Delray Beach has once again been recognized as one of the cleanest and best-managed beaches in the nation. The city’s municipal beach earned the prestigious Blue Flag designation for 2026, making it one of only three beaches in the entire United States to receive the honor this season, alongside Westward Beach in Malibu, California and Spanish River Park Beach in neighboring Boca Raton.
The City is scheduled to hold a Blue Flag Raising Ceremony on May 7th to mark the achievement — a testament to Delray’s commitment to environmental stewardship, water quality, and beach safety.
The good news, however, is tempered by a growing controversy over a $19 million beach nourishment project that has left a steep drop-off along more than two miles of shoreline. Residents and disability advocates say the cliff-like conditions created by the sand restoration work have made it difficult or impossible for elderly visitors and people with disabilities to access the water. The project, which had an original completion date of early March, remains a source of concern for the community.
City Commissioner Julie Casale has assured residents that the drop-off will be addressed, noting that ADA access is available at Atlantic Dunes Park and that lifeguards can assist with water wheelchairs. For some residents, though, the uncertainty about timing is frustrating.
Delray Beach has also been nominated for Best Beach in Florida in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, with voting open through May 18th. The city is aiming for its third consecutive win in the competition.
Harlan Kilstein the publisher of this website is a resident of Delray. He has lived in Palm Beach County since 1997, In that time he has explored everything for surfing on private beaches in Delray to walks up and down Atlantic Avenue.
He is known to drop everything at a moment's notice to fish in Delray Lakes, bird watch, goes horseback riding or play pinball at the Delray Pin Ball Museum.
You can find him either sipping a coffee on Atlantic Avenue or drinking a flight of whiskey at Warren's.
One thing is certain, he knows Delray Beach.
