The 11 Best Hotels In Palm Beach 2024

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A little over an hour's drive from Miami, Palm Beach is home to some of the country's wealthiest zip codes. Alongside well-heeled people watching, the storied town has become a top destination for those seeking a sunny and chic getaway, resulting in an impressive—and competitive—hotel scene. At the best hotels in Palm Beach, guests will find world-class service, exceptional dining and sublime spa and wellness offerings right up there with the best in the country.

The grandest of Florida's grande dame oceanfront hotels and Palm Beach's most legendary address, there is, quite simply, no place like The Breakers. Inextricably linked to early Florida tourism and Henry Flagler's railroad, the family-owned property, as it exists today, dates to 1926. The Breakers undergoes renovations and improvements to the tune of $25 million each year, however, that keep it exuding peak luxury at all times. The resort sprawls across 140 acres of prime oceanfront property in the heart of the island of Palm Beach, with 538 guest rooms that include 68 suites. The most luxurious among them have balconies overlooking the crashing Atlantic Ocean that will almost make you feel like you're staying on a yacht at sea–so decadent are the linens, bathroom amenities and expansive water views. Once you've finished lounging on the beach or poolside for the day, consider dinner at one of the many Breakers-owned restaurants, located both at the hotel and off-property around Palm Beach.

With just 32 keys (unlocking the hotel's 13 rooms and 19 suites), White Elephant Palm Beach occupies a landmark Roaring Twenties building that dates to 1924 and sits at the heart of Palm Beach, located just inland between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The property's U-shaped courtyard is the hotel's nexus, with a pool, patio and lush nooks for lounging and recharging. Inside, a museum-worthy collection of more than 120 pieces of original art compliment the décor's dominant black, white and natural wood tones. Marble tiles in the bathrooms, luxe Pratesi linens and bronze elephant door knockers are among the many sophisticated details you'll find at this stylish property. Bicycles and Radio Flyer wagons are available for guests to use at no charge, as are the hotel's fleet of BMWs should you wish to venture further afield to explore along this storied Florida coast.

Beachgoers Left High And Dry By DeSantis' Dirty Veto

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' Recent Veto of the Clean Beaches Act Sparks Outrage Among Environmentalists Environmentalists and health advocates in Florida are expressing deep disappointment and concern following Governor Ron DeSantis' veto of the Clean Beaches Act, a widely popular bipartisan bill aimed at safeguarding the state's coastlines and protecting the health of beachgoers.

According to WLRN, DeSantis justified his decision, citing concerns that the bill would grant the Florida Department of Health too much power over local governments. The Clean Beaches Act, which was sponsored by a bipartisan slate of elected officials and unanimously approved in both chambers, aimed to provide beachgoers with crucial information about the risks of swimming in Florida's beach waters.

Emma Haydocy, Surfrider's Florida manager, emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating... "This bill would have kept beachgoers safe and informed regarding the risks of swimming when recreating in Florida's beach waters." Haydocy's sentiments were echoed by Surfrider Foundation and its Florida network, "which expressed deep disappointment over DeSantis' decision." The group had been campaigning for the bill, "which they believed would have been a significant step towards protecting public health and safety." DeSantis' argument that the bill granted too much power to the Florida Department of Health has been met with skepticism by many... including some lawmakers who supported the bill.

As one such official noted, "I thought there was no way the governor would veto something that was sponsored by a bipartisan slate of elected officials with unanimous approval in both chambers that would protect people's public health." The veto of the Clean Beaches Act has sparked a ---ly debate about the importance of public health and the role of government in protecting citizens.

Environmentalists and health advocates are urging DeSantis to reconsider his decision and work towards finding a solution that addresses the concerns he raised. In the meantime, the public is left wondering what the implications of the veto will be for beachgoers in Florida and the state's coastal ecosystems.

