As the sun rises on North Palm Beach, residents are gearing up for an important election on March 24, 2026. This special election is set to fill the vacancy left by Kristin Garrison on the Village Council, who sadly passed away on December 31, 2025. With 9,275 registered voters in the village, every vote will count as three candidates vie for the seat: David Norris, a former council member; Ron Okolichany, an experienced real estate developer; and Kendra Zellner, a political newcomer and environmental advocate.
The candidates have divergent views on key issues, particularly surrounding the Village Place development project on the site of the old Twin Cities Mall, which has become a focal point of the election. While all three candidates agree on the necessity of the project, they differ on its scale and the height of the buildings involved. This discussion is crucial as North Palm Beach has a population of 13,000 and an operating budget of nearly $50 million, making the future of such projects significant for the community.
Election Details
As the clock ticks down to Election Day, it’s important for voters to be aware of the key dates and procedures. The deadline to register to vote is February 23, 2026, and early voting will take place from March 14 to March 22, 2026, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at designated locations. If you prefer to vote by mail, make sure to request your ballot by March 12, 2026, at 5:00 pm. And remember, if no candidate secures a majority, a runoff election will occur on April 7, 2026, without early voting options. Voters must go to their designated precinct on Election Day, where polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. More details can be found on the village’s official website or by contacting the Village Clerk at 561-841-3355. For further information on the election, visit this link.
David Norris, 67, who served on the council from 1996 until his resignation in December 2023, believes the Village Place project aligns perfectly with the character of North Palm Beach. Meanwhile, Ron Okolichany, 66, is committed to steering growth in accordance with a citizen-approved master plan from 2021. Kendra Zellner, the youngest candidate at 37, emphasizes her role in representing the interests of younger generations and making environmentally conscious decisions. It’s a refreshing mix of experience and new ideas that will shape the future of the village.
What’s at Stake
This election comes at a crucial time as Florida gears up for the upcoming presidential election on November 5, 2024, where the stakes are high, especially with 30 electoral votes up for grabs. Florida has seen a shift in voting patterns over the years, swinging from predominantly Democratic to Republican in recent elections. This shift emphasizes the importance of local elections like the one in North Palm Beach, as they set the stage for broader political trends in the state.
With a vibrant community and a diverse population influenced by strong Latin American roots, North Palm Beach is not just another dot on the map. It’s a community where every vote matters. As residents prepare to cast their ballots, they are reminded of the impact their decisions will have on local development, environmental policy, and the overall direction of their village. For more on the presidential election context, check out this article.
As we approach the election, let’s stay engaged and informed—every vote counts in shaping the future of North Palm Beach!