There's Nothing Like Summer In The City - There's No Shortage Of Fun And Festivities This Summer In One Of South Florida's Top Destinations South Florida Sun Times Jun 18, 2026 As Floridians Know, Summer In South Florida Can Have Its Pros And Cons. But No Matter The Season, West Palm Beach Is Always A Must-Visit Destination. The South Florida Gem Offers A Vibe Like No Other. Standing Out From Other Popular Destinations, It’s Not Just A Beach Town Or A Bustling City; West Palm Beach Offers Locals And Visitors A Mix Of Laid-Back Coastal Life, Old-School Glamour, Modern Innovations, And Creative Energy All Packed Into One Place. With school out and calendars clear, there’s nothing better than enjoying the city’s walkable waterfront promenades, watching the sunset while boats drift by, and enjoying a diverse array of events, concerts and festivals right on the Intracoastal Waterway. West Palm Beach is truly a rare blend of urban liveliness and tropical oasis. Perfect for those days full of summer rain showers, the city boasts a strong arts and culture scene. Institutions such as The Norton offer guests blockbuster exhibitions alongside a robust permanent collection featuring American, Chinese, European, and contemporary art, as well as photography. The city’s public arts initiatives feature works from local to internationally renowned artists throughout the city. Nature reigns supreme, with appreciation of the outdoors on display at The Park, a premier public golf destination, and Grassy Waters Preserve, a complex Everglades ecosystem perfect for all ages. Shop for luxury brands at CityPlace or in the eclectic shops and showrooms of artsy Northwood Village, and take a break at one of the city’s hot new dining destinations, many offering outdoor terraces perfect for people watching and enjoying the sublime weather. Following is a partial list of what makes West Palm Beach the place to be this season. Community Event & Festival Highlights: Clematis by Night: Every Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Palm Stage on the Great Lawn, Downtown West Palm Beach: Rated the Best Outdoor Concert Series by USA TODAY 10BEST latest Readers’ Choice Awards, this lively free Thursday night series offers the area's best Rock, R&B, Reggae, Blues, Soul, Swing, Country, and Latin music. Featuring live performances by popular national, regional, and local bands, the beautiful setting in Centennial Square on the spectacular West Palm Beach Waterfront creates an unmatched seaside happy hour vibe, wrapped in the warm breezes and relaxed energy of an open-air evening by the water. Let’s Vibe! Connect, Create, and Celebrate: Second Wednesdays through June, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Downtown West Palm Beach: Let’s Vibe invites guests to explore Downtown West Palm Beach in a fun and creative way. Each month, the event brings neighbors, families, and visitors together with live music, hands-on art activities, light bites from local restaurants, and a rotating vendor market. Every gathering pops up in a different downtown location and turns it into a lively place to meet people, try something new, and enjoy the community. Free to attend. Open to all ages. The Beautiful Game: A Fan Zone Viewing Experience, Multiple Viewing Parties, The Ben Hotel, 251 North Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401: Located in The Studio at The Ben Hotel, The Beautiful Game Fan Zone is your destination for every match of the tournament. Watch all games on a massive 16 foot LED screen while enjoying stadium-style concessions, a full bar, interactive games, and an atmosphere built for passionate fans. For more information, visit: https://www.thebenevents.com 6th Annual Juneteenth: Unity x Black Excellence Festival 2026: Sunday, June 21st, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., 104 Datura Street: This Juneteenth celebration unites and uplifts the community while recognizing Emancipation Day. It is a free, fun family event with live entertainment, food/retail vendors, music, and community resources. HBCU alumni are encouraged to wear university paraphernalia. 4th on Flagler 2026: Saturday, July 4th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Waterfront Commons, Meyer Amphitheater & Flagler Drive, 100 North Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401: The City’s 38th annual Independence Day celebration, will feature entertainment (music on three stages), a Patriotic Ceremony, a kids’ interactive entertainment zone, a country lowdown with a mechanical bull, delicious food and refreshments for purchase, and a spectacular 18-minute FPL Fireworks show over the Intracoastal Waterway. Historic Northwest BBQ Brews & Blues: Saturday, September 5th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Heart & Soul Park, 825 North Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401: Save the date for the 11th Annual BBQ Brews & Blues! An evening packed with live blues music, smoky BBQ favorites, craft brews, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. This free community