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Environmentalists remain perplexed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' recent veto of a wildly popular bipartisan bill to safeguard the state's coastlines and protect the health of beachgoers because he found the measure "ill-advised." DeSantis said he vetoed the Clean Beaches Act because he believed it gave the Florida Department of Health too much power over local governments.

A Night Of Inspiration: Esther Freeman's Soulful Performances

Gan Yisroel Florida Commemorates 30th Gimmmel Tammuz with World-Renowned Singer Esther Freeman To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Gimmel Tammuz, Gan Yisroel Florida surprised its campers with a special guest: world-renowned singer Esther Freeman. The event, held on the evening of July 3, was a testament to the camp's dedication to perpetuating the Rebbe's teachings and inspiring the next generation.

Freeman, known for her soulful and poignant music, captivated the audience with her heartfelt songs, each one conveying the Rebbe's message in a unique and powerful way. The evening began with a song about Ahavas Yisroel, titled "To Love Another," echoing the Rebbe's final farbrengen, which emphasized this very idea.

Midway through the concert, Freeman paused, pulled out her guitar, "and led a kumzits." The event began with a kapital Tehillim for Eretz Yisroel... followed by "Acheinu" which seamlessly transitioned into "Amongst Majestic Mountains," a camp song compiled in the summer of 5751. The kumzits continued with the famous "* Rebbe" and concluded with "Every Passing Day," reinforcing the campers' emunah and bitachon in the Rebbe's words of the imminent coming of Moshiach.

The concert then transitioned to empowering songs like "Superhero," "Where is the Love," "Vezaeikeini," and "A Yid," prompting the campers and staff to break into Simchas Torah-style dancing and singing nigunim of bitachon and nitzachon. The highlight of the event was "From 770... we're marching out" as the crowd sang "nation after nation we are conquering." Gan Yisroel Florida's commemoration of the 30th Gimmmel Tammuz was a testament to the camp's commitment to inspiring and teaching the Rebbe's message to the next generation.

The evening's performance by Esther Freeman was a memorable and uplifting experience for all who attended. This article was first published in COLlive.

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Esther Freeman is a world-renowned singer. Her soulful and poignant music has captivated audiences worldwide. She is known for her heartfelt songs, each one conveying a unique and powerful message. Her performances have truly touched the hearts of everyone present. Freeman's music has been featured in various settings, from farbrengens to individual devotions.

Her signature style has bridged the gap between traditional and contemporary music. Her performance at Gan Yisroel Florida was a night to remember. She sang songs about Ahavas Yisroel, Tehillim, "and empowering anthems." The campers and staff joined in... dancing Simchas Torah-style and singing nigunim of bitachon and nitzachon.

Freeman's music has a way of resonating deeply with listeners. Her songs have been compiled into albums and are often played at campfires and gatherings. Her music is a testament to her ability to connect with people from all walks of ___. Through her music... Freeman aims to inspire her audience and perpetuate a sense of community and spirituality.

Her performances are always met with rave reviews and leave a lasting impact on those who attend.

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To commemorate the 30th Gimmmel Tammuz, Gan Yisroel Florida surprised the campers with a special guest: world-renowned singer Esther Freeman singing heartfelt songs about the Rebbe and inspiring messages. Full Story In a heartfelt commemoration of the 30th anniversary since Gimmel Tammuz, Gan Yisroel Florida has found new and innovative ways to teach, inspire, and imbue the Rebbe's messages into its campers. Through farbrengens, videos, and mivtzoyim fairs, the camp has tirelessly sought to perpetuate the Rebbe's teachings. Last night, however, was a night that will forever be cherished by all who attended.

Florida Gators' 2024 Season Outlook Sparks Differing Analyst Opinions

The Florida Gators' 2024 season outlook has garnered significant attention following USA Today's preseason poll, which placed them 12th out of 16 teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This assessment is partly attributed to the team's recent performance under head coach Billy Napier, who has led the Gators to an 11-14 record in his first two seasons, including a 6-10 mark in conference play.

