This Week's Latest Tech News in West Palm Beach, FL - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

West Palm Beach Tech Week 2025 truly put innovation in motion, as the city launched the MiCa autonomous electric shuttle - the first of its kind in the U.S. - through a collaboration led by Guident and partners like Auve Tech.

The Level 4 shuttle operates a 0.9-mile route, connecting hotspots like the Brightline station and CityPlace, with rides currently free during its three-month pilot while on-board staff and remote operators ensure safety via WPTV coverage.

Local leaders such as Richard Martin see this as a major step in making transit safer and greener, while data on ridership and community feedback will guide potential expansion (Self Drive News).

This rollout reflects a global shift, with the U.S. AV market expected to grow rapidly as self-driving tech moves from tests to daily urban use - underscoring West Palm’s status as a city to watch (Tekcapital).

Meanwhile, the week’s excitement extended skyward with SpaceX and Amazon launches lighting up local beaches, drawing crowds and spotlighting emerging opportunities in aerospace and STEM. This synergy of mobility and tech is fueling new jobs, tourism, and a community that’s increasingly engaged in shaping its high-tech future.

The launch of the MiCa autonomous shuttle in downtown West Palm Beach represents a significant milestone for public transportation in Florida. Debuting in April 2025 through a collaboration between Guident, Related Ross, Circuit Transit, and Auve Tech, the initiative introduces an eight-seat, fully electric self-driving minibus capable of Level 4 autonomy.

Unlike traditional buses, MiCa travels a designated 0.9 to 1-mile loop connecting key areas such as the Brightline train station and CityPlace, operating Monday through Friday with service hours from 9 a.m.

to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and all rides are currently free under the pilot program.

• Designated Route: The MiCa shuttle follows a specific 0.9 to 1-mile loop linking major spots, including the Brightline train station and CityPlace.
• Service Hours & Operation: The shuttle operates Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., making it accessible during key commuting windows.
• Free Rides: As part of the pilot, all shuttle rides are temporarily free to encourage public participation and collect rider data.
• Boarding Process: Passengers can board or exit only at designated stops, streamlining traffic and upholding safety protocols.
• Tracking Tools: Real-time shuttle location and route details can be accessed via the Transit App or the city’s official website.
• Safety Measures: A trained operator is always onboard as mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with remote monitoring via advanced LIDAR, multiple cameras, and emergency shutoff buttons.
• Future Plans: Looking ahead, one remote operator at Guident’s monitoring center may supervise up to five shuttles, enhancing scalability and efficiency.
• Pilot Data Collection: The project tracks rider feedback and occupancy during its 90-day pilot to refine service and inform future deployments.

Partners and officials, including Linda Johnson and Thomas Hernandez, see MiCa as a step toward better connectivity and sustainability for West Palm Beach urban transit solutions.

Feature	Details	Impact
Autonomy Level	Level 4	Hands-off self-driving within mapped zone
Capacity	8 seats	Serves small groups per trip
Safety Features	LIDAR, cameras, emergency shutoff	Enhanced monitoring and rider protection

For a full overview of the shuttle’s operation and collaborating partners, you can learn more from The Palm Beach Post, explore the city’s real-time shuttle tracker at WPBgo, or dive into partnership and pilot program details in the official Related Ross press release.

West Palm Beach residents had an eventful week as both SpaceX’s Starlink 6-74 and Amazon’s Kuiper KA-01 launched back-to-back from Cape Canaveral, highlighting Florida’s growing role in satellite technology and internet innovation.

On the evening of April 24th, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from Launch Complex 40, deploying 28 new Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit and adding to the growing constellation aimed at expanding internet coverage, especially for areas with limited options.

Night launches like these are often visible from West Palm Beach, providing striking views and drawing crowds to popular local spots such as Juno Beach Pier and Lake Worth Pier, as clear skies offer a unique opportunity to see the rockets illuminate the night and leave bright contrails over the coastline.

Just days later, Amazon’s Project Kuiper KA-01 prepared to send 27 satellites aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V - the company’s first step in creating a global broadband network with over 3,200 planned satellites, focusing on providing high-speed, low-latency internet anywhere in the world.

Weather played a significant role, with clear evenings offering great visibility, but the original Kuiper launch scheduled for early April was delayed due to cloud and wind concerns - a reminder that even major launches rely on ideal local conditions.

Both programs represent the next chapter in internet technology.

