palm beach travel - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T06:18:39Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/palm+beach+travelRebuilding Paradise, BVI Hurricane Recovery: Polo Club, Wellington — Jan. 10https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/rebuilding-paradise-bvi-hurricane-recovery-polo-club-wellington-j2018-01-31T16:29:59.000Z2018-01-31T16:29:59.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960774471,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960774471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-center" alt="7960774471?profile=original" /></a><em>Manalapan travel agent Annie Davis, owner of Palm Beach Travel, has strong personal ties to the British Virgin Islands. She recently coordinated a benefit auction to promote the rebuilding of that area, which suffered overwhelming damage in last fall’s hurricane season. Sponsors included the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, Etihad Airways, Eau Palm Beach, Prime Catch, The Moorings and Delray Plastic Surgery. They partnered with Automobili Lamborghini America to provide auction items and services that raised more than $40,000. <b>ABOVE:</b> (l-r) Tucker Thompson, sailing broadcaster; Sheroma Jacobs, BVI Tourist Board; Colin Aldridge, owner of Jost Van Dyke Scuba on Virgin Gorda and survivor of Hurricane Irma; Davis, and Giovanni Pellerito, Automobili Lamborghini America national manager. <b>Coastal Star photo</b></em></p>
<p></p></div>Business Spotlight: Carlisle senior living community soldhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-carlisle-senior-living-community-sold2017-10-04T16:30:00.000Z2017-10-04T16:30:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960742264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960742264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960742264?profile=original" /></a><em>The swimming pool at the Carlisle. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p> There’s been an ownership change at <strong>Carlisle Palm Beach</strong> in Lantana. The senior living community, at 450 E. Ocean Ave., sold for $77,197,300 on Sept. 15, according to property records. <br /> The new owner, Palm Beach FL Senior Property, LLC, is an affiliate of Bridge Investment Group, a real estate investment and property management firm based in Salt Lake City. Bridge Seniors principals have acquired, developed, managed or disposed of approximately 350 seniors housing projects. They have $1.9 billion of assets under management, and 53 communities with more than 6,200 units.<br /> The Carlisle has 290 units and 302 beds and is made up of independent-living, assisted-living and memory-care units, with monthly rents that start at nearly $4,000. More than $10 million has been invested in the complex during the past five years. <br /> Cushman & Wakefield coordinated the sale. The team included the executive managing director, Richard Swartz; executive director Jay Wagner; director Jim Dooley, and associate Caryn Miller. On behalf of the buyer, Wagner, senior director Aaron Rosenzweig and director Tim Hosmer arranged for a $55 million mortgage from Wells Fargo to finance the deal.<br /> “We had strong interest from a mix of private equity and public REITs as well as several offshore investors, including Asian and Middle Eastern capital,” Swartz said.<br /> The Carlisle was built in 1999. The previous owner, SHI Carlisle Palm Beach LLC, a joint venture between Chicago-based Senior Lifestyle and Boston-based AEW Capital Management, bought the property in April 2011 from Palm Beach Club for $53 million. Senior Lifestyle will continue to handle the community’s operations.<br /> ***<br /> A sold-out crowd of 230-plus guests attended the <strong>Education Breakfast</strong> at the Delray Beach Golf Club.<br /> Originating in the 1970s, the event, hosted by the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, gives teachers a chance to hear from principals about challenges and successes for Delray Beach’s school system. <br /> Teachers and principals received backpacks, school supplies, flowers and gift cards that were sponsored by Source1 Purchasing, Office Depot, Caron Renaissance/Ocean Drive, Professional Security Consultants and Monthly Express.<br /> Keynote speaker Bill Bone inspired the audience with a talk titled “Grit and Gratitude.” Robert Avossa, superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County, gave updates on the new school year.</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-4">Making way for Publix</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960742471,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960742471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960742471?profile=original" /></a><em>Workers remove debris Sept. 21 from the former theater that had long been part of Plaza del Mar in Manalapan. Considerable clearing of old buildings at the center of the mall remains to be done before construction of the new grocery can begin. The opening of the Publix is targeted for June 2018. <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"> <strong>Luminary</strong>, the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraiser and awards presentation, is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Grand Ballroom of the Delray Beach Marriott. Tickets are $150 per person or $2,500 for eight tickets to the VIP Lounge. To RSVP, call 278-0424 or visit <a href="http://www.delraybeach.com/Luminary">www.delraybeach.com/Luminary</a>.