Palm Beach County – Palm Beach County traffic will be affected this week by ongoing construction projects and maintenance work, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials report. Weather permitting; closures will be in effect on I-95, Southern Blvd. (SR80) and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities. Click here to view the report

For around-the-clock, real-time, traffic information within the tri-county area (Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade counties), travelers should call 511. For I-95 Palm Beach County traffic reports just say “I-95” or “Interstate 95″. Information is also available on-line at www.511southflorida.com.

To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the FDOT I-95 Interim Traffic Management System (ITMS) website at www.palmbeachcotraffic.org. These free services are provided by FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.

Celebrating 100 Years of the Many Cultures and Rich History of Palm Beach County
The City of West Palm Beach is making preparations to send guests on a trip around the world for FREE at Kaleidoscope 2009.  Kaleidoscope is an interactive multicultural festival that showcases the cultural diversity in our community, where guests can tour villages created by Palm Beach County students and local cultural organizations.  Kaleidoscope 2009 will “Go Back 100,” a new event theme that will celebrate 100 years of the many cultures and rich history of Palm Beach County to mark the Palm Beach County and School District of Palm Beach County Centennials.  Kaleidoscope 2009 is an officially sanctioned event of the Palm Beach County Centennial and the School District Centennial.

CALENDAR LISTING:
Kaleidoscope 2009 – Go Back 100!
Featuring villages from around the world, an interactive kid’s area, ethnic foods and refreshments, an international bazaar and multicultural entertainment with the Young Dubliners at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
**New Event Location - Meyer Amphitheatre and the Palm Beach Post Park**
Downtown West Palm Beach
FREE!
Produced by the City of West Palm Beach in partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County
For more information:  561-822-1515 or www.wpb.org/kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope 2009 is a family-friendly celebration of many cultures produced by the City of West Palm Beach in partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County.  Kaleidoscope has been judged the “Best Educational Event” and “Best Community Outreach Event” by the International Festivals & Events Association.  This year’s event will be held on Sunday, January 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Meyer Amphitheatre in Downtown West Palm Beach.  Features include multicultural entertainment, villages from around the world, kid’s interactive activities, ethnic foods and refreshments, and an international bazaar.  Participating sponsors include National City, Palm Beach County, The Palm Beach Post, La Palma, 97.9 fm WRMF, WPTV NewsChannel 5, Comcast, the West Palm Beach Marriott, the Children’s Services Council, Coca-Cola, and Panera Bread. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, call (561) 822-1515 or visit www.wpb.org.

All City of West Palm Beach offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2009, for New Year’s Day.

There WILL be recycling pickup on Thursday, January 1, 2009, but no garbage pickup.

All of Thursday’s residential, commercial and yard waste routes will be collected on Friday, January 2nd. Friday’s routes will be collected on Saturday, January 3rd. Saturday’s routes will be collected as scheduled on Saturday.

 City Celebrates Historic Occasion with a Special TUESDAY event

(December 23, 2008 – West Palm Beach)  The City of West Palm Beach is teaming up with the Downtown Development Authority to bring some presidential celebrations to downtown West Palm Beach on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.  This special Tuesday Inauguration Celebration will include live viewing parties at noon during the swearing-in ceremony at numerous downtown restaurants, inauguration specials at downtown retailers, and individual business celebrations well into the evening.  Then, to celebrate this historic occasion, the City will move their weekly Thursday night event, Clematis by Night, for one night only to Tuesday, January 20.  This special Tuesday night celebration will include an inaugural salute to President Obama at 7:00 p.m.  Guests are invited to come join in the celebrations and collect their FREE commemorative Inauguration poster throughout the day while supplies last.

CALENDAR LISTING:
CLEMATIS BY NIGHT INAUGURATION CELEBRATION
TUESDAY, January 20, 2009
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Centennial Square, Downtown West Palm Beach
Noon - Live viewing parties at downtown restaurants with merchant specials and  celebrations
7:00 pm - Special Inaugural Salute to President Obama
Collect a FREE commemorative Inauguration poster while supplies last!
FREE EVENT!
Produced by the City of West Palm Beach in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority
For more information: 561-822-1515 or www.clematisbynight.net

The Clematis by Night Inaugural Celebration is produced by the City of West Palm Beach in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority and brought to you by Clear Channel Radio, The Palm Beach Post, WPTV NewsChannel 5, Wachovia, Coca-Cola, Coors Light, Samuel Adams, Heineken, the West Palm Beach Marriott and many others.  For more information about this event, please contact the City of West Palm Beach, Community Events Division at 561-822-1515 or visit www.clematisbynight.net

(12/22/08)  All City of West Palm Beach offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2008, for Christmas.

