West Palm Beach Courthouse Lights Up Blue for Parkinson's Awareness

The historic landmark honors a local mother and raises visibility for the disease.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A glowing, neon blue outline of an architectural structure against a dark background, conceptually representing the illumination of a courthouse to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease.The historic West Palm Beach courthouse will shine bright in blue to honor local Parkinson's patients and draw attention to the need for greater support and resources.West Palm Beach Today

In recognition of Parkinson's Awareness Month, the historic courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida will be illuminated in blue on Saturday night. The lighting display is meant to honor Sharon, a local mother who battled Parkinson's disease, and to help raise visibility for the condition, which has a high concentration of patients in the state.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease affects over 1 million Americans, with Florida having the highest rate of diagnoses in the country. Raising awareness through visual displays like this courthouse lighting can help educate the public, reduce stigma, and support those living with the neurological disorder.

The details

The blue lighting of the West Palm Beach courthouse is part of a broader effort to mark Parkinson's Awareness Month in April. The landmark building will glow in the signature color of the Parkinson's Foundation to pay tribute to Sharon, a local resident who fought the disease, and to draw attention to the need for more research, treatment options, and community resources for Parkinson's patients and their families.

  • The West Palm Beach courthouse will be lit in blue on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • April is recognized as Parkinson's Awareness Month nationwide.

The players

Sharon

A local West Palm Beach resident who battled Parkinson's disease.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lighting up the courthouse in blue is a powerful way to honor those affected by Parkinson's and raise awareness in our community.”

— Mayor Paula Ryan, Mayor of West Palm Beach

What’s next

The courthouse lighting is part of a series of Parkinson's awareness events happening throughout April in West Palm Beach, including a 5K run/walk and a community forum on treatment options.

The takeaway

This gesture by the city of West Palm Beach underscores the growing need to support those living with Parkinson's disease, which disproportionately impacts Florida's aging population. Raising visibility through visual displays can help destigmatize the condition and connect patients to vital resources.