celebration brings together great food, cold drinks, and soulful entertainment for a night the whole family can enjoy! Summer Specials at The Ben Hotel, 251 North Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401: Rethink the end of the workweek with Summer Fridays at Spruzzo, a rooftop restaurant and pool deck overlooking the Intracoastal. Locals can swap their desk for a daybed with "Work from Pool" Day Passes, with Wi-Fi and a limited-edition Summer Fridays menu featuring happy-hour-priced shareable bites, $10 spritzes and cocktails, and $5 beers. The hotel also offers Executive Lunch at Proper Grit. For professionals looking to maximize their lunch break, featuring a three-course prix fixe menu for just $28 per person, it’s designed to deliver a full dining experience in approximately 45 minutes. In addition, Mahjong Mondays at Proper Grit welcomes guests to an elevated evening of refined revelry, creative cocktails by Maccallan, and social play led by Kari Long of Mahj on the Beach. Something for the Whole Family Family Fun Friday: Every Friday at 5:30 p.m. at The Park: The Park, the premier public golf destination in West Palm Beach, welcomes locals and guests each week for Family Fun Friday. Starting at 5:30 p.m., guests of all ages can try the Toptracer Enabled Range and FREE putting course and enjoy food from The House. Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society: A 23-acre tropical zoological garden that houses over 450 animals, including endangered species like Malayan tigers and jaguars. The zoo focuses on conservation, education, and providing immersive habitats for wildlife. Even better, the Zoo is free of charge to all children ages 3-12 when accompanied by an adult through mid-August. Cox Science Center and Aquarium: Over 100 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, and 10,000 gallons of aquariums make the Cox Science Center a strong draw for families. Additionally, exhibitions like Top Secret: License to Spy offer up daring missions, codebreaking challenges, spy simulations and laser surveillance activities, while the Dino Trek dinosaur garden is a prehistoric wonderland complete with life-size dinosaurs; and Explorers’ Cove offers interactive adventures that make learning about the ocean an exciting journey. Vintage Vibes (Back To School Edition): Saturday, August 1st, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., West Palm Beach Waterfront: Expect a feel-good evening on the waterfront with retro-inspired flair, music, and more. Additional details coming soon! Arts & Culture Musts: Mounts Botanical Garden Summer Golden Hours: Throughout June, July, and August, visit the garden until 8:00 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, offering time to explore the oasis during the day’s cooler air and softer light. Take a leisurely walk after work, find an inspiring setting for photography or journaling, or bring a family picnic, enjoy this peaceful setting and reconnect with nature. Arrival by 7:00 p.m. is recommended to allow time to explore the garden. Regular admission applies and free on-site parking is available. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: One of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast, it boasts three venues: the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the Rinker Playhouse, and the Helen K. Persson Hall. From big Broadway productions to intimate dance performances, the Kravis Center offers a diverse range of shows that leave guests thrilled, moved, or breathless from the laughter. Art After Dark: Every Friday from 6:00 p.m.: Norton Museum of Art: Enjoy an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more every week. In addition, the first Friday of the month also features performances by some of South Florida’s best jazz musicians! Palm Beach Opera’s Story Time Series: Young learners are whisked into the pages of some of opera’s most magical tales! Designed for children in Pre-K through 5th grade, these fun and interactive events invite children to sing, act, and follow along with energetic teaching artists. Whether it’s their first time hearing an opera story or their tenth, each session promises a joyful introduction to the world of music and storytelling. All Story Time Series events are free to attend; registration is required. Culinary New and Coming Soon: Flamingo Park: Emelina: Recently opened and already the recipient of a coveted Michelin star, Emelina offers a unique Cuban dining experience with an 18-seat chef’s counter with one seating each night. The menu is shaped by the Chef’s experience in some of the world’s top kitchens and rooted in a culinary philosophy of curiosity, possibility, and respect for ingredients. Downtown: West Palm Beach’s hottest downtown dining destination is now KYMA. The stylish new Greek Mediterranean restaurant has quickly become one of the city’s buzziest reservations. Expect seafood towers, grilled whole fish, upscale cocktails, and a glamorous atmosphere. NORA District: West Palm Beach’s newest arts and entertainment district continues