<br /> ***<br /> In August, the Boca Chamber and JM Lexus hosted the Chamber’s signature event, <strong>“Wine & All That Jazz,”</strong> at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Fine wines and food from more than 20 restaurants were provided for 600 guests. A portion of the proceeds will fund efforts of the Chamber’s Golden Bell Education Foundation, which provides money and programming support to Boca Raton public schools.<br /> ***<br /> The International Downtown Association recognized the <strong>Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority</strong> with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for Delray Fashion Week 2017, and with a Certificate of Merit award for the Inside Downtown Delray Beach Video Series. The awards were presented during the 63rd annual conference and trade show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. <br /> “It is the collective mix of our merchants and businesses and their collaborative spirit that enable programs such as Delray Beach Fashion Week to be successful, and the ability to showcase the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of downtown Delray through their perspective in the video series,” said Laura Simon, executive director of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority.<br /> ***<br /> Congratulations to <strong>Annie Davis</strong>, president of Palm Beach Travel. She’s a winner of a 2017 Magellan Award and will be featured in the Oct. 30 issue of Travel Weekly. Her entry, “Palm Beach Travel Merges Travel + Art,” won her a silver award in the category of Travel Agent Organizations, Overall, Travel Agent Innovation. In her entry, she described Palm Beach Travel’s 2017 expansion to include the Palm Beach Art gallery, which gives her clients the opportunity to explore affordable art while making their travel plans.<br /> ***<br /> <strong>Lang Realty</strong> supported Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine’s seventh annual “White Coats 4-Care” event with the sponsorship of two white coats, as well as personalized welcome notes for the school’s incoming medical students. This event was created to welcome, dress and equip the college’s incoming class.<br /> ***<br /> In July, 35 real estate firms spanning 22 states received the <strong>Quality Service Certification’s QE Award</strong>, based on service excellence for exceptional customer service satisfaction. Among the recipients was the Keyes Company, South Florida, which was a winner in the “Top 5 Large Companies” category.<br /> “There is no greater honor than earning the highest ratings from our customers for the hard work of our agents touching all the bases and bringing home a fantastic service experience for every one of our clients,” said Mike Pappas, president and CEO at Keyes in South Florida. “That’s why winning a QE Award is the best award any brokerage in real estate can receive.” <br /> ***<br /> Local real estate agents were among those named to <strong>Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agent</strong> list based on their excellence in real estate sales during 2016. “This group of highly successful real estate sales agents represents less than 1 percent of all real estate practitioners in the United States,” said Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. <br /> To qualify, an agent must have closed at least 50 transaction sides (representing either the buyer or seller) or $20 million in sales volume in 2016. For real estate agent teams, the minimum is 75 transaction sides or $30 million in closed sales volume.<br /> Within the top 100 individuals by volume in Florida, local agents in the top 10 were <strong>Pascal Liguori</strong>, Premier Estate Properties, Delray Beach, with $224,767,500 in sales at No. 2, and <strong>David Roberts</strong>, Royal Palm Properties, Boca Raton, $180,642,500, at No. 4.<br /> Within the top 100 teams by sides listed in Florida, the top 10 local team was <strong>The Rucco Group, RE/MAX Direct</strong>, Boynton Beach. It ranked No. 7 with 338 side transactions.<br /> <strong>D’Angelo/Liguori</strong>, Premier Estate Properties, Boca Raton, ranked at No. 10 within the top 100 teams by volume in Florida with $115,501,000 in sales.