downtown - Letters - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T12:43:35Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/downtownLetter to the Editor: Downtown construction in Delray during season threatens tourism, localshttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-downtown-construction-in-delray-during-seaso2022-03-02T18:04:49.000Z2022-03-02T18:04:49.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div>
<div class="media-body"> </div>
<p>Delray Beach is in a dire state of overcrowding and developers are in denial by ignoring its severity. <br />To borrow from the movie Don’t Look Up, why not “Look Around!” <br /> What do you see?<br />There are buildings under construction now, at peak season, causing detours at every turn. <br />There’s the Atlantic Intracoastal bridge rising and closing while traffic builds up, resulting in a massive tie-up of cars. And to top it off, bike lanes are being added to narrow roads, leaving drivers to creep behind cyclists. <br />Then what happens? <br />Road rage causes a driver to peel out and come close to hitting an oncoming vehicle. <br /> Is this what you call progress? Turning our charming “village by the sea” into a nightmarish “metropolis by the sea”? <br /> What does it matter that tourists have to spend a substantial part of their limited vacation time trapped in traffic? <br />Profits have been made and those who raked in the money now run to other potentially lucrative locations. <br /> You don’t believe this is serious? What measures, if any, are being taken to address this volume of traffic? <br />Isn’t it obvious this problem will only get worse once the Atlantic Crossing project is completed? Who will be able to “cross” Atlantic Avenue anymore? <br /> And have you considered the impact this will have on first responders en route to an emergency? <br /> Are you aware of the decline in tourism coming once word gets out? What city dweller, eager for escape from the raucous urban life, wants to land in the same situation on vacation? And what becomes of the Delray residents simply wanting to maintain a peaceful environment? <br /> Wake up! <br />Look around! Reality is here; it’s a done deal.</p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Mary Licata </em><br /><em>Highland Beach</em></p>
</div>Letter to the Editor: Trains have become an unbearable nuisancehttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-trains-have-become-an-unbearable-nuisance2018-04-04T19:00:03.000Z2018-04-04T19:00:03.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961434872,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961434872,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-center" alt="7961434872?profile=original" /></a><em>In many European cities, crossing gates keep people from walking in front of trains. <b>Almay photo</b></em></p>
<p>I consider myself to be a very tolerant and easygoing person, but living by the railroad tracks in Delray Beach has become unbearable. </p>
<p>First, it should be part of Urban Planning 101 that you do not have a freight train and an express passenger train pass right through the center of our beautiful downtown, where people live and go out in the evening to enjoy themselves. </p>
<p>If public officials really cared about the design of our urban environment, they would have used eminent domain to move the freight train and Brightline to the Tri-Rail tracks along I-95. </p>
<p>Anyway, this letter is not supposed to be about that, because that would make too much sense and, with big business in the picture, it is not likely to happen.</p>
<p>Therefore, let us deal with the problem at hand, which is twofold.</p>
<p>First, people are being killed by Brightline! </p>
<p>Second, those of us who live near the railroad tracks — probably hundreds of thousands of people if you factor in every city in southeast Florida — are having our lives disturbed by being woken up eight to 10 times a night by trains that continually blast their horns throughout the night. </p>
<p>What’s so frustrating to me is that finding a solution should not be difficult. In Germany and the United Kingdom, for many years they have had such trains, and nowhere do the trains blast their horns. Yes, their gates are better and practically impossible to get through. </p>
<p>As you can see in the photo, it is possible to make the gates in such a way that you cannot crawl under them or sneak your bicycle through.</p>
<p>There should obviously also be a wall or fence along the tracks so that no one can walk around the gates. </p>
<p>Now as far as the train horn goes, it really serves no purpose because any person who is not severely hearing-impaired hears the bells from the gates as they are closing.</p>
<p>The bottom line is, it is time for city officials to show some urgency!</p>
<p><i>Lars Heldre </i></p>
<p><i>Delray Beach</i></p>
<p></p></div>Local Voices: Make developer earn concessions from cityhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/local-voices-make-developer-earn-concessions-from-city2015-06-03T17:46:11.000Z2015-06-03T17:46:11.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p>I have followed with interest the planned development around the Mizner on the Green site in Boca Raton, where the owner, El Ad National Properties, has proposed to replace this outdated 244-unit project and reportedly seek discretionary height increases. The operative word is “discretionary.” <br /> As a retired developer, architect, banker and community activist, as well as a neighbor, I have a few thoughts to share. <br />Foremost, replacement of the existing buildings with others up to 100 feet — or about three times existing heights — and with over twice as many units, is already permitted by zoning. This is the standard enabled by the same 1992 zoning ordinance that permitted the nearby nine-story Townsend Place, Palmetto Place and 200 East condominiums. These comprise 560-plus units on less acreage than the 9-acre El Ad site.<br /> Revisions in 2008 to the old ordinance allowed greater building heights nearby, but this does not apply to the east side of Southeast Mizner Boulevard. Under current zoning, El Ad is limited to the 100-foot height in the 1992 code. <br /> Exceeding the ceiling that applied to the neighboring Townsend Place and 200 East properties would require, first, changing the city’s comprehensive plan to incorporate the El Ad site into the “downtown quality project sites,” and second, complying with the qualitative aspects of the discretionary height increase.<br /> The good news for the community is these involve the granting of a privilege, which should be earned. The 2008 ordinance allows a 140-foot building height (plus up to 20 feet of decorative features), but only “contingent upon satisfaction of specified criteria.” <br /> Importantly, this option increases only height, not the number of housing units permitted. <br /> In the instance of the El Ad site, assuming that the city is inclined to consider a master plan amendment and a height above 100 feet, the city and the community must weigh discretionary exceptions against the value of “proffers” offered by the developer. The following is my “wish list” of such proffers. <br /> Threshold size. Should the city modify its master plan to incorporate this nearly 9-acre site, I would prefer to see a threshold, of perhaps 5 acres in size, before such consideration. This would be comparable to the minimum 2-acre district size set under the 2008 ordinance.<br /> Increased building setbacks from the (Boca Raton Resort & Club) golf course, Townsend Place and Southeast Mizner Boulevard. <br />Vehicular traffic mitigation. Alignment of the primary point of vehicular access with an entrance to Royal Palm Place across the street, creating a controlled four-way intersection. The existing Townsend Place primary entry should be relocated to the north, to this new intersection. Traffic calming, deceleration lanes and safety features should be evaluated and implemented.<br /> Provision of a safe pedestrian crossing of Southeast Mizner Boulevard to and from Royal Palm Place, for Townsend Place as well as the El Ad project, either by crosswalks or pedestrian bridge.<br /> Provision of sufficient additional right of way, to permit a four-way intersection and future creation of a “roundabout” or cul-de-sac on Southeast Mizner Boulevard, at the above primary point of entry.<br /> Provision of easements, hardscape and landscaping of exceptional quality within and outside the perimeter of the project site, the Resort golf course, Townsend Place and Southeast Mizner Boulevard. <br /> Contextual, vernacular architecture, vetted by local design professionals.<br /> Green design: LEED certification, for passive/active solar design, recycling and storm water mitigation.<br /> Open space and open sky. Height concessions tied to a high standard of corresponding open space, with provision for maintaining offsite “view shed” resources at adjacent properties.<br /> I also recognize one of the worst-kept secrets in Boca Raton: that James Batmasian will soon follow this project with other proposed residential high rises at his Royal Palm Place. It is hard to imagine that he will not also seek higher density and heights. <br />Hopefully, both El Ad and Batmasian will be incentivized to contribute to a coordinated, optimal development plan, eventually encompassing over 1,500 residential units at Townsend Place, Mizner on the Green and Royal Palm Place, and also in the nearby Mark, Palmetto Place, Tower 155 and my own 200 East.<br /> If we can’t hope to stop the permitted development intensity, let us at least try to channel it into its best possible form. <br /><em>John G. Colby, AIAE</em><br /><em>Boca Raton</em></p></div>Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Celebrates Its First Year Anniversaryhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/rotary-club-downtown-boca-raton-celebrates-its-first-year2013-07-23T15:05:12.000Z2013-07-23T15:05:12.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><div><p><b><font face="Verdana, sans-serif" lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Media Contact:</font></b></p></div><div><p><font face="Verdana, sans-serif" lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Kaye Communications, Inc. 561-392-5166</font></p></div><div><p><font face="Verdana, sans-serif" lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Jon A. Kaye, </font><u><font lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">jkaye@kcompr.com</font></u><font face="Verdana, sans-serif" lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">, Mobile: 561-756-3097</font></p></div><div><p><font face="Verdana, sans-serif" lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Bonnie S. Kaye, bkaye@kcompr.com, Mobile: 561-756-3099</font></p><p></p></div><div align="center"><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411473,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411473,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961411473?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p></p></div><div align="center"><p><b><u><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">ROTARY CLUB DOWNTOWN BOCA RATON <br />CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY</font></u></b></p></div><div align="center"><p><i><u><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">BOARD MEMBERS SWORN IN BY <br />CITY OF BOCA RATON MAYOR SUSAN WHELCHEL</font></u></i></p></div><div align="center"><p></p></div><div><p><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">Boca Raton, FL (July 22, 2013) — The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton held an installation of officers luncheon Friday, July 19<sup>th</sup> with honored guest Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel. Dr. Ron Rubin and Robin Trompeter were appointed as new members to the board. The other board members were renewed for a second term and include; Alan Kaye, President, Janice Williams, Secretary, Deborah Freudenberg, Treasurer and the following directors; Frank Feiler, Ingrid Fulmer, Dr. Ira Gelb, Gary Hickory, Bob Hildreth, Jon Kaye, Dr. Robert Klein, and JoAnne Williams.