BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Save Boca got the City Council vote it wanted this week. But the group says the fight over public land in downtown Boca Raton is not finished.
Boca Raton City Council voted Tuesday night to pass the Save Boca ordinance into city law and send a related charter amendment to voters at the next available election. The ordinance creates new protections for city-owned land larger than one-half acre, requiring voter approval before the city can sell, lease or otherwise transfer that land, with limited exceptions.
The vote is a major step for Save Boca, the resident-led group that formed during the public fight over eight acres of city-owned land near the downtown Brightline station. That land had been tied to the Terra/Frisbie proposal, which Boca Raton voters rejected on March 10 by a 75% margin, according to Save Boca.
Council passed Ordinance No. 5784 by a 5-0 vote. The ordinance takes effect as city law.
Council also passed Resolution No. 35-2026, which places the proposed Save Boca Charter Amendment on the ballot for voter consideration at the next available election, no later than the March 2027 Uniform Municipal Election. That vote passed 4-1.
The difference matters.
The ordinance is now part of city code. The charter amendment still has to be approved by voters. If voters approve it, the protection would become part of Boca Raton’s city charter, making it harder for a future council to undo without another public vote.
Save Boca thanked supporters after the vote and called it a milestone. But the group also warned residents not to treat the council action as a final victory.
The group’s concern is the same eight acres of public land near Brightline.
In a message to supporters, Save Boca said city-sponsored discussions are still taking place about transit-oriented development on that land. Transit-oriented development usually refers to development planned around rail or major transit access, often with more density near a station.
Save Boca pointed to an April 22 presentation it said was led by Councilwoman Yvette Drucker and senior city staff. According to the group, the first item on the agenda was “Transit Oriented Development,” and the presentation was given to local planners, engineers and other professionals.
Save Boca said the presentation originated from City of Boca Raton offices and included slides depicting the same eight acres of public land adjacent to Brightline that had been targeted by Terra/Frisbie.
The group also raised questions about the city’s current downtown planning process.
City staff recently discussed a Request for Qualifications, or RFQ, for the Downtown Civic Area, which includes Memorial Park. The city previously referred to the process as an RFP, but corrected that to RFQ. The process is intended to select a consultant for community engagement, planning and design services.
Save Boca says the RFQ focuses on 17 acres west of NW 2nd Avenue and does not include the eight acres next to Brightline.
That has become the next pressure point.
The March vote settled the Terra/Frisbie proposal. It did not end the larger argument over how downtown public land should be used, who should control the process, and whether residents should get the final say before major public land deals move forward.
At the council meeting, the Downtown Civic Engagement Task Force discussion was postponed until after a consultant is selected for the Downtown Civic Area project. The idea is to let the consultant provide recommendations on community engagement before council decides what role, if any, a task force should play.
Councilman John Pearlman objected to the delay, saying council members should be speaking directly with residents rather than adding more layers between City Hall and the public.
For residents, the immediate result is clear: Boca Raton now has a city ordinance requiring voter approval for certain public land transfers. The next test is the charter amendment, which will go to voters.
The broader political fight is also moving into a new stage.
Save Boca is now telling supporters to watch future city meetings, downtown planning documents, consultant discussions, RFQs, presentations and any references to transit-oriented development near Brightline.
The ordinance passed. The charter vote is still ahead.
And the eight acres remain the land to watch.
Stay informed on zoning proposals, City Council decisions, and major development projects shaping Boca Raton. Visit our Boca Raton City Government and Development page for ongoing coverage from City Hall and planning meetings.
