If you think Palm Beach County is just quiet golf courses and early bird specials, honestly, you haven't been paying attention lately. Things are moving fast here. Between the massive billion-dollar financial moves, the weirdly stable real estate market, and the absolute chaos of the "Project Tango" debate, the start of 2026 feels a lot louder than usual.
It’s a mix of high-stakes business and some of the best weather in the country.
People are actually out and about. You've got the West Palm Beach GreenMarket hitting its 31st season with more vendors than I’ve ever seen. And then there’s the South Florida Fair, which is basically a local rite of passage at this point. But beneath the surface of fried dough and waterfront yoga, there are some serious shifts happening that will change how this county looks by the end of the year.
The Massive AI Showdown in the West
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Project Tango. Basically, there’s this proposal for a 200-acre AI data center near Wellington and Loxahatchee. The county commissioners unanimously postponed the vote on it back in December because people were, frankly, livid. Over 50 residents showed up to voice their concerns, and a petition started by local Corey Kanterman has already pulled in over 8,000 signatures.
Why the hate? It’s not just "not in my backyard" syndrome.
These centers use an insane amount of water and power for cooling. Governor DeSantis even jumped into the fray recently, arguing that regular people shouldn't see their utility bills go up just to subsidize big tech. He’s pushing for a "Citizen AI Bill of Rights." Meanwhile, the commissioners pushed the next big zoning meeting for this project to April 23, 2026.
📖 Related: Exactly How Many Inches is 14 Feet? The Answer and Why It Matters for Your Project
If you live out west, this is the story to watch. It’s a classic Florida battle: tech progress versus the local environment and the "rural lifestyle" people moved there for.
Palm Beach County is Doubling Down on Israel Bonds
On the money side of things, Palm Beach County just made a massive move. Clerk Mike Caruso announced on January 7 that the county bought another $350.5 million in Israel Bonds. This puts the total investment at over $1 billion.
That makes us the largest local government investor in these bonds in the entire world.
Caruso’s logic is pretty simple: it’s about the return. He says this investment is expected to pull in $136 million in interest over the next couple of years. That’s roughly $23 million more than if the money was just sitting in U.S. Treasuries. According to Mayor Sara Baxter, that extra cash means the commission can keep property taxes lower.
Not everyone is happy, though. There’s already a lawsuit from some Palestinian-American residents who say the move is too risky and politically motivated. But for now, the county is staying the course.
✨ Don't miss: Breville Barista Express: Is the Internet’s Favorite Espresso Machine Actually Good?
The Real Estate Reality Check
Everyone keeps waiting for the Florida real estate bubble to pop, but it just... hasn't. Not in Palm Beach County, anyway. The median home price is hovering around $510,000. It’s not the wild West of 2021 where people were bidding $100k over asking without an inspection, but it’s definitely not a crash.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird "balanced" market right now.
We’ve got about six months of inventory, which is the most we’ve seen in a while. Sellers are finally realizing they can't ask for the moon anymore. In fact, in one recent week, there were almost as many price reductions as there were new listings. It’s a 1:1 ratio that tells you sellers are getting a reality check.
What to Watch if You’re Buying
- Negotiation Power: You can typically get 5-6% off the list price right now.
- Condo Safety: Most buildings have finally finished those structural integrity reports required after the Surfside collapse. It’s actually a safer time to buy a condo now because the "surprise" $100,000 assessments are mostly out in the open.
- Insurance Mandates: As of January 1, 2026, Citizens Property Insurance—the one everyone uses when they can't get anything else—has stricter flood insurance requirements. Don't skip the due diligence on your wind mitigation reports.
Leisure and the "Ultimate Weeks of Sport"
If you’re just here for the vibes, the next few weeks are pretty stacked. The South Florida Fair is running from January 16 through February 1. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and the food is terrible for you, but you kind of have to go.
West Palm Beach is also leaning hard into the "Championship Kick-Off" energy. On Thursday, January 15, Clematis by Night is turning into a massive football celebration at Centennial Square. They’ve got live music by Mischief, free sports activities, and apparently, they’re giving away hot dogs to the first 100 people.
Looking slightly ahead, February is when things get really crazy with the "Ultimate Weeks of Sport." We’re talking:
- PGA Tour golf at the Cognizant Classic.
- Major League Baseball Spring Training (the Cardinals and Marlins in Jupiter, Astros and Nationals in West Palm).
- High-goal polo in Wellington.
- Professional tennis at the Delray Beach Open.
It’s a lot. If you’re trying to get around the county in February, leave an hour early. Traffic is going to be a nightmare.
👉 See also: Roger Carter Community Center: Why It’s Not Just Another Gym in Ellicott City
Smaller Bits You Might’ve Missed
There’s a lot of infrastructure work happening that’s making driving a pain. South Olive Avenue is closed between Acacia and Actaeon through January 17. Also, the 25th Street improvement project is still grinding along, turning four lanes into three to make things "safer" for bikes.
In Jupiter, they’re doing a Seminole Maroon Remembrance at Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park on January 18. It’s a free event and actually pretty cool if you’re into local history—lots of rituals, lectures, and exhibitors.
And if you’re a golfer, Osprey Point just got named the 2026 Municipal Course of the Year. It’s basically the best public course in the country right now, so good luck getting a tee time.
How to Handle These Happenings
If you're living here or just visiting, the best way to navigate all these happenings in palm beach county is to be proactive.
For the events, especially things like the South Florida Fair or the upcoming spring training games, buy your tickets online in advance. It saves you ten bucks and an hour in line. If you're looking at property, don't rush. The inventory is there, and you finally have some leverage to ask for seller concessions like mortgage rate buydowns.
Keep an eye on the April 23 zoning meeting for Project Tango if you care about the western communities. That’s going to be a turning point for the county’s industrial future. And finally, if you’re hitting the West Palm GreenMarket on Saturdays, get there before 9:00 AM. After that, it’s just a sea of strollers and dogs, and you won’t find a spot to sit by the water.
Stay updated on the road closures through the city's Engineering Department website, especially for the Broadway Avenue and Dixie Highway projects, which are slated for more "lane repurposing" throughout the spring.
Be sure to verify any event times at discover.pbc.gov before heading out, as weather or staffing can shift things at the last minute.
Take advantage of the cooler January temperatures to visit the Morikami Museum or the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge before the humidity really kicks back in by late March.