Earlier this month, Sylvester Stallone made headlines when he brought up his friend, President-elect Donald Trump, during a Palm Beach town council meeting. The action star was attending the meeting to discuss a proposed seaweed barrier near his North End Palm Beach home, a project that had sparked significant opposition from local residents and town council members.
The plan had initially been put forward by Stallone’s representatives, who submitted state and federal applications claiming that the seaweed barrier was essential to prevent seaweed and other debris from washing up on his private beach. However, the proposal faced backlash after an October public notice issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The notice revealed that, while the debris issue was acknowledged, the primary goal of the barrier seemed to be to restrict access to the area for boaters, effectively creating a boundary near Stallone’s home.
Amid rising concerns and objections from the public, Stallone decided to withdraw the proposal during the heated public meeting on December 19. He was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, and members of his project team. Following the outcry and the questions raised about the true intentions behind the barrier, Stallone chose to retract the plans, addressing the local community’s concerns.
Neighbors first became aware of Sylvester Stallone’s proposed seaweed barrier project earlier this month when several residents received a notice from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requesting public feedback on the plan. Shortly after the contentious Palm Beach town council meeting, where Stallone withdrew the proposal, a project engineer sent an email to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requesting the withdrawal of the application for the barrier, according to publicly available records.
While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not yet responded to a request to confirm whether their application was also officially withdrawn, the project no longer appears in the agency’s online map or database, suggesting that the plan has indeed been shelved.
Stallone’s estate, where he resides with his wife, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, is located at the very northern edge of Palm Beach, right by the Palm Beach Inlet. The property boasts a private 262-foot beach along the lake, in addition to a grand two-story mansion, a guesthouse, and a pool pavilion. The location offers stunning views of the Port of Palm Beach to the west and Peanut Island to the northwest, a popular destination for boaters and kayakers seeking recreation and parties.
Stallone emphasized that his property is particularly unique due to its prime location and the way the currents flow through the area. He described the site as being rich in “interesting aquatic life,” highlighting the natural beauty and biodiversity of the environment surrounding his home.
However, he also pointed out that the area has seen a decline in its aquatic life over time. According to Stallone, the presence of boaters has had a negative impact on the ecosystem, contributing to the degradation of the once-abundant marine life in the vicinity.
Stallone explained that the area near his property experiences heavy traffic due to the attention his home attracts, owing to his celebrity status. He acknowledged that while many people come simply to catch a glimpse of his estate, there are also fishermen and tour boats that frequently pass through.
He noted that some vessels drop anchor right next to his property and remain there for long periods, sometimes up to 10 hours, as people fish or host parties on board. Stallone expressed his desire to preserve the natural beauty of the area, stating that his goal is to maintain the environment as pristine as possible, despite the ongoing disturbances caused by the traffic.
During the meeting, Stallone pointed out that the area around his property is home to a significant amount of bird activity. This comment sparked laughter from the audience when he accidentally referred to “penguins” instead of pelicans. Realizing his mistake, Stallone laughed along with the crowd and lightheartedly joked, “I gotta study up on my geographics a little bit.”
Stallone also expressed concern about the growing problem of derelict boats in the waterway. He noted that many vessels are left abandoned, slowly deteriorating in the water, which creates an eyesore and environmental issue. Additionally, he mentioned the troubling problem of people dumping trash and other waste into the Intracoastal Waterway. Stallone described how frustrating it is to witness such neglect, sharing his disbelief that someone could park a boat and engage in activities like doing laundry in front of his home for months without any repercussions. He emphasized the lack of authority to address these issues effectively.
Stallone revealed that he is working alongside his friend, President-elect Donald Trump, to tackle these challenges, underlining their shared commitment to finding a solution to the growing problems affecting the local environment.
Stallone expressed frustration over the lack of attention given to the issue, describing it as something that has been overlooked for too long. He noted that the situation had become somewhat neglected, with no one taking the necessary action to address it. However, he assured the audience that he intends to make it a priority, saying, “Well, I’m going to pay attention. Trust me,” emphasizing his commitment to focusing on and solving the problem.
Stallone highlighted the recent deaths of manatees in the state as part of his argument for the urgent need to clean up the waterways and prevent further harm to the local environment. He expressed his desire to protect the area from additional damage and preserve the natural ecosystem.
As he concluded his remarks, Stallone added a lighthearted touch, saying, “Thank you very much for your time. I have to go feed my penguins. They’re hungry,” which drew a laugh from those present.
Before Stallone made the decision to withdraw his plans, Mayor Danielle Moore addressed the council, warning that approving the seaweed barrier could set a dangerous precedent for the town of Palm Beach. She voiced her concerns about the potential long-term implications of allowing such a project in the area.
Mayor Danielle Moore expressed her belief that it was important for the council to oppose the project, stating, “I think it’s appropriate that we object to this.” She went on to acknowledge the various circumstances surrounding the proposal, but emphasized her concern that approving the barrier would infringe upon the rights of boaters and the public to access and use the area.
Minnie Pulitzer, the daughter of renowned fashion icon and designer Lilly Pulitzer, who grew up on the North End and still resides there, urged Stallone to rethink his plans for the seaweed barrier. She expressed her concerns and asked him to reconsider his proposal, emphasizing the potential impact it could have on the local community and environment.
Minnie Pulitzer warned the council that approving the seaweed barrier would set a dangerous precedent for similar projects all along Palm Beach. She explained that if the proposal went through, it could lead to similar developments throughout the entire area, potentially affecting the character of the town.
After hearing the concerns of his neighbors, Stallone acknowledged their points and expressed his understanding. He reassured them, saying, “You’re great neighbors and you’ve been here a long time, and we respect your work and the way you see this.” He clarified that his intention behind the barrier was not driven by vanity or personal luxury, but rather by a genuine concern for the local environment.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.