</font></p></div><div><p></p></div><div><p><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">“This has been extraordinary inaugural year for this club,” said President Alan Kaye. “We have been recognized by Rotary International as one of the most successful start-up clubs in Rotary History and accomplished amazing things in our first year.” Kaye reported the clubs achievements with a champagne toast to be the following:</font></p></div><div><p></p></div><ul><li><font>Received our Charter July 17, 2012 with 32 Charter Members</font></li><li><font>Sponsored the Downtown BOCA “Meet Me on the Promenade” car show</font></li><li><font>Clothing Drive for victims of Hurricane Sandy w/ cleaning supplies, diapers, etc.</font></li><li><font>Rotary United Social at City Furniture in which we invited all 6 Clubs in Boca</font></li><li><font>Won $5,000 Chef competition at Boca Raton Wine &amp; Food Festival in Boca</font></li><li><font>Delivered 160 Meals to the homebound on Christmas Day w/ our own Santa and representatives from all 6 Clubs</font></li><li><font>Honor Your Doctor Luncheon- Raised the level of the event with 235 people at Broken Sound Club</font></li><li><font>Golf Tournament honoring the esteemed Dr. Ira Gelb raised the most money in 26 year history of the tournament</font></li><li><font>Invited to Rotary District Convention June, 2013 for Panel on – “How to Start a Rotary Club”</font></li><li><font>Membership has grown to 38 Members</font></li></ul><div><p><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">“I am amazed how fast the year has gone by and how much your club has accomplished in such a short time,” said City of Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel. “I can’t wait to see what great things your club does in the future”.</font></p></div><div><p><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">For information about Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, please visit </font><a href="http://www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org/"><font face=""Verdana","sans-serif"">www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org</font></a></p></div><div align="center"><p></p></div><div align="center"><p><font face=""Arial","sans-serif"">#####</font></p></div><div align="center"><p><font face=""Arial","sans-serif""> </font></p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411058,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411058,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961411058?profile=original" /></a></div><div><p><b><font color="#1F497D" face="Verdana, sans-serif">Cutline: Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Board From Left (click to enlarge):</font></b></p></div><div><p><span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;">Alan Kaye, Ingrid Fulmer, Dr. Ron Rubin, Robin Trompeter, Robert “Bob” Hildreth, Jon Kaye, Janice Williams, Gary Hickory, Joanne Williams, Frank Feiler, Not pictured are Deborah Freudenberg</span><font color="#1F497D" style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;">, </font><span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr. Robert Klein</span><font color="#1F497D" style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"> </font><span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;">and Dr. Ira Gelb</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411279,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961411279?profile=original" /></a></span></p></div><div><p><font face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </font></p></div><p class="separator"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411654,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411654,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961411654?profile=original" /></a></p><div><p><font face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </font></p></div><p class="separator"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2ucFRrGq_w/Ue6UqH3GbSI/AAAAAAAAA1I/XlQycG8BnP8/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG"></a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">KCOM-RotaryInstallation2013.docx</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411058,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">DSC_0213_cp.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961411279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">DSC_0205.JPG</a></p></div>Letter to the Editor: Neighbors object to type of businesses allowedhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/letter-to-the-editor-neighbors-object-to-type-of-businesses-allow2013-01-31T19:10:49.000Z2013-01-31T19:10:49.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p> The city of Boca and Investments LTD have allowed a “guns and ammo” business to operate at 2236 to 2260 N. Dixie Highway. It’s next to other stores — like a massage parlor, tattoo parlor, spiritual reader — and there is a vacant spot for the adult bookstore. These are not what I view as retail establishments.<br /> If I owned commercial property, I certainly wouldn’t be looking for revenue from a business like these unless the neighborhood supported it. I can assure you many residents are upset.<br /> Many neighbors east of Dixie Highway are concerned with the Boca Raton change in “retail establishments.” The dynamics of new businesses cropping up on Dixie Highway brings to mind Broward and Sunrise boulevards. It’s time to change this in order to curtail crime and maintain property values. I don’t think any of these businesses help improve or support our economy. <br /> Living in Boca Woods has been an experience unlike other areas of Boca. The city continues to overlook or close out cases on violations of properties in this subdivision. Why do such undesirable businesses and properties continue to be allowed?<br /><em>Mike Krones</em><br /><em>Boca Raton</em><br /><br /><em>Note: Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel, in an email response to Krones’ email blast, said that she “is not putting any of these retail stores in these locations. If I had my way, not a single one of them would be there. There is something in the law called ‘property rights,’ and that is what we have to deal with.”</em> <br /><br /></p></div>EVENT ADVISORY--2012 MEET ME ON THE PROMENADE: DOWNTOWN BOCAhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/event-advisory-2012-meet-me-on-the-promenade-downtown-boca2012-10-25T18:17:17.000Z2012-10-25T18:17:17.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p>Due to the National Weather Center’s forecasting of sustained winds from 35 to 40 miles per hour with wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour with intermittent rain on Friday, and in alignment with the Palm Beach County School District’s decision to close schools this afternoon and all day Friday, Downtown Boca announced today:</p><ul><li><b>FRIDAY NIGHT</b> <b>opening night activities and entertainment</b><b> </b><b>(October 26<sup>th</sup>)</b><b> for the 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual Meet Me On The Promenade two-night, one-day street fest in Downtown Boca </b><b>have been cancelled</b> for the safety of performers, participants, vendors and event-goers.</li></ul><ul><li><b>ALL SATURDAY DAY AND NIGHT</b> <b>live entertainment, family-friendly programming, Halloween Happenings! and “after parties” on October 27<sup>th</sup> <u>WILL REMAIN AS PLANNED</u> from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.</b> <i>When possible, entertainment and activities from Friday will be rescheduled to the Saturday line-up of festivities</i> for a jam-packed day and night of <b>Stroll, Shop, & Savor</b> programming to include live entertainment, plenty of “friends and family” fun and staged “Fall For Downtown Boca” keepsake photo opportunities both inside a gigantic “walk in” commemorative globe and next to the Office Depot Tony Stewart NASCAR show car. There will be Family and Sports Zones, themed villages, a Doggie Depot, classic and antique car showcases, an artists and crafters expo, Cocktails-4-Charity “fund” and “fun” raising, dining specials, retail discounts, and much more. Saturday afternoon and evening schedule features memorable Halloween Happenings! including a costume contest for children and families, a pet costume showcase, shop-to-shop “trick or treating”, early family dining specials and “Happy Halloween Hours”, BeetleJuice’s Rock ‘N Roll Monster Revue and “after parties” at participating Downtown Boca pubs and clubs.</li></ul><ul><li><b>For SATURDAY programming and entertainment and frequent updates</b>, visit <b><a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/">DowntownBoca.Org</a></b>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/downtownboca">“<b>LIKE” Downtown Boca on Facebook</b></a> or <b><a href="https://twitter.com/downtownboca">follow @downtownboca on Twitter</a></b>.</li></ul><p> </p><p align="center"></p><p><b>MORE ABOUT MEET ME ON THE PROMENADE</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Just days after Monday’s history-making “Rock the Vote” concert and presidential debate watch party in Downtown Boca, the “next big thing” to be staged in Downtown Boca is the second annual “Meet Me On The Promenade”. The free street fest featuring the downtown destination’s best will be held now (due to weather conditions) only on Saturday, October 27<sup>th</sup> from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Sanborn Square serving as the event hub (71 North Federal Highway). On-going activities are scheduled along the Promenade and the areas that it connects such as Palmetto Park Road, N.E. First Avenue, Boca Raton Road, Mizner Park and more. </p><p>Free "jump on, jump off" trolley service, sponsored by Mizner Park and General Growth Properties, will make stops from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday from the south end of Mizner Park to City Hall, Downtown Library, Boca Raton Museum of Art, and back again. There will be plenty of free parking, including VIB (Very Important Bicyclist) Parking on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. sponsored and hosted at Comerica Bank at 1 South Federal Highway, corner of South Federal Highway and East Palmetto Park Road.</p><p>For more information on programming and entertainment and frequent updates, visit <b><a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/">DowntownBoca.Org</a></b>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/downtownboca">“<b>LIKE” Downtown Boca on Facebook</b></a> or <b><a href="https://twitter.com/downtownboca">follow @downtownboca on Twitter</a></b>.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961403677?profile=original" /></a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">MMOTP Sponsor Flyer.jpg</a></p></div>Following The Exciting Debate Watch Party…The Next Great Community Event To Be Staged In Downtown Boca: The Destination’s Second Annual Free Street-Filling “Meet Me On The Promenade”https://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/following-the-exciting-debate-watch-party-the-next-great2012-10-22T14:59:40.000Z2012-10-22T14:59:40.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403668,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403668,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="314" alt="7961403668?profile=original" /></a></em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Public Is Invited To Come Early, Stay Late Where Something For Everyone Awaits At The Two-Night, One-Day Fest That Returns With Plenty Of “Friends & Family” Fun, Ongoing Live Entertainment, New Programming And Saturday Afternoon Halloween Happenings! October 26-27, 2012</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p><p>Just days after the history-making Rock the Vote concert and presidential debate watch party in Downtown Boca, the second annual “Meet Me On The Promenade” event takes center stage as “the next big thing.” The free two-night, one-day street fest featuring the downtown destination’s best is held from Friday, October 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Sanborn Square serving as the event hub (71 North Federal Highway). On-going activities are scheduled along the Promenade and the areas that it connects such as Palmetto Park Road, N.E. First Avenue, Boca Raton Road, Mizner Park and more.