Adrianne Walker, the city’s strategic initiatives project officer, sent out an update on the New Palafox project.
She reminded everyone that access to the construction area is restricted to authorized construction personnel only.
- The west sidewalk along Plaza Ferdinand is closed for roughly 6 weeks – pedestrians are routed through the park or across the street.
Asphalt installation has begun on the north end. The intersections will be inlaid with pavers at completion.
Palm Tree Defense
Walker wrote: “Cabbage palms are native to northwest Florida, including existing ones that we preserved when Bruce Beach was redeveloped.”
- “They thrive in urban streetscapes because they require very little footprint and do not have expansive root systems.”
- “They provide some vertical and overhead coverage among trees with larger canopies and serve as “edge friction” against the curb to encourage slower traffic.”
After reading this, I began to notice how many palm trees in neighborhoods across the city.
Construction Status
Stormwater install – 90% complete.
Irrigation install – 90% complete.
Paver install – 50% complete.
Construction is on schedule for the incentivized completion date of May 24 for the Palafox portion.
Dates of Importance
Wine Madness, Thursdays 4 to 6 p.m. – https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-dib-wine-madness
3/30/26 – Monday Palafox Pulse from 10 to 11 a.m. in front of Vinyl. The Last Pulse of April will be on Wednesday, April 29.