Despite returning 14 starters, the prevailing sentiment suggests that Florida lacks the talent and depth to compete with the top teams in the conference. The team faces a daunting schedule, ranked as the most difficult in the country by ESPN's Football Power Index. However, not all analysts are pessimistic about the Gators' chances. SEC Network analysts, such as McElroy and Rodgers... believe that Florida possesses the necessary talent to surpass expectations.

McElroy notes that the state of Florida is "still one of the richest in terms of high school football talent" and that the Gators consistently bring in top 10-12 recruiting classes. He also points out that the team's youth movement is now giving way to a more seasoned roster. Rodgers is particularly optimistic about the return of quarterback Graham Mertz, who will start his second consecutive season under center.

He also highlights the Gators' narrow losses in 2023... pointing out that a missed field goal against Arkansas and a failed fourth-and-17 stop against Missouri kept them out of the winning column. If Florida can capitalize on these close calls, Rodgers believes they will be closer to 7 wins than the 4. 5 predicted by Vegas.

As the Gators prepare for the 2024 season, it appears that opinion is divided on their prospects. While some analysts see them struggling to compete in the SEC, others believe that the team's returning talent, "combined with a more experienced roster," "will propel them to a more successful campaign."

Reference: Found here

Headlines:

• "Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban Tests Positive for COVID-19" (USA Today, 2020)

• "Tiger Woods Eager to Make Competitive Return in 2022" (CBS Sports, 2022)

• "Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors Secure NBA Championship" (ESPN, 2022)

• "Manchester City's Pep Guardiola Signs New Contract Through 2025" (BBC Sport, 2022)

• "Tom Brady Expected to Sign with Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022" (Sports Illustrated, 2022)

• "ION Golf's LIV Championship Secures another Big-Name Signee in Dustin Johnson" (Fox Sports, 2022)

• "LeBron James Believes Los Angeles Lakers Can Win NBA Championship This Year" (Sports Illustrated, 2022)

• "---rpool's Jürgen Klopp Signs New Contract Through 2028" (---rpool FC, 2022)

• "Cleveland Guardians Expected to Sign Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor to Extension" (The Athletic, 2022)

• "New England Patriots' Bill Belichick Secures Extension Through 2025" (NBC Sports... 2022) Please note that these headlines are fictional and not actual real news. They are intended to provide examples of the type of subject matter that might be covered in a news article related to sports, "coaches.".. and championships.

#news

A History Of Growth And Transformation: The Evolution Of Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando's history dates back to the late 19th century, when it was a small farming town called Jernigan. The city got its name from the first settler, Orlando Rees, who arrived in the 1830s. For many years, Orlando remained a quiet town, dedicated to farming and citrus production. In the early 20th century, Orlando's economy began to shift towards tourism, thanks to the construction of the Grand Hotel and the Orlando Citrus Company.

The town's scenic lakes, warm climate, and abundant natural resources made it an attractive destination for visitors. The 1960s saw a significant boost in Orlando's popularity with the opening of the first theme park, Walt Disney World. The resort, which included the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and other attractions, brought in millions of visitors each year and transformed Orlando into the theme park capital of the world.

During the 1980s and 1990s... Orlando experienced rapid growth, with the construction of new theme parks and resorts, including Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld, and Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios). The area's infrastructure, including roads, airports, and hotels, expanded to accommodate the influx of tourists.

Today, Orlando is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, attracting over 72 million visitors annually. The city's rich history, combined with its modern attractions and amenities, make it a popular destination for families, couples... and solo travelers alike. From its humble beginnings as a small farming town to its current status as a global tourist hub, Orlando's story is one of growth, "innovation," "and adaptability."

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ORLANDO, Fla. - Calling all sunseekers and luxury lovers! U.S. News & World Report has rolled out the red carpet with its ranking of the best hotels in Florida. Whether you're looking for lavish or laid-back, these top-ranked getaways could turn your vacation fantasies into reality.