• Satellite launches highlight Florida’s expanding influence in tech innovation as SpaceX and Amazon demonstrate the future of internet access.
• Local events draw crowds for rocket viewing at Juno Beach Pier and Lake Worth Pier, making each launch a community spectacle.
• Weather conditions are crucial; clear skies provide excellent visibility and create memorable experiences for all.
• Both SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are advancing global connectivity and digital inclusion for underserved areas.

Residents and visitors who gathered for the events described a sense of excitement:

“Watching two major launches in such quick succession made us feel like we’re living at the heart of a new tech era.” – Lisa Moore

To stay informed or revisit the launch details - including visuals, technical summaries, and future schedules - check out local guides and live updates at Palm Beach Post’s coverage, in-depth summaries of Amazon Project Kuiper’s debut, and detailed launch breakdowns from Space Launch Schedule.

Launch	Date	Provider
Starlink 6-74	April 24, 2025	SpaceX
Kuiper KA-01	April 27, 2025	Amazon/ULA

As these “megaconstellations” take shape, West Palm Beach and the surrounding region are becoming an important vantage point for the future of fast, reliable internet - turning rocket launches into community milestones and sparking conversations about better access and digital inclusion.

At the April 2025 NFL Owners' Meeting in Palm Beach, the league announced it would officially transition to the Sony Hawk-Eye camera system for measuring first downs starting with the 2025 season.

This move replaces the long-used “chain gang” system with real-time, camera-based optical tracking. Hawk-Eye, which has been proven in sports like tennis and soccer, will use six 8K cameras in each of the NFL’s 30 stadiums to determine the football’s position for crucial measurements, providing a virtual recreation in real-time for officials, fans in the stadium, and those watching on TV (ESPN).

While the traditional chain crew will still be present on the sidelines as a backup, on-field officials will now receive measurement results within about 30 seconds - representing an average savings of 40 seconds compared to manual chains (Sactown Sports).

The system will operate from the NFL’s centralized GameDay Officiating Center in New York and will integrate with the existing replay process. Hawk-Eye has a track record in other leagues for improving accuracy and transparency, but NFL officials note the system relies on clear camera angles - the final ball spot will still be marked by human referees, particularly in challenging scenarios where the ball is obscured or not visible to cameras.

This technological upgrade is part of a broader trend to reduce measurement disputes and enhance the viewing experience, especially after notable controversies in previous high-stakes games (Yahoo Sports).

Palm Beach’s role as the host city for this announcement reinforced its reputation as a hub for innovation in both sports and technology, with local leaders highlighting the city’s position at the forefront of the NFL’s digital transformation.

Pinnacle Live, a Chicago-based leader in event technology, expanded into South Florida in April 2025 by partnering with prestigious venues such as JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, and Pier Sixty-Six.

This move highlights their commitment to providing customized event production, audiovisual solutions, and hybrid broadcasting capabilities for both in-person and virtual events.

Their nationwide presence now includes over 200 hotel and convention center partnerships, underscoring their focus on innovation and service excellence.

Natalie De Fazio, Pinnacle Live’s president, commented, “We are excited to partner with these esteemed venues and offer hoteliers unmatched options and personalization, ensuring memorable experiences for all guests.”

• Pinnacle Live's expansion demonstrates a strong commitment to customized event production and tech innovation in South Florida.
• The company now has a nationwide presence with over 200 hotel and convention center partnerships, showcasing their industry influence.
• Event technology is a priority among U.S. professionals, with emerging trends focusing on attendee engagement and analytics.
• About 70% of North American corporate events in 2025 are expected to be in-person, while 15% will blend both virtual and in-person participation.
• Hotels leveraging Pinnacle Live report improved attendee experiences and venue appeal, driving event and business growth.

Venue Partner	Location	Benefit
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa	Miami, FL	Cutting-edge hybrid event tech
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Customized audiovisual production
Pier Sixty-Six	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Increased venue appeal for events

For more details on Pinnacle Live’s recent expansion and their impact on the regional event scene, see articles from Pinnacle Live, South Florida Business Journal, and a national overview of event tech industry trends from Cvent.

As South Florida venues continue investing in hybrid and virtual event capabilities, Pinnacle Live’s expansion is helping shape West Palm Beach and surrounding cities into key players in the future of tech-driven events.

Suffolk Construction continues to expand its influence in sustainable building throughout West Palm Beach, with a clear focus on integrating climate tech and artificial intelligence into its operations.

The company's regional efforts highlight a commitment to the holistic adoption of sustainable practices within the built environment, as described on their sustainability page.

