Travel Archives -

September 25, 2024

A turtle rehab center: From rescue to release

There is a place on the Atlantic coast where injured and sick sea turtles are brought into a state-of-the-art facility and nursed back to health. They are provided their own saltwater tank to swim in, given a name and identity, and treated like valued patients. The public can come visit for free and learn about these sea patients while watching them in their recovery.

It’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center, one of Florida’s most-visited nonprofit scientific sites. I first learned about this place when it was voted the best free attraction in the U.S. in USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice “10Best” list—beating such icons as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Boston’s Freedom Trail, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And it’s not far away, in Juno Beach!

So I decided to go check out this impressive rehabilitation center with my son Jacob, who loves anything related to animals. We spent a half-day there, immersing ourselves in the wonders of the ocean and enjoying a place totally dedicated to sea turtle and ocean conservation. The center notes that visitors can “explore interactive exhibits, observe our sea turtle patients, and engage with marine experts”—and we did all three things.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has been operating for over three decades. Its advanced hospital, founded by the Gray family, is a leading resource for sea turtle rehab. It includes a surgical suite, blood-work lab, and facilities for x-rays, endoscope, and ultrasound. The treatment protocol is to take turtle patients “from rescue to release,” with the plan of releasing them back into the ocean as soon as they are medically cleared.

When Jacob and I were visiting, we learned about sea turtles named Arugula, Willow, and Falafel. Each one had a sign on its tank with its name, age, date admitted, and a little story about what brought them there. For example, we learned that Arugula was a juvenile green sea turtle found entangled in a fishing line and suffering from fibropapillomatosis tumors. The hospital admitted the patient May 31, performed surgery to remove the tumors, gave Arugula antibiotics, and now was providing supportive care until it can return to the sea.

Some weeks after we visited, the center posted this on its website: “Public Sea Turtle Release: Join us as we say goodbye to sea turtle patient Willow. The release will take place on the beach behind the Center. Be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss out on the fun!”

I think it’s great that you can come see a turtle while it’s being actively treated, learn its story, and later watch it get released on the beach and return to where it came from.

Jacob and I also checked out a variety of exhibits there, including beautiful fish gliding around in salt-water aquaria, a huge, prehistoric Archelon sea turtle replica, displays of local wildlife, a glowing tank full of jellyfish, and educational exhibits about the marine environment of South Florida. We talked with some employees who were showing a range of turtle skulls on a table, providing us with fun facts.

We learned that Juno Beach is home to one of the largest loggerhead turtle populations in Florida, hence the name of the center. The beaches there host some of the highest-density sea turtle nesting in the world, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center researchers record each turtle nesting activity along 9.5 miles of beach adjacent to the center. Loggerheads range in size from 2.4 to 3.5 feet, and their name comes from their large block-like head. They also are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The center receives sea turtles from their very start in life, too. It has on display a tank full of turtle hatchlings, which many kids were excited to gather around and observe while we were there. And outside in front of the entrance doors, there is a “Hatchling Holding Area,” which includes a large cooler left out so that if people find live hatchlings on the beach and bring them to the center after hours, they can place them in sand contained in the cooler—for safekeeping.

“If the hatchlings are on their way to the ocean, leave them alone. If they seem weak and confused, bring them to the Center,” the sign there says. “We appreciate your help saving our local sea turtles.”

What a wonderful system for some of our state’s natural wildlife.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to marinelife.org.

September 3, 2024September 3, 2024

A beautiful key right outside Miami

Where can you find an island just minutes from downtown Miami? That would be at Key Biscayne, just across the Rickenbacker Causeway from the city. It is Florida’s southernmost barrier island, and it lies between two large parks, Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the latter which is home to the 19th-century Cape Florida Lighthouse. This key is located between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Key Biscayne is a great place for a nice day trip, which I did on a recent Sunday with my fiancé and another couple. I was interested in seeing the sheltered beaches, mangroves, and tropical forest—which features lots of birds, butterflies, and loggerhead turtles—that I’d read about. The island also includes a golf course and an interactive nature center.

Key Biscayne is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, wind surfing, and water sports. We weren’t going there for those, but did plan to do a nature walk and go up in the historic lighthouse to see the breathtaking views that were advertised.

Driving through downtown Miami and onto the causeway brought sweeping turquoise water views as we motored over the bridge to the island. As we followed the one road (Crandon Blvd.) heading south, we came upon the well-to-do Village of Key Biscayne, which was incorporated June 18, 1991, in the center of the island. From there, we continued on to Bill Baggs park on the key’s southern tip.