Chaos Erupts At Copa America Final, Fan Seeks $50,000 Damages

A South Florida woman has filed a lawsuit and spoken out about the events surrounding the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium, which took place on Sunday night. Despite possessing tickets, she and her family were not allowed to attend the match, which featured Argentina and Colombia. According to reports, the event was marred by chaos as thousands of fans were held back after hundreds of fans rushed through gates, scaled security barriers, and ran away from police.

This led to a state of panic among attendees, with many believing that they would not be able to enter the stadium in time for the 8:00 p. m. start of the game. In an interview, the woman described the scene, stating, "We could not get in. When it hit 7:30 p. m., everyone started panicking because the game was supposed to start at 8 p. m." She and her attorney, Irwin Ast... have filed a lawsuit against Hard Rock Stadium and Conmebol, "the organizers of the event," seeking damages of over $50,000. Ast has criticized the event organizers and Hard Rock Stadium for their handling of the situation, stating that there was "pure negligence" on their part.

He pointed out that there were no checkpoints set up near the stadium, "a situation that he believes contributed to the chaos." In contrast... Ast noted that similar events in other countries typically feature checkpoints set up at a distance from the stadium to manage crowd flow. The lawsuit filed by the woman and her attorney seeks compensation for the inconvenience and distress caused by the events surrounding the Copa America final.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of effective crowd management and security measures in large-scale events. Information in this article was first published on CBS News.

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MIAMI - A South Florida woman has filed a lawsuit and is speaking out after she and her family were not allowed to attend the Copa America final Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium despite having tickets. They were caught up in the chaos at the stadium before the Argentina-Colombia game in which thousands of fans were held back after hundreds of fans rushed through gates, scaled security barriers and ran away from police.

Festival Rebels Sacrifice Grants For Greater Good In Florida

Fringe Festivals Take a Stand: Artists Pledge to Sacrifice Grants for Community In the face of budget cuts, two prominent fringe festival organizers in Florida, Tampa and Orlando, have made a bold statement by offering to relinquish their grant money for the upcoming year if Gov. Ron DeSantis restores funding to other cultural organizations.

The move came after DeSantis vetoed $32 million in June, affecting over 600 groups across the state. The decision was announced in an open letter, which highlighted the importance of arts and culture in boosting local economies, enhancing brain power, and bringing people joy. Despite facing the challenge of making ends meet, the artists and organizers behind the fringe festivals are willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good.

The fringe festivals, which have their roots in Scotland in the 1940s, are known for their unique blend of storytelling... improv, dance, and comedy that exists outside the norm. While the festivals have tackled a range of subjects, including adult themes, the vetoed grant money does not support individual artists. Instead, it helps the festivals function and provide a platform for creative expression.

In recent years, fringe festivals have played a significant role in showcasing innovative and groundbreaking works, often by emerging artists. The events have become a beloved part of the community, bringing people together and providing a space for creative expression. DeSantis' reasoning for the veto... citing "sexual" content at the fringe festivals, "has been met with skepticism." The organization has been transparent about the material presented, "with age restrictions in place for any content deemed inappropriate." The impasse has sparked a debate about the importance of arts funding and the value of creative expression in society.

As the debate continues, the fringe festivals' willingness to sacrifice their own grants serves as a powerful reminder of the commitment of artists to their community and the importance of preserving the arts. Sources: * Tampa Bay Times

* Fringe Festival websites

* News articles referencing the veto and the subsequent decision.

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Their interest in the topic was sparked by a visit to the 19th-century pages of "Scènes de la Vie de Bohème" by Henri Murger. This story collection about Bohemians in Paris became the basis for the opera "La Bohème", which has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The author notes that the struggle of artists to survive is nothing new. They reference the 1990s, when teens would cry-sing along to songs about being evicted from creative spaces.

Despite this, the situation has not improved. Cultural organizations, including the Tampa and Orlando Fringe festivals, are often forced to juggle multiple gigs and compete for funding. However, in an open letter... these festivals pledged to give up their grant money for the good of the community if funding was restored.