</p><p>The fest that drew 14,000 last year returns…now even more stroll-able, bike-able, shop-able, and dine-able with continuous live entertainment, plenty of “friends & family” fun, and staged “Fall For Downtown Boca” keepsake photo opportunities both inside a gigantic “walk in” commemorative globe and next to the Office Depot Tony Stewart NASCAR show car. There will be Family and Sports Zones, themed villages, a Doggie Depot, classic and antique car showcases, an artists and crafters expo, and more. Saturday afternoon and evening features a memorable schedule of Halloween Happenings! including a costume contest for children and families, a pet costume showcase, shop-to-shop “trick or treating”, early family dining specials and “Happy Halloween Hours”, BeetleJuice’s Rock ‘N Roll Monster Revue and “after parties” at participating Downtown Boca pubs and clubs.</p><p><strong>ARRIVE BY CAR OR BIKE, PLENTY OF PARKING AVAILABLE</strong><br /> While there will be plenty of free event parking available, avid cyclists are encouraged to “bike it” and head to the VIB (Very Important Bicyclist) Parking, complete with safety seminars and bike check-ups, sponsored and hosted at Comerica Bank (1 South Federal Highway, corner of South Federal Highway and East Palmetto Park Road) on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Complimentary “jump on, jump off” trolley service throughout the festival will run Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.</p><p><strong>OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES:</strong><br /> <strong>HEADLINER AMBER LEIGH, GLEE-STYLE NATIONALLY COMPETITIVE HIGH SCHOOL SHOW CHOIR, SPORTS ZONE, FAMILY PLAYGROUND, COCKTAILS-4-CHARITY, AND MORE</strong><br /> The free, open-to-the-public opening festivities at Sanborn Square will feature live entertainment headlined by Amber Leigh, South Florida’s “Female Artist of the Year”. Opening for Amber will be the debut of Glee-style performances by the nationally competitive Olympic Heights Community High School 2013 Show Choir and the Hip Hop Kidz following the official event kick-off ceremonies by the Mayor, City Council and Lynn University cheerleaders. The Sports Zone sponsored by Allianz Championship will include an inflatable driving range, an 88-foot street hockey rink by the Florida Panthers; parents and children will enjoy an inflatable family playground sponsored by Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith at the Family Zone and more.</p><p>Festivities include the debut of branded beverage stations serving three signature cocktails, Boca Downtowner PINK (pink-tini), RED (red-tini) and BLUE (blue-tini) to benefit the American Cancer Society, Office Depot Foundation, and Junior League of Boca Raton as part of Cocktails-4-Charity sponsored by Downtown Boca with mixology by Potions in Motion. Additional Friday night features include gourmet truck “curbside food courts”, early dining and happy hour specials by participating restaurants, extended hours at shops and dining venues and ‘after parties’ held at participating Downtown Boca pubs and clubs and more.</p><p><strong>SATURDAY:</strong> <br /> <strong>A JAM-PACKED SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMMING AND HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS</strong> <br /> Saturday morning starts early with the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 11th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that begins at the Mizner Park Amphitheater with registration at 7:30 a.m. and routes walkers along Palmetto Park Road to A1A and back. Meet Me On The Promenade programming immediately follows the ACS walk, with mid-afternoon excitement of a Halloween Happenings! festivities running into the night with “after parties” at participating area clubs and pubs.</p><p>Through a fun “Stroll, Shop & Savor” self-tour, event-goers will get plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy the eclectic live-work-play-stay features of Boca's new generation Downtown for all generations via event programming designed for navigating easily through Downtown Boca's community assets: dining, shopping, fashion, culture, family fun, pet-friendly living and nightlife as well as all the Meet Me On The Promenade scheduled activities and programming, entertainment, retail and dining discounts and giveaway offerings, showcasing all there is to see and do along the Promenade and the areas that it connects.</p><p>There will be ongoing live entertainment across three event stages; memory-making commemorative globe photo stops; Family Zone sponsored by Office Depot Foundation with inflatable playground, Office Depot NASCAR show car, interactive programming and children’s activities; Sports Zone sponsored by Allianz Championship with inflatable driving range, interactive play, basketball hoop, mascot appearances and giveaways; Classic & Antique Car Showcases featuring award-winning rides such as a 1959 Cadillac convertible and Ford Thunderbird; pet-lovers Doggie Depot hosted by mod.dog grooming salon and boutique; Artists and Crafters Village; debut of 34-foot pirate ship and “A Day in the Life of a Pirate” show (admission applies); Community Corner nonprofit showcase; Health-Full Community; Chamber Village; Gourmet Truck Expo “curbside food courts”; sponsored beverage stations featuring the debut of official Boca Downtowner signature cocktails benefiting nonprofits; Green Market; and, beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, “Halloween Happenings”.</p><p>The family-friendly Halloween Happenings throughout the Promenade locale will include a children’s and family costume contest at the Family Zone, pet costume show at Stage 2 (registration required at Doggie Depot), shop-to-shop “trick-or-treating” at participating restaurants and retailers displaying the special event decal in its window, early dining and “Happy Halloween Hour” specials at participating restaurants and BeetleJuice’s Rock & Roll Monster Revue on the main entertainment stage in Sanborn Square.</p><p>“This year’s event is even more collaborative, as Downtown Boca partners with the American Cancer Society, area businesses, programming partners, sponsors and area nonprofits to make this a community fest with Halloween Happenings to long remember,” said Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency Chair and City Council Member Constance Scott. “We encourage everyone to come early, stay late…where something for everyone awaits.”</p><p>“Meet Me On The Promenade returns as the perfect example of successful public/private partnership engagement as is hosted by the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA); developed and implemented by the City's branding and marketing consultants; produced by City staff; supported by the connectivity, participation and collaboration of Downtown Boca businesses and completely underwritten by community stakeholders and partners who understand the important impact a vibrant Downtown community has on lifestyle and economic benefits for an entire community and destination,” said Scott. She added that more than 14,000 event-goers filled the streets of the Promenade during the inaugural event, driving new business to the participating retailers, salons, spas, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and more.</p><p>Meet Me On The Promenade Sponsors include: Office Depot Foundation; Multi Image Group; the City of Boca Raton; Sun-Sentinel Events; Forum Publishing Group; Kaye Communications, Inc.; Mizner Park/General Growth Properties; Allianz Championship; RAM; Comerica Bank; Coldwell Banker; Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC; Penn-Florida; Boca Raton Travel & Cruises; Tucci’s Pizza; and the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton.</p><p>Programming and Community Partners to date include: AVR Depot; Art Attack!; Potions In Motion; Gourmet Truck Expo; the American Cancer Society; Florida Panthers; Miami Dolphins; Boca Raton Children’s Museum; several public and private schools including Olympic Heights High School, Grandview Preparatory School, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine; Spirit of Giving Network; Junior League of Boca Raton; Boca Raton Museum of Art; Boca Raton Historical Society; Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce; Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Penn-Florida; mod.dog Grooming Salon & Boutique; Sol Children Theatre Troupe; Dancing Classrooms; Hip Hop Kidz; Showtime Performing Arts Theatre; Lynn University; Boca Raton Greenmarket; YMCA of South Palm Beach County; Linda Alfieri Salon; W.A.T.C.H. Foundation; Fred Astaire Dance Studio Boca Raton; Sunflower Creative Arts; Community Blood Centers of Florida, Inc.; Dubliner; The Funky Biscuit; Platforms Dance Club; Biergarten Boca Raton; nonprofit organizations; and media including South Florida Parenting, Boca Raton Forum, West Boca Forum, Coral Springs Forum, Delray Forum, City Link, Boca Piquant, Boca Raton Tribune; The Coastal Star; South Florida Sunrise, LivingFLA.com; and more.</p><p>For updates on Meet Me On The Promenade and other Downtown Boca events, visit DowntownBoca.org often, become of a Facebook fan at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DowntownBoca">www.facebook.com/DowntownBoca</a> or call 561-367-7070.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961403677?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961403855?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">MMOTP Sponsor Flyer.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961403884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">MMOTP_Brochure_Photos.jpg</a></p></div>Thousands Celebrated At Downtown Boca’s Friday Night Live! “Brazilian Beat” Brazil’s Independence Day Festivitieshttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/thousands-celebrated-at-downtown-boca-s-friday-night-live2012-09-14T15:39:57.000Z2012-09-14T15:39:57.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961404259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961404259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961404259?profile=original" /></a></em></p><p><em>Spirited “Dancin’ In The Street” Program Featured Zumba Showcase, Capoeira Dancers, Carnival Dancers And Drummers, Performances By Batuke Samba Funk, Rose Max, And More</em></p><p>About 10,000 South Florida residents and visitors, from all Miami to the Treasure Coast, flocked to Downtown Boca, “where Boca and Brazil planned to meet to celebrate the Brazilian Beat” as the destination presented this month’s Friday Night LIVE! salute to Brazil’s Independence Day with free, open-to-the-public festivities.</p><p>Event-goers of all ages were dancin’ in the streets, enjoying the live Brazilian music and entertainment, including award-winning singer Rose Max and fan-favorite Batuke Samba Funk. The packed spirited schedule also featured Capoeira dancers, Carnival drummers and dancers, a Zumba demonstration, DJ Fred, shopping, dining, art, fashion and more. The popular Gourmet Truck Expo with café seating, Potions in Motion and Baja Café with Leblon served up Brazilian favorites as participating businesses extended hours for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries.</p><p>Downtown Boca and the City of Boca Raton hosted the festivities in partnership with the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Friday Night LIVE! series presenting sponsor JM Lexus, Banco do Brasil as the evening’s Official Programming Sponsor, plus the Rotary Club of West Boca Raton, Leblon, Café Brasil 88.9 FM, Boca Tribune, Gazeta Brazilian News and Acontece Magazine. During the evening, Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel alongside Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie and Community Redevelopment Agency Chair and Council Member Constance Scott welcomed Ambassador Helio Victor Ramos, Consulate General of Brazil in Miami and presented him with the key to the City of Boca Raton and a proclamation. Following remarks from the Ambassador, both the Star-Spangled Banner and the Brazilian National Anthem were played.