West Palm Beach mayor out a few weeks after hip replacement surgery

West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James had hip replacement surgery on Monday, a procedure he expects to keep him out of the office for three or four weeks.

The mayor, 64, did not attend Monday's City Commission or Community Redevelopment Agency meetings, over which he typically presides.

In a note to his staff, he explained his absence from City Hall.

"Earlier today, I had hip replacement surgery," he wrote. "The surgery went well, and I am currently in recovery."

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James wrote that he expects "to be out of office (on a full-time basis) for the next 3-4 weeks. However, I anticipate being able to read my emails, to review documents and to handle phone calls after the first week."

The mayor said that, "as my mobility returns, I will stop in the office periodically for a few hours."

He closed by thanking his staff "for your well wishes, and I expect to see you soon."

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James, an attorney, was elected mayor in 2019 after serving eight years on the City Commission.

He is the city's fourth Black mayor and the first to hold that position in the current strong mayor form of government.

James filed paperwork in October announcing his intention to seek re-election next year.

Wayne Washington covers West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations. E-mail tips to wwashington@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James undergoes hip replacement surgery