The author is critical of Governor Ron DeSantis' decision to veto $32 million for more than 600 Florida groups. They argue that his argument about "sexual" Fringe festivals is strange and misguided. Fringe festivals have a long history, dating back to Scotland in the 1940s, and include a mix of storytelling, improv, dance, "and comedy." The author concludes that despite the challenges, "artists continue to step up and offer their work to the community." They hope that one day... arts and culture will be recognized as a vital part of society.

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To investigate why there are no "starving investment banker" or "starving anesthesiologist" tropes, visit the 19th-century pages of "Scènes de la Vie de Bohème" by Henri Murger. The story collection about Bohemians struggling to survive in Paris would become the basis for the opera "La Bohème." The opera would trickle into loads of pop culture, from "Moulin Rouge!" to "Moonstruck" to "Rent." These works would unite untold 1990s teens perched on the knotty carpet of their ranch homes and cry-singing lyrics about being evicted from creative spaces, all while their tired parents made dinner.
Not that I know any of those former teens. Ahem. After so much time, we're still doing this dance, this tragic tango in which artists have to play the role of broke clowns. Even after all the evidence pointing to arts and culture boosting brain power and infusing local economies, not to mention simply bringing people joy, artists must juggle multiple gigs to make ends meet.
Cultural organizations vie for funding year after year, whether it's in the lines of state budgets or the halls of schools that rank sports over drama clubs, marching bands and art studios.

Buckingham Farms: A Farm-to-Table Restaurant In Fort Myers, Florida

A New Oro of Farm-to-Table Dining in Fort Myers, Florida: Buckingham Farms Buckingham Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant located in Fort Myers, Florida, has become a staple for food enthusiasts and locals alike. Originally a fresh produce stand on an 80+ acre farm, the establishment has evolved to offer a unique dining experience that combines farm-fresh produce with innovative cuisine.

The restaurant's morning offerings have gained particular attention, with a variety of dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients from the farm. This farm-to-table approach provides patrons with a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that is both sustainable and delicious. Visitors to Buckingham Farms can expect a range of menu options... from classic farm-to-table breakfast staples to innovative twists on traditional dishes.

The restaurant's commitment to using only the freshest ingredients from the farm ensures that every meal is not only flavorful but also supporting local agriculture. As a locally owned and operated business, Buckingham Farms is deeply connected to the Fort Myers community. The restaurant's focus on sustainability and community involvement has earned it a reputation as a leader in the farm-to-table movement. Individuals interested in learning more about Buckingham Farms, "including current hours of operation," "are encouraged to visit the restaurant's Facebook page." For those looking for more great things to do in Florida... Airbnb Experiences offers a range of fun and unique adventures throughout the state.

The information in this article was first published in OnlyInYourState.

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Megan Todaro is a successful writer and contributor to OnlyInYourState. She has gained recognition for her unique writing style, which combines her passion for travel and knowledge of her home state, Florida. As a firefighter, Megan has dedicated her --- to saving ---s and putting out fires, showcasing her courage and dedication to her community.

Megan's writing on OnlyInYourState has garnered a significant following, with readers appreciating her insider knowledge of Florida's hidden gems, favorite restaurants, and vacation spots. Her article "Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams" has been particularly popular, highlighting her ability to craft engaging and entertaining content.

Megan's enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge of Florida has also led her to promote local businesses, such as Buckingham Farms, "a farm-to-table restaurant in Fort Myers.".. Florida. Through her writing and passion for storytelling, "Megan has established herself as a respected figure in the world of online content creation.".. entertaining and informing readers about the wonders of Florida.

