(PRESS RELEASE)_(NORTH PALM BEACH, FL) The 26th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade (PBHBP) will bring holiday cheer to Palm Beach County and thousands of much-needed gifts to families throughout the region. The event hosted by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC), will feature dozens of decorated vessels traveling up the Intracoastal Waterway.
Entries into the parade are currently being accepted through December 1, allowing you to show off your holiday spirit and feature your vessel in front of a combined audience of over 100,000 viewers in-person, television, and online audiences. Entries can be made on the official PBHBP website at www.palmbeachboatparade.com.

Entry into the parade is free and over $10,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs. Winning boats will also be featured on the official PBHBP website for an entire year, with the Best in Show vessel’s name added to the official PBHBP award plaque. The Fan Favorite contest will showcase photos of each boat parade entry to thousands of fans on the PBHBP Facebook page. Fans will then vote for their favorite boat entry with “likes” and the photo with the most likes will win $500. Voting begins on December 6 and ends on December 8 at 10:00 a.m. The winner will be announced on December 8 during the awards ceremony.

The parade will air live on the WPBF 25 News Facebook page, mobile app, and at WPBF.com. The parade will re-air on WPBF Channel 25 at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13.

“The event would not be possible without our sponsors,” says MIAPBC Executive Director Alyssa Freeman. Major sponsors of the event include the Town of Jupiter, Freedom Boat Club, Sea Land Insurance Corp., Stock Custom Homes, Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, Viking Yacht Service Center, Village of North Palm Beach, iHeart Radio and Hubbard Radio stations.

The PBHBP has become known for more than an entertaining parade. The 21st Annual “On the Water” Toy Drive benefiting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles will also take place during the parade. “Donating toys to families in need of holiday cheer has never been easier or more important than this year,” says Freeman. Donations are being accepted online, at local businesses through drop-off boxes, through an Amazon wish list, and during the PBHBP in-person. Donations can be made online at www.palmbeachboatparade.com. To make a toy donation the night of the parade, wave a flashlight from your dock or seawall and a volunteer vessel traveling with the parade (many with uniformed Marines on board) will come and collect your toys.

In an effort to collect additional funds to benefit the toy donation efforts of Little Smiles and Toys for Tots, the PBHBP is hosting a raffle with prizes totaling nearly $2,000 in value. Prizes include a golf foursome at The Breakers, a Nautical Ventures full day pontoon rental, $250 Angler Management gift card, and $100 gift card for The Detail Dudes. The raffle will be conducted live on Facebook on Tuesday, December 8 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Entries are currently being accepted online, click here.

In addition to attending the event in-person, purchasing and wearing parade T-shirts has also become a popular holiday tradition in Palm Beach County. This year’s design is now on sale, and all proceeds will go to the PBHBP toy drive partners Little Smiles and Toys for Tots.

For additional information on the 26th Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, visit the official event website, click here.

 (PRESS RELEASE)_Boynton Beach − The farm-to-table trend is heating up this winter in Palm Beach County, thanks to Josie’s Ristorante in Boynton Beach. A Frisbee’s toss from the Intracoastal Waterway, the family-run restaurant and son/chef Sebastiano Setticasiare helping to turn the area into a buzzing, gastronomic destination set to rival the top food-and-drink cities of Delray Beach and Miami.
 
Available every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the new, “let’s-try-it-all” brunch menu caters to hungry foodies who enjoy spending time with family and friends over a good meal.
 
“Brunch is a relaxing way to spend time with friends and family, and we are excited to introduce our new Sunday brunch menu,” said Jeremy Ganisin, the restaurant’s new general manager. “Chef Sebastianohas created an exciting morning twist loaded with rustic, farm-to-table fare. We invite guests to relax and toast the weekend with our festive brunch cocktails that complement the new menu.”
 
Seasonal items on the weekend brunch menu include Challah French Toast – seasonal berries, yogurt whipped cream, and warm maple syrup ($10); Crab and Lobster Eggs Benedict ($20); Chicken and Waffles – Belgium waffle, crispy fried chicken, chipotle aioli, kosher pickles, and warm maple syrup ($15); Breakfast Frittata – broccoli rabe, sausage, cherry tomatoes with a petit salad ($10); Avocado Toast – multigrain bread, avocado, crispy bacon, and poached egg topped with “everything” seasoning ($11); and Smoked Salmon Baguette − goat cream cheese, pink onion, arugula, and matsusuki dressing ($15).
 
