Related: Central Fare Now Open

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. (May 30, 2019) Today, Virgin Trains USA formerly Brightline, hosted a congressional staff delegation and the Florida Ports Council for an experience between downtown Fort Lauderdale and Virgin MiamiCentral. The group is currently in South Florida touring both Port Everglades and PortMiami as well as meeting with maritime leadership. Infrastructure investment, public-private partnerships, safety and security were among the leading topics discussed during the visit. Senior staff of legislators including Senator Marco Rubio, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart took part in the tour. 

“Virgin Trains USA is a transformative asset for the cruise industry in South Florida, currently conveniently connecting passengers and those doing business at two of our state’s busiest ports,” shared Florida Ports Council Vice President of Governmental Affairs Michael Rubin. “To know a connection extending into Orlando International Airport (MCO) is also on the horizon will only further enhance the appeal of cruising from the Sunshine State.”

In February, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed a resolution to begin deliberating on the feasibility of a Virgin Trains station directly at PortMiami. Currently, cruise passengers sailing out of all three South Florida ports can take advantage of Train to Port packages, which include garage parking at Brightline stations, one checked bag per person, round-trip ride on SMART plus class (or the opportunity to upgrade to SELECT), and round-trip Lyft rides.

“Taking a cruise should be a relaxing experience and Virgin Trains USA helps guests begin their holiday before they even set sail – a welcomed alternative to I-95 traffic,” shared Virgin Trains USA Senior Vice President Ben Porritt. “It was wonderful hosting this group today and showcasing how infrastructure investment like Virgin Trains USA enhances the vacation experience and positively impacts South Florida tourism.”

Virgin Trains USA recently marked its inaugural year of service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Phase 2 expansion to Orlando, representing a total investment of $4 billion in private financing, recently began which includes the development of 170 miles of new track into the completed state-of-the-art intermodal facility located in the new South Terminal at the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Construction is expected to be complete and service will begin between South Florida and Orlando in 2022.

(PRESS RELEASE)_The royals of soft rock Air Supply will hit the stage in The Pavilion at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on Friday, July 19, at 8 p.m.

Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock first started producing big hits in the late 1970s. Songs like “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” soared up the charts and have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio.

In 1980, “Lost in Love” became the fastest selling single in the world, leaping to the top of all of the charts. The second single, “All Out of Love,” climbed the charts even faster. Seven top-five singles later, Air Supply had officially equaled The Beatles’ run of consecutive top five singles.

The albums Lost in Love, The One That You Love, Now & Forever, and The Greatest Hits sold in excess of 20 million copies.

“Lost in Love” was named Song of the Year in 1980, and, with the other singles sold more than 10 million copies.

In 1983, they recorded “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” by Jim Steinman which solidified the group as a permanent force in modern music. The song was released on The Greatest Hits album which soared past 7 million copies.

Air Supply, who celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016, perform up to 130 concerts a year and continue to delight audiences around the world.

Tickets priced at $35-55 per person are on sale now via Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 653-8000. The Pavilion box office will also open at 1 p.m. on the day of the show for on-site ticket purchases and will-call pickup.

For more information, call (954) 977-6700 or visit CasinoCoco.com. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.  

(PRESS RELEASE)_Take flight to the world’s most venerated viticultural meccas during the First Wednesday Wine Tasting at III Forks in Palm Beach Gardens and Hallandale.  On Wednesday, June 5, 6-8 p.m., sip your way through California's Central Coast and enjoy six wine pours accompanied by a delicious trove of signature hors d’oeuvres. 



​Palm Beach Gardens' featured wines:

Carmel Road Riesling 
Diatom Chardonnay 
Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay
Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir 
Nielson Pinot Noir 
Ex Post Facto Syrah 

Hallandale's featured wines:

Qupé Chardonnay 
Qupé Grenache 
Qupé Syrah 
Halter Ranch Grenache Blanc 
Halter Ranch Rosé 
J. Lohr Fog’s Reach Pinot Noir 

Cost is $25 per person. Guests staying for dinner or après-event drinks at the bar will be treated to a 50% discount on featured wines by the glass or bottle.  III Forks is located at 4645 PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens, and 501 Silks Run in Hallandale.For more information, call (561) 630-3660 (Palm Beach Gardens), (954) 457-3920 (Hallandale), or visit 3forks.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – May 29, 2019)  The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is announcing several changes to the 2019/2020 Regional Arts MUSIC “At Eight” and MUSIC “At Two” Classical Concert Series, featuring an incredible roster of world-class orchestras and performing artists, including six internationally acclaimed piano soloists in one season: Emanuel Ax, Khatia Buniatishvili, David Fray, Olga Kern, Polina Osetinskaya, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. This popular series is sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis.

