Guest Blogger: Dystopian future for Lake Worth Beach

"So the museum plan is around half the cost of a new pool at the beach—the beach being something that overwhelmingly, the voters of Lake Worth wanted…..

But this museum and garage would be money wasted on something only those with extreme pretensions of being artistic would embrace, and it could never be aligned with what most voters believe is central to what Lake Worth should be.

This museum will be a ten-million-dollar hole in the downtown of Lake Worth;It will swallow up our free parking near the retailers we shop at and at the restaurants we used to enjoy visiting.

Without the Museum —— Lake worth had a Zen the way we could pull up to where we were going.

In this dystopian future that Betty Resch is serving up for our downtown —Lake Worth’s Downtown will be no more than a nasty dollar store version of downtown West Palm Beach.

I and many others will no longer go into downtown Lake Worth to dine—this is a solemn promise from me, and one I would ask thousands of other residents to make.

We will not eat at downtown Lake Worth restaurants, or shop at local merchants if this museum and parking garage is built.

I have avoided dining or shopping in downtown West Palm Beach because I WILL NOT PARK IN A PARKING GARAGE. This is a sickness of urban cesspools in most major cities.

We came to Lake Worth because it was not an Urban Cesspool, but here is Betty Resch, trying to make it a sewer. An artsy sewer.

 
There are still other places we can go, and this is a war that needs to be fought—it is a line in the sand that a misguided, if not corrupt mayor has forced us to draw in the sand…

While I may miss the downtown, I need to see this Museum plan bankrupt the city — and force a new governance to sweep away the trash that is causing this carnage. Let the retailers and restaurants chase her from the town and disparage her memory."

Guest Blogger,

Dan Volker

Lake Worth Beach

Mayor Betty Resch wants you to Vote YES on ballot initiatives

Because the City can't maintain itself, so let's give it away to developers for 100 years.

Mayor Betty Resch supports the Ballot initiatives

"As your mayor, I walk our streets and see two different versions of Lake Worth Beach. I see the city we all love — rich in history, character and diversity.

But I also see the physical toll that decades of delayed maintenance and an outdated city charter have taken on our most precious assets. On March 10, we face a defining moment. We can choose to cling to the no-to-everything mentality that wants no change, or we can choose to provide a better future for Lake Worth Beach.

Our city is at a critical point, both physically and fiscally. Our 100-year-old municipal golf course needs major renovations and updating; the clubhouse needs some loving care. The historic city hall annex — a major historic contributor to our downtown — now sits empty but could once again be functional. At the beach, our empty pool is a sad example of decades of neglect. Our current charter lease limits make public-private investment nearly impossible.

The hard truth is that clinging to the past and fearing the future cannot fix leaking roofs or flooding greens. We are facing a looming financial crisis that we cannot ignore."

Now the City is deathly afraid of what might happen in the Florida Legislature that would collapse their general fund because they can't ever save a dime.

"The Florida Legislature is considering two bills that could devastate our city’s budget: one that could cut nearly $8.5 million from our property taxes and another that would slash over $16.2 million from our general fund. This is a potential $24.7 million hit to the services you rely on every day. Cities all over Florida are facing this devastating legislation. There are no provisions to replace those funding sources. Ballot questions 2 and 3 are the keys to our revitalization," she says.

Read more...

In November 2016, Lake Worth voters approved a $40 million, 30-year bond specifically to address deteriorating, crumbling roads throughout the city. How about an update on the funds still available as we have to pay for 20 more years and some of the roads still need repairs that are constant. Now the city is into affordable housing again and recently received an $850,000 grant which doesn't cover our expenses.

Thanks to Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill, in 2013 we had a Charter Amendment that passed--placed on the ballot and approved by voters on March 12, 2013, solidifying the 45-foot and 35-foot height limits, with exceptions for existing buildings and previously approved permits.

