Riviera Beach: Council Meeting January 21, 2026
Summary. The Riviera Beach City Council met on January 21, 2026, covering several key agenda items including municipal services, development approvals, and the controversial police headquarters relocation project. The meeting began with a presentation from Palm Tran about modifications to their BusLink on-demand ridesharing service, including reducing voucher amounts from $8 to $5 and limiting trips from four to two per day, effective February 1st. The council unanimously approved support for the Fifth Annual MLK 5K Challenge event and recognized emerging leaders for autism awareness advocacy. The primary focus was on ordinances related to the new police headquarters project at 1621 West Blue Heron Boulevard. The council approved ordinance 4284 for future land use change from recreation to community facility on first reading, and ordinance 4285 for right-of-way abandonment, despite significant public opposition regarding the demolition of Barracuda Bay Waterpark. Concerns were raised about grant applications allegedly mischaracterizing the facility's condition, with City Manager Evans clarifying the pool is not in disrepair. However, the council had to rescind ordinance 4303 regarding Bush Canvas zoning amendments due to property control number issues. The council approved two daycare home applications and a 36-unit townhouse development on Leo Lane with units priced $400-500K. They voted down a $3.4 million security services contract with Centurion Security Group after concerns about the vendor's absence and lack of local participation, ultimately tabling both this item and a janitorial services contract. The meeting concluded with approval of an Ocean Walk maintenance agreement amendment addressing noise complaints and building maintenance, and a controversial 3-1 vote to bring the Turnberry project back for future consideration despite resident opposition.
Agenda Items
6a. Palm Tran BusLink Service Update
Presentation on modifications to BusLink on-demand ridesharing service
- Service completed nearly 200,000 trips with over 5,000 unique riders
- East Central Zone (including Riviera Beach) had 48.3% of ridership
- Changes effective February 1: voucher reduced from $8 to $5, trips limited from 4 to 2 per day
- Zone split into three separate zones to focus on areas with reduced fixed route coverage
6b. December and January Emerging Leaders Recognition
Recognition of Lutalo Reid and Nubia Reid for autism awareness advocacy
- Siblings using music to promote autism awareness and acceptance
- Performed at Kravis Center during Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala
- Active in Riviera Beach Parks and Recreation programs
6c. Fifth Annual MLK 5K and Divine Nine Challenge Sponsorship
Request for city support including facility use and services
- Event expects 500 participants
- Requesting use of Dan Callaway Center, road closures, police and fire support
- Application submitted in October but delayed getting on agenda
- Event supports local businesses and youth programs
8a. Ordinance 4303 - Zoning Amendment for Bush Canvas
Second reading of zoning change from single family to downtown core, later rescinded due to property control number issues
- Property at 2428 Broadway for additional parking and operations expansion
- Correction needed to property control number from public comment
- Scrivener's error to be corrected by staff
- Item rescinded and will return at future meeting
9a. Ordinance 4284 - Future Land Use Change for Police Headquarters
First reading of land use change from recreation to community facility
- Property at 1621 West Blue Heron Boulevard for new police station
- Significant public opposition to demolishing Barracuda Bay Waterpark
- Concerns about grant application allegedly mischaracterizing facility condition
- Discussion of fiscal responsibility and alternative locations
- Plans for new pool at Callaway campus within two years
9b. Ordinance 4285 - Right-of-Way Abandonment for Police Headquarters
First reading of abandonment of two unutilized right-of-ways
- Companion ordinance to police headquarters project
- Re-noticed due to previous legal issues
- Public support from Police Foundation with $61,000 donation received
- Concerns about traffic on Blue Heron and Avenue S
- Questions about impact on businesses and schools
11a. DDK Learn and Play Center Daycare Application
Resolution approving daycare home at 1409 West 35th Street
- Large family day care home approval
- Recognition of former councilman McCoy's efforts on daycare ordinances
11b. Bare Necessity Family Day Care Application
Resolution approving daycare home at 350 West 28th Street
- Large family day care home approval
- Frederick McCoy spoke in support
11c. Leo Lane Townhouse Development
Site plan approval for 36-unit townhouse community at 4142 Leo Lane
- For-sale units priced $400-500K
- Discussion of workforce housing opportunities
- Adequate lighting requirements for safety
11d. Security Services Contract
$3.4M security contract with Centurion Security Group
- Vendor absence raised concerns
- Bid bond requirements limiting local participation
- Tabled for vendor to appear at next meeting
11e. Janitorial Services Contract
$543K janitorial contract with American Janitorial
- Vendor notification issues
- Tabled pending vendor appearance
11f. Ocean Walk Maintenance Agreement
Fifth amendment to Ocean Mile ground lease including maintenance agreement
- Noise complaints from outdoor music
- Building painting scheduled for completion by June 2026
- Enforcement of lease violations
11h. Turnberry Project Discussion
Motion to bring Turnberry project back for future consideration
- Overwhelming opposition from residents
- Traffic concerns on Singer Island
- Request for smart growth within zoning code
Motions & Votes
Motion to support the Fifth Annual MLK 5K Challenge activity as requested with the resources requested