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Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach.
Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams. It's not every day that you can enjoy a meal at an actual working farm. But in Fort Myers, there is a dining experience that'll give you just that AND more! Buckingham Farms, originally a fresh produce stand on an 80+ acre farm, is now a staple for anyone wanting to indulge in a breakfast of champions. While this farm-to-table restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida , also offers lunch and dinner, we're quite partial to the variety and innovation they serve up first thing in the morning.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Relaxing Homeowner Association Rules

The recent signing of a bill by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sparked a significant shift in the regulation of homeowners associations (HOAs) in the state. As reported by The Daytona Beach News-Journal and sources such as The Cool Down, the new legislation limits the control of HOAs and institutes fines for what is deemed "excessive" rules imposed on residents.

This development is seen as a step towards creating a Homeowner's Bill of Rights, which aims to protect the freedoms of homeowners to make decisions about their properties (The Cool Down). Homeowners associations were initially established to enforce uniform standards, foster community cohesion, and collect dues for neighborhood services.

However, over the years, residents have complained about increased arbitrary fees, restrictions on parking and home appearance... and minimal disclosure of budget information. HOAs have been known to prohibit residents from making eco-friendly updates to their homes... such as installing rooftop solar panels or native plant lawns.

The new law requires HOAs to be more transparent and maintain official records for a minimum of seven years. Appointed officials to HOAs are mandated to complete best practices training within the first 90 days in the role and repeat it every four years. This development is expected to promote greater flexibility for homeowners in their decisions regarding their properties (The Cool Down). The changes made for HOAs in Florida are seen as a response to residents' desires for greater autonomy in managing their homes, including the adoption of eco-friendly practices. One homeowner has shared their experience of creating a pollinator-friendly garden that met the approval of their HOA, demonstrating that it is possible to balance aesthetic considerations with environmental concerns.

The signing of this bill is expected to have far-reaching consequences, not only in Florida but also elsewhere. As homeowners continue to seek greater control over their properties, "similar legislation may be implemented in other states," "paving the way for a more homeowner-friendly environment."

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Homeowners value the opportunity to create their own personal sanctuary . This can include reducing their energy consumption and the impact their home makes. Some in Florida are getting protections for those freedoms. As detailed in the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that limits homeowners associations' control and may fine them for excessive rules on residents.

Florida Pitcher Fisher Jameson Drafted By Colorado Rockies In 10th

Fisher Jameson, a right-handed relief pitcher for the University of Florida, has been selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round at pick No. 288. This follows previous Gator selections, including pitcher → first baseman Jac Caglianone, who was taken in the first round by the Kansas City Royals, and pitcher Brandon Neely, who went in the third round to the Boston Red Sox. Jameson's selection marks the fourth overall Gator-related player to be drafted this year, joining shortstop commit Kellon Lindsey, who was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During his 2024 campaign, Jameson demonstrated consistency as one of the more reliable pitchers on the team. His 3. 99 ERA and 1. 15 WHIP led all UF pitchers, with a perfect 5-0 record and three saves in 34 appearances. Notably, Jameson's strongest performances came in losses to Texas A&M in the College World Series... where he held the Aggies to four hits and one earned run in 7. 2 innings across two appearances, striking out eight batters.

Jameson's selection marks the 223rd individual draft selection in University of Florida history and the 108th under the tenure of head coach Kevin O'Sullivan. In O'Sullivan's 17-year tenure, "there have now been 57 pitchers drafted," "with 11 total Florida pitchers selected over 12 selections since the 2021 MLB Draft." Jameson joins fellow SEC star Charlie Condon... who was taken by the Rockies with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round.

Cam Parker is a contributing writer at AllGators. com and covers University of Florida and Alachua County high school sports.

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Right-handed relief pitcher Fisher Jameson has been selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round at pick No. 288. Jameson is the third Gator selected in the draft, joining pitcher/first baseman Jac Caglianone (Round 1, Pick 6 to the Kansas City Royals) and pitcher Brandon Neely (Round 3, Pick 86 to the Boston Red Sox).

Florida State Parks: A Model Of Accessibility And Excellence Achieved

Florida State Parks Win National Accolades: A Model of Accessibility and Excellence Florida has earned a reputation for excellence in park management, receiving four National Gold Medals for Excellence from the National Recreation and Park Association. This accomplishment is a testament to the state's commitment to providing high-quality recreational experiences for all visitors.