There will be no recycling pickup on Thursday, December 25.  Recycling will be picked up the following Thursday, January 1, 2009.

All of Thursday’s residential, commercial and yard waste routes will be collected on Friday, December 26th.  Friday’s routes will be collected on Saturday, December 27th.  Saturday’s routes will be collected as scheduled on Saturday.

The schedule will be the same for the week of New Year’s.

(Friday, December 19, 2008)  West Palm Beach residents hoping to learn more about public safety and get involved in their City government have an exciting new opportunity.

The West Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue Departments will be offering a 13-week Citizen Police and Fire Academy to the public.  Space is limited, so sign up today!  The classes will be on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting January 26, 2009.  The class will meet at the Police Department on Banyan Boulevard.

The academy will immerse students in every area of both the Police and Fire Rescue departments.  Activities will include a four-hour police ride along, fire station tours and demonstrations of the latest public safety technology.  The course provides lessons in police and fire work that the average citizen rarely has an opportunity to experience.

To register for this exciting course, call Officer Kelly Carsillo at 561-822-1620.

(Friday, December 19, 2008)  The City of West Palm Beach is beginning a major new redevelopment effort in Coleman Park, one of the City’s oldest neighborhoods.

In recent years, the neighborhood has been marred by blighted conditions and illegal activity.  The City will be kicking off the Coleman Park Neighborhood Improvement Initiative with a neighborhood walk, encouraging residents to walk and talk with City staff and find ways to make Coleman Park a better place.  People interested in joining the neighborhood tour should meet at the Coleman Park Community Center, located at 1116 21st Street, at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2008.

The neighborhood walk is just the beginning of what will be an intensive effort to restore and revitalize Coleman Park.  The City has stepped up Code Enforcement efforts in the area to clean up deteriorating structures and overgrown lots.  The West Palm Beach Housing Authority has announced plans to demolish and rebuild Dunbar Village, reconnecting it with the surrounding neighborhood.  The City will encourage business development, home rehabilitation and increases in homeownership.  The City will also use federal dollars to buy and rehabilitate foreclosed properties.

The planning process will engage area residents and businesses, getting them to shape and embrace the rebirth of their neighborhood.  Throughout the process, residents will be encouraged to share their ideas, concerns and vision for Coleman Park.  Neighborhood charettes will also be a critical part of the process.

3RD ANNUAL MAYORS PUTTING CHALLENGE
WEST PALM BEACH GOLF COURSE
SATURDAY, DEC 13TH 2PM (CLINIC BEGINS) (PUTTING CHALLENGE 4PM)
JR. TOURNAMENT, FREE GOLF CLINIC, FREE FOOD
MEMBER APPRECIATION GIVEAWAYS

For the 3rd consecutive year, the West Palm Beach Golf Course has hosted the Mayors Putting Challenge. All Commissioners and the Mayor are scheduled to attend for a putting competition for yearly bragging rights.

7001 Parker Ave.
West Palm Beach, Fl. 33401
www.wpalmbeachgc.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 561-822-1592

When:  Beginning Monday, December 15, 2008
Affected Area:  4th Street between N. Flagler Drive and N. Quadrille Blvd.

(12-12-08)  Motorists should be aware that the City of West Palm Beach will be doing road work on 4th Street between N. Quadrille Boulevard and N. Flagler Drive beginning the afternoon of Monday, December 15, 2008.  The work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, December 24, 2008.  Work hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Crews will be milling and resurfacing 4th Street.  Eastbound travel lanes will be closed during this project.  One westbound travel lane will be open to thru traffic only. Barricades and detour signs will be installed, and a flagman will be on-site to direct traffic as necessary.  All businesses in the work zone will remain open throughout this project.

Motorists are advised not to park vehicles on 4th Street during this project.

When:  Beginning Friday, December 12, 2008
Where:  Northwood Village, West Palm Beach

Northwood Village will be the home of festive holiday happenings all weekend long.  You’re invited to rediscover this unique shopping and entertainment district at a series of free, fun events.

Enjoy boutique wine tastings and create your very own holiday bouquet at the Holiday Art and Wine Promenade on Friday, December 12th, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  There will be live music, artist vendors and more.

Join us for the Sunny Santa Wrap-up Party on Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Sunny 104.3 is hosting the wrap-up party for its annual Toy Drive.  Join us along Northwood Road, and be sure to take a photo with Santa while you’re here.

Saturday night features the grand opening of Jade Kitchen.  Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m in their art deco-inspired dining room in the heath of Northwood Village at 422 Northwood Road.

The weekend continues on Sunday with the grand opening of Café Centro Piano Bar.  Enjoy cocktails, tappas and the delightful sounds of the baby grand piano from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 404 Northwood Road.