Cox Science Center CEO Named Hometown Hero by City of West Palm Beach
Annual 4^th on Flagler recognition was in honor of Navy service, continued commitment to community

 
Kate Arrizza, City of West Palm Beach Hometown Hero Award Recipient

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA– Kate Arrizza, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, was named the 2022 Hometown Hero at the City of West Palm Beach’s 4^th on Flagler. The Independence Day celebration includes a Military Honor Salute, where each military branch is recognized, and a local veteran or Gold Star Family member is given the yearly Hometown Hero award. Arrizza was recognized for her service in the United States Navy and continued commitment to the local community. 

“Kate Arrizza is a true local hero,” shared West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “We are excited we had the opportunity to showcase her contributions to the military and our local community by awarding her the much-deserved Hometown Hero award.” 

Arrizza, who grew up in Palm Beach County, graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Her specialty was education and training in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was deployed internationally and served on various Naval ships. Upon receiving her honorable discharge from the Navy, following seven years of active service, she obtained her master’s degree from John Hopkins University. She grew up volunteering at the Science Center which she now leads and has received numerous recognitions for her work and military service, including the South Florida Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and ESPN’s “Veteran of the Month.” 

Arrizza thanked the crowd from the stage and dedicated her recognition to the overseas men and women fighting for the freedom of the United States of America. Fireworks in celebration of that freedom were enjoyed by a crowd of more than 50,000 shortly after. The 18-minute fireworks display took place over the Intracoastal Waterway. 

For more information about the City of West Palm Beach’s community events, please visit wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @westpalmbch.