(PRESS RELEASE)_Coconut Creek, Fla. – Seminole Casino Coconut Creek has named three top toques to helm its main restaurant venues, including Paul Youngstrand of NYY Steak, Shannon Weiberg of Sorrisi, and Jarrod Campbell of Fresh Harvest.
 
Chef Paul Youngstrand, with 29 years of experience, is responsible for the daily culinary operations of the property’s fine dining restaurant, while overseeing a team of professionals.

“I love to take simple ingredients and turn them into something amazing,” says Youngstrand, who credits a zealous childhood cooking with his mother and grandmothers growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 
 
Graduating from his family’s kitchen, Youngstrand went on to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Afterward, he migrated to Las Vegas, where he took up residence at the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino and then at the award-winning Twin Creeks Steakhouse in the Silverton Casino. 

Six years later, trading the neon-soaked Strip for swaying coconut trees, he took up residence at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, first at Fresh Harvest and most recently at NYY Steak. 

With 25 years of restaurant experience, Shannon Weiberg has held positions in Kingsland, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. He has owned and operated his own highly successful restaurant and for the past four years has been the 1st Street Deli Chef.
 
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Chicago, Weiberg is a Johnson & Wales graduate. After moving to South Florida, he was able to include a variety of cultural cuisines in his everyday cooking styles, which included Latin and Caribbean flair.
 
Weiberg’s real passion is connected to Italian culture and food. Working his first job as a dishwasher in an Italian restaurant, he remembered how amazing the restaurant would smell each day, while being intrigued by the Chef’s pride in everything that he prepared.
 
Also a graduate of Johnson & Wales, Jarrod Campbell has been connected to Seminole Gaming since 2007 when he was the Sous Chef at Fresh Harvest in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and later the Sous Chef for EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Immokalee.
 
Prior to joining Seminole Gaming, Campbell was the Executive Sous Chef at both the Fort Lauderdale Airport Wyndham Hotel and the Fort Lauderdale Hilton Resort. Additionally, he was the Executive Chef at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek, Florida. 

For more information, call (954) 977-6700 or visit CasinoCoco.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – October 23, 2018) The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, today announced that it would be hosting its Annual Native Plant Garden Tour, November 11. 

From 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday, November 11, participants can visit six unique gardens landscaped with Florida native plants. (Rain or shine.)

For the second year, in partnership with Audubon Everglades and Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, the first 250 households will receive a native bird/butterfly habitat – a fogfruit and a simpson’s stopper.

All participants are invited to enter the 3rd annual photo contest. For rules for the contest, visit http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org/2018-native-plant-garden-tour/.

The six gardens on this year’s Native Plant Garden Tour include:

+ Lerner Garden
6800 Country Place Road, West Palm Beach 33411
The complete transformation of this typically landscaped 1970’s homestead began in 2010. Eight years later, the half-acre property is anchored by approximately 200 species of native trees, palms, shrubs, flowers, grasses, groundcovers, vines and aquatic plants, and 2 dozen species of fruit trees. Of special interest is the full-size swimming pool that has been converted into a 15,000 gallon goldfish pond, complete with waterlilies, and a bog and floating mat island, both planted exclusively with native flowering plants.

+ Dunning Garden 
1616 Rye Terrace, Wellington 33414
This evolving native landscape began with a firebush brought home from elementary school in 2003, progressing each year with a few added native plants. Over the years, areas of lawn were removed, and additional species of native plants were added to attract birds and pollinators. This garden is a showcase for the process of transforming a home landscape.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. (October 22, 2018) - Santa may have his sleigh, but Brightline is the most magical way to get around South Florida this holiday season. Beginning in early December, all Brightline trains and stations will be in full holiday regalia. The hospitality-focused express, intercity passenger rail service will also deliver one of the season’s most anticipated events in the tri-county area, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Originating and culminating in Brightline’s Fort Lauderdale station, this one-of-a-kind experience will bring to life the heartwarming story by famed children’s author, Chris Van Allsburg, during a magical, one-hour trip aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ set to the performances and sounds of the Warner Bros. Pictures feature film.

“Brightline is excited to work with Rail Events Productions and Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create a magical holiday experience on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride,” said Johanna Rojas, Brightline’s vice president of marketing. “In addition to the on-board programming, there are holiday happenings occurring around each of our South Florida stations. Brightline is the brightest, easiest and most stress-free way to connect South Florida this season.”

Jump aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on Brightline
Select Dates November 11, 2018 – January 1, 2019
Fort Lauderdale Brightline Station; 101 NW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Performances at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm

With prices starting at $55 per adult, $50 per child (ages 2 - 11), THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride whisks passengers away on a magical 62-minute journey, reliving the classic story in the form of special performances, surprises, hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Once on board, hot chocolate and treats are served by dancing chefs while passengers read along with the classic children's book. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and distribute a silver sleigh bell to each passenger, the very first gift of Christmas. Passengers are encouraged to wear their coziest holiday pajamas. Tickets can be purchased through https://www.ftlthepolarexpressride.com/. Can’t wait to get the holiday season started? Save $10 off any event ticket for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on 11/11, 11/17 or 11/18 using promotional code EARLYBIRD.

