Lake Worth Grassroots Group Opposes Amendments

(Press Release) Lake Worth Beach (March 3, 2026)--Lake Worth Beach grassroots organization, Lake Worth 4 All, formed by former Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner Kimberly Stokes, strongly urges residents to oppose two Charter Amendments that would take away residents’ right to vote on major developments on the beach and in parks in the city. City Charter Amendments 2 and 3 are on the March 10, 2026 ballot.

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“Lake Worth Beach is one of only a few places in Palm Beach County where we can still enjoy a public beach and family-friendly parks without feeling priced out of our own hometown,” said Stokes. “To protect what makes our community special and to ensure it remains accessible to everyone, we must vote no on these two amendments.”

Currently, residents have an important safeguard written into the City Charter: major, long-term development deals involving City-owned property require voter approval. Amendments 2 and 3 would severely weaken that protection, says the organization.

If the charter amendments are approved, the City could enter into much longer leases with private developers for up to 99 years without a public vote, removing residents’ direct say over large-scale development at the beach and other city-owned properties.

“We are witnessing waterfront spaces across South Florida shifting from community gathering places into destinations shaped by luxury development, rising fees, and limited public access,” says Stokes. “Lake Worth Beach has remained different because charter protections were put in place years ago specifically to prevent overdevelopment and preserve public use. We must keep these safeguards in place.”

Long-term private control of public beachfront property will mean higher costs for residents, leading to expensive parking, fewer accessible amenities, and less space at the very beach public tax dollars maintain. Lake Worth 4 All points out that that these amendments shift decision-making away from voters and toward negotiations residents may only hear about after deals are done.

“This isn’t about stopping progress. It’s about protecting participation,” said Stokes.

To learn more about the Charter Amendment Referendums and Lake Worth 4 All, visit lakeworth4all.org.