The public land vote is today
New council faces its first major policy test. Plus: police chief search, Boca Bash aftermath, and a tower at the resort.
New council's first big vote: the public land ordinance
First reading is today. Final vote and a ballot resolution are scheduled for May 12.
The setup: Boca Raton City Council is scheduled to consider the Save Boca public land ordinance at its April 28 meeting. The proposal would require voter approval before the city can sell or lease city-owned land larger than half an acre. Exceptions cover city operations, utilities, nonprofit leases, and short-term community uses. One lawsuit that blocked the original ballot measure has been voluntarily dismissed, per a city staff memo. A second appeal, filed by Pearlman, remains pending.
The stake: Residents who want a direct say in what happens to public land — and a new council that will show where it stands on public land protections.
The read: This council was sworn in March 31. The public land vote is its first major policy decision. How the new members vote will signal their priorities on growth, public access, and land use for the rest of their terms.
Worth watching: First reading is April 28. Final adoption and a ballot resolution are on the May 12 agenda. The pending Pearlman appeal could still affect the timeline.
Police chief search is open
Acting chief Roberts will stay through the transition.
Boca Raton launched a national search for its next police chief. Acting Chief Liz Roberts has a conditional offer for another job but will remain during the hiring process and help with the transition. Under the city's council-manager setup, the city manager oversees department leadership, so the hire runs through city administration, not council.
Boca Bash drew heavy enforcement and ramp restrictions
Delray Beach limited launches to residents once lots filled.
Boca Bash, the unsanctioned boating gathering on Lake Boca Raton, took place April 26. Delray Beach restricted access to Knowles Park and Mangrove Park ramps once parking hit capacity, allowing only Delray Beach residents with ID to launch or retrieve boats. Boca Raton used a coordinated response involving city police, FWC, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
76-unit tower approved at The Boca Raton resort
Eight stories, 100 feet tall, on a five-acre parcel inside the 140-acre property.
City Council unanimously approved plans for an eight-story, 76-unit residential tower on a 5.2-acre parcel within The Boca Raton resort property. The vote was in March 2026.
April 2026 Projects in Review is posted
City development services published its monthly pipeline document.
The City of Boca Raton posted its April 2026 Projects in Review document. The report tracks development applications moving through city review. Specific project details require reading the full document.
Boca Raton marks 46 years as Tree City USA
Earth Month events ran through April, including a garden day on April 26.
Boca Raton held Earth Month events through April: native-tree planting, dune restoration, cleanups, gardening demos, and Florida-friendly landscaping workshops. Susan Whelchel Community Garden hosted Earth Day at the Garden on April 26 from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, organized by Boca Raton Urban Gardens and the city.
New mayor and council sworn in March 31
Mayor Andy Thomson and three new members took office.
Mayor Andy Thomson and three newly elected City Council members were sworn in at the March 31 Organizational Meeting. The new council moved directly into regular business, including committee assignments tied to redevelopment and regional planning.