(PRESS RELEASE)_Palm Beach Gardens, FL – Can’t make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby? No problem. Enjoy the most exciting two minutes in equestrian sports on Saturday, May 4 at III Forks Prime Steakhouse in Palm Beach Gardens.

Executive chef Tommy Nevill will be serving up a smorgasbord of mouthwatering munchies. Enjoy 50% off happy hour appetizers, including crispy calamari with peppers and green onions, lamb meatballs with caramelized fennel demi, housemade roasted garlic hummus served with lavash chips, and fresh ahi poké.

III Forks will be stirring up seven handcrafted potions to toast the winner and all the pretty horses.

Kentucky Derby cocktails ($10 each):

Maker’s Mark Mint Julep
Maker’s Mark bourbon, muddled mint, and sugar served over crushed ice

Brown Derby
Maker’s Mark bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey

Kentucky Grazer
Maker’s Mark bourbon, Pimms, lemon juice, and fresh mint

El Diablo
Hornitos Plata tequila, lime juice, ginger syrup, and Crème de Cassis

Tommy’s Margarita
Hornitos Plata tequila, agave nectar, and fresh lime juice

Bee’s Knees
Sipsmith London Dry Gin, lemon juice, and honey

Clover Club
Sipsmith London Dry Gin, lemon juice, and raspberry

Kentucky Derby hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Regular dinner menu and happy hour menu will be available. Reservations are recommended. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (561) 630-3660 or visit 3forks.com. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_CHARLESTON, S.C. (April, 2019) – Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel, is expanded its existing oceanfront meeting destination on the Isle of Palms, just 30 minutes outside of historic downtown Charleston. Opening in early 2021, the highly anticipated project will add a new 153-room hotel bringing the total to 400 guestrooms and suites, in addition to the existing 240 vacation rental homes and condos. The new, multi-faceted meeting and event space includes a grand ballroom with pre-function space and rooftop ballroom and event terrace with 270-degree panoramic ocean views, now allowing the resort to welcome groups of up to 650 attendees.

With the new event space doubling the Resort’s function space, the new Wild Dunes hotel will be a haven for meetings, groups and wedding parties to experience the ultimate Charleston retreat. Wild Dunes Resort’s expansion will also include a 14-treatment room destination spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and dedicated arrival experience and welcome center.

“The new hotel will further enhance Wild Dunes Resort’s reputation as Charleston’s beloved barrier island resort,” said Frank Fredericks, managing director at Wild Dunes Resort. “With more meeting space than other hotels and resorts in the Charleston area (more than any other?), we give large groups, meetings and wedding parties the chance to experience a Charleston getaway that simply wasn’t available before.”

For more information or to request a booking for a meeting, group or wedding for 2021, please see below:
www.destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes-new-extension
 

About Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel

Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, Wild Dunes Resort, is located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston. The Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations including the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn, The Village, private condos and luxury home vacation rentals and the New Hotel at Wild Dunes to open in early 2021. Offering a year-round menu of championship golf, nationally-ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers, and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MEXICO BEACH, FL., April 25, 2019 – Almost six months after Hurricane Michael ravaged the Gulf of Mexico Coast, Mexico Beach is moving forward and gearing up to welcome more than 20 internationally acclaimed artists for its 14th annual America’s Great Plein Air Paint-Out, taking place May 3-12. Among the world's most respected plein air festivals, the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America's Great Paint-Out is dedicated to documenting the landscape and culture of this breathtaking slice of "Old Florida.” This year’s 10-day event will focus on the natural beauty of this coastal town as it continues to recover and rebuild.

“We could not be more excited to host an award-winning lineup of incredible artists to capture the indestructible beauty of our beaches,” shared Mexico Beach Community Development Council President Kimberly Shoaf. “This event serves as a symbol of the extraordinary resilience of our community, and we look forward to welcoming visitors with open arms.”

Art lovers from across the Florida panhandle and beyond who attend the event can expect expanded exhibits, daily demonstrations, distinguished guest speakers, informative discussions and painting stations to view art or learn how to paint themselves. Spreading across the city’s limits, artists will be seen painting a mix of subject matter and styles alongside the roads overlooking the Gulf from the western end of Mexico Beach to the east side of Alligator Point. The festival will also designate a day to showcasing a selection of student art produced by young talent, providing opportunities and entertainment for all ages. For a complete list of events, click here and for more information and tickets, click here.

The Mexico Beach Community Development Council is grateful to each and everyone who continues to keep the area in their hearts and will continue to provide updates as available. For the latest updates and to stay connected, please visit www.MexicoBeach.com,  on Instagram (@mexicobeachfla), Facebook (@MexicoBeachFL) and #lovemexicobeach. 