</p><p>Batuke Samba Funk, a unique collective of musicians from Brazil and Miami, then took the stage to perform the classic samba/soul sound originating in Rio de Janiero in the late 1960s. The group combined the percussive grooves of Brazilian samba with the funk rhythms of American legends like James Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire. Batuke Samba Funk was founded in 2008 by bassist extraordinaire Diogo Olivera and features a revolving cast of the very finest musicians playing guitars, bass, drums, vocals and Afro-Brazilian percussion. As a signature element of the show, the band erupted into a samba jam session using traditional Brazilian drums as well as recycled objects such as cans, buckets and scrap metal to create a joyous carnival atmosphere.<br /> <br />Rose Max, “South Florida’s favorite Brazilian singer,” followed Batuke Samba Funk with her mesmerizing guitarist Ramatis Moraes. They “fired up” the streetside dance floor with authentic, classic samba music inspired by the nightclubs of Rio de Janiero accompanied by a pulsating band and a lively percussion section. Max’s talent and performance has earned her several Miami New Times “Best of” awards as well as three Brazilian International Press Awards.</p><p>For the full photo gallery from the evening and updates on other Downtown Boca news and upcoming events such as the free, family-friendly Meet Me On The Promenade: Downtown Boca two-night, one-day street fest with plenty of Halloween Happenings! programming on October 26th and 27th, visit <a href="http://www.DowntownBoca.Org">www.DowntownBoca.Org</a> often, become of a Facebook fan at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DowntownBoca">http://www.facebook.com/DowntownBoca</a> or call 561-367-7070.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961404259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMGP5225.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961404081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMGP5287.JPG</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961404672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMGP5210.jpg</a></p></div>Brazilian Independence Day Takes The Stage In Downtown Boca At The Destination’s Free And Open-To-The-Public Friday Night LIVE! “Boca’s Brazilian Beat” Nighthttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/brazilian-independence-day-takes-the-stage-in-downtown-boca-at2012-07-31T15:24:32.000Z2012-07-31T15:24:32.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p>Downtown Boca will be this year’s premier hotspot for celebrating Brazilian Independence Day on Friday, September 7<sup>th</sup> as “Boca and Brazil Meet to Celebrate the Brazilian Beat” as part of the destination’s popular monthly Friday Night LIVE! series presented by JM Lexus. Held at Downtown Boca’s Sanborn Square in partnership with the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, Café Brasil 88.9 FM, the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Boca Tribune, Rotary Club of West Boca Raton and others, the free and open-to-the-public festivities will feature award-winning singer Rose Max and fan-favorite Batuke Samba Funk within its jam-packed schedule that includes a Capoeira and Carnival show and Zumba demonstration, DJ Fred, displays of art, vibrant fashion and more alongside delicious Brazilian “grab and go” cuisine served up curbside by the Gourmet Truck Expo. </p><p>The Friday Night LIVE! activities begin at 6:00 p.m. at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway (one block north of Palmetto Park Road) with Gourmet Truck Expo dining, a spirited Zumba demonstration and DJ Fred followed by a procession of Capoeira dancers and Carnival drummers and dancers.</p><p>Showtime starts at 7:30 p.m. as Batuke Samba Funk, a unique collective of musicians from Brazil and Miami, takes the stage to perform the classic samba/soul sound originating in Rio de Janiero in the late 1960s. The group combines the percussive grooves of Brazilian samba with the funk rhythms of American legends like James Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire. Batuke Samba Funk was founded in 2008 by bassist extraordinaire Diogo Olivera and features a revolving cast of the very finest musicians playing guitars, bass, drums, vocals and Afro-Brazilian percussion. As a signature element of the show, the band will erupt into a samba jam session using traditional Brazilian drums as well as recycled objects such as cans, buckets and scrap metal to create a joyous carnival atmosphere.</p><p>The night’s entertainment culminates with the performance of “South Florida’s favorite Brazilian singer,” Rose Max and her mesmerizing guitarist Ramatis Moraes. They will be “firing up” the streetside dance floor with authentic, classic samba music inspired by the nightclubs of Rio de Janiero accompanied by a pulsating band and a lively percussion section. Max’s talent and performance has earned her several Miami New Times “Best of” awards as well as three Brazilian International Press Awards.</p><p>Rolling out the welcome mat to the thousands of event-goers, Downtown Boca ambassadors, including Rotary Club of West Boca volunteers who are fluent in Portuguese, will be stationed throughout the event at the Downtown Boca Welcome Center conveniently located in the heart of the festivities. Participating businesses will extend hours with special sidewalk tastings, samplings, trunk shows, dining specials, menu items and discounts and late night "after parties" at area pubs and clubs will be held for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries along Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South. </p><p>Visitors are encouraged to “come early, stay late...where something for everyone awaits” as thousands have done for previous Friday Night LIVE! events that have featured Tito Puente, Jr. and his Latin Jazz ensemble; Chris MacDonald, the “ultimate Elvis tribute artist”; the “CountryTown” Garth Brooks Tribute Show and line dancing; Florida Panthers Patrol Red Zone Night; and City Link’s Boca Beerfest.</p><p>Free parking for Friday Night LIVE! Brazilian Beat is available at City Hall (201 West Palmetto Park Road), the Downtown Library (200 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard), and other locations downtown where event signage is featured.</p><p>To extend event-goer celebration through the weekend for more time to explore Downtown Boca and surrounding areas, the shopping/dining/entertainment destination and the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau are teaming up with area hotels to offer “soon to be announced” special discounted “Stay & Play” room rates for the “Brazilian Beat” weekend.</p><p>“We look forward to welcoming thousands from South Florida, some for the first time, to Downtown Boca to enjoy the Brazilian Beat festivities,” said Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers. “It will be a great night of celebrating, dancing, dining, and exploring all there is to see and do in Downtown Boca. In working with our programming and media partners, we expect a memorable evening.” She added that the Friday Night LIVE! presented by JM Lexus on October 5, 2012 will have a “Community & Culture” theme and kick off a series of programing related to “American Stories As Told Through The Cultural Arts” with the backdrop of the upcoming presidential debate to the area. </p><p><b>Future Friday Night LIVE! series dates* and themes* planned, include the following; unless noted, all evenings are free</b> and begin with festivities at 6:30 p.m. and live entertainment to take the stage at 7:30 p.m.:</p><p><b>October 5<sup>th</sup> Community & Culture</b>—Mizner Park Amphitheater</p><p><b>November 2<sup>nd</sup> Kids Night In, Parents Night Out</b>—Sanborn Square</p><p><b>December 7<sup>th</sup> Holiday Sounds</b>—Sanborn Square</p><p><i>*Themes subject to change. Most series events are free.</i></p><p>For more information and event details, <b>visit</b> <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org"><b>DowntownBoca.Org</b></a> <b>regularly or call 561-367-7070.</b> To become a Downtown Boca event sponsor, contact Jon Kaye, Kaye Communications at <a href="mailto:jkaye@kcompr.com">jkaye@kcompr.com</a> or 561-392-5166.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961402860,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961402860,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="611" class="align-full" alt="7961402860?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Downtown Boca’s Friday Night Live! Presented By JM Lexus Will Be “Rockin’ The Tropics” Featuring Jimmy Stowe & The Stowaways And Its Jimmy Buffett-Inspired Show Friday, June 1sthttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/downtown-boca-s-friday-night-live-presented-by-jm-lexus-will-be2012-05-21T19:17:05.000Z2012-05-21T19:17:05.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401865,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401865,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961401865?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401272,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401272,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="160" class="align-center" alt="7961401272?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401886,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961401886?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Public Invited To Grab Their Flip Flops And Beach Chairs For</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Free Downtown Boca’s Tropical Night At Sanborn Square </em></p><p>Downtown Boca will be “rockn’ the tropics” when it hosts Jimmy Stowe & The Stowaways’ “Floribbean” style performance in Sanborn Square on Friday, June 1st as part of destination’s successful Friday Night LIVE! monthly entertainment series presented by JM Lexus. Evening headliner Stowe will bring the best of “Buffett and beaches” to the park and promenade streets, expecting his current and soon-to-be fans to be singing and dancing to the “songs they know by heart” during this free and open-to-the-public event.</p><p>Having performed alongside with Jimmy Buffett and Rick Nelson as well as a multi-country tour in Australia and Norway with “Dr. Hook,” Jimmy Stowe & The Stowaways blend rock and roll and country music into an exciting and energetic show. Jimmy and his band have traveled the Southeast performing at prestigious events, including shows at The Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas as well as The Mar-a-Lago Club. Jimmy Stowe has recorded two CDs and his debut single, “Boogie On The Border” has raised patriotic awareness.</p><p>Visitors are encouraged to “come early, stay late...where something for everyone awaits” as thousands have done for previous Friday Night LIVE! events that included Chris MacDonald, the “ultimate Elvis tribute artist”; Tito Puente, Jr. and his Latin Jazz ensemble; and CityLink’s Boca Beerfest.</p><p>Friday Night LIVE! festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with the popular Gourmet Truck Expo that will be serving up a unique street side culinary experience with café seating. Attendees can enjoy Caribbean cuisine from a variety of chefs, featuring Latin and Caribbean trucks Mobile Culinary Kitchen and Out of Many Café, as well as Gene’s Joint. Clarabelle’s Cupcakes will be serving up dessert.</p><p>A group lesson of the official Downtown Boca Bop line dance by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Downtown Boca will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Jimmy Stowe & the Stowaways taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. with favorites including “Margaritaville” and “It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me”.</p><p>Adding to Friday Night LIVE! fun, attendees can also opt to jump on the first ever Boca Raton Bus Loop for a donation of $20 (pre-registration) or $25 (on-site at The Spaniard) held to benefit three nonprofits: Spirit of Giving Network, Golden Bell Scholarship Foundation and The Junior League of Boca Raton. Participating Downtown Boca restaurants and pubs providing complimentary cocktails or items include The Spaniard Tapas Bar & Cafe, The Dubliner, Wishing Well Irish Pub, Rebel House, The Black Rose Irish Pub, The Funky Biscuit, Tucci’s Fire N Coal Pizza and Platforms 70s, 80s, 90s Dance Club. Visit <a href="http://www.BusLoop.org">www.BusLoop.org</a> for more information.