<br /> ***<br /> On Aug. 28, Douglas Elliman agents <strong>Randy Ely</strong> and <strong>Nicholas Malinosky</strong> listed four waterfront properties: 3232 Polo Drive, Gulf Stream, for $5.95 million; 50 Spoonbill Road, Manalapan, for $3.875 million; 13 Ocean Harbour Circle, Ocean Ridge, for $3.375 million; and 124 Marlin Drive, Ocean Ridge, for $3.25 million. <br /> Also, on Aug. 17, Douglas Elliman Florida agent <strong>Devin Kay</strong> listed four properties in the estate section of Seagate, Delray Beach. They are being marketed as an opportunity for a developer to build new single-family homes. <br /> They can also be purchased separately. The properties are a 15,069-square-foot lot at 912 S. Ocean Blvd. and a home on a 15,069-square-foot lot at 914 S. Ocean Blvd., each listed for $1.99 million; a fully renovated home on a 11,284-square-foot lot at 911 Seagate Drive for $1.8 million; and a home on a 10,731-square-foot lot at 919 Seagate Drive for $1.5 million.<br /> ***<br /> August’s market statistics from the <strong>Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale</strong> show a 7.9 percent year-over-year decrease in closed sales of single-family homes in Palm Beach County and a 7.9 percent increase in the median sales price to $340,000. The report showed a 4.7 percent year-over-year increase in closings for condominiums and townhomes and 9.4 percent increase in the median sale price to $175,000. Cash transactions decreased 2.3 percent to 499. <br /> ***<br /> An educational event, <strong>“Renegades of Real Estate,”</strong> on Oct. 20 and 21, hosted by David Dweck at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel, will feature speakers covering real estate investing, as well as offering entertainment and networking opportunities. Cost is $199. To register, call 391-7325 or visit <a href="http://www.RenegadesofRealEstate.com">www.RenegadesofRealEstate.com</a>.<br /> <br /> <em>Send business news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com</em>.</p></div>Manalapan: Basil Bar and Grill, Jewelry Artisans to relocate in plazahttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/manalapan-lantana-basil-bar-and-grill-jewelry-artisans-to-relocat2016-09-29T16:30:00.000Z2016-09-29T16:30:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Dan Moffett</strong><br /> <br /> Two coastally iconic Manalapan businesses that were headed for the wrecking ball to make way for a new Publix at Plaza del Mar are planning to relocate soon in larger spaces at the center.<br /> Manalapan Italian Cuisine, with its Basil Bar and Grill, is moving to the west end of the plaza, near Thaikyo Asian restaurant in a storefront formerly occupied by Guido the Tailor.<br /> Owner Earl Bass says the new pizza eatery will be called Basil.<br /> “We’re going to keep it simple,” Bass said of the name change. “There will be seating for 132, compared to the 79 seats we now have. It’s one huge room that will all flow together with outdoor seating and a bar with twice as many seats.”<br /> Relocating next door to the new Basil restaurant is Palm Beach Travel, which also is moving into a bigger unit with 2,200 square feet, compared with the business’ current 750-foot store. Owner Annie Davis says she intends to be open by early October and also will run an art gallery, Palm Beach Art and Travel, in the adjacent space.<br /> “We’re really excited,” Davis said. “The plaza has been great, and our clients have been very supportive, but we’ll be glad to get this behind us.” <br /> At the other end of the plaza near State Road A1A, Pedro Maldonado is about to move his Jewelry Artisans business into space alongside Evelyn & Arthur Clothing & Gifts. Maldonado said Evelyn & Arthur will downsize by half and turn over the eastern side of the unit to the jewelry store.<br /> “A miracle happened,” said Maldonado, who has had his shop at the same plaza location for nearly three decades. “I was freaking out wondering what we were going to do. Then this came as a surprise at the last minute.”<br /> Maldonado said Fred Weissman, the president and chief financial officer of Evelyn & Arthur, approached him and offered about 2,100 square feet of the boutique’s space, roughly twice what the jeweler has now.<br /> “I thought he was joking with me,” Maldonado said. “We’ll be visible from the road now and have people walking over from the Eau (Palm Beach Resort & Spa). It’s an unexpected positive thing for us.”<br /> Both Basil and Jewelry Artisans hope to have their rebuilt businesses up and running before the end of October. Bass and Maldonado said Kitson & Partners, the plaza’s landlord, agreed to help pay for some of the relocation expenses. <br /> Bass, who owns the restaurant with his wife, artist Hedy McDonald, thinks the new location will improve the business’ visibility.<br /> “You’ll be able to see us from the road,” Bass said. “We’ve been buried for four years where we are now.”<br /> He said Basil will keep its popular karaoke shows and add Motown and blues acts for the weekend. Bass said he is overhauling the menu, adding more fish entrees. Pizza will remain a signature dish.<br /> Maldonado says neighboring with the Evelyn & Arthur could be good for his jewelry business and the fashion boutique: “We may be able to bring customers to each other.”<br /> The jeweler said a friend of his next door at the plaza’s Chabad of South Palm Beach gave him some words of encouragement weeks ago that seem to have come true.