About Mexico Beach, Florida

Since 1946, the three miles that make up the city of Mexico Beach have been a tranquil and serene hideaway from the pressures of everyday life. With its close proximity to Panama City Beach and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Mexico Beach has big-city accessibility and a small-town feel, making it The Unforgettable Coast® for a reason.

(PRESS RELEASE)_ (Palm Beach Gardens, FL – April 24, 2019) Rev. Elder Tony Freeman, Interim Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beach Gardens (MCCPB), the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBT community and its family members and friends, today announced a special concert featuring the Pride Jazz Ensemble. The concert will be held at 6 pm on Sunday, May 5, at the church, which is located at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens.

A subset of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the Pride Jazz Ensemble includes 20 musicians who play the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano, and electric guitar. Under the leadership of Ensemble Director Alain Ortiz, the group performs works from classic jazz and popular contemporary composers.

The program to be performed on May 5 at MCCPB is titled Lights, Camera, Action and is a presentation of theme songs from Broadway, Hollywood and classic television.

Tickets to this concert are $20 each and are available for purchase online at www.pridewindensemble.org or after Sunday services in the MCCPB lobby.

About the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches:

The Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches is the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBT community and its family members and friends. According to the church’s mission statement, “MCC of the Palm Beaches is a joy-filled, justice-centered Christian community of love, vibrant worship and spiritual discovery where all God’s people are supported as we become fully alive.”

For nearly 40 years, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches has been both a bulwark of strength and a source of solace and support for South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning communities.

Located since 2000 at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, MCCPB offers Sunday worship at 10:30 am. Because the church is made up of people from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, elements of the services reflect both traditions, including scripture readings, hymns and contemporary music, prayer and a communion table that is open to everyone.

For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church, which is located at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, please call 561.775.5900 or visit www.mccpalmbeach.org.

(PRESS RELEASE)_WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — ​The most decorated Olympian of all time​,​ Michael Phelps, will be the special guest at the inaugural Best of Palm Beach County Preps awards dinner May 24, 2019 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Phelps will participate in a Q&A session during the awards dinner and take photos with student athlete award winners.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on ​www.palmbeachpost.com/pbcpreps​.​ ​Student athletes selected to one of the Palm Beach County Preps all-star teams will receive a letter in the mail with instructions on how to claim their free ticket to the banquet. The banquet is hosted by The Palm Beach Post and sponsored by Florida Crystals, Keiser University Seahawks, and Brightline soon to be Virgin Trains USA.

“Mark your calendars now! This will be a once-in-a-lifetime evening that our high school athletes, families and coaches will never forget,” Palm Beach Post Publisher Tim Burke said.

As a child, Michael Phelps suffered from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and was encouraged to take up swimming at the age of 7 as an outlet to control his energy. In 2016, at the age of 31, Phelps retired with a total of 23 Olympic gold medals, three silvers and two bronzes. Phelps currently holds the world record for the most Olympic medals won by any Olympian athlete.

The latest sponsor to join this celebration of high school athletics is Brightline soon to be Virgin Trains USA.

“South Florida isn’t just where we’re headquartered; it’s home,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline soon to be Virgin Trains USA. “As good neighbors, we feel great responsibility and pride in supporting the next generation of leaders. These student athletes have demonstrated great passion, perseverance and true grit, and we are delighted to be a part of the Best of Preps program.”

Keiser University and Florida Crystals officials also are looking forward to hearing Phelps.

“We are very excited to co-sponsor this community event that serves to showcase the exceptional high school talent in Palm Beach County. We are also proud to welcome Michael Phelps as the keynote speaker as he serves to provide all of us a reminder of that which is possible when you put your mind to it,” said Dr. Gary Vonk, president of Keiser University’s flagship campus. “High school students throughout the community will have something to cherish from this countywide recognition.”

Gaston Cantens, vice president of Florida Crystals, said, “It’s an amazing opportunity for our local student-athletes to get to hear from a legend like Michael Phelps. They will be inspired by the story of an individual who dedicated himself to his sport and not only made his dreams come true but also carved out a place for himself in history.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – April 24, 2019) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden today announced that it would be hosting the 15th annual Connoisseurs Garden Tour on Saturday, May 11 – the day before Mother’s Day. This year’s Tour is presented by Art By Nature Garden Center in Palm Beach Gardens.

From 9 am to 5 pm on May 11, participants can visit seven extraordinary gardens: two in Palm Beach and one each in Atlantis, Delray Beach, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.

“What is unique about our annual Connoisseurs Garden Tour is that guests can visit the gardens at their own pace and sequence on that Saturday,” says Rochelle Wolberg, Curator-Director at Mounts Botanical Garden, Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden.