</p><p>Downtown Boca has teamed up with the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel to provide a special room rate for each event night of the Friday Night LIVE! series. To take advantage of this offer, call (866) 909-2622 for reservations and book a room with the promo code “DTBF”.</p><p>“We’re are pleased to have new event presenting sponsor JM Lexus as we continue to build upon the early success of the Friday Night LIVE! series with dynamic entertainment and more opportunities for exploring and enjoying all Downtown Boca has to offer,” said Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers. She added that the Friday Night LIVE! event in July is themed “Americana/Picnic in the Park,” with dining and shopping activities in Sanborn Square of Downtown Boca.</p><p>Free parking for the event is available at City Hall (201 West Palmetto Park Road), the Boca Raton Historical Society (71 North Federal Highway), the Downtown Library (200 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard) and other locations downtown where event signage is featured.</p><p>Held on the first Friday of every month, the Friday Night LIVE! series presented by JM Lexus fills parts of Downtown Boca (including Sanborn Square and Palmetto Park Road), showcasing live themed entertainment by award-winning bands and vocalists as participating shops, restaurants, and clubs extend their hours for “shopping and strolling” and offer Friday Night LIVE! samplings, discounts, and specials. In addition, the Gourmet Truck Expo lines the event streets with themed culinary offerings and café style seating, art galleries plan exhibitions, boutiques may feature street side fashion or trunk shows, and more for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries along Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South.</p><p>Future series dates* and themes* planned, include the following; unless noted, all evenings are free and begin with festivities at 6:30 p.m. and live entertainment to take the stage at 7:30 p.m.:<br />July 6th Americana/Picnic in the Park—Sanborn Square<br />August 3rd CountryTown—Sanborn Square<br />September 7th Brazilian Beat—Location TBD<br />October 5th Community & Culture—Location TBD<br />November 2nd Spirit of Thanks & Giving—Sanborn Square<br />December 7th Holiday Sounds—Sanborn Square<br /> *rain dates may be scheduled for following Friday subject to artist availability; themes subject to change. Most series events are free.</p><p>For more information and event details, visit DowntownBoca.Org regularly. To become a Downtown Boca event sponsor, contact Jon Kaye, Kaye Communications at jkaye@kcompr.com or 561-392-5166.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401865,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways.JPG</a></p></div>Downtown Boca “Rolled Out Welcome Mat” To Visitors Near And Far During 2012 National Travel & Tourism Weekhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/downtown-boca-rolled-out-welcome-mat-to-visitors-near-and-far2012-05-18T13:36:55.000Z2012-05-18T13:36:55.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961399886,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961399886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961399886?profile=original" /></a></p><p>As the host of the first stop in the Annual Travel Rally Road Trip Day throughout Palm Beach County that was recently navigated by Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau and United States Travel Association, Downtown Boca joined more than 100 destinations nationwide in celebration of the 2012 Travel & Tourism Week. The festivities were held in Plaza Real At Mizner Park, the public "park within the park" that has been designated one of the "Top Ten Great Public Spaces" in America by the American Planning Association. Literally “rolling out” a 10-foot by 8-foot welcome mat for visitors near and far, Downtown Boca businesses, city and county officials, and community, business and tourism leaders gathered to celebrate, showcase South County's tourism assets, and rally for visitors. Spectators were “seeing red”, as participants wore red or their company shirts or uniforms to symbolize their hospitality spirit and tourism pride.</p><p>A fun, interactive and very "visual" showcase of major destination tourism drivers awaited guests, spotlighting the area’s world- class museums, dining, shopping, hotels and resorts, cultural and culinary festivals, sporting events, nightlife, concerts, and entertainment. There was informal modeling of "upcycled" couture fashion by designer Maria Dopozo that was created in the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s Fashion Illustration Class With Instructor Amy Berkowitz, a 17-foot x 17-foot inflatable driving range <br />presented Allianz Championship, Florida Atlantic University mascot Owsley with football players, Boca Ballet Theatre black swan ballerina from the classic Swan Lake, costumed actors from FAU Festival Repertory Theatre, exhibit by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton “pioneer” from the Boca Raton Children’s Museum, information on Lynn University's hosting of the final presidential debate of the election year, Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Boca Raton instructors leading the official "Downtown Boca Bop" line dance and more. Visitors joined in the first official Travel Rally welcome photo as a large crowd of South County "cheerleaders" showed destination hospitality.</p><p>During her remarks, City of Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel reported that 25% of the county’s hotel inventory is in Boca Raton with 3,891 hotel rooms with Boca Raton as home to the largest hotel between Miami and Orlando — the Boca Raton Resort & Club — which continues to lead as the number one bed tax contributor in the county. She then applauded the City’s key tourism drivers that include a revitalized Downtown Boca with a newly constructed and landscaped pedestrian promenade that connects the downtown community for easy and enjoyable strolling; Lynn University as the site for the presidential “Debate in Paradise”, Florida Atlantic University where President Obama recently made a nationally televised visit and the home to a new state-of-the-art stadium, and the annual Allianz Championship PGA Tournament that draws more than $15 million in economic impact and generates more than $1.2 million in news coverage of Boca Raton with televised household reach throughout the world. She noted that the annual <br />Festival of the Arts BOCA has intensified the international cultural spotlight on Boca Raton and Downtown Boca bringing star after star, year after year from music, literature, film, art and dance worlds to the Mizner Park Amphitheater.</p><p>“If it sounds like I am bragging…I am and do so proudly,” proclaimed Whelchel. “Our business owners, and cultural, shopping, dining, and lifestyle entities and partners, including the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County work hard everyday to make it a great day in Boca Raton for visitors, and on behalf of the city, I thank every one of them for their spirit, dedication and hospitality. We have a great partner in the Palm Beach County Convention <br />& Visitors Bureau that promotes and markets our incredible tourism assets to potential visitors from around the country and globe.”</p><p>Boca Raton City Council Member and Community Redevelopment Chair Constance Scott focused her bragging specifically on the Downtown Boca destination, exulting its world-class shopping, dining, culture, entertainment, nightlife, family activities and special events and programming, such as the Friday Night LIVE! entertainment series, Saturdays@Sanborn fitness program, Meet Me On The Promenade community street festival set for October 26th and 27th, and more. As a cultural hub, Downtown Boca is home to several <br />museums, including the world-renowned Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca History Museum, and Boca Raton Children’s Museum with its new Music Hall, and its Mizner Park Amphitheater draws live concerts, performing arts performances, and film and culinary festivals.</p><p>“We encourage visitors to ‘come early, stay late’ to explore and experience all there is to see and do in walkable, pet-friendly Downtown Boca where ‘it’s happening!’ for all generations, from young professionals, families, and couples to seniors,” Scott said. “We have a world-class, eclectic collection of activity, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, and along Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South to draw visitors from near and far, making Downtown Boca a true ‘visitors paradise’.”</p><p>Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau reported that “Travel and tourism is America’s largest service industry export, and more than 44,000 jobs are supported by travel right here in Palm Beach County. At this rally and throughout the week, we celebrate the significance every individual in our community contributes to the destination’s tourism identity and thanking each for their hard work and contribution to our economy. By rallying together, we emphasize the importance of travel in this county, state and country, and reinforcing our significance to policymakers during this <br />election season.”</p><p>Throughout the day, the CVB highlighted the importance of tourism in Palm Beach County with the announcement of several new, key figures for 2011 revealed through their recent, comprehensive Tourism Economic Impact Study, including:<br />• Nearly 5 million visitors generated a $5 billion impact on the local economy last year <br />• $836 million in total taxes are generated through tourism <br />• 44,600 jobs in Palm Beach County are supported by tourism - jobs that can never be outsourced</p><p>For more information on all there is to see and do in Downtown Boca, visit <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org">www.downtownboca.org</a>.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961399886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">Welcome Mat Aerial_cp.jpg</a></p></div>Downtown Boca’s Friday Night Live! Series Features Chris Macdonald With His Popular “Memories Of Elvis” Tribute For Free And Open-To-The-Public Sock Hop/Boca Bop Night, May 4thhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/downtown-boca-s-friday-night-live-series-features-chris-macdonald2012-04-10T20:30:09.000Z2012-04-10T20:30:09.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961400692,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961400692,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="440" class="align-full" alt="7961400692?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>WHAT: DOWNTOWN BOCA “FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!” THEMED ENTERTAINMENT SERIES<br />Celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley, Downtown Boca’s Friday Night LIVE! monthly entertainment series presents a FREE and open-to-the-public evening headlining Chris MacDonald, the “ultimate Elvis tribute artist” who will bring the magic of “The King of Rock-n-Roll” to Sanborn Square with his high-energy tribute, “Memories of Elvis” complete with costumes, dancers and band. MacDonald has the honor of being the only tribute artist approved and contracted by Elvis Presley Enterprises for the annual Elvis week and Birthday week festivities at Graceland's Heartbreak Hotel for seven consecutive years. An energetic and experienced entertainer, MacDonald’s full production show has consistently sold-out venues throughout the country, including Las Vegas, New York and Miami. He has appeared with Elvis' own original back-up group, the Jordanaires and performed with the famous Legends in Concert stage productions.</p><p>The Friday Night LIVE! evenings include gourmet truck dining with café seating, extended hours at participating businesses with special sidewalk tastings, samplings, trunk shows, dining specials, menu items and discounts and often late night "after parties" for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries along Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South.