Take a Sleigh Ride to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ from Miami and West Palm Beach*
November 11, 2018 – January 1, 2019
Brightline at MiamiCentral; 600 NW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33136
West Palm Beach Brightline Station; 260 S Quadrille Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

While THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride originates and ends at the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station, enthusiasts from Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties can take a sleigh ride from either station to easily and conveniently access Fort Lauderdale within 30 minutes, extending the magic from door to door.

●      Guests who book their Brightline train tickets to Fort Lauderdale by November 10 will receive a promotion code for 25 percent off THE POLAR EXPRESS™ merchandise that is available for purchase in Brightline’s stations and complimentary parking at the Miami or West Palm Beach stations.

●      Guests will receive a 25 percent discount on rides in Smart to and from the Fort Lauderdale station by using promotion code BLPOLAR. Children 12 and under ride complimentary!

*Note: Easy access to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from Miami and West Palm Beach aboard Brightline is available for nearly all performances for the duration of the experience, with the exception of Miami to Fort Lauderdale for all 10:10 a.m. performances only.

Easily Access Holiday Happenings Across South Florida with Brightline
All season long

From ROCKAPELLA CHRISTMAS at the Broward Center of Performing Arts to The Nutcracker by Miami City Ballet at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Brightline is a great way to access the area’s top holidays performances and shows. Riders can also enjoy special transportation to and from the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station on Saturday, December 15, to attend the area’s beloved flotilla of lights, the Seminole Hard Rock and Casino WinterFest Boat Parade. With some of the biggest shopping destinations in South Florida located within walking distance or a short Lyft ride away from Brightline stations, including CityPlace in West Palm Beach, Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and Brickell City Centre in Downtown Miami, passengers can also quickly and easily check off every item on their list while en route, and without having to fuss over parking spaces or holiday traffic.

While in Fort Lauderdale, enthusiasts can also catch an IMAX showing of Warner Bros.’ THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at The Museum of Discovery and Science (November 18 - December 23), the perfect pairing for a fun-filled day of holiday wonder.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Palm Beach Gardens & Hallandale FL (October 19, 2018)— Celebrate Thanksgiving with an inspired bountiful 4-course prix-fixe dinner at III Forks Prime Steakhouse, on November 22.  Executive Chef Tommy Nevill presents savory selections that includes soup, salad, delicious entrée choices, and three festive desserts. Priced at $48 for adults, children under 12 can enjoy soup or salad, entrée and dessert for $18.

First Course: Tenderloin Tomato Soup

·      Fresh roasted vine-ripe plum tomatoes and sweet basil simmered with tenderloin beef stock—substitute Lobster Bisque $5.00.

Second Course: III Forks Signature Salad

·      Granny Smith apples, Wisconsin blue cheese, toasted pecans and field greens with house made maple pecan vinaigrette.

Entrée Choices: Delicious Thanksgiving Specials

·      Spice Rubbed Holiday Turkey with Grandma’s gravy, fresh cranberry-orange relish, sausage sage cornbread dressing, creamed potatoes, maple-glazed yams and roasted autumn vegetables.
·      Roasted Midwest Beef Tenderloin in a roast shallot thyme veal glace with whipped potatoes, off-the-cob creamed corn and roasted autumn vegetables.
·      Vermont Maple Glazed Atlantic Salmon with coconut infused jasmine rice and roasted autumn vegetables.

Dessert Choice: A Smorgasbord Spectacular

·      Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream and caramel
·      Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Makers Mark®
·      Pecan Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream

In addition, more than 25 items are available a la carte including shrimp cocktail, ahi tuna, wedge salad, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, sausage sage cornbread dressing and six cheese potatoes. Don’t forget the Turkey Taste, deep fried turkey leg with Grandma’s gravy for the table to share ($16.00)—available only at the Palm Beach Gardens location. Cocktails and wine by the glass are available for purchase. Prices exclude tax and gratuity.

Reservations are encouraged, at https://www.3forks.com/. III Forks is located at two locations:  4645 PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens, 561-630-3660, and in The Village of Gulfstream Park at 501 Silks Run, 954-457-3920. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – Cute and creepy or kooky and spooky? On Friday, October 26, fidos of all sizes will suit up for Burger Bar’s annual Howl-o-ween Pawty and Canine Costume Contest.

Prized pooches can strut their stuff for a chance to win exciting cash prizes while pawrents will enjoy a medley of Halloween-inspired sips, raffles, and live music on the patio by The Mechanical Hearts. Cost is $15 per person and includes two complimentary drinks. All proceeds benefit Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. 

Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., customer-judged costume contest from 6-7:30 p.m., and awards ceremony at 8 p.m.  Cash prizes include $250 for first place, $100 for second place, $50 for third place, and two $25 runner up prizes.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (561) 630-4545 or visit burgerbar.com. 

Burger Bar is located in Donald Ross Village at 4650 Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday through Saturday,     11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.   

From Zak Sherman, North Palm Beach Library Director: "Hope to see you this Monday, October 22nd at 5:00 p.m. as we discuss “Emotional Overeating” with local psychotherapist Arlene Englander, author of" Let Go of Emotional Overeating and Love Your Food: a Five Point Plan for Success."

One reviewer said, "As a person who eats when bored, this book provided solutions to conquer this without feeling deprived. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a practical lifestyle change without deprivation." Learn to eat and enjoy what you like....guilt free!

Legendary rock band Grand Funk Railroad will take the stage in The Pavilion at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on Friday, December 14, at 8 p.m.

Tickets (priced at $30/$50/$70) 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.

Known as “The American Band,” Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums) and Mel Schacher (bass), along with singer Max Carl (formerly of 38 Special), lead guitarist Bruce Kulick (best known for his 12 years with KISS) and keyboardist Tim Cashion (formerly with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and Robert Palmer).

Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, the band has had 19 charted singles, eight Top 40 hits and two number one singles: “We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion”. Other hits include “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

The group has accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records and has totaled in excess of 25 million record sales worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package “Grand Funk Railroad The Collectors Series.”

A member of the Michigan Rock & Roll Legends Hall of Fame, Grand Funk Railroad has been credited for laying the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation, and forceful melodies.

Having toured for 49 years, Grand Funk Railroad will play 40 shows this year all around the country.

For more information, call (954) 977-6700 or visit CasinoCoco.com. 

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek.

MIAMI – October 16, 2018 – Fans attending Miami HEAT home games will now have a true all-star way to travel to AmericanAirlines Arena with Brightline.

Florida’s only intercity passenger rail service will be the best way to get to and from HEAT games during the 2018-19 season. Beginning on Saturday, October 20, for the home opener against the Charlotte Hornets, Brightline will debut its “Buzzer Beater” train service, which provides a later departure time from MiamiCentral, allowing fans to stay until the game ends. Brightline is also offering $10 one-way rides in Smart service between its three stations on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, to celebrate the season home opener.

The “Buzzer Beater” will be available for all home games for the 2018-19 season, returning as the official transportation partner of the HEAT. The roundtrip service originating at West Palm Beach and terminating at MiamiCentral, will be the smoothest and most seamless way to see the HEAT take on the NBA’s best teams and players throughout the season.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be taking our partnership with the Miami HEAT to another level,” said Patrick Goddard, Brightline’s president. “With the introduction of Brightline, we’ve established a new way for fans in South Florida to get to downtown Miami with ease. We’re taking that experience up a notch with the ‘Buzzer Beater’ train service -- complete with amenities that will make the HEAT gameday experience stretch from the station to the game and back.”

Fans will be able to enjoy refreshing food and beverage options for the trip, as well as the comfort of bypassing traffic both to and from the arena. If HEAT fans ride in Select service, they will be able to start the game experience early and enjoy elevated food and beverage offerings, like craft beer, charcuterie in the station and bento boxes on the train. Additionally, the new train schedules for the 2018-19 season ensure that fans can travel to AmericanAirlines Arena in plenty of time to get to their seats, as well as depart MiamiCentral station late enough to catch every minute of the action.

There will also be unique gameday experiences for select major games in 2018. Games will be added in 2019.

DATE/OPPONENT/TIP TIME (ET)

Saturday, October 27/Portland Trail Blazers/8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9/Indiana Pacers/8:00 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 12/Philadelphia 76ers/7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 18/Los Angeles Lakers/6:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20/Houston Rockets/8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 22/Milwaukee Bucks/8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 30/Minnesota Timberwolves/6:00 p.m.

Brightline and the Miami HEAT will also roll out ticket packages and experience bundles in the coming weeks.

“Having Brightline as our official transportation partner is a huge win for all Miami HEAT fans,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “The ‘Buzzer Beater’ train service is one of the best ways to travel to home games -- not only this season, but beyond. HEAT fans deserve a worry-free way to get to and from AmericanAirlines Arena without contending with the stress of parking and traffic and Brightline provides the perfect solution.”

To kick off the 2018-19 home campaign and the start of the “Buzzer Beater” service, Brightline will host a pep rally at MiamiCentral between 5 and 7:30 p.m., where riders and HEAT fans can receive a unique gameday experience. The pep rally will culminate in a marching band leading Heat fans to the arena.

For a full Brightline train schedule for the 2018-19 Miami HEAT season, be sure to check www.gobrightline.com. Brightline is also offering $10 one-way rides in Smart service between its three stations the following weekend, Saturday, October 27, and Sunday, October 28, to celebrate the next Saturday home game against the Portland Trail Blazers.