Greenacres began 100 years ago as a small rural community created to meet the need for housing in a rapidly growing Palm Beach County. From a single-lane Jog Road and one elementary school, it has grown into a quaint city of nearly 45,000 residents with thriving neighborhoods, programs, and nine schools. As we look ahead, we remain committed to being a responsive, forward-thinking community where families and businesses can grow and succeed together.
1909
Palm Beach Farms Company purchases land that would later become Greenacres City.
1923
The City of Greenacres was founded by Lawrence Carter Swain who moved his family to this area from Massachusetts. During the 1920’s, the Town of Palm Beach and other coast resort areas were booming. The wealthy were well provided for in terms of housing and community services. However, there were few homes that were built or available for the middle class. Motivated by the desire to provide a community for the middle class Mr. Swain began accumulating property in this area, ending up with approximately 1,000 acres of property. This land was divided into sections or “plats”. Plat II laid out one-half mile west of Military Trail, became the “Original Section” of the City and still exists today.
1925
Lawrence C. Swain begins selling lots for housing development.
1926
On May 24, 1926, the Town of Greenacres City was officially incorporated. Mr. Swain’s office staff voted on a list of potential names. The City’s slogan, “A Good Place to Live” was also chosen at that time.
First recorded devastating hurricane, known as ‘The Big Blow’ hit the City on September 19, 1926.
1928
Overcoming heavy damage from the Great Hurricane of 1926, residents repurposed lumber from the wreckage and rebuilt. On September 16th, almost two years to the date, a second devastating hurricane hit; both hurricanes virtually destroying the City.
1928
The same year Greenacres presents an exhibit in the county fair, the Okeechobee Hurricane leaves a path of destruction.
1944
L.C. Swain passes away.
1945
A third disaster hit the City in April when the Florida State Legislature abolished the City’s Charter. A group of disgruntled residents presented a petition to the Legislature, which resulted in the City losing its status as a municipality. However, the community was re-established as a City within the same year and was reincorporated in 1947. The City prospered and kept pace with its growing and diversified population by continuing to increase service delivery to the residents.
1947
The Town of Greenacres City is re-established.
1954
Greenacres Elementary School opens.
1960s
A City Hall complex was built on Perry Avenue and Fourth Street; and the Community Hall was built on Martin Avenue and Fourth Street.
1965
John I. Leonard High School built.
1970s
The Sixth Avenue South bridge is constructed.
Mid 1970s
Greenacres established a full-time Police Department that replaced the Town Marshal. In 1974 the City began providing full-time fire protection by hiring its first Chief and six full-time firefighters.
1980s
As I-95 expands, the city experiences a population boom.
1984
Greenacres was the seventh largest and fastest growing municipality in Central Palm Beach County. A new City Hall (located at the intersection of 10th Avenue North and Sherwood Forest Blvd.) was constructed as it was determined that the old City Hall structure would not be able to accommodate future growth.
1985
The city officially develops the Department of Public Safety.
1990
City residents voted in favor of a referendum changing the City’s name from the “City of Greenacres City” to the “City of Greenacres”. During the 1990’s, the City continued to experience tremendous development and growth through annexation of unincorporated Palm Beach County property in an effort to square off the boundaries. The 1990 Census population figure of 18,683 was much lower than anticipated and brought great concern to City Officials.
1992
National Arbor Day Foundation labels Greenacres “Tree City USA”, in which is still holds that honor today.
1993
Council authorized the City to conduct a “Special Census”, which validated an additional 3,000 residents, bringing the new population count to 21,966. This increase in population provided valuable revenue from the State of Florida to the City for the remainder of the decade.
2000’s
City Officials organized another American Assembly process to gather consensus and visioning for the City; improvements were made to Ira Van Bullock ball fields; construction of the Community Center on Swain Blvd. was completed; construction began on the Greenacres Freedom Park aka Pinehurst Park; Public Safety Station No. 2 was constructed on Haverhill Road; annexation of unincorporated property in the southern portion of the City continued; and the City enhanced recreational and educational programs for residents.
2000
Greenacres buries a time capsule to protect present memories as they become the past.
Sept. 2004
Hurricane Francis and Hurricane Jeanne both cause significant damage to the region.
2007
Municipal Complex and Public Works facility building completed.
2017
After 28 years, the Mayor Samuel J. Ferreri era ends and the city elects it first Hispanic Mayor, Joel Flores.
2024
The city broke ground on a new two-story, 18,400 sq. ft., Youth Programs
Center.
2025
The city began the process for its first official Parks Master Plan.
Today
Today, Greenacres is home to more than 45,476 residents and continues to grow with five elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, and fourteen (14) neighborhood parks. City Officials and City Staff take great pride in the community’s strong sense of identity, its continually improving neighborhoods and parks, its landscaping and beautification initiatives, and the efficient delivery of services that support a high quality of life for all who live here.
These ongoing efforts reflect the City’s commitment to fostering a community that not only serves its residents today, but also grows with you as we move into the future.