to expand with upcoming culinary openings such as Pastis, a critically-acclaimed, Parisian-style brasserie that has anchored Manhattan’s Meatpacking District for nearly 15 years; and now open Del Mar, an exquisite dining experience, specializing in fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes; along with Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, a funky neighborhood taco shop serving a variety of Mexican fare, fresh oysters, and creative cocktails. Clematis Street: Recently opened West Palm Cowboy Club offers a vibrant, first-of-its-kind dining and entertainment destination that fuses Nashville’s pulsating nightlife with the flavor of South Florida. The project is in partnership with popular DJ Diplo. In addition, the new Mystic Table serves coastal Italian flavors with a modern steakhouse elegance and globally inspired seafood. CityPlace: Multiple new restaurants have joined the vibrant dining scene at CityPlace, including Moxies, a large, upscale-casual restaurant with a social-lounge vibe, an extensive cocktail program, sushi, steaks, and globally inspired dishes. Also, Ela Curry & Cocktails, offering a dynamic selection of Indian street food and thali-style dishes from James Beard Foundation- nominated Chef Pushkar Marathe, along with Mango Mercado by Marathe as well, with made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups and salads, and daily and weekly specials featuring flavorful and seasonal creations. Fan-favorite PopUp Bagels has arrived as well, serving bagels fresh from the oven, hot and whole, to Grip, Rip and Dip. Special Event Parking Rates: Saturday, June 13th, 2026 - Sunday, June 14th, 2026 and Saturday, July 4th, 2026 Downtown West Palm Beach: The City of West Palm Beach will implement special event parking rates in City garages on Friday, June 12th, 2026, and Saturday, June 13th, 2026, during Alan Jackson's It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Fest. Rates range from $20 - $40 and are available starting at noon. Special event parking rates in City garages will also apply on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, during the 4th on Flagler Celebration. Rates range from $5 - $30. For more information on where to stay, eat and what to do, as well as an up-to-date calendar with all the latest news, go to: https://visitwpb.org . West Palm Beach Waterfront creates an unmatched seaside happy hour vibe, wrapped in the warm breezes and relaxed energy of an open-air evening by the water. West Palm Beach is truly a rare blend of urban liveliness and tropical oasis. Previous Next

Travel Mistakes - Here Are New Ones People Are Making And How To Avoid Them By Christopher Elliott Jan 7, 2026 One Of The Newest Mistakes Travelers Make Is Also One Of The Oldest: Forgetting Their Paperwork. It Happened To Katharine Nohr When She Tried To Fly To New Zealand. Nohr, An Attorney From Honolulu, Was So Used To Traveling To Europe That She Assumed That She Didn't Need A Visa To Enter New Zealand. But She Did. "I couldn't check in for my flight," she remembers. "The agent waved me away rudely and said I had to get a visa online.” Travelers are making all kinds of new mistakes. These include failing to do research or worse, outsourcing it to an AI, and not giving themselves enough time to make a flight connection. But one mistake towers above all of them -- and I'll tell you about it in a moment. Why visas are an old problem -- and a new problem Visas are a constant problem because the requirements keep changing. I remember booking a flight to Australia a few years ago when the country didn't have a visa requirement. But before I left, the requirement changed, and when I arrived at the airport, my airline wouldn't let me check in. Fortunately, there's an Australian ETA smartphone app that lets you apply for the necessary permission online, and you can get your approval within minutes. Nohr wasn't so lucky. She tried to secure a visa, but couldn't get it in time. Her flight left without her -- an expensive lesson. "Now I always check for visa requirements online," she says. That's good, because next year, even the EU will require a little paperwork for visitors. After repeated delays, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization will go into effect. It's a pre-entry requirement that is scheduled to go into effect at the end of 2026. Other new mistakes travelers will make in 2026 Here's a short list of the errors travelers will be making next year -- and how to avoid them. Failing to research your destination It's an easier mistake to make than you might think. Say you're traveling to a place in Canada or Mexico that you've been to many times. It would be easy to say, "I know this place -- no need to do any research." But times change, and especially in 2026, you can't make any assumptions. "Always research the destination thoroughly, including local customs, laws, and cultural norms," advises Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. Letting an AI plan your trip This is a growing problem, according to Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance. He says travelers are using ChatGPT or Gemini to generate itineraries that turn out to be riddled with hallucinations and errors. "These tools don't always know if a local spot is closed," he says. "We'll get calls from people who missed connection because it wasn't physically possible to pull off in time." The fix? If you use an AI, make sure you verify the details. Otherwise, you might miss an attraction -- or a flight connection. Not giving yourself enough time As travelers try to cram more activities into less time, their schedules can become too ambitious which can potentially waste time and money. "For example, flying on the same day of the cruise can result in missing the port departure," says Elad Schaffer, CEO of Faye Travel Insurance. Rather than waiting until the last minute to book activities, such as dinner reservations or spa appointments, his advice is to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time, especially if you're taking a cruise. Packing your sense of skepticism A lot of travelers are stumbling into their next destination, oblivious to what awaits them, experts say. And the problem is getting worse. Susan Sherren, Founder of Luxury Travel Agency Couture Trips, says it's more important than ever to bring critical thinking skills to your next trip. "For example, airlines are using algorithms and AI to pair connecting flights," she says. "Don't always accept the suggested pairing without leaving at least two hours for some connecting flights, especially if you are connecting to an international flight." She says these flights usually board at least an hour before departure. The same thing extends to anything people will tell you when you're on vacation. Just because you see a five-star rating on a hotel doesn't mean it's great. Verify everything. Waiting too long to book your trip One of the worst new mistakes that travelers make is waiting too long to book their vacation. After the COVID-19 Pandemic, there were plenty of last-minute deals available. But those days are over, some experts say. Take your average ski vacation. "People wait until the ski season gets going to plan their trip, and buy their lift tickets at the window on the day they want to ski," says Sarah Beatty, a spokeswoman for Colorado Ski Country USA, a trade group that represents the Colorado ski industry. "The ski industry is just like any other travel industry: the more you plan ahead, the more flexibility you have to find a better deal on lift tickets, lodging, and lessons." So if you're reading this now and you want to go skiing this winter, you'll find the best deals in Argentina and Chile in July -- during the Southern Hemisphere winter. The biggest mistake: Not traveling at all The experts are right, but there's one more mistake -- and it may be the biggest mistake of all. It's letting all the travel worries keep you home. Truth is, you can skip the research, wait until the last minute to plan your trip, hire Mr. ChatGPT as your travel agent, and accept everything at face value -- but taking the trip is still better than not taking it. I know because I've been to some places this year that I didn't care for. I wasn't a fan of chaotic Bangkok, and there were parts of Australia's Red Center that missed the mark. Also, I don't like Tokyo's always-crowded subways. But I wouldn't give up any of those experiences. All the chaos and uncertainty of this year might leave you tempted to avoid any travel in 2026, too. Don't give in to it. After all, a misadventure is still an adventure. Christopher Elliott is an Author, Consumer Advocate, and Journalist. He Founded Elliott Advocacy, a NonProfit Organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at: chris@elliott.org . Illustration by Dustin Elliott Previous Next

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Free Community College: Would It Make Our Workers Smarter and Our Country Richer? By Brent Messenger July 15, 2021 Share The free community college proposals aren't short of support: 83% of Democrats back free public college and university, as do 39% of Republicans "Do we want to give the wealthiest people in America another tax cut, " asked Joe Biden, "or do you want to give every high school graduate the ability to earn a community college degree?" The president's question was not rhetorical. He was speaking at an event to promote his American Families Plan, which includes spending that would enable Americans to attend a free two-year community college. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Pramila Jayapal have introduced a similar bill in Congress. The proposals aren't short of support: 83% of Democrats back free public college and university, as do 39% of Republicans. The announcement elated President Biden's own party, even as it raised Republican objections. The reaction of both sides was predictable. Free community college is a pillar of the progressive agenda. By contrast, Republicans in Congress won't support the measures because of their significant costs. This divide is unfortunate. Free community college should be viewed not as a partisan issue, but as an investment that will yield future returns in the form of economic growth. The bottom line: free community college will pay for itself in the long run. The best jobs require more than a high school diploma. A high school graduate makes $39,000 a year on average, a figure that jumps to $46,000 with an associate degree. That's almost $300,000 more in earnings over a 40-year career. But nearly 30 percent of Americans over the age of 25, lack a higher education. Republicans are right that a federal program won't be cheap. President Biden's plan calls for $109 billion to pay for free, two-year degrees. But that's peanuts compared to what America will lose in economic output should our skill levels stagnate. A lack of workers with associate or bachelor degrees will cost America $1.2 trillion in economic output over the next decade. The lost output occurs, when employers can't fill jobs that need the specialized training that higher education provides. Even with record unemployment, last year, employers had 8.1 million jobs left unfilled. Employers struggle to find workers with the right mix of technical and soft skills. Some reports show that 83% of bosses can't find the right candidates. Three-quarters believe that applicants don't have the skills that they'll need on the job. Free community college can help close the skill gaps by preparing students for the jobs of the future. In 2019, community colleges granted a million associate degrees and certificates. Nearly 60% of associate degrees and 94% of certificates were for health care, IT, business, computer science and construction trades. Those skills can help workers succeed outside of the traditional office. Freelance job openings have skyrocketed amid the pandemic, nearly 70% of remote workers say they're open to such an opportunity. Some of the fastest-growing positions involve accounting, data analytics and health care. It's understandable that fiscal conservatives, object to proposals for free four-year degrees. A degree in Film Studies or liberal arts majors, may not give workers, the tangible skills they'll need on the job. But investment in community colleges is different. It's a cost-effective use of federal dollars, a "bridge-loan" that recipients who otherwise wouldn't go on to higher education, will pay back many times over in higher income taxes and in increased productivity. Nearly a dozen states already recognize the benefits of free two-year colleges and now is the time for the federal government to jump on board. < Previous News Next News >

7th Annual Art + Stroll Returns To Las Olas Boulevard South Florida Sun Times Apr 3, 2025 Business For The Arts Broward’s (BFA) 7th Annual ART + STROLL, Presented By BBX Capital, Will Transform Downtown Fort Lauderdale With Art, Entertainment And Culture On Thursday, April 17th From 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. In The Lobbies Of Buildings 200, 201 And 301 East Las Olas Boulevard In Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The stroll through each lobby where there will be live artist performances including dance, music, spoken word, art installations, live painting, chalk artists and demo artists is Free! This year’s entertainment will include Art Prevails Project, BreakinMIA, Broward College Jazz Band, Phocused Kollective and South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Live painting and art demos by Leonardo Montoya, Oscar Montoya, Colin Breslin and Ashlee Sanford. Guests can enhance their ART + STROLL experience with a specialty Sip + Stroll ticket, which includes access to food and drink tastings from local restaurants. A limited number of Sip + Stroll tickets are available for $50. ART + STROLL is a juried art exhibit that will display 116 works of art by 108 artists in a wide variety of mediums such as photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, paper art, fiber art, wood, clay, metal, glass, sculpture and mixed media. ART + STROLL exhibits will be on display from Thursday, April 10 through Thursday, April 17 and are available for purchase at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/art-and-stroll/ Proceeds from ART + STROLL will support BFA in funding events, expanding services across Broward County and promoting economic development for Non-Profit Organizations. Additionally, the funds will help foster a thriving creative economy by supporting cultural vitality, artistic success and economic growth. This year’s ART + STROLL sponsors include BBX Capital, UBS/Garvin Financial Team, Castle Group, Moss, FPL, Stiles, Mad Arts-Yes We Are Mad, BBI, Crown Residential, Pierson Grant, IT’SUGAR, Berger Singerman, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Broward Health, Starmark, Templeton, Moxies, Coyo Taco, PNC Bank, Sidecar Kitchen and Fogo de Chao. For additional information including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Robyn Vegas at: rvegas@bfabroward.org . About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success and economic development. To learn more visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org Previous Next

