A brief special Fourth of July commentary on freedom.

SHOW NOTES:

Declaration of Independence  

The Constitution of The United States

This week I talk with my favorite weatherman. Steve Weagle of WPTV TV 5 and WFLX TV 29.

I get a chance to know Steve a little and find out why and how he ended up in Florida, what he attributes his success to, and his forecasting style. 

Then I ask him why weathercasters don't talk about climate change. He explains how the thinking on this question has evolved and gives us his thoughts on the issue. 

The current proposed federal budget makes big cuts to NOAA in areas that affect weather forecasting. Weagle ways in on that.

He tells us how exciting the new GOES-16 satellite is.

Then we get his perspective on the current hurricane season and why a busy hurricane season might be better for us in South Florida.

SHOW NOTES:

My Favorite weather map from WPTV

Steve Weagle's WPTV bio

GOES-16 Satellite Images

NOAA

Rick Gonzalez is an advocate for the preservation of historic architecture and for the creation of great contextual architecture that will stand the test of time.

His firm REG Architects Interiors and Planners does all that and more and they have the resume to prove it.

I asked Rick to be on the City Voice Podcast because I have admired his work and service for years. 

I also think he helps to shine a light on the talent in and direction of the City of West Palm Beach.

SHOW NOTES:

REG Architects Interiors and Planners

Time Lapse video of The Historic 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse (construction portion starts 2:00 in)

Four night of meetings. At least 600-700 people.

Tons of sophisticated ideas from the residents of West Palm Beach.

Now in the hands of urban planners, traffic engineers, and transit experts. 

This week: Gabe Klein of CityFi comes back on City Voice to give us all idea of where things go from here and his impressions of West Palm Beach.

If you missed any or all of the four nights of meetings fear not.....

You can visit the West Palm Beach Mobility website and leave your thoughts ideas and solutions in the hands of the mobility team by using the interactive map.

The City of West Palm Beach is kicking off the "Okeechobee Corridor Public Meeting and Charette" on June 12 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. 

All related events will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Okeechobee Blvd in room 2B (second floor). 

The interview: Gabe Klein is the co-founder of City Fi and is working with local partner Alta Planning and Design. Gabe is a nationally known expert who has worked with cities across America and the world.  

In this episode of City Voice, Gabe explains what his role will be this week in this West Palm Beach Public Meeting and Charette. My impression is that Gabe makes solution-oriented recommendations based on data and his experience. Click and listen for the rest.

EVENT INFORMATION:

The Okeechobee Corridor Public Meeting and Charette is on  

Monday, June 12 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm (Mapping The Future)

Tuesday and Wednesday, June 13-14 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm (Creating The Vision)

Thursday, June 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm (Presenting The Future)

Pre-register by emailing [email protected]

Event webpage www.wpbmobility.com

Gabe Klein information:

Gabe's website

Gabe's Tedx Talk

The United States of America is no longer participating in the Paris Climate Accord. However, cities across America are.

West Palm Beach, Florida is one of those cities. 

My guest this week is Jeri Muoio. Mayor of West Palm Beach. 

Mayor Muoio discusses:

Her participation in the Paris COP 21

Climate Change and our drinking water

What West Palm Beach is doing 

The importance of leadership

City of West Palm Beach

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg updates us on the Opioid Crisis and Sober Homes.

Show Link: Office of State Attorney

For some, the arts are a passion. For others, the arts are just pretty or even provocative.

No matter how you feel about art it's tough to dispute that the arts lift economies, builds community, and make the world a little bit nicer place.

This week Teneka James, Associate Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, talks about the new West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, Inc. James is the head of this new 501c3 non-profit that will partner with long established art venues in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach as well as local artists.

SHOW LINKS:

West Palm Beach Arts and Entertainment District

Teneka James

Recently, I read a Palm beach Post article by Tony Doris on mobility issues and ideas. In that article, Jesse Bailey was quoted extensively.

Jesse is the author of the Walkable West Palm Beach blog (I highly recommend it) and is on the West Palm Beach technical advisory committee on downtown mobility. Jesse is not a planner or a traffic engineer. However, it's fair to say he does have an above average level of expertise and has the added insight of being a longtime Downtown West Palm Beach resident.

Juan Orellana, General Manger of Skybike in West Palm Beach is the City Voice guest this week. 

Juan explains how the SkyBike service works.

Updates us on the business of SkyBike after almost two years in West Palm Beach.

Then gives us a look into his personal life embracing life with no car in downtown West Palm Beach.

Go to the SkyBike website for information about using SkyBike and Bicycle tours.

A SkyBike                                                                      SkyBike Locations