</p><p>WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 4TH, 2012<br />6:30 p.m. Pre-show festivities begin with Gourmet Truck Expo streetside culinary fare <br />7:30 p.m. Show time</p><p>WHERE: SANBORN SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN BOCA<br />Sanborn Square is located at 72 N. Federal Hwy (one block north of Palmetto Park Road), Boca Raton, FL, 33432.</p><p>HOW MUCH:<br />Free and open-to-the-public; bring your chairs and blankets, chairs available for rental at $2</p><p>CONTACT:<br />For more information, visit DowntownBoca.Org regularly or call (561) 367-7070.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961401068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">chrismacdonaldtrio_hr.jpg</a></p></div>Got Mambo? Tito Puente Jr. And Latin Jazz Ensemble To Headline Next Scheduled Event In Downtown Boca’s Friday Night Live! Entertainment Series Friday Evening, April 6th At Mizner Park Amphitheaterhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/got-mambo-tito-puente-jr-and-latin-jazz-ensemble-to-headline-next2012-03-23T14:36:08.000Z2012-03-23T14:36:08.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398099,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398099,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="336" class="align-center" alt="7961398099?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398690,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961398690?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><img width="250" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961398879?profile=original" /></p><p></p><p>The next evening in the new Downtown Boca “Friday Night LIVE!” entertainment series, where attendees are encouraged to "come early, stay late...where something for everyone awaits," presents live Latin Jazz-themed festivities at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Downtown Boca featuring Tito Puente, Jr. and his ensemble.</p><p>The free and open-to-the-public evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with the popular Gourmet Food Truck Expo lineup Miami Spice, Nacho Mama’s Grill, Dolce Gourmet Cupcakes, Bite Gastrotruck, Arepabox and Palate Part serving up Hispanic favorites. At 7:00 p.m. the night revs up with a spirited Zumba performance helping attendees to get their “fit” on with a Latin flare. Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemble take the stage at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Tito, Jr. is on a passionate mission to nurture the musical legacy left by his father, a popular Mambo King and Grammy Award-winning musician. Tito Puente, Jr. has become an audience favorite in casinos, performing arts centers, symphony halls and jazz festivals worldwide, performing more than 300 shows over the past 5 years. And now, Tito Jr. comes to Downtown Boca with a mixture of the old and the new as he takes a musical departure into some powerful new music he can truly call his own. His new CD release, “Got Mambo?” is receiving heavy praise from Tropical and Latin Jazz critics alike.</p><p>“We’re looking forward to what is sure to be a high-energy performance by the world-renowned musician Tito Puente, Jr. to spice up our Latin Jazz theme”, said Downtown Manager Ruby Childers, who referenced that thousands attended the initial event in the newly-launched Friday Night LIVE! series in March.</p><p>On the first Friday of every month, the Friday Night LIVE! series will fill parts of Downtown Boca (including Sanborn Square, Mizner Park Amphitheater and Palmetto Park Road), showcasing live themed entertainment by award-winning bands and vocalists as participating shops, restaurants, and clubs extend their hours for “shopping and strolling” and offer Friday Night LIVE! samplings, discounts, and specials. In addition, gourmet food trucks will line the event streets with café style seating, art galleries plan exhibitions, boutiques may feature streetside fashion or trunk shows, and more for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries along the Promenade, Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South.</p><p>Dates* and themes* planned, include the following; unless noted, all evenings are free and begin with festivities at 6:30 p.m. and live entertainment to take the stage at 7:30 p.m:<br />April 6th Latin Jazz—Mizner Park Amphitheater<br />May 4th Sock Hop/Boca Bop—Sanborn Square<br />June 1st Walkway to Waterway “Summertime Fest”—Palmetto Park Road<br />July 6th Americana/Picnic in the Park—Sanborn Square<br />August 3rd CountryTown—Sanborn Square<br />September 7th Brazilian Beat—Palmetto Park Road<br />October 5th Community & Culture—TBD<br />November 2nd Spirit of Thanks&Giving—Sanborn Square<br />December 7th Holiday Sounds—Sanborn Square<br /> *rain dates may be scheduled for following Friday subject to artist availability; themes subject to change. Most series events are free.</p><p>For more information and event details, visit downtownboca.org regularly or call 561-367-7070. To become a Downtown Boca event sponsor, contact Jon Kaye, Kaye Communications at jkaye@kcompr.com or 561-392-5166.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961399062,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961399062,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7961399062?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">tito puente jr headshot.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">TitoPuenteJr.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961399062,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">FNL_13.jpg</a></p></div>Inaugural “Off the Green” Downtown Boca Golf Cart Parade to Launch Destination Celebration March 17thhttps://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/inaugural-off-the-green-downtown-boca-golf-cart-parade-to-launch2012-02-13T21:19:55.000Z2012-02-13T21:19:55.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><p><span>Downtown Boca invites families, area neighborhoods, country clubs and golf courses, schools and universities, community organizations, nonprofits and visitors to “rev up” their St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 17th by registering to participate in or lining the streets for its First Annual “Off The Green” Downtown Boca Golf Cart Parade presented by Delray Hyundai-Delray Acura and held in conjunction with Festival of the Arts BOCA St. Patrick Day Extravaganza. Including several solar-powered carts featured by Shamrock GREEN Sponsor: the PGA Tour’s Allianz Championship, the free, family-friendly, open-to-the-public parade will begin at 12 Noon at Mizner Park Amphitheater (590 Plaza Real).</span></p><p><span>To showcase Downtown Boca’s great shopping, dining, cultural, entertainment and lifestyle offerings, the golf cart parade will travel south on Plaza Real through Mizner Park, past Sanborn Square, across Palmetto Park Road at Mizner Boulevard, through Royal Palm Place, and then back to the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Spectators can watch the festivities from Sanborn Square or from the official “watch spots” and favorite Irish pubs and eateries in Downtown Boca.</span></p><p><span>A cash prize and “Irish Gift Basket” will be awarded at the conclusion of the parade at the Mizner Park Amphitheater clock tower to the most creatively decorated golf cart, as judged by representatives from local Irish establishments.</span></p><p><span>“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this inaugural event in Downtown Boca and are looking forward to all of the day’s festivities,” said Jim O’Neil, president of Delray Hyundai-Delray Acrua. “We are excited about an entire week of world class entertainment with the Festival of the Arts BOCA, and the culmination being this new parade and the Irish extravaganza in Downtown Boca. It’s going to be great fun for the community.”</span></p><p><span>With emphasis on making it an even GREENER St. Patrick’s Day, Allianz Championship tournament director Ryan Dillon notes that “the parade gives us yet another opportunity to advocate for the on-going ambitious GREEN goals we put into swing at our 2012 tournament to achieve a smaller carbon footprint, set precedent for zero waste at other large spectator events and directly benefit and support the ‘greening’ initiatives of the City of Boca Raton, our tournament host for the past six years.”</span></p><p><span><strong><span>More Celebration Follows Parade</span></strong></span></p><p><span><strong>At 1:30 p.m., free festivities</strong> courtesy of Mizner Park, The Dubliner and coordinating sponsor Festival of the Arts Boca will feature<strong> c</strong><strong>hildren's </strong><strong>activities and b</strong><strong>agpipes.</strong> The <strong>Festival of the Arts BOCA St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza</strong> <strong>at the Mizner Park Amphitheater begins at 3:00 p.m.</strong> with performances by the Drake Irish Dancers, fiddler James Kelly. Founded by Karl Drake, the Drake School of Irish Dance is one of the strongest schools of Irish Dance in the southeast, producing many regional and national champions as well as World Medal holders. <strong>Beginning at 6 p.m., the Festival of the Arts will present a free live concert by Celtic band Seven Nations.</strong></span></p><p></p><p><span>Premier seating is available: $20 for adults and $10 for children over 12 years old. Limited free general “on-the-lawn” admission is available for those who bring their own chairs or blankets.</span></p><p><span>“It’s wonderful to see the downtown community coming together to celebrate and start a new tradition in the City,” said Festival of the Arts Chairman Charles Siemon. “We are very thankful to festival sponsors General Growth Properties, Delray Hyundai Delray Acura and the Dubliner for providing us with the opportunity to bring great talent to the party.”</span></p><p><span>City of Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers agrees. “It is collaborations, business engagement, and sponsor support like this that make Downtown Boca a stronger, more vibrant destination where visitors and residents can come early, stay late …knowing something for everyone awaits.”</span></p><p><span>The fee to register a decorated golf cart in the parade is $25; to download a golf cart registration form, visit <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/?p=4515">http://www.downtownboca.org/?p=4515</a></span> <span>or call 561-393-7827. For more event information, visit</span> <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/">www.downtownboca.org</a>,<a href="http://www.festivaloftheartsboca.org/">www.festivaloftheartsboca.org</a>, or <a href="http://www.mizneramphitheater.com/">www.mizneramphitheater.com</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398279,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961398279?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Alana Cann, Wishing Well; Sean McGrade, The Dubliner; Ryan Dillon, Allianz Championship Tournament Director; Mike Goshgarian, The Black Rose Irish Pub; Ruby Childers, City of Boca Raton Downtown Manager.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398854,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7961398854?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Carol Boucard, Director of Marketing, Boca Resort & Club; Chris Molho, General Manager, Mizner Park; Diana Calderon, Controller, Delray Acura & Delray Hyundai; Marta Batmasian, Investments Limited; Constance Scott, Boca Raton City Council Member; Wendy Larsen, Co-producer, Festival of the Arts BOCA; Charlie Siemon, Co-producer, Festival of the Arts BOCA.