Surface to Air Missiles at DJT International Airport

Surface-to-air missile systems have been deployed in Palm Beach as part of security around President Trump.

WPTV's Michael Hoffman speaks with aviation experts about the systems, drones and other potential aerial threats.

Amendment 3 could shake up Florida housing market

Amendment 3 aims to change the property tax structure in Florida

by saving money for homeowners and cutting revenue for cities and counties.

"It could also have an impact on the Florida real estate market. A 2025 study by Realtor.com suggests home values in Florida could rise 7% to 9% if the referendum passes, and some real estate professionals say there will likely be an impact.

• "I don't see them going up to like the 7, 8, 9, 10 percent," says Jeff Lichtenstein of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens. However, he does see a possible rush of buyers entering the market.
• "You better be prepared because if it happens, it will happen fast," Lichtenstein said. "I think there will be a mad rush to get in here, because if not, then you're waiting five years."

That's because the referendum requires homeowners to be homesteaded in Florida by Dec 31 to receive the full tax savings right away. New home buyers entering the state would have a five-year waiting period to get the full homestead exemption.

The Florida Realtors is publicly supporting Amendment 3 but isn't convinced about property values rising quickly.

"The cost of home is economically driven," Florida Realtors CEO Margy Grant. "It's a supply and demand conversation, and when inventory increases, prices stabilize and we've seen that in recent months."

(WPTV) By Matt Sczesny--Updated: Oct. 17, 2026 at 2:04 PM EDT Amendment 3 needs 60% of the vote to pass on November 3.

Lake Worth Beach reduces fines

Lake Worth Beach leaders reduced bulk and vegetation pickup violation fines

after public backlash over more than 1,200 citations

WPTV's Michael Hoffman explains how residents were impacted, why city leaders changed course and what refunds residents can expect.

Bicyclist killed by Train

Bicyclist killed after being struck by Tri-Rail train in Lake Worth Beach

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office identified the bicyclist as Ulisses Aponte, who rode into the path of a southbound train after a northbound train cleared the crossing.

Aponte failed to realize another train was approaching from the opposite direction.

Read about it...

Lake Worth Beach Bakery owner taken into custody by ICE

Lake Worth Beach business owner arrested in ICE operation

family, community push back on agency's claims

ICE says Jacob Zapeta Castro is a 'criminal illegal alien' who has been deported 4 times

A Lake Worth bakery owner is in federal custody after Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested him in what the agency is calling a targeted immigration operation — and his family, coworkers, and community members are pushing back on ICE's characterization of the man.

The arrest of Jacob Zapeta Castro happened at a Guatemalan bakery on Lucerne Avenue, just over the train tracks in Lake Worth Beach, on a day that employees say started like any other.

ICE says Zapeta Castro is "a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala who has been removed from the United States four times and has an extensive criminal history including illegal re-entry after deportation, multiple DUI arrests, hit and run, and resisting law enforcement."

According to ICE, officers encountered a vehicle associated with Zapeta Castro around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. When they attempted to stop him, the agency says he tried to ram an ICE vehicle, then got out, fled, and barricaded himself inside the bakery.

Read more about it...

Jacob Zapeta Castro is the owner of El Quetzal Panaderia Y Cafeteria on Lucerne Avenue in Lake Worth Beach, FL. He was taken into federal custody during a joint U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) operation.

Lake Worth Beach downtown Parking Garage

Lake Worth Beach takes next step toward new downtown parking garage

The nearly $10 million proposal would transform an existing surface parking lot near K Street and First Avenue South

A controversial proposal to build a new downtown parking garage in Lake Worth Beach is moving forward after a commission vote during a quasi-judicial hearing Monday night.

The vote does not give final approval for construction. Instead, city leaders say it allows the project team to move forward with completing the garage's design and obtaining a guaranteed maximum price before construction can begin. [WPTV]

Local artists blend sports and art in Lake Worth Beach exhibit

Future plans for Bryant Park's fitness area?

Regulation of AI Data Needed

Lake Worth Beach man facing charges for using AI video to make false police report in Seminole County

WPTV's Kate Hussey has been reporting on Martínez-Arizala's activities in Palm Beach County for months

A Lake Worth Beach man was arrested in Puerto Rico and is being charged with making a false police report using AI-generated video.

Authorities in San Juan arrested Alexis Martínez-Arizala, 22, and charged him with providing false information after investigators say he showed an officer a realistic AI video depicting someone stealing the officer’s patrol cruiser.

Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said cases like this highlight gaps in current criminal law. “Laws have not kept up with the fast pace of technology,” Aronberg said.

He said that while civil laws allow people to sue over misuse of their name or likeness, criminal statutes often don’t directly address AI-generated impersonation or deception.

Aronberg said Florida’s proposed AI Bill of Rights brought forward by our great governor, could have helped close that gap by limiting unauthorized use of a person’s name, image, or likeness in AI-generated content.

The bill died in the final days of the legislative session even though on March 4, 2026 the Florida Senate passed the bill with an overwhelming 35–2 vote.

Read about it...

PBSO arrests Murderer of Lake Worth Beach man

Alleged orchestrator of 2024 Lake Worth brothel homicide arrested

Rodney Augustin, 25, was arrested Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm in the killing of Marco Escobar.

A Pompano Beach man faces capital murder charges in connection with a deadly robbery that left one man dead and another wounded in Lake Worth in September 2024.

Rodney Augustin, 25, was arrested Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm in the killing of Marco Escobar, 58, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to the shooting shortly before 10 p.m. at a residence in Lake Worth that investigators later determined was operating as a brothel. They found Escobar lying unresponsive near the front door with multiple gunshot wounds. A second victim was found nearby suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Investigators arrested the three suspects who committed the crime.