The new, thirst-quenching cocktail menu puts a spin on traditional brunch cocktails. Reach for the Josie’s Screwdriver ($12), a boozy celebration of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Grand Marnier, orange juice, and a splash of cranberry juice; Pain Killer ($12) loaded with rum, cream of coconut, orange juice, pineapple juice, and nutmeg; or go bottomless with fruity, housemade Mimosas ($14). 
 
Hours are Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday brunch hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
Josie’s Ristorante is located in Riverwalk Plaza at 1602 S. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach. For more information, visit josiesristorante.com or call (561) 364-9601

The City of Riviera Beach presents the  Holiday Drive Thru Event on Dec 4 from 6:45pm-9:30pm. It will be a great night of socially distanced fun for families.  Santa will be at the tree waving to kids, treats will be given away (while supplies last) and a DJ will play holiday music, along with dancers, caroling, holiday "snow" and lights and much more. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – November 25, 2020) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting several fun, festive and furry events next month, including the always popular Dogs’ Day in the Garden, a seasonally-entwined Stickwork exhibition perfect for holiday photos, and even a totally FREE-FREE-FREE day for residents of Palm Beach County.
 
“While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have limited indoor events this holiday season, al fresco activities in Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden are still available for socially-distant mask-wearers of all ages,” says Mounts Curator-Director  Rochelle Wolberg, including:
 
December 1
GIVING TUESDAY
This is a great opportunity to become a Family & Friends Member of Mounts Botanical Garden, or to Give the Gift of a $75 annual membership to a loved one, while receiving two Garden Admission gift tickets to share. Each F&F membership (for two adults and up to two additional children or grandchildren) includes FREE admission to Mounts events, discounts on workshops and retail purchases, and can be used for free admission to over 340 public gardens around the country.
 
December 12-13
FAMILY & FRIENDS WEEKEND
+ Saturday, December 12, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)

• The interactive Cutting Corners: A Stickwork Exhibition will be decorated with fresh, live holiday evergreens, garlands, and Poinsettias to provide a festive backdrop for family and friends holiday photos.
• The “weather forecast” anticipates “SoFlo Snow” bubbles every hour between 10 am and 2 pm.
• Treats and beverages available for purchase.
• Shop for treasures at the Mounts Gift Shop Tent
• Shop for cactus and succulents at the Mounts Nursery Tent and check out the plant sale in the Mounts Nursery.

Admission: $12 (general), $5 (children 5-12), and FREE for Mounts Botanical members.
 
+ Sunday, December 13, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)

• Dogs’ Day in the Garden for families and their canine fur-babies.
• Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.
• All dogs must be on a traditional lease (no retractable leashes permitted).
• For all the Dogs’ Day rules, please visit https://www.mounts.org/product/dogs-day-in-the-garden/
• Use the festively decorated Stickwork exhibition as a backdrop for holiday photos with your favorite pooch.

Admission: $10 (general); $5 (children 5-12), and FREE for Mounts Botanical members
 
December 15-23
STICKWORK HOLIDAY PHOTOS
Cutting Corners: A Stickwork Exhibition, the massive, willow sculpture located in the Great Lawn area, will remain decorated for the season so visitors can use it as a colorful, eye-catching backdrop for holiday photos.
 
December 17
PALM BEACH COUNTY RESIDENT DAY
Free admission all day long for anyone who lives in Palm Beach County with valid proof of residency.
 
December 17-19
HOLIDAY SALES IN THE MOUNTS NURSERY, VINTAGE THRIFT SHOP & GIFT SHOP
Shop for holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, decorations, and a verdant abundance of beautiful plants. Best of all, Mounts Botanical members will receive special discounts.
 
Cost of Admission to Mounts Botanical Garden:
Except for Family & Friends Day on December 12 and Palm Beach County Residents Day on December 17, regular admission applies: $10 (general); $5 (children 5-12), and FREE for Mounts Botanical members.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(North Palm Beach, Florida) – Lianne Deitch, the owner of Florida’s first Journey 333 Fitness studio, announced today the hiring of two fitness professionals.  Melissa L. Yakup and Christian Craig, both of whom have extensive experience as trainers and coaches, will be working with members starting the week of Thanksgiving.