Leaving Afghanistan Was the Right Move, Time to Turn Our Attention to China Thu Sep 23 2021 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Galleria Fort Lauderdale Presents BLOOM, An Earth Day Juried Art Exhibition South Florida Sun Times Apr 17, 2025 As Earth Day Approaches, An Exciting Opportunity To Celebrate Our Planet’s Natural Beauty Takes Center Stage At Galleria Fort Lauderdale. On Thursday, April 24th, 2025, From 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m., The Shopping And Cultural Hub Will Host BLOOM, A Juried Art Exhibition That Offers An Inspiring Exploration Of The Environment Through The Eyes Of South Florida’s Vibrant Artistic Community. Presented in collaboration with Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, ArtServe, ArtsUnited and History Fort Lauderdale, BLOOM promises to showcase more than 50 local artists who have captured the essence of nature in all its forms - from the lush greenery of mangroves to the dynamic coastlines and the flourishing wildlife that calls South Florida home. The event will not only spotlight artistic talent but also offer a platform for conversations around environmental awareness and the preservation of the planet. This free, one-night-only event is set to bring together art lovers, community members and environmental enthusiasts. At the heart of the exhibition, the Best in Show artwork will be awarded a $500 prize, which will be announced during the BLOOM reception. Adding an extra layer of excitement, the event will feature a special live performance by Ry Rivers, whose music will enhance the atmosphere of creative celebration. An Artistic Tribute to Nature BLOOM invites visitors to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic mediums. The exhibition will feature multimedia paintings, sculptures, photography and even fashion, with each artist offering their unique interpretation of nature’s breathtaking beauty. Whether through a canvas that mimics the texture of a forest floor or a photograph that captures the splendor of a coastal sunrise, the art presented is designed to evoke a deeper appreciation for the environment. “Galleria Fort Lauderdale is proud to present this one-night-only art exhibition, in collaboration with local arts and history organizations, to revel in the beauty that surrounds us,” said Melissa Milroy, Senior Marketing Manager at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “BLOOM offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their talents and contribute to an environmental celebration through visual storytelling.” The collection of over 60 artworks will be carefully curated from more than 150 submissions. Each piece is a testament to the creativity and passion of South Florida’s artists, whose works range in style, subject matter and technique. Notable local talents featured in the exhibition include Tim Forman, Jamie Rodriguez, Tricia Rutsis, Nadine Floyd, Suzanne Barton, Walter McBride and Claudette Sernius. These renowned artists, along with emerging voices in the community, have come together to create a vibrant display that honors Earth Day’s message of environmental consciousness. A Focus on Sustainability In addition to the visual experience, BLOOM highlights the importance of sustainability and conservation, echoing the broader movement to protect and preserve our natural resources. Through the lens of art, visitors will be invited to reflect on how everyday choices impact the planet. The event’s organizers hope that the exhibition will spark meaningful conversations about sustainability, recycling and reducing waste, encouraging attendees to consider their role in a more eco-friendly future. Sustainability is also at the core of the exhibition’s design. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, the event will incorporate eco-conscious materials and practices, ensuring that the celebration of Earth Day is as green as the artwork on display. One of the most exciting aspects of BLOOM is the collaboration between Galleria Fort Lauderdale and a number of local cultural organizations. Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, ArtServe, ArtsUnited and History Fort Lauderdale have come together to create an event that goes beyond showcasing art. Their collective effort highlights the strength of community partnerships and the shared commitment to promoting art and culture throughout the region. The beauty of BLOOM is in the collaboration between various organizations who are dedicated to nurturing the arts and engaging the public in meaningful ways. By bringing together such a wide array of organizations and artists, it's not just an exhibition, it's an experience that showcases the power of art to inspire action. This sense of community and artistic unity is further reflected in the venue itself. Galleria Fort Lauderdale, known for its prime location and wide array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, provides an ideal setting