Money comes and money goes as quickly as we get it. So, we are supposed to vote in 99 year leases for our entire city? A 'no' keeps the rule that voters must approve those leases by referendum..

Mayor Betty Resch's Update on the State of the City of Lake Worth Beach

While the official State of the City address will take place this Fall, the Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Betty Resch, is sharing a special video update to keep our community informed and engaged.

In this video, you’ll hear about:
✔️ Progress on infrastructure improvements
✔️ Economic development and support for local businesses
✔️ And upcoming community events and city projects

We’re proud of the momentum our city continues to build — and even more excited about what’s to come.

Be sure to watch, stay connected, and join us this Fall for the full State of the City Address on Novmber 11.

Florida Property Taxes

Florida property tax reform: 2026 could be pivotal year

State leaders are pushing major cuts, but local officials warn it could impact police, fire, emergency services

However, local government officials are raising concerns about how they would maintain critical services without property tax revenue.

Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch was even more direct in her criticism.

"Do (Florida lawmakers) want us to hold bake sales to make up the lack of funds? Should we have a garage sale?" Resch said in March. "I just don't understand where they think the money is going to come from."

The tension escalated in December when Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia accused Palm Beach County of overspending by $344 million.

Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo disagrees.

Read more...

What about reducing your budget Lake Worth. The City raised more money because property values went up. We needed DOGE.

Current proposals in Florida to eliminate property taxes are focused specifically on homesteaded primary residences, meaning non-homesteaded properties would still be subject to these taxes.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and various House leaders have put forward several plans, all of which target tax relief for owner-occupied homes (homesteads). The general consensus among these proposals is that properties such as rental units, vacation homes, and commercial real estate would continue to pay property taxes, and may even face higher rates to compensate for the lost revenue from homesteads.

Illegals in Lake Worth Beach "get no respect"

Mayor Betty Resch upset how illegals are being treated

‘What we are talking about is treating our residents like human beings and with some respect’

Lake Worth Beach mayor, responding to activists' pressure, proposes sending a letter of concern to immigration enforcement agencies.

I would like to know the specifics of these charges against ICE. What sort of respect do illegals, or as Democrats prefer, non-documented immigrants, deserve?

Read more, which is not much

Lake Worth Beach Mayor signs document opposing Political Violence

Local leaders take a stand for civility

A total of 230 Mayors, including many from Florida, have signed the Oklahoma City Declaration, a document that opposes political violence in all of its forms
.
“We work together despite being registered with different political parties, or with no political party at all. We embrace our shared experience as mayors, as humans, and as Americans,” the Mayors wrote. “With this declaration, we reject political violence and recommit to the American experiment.”

Mayors from Florida who signed on include Boca Raton’s Scott Singer, Coral Springs’ Scott Brook, Davie’s Judith Paul, Deltona’s Santiago Avila Jr., Fort Lauderdale’s Dean J. Trantalis, Gainesville’s Harvey Ward, Hallandale Beach’s Joy Cooper, Jacksonville’s Donna Deegan, Lake Worth Beach’s Betty Resch, North Miami’s Alix Desulme, North Miami Beach’s Michael Joseph, Oakland Park’s Tim Lonergan, Orlando’s Buddy Dyer, Panama City’s Allan Branch, Pembroke Pines’ Angelo Castillo, Pensacola’s D.C. Reeves, Pompano Beach’s Rex Hardin, Tampa’s Jane Castor, and Winter Springs’ Kevin McCann.

Read about it...

Veteran's Day November 11

Lights from 2024

Mayor Better Resch invites everyone to Bryant Park at 5pm to see the display of red, white and blue at our bridge

Event starts at 5pm and she asks that everyone bring a flashlight.

League of Cities has new Executive Director

🫡 New boss at League of Cities

The Palm Beach County League of Cities has selected Amelia Jadoo, an attorney with the Torcivia, Donlon, Goddeau & Ansay law firm, as its new executive director.

