Palm Beach Renames Southern Blvd After Trump Amid Controversy

Southern Boulevard, Palm Beach County, Florida, United States - In a significant move that reflects the charged political climate, Palm Beach County commissioners voted unanimously to rename part of Southern Boulevard as „President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.“ This decision, which occurred on July 8, 2025, was backed by a bill recently signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, setting the stage for a noteworthy shift in local street nomenclature.

Guest host Anthony Anderson mentioned the honor during his time on „Jimmy Kimmel Live,“ describing the road renaming as „historic.“ As he hosted the show this Wednesday night, he highlighted President Trump’s recognition in Florida, noting that the name change extends the homage to Trump’s nearby Mar-a-Lago estate. Though the guests enjoyed the light-hearted banter, a particular comment from Anderson had to be bleeped for television. Anthony is currently stepping in for Kimmel, who is off for the duration of summer.

A Closer Look at Southern Boulevard

Southern Boulevard, also known as State Road 80, runs between Kirk Road and South Ocean Boulevard, acting as a major commuter route within Palm Beach County. With a historical backdrop dating back to the 1920s, this avenue stretches 123.5 miles from Palm Beach to Fort Myers. It’s not just a thoroughfare; it’s significant to local life, connecting residents and tourists to landmarks such as the South Florida Fairgrounds and Coral Sky Amphitheater.

Alongside the Trump Boulevard designation, commissioners also approved the naming of another segment of the road as „PBSO Motorman Highway,“ in tribute to three deputies—Ralph „Butch“ Waller, Cpl. Luis Paez, and Ignacio „Dan“ Diaz—who tragically lost their lives in 2024 while responding to a roadside incident. This honor resonates deeply within the community, acknowledging public service amidst ongoing discussions about the implications of renaming roads after controversial figures.

While the approval came without opposition from the commission, it stirred a range of public reactions. Several residents voiced their concerns, referencing Trump’s criminal convictions and contentious statements, suggesting that the proposals for the Trump honor and the fallen officers‘ tribute should be considered separately.

Implications of the Name Change

Despite the local debate, the resolution received enthusiastic backing from all seven Palm Beach County Commissioners, bolstered by Governor DeSantis’s support. The required approvals from the city of West Palm Beach and the town of Palm Beach are still pending to finalize the name change, with signs estimated to cost around $1,200 each.

This move has already begun to manifest on digital platforms, as Google Maps recognizes the road as „President Donald J. Trump Boulevard,“ while Apple Maps has yet to make the switch. As traffic rolls along this significant roadway, the evolving nomenclature will surely stir conversation and reflect societal attitudes towards the former president.

As Florida continues to navigate these changes, what remains clear is that every twist in the road not only shapes the landscape but also the community’s identity, evoking different reactions from residents on the matter of honorific road designations.

For more detailed insights, readers can check out Yahoo News, Palm Beach Post, and USA Today.