Two international orchestras, with confirmed dates in the upcoming Regional Arts series, have cancelled their entire U.S. tours for the 2019-2020 season. This includes the National Philharmonic of Russia, scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 at 8 pm. As its replacement, Regional Arts presents the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, the major, century-old orchestra from Kiev, in a new program, but keeping the same date and time.

The other tour cancellation is RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, set for Sunday, March 22 at 8 pm. The same date and time will now feature the New World Symphony in a different program that will include an audience favorite: Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine brings back a Kravis Center favorite: Olga Kern, the Russian-born piano phenom, in the passionate Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concerto. With its 100-year history and recent Grammy nominations, the orchestra proudly introduces the Symphony in C Major by composer Maxsym Berezovsky, revered as the “Ukrainian Mozart.” In the atmospheric “Winter Daydreams” (Symphony No. 1), Tchaikovsky contrasts scenes of frozen landscapes with the warmth of Russian folksongs.

The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, was co-founded 31 years ago by Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas. The dynamic orchestra of 87 is renowned for its recordings, programming, and exceptional performances. An all-orchestral program on Regional Arts, featuring Scheherazade, will be led by conductor Joshua Gersen, who recently served as Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic.

In the upcoming 2019/2020 season, there will be eight MUSIC “At Eight” concerts and four MUSIC “At Two” concerts in the series. All Regional Arts Series concerts will be held in the Kravis Center’s Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall.

All of the concerts will feature a Beyond the Stage talk by Sharon McDaniel at 6:45 pm for MUSIC “At Eight” concerts and 12:45 p.m. for MUSIC “At Two.” The Regional Arts Programming Associate and a long-time classical music journalist, McDaniel will provide background information about the concert and discuss elements of interest to all audience members, from music novices to experts. Nancy and Jay Parker sponsor the Beyond the Stage pre-performance talks.

(PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, Fla. (May 28, 2019) – The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is pleased to announce that Anthony Bajak, Chief Operating Officer of Good Samaritan Medical Center, has joined as its newest board member.  Bajak joins a team of well-respected and highly involved community leaders committed to giving back and providing support to its neighbors. 

Dedicated to being a positive and active member of the local community, Bajak looks forward to bringing his standards for excellence to the board of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches.  As a new YMCA board member, he will work to create awareness and raise adequate resources to advance the Y’s mission to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

“I am inspired by the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ commitment to never turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay for needed programs or services.  I am excited to be a part of the force that drive’s that mission forward,” said Bajak.   

Bajak puts over 20 years of hospital management experience into practice in his role as Chief Operating Officer of Good Samaritan Medical Center, which he was named in March of 2016.  In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hospital, he is charged with administrative supervision for all development projects which include a new Off-Campus Emergency Department, Outpatient Surgery Center, Outpatient Imaging Center, and numerous facility renovations.  He provides oversight for the development of high-quality, cost-effective clinical programs and works to improve the patient experience. 

Bajak also serves on the Board of Directors for Ignatianum America, a Jesuit University based in Krakow, Poland. 

Bajak received his Bachelor of Arts from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where he was a full scholarship athlete.  He was awarded the varsity letter in football and played for Tom Coughlin, two-time Super Bowl winning coach of the New York Giants.

Bajak resides in Jupiter with his wife of 20 years, Dawn and their two children, a son, Blaise -14 and a daughter, Blaire - 12.  He is active in the local ice hockey community and participates in several adult leagues.

YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located at 2085 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33406. For more information, visit ymcapalmbeaches.org or call (561) 968-9622.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami – May 28, 2019 – All aboard for a cultural experience like no other! Brightline and Rail Events Productions have announced the launch of the Havana Special Rum Train, departing Virgin MiamiCentral select dates June 14 to 29.

