Vice Mayor Palm Beach Gardens John D. Kemp

05/26/2026

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A fun thing to participate in the City’s America 250 celebration.

Want to host a Fourth of July celebration for your neighborhood?

Applications are now being accepted our Neighborhood Block Party Grant, which will provide neighborhoods with up to $500 in reimbursement for their event.

Funding is available on a first come, first eligible basis with a maximum of 10 grants going to hosting events within a City residential neighborhood. You must be a resident to apply!

The application process will close on Monday, June 8.

Visit our America 250 webpage to learn more and apply!

🔗: www.pbgfl.gov/America250

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day!

Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave everything for our country and our freedom. For our family, and for so many others, this day carries deep meaning. We know the sacrifices that have been made — not only by those who served, but by the families who continue to carry the weight of that loss. So many special moments are lived with an empty seat at the table.

There are no words strong enough to fully express the gratitude we owe to those who gave their lives in service to our nation. I also want to thank every veteran and service member who answered the call to defend this country. Many continue to carry burdens and experiences most of us will never fully understand.

Today, while spending time with my family, at the, City of Palm Beach Gardens Memorial Day ceremony, we walked over to theAir Force memorial plaque and wreath , we had the honor of speaking with an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam. He shared the story of returning home after 27 months overseas. After losing friends in combat, he shipped his military uniforms home separately because he feared how he would be treated when he arrived back in America. He worried about being yelled at — or worse — simply for being a soldier.

He told us that’s why he now attends events like today’s: to publicly honor those he couldn’t back then.

That conversation was a powerful reminder of why Memorial Day matters.

So today, and every day, thank you to every service member who has put it all on the line for this country. May Memorial Day continue to remind us of the respect, gratitude, and unity we should strive for as Americans. Let us never allow their sacrifice to be in vain.

05/21/2026

A lot of events to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Check the City website to see how to participate with your Gardens neighbors!

04/09/2026

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Council Member Marcie Tinsley for her year of dedicated leadership as Mayor. It was a productive and meaningful year for our city, and while much was accomplished, there is still important work ahead. Thank you for your steady guidance and commitment to our community.

Congratulations to Mayor Dana Middleton on being selected to serve in this important role. I look forward to the year ahead under your leadership and the continued progress we will make together for our residents.

I would also like to warmly welcome back Rachelle Litt to the Council. It will be a pleasure to serve alongside you once again as we continue working to move our city forward.

Lastly, I am truly honored and grateful to my fellow Council Members for placing their trust in me by selecting me as Vice Mayor. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to supporting our team and our community in the year ahead.

03/09/2026

Today we recognize International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in our families, workplaces, and communities.

As a husband, father, firefighter, and public servant, I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand the incredible impact women have every single day. From leaders in our community to the women who quietly hold families together behind the scenes, their dedication and strength help shape the world around us.

On a personal note, I want to recognize my wife, who has always been my rock. Through long shifts at the fire department, the challenges of public service, and the ups and downs of life, she has stood beside me with unwavering support, strength, and love. I truly would not be where I am today without her.

To all the women in Palm Beach Gardens and beyond—thank you for your leadership, compassion, and perseverance. Our community is stronger because of you!

Happy International Women’s Day.
— Councilman John D. Kemp

01/20/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King showed our nation — and the world — that true strength is found not in anger or violence, but in courage, conviction, and peaceful action. He stood firmly for equal rights and human dignity, even in the face of hatred, because he believed America could live up to its promise for all people.

As we reflect on his legacy, may we remember that honoring Dr. King means more than words. It means peacefully standing up for what we believe in, listening to one another with respect, and working together to build stronger, more just communities.

That belief — that every voice matters and that change can come through unity and peaceful action — is the heart of the American Dream.

May we continue to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose, just as Dr. King did. He had a dream. Let’s make thst dream a reality!

— John D. Kemp
Palm Beach Gardens City Councilman

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas, Palm Beach Gardens,

As we celebrate this special season, I want to personally wish each of you and your families a Christmas filled with peace, love, and time with those who matter most. Christmas is a moment to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for the many blessings we share as a community.

Palm Beach Gardens is more than just a city—it’s a family. It’s neighbors looking out for one another, first responders serving with courage, volunteers giving selflessly, and residents who care deeply about where we live and how we support each other. I am truly grateful to serve such a compassionate and strong community.

While this season brings joy, it also reminds us to hold close those who may be struggling or grieving. May we continue to show kindness, grace, and understanding—not just today, but throughout the year ahead.

From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, good health, and happiness. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you.

God bless you and God bless Palm Beach Gardens.

12/14/2025

Happy Hanukkah to Our Jewish Community

As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, I want to extend warm wishes to our Jewish friends and neighbors in Palm Beach Gardens, and beyond. May this Hanukkah bring you light, joy, and peace.

In the midst of this season of hope, our hearts are also heavy with the news of the tragic events in Australia. We stand in solidarity with those affected and offer our deepest condolences.

Let us come together in compassion and understanding, fostering unity and peace in our community.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyous, and meaningful Hanukkah.

12/05/2025

As your Palm Beach Gardens Council Member, I’m excited to invite you and your family to one of our most joyful community traditions—the annual Tree Lighting Celebration!

Join us on Saturday, December 6th from 4–7 p.m. at Gardens North County District Park for an evening filled with holiday cheer and fun for all ages.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special stop in Palm Beach Gardens, and the event is packed with festive activities, including:

🎁 Our Mistletoe Market
🎶 Santa’s Silent DJ Party
🎄 Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45 p.m.
🎅 Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6–7 p.m.
❄️ Holiday inflatables
🍔 Food vendors
🎉 Seasonal activities and more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the season.

For more information, visit the City’s Tree Lighting Celebration page.

Please remember—pets should stay home for this event.

Looking forward to seeing you there, Palm Beach Gardens! 🌲✨

Learn more at our Tree Lighting Celebration webpage: https://pbgfl.gov/747/Tree-Lighting

Santa’s sleigh is making a special stop in Palm Beach Gardens. 🎅

Meet him and Mrs. Claus at the Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gardens North County District Park (5101 117th Court North).

We’re thrilled to announce several awesome event attractions for this year’s Tree Lighting including:

🎁 Mistletoe Market
🎶 Santa’s Silent DJ Party
🎄 Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45 p.m.
🎅 Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6 to 7 p.m.
❄️ Holiday inflatables
🍔 Food vendors
🎉 Seasonal activities and more!

Learn more at our Tree Lighting Celebration webpage: https://pbgfl.gov/747/Tree-Lighting

Please, leave pets at home.