Why it matters: The league advocates for the county's 39 municipalities by promoting home rule, addressing shared legislative issues and fostering cooperation among local governments. It serves as a unified voice on issues including growth management, taxation and transportation, playing a big role in the recent effort to initiate a countywide transportation master plan.

And she is with the city of Lake Worth's law firm and our Mayor, Betty Resch, is the city's liaison to the League of Cities.

Read more about the league and its new director at StetNews.org

— Joe Capozzi

Vandalism at Lake Worth Beach's parks

'It's disgusting': Vandalism to Lake Worth Beach park restrooms persists

A sink was lirerally pulled off the wall

Would you pay 50 cents to use a public restroom at a city park if it meant it would be clean? The mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach proposed the idea as one way to stop the damage being done to park restrooms.

Officials with the city of Lake Worth Beach are desperately searching for a solution to the damage being done to park bathrooms.

At a recent city commission meeting, Mayor Betty Resch expressed frustrations with the state of the bathrooms at the city's public parks. She said it's disgusting what's being done to them.

"It's disgusting that people come in and destroy our bathrooms. They use them to have sex. They use them to shoot up. I don't know what the heck else. I mean, I've gone in there and there's like suitcases piled up," she said.

Read about it... and some of the suggested solutions.

Lake Worth Beach Mayor installed at League of Cities Annual banquet

Palm Beach County League Of Cities Installs Slate Of Officers For 2025-26

The Palm Beach County League of Cities held its annual Board of Directors & Executive Installation Banquet on Wednesday May 28 at the Kravis Center. The keynote speaker was Holly D. Smith, vice mayor of the City of Sanibel.

The honor of installing the 2025-26 president and board of directors went to Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino. In attendance were more than 250 elected municipal and county officials, state legislators and business partners.

Also installed were large city representative, Betty Resch, mayor of the City of Lake Worth Beach.

As a Legislative Policy Committee member, Resch will help develop the League’s Legislative Platform, which details priority issues that are most likely to affect daily municipal governance and local decision-making during the upcoming legislative session, as well as help League staff understand the real-world implications of proposed legislation.

Committee members are also asked to serve as advocates for local decision-making throughout the legislative process.

Read about it...

Florida property tax reform: GOP leaders seek new legislation

Florida property tax reform: Lawmakers seek deal without governor

A House committee comprised of 37 lawmakers is considering various ideas like a $500,000 homestead exemption, protections against foreclosure for unpaid taxes and tax relief for seniors.

The committee invited the governor to present his ideas, but he declined, calling it unnecessary.

Instead, the governor has proposed a $5 billion rebate program, offering $1,000 per property. House Speaker Danny Perez, R-Miami, rejected the plan, arguing it doesn't address the root issue of high tax rates. 

"The only option that I have ruled out is simply mailing $1,000 checks from the state treasury," Perez said. "These checks do not actually lower tax rates. These checks do not solve the property tax problem." (I agree.)

The committee plans to reconvene during upcoming budget talks and will later hold a statewide listening tour.

WPTV has spoken with experts, taxpayers and local mayors on the proposal.

"Do (Florida lawmakers) want us to hold bake sales to make up the lack of funds? Should we have a garage sale?" Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch said in March. "I just don't understand where they think the money is going to come from."

Read more...

Development Crowd Striking Again

The "FOR" Development crowd

Not all of Lake Worth Beach loves WMODA: Developer spends $6,000 to counter opposition's 'disinformation campaign'

Excerpt from Joe Capozzi's article

"Though WMODA’s rebuttals have been endorsed by the city, project opponents insist their concerns are backed by information in the development agreement, the public private partnership agreement and other public records.

Opponents say they’re just trying to protect taxpayers and promote a better quality of downtown development.

“This is a real David and Goliath situation,’’ said Kim Stokes, who lost a city commission reelection bid in 2024 to Commissioner Mimi May, a WMODA supporter.