The seven gardens on this year’s Connoisseur Tour include:

Polly’s Garden
231 Chilean Avenue, Palm Beach
“Walled Treasure”

Blue accents including pots, doors, and artfully used lattice work unite this lovely small walled garden. A study in how to use plants on vertical surfaces, bromeliads and orchids cover the surfaces of walls, trees and even driftwood in pots. While a first impression will be of the expansive colorful collection of orchids, visitors should look around as there are many rare bromeliads, begonias and other unusual small tropical plants. The variety and use of plant material reflects the owner’s horticultural passion.

Note: Walk to Pan’s Garden from here.

Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach – Pan’s Garden
311 Peruvian Avenue, Palm Beach
“Native Inspiration”

Gardens are never “finished”, and that is certainly true of Pan’s Garden, a private garden open to the public, owned by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. Approaching its 25th Anniversary, Pan’s has undergone a facelift; now it’s truly a native garden accessed by lovely new brick walks. The hill has been opened and features a charming old bench under the oak and a bird bath from Mounts’ Vintage Shop. Plus, a butterfly walk has been added to the sunny south end. 

Bill’s Garden
717 Avon Road, West Palm Beach
“Horticulture Delight”

The owner has created this lovely garden surrounding the 1925 house in only five years. Enter the exquisitely maintained back garden and the fast-paced world just stops. There are many carefully selected horticultural wonders, but the overall effect is one of natural beauty, shade, and peace — a tropical paradise. Meander through the garden surrounding the pool on pathways edged with palms and tropical greenery; then sit on one of the small porches filled with flowering orchids and experience the garden’s full beauty and variety.

Kathy’s Garden
7635 W. Lake Drive, Lake Clarke Shores
TERRACED JEWEL

The terraced back yard, nestled between the house and canal and surrounding a fire pit, is filled with surprises from spectacular roses to a huge tibouchina in pots. It features lovely collections of succulents, orchids and tillandsias as well as a specimen Tahitian gardenia, giant milkweed and old man palm. The owner created the garden to draw butterflies and birds and their colors and sounds add to the delightful garden setting. 

Note: Do not park in the vacant lot across the street. Park on north side of Langford Drive.

Adam’s Garden
207 Palm Way, Lake Worth
“Vintage Americana”

Enter this 1931 cottage which has many of its original features and is full of Americana and folk-art items, and then suddenly get the first view of the back garden. The easily maintained small garden area includes a garage (peek in and see the 1933 Ford hot rod that the owner still races) a vintage summer kitchen, a waterfall flowing into the large koi pond, a swimming pool, and palms full of orchids.  Reclaimed materials and repurposed items are used throughout.  This is an unusual garden that showcases its owner’s interests.   

Randy and Maura’s Garden
322 Yorktowne Circle, Atlantis
“Fruitful Surprises”

This hedged garden on a corner lot feels secluded and much larger than it is. Arbors and three seating areas divide the garden into different rooms, but all encourage visitors to sit and enjoy the peace and dappled sun light created by a large sapodilla tree. As guests walk toward the side of the house, they will see a delightful change.  Sunlight fills the area and fruit, herbs and vegetables abound. People will see lemon and Florida peach trees, blueberries, eggplant, and cucumbers amongst others — this is a garden to fill any gourmand with delight.

Karen’s Garden
501 NW 8th Avenue, Delray Beach
“Colorful Palette”

A large, colorful butterfly garden greets visitors and the wide variety of brightly blooming plants draw butterflies, bees, caterpillars, and birds to the area. All the gardens here are organic, including the roses with a drip irrigation system. A small shady terrace beckons visitors to sit a while and enjoy the sound of the fountains (notice the one made with driftwood). While winding their way around the many small gardens, guests will notice how orchids have been woven in the banyan roots.

Note: Parking is across the street on an empty lot.

How to Get Tickets for the Connoisseurs Garden Tour:

The cost to participate in the annual Connoisseurs Garden Tour is only $25 for Mounts members and $35 for nonmembers.  Children 12 and under are free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Garden Shop at Mounts Botanical Garden or online via www.mounts.org/events.  They are also available at Art By Nature Garden Center and Green Garden Supply in Palm Beach Gardens, Amelia’s Smarty Plants in Lake Worth, Delray Beach Garden Center and Johnny Mango’s Produce in Delray Beach, and Giverny Gardens in Jupiter.

For more information, please call 561.233.1757 or visit www.mounts.org.   

Special Mother’s Day Bonus
Anyone with a ticket for Saturday’s Connoisseurs Garden Tour can enjoy the beauty of Mounts Botanical Garden with free admission from 10 am to 4 pm on Mother’s Day. (This offer is good for that Sunday only.)