<br /> “The Chabad lady said that sometimes good things can come from something bad,” he said. “Maybe that’s what’s happening to us.”</p></div>Finding Faith: Mother Teresa canonization trip seats availablehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-mother-teresa-canonization-trip-seats-available2016-08-03T15:26:37.000Z2016-08-03T15:26:37.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960662277,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960662277,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960662277?profile=original" /></a><em>The Florida Singing Sons will perform as part of St. Gregory’s 2016-17 Concert Series.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>The Fort Lauderdale-based choir performs Gregorian chant and Broadway favorites.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>By Janice Fontaine</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong> </strong> It’s the trip of a lifetime. Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums. St. Peter’s Basilica. Michelangelo’s heart-swelling <em>Pieta</em>. The tomb of Blessed Pope John Paul II.<br /> Magnificent! <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960662298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960662298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="98" alt="7960662298?profile=original" /></a> But what puts this trip over the top and makes it a one-time-only experience is the chance to attend the canonization ceremony for Mother Teresa, which takes place Sept. 4. <br /> Pope Francis put the nun called “the saint of the gutter” on the fast track to sainthood. The two required miracles have been authenticated, one for beatification (recognition of a person’s entrance into heaven) and the second for sainthood, which means the person has lived a holy life and is to be honored.<br /> For Annie Davis of Palm Beach Travel, who is organizing the trip, Mother Teresa is one of her heroes. When she heard that Sky Tours was offering this trip, she knew it would be popular. A trip she planned three years ago to Rome was a huge hit and people always told Davis if she planned another trip, to sign them up.<br /> The first 20 spots sold immediately, but Davis said if she can find about 12 more people who want to go, she can add a second group. The trip costs just under $2,500 for double occupancy; for a single-person room add about $600. A stop in Portugal to see Our Lady of Fatima, which is celebrating 100 years since the apparition appeared, is also planned. A complete itinerary is available online. <br /> For more information, call 585-5885 or visit <a href="http://www.mypalmbeachtravel.com">www.mypalmbeachtravel.com</a>.<br /><br /><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">The Holy Land</span><br /> Maybe you’d rather walk where Jesus is said to have walked. First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach is taking 20 people to the Holy Land in April. The all-inclusive cost of the trip is just under $4,000. Call 276-6338, Ext. 10 or visit <a href="http://www.firstdelray.com">www.firstdelray.com</a>. <br /><br /><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Music at St. Paul’s</span> <br /> Camerata del Re: Strike the Viol, the next production for Music at St. Paul’s on Aug. 21, will feature combinations for viols, violins and flutes on period instruments. The concert is 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. $15 requested donation. $20 for preferred seating. For more information, call 276-4541 or visit <a href="http://www.stpaulsdelray.org">www.stpaulsdelray.org</a> <br /><br /><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">St. Gregory’s 2016-17 tickets</span><br /> Tickets go on sale in September for St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church’s 2016-17 Concert Series. Shows include: <em>Phantom of the Opera</em> (Oct. 22); A Seraphic Fire Christmas: On a Winter’s Night (Dec. 18); An Evening with Tim Brumfield and Friends (Jan. 14); Wycliffe Gordon (Feb. 12); The Florida Singing Sons and The Girl Choir of South Florida (March 5). St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8339 or visit <a href="http://www.stgregorysepiscopal.org">www.stgregorysepiscopal.org</a><br /><br /><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Prosperity Coffee</span> <br /> Unity of Delray’s weekly coffee club, which meets from 7-8 a.m. on Thursdays in the Mary Kupferle Hall, has become an important part of the week for more than 50 regular attendees.<br /> What started with a handful of people is now a thriving fellowship led by the Rev. Nancy Norman, who teaches a chapter from whatever book they’re reading — they’re currently discussing Think and Grow Rich — then leads a discussion. <br /> There’s time for conversation, encouraging words and warm greetings. And, of course, there’s coffee, plus tea and goodies. <br /> Unity of Delray Beach is at 101 NW 22nd St., Delray Beach. For more information, call 276-5796 or visit <a href="http://www.unityofdelraybeach.org">www.unityofdelraybeach.org</a>.