Verified. Official. Done.
Every accomplishment on this page is documented in the Town of Lantana's official 2024 and 2025 State of the Town reports. This is what Karen Lythgoe — working alongside the Town Council, professional staff, and community partners — has delivered for Lantana.
Karen Lythgoe was elected mayor in 2023 and reelected in March 2024. The following accomplishments are verified in the Town's official 2024 and 2025 State of the Town reports. They represent the combined work of the mayor, Town Council, professional staff, and community partners.
Investing in Essential Infrastructure
- Completed the East Lantana Road Infrastructure Upgrade, replaced the water main beneath the FEC railway tracks at Pine Street, and completed the Sea Pines Stormwater Pump Station project.
- Improved the Water Treatment Plant through a new high-service pump, 50-ton brine storage tank, sodium-hypochlorite system work, and restoration of all five resin tanks.
- Adopted a Stormwater Assessment Program on September 9, 2024.
- Completed milling and paving on 14 streets in 2025 and advanced additional water, wastewater, stormwater, and drainage projects.
- Approved contracts for stormwater-system rehabilitation and Atlantic Drive drainage improvements, and awarded a contract for Bicentennial Park seawall-hardening improvements.
Advancing Responsible Redevelopment
- Unanimously approved the Lantana Village redevelopment plan for the former Kmart property on January 13, 2025. The approved plan includes 426 residential units, 21,967 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, public open areas, sidewalks, and outdoor seating.
- Continued oversight of Water Tower Commons, including permitting and inspections for commercial development and approval of plans for two additional restaurants.
- Adopted and began implementing the Townwide Master Plan, formed a resident Master Plan Committee, and used the plan to guide redevelopment discussions.
- Removed deteriorated structures from vacant Ocean Avenue properties and continued working toward redevelopment consistent with the Townwide Master Plan.
Improving Parks and Public Spaces
- Resurfaced the Sports Park basketball courts and restored the Centennial Sculpture at Bicentennial Park.
- Added fencing, water fountains, and obstacle/exercise stations at Maddock Park Dog Park.
- Replaced the large deteriorated pedestrian bridge at the Lantana Nature Preserve and treated invasive plants and trees.
- Completed the Dixie Highway median landscaping and irrigation project from West Pine Street to the Dixie Highway/Federal Highway split.
- Added park and recreation amenities, including Sports Park player benches, beach-playground water fountains, Bicentennial Park uplighting, and upgraded equipment at Maddock Park.
Strengthening Mobility, Planning and Town Operations
- Worked with Palm Beach County to improve traffic-signal synchronization on Lantana Road and installed new school-bus-stop warning signs.
- Advanced safety improvements for North Dixie Highway, including engineering solutions at East Ocean Avenue and a contract for turn-lane improvements.
- Adopted transparent, performance-based budgets tied to Council priorities and capital planning: $29.5 million for FY2024/25 and $31.4 million for FY2025/26.
- Earned LEED Silver certification, as reported in the Town's 2024 annual report.
During Karen Lythgoe's tenure as mayor, Lantana has completed important infrastructure projects, advanced long-awaited redevelopment, improved roads and public spaces, strengthened stormwater and coastal-resilience planning, and invested in the Town's long-term quality of life while maintaining its small-town character.
Verification note: Every accomplishment listed above is expressly documented in an official Town of Lantana annual report. Projects described by the Town as approved, awarded, or underway have not been characterized here as completed.