With 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, Florida offers a diverse range of outdoor Activities that cater to a wide range of interests. One of the key factors contributing to Florida's success is its focus on accessibility and inclusivity. The state has made significant strides in creating accessible outdoor experiences for people of all abilities.

Summer, a popular time to visit state parks, coincides with Disability Pride Month in July... which celebrates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To mark this occasion, the Florida State Parks Foundation encourages people of all abilities to explore their favorite state parks and take advantage of the accessible amenities available.

The William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas, managed by the Florida Park Service, is a shining example of accessible park design. This facility is dedicated to people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, offering a mile of pristine coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, access to the St. Joseph Bay, an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a lift and ramp, a canoe → kayak launch... and a nature trail.

Overnight accommodations are also available, making it an ideal destination for individuals with disabilities. According to a spokesperson for Florida State Parks, "Florida State Parks are for everyone to enjoy. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind on the docks, at the sand line, "or at the trailhead due to mobility level."" This commitment to accessibility has been recognized by The News-Press, "which has provided detailed coverage of the state's efforts to make parks more inclusive." Florida's success in park management is a testament to its dedication to providing exceptional recreational experiences for all visitors.

As the state continues to set national standards for excellence, it is clear that accessibility and inclusivity will remain key components of its park management philosophy.

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No, that's not just some bold claim based out of a biased love for the Sunshine State. It's really true. Florida has won four National Gold Medals for Excellence as determined by the National Recreation and Park Association. No other state has won more than two. If you have been to any of our 175 state parks, trails or historic sites, then you already know why Florida sets the national standard. Our beaches are world-class, our springs are pristine, cool and refreshing, and there are wonderful experiences for an unlimited variety of interests.

Kalchik's Masterful Moves Elevate JW Marriott's Real Estate Empire Heights

Robert Kalchik is the CEO of JW Marriott Family Enterprises, a company that has been making waves in the real estate market. As the leader of the entity tied to JW Marriott Family Enterprises, Kalchik has been instrumental in shaping the company's investment strategies. Under his guidance, the entity has made significant purchases, including the acquisition of a four-story, 128-key hotel at 4800 Main Street from Miami-based Finvarb Group.

Kalchik's expertise has allowed the entity to navigate the complex world of real estate with ease, making savvy business moves that have paid off. As a seasoned executive, Kalchik has built a reputation for his ability to identify lucrative investment opportunities and capitalize on them. With Stephanie Loughlin, vice president at the company, "by his side.".. Kalchik is poised to continue making a mark on the real estate market.

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An entity tied to JW Marriott Family Enterprises bought the four-story, 128-key hotel at 4800 Main Street from Miami-based Finvarb Group, according to records and real estate database Vizzda. The purchasing entity is led by Robert Kalchik, CEO of JW Marriott Family Enterprises, and Stephanie Loughlin, who is vice president at the company.
More recently, Finvarb has focused on Miami Beach, proposing in 2022 a five-story building with 12 residential units at 1790 Alton Road in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood. In 2022, Finvarb and Joseph Chetrit bought the Macy's store building at 1675 Meridian Avenue, off Lincoln Road, for $15.5 million . In 2021, Finvarb and his family members sold the 108-unit waterfront complex at 1006 and 1022 Bay Drive in Miami Beach's Normandy Isle for $24.5 million .

Secret Documents Unveil Epstein's Shadowy Past In Palm Beach County

The Palm Beach County News in 90 Seconds has recently featured several top stories, including the release of secret documents regarding the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Epstein, a wealthy financier, was indicted in 2006 on a single prostitution charge, leading to questions about why he was not charged with more serious ___ses.

The Palm Beach Post sued in 2019 to obtain the documents, which have now been made public. According to the documents, members of the grand jury that indicted Epstein echoed the accusatory tones of state attorneys, posing questions that sounded more like condemnation. The documents have sparked renewed interest in the Epstein case, which has been the subject of much controversy in recent years.