“We don't have the money, we don't have the marketing, we don't have the professionals,’’ Stokes said. “We are up against an established professional large-scale development group with access to lots of funds who is willing to attack anyone who expresses concern.’’

Those attacks have extended to the dais where opponents say Mayor Betty Resch and Commissioner Sarah Malega have sought to silence Commissioner Chris McVoy, a vocal WMODA critic, at times leading to tense public clashes.

McVoy has been the loudest, and for the past month, the only voice of WMODA dissent on the commission. A majority — Resch, Malega and May — has embraced the project and its promises of long-term economic benefits, including $7 million in taxes paid by the museum and apartments over the first 10 years and millions in revenue from downtown visitors.

The CRA donated to WMODA 1.78 acres of prime downtown land worth $3.3 million (an amount opponents say is higher).

Read Joe's article

Our city has always been prime for developers and we, once again, have a city commission that loves development--parking garage, this project,  and there are even eyes on our golf course. They can't even find the money to clean our sidewalks or repair garbage trucks.

Human Rights Council

Betty Resch and Carla Blockson

February 27, 2025--Palm Beach County Human Rights Council’s 2025 Winter Fête raised more than $75,000

Mayor Betty Resch and Candidate for District 2 commission seat, Carla Blockson, attended for LGBTQ rights.

Compass' to honor our Mayor who dishonored our former Mayors

Four Days of Festivities Leading to Compass Stonewall Ball in WPB

Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center is closing out Pride Month with their Stonewall Ball, which has been ongoing for over 20 years. The event will take place June 29 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Hilton West Palm Beach.

The theme for this year, "Love, Lights, & Liberation," celebrates the love and light brought by the LGBTQ community.

Compass will be honoring Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch with the Compass Leadership Award and Youth Program Mentor Rudolph R. Galindo with the Michel Brown Faces of the Community Award.

Read about it...

 Our "into diversity" Mayor is being honored by Compass but she has totally dishonored our previous Lake Worth mayors. She disrespected them by removing their portraits at City Hall which was a wallop  to all those who served for our city and made it what it is today. She referred to them as "old dead guys."

She made this decision by "consensus"...although the only commissioner who agreed with her on this was Sarah Malega. Mimi May said ok if the walls were painted some shade of blue.

Nothing on the agenda; public could not weigh in and I have to wonder if this is sort of like Biden's Executive Orders, you know, going around Congress to get his way... or those liberals tearing down statutes of important historical figures (old dead men) removing our history.

Gulstream Restoration ground breaking next week

I use this photo a lot...love Greg Rice and his dog Layla in 2013

Lake Worth Beach to undergo new era with restoration of Gulfstream Hotel

Groundbreaking scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Lake Worth Beach is planning a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gulfstream Hotel restoration project next week.

"It's so exciting to think that it's going to come back to life. It's a total icon," Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch said.

Resch said the hotel was the heart of the city, but has been closed for nearly two decades in 2005. Gulfstream opened in 1925 at a cost of $600,000.

Read more and see the video

Special City Commission Meeting

To swear in newly elected officials--

Betty Resch wins Re-election

Mayor - Lake Worth Beach

Participating Precincts Reporting: 23 / 23

Andy Amoroso--39.23%--1,009

Betty Resch--60.77%--1,563

Total votes cast--2,572

Election Day

2024 Municipal Runoff Elections

Election Day is today, April 2nd

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lake Worth Beach has a run-off election between Betty Resch and Andy Amoroso for Mayor.

Andy's Door Knocker and Betty's mailer...Vote tomorrow April 2

Mayoral Debate for City of Lake Worth Beach

Candidate debate due to the run-off election on Tuesday, April 2, 2024!

Incumbent Mayor Betty Resch and Challenger Andy Amoroso
Event by NAPC and Craig Frost
Lake Worth Beach Club
1 7th Ave N, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460-2700, United States

Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 pm
Public invited