Lantana and its public beach to the south.

South Palm Beach, Florida
Town
Town of South Palm Beach
Aerial View of South Palm Beach Proper
Aerial View of South Palm Beach Proper
Official seal of South Palm Beach, Florida
Seal
Motto: 
The Best Town on the East Coast[1]
Location of South Palm Beach, Florida
Location of South Palm Beach, Florida
Coordinates: 26°35′30″N 80°2′15″W / 26.59167°N 80.03750°W / 26.59167; -80.03750
Country United States
State Florida
County Palm Beach
Incorporated1955[2][3]
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • MayorBernice "Bonnie" Fischer
 • Vice MayorMonte Berendes
 • Council MembersRaymond McMillan and
Elvadianne Culbertson
 • Town ManagerJamie Titcomb
 • Town ClerkYude Davenport
Area
[4]
 • Total
0.28 sq mi (0.73 km2)
 • Land0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2)
 • Water0.17 sq mi (0.45 km2)
Elevation
3 ft (1 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,471
 • Density13,747.66/sq mi (5,291.84/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
33480
Area code(s)561, 728
FIPS code12-67650[5]
GNIS feature ID0291401[6]
Websitewww.southpalmbeach.com

The town was incorporated in 1955 with several condominium buildings and four single-family homes.[3] Many condominiums were constructed, contributing to the town's growth in the early 1970s.[3] The fire station served for town meetings until 1993 when a town hall was built.[3] As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,471.

Geography

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Florida route A1A runs through the center of the town built between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal (2008)
 
The beach in South Palm Beach before Hurricane Wilma in 2005
 
Town hall

The approximate coordinates for the Town of South Palm Beach is located at 26°35′30″N 80°2′15″W / 26.59167°N 80.03750°W / 26.59167; -80.03750 (26.591746, –80.037525).[7]

South Palm Beach is bordered to the north by the Town of Palm Beach; to the east by the Atlantic Ocean; to the west by the Intracoastal waterway (known locally as the Lake Worth Lagoon); and on the south by the town of Manalapan as well as Lantana's public beach.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.9 square kilometers (0.35 sq mi), of which 0.3 km2 (0.12 sq mi) is land and 0.5 km2 (0.19 sq mi) (60.61%) is water.

Shore stabilization

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Development in the southern part of Palm Beach Island and storm impacts on the coastal system have irreparably transformed the native beach and dune system in areas R-132 to R-138 with an average shoreline recession of 198 feet (60 metres).[8]

From 2003 to 2016, there have been six shoreline and dune restoration projects for the town's beach.[9] However, there was nothing to hold the shoreline and dunes in place, and with a nearly wholly armored shoreline, a more long-term solution was needed.[8]

Since 2007, Palm Beach County has completed several engineering studies to evaluate long-term erosion control alternatives, including doing nothing.[10]

The Town of Palm Beach completed its beach nourishment projects in 2016, pronouncing its "coastline is in pretty good shape."[11] No shore stabilization work was performed in South Palm Beach. Plans called for a $5.6 million "Southern Palm Beach Island Comprehensive Shore Stabilization Project" during 2019 and 2020 that was designed to rebuild about 0.67 miles of the town's shoreline.[9] In early 2019, the County determined that the project was "cost prohibitive" and officially withdrew a request for the needed permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.[12]

With assistance from the Town of Palm Beach, a smaller beach nourishment option by trucking sand to feed the eroding town's beachfront may be possible in early 2019.[13] After more than ten years and a devastated shoreline - with several properties only having seawalls remaining against the ocean waves - rather than a beach stabilization project, a restoration of the beach by trucking in sand was conducted in 2021.[14]

A feasibility study and extensive engineering analysis indicated a series of seven low-profile groins with beach dune fill components providing a more stable shoreline with less frequent sand placement.[8] Nevertheless, the trend is at a breaking point for historic coastal development with continuing extensive coastal armoring of existing structures.[8]

Climate

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The Town of South Palm Beach has a tropical climate, similar to the climate found in much of the Caribbean. It is part of the only region in the 48 contiguous states that falls under that category. More specifically, it generally has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification: Aw), bordering a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification: Am).[15]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1960113—
197018866.4%
19801,304593.6%
19901,48013.5%
20001,5313.4%
20101,171−23.5%
20201,47125.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]