Read about it...

Pedestrian on I-95 killed

Deadly pedestrian crash shuts down I-95 North for hours in Lake Worth Beach

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — A deadly crash involving a pedestrian shut down all lanes of I-95 North in Lake Worth Beach early Friday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash happened just after 3 a.m. just before the 10th Avenue North exit. Investigators say a pedestrian was walking in the outside center lane when she was struck by a vehicle.

The driver continued northbound on I-95 after hitting the pedestrian. The victim was then run over by additional vehicles, according to FHP.

Read more...

Finnish Midnight Sun Festival

Midnight Sun Festival

T.A. Walker shines a light on the Midnight Sun Festival’s quirky and crowd-pleasing Reima Hobby Horse Showcase, a Finnish tradition making its way to Florida. From galloping over imaginary jumps to showing off style, competitors prove you don’t need four legs to ride like a pro.

The Annual Midnight Sun Festival, Palm Beach County’s premier celebration of Finnish-American culture, returns to Lake Worth Beach’s Bryant Park Friday 2/27 – Sunday 3/1 for an unforgettable weekend of heritage, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

This not-for-profit event invites attendees of all backgrounds and nationalities to experience the rich traditions of Finland right here in South Florida. The whole family can enjoy learning about Finland’s history, innovations, and contributions to art, music, and global culture.

The festival will feature a variety of cultural, educational, and interactive experiences.

At the Lake Worth beach

The cold weather didn't deter beachgoers in Lake Worth Beach

They were captivated by the sea fog

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.

President Trump in Lake Worth Beach

President Trump visits Lake Worth Beach business to shop for marble for new White House ballroom

Trump visits Arc Stone & Tile, a stone importer that bills itself as an Italian marble specialist

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump spent his Friday morning perusing samples of stone in Lake Worth Beach for a new White House ballroom, as he pushes ahead on a controversial effort to replace the East Wing.

Before his visit to Trump International Golf Club, the president made a detour to Arc Stone & Tile, a stone importer that bills itself as an Italian marble specialist, where he planned to buy marble and onyx, according to a White House official.

"We're donating a $400 million ballroom," Trump said in December. "I think I'll do it for less, but it's 400. I should do it for less, I will do it for less. But just in case, I say 400."

Trump officials are expected to hold a public information meeting in front of the National Capital Planning Commission on January 8, and then meet with the Commission of Fine Arts the week after that. Those sessions could then clear the way for final presentations to the two boards within the next couple of months.

Trump visits Lake Worth Beach marble business

Immigrant Advocates demonstrate against ICE in Lake Worth Beach

Immigration advocates post signs throughout Lake Worth Beach after recent arrests

Demonstrators posted messages in areas where they say community members were detained by authorities

Immigration advocates in Lake Worth Beach took to the streets Thursday to raise awareness about federal immigration enforcement in their community, posting signs with bold black-and-white messages throughout areas where community members have been detained.

The demonstration began with a prayer at the Guatemalan Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach before volunteers spread out across the city to post their message.

Florida law enforcement officers are deputized by federal authorities to make immigration arrests under what are called 287(g) agreements. State records show more than 3,500 287(g) arrests have taken place in Florida since Aug. 1.

The demonstrators traveled through the city posting signs with messages "FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL KIDNAPPED SOMEONE HERE," or "ICE KIDNAPPED A COMMUNITY MEMBER HERE" in areas where community members (a.k.a. Illegals) were detained.

Read more...

Lake Worth Beach's Homeless situation

New ordinances could impact Lake Worth Beach's homeless populations

Click on YouTube to see the video

Another Bicyclist dead in Lake Worth Beach

Bicyclist dead after getting hit, run over by a semi truck in Lake Worth Beach

"A man is dead after getting hit by a car while riding a bicycle Monday evening in Lake Worth Beach.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Carlos Vivar, 47, was riding his bicycle east on 10th Avenue North at around 8 p.m. and approaching the entrance of the Waterside Plaza at the 2400 block.

A semi truck driving west on 10th Avenue began to turn north into the plaza, failing to notice Vivar.

Vivar was ejected from his bicycle and run over by the truck. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Deputies say that the bicycle Vivar was riding did not have a functional front lamp." [WPTV]

Park Rangers to patrol Lake Worth Beach Parks

Park rangers could soon patrol Lake Worth Beach parks as city approves $500K safety program

WFLX: Park rangers could soon be a regular sight at some of Lake Worth Beach’s most popular public spaces.

City leaders just approved a $500,000 Park Ranger Program aimed at keeping local parks clean, safe, and family-friendly. The plan, approved at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting, would create a new Park Ranger Division within the city’s Leisure Services Department.

City spending nearly $100K on upgrades to public park restrooms.

Stuart Sword, the city’s director of Leisure Services, said the idea has been months in the making. He describes it as a “cold start program” — the first of its kind for Lake Worth Beach.

“So, the park rangers will initially be at the beachfront, in Bryant Park, in Sunset Ridge, and Howard Park,” Sword said. “Those parks are cumulatively about 30 acres of green space.”

Read about it...

Woman murdered on S. Dixie Highway Lake Worth Beach

Deputies searching for suspect after woman found shot dead in Lake Worth Beach

"The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Saturday night in Lake Worth Beach.

Deputies responded around 11:55 p.m. to reports of gunfire in the 700 block of South Dixie Highway. When they arrived, they found an adult woman who had been shot. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Division have taken over the investigation. The sheriff’s office says the suspect and motive are currently unknown.

PBSO urges anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS." [WPTV]