Moved by Councilperson Guyton
Passed unanimously
So move on Ordinance 4303 (Bush Canvas zoning amendment)
Moved by Councilperson Guyton
Passed unanimously
Motion to rescind ordinance number 4303
Moved by Chairperson Lanier
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve Ordinance 4284 (future land use change for police headquarters)
Moved by Councilperson Guyton, seconded by Chairperson Lanier
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve ordinance number 4285 (police station relocation)
Moved by Councilperson Davis Penier
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve DDK Learn and Play Center daycare application
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve Bare Necessity Family Day Care application
Moved by Councilperson Davis Penier
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve Leo Lane townhouse development site plan
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve security services contract with Centurion Security Group
Moved by Councilperson Guyton
Failed unanimously
Motion to table security services contract to next meeting
Moved by Councilperson Spiritus, seconded by Councilperson Guyton
Passed unanimously
Motion to table janitorial services contract to next meeting
Moved by Councilperson Spiritus
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve Ocean Walk maintenance agreement amendment
Moved by Councilperson Guyton
Passed unanimously
Motion to bring Turnberry project back for future consideration
Moved by Councilperson Guyton
Passed 3-1
Action Items
Provide copy of Solid Waste Authority grant application to board members
Assigned to City Manager Evans
Provide law enforcement data on criminal activity at Barracuda Bay
Assigned to Law enforcement
Bring special events policy revisions for board discussion
Assigned to City Manager Evans · Due February meeting
Bring road resurfacing contracts for board consideration
Assigned to City Manager Evans · Due First February meeting
Complete investigation report on mayor
Assigned to Investigator and City Manager Evans · Due February meeting
Contact Centurion Security Group about local participation plan and current staff retention
Assigned to LaTonya Emmons (Procurement Director) · Due Next meeting
Enforce noise ordinances and sidewalk violations at Ocean Walk
Assigned to Code enforcement, police, and fire departments · Due Ongoing
Complete building painting at Ocean Walk
Assigned to Related Group · Due June 30, 2026
Open restroom facilities at Cunningham Park
Assigned to City staff · Due Tomorrow
Notify vendors when contracts will be awarded at council meetings
Assigned to Procurement department · Due Going forward
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Riviera Beach City Council met on January 21, 2026, covering several key agenda items including municipal services, development approvals, and the controversial police headquarters relocation project. The meeting began with a presentation from Palm Tran about modifications to their BusLink on-demand ridesharing service, including reducing voucher amounts from $8 to $5 and limiting trips from four to two per day, effective February 1st. The council unanimously approved support for the Fifth Annual MLK 5K Challenge event and recognized emerging leaders for autism awareness advocacy. The primary focus was on ordinances related to the new police headquarters project at 1621 West Blue Heron Boulevard. The council approved ordinance 4284 for future land use change from recreation to community facility on first reading, and ordinance 4285 for right-of-way abandonment, despite significant public opposition regarding the demolition of Barracuda Bay Waterpark. Concerns were raised about grant applications allegedly mischaracterizing the facility's condition, with City Manager Evans clarifying the pool is not in disrepair. However, the council had to rescind ordinance 4303 regarding Bush Canvas zoning amendments due to property control number issues. The council approved two daycare home applications and a 36-unit townhouse development on Leo Lane with units priced $400-500K. They voted down a $3.4 million security services contract with Centurion Security Group after concerns about the vendor's absence and lack of local participation, ultimately tabling both this item and a janitorial services contract. The meeting concluded with approval of an Ocean Walk maintenance agreement amendment addressing noise complaints and building maintenance, and a controversial 3-1 vote to bring the Turnberry project back for future consideration despite resident opposition.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 13 agenda items: Palm Tran BusLink Service Update; December and January Emerging Leaders Recognition; Fifth Annual MLK 5K and Divine Nine Challenge Sponsorship; Ordinance 4303 - Zoning Amendment for Bush Canvas; Ordinance 4284 - Future Land Use Change for Police Headquarters; Ordinance 4285 - Right-of-Way Abandonment for Police Headquarters; DDK Learn and Play Center Daycare Application; Bare Necessity Family Day Care Application; Leo Lane Townhouse Development; Security Services Contract; Janitorial Services Contract; Ocean Walk Maintenance Agreement; Turnberry Project Discussion.
How many motions were voted on?
13 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
10 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
10 members were recorded as present: Chairperson Lanier, Councilperson Davis Penier, Councilperson Guyton, Councilperson Spiritus, Mayor Lawson, City Manager Evans, Assistant City Manager Coplin, City Clerk, City Attorney, Clarence Simmons.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Riviera Beach in?
Riviera Beach is located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Browse other Palm Beach County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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