This year, Suffolk’s regional office has grown, bringing in new talent focused on green engineering and leveraging technologies such as AI-powered energy modeling to improve project outcomes.

In line with these efforts, the company's projects in West Palm Beach have set notable standards, such as achieving LEED Silver certification at the One Harvard Circle development, under the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system, demonstrating measurable sustainability benchmarks in major local projects (see LEED certification details).

• Sustainable Expansion: Suffolk Construction is increasing its presence in sustainable building by integrating climate technology and artificial intelligence into projects.
• Talent and Technology: The regional office, led by Linda Martin, has recruited experts in green engineering and adopted advanced tech like AI-powered energy modeling.
• LEED Recognition: Local projects, notably the One Harvard Circle development, have set new sustainability standards by achieving LEED Silver certification.

Initiative	Impact	Contact Lead
AI-powered Energy Modeling	Improved project outcomes, reduced emissions	Mary White
Low-carbon Concrete Trials	Reduces carbon footprint in construction	Christopher Jackson
LEED-Certified Projects	Demonstrates sustainability benchmarks	Linda Martin

"Through these combined initiatives, Suffolk is advancing both innovation and environmental stewardship in West Palm Beach, contributing to a smarter, more sustainable future for the city and its surrounding communities."

West Palm Beach GreenMarket again demonstrated its strong presence on the national scene by earning the #2 spot in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll for Best Farmers Markets.

This recognition follows several years at the top, including three consecutive #1 finishes from 2021 to 2023, reflecting the market’s ongoing popularity and growth.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the GreenMarket’s 2024–2025 season hosted between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors each Saturday and featured over 130 vendors, solidifying its status as a significant community gathering along the Intracoastal Waterway according to local coverage.

Unique offerings ranged from fresh produce, baked goods, and seafood to smoothies, crepes, and breakfast sandwiches, complemented by live music and cooking demonstrations.

As noted by the City of West Palm Beach, the market serves not just as a marketplace but as an incubator for local businesses and an anchor for the community’s social fabric, with activities for families and opportunities for children to interact away from screens as highlighted in official city announcements.

The ranking was determined after public voting, with Soda City Market in South Carolina taking the top spot this year.

While the traditional in-person experience remains at the heart of the GreenMarket, organizers have embraced technology and sustainability to enhance the market’s impact.

For the 2025 season, expanded digital engagement included mobile updates and partnerships with small businesses adopting tech-driven concepts, though the main draw continues to be the wide variety and high quality of offerings.

Visitors can look forward to the next season beginning in October, as the GreenMarket continues its mission to support southeast Florida’s agricultural producers and strengthen local development.

To explore more about its ranking and detailed features, visit the official USA TODAY 10Best poll results.

Facing mounting pressure from both state and federal authorities, the Palm Beach County School District voted in April 2025 to repeal all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, citing the urgent need to protect approximately $300 million in federal funding that underpins essential student services, meals, and instruction across its more than 180 schools serving nearly 190,000 students.

The emergency move stemmed from updated legal guidance and direct warnings from the U.S. Department of Education that maintaining certain DEI initiatives could put this vital funding at risk.

The board eliminated policies related to business contracts with women- and minority-owned firms, student transfer practices, and hiring language centered on diversity.

While the district affirms its commitment to non-discrimination, officials said the revised policies are designed to ensure compliance and avoid immediate and “detrimental” budget impacts, with Superintendent William Martin warning that the loss of federal backing would “jeopardize our ability to truly fulfill our mission in educating, confirming, and inspiring through the support of student education.” School board discussions revealed sharp debate: some members and community voices, like Mary Johnson, opposed the repeal, highlighting concerns for the ongoing support and advancement of women and minorities, while others argued the district had no viable choice given the scope of federal threats.

As described in local coverage, the changes will undergo further review and a public comment period over the next 90 days before a final board decision.

This policy reversal reflects broader national debates around education, resource allocation, and the use of anti-discrimination laws, with observers noting that the largest employer in Palm Beach County must now balance compliance with the drive for equitable opportunities.

The move also spotlights concerns voiced by technology and education leaders, who observed that past DEI efforts helped build pathways for underrepresented students in tech-related programs and guaranteed accessible learning environments.

For a more detailed analysis on the funding stakes and policy implications, see this Palm Beach Post report.

• Tech and education leaders shared concern, explaining that past DEI efforts provided advanced STEM opportunities for underrepresented students and improved inclusivity in makerspaces.
• Teachers and parents voiced mixed reactions - addressing the loss of support systems for marginalized groups, while some argued for maintaining core academic funding as the top priority.

