Carolyn DiPaolo | Stet News

Riviera Beach City Council members decided Wednesday that they needed to hear from both closely ranked finalists before choosing a private partner to help rebuild their city, despite the selection committee having recommended Sonnenblick Development for the project.

Riviera Beach City Council members voted Wednesday to give themselves a $12,000 raise. During their meeting as the board of the city’s Utility Special District, members voted 3-2 in favor of a $1,000 monthly stipend. They said it will compensate them for their work guiding Riviera Beach’s faltering water system while managing construction of a $400 million plant.

Riviera Beach leaders took a major step last month to launch construction of a $400 million water plant and to shore up its faltering drinking water system. Last year, the city was fined more than $1.2 million for violating Florida Department of Health water standards.

A new initiative is showing promise as a way to help teachers prepare Palm Beach County children for the growing rigors of kindergarten.

Riviera Beach launched an affordable housing project last week in its booming Marina District off Broadway. Villa L’Onz will be on 11th Street and Avenue E on the city’s south end, one block west of Broadway.

A four-tower, 508-condominium development proposed in Riviera Beach is dramatic evidence the coastal real estate boom that city leaders long for may finally have arrived on Broadway.

An apartment building will rise on Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach. Agents for The Breakers Palm Beach resort have shared plans for a 155-unit, eight story apartment building across the bridge on Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach.

The Southland Water Resource Project, a $200 million proposal to mine 6,000 acres for up to 44 years, has been approved by Palm Beach County commissioners, but has divided the community and alarmed Everglades conservation groups.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orchid City grew by more than 10,000 residents, or almost 9%, for an estimated population of 127,744.

Across Palm Beach County this weekend, artists will greet visitors who want to learn about their work. More than 100 Palm Beach County creators will share their process this weekend at the Cultural Council’s third annual Open Studios.

Many Palm Beach County churches emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic low in funds, but rich in land. Three churches are now looking to use their property for affordable housing.

Former leaders of the ACLU of Florida have written a letter to the editor of The Palm Beach Post calling the firing of its editorial page editor “shameful and dangerous.”