<strong><br /><br /></strong><em> Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.<strong><br /></strong></em></p></div>Meet Your Neighbor: Annie Davishttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/meet-your-neighbor-annie-davis2016-03-30T14:38:20.000Z2016-03-30T14:38:20.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960648458,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960648458,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7960648458?profile=original" /></a><em>Annie Davis, owner of Palm Beach Travel.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"> Some people count sheep at night, but Annie Davis, owner of Palm Beach Travel in Manalapan, goes to bed thinking about the logistics and routing of her clients’ trips. <br /> “It helps me sleep,” said Davis. <br /> Whether someone wants to rent out an entire private island in the Caribbean, visit Antarctica, take a private tour through Italy on a Harley-Davidson or organize a multi-generational family vacation, Davis can make it happen. <br /> “The majority of our business is luxury travel,” Davis said, “but we also book flights to New York on JetBlue.” <br /> Palm Beach Travel was recently named the “agent of record” for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, which means it can make bookings on the airline’s new luxury airliner that flies out of New York. <br /> The upper deck of the wide-body Airbus A380 features eight private “apartments,” including The Residence, an exclusive three-room suite with a living area and shower. The cost of The Residence between New York and Abu Dhabi is $32,000 each way. <br /> “It’s not for everybody,” said Davis, “but it’s an exciting part of our business, because it’s unique.” <br /> There’s only one Residence per aircraft, and there are only three in the world.<br /> The destinations most requested by Palm Beach Travel clients lately are Iceland, New Zealand, Seychelles, Dubai and Hawaii, Davis said.<br /> Palm Beach Travel opened just three years ago, and Davis plans to expand its square footage in the Plaza del Mar shopping center by almost double early next year. The boutique agency, which is part of the Altour division of American Express and specializes in Platinum and Centurion travel, also has a new cruise department that has “taken off,” Davis said.<br /> Davis travels about 120 days a year doing research and looking for ways to improve the travel experience of her clientele.<br /> “I don’t think any other travel agency in this area can say that they’re on top of the travel trends like we are,” Davis said. “We can tell you the pitch level in a lie-flat seat of every airline.” <br /> When Emirates started its new nonstop flights from Orlando to Dubai, Davis asked for complimentary round-trip limousine transportation from Palm Beach County to Orlando for her clients flying in business class and first class. And she got it. <br /> Davis, 45, who resides with her husband and two sons in Hypoluxo Island, is the world’s only American Express Travel Insider for the British Virgin Islands, and one of two for Dubai. She was a finalist for the 2016 Women of Worth, Entrepreneur of the Year award, and was recently nominated for the 2016 Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Women in Leadership Award.<br /> She is a donor and volunteer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the organization that sent her family on a trip to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Isles—chosen as a destination by her brother after he was diagnosed with leukemia as a child. <br /> “It’s my favorite place in the world,” Davis said. “That was something that I always feel I need to give back to people so they can have that same experience.”<br /> Along with her coworkers, Davis is also a donor and volunteer of Give Kids the World, which created a hotel in Orlando with its own nursing care and amusement park, specifically for kids visiting Disney World through the Make-A-Wish program. <br /> When it comes to travel, Davis said, “I have what we call ‘jet fuel in the blood.’ This is not a job. It really is a way of life.”<strong><br /></strong><em> — Marie Puleo</em><strong><br /><br /><em> Q.</em></strong> Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?<strong><br /> A.</strong> I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived there until I was 12. I went to All Saints Catholic School. We lived in a great family neighborhood filled with kids. I was blessed to have had an early childhood spent playing with friends from the neighborhood, going to summer camp and our local amusement park. <br /> I had two younger brothers, Michael and David, with whom I was very close. Tragedy struck our family just after we moved to California when I was 12. My brother Michael was diagnosed with leukemia. My loving parents worked tirelessly to help my little brother. Sadly, he passed away at age 19, just after we moved to Michigan. <br /> Because of this, I grew up quickly. I had a lot of responsibility, as the oldest sibling. This has influenced my life greatly. I have an incredible amount of emotional strength, I hold my husband and children more closely and I live every day to its fullest.