for the exhibition. Its close proximity to Fort Lauderdale Beach, as well as its central location within the city, ensures that BLOOM will attract a diverse audience from all walks of life. Join the Celebration Attendees of BLOOM will not only be able to view the stunning artwork on display but will also have the chance to connect with artists and other members of the local creative community. The event offers an opportunity to engage with the artwork on a deeper level, whether through personal reflections or through conversations with the creators themselves. For those interested in attending, registration is open via the link at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bloom-art-exhibition-at-galleria-fort-lauderdale-tickets-1302301933139 - the event is free to attend, and the evening promises to be an inspiring celebration of art, culture and environmental stewardship. For more information about Galleria Fort Lauderdale or for a complete list of retailers, visit: www.galleriamall-fl.com - Or call: (954) 564-1036. "Flamboyance" By Suzanne Barton "Florida's Hidden Beauty" By Tim Forman Previous Next

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Here! Get In Touch With The Team At Hallandale Medical Center To Prepare Thu Jan 05 2023 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

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Love, Aventura: Saluting The Aventura Moms By Joyce R. Forchion March 18, 2022 Share Solidifying a Legacy of Service During Women’s History Month Many would argue that mothers represent the backbone of a family structure. They are leaders, confidantes, protectors, and disciplinarians. With the enormous responsibilities placed upon their shoulders to manage their households and prioritize their children’s needs, where can contemporary mothers turn for friendship, collaboration, and a sense of community? In 2016, Aventura wife and mother Esther Bensusan founded a social network called Aventura Moms – a closed social network exceeding 10k targeting other local mothers seeking a supportive group and sense of solace. The collective meets to share family resources, exchange business directories, host parenting conversations, and experience opportunities for service. “The group’s goal is for moms and families with kids living in Aventura to quickly find answers, recommendations, resources, advice, and access to immediate information. This group allows you to ask questions and receive quick answers or suggestions from fellow moms based on their experiences, saving the hassle and time to search for the same information,” said Bensusan. “Additionally, the group informs my followers of fun events happening around Miami, good deals, and interesting store finds.” A former marketing executive for one of Canada’s notable infant brands, Bensusan moved to Aventura in 2014. Despite her close proximity to Aventura Mall and other entertainment attractions, she quickly experienced difficulty obtaining listings of child-friendly activities that would appeal to parents in the area. Now, her Facebook community caters to over ten thousand members and Instagram following is quickly emerging. “I wanted to create a group where I could connect with other mothers in Aventura, using this group as a resource to find suitable schools, camps, after-school activities, and birthday venues, just to name a few. I didn’t want new moms to feel alone, but rather meet other moms who share the same lifestyles,” she said. “Through my marketing expertise, I learned that moms love to share their experiences through research, whether good or bad. Moms can relate to other mothers’ opinions.” Known for participating in its sponsored partnership with The Power of the Heels Foundation and Bloomingdale’s Mix Masters Fashion Show, the Moms have built a track record of offering charitable contributions to residents in need. “I can recall multiple times where people have reached out to me personally to share their gratitude. One time, a single mother reached out to me to let me know she had no money to buy milk for her baby and food for her older children. Within a few hours, I was able to bring a few Moms together to supply her with enough groceries to last a few weeks,” she said. “Since it was right around Christmas, one of our members offered to supplement our organizational gesture with gifts for her kids.” In light of Women’s History Month, Bensusan is determined to establish a legacy of equitable women’s leadership and giving throughout the Aventura community. “‘Together We Are Stronger’ is my slogan that is often used in my group because it portrays the importance of togetherness. No matter what challenges we face as moms and women, the power of unity is indeed what keeps us going,” she said. “The group’s primary focus will always be grounded in respect, transparency, and acceptance. Aventura Moms is all about helping one another and connecting individuals who can learn from each other, and women can use this platform as a safe space without judgment and endless support.” < Previous News Next News >