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_039 (4).jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961398854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">IMG_0803 (9).jpg</a></p></div>Downtown Boca Raton Celebrates Its Inaugural “Meet Me On The Promenade” Festival October 21-22https://thecoastalstar.com/forum/topics/downtown-boca-raton-celebrates-its-inaugural-meet-me-on-the2011-09-05T20:39:54.000Z2011-09-05T20:39:54.000ZJON A KAYEhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/JONAKAYE<div><div>Downtown Boca invites South Florida residents and visitors to “come early, stay late…where something for everyone awaits” on October 21-22, 2011 when the destination debuts its inaugural <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/?page_id=1177">Meet Me On The Promenade: Downtown Boca</a>, a free and open-to-the-public two night-one day fest featuring the Downtown destination’s best. The event will open with an Official Downtown Boca Bop community line dance, family friendly activities and live entertainment at Sanborn Square on Friday, October 21<sup>st</sup> from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday, October 22<sup>nd</sup> the event kicks-off at 8:30 with the <a href="http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11GreatWest?pg=entry&fr_id=33882">American Cancer Society’s</a> <a href="http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11GreatWest?pg=entry&fr_id=33882">10<sup>th</sup>Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk</a> that is routed to take the more than 6,000 participants throughout Downtown Boca followed at 10 a.m. with a day filled with exciting programming and arts showcases, attractions, family and pet friendly activities, live entertainment, and a Promenade “Dancin’ In The Streets” party to run from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m.</div><p>The festival-style event commemorates the recent completion of the $5 million construction of the Boca Raton CRA’s enhancement program and the new Downtown Boca Pedestrian Promenade that has created a new destination hub at its centrally located Sanborn Square Park. The new reconstructed paved streets and widened sidewalks strengthen the physical and experiential connection and enhance and promote walkability between south and north ends of Downtown Boca. With the strategic installation of new pop-up bollards that can easily be raised to close off the streets around Sanborn Square, the new hub provides yet another great outdoor event locale within Downtown Boca for both private and commercial rentals and community activities.</p><p>Showcasing the eclectic live-work-play-stay features of Boca’s <em>new generation Downtown for all generations</em>, Meet Me On The Promenade event programming is designed for discovering all there is to see and do along the Promenade and the areas that it connects such as Palmetto Park Road, N.E. First Avenue, Boca Raton Road, Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place. An on-going schedule of live entertainment; family-friendly activities; sports programming; a classic and exotic car show by <span><a href="http://cruznamerica.com/">Cruz-N-America</a></span>; non profit and cultural showcases; a Health-Full Community pavilion; an <span><a href="http://royalpalmplace.com/directory/art-attack/">Art Attack</a></span> Artists & Crafters Expo; food tastings, demos and special Promenade weekend menus; trunk shows; the first annual “Picture Downtown Boca” open photography competition exhibition presented by <span><a href="http://www.southfloridasunrise.com/">South Florida Sunrise</a></span> in association with the<span><a href="http://www.bocamuseum.org/">Boca Raton Museum of Art</a></span> and <span><a href="http://www.mig.cc/">Multi Image Group</a></span>; art gallery shows; guided and self-walking tours of Historic Downtown Boca hosted by the <span><a href="http://www.bocahistory.org/">Boca Raton Historical Society</a></span>; <span><a href="http://gourmettruckexpo.com/">Gourmet Truck Expo</a></span>; “chances to win” and two nighttime “Dancin’ In The Streets” parties are just a few of the offerings. Participating shops and restaurants will be extending their hours into the late evening with plenty of free parking and complimentary trolley transportation sponsored by <span><a href="http://investmentslimited.com/">Investments Limited</a>/<a href="http://royalpalmplace.com/">Royal Palm Place</a></span> and <span><a href="http://www.ggp.com/">GGP</a>/<a href="http://www.miznerpark.com/">Mizner Park</a></span> will be running during event hours.</p><p>Friday night festivities hosted by the <span><a href="http://www.bocaresort.com/">Boca Raton Resort & Club</a></span> opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony launched by a community line dance: the Official Downtown Boca Bop that is being choreographed, produced and led by the award-winning <span><a href="http://www.bocadance.com/">Fred Astaire Dance Studio based in Downtown Boca</a></span> and feature celebrity dance leaders. It will be followed by live entertainment and family activities in and around Sanborn Square.</p><p>Saturday morning kicks off with the American Cancer Society’s 10<sup>th</sup> Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that begins at the Mizner Park Amphitheater and takes walkers through the new Downtown Boca Promenade and the north and south ends of the Downtown destination. Meet Me On The Promenade programming throughout the Downtown immediately follows the Walk. A “Sip & Stroll Around Downtown Boca” self-guided tour program will help attendees to easily navigate through Downtown Boca’s community’s assets: dining, shopping, fashion, culture, family fun, living, and nightlife and all the Meet Me On The Promenade scheduled activities and programming, entertainment, retail and dining discounts, and giveaway offerings. Participating retailers and restaurants will remain open late, and trolleys will run continually during Meet Me On The Promenade activities. <span><a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/">Verizon Wireless Cellular Sales-South Florida</a></span> is sponsoring Segway tours throughout the Downtown Boca community as well.</p><p><strong>IT TAKES VISION, CONNECTIVITY, AND COLLABORATION FOR COMMUNITY SUCCESS</strong></p><p>“Meet Me On The Promenade is the perfect example of successful public/private partnership engagement as is hosted by the CRA; developed and implemented by the City’s branding and marketing consultants; produced by City staff; supported by the connectivity, participation and collaboration of Downtown Boca businesses and completely underwritten by community stakeholders and partners who understand the important impact a vibrant Downtown community has on lifestyle and economic benefits for an entire community and destination,” said Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Chair and City Council Member Constance Scott.</p><p>She reported that <strong>to date founding sponsors of Meet Me On The Promenade</strong> include <strong>premier sponsors</strong>: Boca Raton Resort & Club (Friday Night Host), Verizon Wireless Cellular Sales South Florida (Downtown Boca Segway Tours Sponsor), and <a href="http://www.officedepot.com/">Office Depot</a> (Small Business Partner); <strong>gold sponsors</strong>: Office Depot Foundation (Family Zone Host), Boca Raton Regional Hospital (Welcome Bag Sponsor), Ram Realty Services (Art Attack Expo Sponsor), Investments Limited/Royal Palm Place (Trolley Sponsor), GGP/Mizner Park (Trolley Sponsor), Penn Florida Companies (Welcome Center Host), Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Boca Raton (Official Downtown Boca Dance Studio and Presenter of the Official Downtown Boca Bop Line Dance), Kaye Communications (Programming Development Partner), Multi Image Group (Official AV Sponsor); <strong>silver sponsors</strong>: First Southern Bank (A Sip & Stroll Presenting Sponsor), <span><a href="http://www.coldwellbanker.com/">Coldwell Banker Residential</a></span>, Comerica Bank (A Presenting Sponsor of Cruz-N-Downtown Boca), HubGARAGE.com (A Presenting Sponsor of Cruz-N-Downtown Boca), Allianz Championship (Sports Zone Sponsor), Boca Raton Museum of Art and South Florida Sunrise (Presenter of “Picture Downtown Boca” Photography Competition), Palm Beach Outdoor Cinema Events (Programming Sponsor); <strong>“Friends of Downtown Boca” sponsors:</strong> Habitat For Humanity (Programming Sponsor).<strong>Community partners:</strong> Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and American Cancer Society-South Palm Beach Unit. <strong>Media sponsors</strong> includes but is not limited to Forum Publications and its City Link, South Florida Parenting and Boca Piquant publications; WRMF Radio; Boca Raton Tribune, bocaparent.com, South Florida Sunrise, Coastal Star, and Boca Observer.</p><p><strong>Programming partners to date</strong> include Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Boca Raton, Cruz-N-America, Gourmet Truck Expo, Art Attack, Boca Raton Children’s Museum, Boca Raton Historical Society, Boca Raton Museum of Art, South Florida Sunrise, Multi Image Group, Allianz Championship, Junior League of Boca Raton, Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton, South Florida Parenting, Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance/Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, bocaparent.com, Lake Worth Playhouse, Habitat For Humanity, Beehive Fitness, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton Travel & Cruises, Rotary Club of Boca Raton “Future Stars”, and Segway of Delray.</p><p>“There are still plenty of ways to ‘be a part of it, in the heart of it’,” noted Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers. “Great sponsorship and programming partnership opportunities are still available and encouraged. This event provides Downtown businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and universities, and business friends of Downtown Boca the ability to share their missions, products and services with thousands while showing their support of Downtown Boca.” To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/">www.downtownboca.org</a> and click on the Meet Me On The Promenade logo to access the dedicated website section that provides event announcements and updates, brochures for downloading, participation opportunities, sponsorship options, registration forms, and more or contact Jon Kaye at <a href="http://www.kcompr.com/">Kaye Communications, Inc</a>.– the official Marketing & PR firm for Downtown Boca — at <a href="mailto:jkaye@kcompr.com">jkaye@kcompr.com</a>, 561-392-5166-office, or 561-756-3097-cell.</p><p><strong>PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS/ATTRACTIONS</strong></p><p><strong>Developed to share the various features, benefits, and advantages of living, working, playing and visiting Downtown Boca, event programming includes:</strong></p><p><strong>FRIDAY NIGHT: OCTOBER 21, 2011-SPONSORED BY BOCA RATON RESORT & CLUB</strong></p><p><strong>Meet Me On The Promenade Opening Festivities Launches With Official Downtown Boca Bop Community Line Dance Presented by <span><a href="http://www.bocadance.com/">Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Boca Raton-Downtown Boca</a></span></strong> invites all area residents, businesses (large and small) and their employees, business associations, nonprofit memberships, schools and university student bodies, sports teams and cheerleaders to don their organizations’ branded t-shirts and come out and show their spirit and support of Downtown Boca by participating in the Official Downtown Boca line dance choreographed, produced and presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Downtown Boca. Thousands are expected to join in the fun and be part of this fun, family friendly opening ceremony in and about Sanborn Square — at the heart of the Promenade — as together they dance through the Promenade led by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructors and celebrity dance leaders. Prior to the community dance, video lessons will be posted to downtownboca.org, Downtown Boca Facebook, and You Tube with some public practice sessions to be held at various hot spots throughout Downtown Boca. Live entertainment and interactive family activities will follow in Sanborn Square. Downtown Boca Bop Line Up and Dress Rehearsal begins at 5:00 p.m. with festivities and dance to begin promptly at 6 p.m. To register groups, businesses and organizations in advance for premium positions, visit <a href="http://www.xxxx/">www.downtownboca.org </a>beginning September 1<sup>st</sup>.</p><p><strong>Performance By Teen Dance Troupe from Lake Worth Playhouse: </strong>“Thriller” by Michael Jackson and “Disturbia” by Rihanna.