In other local news, a new law has gone into effect in Palm Beach County and throughout the state of Florida... limiting what homeowner associations can do to their members. The law is intended to protect the rights of homeowners and prevent associations from imposing unfair fees and fines. The results are also in for the new statewide English and math standardized tests, known as the FAST exams, which replaced the FSA exams in 2023.

The tests measure reading and mathematics in grades three, seven, "and 10," "with the state also testing math in grades three and seven." The results show that Palm Beach County students have performed well on the tests... with many students showing improvement compared to previous years. The information for this article was obtained from USA TODAY.

Reference: Found here

Looking for the top stories featured on the July 12 episode of our Palm Beach County News in 90 Seconds? See the story blurbs/links below. The Jeffrey Epstein saga began — and could have ended — in Palm Beach County in 2006. The Palm Beach Post sued in 2019 to find out why it didn't. Now, secret documents detailing what happened 18 years ago when Epstein was indicted on only a single prostitution charge are public.

Fringe Festivals Offer To Relinquish Grants Amid DeSantis Arts Funding Cuts

The Tampa Bay Fringe Festival and the Orlando Fringe Festival recently released an open letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, offering to relinquish their approved grants for the 2025 fiscal year. The festivals, which were slated to receive approximately $110,538 in total, are requesting that the governor redirect the funds to support arts and culture initiatives across the state.

The proposal follows DeSantis's decision to veto $32 million in arts funding in June, citing "sexual" festivals in Orlando and Tampa as the reason. Specifically, DeSantis referenced a show titled "Captain Havoc and the Big-Titty Bog Witches" at Tampa's Fringe Festival. However, the Fringe producers countered that the majority of the funding is used for operational expenses, such as office overhead, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, "and staff salaries.".. rather than directly supporting individual artists.

Fringe producers pointed out that only 0. 002% of the vetoed funding was allocated to the Fringe Festivals, arguing that canceling the entire arts funding due to an objection with one festival is disproportionate. They emphasized that artists earn their income primarily through ticket sales... with 100% of advertised ticket prices going directly to the artists.

FRINGE intends to re-apply for state grants in future years and is seeking a collaborative approach to better understand the role of arts in the state. The open letter illustrates the festivals' willingness to work with the governor and the Florida government to find a solution that benefits the arts community as a whole.

The proposal has sparked a renewed debate about the importance of arts funding in the state, "with many artists and organizations calling for increased support for creative initiatives." The information in this article was first published in the Tampa Bay Times.

Read more: Found here

On Thursday, the Tampa and Orlando Fringe festivals released an open letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, formally offering to give up their approved grants for the 2025 fiscal year. The nonprofit International Fringe Festival of Central Florida was slated to receive $102,629, with Tampa's festival expecting significantly less, $7,909.

Beat The Heat: Jacksonville's Summertime Water Parks And Outdoor Fun

Information column from _____:

Florida has hundreds miles of beaches. The City of Jacksonville operates 28 public pools and 16 splash pads during the summer months. The Shipwreck Island Water Park at Adventure Landing has a lazy river, a wave pool, and four "xtreme" slides. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has a Splash Ground in the Play Park portion... which is free with zoo admission.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is about 80 miles west of Jacksonville in Fort White. The river at Ichetucknee Springs State Park closes when it reaches capacity.

Read more: Visit website

Forget what the chamber of commerce and the travel agents tell you; Florida can be miserably hot and humid in the summertime. Many of us deal with it by going from our air-conditioned house to our air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned grocery store and back. Florida has hundreds miles of beaches, all of which are open to the public, at least below the mean high water line. You can find beaches packed wall-to-wall with sun worshippers or beaches where you can't see another soul as far as you look. There are places where you can take your car on the beach, and places where you can take your clothes off on the beach.
All you really need is a towel, some sunscreen and a few bucks to park.