Designed for adults 21 years of age and older, the Havana Special Rum Train presents the deep historical and cultural connections between Cuba and Miami. Told through the lens of the railroad (which played a critical role in the development of Miami) and highlighting the future of South Florida rail travel via Brightline, the Havana Special Rum Train will transport passengers back to a golden era paired with premium rail travel. In partnership with Cuban-American rum distilleries, professional entertainment, and historical commentators, this one-of-a-kind summertime event is a must for lovers of Cuban culture. Tickets are on sale now at www.therumtrain.com or by phone at 770-516-3836. Prices are $125 for individual seats or $140 for table seats (purchased in groups of two or four).

“We’re thrilled to work with Brightline to offer this unique experience from beautiful Virgin MiamiCentral Station,” said Carolina Perozo, On-Site Event Manager for Rail Events. “We have worked closely with our rum distillers, musical talent, and historical narrators to create an authentic, immersive environment that will capture the essence of Cuban culture and its connection to Miami.”

The full experience will last approximately 2.5 hours with guests arriving roughly one hour before the departure of a 1.5 hour train ride. Upon arrival at Virgin MiamiCentral Station, guests will check in and be shown to a private lounge waiting area where they will enjoy a delicious rum cocktail and Cuban/Latin influenced passed hors d’oeuvres. Additional beverages will be available for purchase at the station. Credit card purchase only. No cash accepted.

Virgin MiamiCentral Station Experience

Upon arrival at Virgin MiamiCentral Station, guests will check in and be shown to a private lounge waiting area where they will enjoy a delicious rum cocktail and Cuban/Latin influenced passed hors d’oeuvres.  Additional beverages will be available for purchase at the station. Credit card purchase only. No cash accepted.

Train Ride

Car Attendants will greet passengers as they board the train with a second special rum cocktail. Once en route, guests will enjoy tasting three rums from our partner distilleries while learning about the unique process of rum creation and the fascinating history between the Cuban and American rum companies. Intermixed with the tastings will be roaming musical entertainment and historical experts colorfully relating the important connections between Cuba, the founding of Miami and the railroad. Before returning to Virgin MiamiCentral, guests will enjoy a final dessert offering and specialty rum cocktail.

Each ticket includes:

• Three crafted rum cocktails (one at the station, two on the train) from Havana Club and Miami Club Rum

Cuban-inspired hors d‘oeuvres at the station

• Option to purchase additional alcoholic beverages from the station bar (Credit or Debit Card Only)
• Three additional rum samples from Miami Club Rum on board
• Education on each rum sampling and the influence of rum on Cuban culture
• Onboard musical entertainment by The Cuban Trio and Leslie Cartaya
• Historical cultural narration focusing on the history of the railroad and the development of Miami
• Single serve dessert shooter on board the train

 
Musical Entertainment

The Cuban Trio guarantees an incredibly rich and authentic Cuban experience with musicians from the most prestigious Cuban music school. Their careers have taken them to share stage with the biggest stars in latin music. The trio specializes in traditional Cuban music such as Buena Vista Social Club, Trio Matamoros, Arsenio Rodriguez, Benny More, Polo Montañes, Enrrique Jorrin, Septeto Ignacio Piñeiro, and more.

Leslie Cartaya has traditional Cuban music in her veins, and jazz, American Funk, and Latin American music have shaped her artistic personality. Caribbean, Afro-American, Afro-Latin, and Latin American musical rhythms create a harmonious fusion in her music. She is a Grammy and Latin Grammy Nominee singer-songwriter and producer that has been able to tour internationally as an independent artist. Leslie has a wide range of repertoire from the most danceable and hot Latin rhythms to more soothing and romantic sounds.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Burger Bar in Palm Beach Gardens has announced it will undergo a major transformation this summer, and will temporarily close its doors as of Saturday, May 25. Restaurant ownership has been developing a fun, casual-chic culinary experience - new to South Florida - that will be unveiled this fall (exact date TBD, but aiming for Labor Day weekend).

"We could not be more excited to get the ball rolling on this truly unique dining destination," said Lee Heaton of Heaton Hospitality Group. "This is not a renovation...this is a complete metamorphosis that will bring a vibrant, new concept to north county. We'll share more over the summer....stay tuned!"

Anyone with a Burger Bar gift card is advised to keep it, as it will be honored at the new concept once it opens in September. For updates over the summer, follow @BurgerBarPBG on Facebook and/or Instagram.