</p><p><strong>Live Band Entertainment-<span>BulleTt</span></strong></p><p><strong>Family Activities</strong></p><p><strong>Participating Retailers and Restaurants To Extend Hours</strong></p><p><strong>Special Promenade weekend discounts and menus</strong></p><p><strong>Plenty of Free Parking and Complimentary Trolley Transportation</strong> Throughout Promenade Locale</p><p> </p><p><strong>SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011-A FULL DAY & NIGHT FEST OF DOWNTOWN BOCA’S BEST</strong></p><p><strong>MEET ME ON THE PROMENADE WELCOME CENTER-SANBORN SQUARE</strong> <strong>Hosted by</strong> <strong><span><a href="http://www.pennflorida.com/">Penn Florida Companies</a></span></strong></p><p><strong>DOWNTOWN BOCA INFORMATION BOOTHS</strong>-<strong>PALMETTO PARK ROAD, ROYAL PALM PLACE, SANBORN SQUARE</strong></p><p><strong>SIP & STROLL AROUND DOWNTOWN BOCA With Presenting Sponsors Including</strong><strong> <a href="http://www.firstsouthernbank.com/">First Southern Bank</a></strong></p><p>A self-guided tour that easily “maps out” all Downtown Boca has to offer at Meet Me On The Promenade Saturday; attendees must register for Sip & Stroll at one of the Downtown Boca Information Booths where the first 3,000 participants will receive Downtown Boca eco-friendly welcome bags sponsored by <span><a href="http://www.brrh.com/Home.aspx">Boca Raton Regional Hospital</a></span>. Registrants will receive a customized map and details of the special event programming and activities offered from Royal Palm Place to Mizner Park, including live entertainment; Family Zone and Sports Center; an impressive showcase of exotic and classic cars; speed boat displays; an arts and crafts expo showcase; Boca Raton <span><a href="http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/rec/specialevents/greenmarket.shtm">GreenMarket</a></span>; trunk shows and retail showcases; art gallery events; demos; dance lesson; travel and car giveaways; special weekend discounts; tastings, dining specials and pre fixe menus; chances to win; and more.</p><p>Attendees will want to stop by <span><a href="http://www.bocaratontravel.com/">Boca Raton Travel & Cruises</a>’</span> “Money Machine” at its agency on Palmetto Park Road that will be stocked with cash, cruise discounts, onboard savings, logo gifts, coupons for travel discounts and more. In addition, each person that registers gets a “chance-to-win” ticket for a Celebrity Cruises International cruise for two! Those stopping by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio will learn a new dance step every half hour. Strollers will also want to stop by Luxury Cars of Boca in Royal Palm Place for a chance to win a Honda Insight EX fully loaded Hybrid. Tickets are $100 each; only 350 tickets will be sold with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. Drawing to be held on Saturday, October 22nd at 8 p.m. In the showroom.</p><p><strong>CRUZ-N-DOWNTOWN BOCA EXOTIC & CLASSIC CAR SHOW Produced By Cruz-N-America and sponsored by</strong><strong> <a href="http://www.comerica.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=8888577d17a31010VgnVCM1000004302a8c0RCRD">Comerica Bank</a></strong><strong> and</strong><strong> <a href="http://www.hubgarage.com/">HubGARAGE.com</a></strong></p><p>More than 100 classic and exotic cars and speed boats showcased by serious collectors and enthusiasts will span the Promenade and its connecting areas taking event attendees from Royal Palm Place to the south end of Mizner Park for a “don’t miss” experience. The official show car is the one-of-a-kind 1974 DeTomaso Pantera with a 427 horsepower engine that was awarded the “Best in Show” at the 4th Barrett-Jackson of Palm Beach Cruise on April 3,<sup> </sup>2011; others to be featured are valued up to $100,000. Collectors interested in displaying their prized cars and get the chance to win cash prizes and trophies, can register at <a href="http://www.cruznamerica.com/">www.cruznamerica.com</a> or by calling (561) 632-8252.</p><p>There will even be more for car enthusiasts… <span><a href="http://www.bocaratonconcours.com/bocaratonconcours/">Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance</a></span> will showcase a collection of six classic automobiles valued up to $1 million that will be available for auction during the February 2012 Concours d’ Elegance event to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County.</p><p><strong>FAMILY ZONE Presented By <span><a href="http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/">Office Depot Foundation</a></span></strong></p><p>Centerpiece of the Family Zone will an exhibition presented by the <span><a href="http://www.cmboca.org/">Boca Raton Children’s Museum</a></span> at the southeast corner of Sanborn Park that has been created by Museum Imagineer Adrian St. Cyr of Boston Tombs and Washington D.C. Spy Museum fame. Here children will be able to climb aboard the Pirate Ship, SS Mae Volen, with the background stage set by gigantic drawings of the Children’s Museum’s buildings. Family entertainment will be all about pirates with a cannon shoot, face painting, games and other activities that include “pirate hat designing” sponsored by <span><a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/south-florida-parenting/">South Florida Parenting</a></span>…aargh! Additional activities in the Museum area include a cell phone scavenger hunt in play with the Boca Raton Kiwanis Club, Hogwarths Confiscated Goods organized by Mae Volen Friends and CMN (Children’s Museum Network) and Uncle Willy and his gang of young broadcasters will conduct “Man on the Street” interviews through Sun Radio, the Museum’s event sponsor.</p><p><span><a href="http://www.bocaparent.com/">Bocaparent.com</a></span> will be featuring Balloon Masterz who will not only be making fun hats and shapes, he puts on a show that mesmerizes “kids of all ages” as he creates large character versions that will be given away in a drawing every hour. The <span><a href="http://www.jlbr.org/">Junior League of Boca Raton</a></span> will share gardening and cooking tips for kids, how families can participate in the organization’s Community Garden, and updates on its Kids In The Kitchen initiative.</p><p><strong>ART ATTACK ARTISTS & CRAFTERS EXPO Sponsored By <span><a href="http://www.ramrealestate.com/">Ram Realty Services</a></span></strong></p><p>Presented by Art Attack, located at Royal Palm Place in Downtown Boca, this special section of Meet Me On The Promenade held in the center of the event off Palmetto Park Road showcases artisans and their distinctive art and crafts, ranging from paintings, furniture and sculpture to decorative tableware, photography, jewelry, fashion accessories and clothing. For more information, contact <a href="mailto:artattackboca@gmail.com">artattackboca@gmail.com</a> or call 954-802-3799.</p><p><strong>SPORTS ZONE Presented By <span><a href="http://www.allianzchampionship.com/">Allianz Championship</a></span></strong></p><p>Complete with a driving range and golf tips by pros hosted by Alliance Championship, fitness classes and activities hosted by Beehive Fitness and the Peter Blum Family YMCA, visits from South Florida sports team mascots, and more.</p><p><strong>HEALTH-FULL COMMUNITY PAVILION</strong></p><p>This showcase of health-full choices, services, products, demonstrations and heath checks and screenings by some of the area’s health and wellness organizations, will include the <a href="http://www.cbcsf.org/index-e.jsp?">Community Blood Centers of South Florida</a> Blood Mobile. To register as an exhibitor in this event section, <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Exhibitor-Form.pdf">click here</a>.</p><p><strong>COMMUNITY CORNER</strong></p><p>Featuring a collection of the area’s meaningful nonprofit and community organizations and their missions, the Community Corner shares updates on nonprofit news and events, volunteer opportunities, initiatives and campaigns, and more. To register, organizations should <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Exhibitor-Form.pdf">click here</a>.</p><p><strong>WALKING TOURS OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BOCA Presented by the <span><a href="http://www.bocahistory.org/">Boca Raton Historical Society</a></span></strong></p><p>Attendees can sign up for guided Boca Raton’s Historic Downtown at the Welcome Center-Sanborn Square. Guided tours will be given on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For those wanting to venture out on their own, a self-walking tour pamphlet will also be available at the Welcome Center and all Downtown Boca Information Booths. Boca Raton’s historic downtown is located along East Boca Raton Road from Sanborn Square to Mizner Boulevard. Built mostly in the Mid-Century architectural style and complimented by Mediterranean Revival neighboring structures, this one-block area once thrived as a daily shopping mecca for residents and as a social gathering place for the town. On the tour, you will learn about the people who built the buildings and who had businesses in the area. You will see the buildings that held the old post office, the first department store, one of the first appliance stores, the popular sundry and lunch hangout, barber shop, and the home of prominent citizens who built Town Hall and who began the Boca Pops.</p><p><strong>FIRST ANNUAL “PICTURE DOWNTOWN BOCA” OPEN PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION & EXHIBITION Presented By<span><a href="http://www.southfloridasunrise.com/">South Florida Sunrise</a></span> in Association With The <span><a href="http://www.bocamuseum.org/">Boca Raton Museum of Art</a></span> and <span><a href="http://www.mig.cc/">Multi-Image Group</a></span></strong></p><p>Sponsored by South Florida Sunrise in association with the Boca Raton Museum of Art and Multi Image Group, this first time ever open photography competition focused on what is most distinctive, desirable, and memorable about Downtown Boca calls for entries from professional and amateur photographers as well as camera phone enthusiasts to present their vision of the people, places, experiences, and things in this unique South Florida locale. All entries will be continuously projected at venues throughout the Promenade and be in open competition via online voting to win Fan Favorite awards to be announced Saturday night, October 22nd. In addition to prizes, top vote getters will also be exhibited on the SouthFloridaSunrise.com and DowntownBoca.org web sites following the Promenade event. Photographers are encouraged to visit <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/">www.downtownboca.org</a> to learn about what to see and do in Downtown Boca. Submit entries to “Picture Downtown Boca” and vote for the Fan Favorite online at SouthFloridaSunrise.com beginning Thursday, September 15. Entries close Friday, October 21st, at 3 p.m. Voting will conclude Saturday, October 22nd at 6 p.m.</p><p><strong>DANCIN’ IN THE STREETS</strong></p><p><strong>Live Entertainment at Sanborn Square and other locations</strong></p><p><strong>Family Activities</strong></p><p><strong>Participating Retailers and Restaurants To Remain Open Late</strong></p><p><strong>Special Promenade weekend discounts and menus</strong></p><p><strong>Free Trolley Transportation</strong> Throughout Promenade Locale, including designated parking areas</p><p>For more information on Meet Me On The Promenade and ways to participate, visit <a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/">www.downtownboca.org</a> and click on Meet Me On The Promenade icon. For sponsorship and programming planning, contact Jon A. Kaye, <a href="http://www.kcompr.com/">Kaye Communications, Inc.</a> at 561-392-5166-office or 561-756-3099-cell or via <a href="mailto:jkaye@kcompr.com">jkaye@kcompr.com</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.downtownboca.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/email.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-3312" title="email" src="http://www.downtownboca.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/email.png" width="355" height="680" alt="email.png" /></a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961394277,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">DSC3171_small-300x198.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7961394295,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank">email.png</a></p></div>