<strong><br /><br /> Q.</strong> What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?<strong><br /> A.</strong> I have always been in the travel industry. I was a founding member of two airlines, Jet U.S. in Detroit, Michigan, and Midway Airlines in Chicago. I was an inflight supervisor and oversaw our flight attendant division. As an inflight supervisor, I also had the opportunity to fly as a flight attendant. On one of these flights, I met my future husband.<br /> The tragic events of Sept. 11 changed my career path. Midways Airlines closed its doors on the very next day. I found myself six months pregnant, with no job and an uncertain career path. I took this opportunity to complete my college degree and start a vacation rental company in the Florida Keys. <br /> It was difficult to balance school, work and care for my family. I could not have done this without the support of my fabulous mom and supportive family.<br /> Once my children were established in school, I joined American Express as an exclusive Centurion travel agent. Our team planned travel and lifestyle experiences for the top 10 percent of the wealthiest Centurion cardholders. <br /> American Express announced in 2013 that it was closing its storefront travel agencies. I saw a need for a boutique storefront travel agency in Manalapan. With the blessing of American Express, I opened Palm Beach Travel, a division of Altour Travel, American Express in Plaza del Mar. I also brought with me the top agents from American Express.<strong><br /> <br /> Q.</strong> What advice do you have for a young person selecting a career today? <strong><br /> A.</strong> Don’t let failure stop you. Use it to inspire you to work harder. The first airline I started at lasted only a few days. From that experience, I had two choices. The first was to choose another career path, the second was to try again. I am very happy I tried again. <br /> When 9/11 happened, I didn’t let that stop me. I tried again. When American Express said they were closing their storefront travel agencies, I didn’t see that as failure but as an opportunity to open Palm Beach Travel. <br /> Failure is only an opportunity to do something you love over again, only better.<strong><br /><br /> Q.</strong> How did you choose to make your home in Hypoluxo Island? <strong><br /> A.</strong> Almost 20 years ago, I was filming a documentary for PBS about flight attendants on a flight from Palm Beach. There was a good-looking passenger on that flight who did everything he could to make me look good on camera and did a bit of flirting. That passenger ended up being my future husband, Brent. <br /> Brent, a lawyer, was a longtime resident of Hypoluxo Island. We married in 2000 and I moved from North Carolina to the island. We just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary! <strong><br /><br /> Q.</strong> What is your favorite part about living in Hypoluxo Island? <strong><br /> A.</strong> I can walk or ride my bike to work. I also think it is a wonderful place to raise a family.<strong><br /><br /> Q.</strong> What book are you reading now?<strong><br /> A.</strong> I am an avid reader. The book I am currently reading is The Path Between the Seas, by David McCullough. My family and I are traveling to the Panama Canal and we all are reading this book. I highly recommend it.<strong><br /><br /> Q.</strong> What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax? <strong><br /> A.</strong> When I need inspiration, I listen to Jimmy Buffett. He is a great storyteller. When I need to relax, I listen to the music played at Hot Yoga of Delray during my yoga class. I have practiced hot yoga regularly for eight years.<br /><strong><br /> Q.</strong> Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?<strong><br /> A.</strong> My father, Mike Heglin. My dad is the humblest person I know. He was an early pioneer in the laser industry and is a published author. His career and family values have shaped my life. <br /> He began his career as an engineer working with lasers at University of Cincinnati developing laser eye surgery. He then went on to develop lasers for GE in their aircraft division. He also worked with NASA and many other notable companies. He still works in a small corner of his garage developing laser technology that shapes the future of our society. <br /> He and my beautiful mom, Suzanne, have been married for nearly half a century.<strong><br /><br /> Q.</strong> If your life story were made into a movie, who would you want to play you?<strong><br /> A.</strong> Elizabeth Banks. She is funny, charming and blonde.<strong><br /><br /> Q. </strong> Is there something about you people don’t know, but should?<strong><br /> A.</strong> I am a good matchmaker. One of my best friends is Emi Ebben from Jewelry Artisans. My husband’s best friend is a great guy named Tim. We set them up on a date many years ago. They just celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary!</p></div>Business Spotlight: New businesses filling out Plaza Del Marhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-new-businesses-filling-out-plaza-del-mar2014-01-02T18:30:00.000Z2014-01-02T18:30:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960478266,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960478266,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960478266?profile=original" /></a>Annie Davis recently opened</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Palm Beach Travel.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>INSET BELOW:</em></strong><em> Ron Reshefsky</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><b>Photos provided</b></p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>By Christine Davis</strong><b> </b></p>
<p> Plaza del Mar in Manalapan is the new home for <b>Palm Beach Travel</b> and <b>Allstate Insurance</b>.</p>
<p><b> Annie Davis</b>, owner of Palm Beach Travel, opened her travel agency afer seeing a need for a local agency. An American Express affiliate, her agency specializes in Platinum and Centurion travel as well as cruises, tours and family reunions. </p>
<p><b> Hillary Longo</b> opened her Allstate franchise in September to fill what she saw as a void in the community. Her agency offers coverage for auto, life, residence and more, and her team includes four licensed producers with more than 80 years of combined insurance and financial services experience. </p>
<p> For information about Palm Beach Travel, call 585-5885. For information about Allstate in Plaza Del Mar, call 293-4277. </p>
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<p> One tenant has been in the 1981-era, 12,000-square-foot office building at <b>4600 North Ocean</b>, Boynton Beach, from the very start.</p>
<p> That would be attorney <b>Erik Joh</b>, whose firm <b>Hinman, Howard and Kattell</b>, was the first non-bank tenant in the building.</p>
<p> “We opened on April Fool’s Day 1981,” Joh said. “The primary tenant and the group that caused the building to be built was the old First National Bank in Palm Beach.”</p>
<p> He recalled other past tenants: <b>Payne-Webber</b>, <b>Alan Bush Brokerage Company</b>, <b>Prudential Bache</b>. “Also some retired gentlemen had offices here: the former owner of the Baltimore Colts, who had a major national beer distributorship, Becks Beer; and we also had one of the founders of Friendly Ice Cream in here.”</p>
<p> The second floor of the building was to be an executive office suite, Joh said, and he took over some of the space when he arrived from Binghamton, N.Y. (where his firm’s main office is located) to open a branch here.</p>
<p> In November, the building was bought by <b>Ben Yomtob</b>, a commercial landlord. </p>
<p> “It’s a fantastic location. Between Deerfield Beach and Palm Beach, there are only four commercial buildings this size in that stretch, so demand is high and the supply is low, and everybody wants to be a block from the beach,” Yomtob said. </p>
<p> He is currently focusing on bringing the building up to his standards “and not look like a 1980s flashback.”</p>
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<p> The nonprofit <b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</b> will establish its first facility in Broward County after recently breaking ground in Deerfield Beach. The 25,000-square-foot ambulatory care center will handle primary care, urgent care, radiology and breast health, and will have 25 to 30 employees.</p>
<p> Also, the hospital is building the <b>Marcus Neuroscience Institute</b> on its main campus, scheduled to be completed in spring 2014; and following that, it plans to break ground on the <b>Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute</b>. </p>
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<p> The <b>Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce</b> announced that <b>Yvonne Boice</b>, owner of <b>The Shoppes at Village Pointe</b> and <b>Fugazy International Travel</b>, will receive its 2014 Diamond Award. She will be honored at the sixth annual luncheon on Feb. 21 at Woodfield Country Club, Boca Raton. Approximately 200 guests are expected to attend.</p>
<p> For information on sponsorship opportunities, corporate tables and tickets, call Chasity Navarro at 395-4433, Ext. 233, email her at cnavarro@bocaratonchamber.com, or visit <a href="http://www.bocaratonchamber.com">www.bocaratonchamber.com</a>.</p>
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<p> It can’t get any easier to enjoy a great meal at <b>Caffe Luna Rosa</b>, because the Delray Beach restaurant has partnered with SnappyEats.com to offer quick and easy online ordering and pickup. Visit <a href="http://www.caffelunarosa.com">www.caffelunarosa.com</a>, place your order, and drive to the restaurant’s valet station, where you can park for free to pick up your lunch or dinner.</p>