“Melissa and Christian have the background, energy and passion for extraordinary customer service to launch Journey Fitness as the community’s premiere personalized fitness studio,” said Deitch. “I’m thrilled to be adding them to our team and know our members will love them.  Our goal is to make sure each person feels like they belong at Journey Fitness, and these two are just the professionals to create that atmosphere.”

Yakup, who lives in Jupiter, has been a fitness instructor for LA Fitness, Vive Fitness and Gold’s Gym.  She holds more than half a dozen fitness credentials, including NASM - CPT 

Certified Personal Trainer, AAI/ISMA Group Fitness and Mat Pilates, as well as two advanced Spinning® and power instructor certifications.  In addition, she completed the American Red Cross CPR/AED/Basic First Aid training. She has worked in the fitness field since 2005 with people of all ages and fitness levels. 

“My greatest happiness comes when clients realize the true impact of feeling well and maintaining healthy lifestyles,” she said.

Craig, who is the studio manager and head coach, echoes that sentiment. “My goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of the people I work with by helping them become the healthiest, happiest version of themselves,” he said.

A personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach since 2012, he also has worked with individuals of all ages, including athletes and seniors recovering from surgery.  He has trained Miss Intercontinental USA, tactical athletes, even junior Olympic athletes.

A resident of Wellington, he grew up in Florida and lived in Mexico for five years.  His training certificates include NCSF-CPT, ISSA CPT, ISSA exercise therapy and corrective exercise specialist, and USA Weightlifting Level 1.

He previously worked as a D1 strength and conditioning coach in California. Growing up he had been an athlete across a wide variety of sports, including volleyball, swimming, soccer, horseback riding and football. However, once he stopped participating on a team, he found himself overweight and out of shape.  Working with a personal trainer inspired him to pursue a career as a fitness professional.
Interested members may meet these trainers, starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25.
​
Journey 333 Fitness North Palm Beach is located in Crystal Cove Plaza at 1201 US-1 For specific class times and more information, visit www.loveyourfitnessjourney.com or call (561) 396-9500.
​

(PRESS RELEASE)_Kicking off the holiday season on Friday, November 27, 360 American Bistro & Bar located at Meliá Orlando Celebration will transform into a one-of-a-kind Tiki-style Christmas pop-up bar.
 
A spin-off to Christmas-themed pop-up bars Miracle, Beachbum Berry Presents: Sippin’ Santa will bring festive, nostalgic fun to the holidays in a year when it’s needed more than ever.
 
As the only Sippin’ Santa location in Florida, guests will toast the season with a festive menu of signature cocktails and over the top holiday décor, from classic to contemporary and everything in between. Pair the extravagant setting with the perfect soundtrack of holiday songs, and guests are immediately filled with merriment.
 
The hotel’s leading mixologists will be serving up this year’s roster of cocktails including new drinks like the “Kaloka Colada”, made with Dark Jamaican & Gold Puerto Rican Rums, Pumpkin Spiced Coconut Cream, Curacao, Lime Juice and Orange Juice; the “Parrot in a Pear Tree”, made with Blanco Tequila, Pear Liqueur, Applejack, Lime Juice, Parrot Mix, and Black Walnut Bitters; and “The Regifter”, a mix of Martinique Rhum Agricole, Caramelized Pineapple-Garam Masala Syrup, Cherry Liqueur, and Lemon Juice.
 
Sippin’ Santa is the brainchild of Tiki cocktail expert Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, described as one of Imbibe magazine’s “25 most Influential Cocktail Personalities of the Past Century.” Beachbum Berry is the author of six books on vintage Tiki drinks and cuisine, as well as owner of Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 in New Orleans, home to his own Sippin’ Santa location annually. 

