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What's Changed in Westlake, FL: A 2025–2026 Recap

A plain-language recap of everything significant that happened in Westlake, FL in 2025–2026 — new stores, schools, roads, housing, city government, and parks.

Published July 30, 2026

Westlake, Florida has been one of the busiest cities in Palm Beach County over the past 18 months. If you're a resident trying to catch up — or a prospective homebuyer wondering what's actually happening on the ground — here's a plain-language summary of the biggest milestones from 2025 and 2026.

New Retail Coming to Westlake Town Center

The Westlake Town Center is finally starting to look like a real commercial hub. The biggest headline: a full-size Walmart Supercenter received site plan approval, sign plan approval, and an alcohol variance in April 2026 (Development Order DO_04.07.2026). The store, planned for Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, will be a major addition to the city's limited retail options.

Close behind: Lowe's Home Improvement is also coming to the Town Center. Minto Communities sold the land for the 134,148 SF store in early 2026, and construction is progressing toward a late 2026 or early 2027 completion. Cold Stone Creamery is also set to open in the Publix building area. Dollar Tree is moving into the former Winn-Dixie liquor store space at Grove Market.

A Brand-New Elementary School Is Being Built

West Community Elementary School — Westlake's first dedicated K-5 public school — broke ground in spring 2026. The Palm Beach County School District appointed Principal Darline Winewski in spring 2026, and the school is on track to open for the Fall 2027 school year. This is a milestone for a city that has relied on neighboring schools since its incorporation in 2016.

GL Homes Enters Westlake with Silver Lake

In early 2026, GL Homes — one of Florida's most recognized homebuilders — acquired 192 acres in Westlake for a new master-planned community called Silver Lake. The community is planned for 1,000+ homes across multiple phases, with a clubhouse, amenities, and gated sections. This marks the first time a builder other than Minto Communities has entered the Westlake market at scale.

Minto Adds New Neighborhoods: Sandglass and The Oaks

Minto Communities — Westlake's master developer — continued expanding in 2025–2026. Sandglass is Minto's first community on the west side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, opening up a new geographic area of Westlake. New renderings were revealed in July 2026. The Oaks at Westlake is another active Minto release with 266 homes in Phase 1, priced in the mid-$400,000s to $600,000s+.

Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake, the city's 55+ active-adult community built by Kolter Homes, continues to sell homes — it's now one of the most established neighborhoods in the city.

City Hall: A Permanent Home Is Coming

Westlake has operated out of temporary administrative offices since its incorporation. That changes soon. In May 2026, the City acquired a 4.6-acre parcel from Minto Communities at the corner of Persimmon Blvd West and Ilex Way — the future site of Westlake's permanent City Hall. Planning and design are ongoing; the project is actively tracked on Westlake Pulse.

In the meantime, city business continues at the current administrative offices at 4001 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–4 PM, (561) 530-5880), with City Council meetings held at The Lodge at Westlake Adventure Park on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

Roads: SR-7 Extension and 60th Street North

Westlake's long-term connectivity problem is being addressed. The City passed Resolution 2026-05 in April 2026, formally supporting the extension of State Road 7 — a project that would connect 60th Street north to Northlake Blvd, with construction targeted for 2028. The 60th Street North Extension — connecting Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to SR-7 — is a related road project supported by City Resolution 2025-31.

A New Community Fieldhouse Is on the Way

Minto Communities announced the Westlake Master HOA Fieldhouse in spring 2026 — a six-acre recreational facility planned for the Pines neighborhood. It will include a multi-purpose building, coffee bar, covered toddler play area, open sports fields, and a relocated dog park. Construction is expected to begin fall 2026, with completion targeted for fall 2027.

City Government: Leadership and Recognition

Westlake's elected leadership has been active in 2026. Mayor JohnPaul O'Connor was installed as President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities in May 2026. Both Mayor O'Connor and Vice Mayor Greg Langowski received the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities. Howard W. Brown Jr. was appointed City Manager in March 2026. The city has cut its millage (tax) rate for four consecutive years — notable for a fast-growing young city.

The HAPPY Program: Homebuyer Assistance

Westlake's HAPPY Program (Homebuyer Assistance Program) helps first-time homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs on new Westlake homes. Guidelines were updated in June 2026, and the program saw a surge in applications. The City and the Westlake Community Foundation received the 2026 Housing Impact Award from the Palm Beach County Housing Leadership Council for this initiative.

FourthFest 2026 — Westlake Celebrates Independence Day

The City's annual FourthFest celebration returned on July 4, 2026, bringing residents together at Westlake Adventure Park for the city's signature Independence Day event.

What's Still Coming

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Westlake Pulse tracks all of this in real time — development projects, city council meetings, public documents, and local business news — sourced from public records and official city filings.

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