TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Allie Behrman, CPRP, Special Events Manager
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: March 9, 2026
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RESOLUTION NO. 61-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN IMPACT EVENT KNOWN AS THE EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE TO BE HELD APRIL 5, 2026; AUTHORIZING THE CLOSURE OF A1A FROM ATLANTIC AVENUE TO MIRAMAR DRIVE AS MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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Recommendation
Recommended Action:
Review and consider Resolution 61-26, approving an Impact Event known as the Easter Sunrise Service to be held April 5, 2026 and authorizing the closure of A1A from Atlantic Avenue to Miramar Drive.
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Background:
Cason United Methodist Church is seeking to host an Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Pavilion on A1A and Atlantic Ave. Cason Church submitted the Special Event Application on January 23, 2026. Cason Church did this event in 2025 in this location and have done so for over 50 years before that. This event falls into the category of an impact event because of the closure of A1A roadway and is not a race on the certified route. The road closure will take place from 4:30am to 8:00am. This time includes set-up and breakdown with the actual event taking place from 6:30am to 7:30am. This event will be attended by Delray Beach residents and tourists in the area. The estimated attendance is 450 people. The Easter Sunrise Service will take place on the roadway and at the pavilion, not on the beach.
This event is coming before the City Commission due to a violation of the permit from 2024. The event was to take place at the pavilion and in the roadway, however, Cason set up speakers on the beach as well. The event was not permitted for the beach. Cason was sent a letter of a permit violation. Cason has since made corrections for the action and had the event in 2025 without issue.
The Special Event Technical Advisory Committee met on January 29, 2026, and recommended consideration to the Development Services Management Group. DSMG met and reviewed the application on February 26, 2026, and recommend approval by the commission for the event and road closure.
City Attorney Review:
City Attorney has approved the resolution document as to form and sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
As Cason United Methodist Church is defined as a non-profit organization per the 2023 Special Event Policy, they will receive a 50% discount on city services for the event (which excludes hard costs to the City). The current estimate for this event will have the following impact on the indicated departmental budgets:
Police Personnel $598.29
Police Resources $0.00
Fire Rescue Personnel $25.29
Fire Rescue Resources $0.00
Parks Maintenance Personnel $28.77
Public Works Personnel $631.99
Public Works Resources $0.00
5% Administration on Overtime $53.56
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS TO CITY: $1,337.90*
This is just an estimate of costs. Final cost will be calculated after the event.
Timing of Request:
This event is very quickly approaching and they need to know if approved.