SIPPIN SANTA COCKTAILS
 
Kaloka Colada

• Dark Jamaican & Gold Puerto Rican Rums, Pumpkin Spiced Coconut Cream, Orange Curacao, Lime Juice, Orange Juice

 
Sippin’ Santa

• Aged Demerara Rum, Amaro, Nutmeg Syrup, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice

 
 Parrot in a Pear Tree

• Blanco Tequila, Pear Liqueur, Parrot Mix, Black Walnut Bitters, Apple Brandy, Lime Juice

 
North Pole Punch

• Bourbon, Overproof & Dark Jamaican Rums, Creme de Banana, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon Syrup, Lime Juice

 
Brah Humbug 

• (served hot) Scotch, Drambuie, Mulled Wine Syrup

 
Blitzen Bowl (for two)

• Jamaican & Demerara Rums, Allspice Dram, Apricot Brandy, Tuaca, Ginger Syrup, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters, Almond Bitters

 
Runaway Sleigh

• London Dry Gin, Cranberry-Sage Syrup, Lime Juice

 
Endless Summer Swizzle

• Overproof Dark Rum, Lime Juice, Nutmeg Syrup, Herbal Liqueur, Angostura Bitters

 
 Rum Rum Rudolph (shot)

• Pineapple & Overproof Dark Rums, Coffee Liqueur

(PRESS RELEASE)_(Boca Raton, FL – November 19, 2020) Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum (BRHS) today revealed the nonprofit organization’s annual commemorative holiday ornament. This year’s seasonal collectible showcases the 30th anniversary of Mizner Park in downtown Boca.
 
“We produce fewer than 150 holiday collectibles each year, so history and holiday fans should make their online purchase today by visiting www.BocaRatonOrnaments.com,” said Csar. “We will soon announce dates in December when buyers can pick up their ornament in front of the museum, located at 71 North Federal Highway.”
 
In 1998, the talented Boca Raton artist Barbara Montgomery O’Connell created her first ornament—depicting old Town Hall—for BRHS. A 30-year resident of Boca Raton, the artist has donated her time and talent ever since to create the artwork on the annual ornament, always based on information and photographs from BRHS.
 
In 1980, the Community Redevelopment Agency was established to combat blight in the downtown area. CRA director Jamie Snyder called for the construction of an “Art Park” to replace the aging Boca Raton Mall on Federal Highway. In 1988, developer Tom Crocker answered the call with his “Mizner Park” project which would combine cultural facilities, residential, and office space with a variety of retail establishments in a Mediterranean Revival style complex. The completed Mizner Park opened to great fanfare in January 1991.
 
For more information about BRHS, please call 561.395.6766 or visit www.BocaHistory.org.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – November 20, 2020) Following the conclusion of its 24th Annual Members’ Show on November 28, Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), today announced that its next major exhibition will feature stunning visuals by the award-winning, Miami-based photographer Matt Stock.
 
PAINTING WITH LIGHT
Hyper-Realistic Photographs by Matt Stock
December 17 to January 30, 2021
Virtual Opening on December 16, 6 to 8 pm
 
“Matt Stock’s area of expertise is creating hyper-realistic nighttime photographs in the most inhospitable and remote locations imaginable with a technique he describes as ‘painting with light.’ With this technique, Stock and his team meticulously illuminates a scene in intimate ways on location: often leaf by leaf and root by root,” said NeJame.
 
Using light sources ranging from the Milky Way and full moon to specialized lighting tools through the course of many hours and dozens of individual exposures, the photographer works in the dead of night and brings light into the darkness. This illuminating process can also be thought of as a subtractive process in the same way that a sculptor subtracts portions of a block of marble to reveal the artwork within.
 
“While on set, I think not about where I am adding light to, but rather where I am chipping away at the shadows,” explained Stock. “After these dozens of exposures are recorded, I then return to my digital studio where I take elements from each of these exposures and weave them together to create a single luminous composition. Some photographs can only happen once a year, some even less frequently.”
 
“For the past three years I have been bitten, stung, infected, and more in pursuit of the most complex photographic project of my career: Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades. This project explores the interaction between man and nature through nighttime environmental portraits of vehicles long abandoned throughout the Everglades ecosystem,” the photographer added. “In conjunction with Charles J. Kropke, the Everglades explorer and my partner on the project, I have photographed nearly 70 such vehicles ranging from Ford Model A’s to VW buses and even a drug plane. This project was awarded a Knight Arts Challenge Grant in 2019 and the works will be complied into a book to be released in 2021.”