A little history: Ponce de Leon named this area “Cape of Florida” when he led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513. Shortly after Florida became a territory of the U.S. in 1821, the island was bought from a local family for $100, and 3 acres were sold to the federal government for $225 for a military reservation. The northern two-thirds of Key Biscayne used to operate as the largest coconut plantation in the continental U.S. The lighthouse was first lit in 1825 by John Dubose, its first keeper. The lighthouse signal served as important navigation to aid and protect ships along the coast. The Cape Florida lighthouse was damaged during the Second Seminole War. A rebuilt tower was completed in 1846, and the lighthouse remains the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

The day we visited, my friend Susan and I had all intentions of touring inside this lighthouse. It is 109 steps to the top, and we planned to view the beautiful scenery from up on its wraparound balcony. As we waited in line on this hot summer day, we heard the employee stationed at the entrance communicating with another staffer who was at the top of the lighthouse. We were able to make out that there was a woman who had climbed the steps and then gotten lightheaded and was asking for water. The worker on the ground was saying they could only provide ice chips for this visitor’s neck.

I turned to Susan, alarmed, and said that maybe we don’t climb to the top. High heat and walking up steep steps usually don’t create a great situation for me! She agreed, and we headed back to where the others were waiting on a shady bench. The spectacular views would have to wait for a cooler day. Climbing 109 steps in 90-degree weather wasn’t a good idea.

We enjoyed exploring the area around the lighthouse though. We went inside the original lightkeeper’s cottage, read all the signs providing history of the island (including its role in slaves escaping to freedom in the early 1820s), and took a stroll down to one of the beautiful beaches. We did some walking along shaded nature paths. The park also boasts mangrove wetlands, wooden boardwalks, and lots of water views.

We stopped for a late lunch on our way out the causeway, at a restaurant with striking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline: the landmark Rusty Pelican. It’s a bit of a drive off the causeway to reach this property. Unfortunately, the only place to park there is expensive valet parking, and we were not remotely close to any free lots. The restaurant is very pretty, our food was great, and we loved our view, but they get you twice with the parking.

Another place on the way back along the causeway is a smaller island, Virginia Key, less than a mile from downtown Miami. It features the Miami Seaquarium on its south side, with close-up views of dolphins and marine animals. We didn’t make it there on this trip. Those attractions will be saved for another day.

May 24, 2024

A pet-friendly summer getaway

Planning a local trip with your furry friend can be a pawsitive adventure for both you and your dog. With so many hotels and attractions now welcoming pets, it’s just one more reason to take them along for the family fun. Not to mention, it’s an ideal way to help pass the time of those dog days of summer.

Here are some key points to consider when organizing a trip with your pup:

Be sure to choose pet-friendly accommodations for your hotel or vacation rentals, or if “ruffing” it at a campground. Check their pet policies, fees, and amenities they offer for pets.
Destination selection. Make sure your destination offers activities suitable for dogs—parks, trails, or pet-friendly locations where they can enjoy the outdoors.
Pack the essentials. Don’t forget their food, water, bowls, leash, collar with ID tags, waste bags, toys, and any medications they take.
Health and safety. Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations and preventative treatments are up to date. Bring a copy of the dog’s medical records and contact information for local veterinarians in case of emergency.
Buckle up. When traveling in the car, secure your dog with a harness, crate, or pet barrier approved for car travel. Don’t forget to take regular breaks for quick walks during the car ride.
Plan dog-friendly activities such as exploring pet-friendly beaches, visiting dog parks, and dining at outdoor restaurants that welcome dogs.

Pet-Friendly Resorts Within Driving Distance

Costa d’Este—Vero Beach

Costa d’Este is a pet-friendly, oceanfront hotel in Vero Beach. Four-legged friends can dig into breakfast on the pet-friendly Bamboo Patio, then head out for a fun-filled day on the beach. If they’re in need of a break from the sand, simply head to the nearby open-air dog park on the beautiful Indian River.

Naples Bay Resort & Marina—Naples

Naples Bay Resort is pet-friendly, and with its own marina, it’s a great place to rent a boat and take your four-legged family member with you on a boat ride across Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island. This beautiful barrier island beach allows leashed dogs, and it’s the only dog-friendly beach in the greater Naples/Marco Island area.