<p> Offering a slightly modified menu (taking into account foods that travel well), items include selections of meat, poultry and seafood as well as homemade pasta, bread and desserts, even gelato. It’s simple and satisfying, says partner/founder <b>Fran Marincola</b>. </p>
<p> Caffe Luna Rosa offers online ordering 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch, and 4:30-9 p.m. for dinner Monday through Thursday; and 4:30-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Caffe Luna Rosa is at 34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach.</p>
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<p><span class="Apple-tab-span"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960477871,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960477871,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="190" alt="7960477871?profile=original" /></a></span> Insurance brokerage veteran <b>Ron Reshefsky</b> has started a new risk management and insurance brokerage firm in Boca Raton, <b>Century Risk Advisors</b>. The firm provides businesses, public entities, professional service providers and individuals with insurance and risk management services. Reshefsky, who serves as chairman, has launched the new agency with his son, <b>Gary Reshefsky</b>. </p>
<p> To provide its clients with great services, Reshefsky has recruited key individuals from his previous company, Century Financial Services, along with professionals from other insurance companies. The firm also is hiring more top property and casualty sales executives. Qualified applicants can visit the website for more information.</p>
<p> Century Risk Advisors is at 2600 N. Military Trail, Suite 240, Boca Raton. For more information, call 409-2420 or visit <a href="http://www.centuryriskadvisors.com">www.centuryriskadvisors.com</a>.</p>
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<p> The senior living community <b>Abbey Delray South</b> in Delray Beach has completed a $6.5 million renovation that includes the creation of three dining venues.</p>
<p> “Dining is huge among today’s seniors and the aging baby boomer population,” said <b>David Randazzo</b>, executive director of Abbey Delray South. “They want it to be a culinary experience and they want options.”</p>
<p> The renovations, designed by <b>c.c. hodgson</b> architectural group, create a resort atmosphere with amenities. New dining venues include a bistro with attached bar and lounge, a formal dining room, and a garden dining setting. A new 5,000-square-foot gourmet kitchen also expands culinary choices for residents. </p>
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<p><b> The Seagate Country Club</b> unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation of its 18-hole championship private golf course in November 2013.</p>
<p> “The Hamlet Golf Club was purchased and renamed The Seagate Country Club in November 2012, and was then fully renovated to create a world-class golf facility to complement the award-winning Seagate Hotel & Spa and Seagate Beach Club,” said <b>E. Anthony Wilson</b>, Seagate Hospitality Group CEO.</p>
<p> As the original home of the first <b>Golf Digest School</b>, the renovation preserved the original Joe Lee-designed course while enhancing the course with state-of-the-art grasses and technology that were not in existence when the course was designed in 1973.</p>
<p> The club features a practice facility that offers a fully outfitted driving range, putting green, short game pitching and bunker areas, as well as a staff of PGA professionals who are available for private lessons, including <b>Darren Panks</b>, <b>Andy Anderson</b>, <b>Whitney Young</b> and <b>Craig Harmon</b>.</p>
<p> Annual golf members and resort memberships are available. Contact Kate Park for additional information on memberships at Kpark@seagatedelray.com. </p>
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<p> Black-tie galas have a long history in Palm Beach, but the <b>Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce</b> has a different color in mind. Its first eco-chic <b>Green Gala</b> will be held Jan. 25 at <b>The Omphoy</b> in Palm Beach.</p>
<p> Green living, sustainability, community and creative culture will be showcased, Omphoy Chef <b>Michael Wurster</b> is creating a special home-grown menu, and guests will bid at an environmentally conscious silent auction. Entertainment will feature fire dancers, garden fairies, belly dancers, stilt walkers, dancers from <b>Groovolution Dance Studio</b> and a DJ. </p>
<p><b> Jonathan T. Porges</b> has been named the new president and CEO of the Boynton Chamber. Porges has served on the chamber’s board of directors since 2009 and as its chair for the past two years. </p>
<p><b> Ethel Isaacs Williams</b>, regional manager of corporate external affairs at Florida Power & Light Co., has been named the 2014 chairman of the board of directors. Williams has been a board member since 2010.</p>
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<p><i>Christine Davis is a freelance writer. Send business news to her at cdavis9797@comcast.net.</i></p></div>