Stakeholder	Reaction	Key Concern
Teachers’ Association	Disappointed	Loss of equity-driven professional development
Tech Coordinators	Apprehensive	Impact on equitable tech access
Parents	Split	Student support vs. funding security

The district’s decision highlights the complex tension between Florida’s shifting state education policies and evolving federal enforcement on civil rights compliance.

As community input unfolds and the policy review continues, educators, parents, and students in West Palm Beach will be watching closely to see how changes in DEI policy affect classroom experience, innovation, and opportunity in the coming school year.

Momentum is building across Palm Beach County as Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) steps up efforts to support HB 949, the 2025 Florida bill aiming to require phone-free school days in K-12 public schools.

This legislation, which passed the Florida House unanimously in April, goes beyond previous measures by restricting student cellphone use throughout the entire school day, not just during instructional time.

It includes exceptions for emergencies, medical needs with a doctor’s note, and students with specific educational plans. School districts will designate certain areas as “phone zones” where phones may be used with administrator permission, reflecting input from parents and teachers concerned about both safety and access for special cases.

• Restricting usage: The bill restricts student cellphone use for the entire school day to limit distractions and address social pressures.
• Exceptions provided: There are exceptions for emergencies, verified medical needs, and specific educational plans backed by proper documentation.
• Designated phone zones: Phone zones within schools allow limited, supervised cellphone usage with administrator approval, focusing on safety and special circumstances.
• Community involvement: Advocacy efforts by MAMA include community events and digital outreach to emphasize parental concerns about smartphone impact.

In support of phone-free policies, campaigners point to a recent Orange County study showing a 31% drop in high school fights and a 21% decline in serious misconduct after restrictive policies were put in place (see data on HB 949 impact).

Location	Fights Decreased By	Serious Misconduct Decreased By
Orange County	31%	21%
Palm Beach County	Pending Data	Pending Data

Statewide, similar trends are now observed, and the bill received bipartisan support - a rare agreement in the Legislature.

“While HB 949 awaits further action in the Florida Senate, it is part of a wider conversation about student well-being and academic engagement; the legislation’s purpose specifically includes improving focus and reducing bullying,” said Elizabeth Johnson, a notable advocacy group leader.

As the legislative debate continues, if the Senate approves or integrates these provisions, Florida could see a major shift in school policies by the next academic year.

To follow the latest status of this bill, including timelines and amendments, visit the official bill tracker here.

As West Palm Beach families and educators await the outcome, many believe HB 949 marks an important opportunity to focus classroom environments and support student health in a rapidly changing digital world.

West Palm Beach’s broadcast scene is seeing a leadership update as Sinclair Broadcasting Group appoints Vincent J. Sollecito as Vice President and General Manager of WPEC CBS12.

Sollecito steps into the role with more than 20 years of broadcast industry experience, including leadership positions such as Senior Vice President of Ad Sales at Marquee Sports Network, where he helped launch the network, and President of ABC National Television Sales, where he oversaw sales for eight major ABC stations.

His earlier stints at ABC 7 Chicago and WABC New York further add to his portfolio. Sinclair executives have stated that Sollecito’s experience in high-performing broadcast markets and his forward-thinking perspective make him an ideal fit to guide WPEC’s ongoing growth and innovation.

Sinclair, a leading local broadcaster operating 185 television stations in 86 markets, is continuing rapid advances in multi-platform distribution, which includes TV, over-the-air, and streaming news delivery.

• Leadership transition: Vincent J. Sollecito is now the leader at WPEC CBS12, bringing leadership and media experience to the West Palm Beach station.
• Sinclair’s strategy: Sinclair is pushing rapid advances in multi-platform news distribution, aiming to blend traditional and emerging technologies for wider audience reach.
• Tech-forward initiatives: Sollecito’s arrival is expected to galvanize innovative efforts like efficient live broadcasting, interactive local content, and creative news delivery.
• Community engagement: There’s a focus on deepening local connections and using technology to serve community news needs in dynamic ways.
• No new $220M investment: Currently, there is no public confirmation of a $220 million investment or NextGen TV pilot at local Florida outlets.

“Sinclair’s commitment to innovation and community-focused journalism aligns perfectly with my passion for building strong local connections and driving meaningful results,” Sollecito noted about his appointment.

This leadership change signals Sinclair’s broader aim to invest in local newsrooms, deepen audience engagement, and remain competitive amid rapid changes in media technology.

For more on Sollecito's career background and the announcement, visit Business Wire, get insights from TV Technology, and explore details at GuruFocus.