2010 and 2020 census

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South Palm Beach racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Race Pop 2010[17] Pop 2020[18] % 2010 % 2020
White (NH) 1,100 1,270 93.94% 86.34%
Black or African American (NH) 5 15 0.43% 1.02%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 0 1 0.00% 0.07%
Asian (NH) 9 26 0.77% 1.77%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) 0 0 0.00% 0.00%
Some other race (NH) 0 2 0.00% 0.14%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) 3 34 0.26% 2.31%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 54 123 4.61% 8.36%
Total 1,171 1,471

As of the 2020 United States census, 1,471 people, 1,028 households, and 420 families reside in the town.[19]

As of the 2010 United States census, 1,171 people, 763 households, and 385 families residing in the town.[20]

2000 census

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As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 1,531 residents in 453 households and 196 families residing in the town. The population density was 5,204.3 inhabitants per square mile (2,009.4/km2). There were 872 housing units at an average density of 6,492.3 per square mile (2,506.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.28% White (97% were Non-Hispanic White),[21] 0.14% Native American, and 0.57% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.29% of the population.

In 2000, there were 453 households out of which 2.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.6% were married couples living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 56.7% were non-families. Households consisting of individuals were 52.1%, and 28.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.54, and the average family size was 2.14.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out with 2.6% under the age of 18, 1.4% from 18 to 24, 11.3% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 54.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 67 years. For every 100 females there were 75.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.0 males.

As of 2000, the median income for a household in the town was US$39,375, and the median income for a family was $47,250. Males had a median income of $41,591 versus $30,536 for females. The per capita income for the town was $38,456. About 15.3% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, English was the first language spoken by 92.96% of residents, Finnish by 3.90%, and French as a mother tongue made up 3.12% of the population.[22]

Economy

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Business

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Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn (2009). The inn was demolished in April 2016.

Initially built in 1964, the Polynesian-inspired, 58-room Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn and its ocean-front restaurant Tides Bar and Grille, located at 3550 South Ocean Boulevard, made up the only commercial business establishment within the town of South Palm Beach.[23] It was described as "one of the last vestiges of old Florida along A1A."[24]

Kosova Realty bought the inn for $3.3 million in 2002. It named it Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn.[25] Known to locals by its former name, the Hawaiian Inn, the two-story motel lost most of its beach during Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and was not being maintained.[26]

A proposal by the Paloka family-owned-and-operated realty company to replace the inn with a luxury resort-style 12-story condominium-hotel built over two stories of parking was unanimously rejected by the South Palm Beach Town Council in October 2007.[27] The established comprehensive plan limits new buildings to six-stories over one-level of parking.

On September 18, 2009, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meeting expressed concerns about the redevelopment. It recommended that the Town of Palm Beach respond to citizens' negative opinions before adopting the amendments and ensure that development approval conditions address problems with the use, height limits, and negative impacts on the beaches.[28]

 
Town Hall and Police Department building (2003)

The Paloka family tried to change the town codes to allow a bigger building such as a 14-story condominium and "were willing to build the town a public safety building and new town hall to sweeten the deal."[29] They increased business at the property during 2011 and were planning capital improvements, but foreclosure proceedings began.[29] Kosova Realty filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2012.[25][30]

In November 2012, the operation was purchased by Paragon Acquisition Group of Boca Raton, a distressed property development company, with plans to improve and revive the facility and "possibility of a development project in the future."[31] DDG then partnered with investor Gary Cohen of Paragon on the development.[32] According to the CEO of developer DDG, Joseph A. McMillan, Jr., in 2012 a DDG affiliate paid $8.25 million for the 1.1-acre (0.4 ha) site.[25][33][34] Although the property has received minor renovations and is being managed as a hotel and restaurant, the long-term prospects for it are for condominiums according to the CEO of Paragon.[35][36]

The current zoning for oceanfront property in the town allows 33 units per acre, while a more dense project would require a referendum.[35] Plans by DDG were announced for 30 residential units to be built above a one-story parking garage.[37][38] The old motel and restaurant on the site were demolished in April 2016.[36] Marketing for the new 30-unit building featured amenities such as a concierge service, a dog park, and a private jet service.[33] In June 2018, the building "officially topped out, reaching its full height of seven stories."[39] September 2019 marked the completion of the building.[40]

