Key Highlights
- Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation donates $250K to support removal of unpermitted moorings and derelict boats.
- The donation will help cover costs associated with enforcing the town’s Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan.
- Palm Beach began removing unpermitted moorings in August as part of an effort to protect and restore the waterway.
- The foundation’s contribution is seen as crucial for fully funding enforcement measures that are not within the regular budget.
Background on Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan
The Lake Worth Lagoon, a vital ecosystem and tourist attraction between Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, has faced significant challenges in recent years. The lagoon is part of the Intracoastal Waterway and serves as a crucial habitat for marine life while also providing recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.
Recognizing the need to address environmental issues and improve water quality, Palm Beach initiated its Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to protect and restore the lagoon by removing unpermitted moorings and derelict vessels that pose risks to both the environment and public safety.
Donation from the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation
The Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, recently stepped in with a generous donation of $250,000. This contribution was made specifically to support the town’s efforts under the Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan. The funds will be dedicated to covering any unforeseen costs related to removing unpermitted moorings and derelict vessels.
According to Tim Moran, co-founder and vice chairman of the board of the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation, the donation is intended to ensure that enforcement efforts remain fully funded. “We want to ensure that the funds are applied responsibly when they’re most needed,” Moran stated during a town council meeting.
Enforcement Measures and Future Implications
The removal of unpermitted moorings began in August as part of Palm Beach’s larger initiative to enhance water quality and protect the lagoon. In addition to removing these structures, the town has also implemented new rules that limit anchoring and provide for stricter enforcement of mooring and live-aboard vessel regulations.
Mayor Danielle Moore expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “I think this is definitely something that we need desperately, and we appreciate so much the efforts of the Police and Fire Foundation to help us with this.” The mayor’s comment reflects the critical role these funds play in ensuring the town can fully enforce its management plan.
The donation from the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation underscores the importance of local partnerships in addressing environmental challenges. As the foundation approaches its 20th anniversary, it continues to demonstrate a commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit the broader community, such as those related to Lake Worth Lagoon restoration efforts.