Key Theme	Summary	Central Figure
Leadership	New appointment to drive growth at WPEC CBS12.	Vincent J. Sollecito
Innovation	Multi-platform distribution and tech-forward news initiatives.	Sinclair Broadcasting Group
Community Focus	Programs aimed at strengthening local audience engagement.	Patricia Jackson

Florida is making bold moves in the autonomous vehicle (AV) space, with Jacksonville leading the way through the launch of its Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC) in April 2025.

The AIC is more than just a facility - it's the command hub for Jacksonville’s new Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C), which soon will see self-driving shuttles operating along a 3.5-mile corridor downtown.

This initiative ties into other statewide AV efforts, including West Palm Beach's pilot of Guident’s autonomous minibus. Both projects show how Florida cities are connecting mobility pilots and sharing knowledge across regions, allowing programs like Guident’s to benefit from the data and operations experience supplied by Jacksonville’s AIC. The center itself represents a major investment, equipped with a high-tech control room, maintenance bays, solar-powered microgrid, and real-time fleet monitoring to oversee the initial fleet of 14 Holon shuttles, with expansion to 100 vehicles approved for coming years.

These shuttles use radar, cameras, lidar, and GPS, making them capable of safe operation without an onboard driver and with human oversight from the AIC’s control room staff read more.

Jacksonville’s commitment to AV deployment goes beyond regional boundaries.

The AIC, located at 650 W. Bay St., is not only intended to manage Jacksonville’s fleets but is designed as a scalable, model facility that could provide remote support to AV projects in other cities as advanced transportation expands.

Economic growth has followed these efforts as well - partner Holon is investing $100 million to build a manufacturing plant on Jacksonville’s Northside, expected to create more than 700 jobs locally and nearly $300 million in economic benefits facility impact.

As part of the Bay Street Innovation Corridor, the AIC and U2C shuttles exemplify how state and local investments - including public and private backing exceeding $120 million - are positioning Florida as a leader in AV transit and urban connectivity program launch details.

AV Project	Location	Status	Annual Economic Impact
Guident Shuttle	West Palm Beach	Pilot Launched	$5M
Holon Plant	Jacksonville	Under Construction	$300M
Jax AIC & U2C	Jacksonville	Operational	$12M

Jacksonville’s launch of the Autonomous Innovation Center and its upcoming autonomous transit service highlights how Florida isn’t just experimenting with AVs - it’s building a model for technology-driven urban mobility that could be scaled nationwide.

In 2025, West Palm Beach truly finds itself at the intersection of emerging technology and community change. The city’s economic momentum is unmistakable - tech startups now contribute $26.4 billion to the local economy, and over 15,000 tech jobs have been created since 2018, with projections showing continued rapid growth for in-demand roles like Full Stack Developer and Cybersecurity Analyst according to the latest reports.

Local efforts to improve urban mobility are gaining traction, too; a blend of on-demand electric shuttles, bike valets, and continuous investment in public transportation has made West Palm Beach a model for sustainable city transit, leading to lower congestion and more accessible neighborhoods as highlighted by mobility providers.

Initiatives like the Digital Trust for Places & Routines (DTPR) pilot are also reshaping how residents interact with - and critically, understand - smart city technology.

Through open-source standards, clear signage, and feedback channels, the city is putting transparency and community trust at the forefront of its smart infrastructure rollout as detailed by city officials.

For residents, these shifts are practical and immediate.

Improved mobility solutions - ranging from self-driving shuttles to fully electric on-demand rides - are making commutes more efficient and accessible. Reliable, citywide connectivity is growing thanks to both terrestrial and satellite internet expansions, supporting digital inclusion for all neighborhoods.

Investments in eco-friendly technology, from smart sensors to solar-powered transit, are contributing to a greener urban environment while helping the city manage traffic, safety, and sustainability in real time.

Lisa Garcia, a local entrepreneur, remarked, "The city’s commitment to integrating smart technology with community feedback is transforming daily life for us all."

Community feedback continues to play a key role.

Recent initiatives invite residents to:

• Engage with Workshops: Residents can attend technology workshops to better understand smart city initiatives.
• Share Their Opinions: Community surveys allow locals to influence how technology is implemented citywide.
• Connect via Events: Participating in local events like Tech Talent Fest fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Stay Updated on Data: The city's open data portals let residents track progress transparently and in real-time.

West Palm Beach’s approach - focused on both innovation and transparency - reminds us that when technology and community engagement grow together, everyone benefits.