References

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  1. ^ "Town of South Palm Beach Florida". Town of South Palm Beach Florida. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  2. ^ "Timeline of Municipalities". Palm Beach County History Online. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e "South Palm Beach: History". Palm Beach County History Online. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  4. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  5. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  6. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  7. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. ^ a b c d Studt, Andy; Carstens, Chris (2020). "Balancing Act - An analysis of historical shoreline recession and the need to equitably consider impacts to the coastal system in Palm Beach County" (PDF). Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Seltzer, Alexandra (September 5, 2018). "County asks state for $7.6 million to help 'critically eroded' beaches". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  10. ^ "Southern Palm Beach Island Comprehensive Shoreline Stabilization Project". Town of Palm Beach. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  11. ^ Kopf, Aleese (September 3, 2016). "Coastal projects: Major sand dredging in rear-view mirror". The Palm Beach Daily. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  12. ^ Moffett, Dan (February 27, 2019). "South Palm Beach: Beach project appears dead after County backs out". The Coastal Star. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  13. ^ Moffett, Dan (September 5, 2019). "South Palm Beach: Long-awaited beach renourishment could take place in April". The Coastal Star. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  14. ^ Moffett, Dan (April 28, 2021). "South Palm Beach: Joy, relief greet long-awaited dune restoration on beach". The Coastal Star. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  15. ^ "Köppen Climate Classification Map: South Florida=Am/Aw=tropical wet & dry". Archived from the original on July 6, 2011.
  16. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  17. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - South Palm Beach town, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  18. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - South Palm Beach town, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  19. ^ "S1101 HHourseholrs and Families - 2020: South Palm Beach town, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  20. ^ "S1101 Households and Families - 2010: South Palm Beach town, Florida". United States Census Bureau.
  21. ^ "Demographics of South Palm Beach, FL". MuniNetGuide.com. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  22. ^ "MLA Data Center Results for South Palm Beach, Florida". Modern Language Association. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  23. ^ Rogers, David (October 30, 2007). "South Palm Beach board to tackle Oceanfront Inn plan". The Palm Beach Daily News. Archived from the original on November 17, 2007. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  24. ^ Salisbury, Susan. "Former Palm Beach Hawaiian Ocean Inn to be razed for six-story condo". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  25. ^ a b c Miller, Kimberly (January 15, 2013). "South Palm Beach oceanfront hotel sells for $8 million". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  26. ^ Felker, Chris (October 1, 2014). "South Palm Beach: Locals say aloha to former 'Hawaiian' Inn". Coastal Star.
  27. ^ Kacoha, Margie (November 1, 2007). "South Palm Beach rejects plan to redo inn". The Palm Beach Daily News. Archived from the original on November 17, 2007. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  28. ^ Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (September 18, 2009). "Draft Amendments to the Town of South Palm Beach Comprehensive Plan DCA Reference No. 09-1" (PDF). Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  29. ^ a b Roach, Emily (January 30, 2012). "South Palm Beach's Oceanfront Inn for sale". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  30. ^ "Kosova Realty Corp Bankruptcy (9:12-bk-15431), Florida Southern Bankruptcy Court". pacermonitor.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  31. ^ O'Meilia, Tim (December 2012). "New inn owner wants 'neighborly' update to hotel". The Coastal Star. p. 10.
  32. ^ Hofheinz, Darrell (November 16, 2016). "Planned beachfront condo near Palm Beach launches revamped website". Palm Beach Daily News. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  33. ^ a b Huriash, Lisa J. (October 11, 2018). "Need a lift? New luxury South Palm Beach condos will provide private jet service". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  34. ^ Solomont, E.B. (August 1, 2018). "The Closing: Joe McMillan". The Real Deal. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  35. ^ a b Smith, Jane (January 2014). "Hawaiian' sees upgrades under new owners". The Coastal Star. p. 23.
  36. ^ a b Doris, Tony. "Aloha to good times; former Hawaiian Inn demolished". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  37. ^ Clough, Alexandra (May 16, 2016). "New luxury condo to rise in South Palm Beach". Palm Beach Post.
  38. ^ "3550 South Ocean". DDG Partners. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  39. ^ Gambrell, Holly (June 14, 2018). "Palm Beach's 3550 South Ocean Condo Tops Out, Development Progresses". The Palm Beacher. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  40. ^ "Oceanfront Condo In A Decade Celebrates Completion" (Press release). ABC 7. September 17, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019 – via DDG Partners.
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