Hawks Cay Resort—Duck Key

From the moment you and your pup arrive, you’ll be assigned a dedicated pup planner who will be there to assist you every step of the way. Whether you need travel information or recommendations for pet services, your pup planner will ensure that your vacation is seamless and stress-free. To make your dog’s stay even more enjoyable, they’ll provide a Vacay Pup amenity package at check-in. If you need any additional pet supplies during your stay, simply let your pup planner know, and they’ll arrange for them to be delivered to your room.

November 22, 2022

Meet Virgin Voyages’ chief executive pooch

Chief McAlpin has always been a social dog. Since he was a puppy, Chief has accompanied his parents, longtime Heron Bay residents Tom and Yvonne McAlpin, to play tennis, and he is a popular fixture at the courts.

“He’s part of the family. He’s part of the community. He’s something special,” enthuses Tom McAlpin.

In 2018, after the shooting at Margery Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD), Chief stepped up to show just how special he really is. A trained service dog, Chief became one of the therapy dogs that greeted students and faculty on their first day back after the shooting, and he continued to show up every day to provide emotional support.

“Chief grew up at Stoneman. He was in the yearbook for three years,” confirms McAlpin.

When the program at Margery Stoneman Douglas wrapped up, Chief, who turned 8 in October, was ready for the next opportunity. Landing his next gig—chief executive pooch of Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s luxury adults-only cruise line—was easy. After all, his owner, McAlpin, happens to be the company’s CEO.

Recognizing the positive impact that Chief has on people inspired McAlpin to bring him into the office, which he now does about once a week. “I’m always hearing, ‘What day is Chief
coming?’ ” laughs McAlpin. Chief’s popularity even merited his own photo on the staff photo wall. “People like to see him. You don’t usually see dogs in the office,” says McAlpin.

Bringing Chief to the office has also helped McAlpin interact more easily with employees. “It allows me to walk around with him and spend time with people. It’s a little awkward if the CEO walks in and starts talking to you, but having the dog there, people feel more comfortable around me,” he explains.

But the biggest impact that Chief has had is in boosting morale. “He makes people smile,” says McAlpin. “When people see him, they start smiling. That’s why they call them therapy dogs. They make people feel good.”

Virgin Voyages attempts to do the same—make people feel good by offering its own form of therapy, particularly for parents—with a premium, adults-only cruise experience. “Parents need a getaway, especially after COVID with them being schoolteachers, soccer coaches, therapists, and everything in between. Moms and dads need a vacation,” explains McAlpin. “It’s a great way to get away and have a sophisticated experience that’s hard to deliver when you have kids.”

McAlpin, a cruise industry veteran who has been with Virgin Voyages from the beginning, was instrumental in creating this vision for the brand. “Our original concept was to be adult-centric, which means there’s going to be experiences for adults, but there will be kids too and we’ll take care of them,” he says.

But feedback from focus groups primarily composed of mothers who indicated they wanted time away from their kids inspired a change in direction. “It was the toughest decision to make,” recalls McAlpin, who has children of his own. “But if we really wanted to differentiate ourselves, we needed to be adult-only.”

While it was a tough decision, it panned out well for Virgin Voyages. The company is experiencing exponential growth, and it is set to double its fleet in 2023 with the addition of two new ships, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.

Inspired by super-yacht designs, Virgin prides itself on delivering an elite, differentiated experience. Virgin’s initial ship, Scarlet Lady, boasts more five-star ratings than any other ship on Cruise Critic and was also named “Best New Cruise Ship” in 2021 by Cruise Critic editors.

Virgin’s ships feature six different restaurants (all included in the cost of your ticket), including Razzle Dazzle, a vegan-forward restaurant that also has a “naughty” menu for those who want to order meat.

Immersive entertainment options include “Never Sleep Alone,” a late-night cabaret that promises to put you at the helm of your sexual desire, and “Duel Reality,” a Romeo and Juliet retelling with an acrobatic, circus-type twist.

You can also literally “shake for champagne” using the Virgin app, or get a tattoo on board at Squid Ink, the first U.S.-based tattoo parlor at sea. “We’re for the young at heart,” enthuses McAlpin of Virgin’s unique nature.

Right now, Florida residents can get 30% off fares when they book within 45 days of sailing.

For more information, visit VirginVoyages.com.

August 15, 2021August 3, 2021

Now’s the time for dolphin fishing

It used to be that May and June were the best months for dolphin fishing in South Florida, but that has changed. August and September are now the best times for catching the colorful, delectable fish from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys.

“I think the last few years, August is the peak,” Capt. Abie Raymond said. “September usually has some big ones, but not as many numbers.”

Raymond is a Miami Beach native whose Go Hard Fishing (gohardfishing.com, @abie_raymond) offers offshore and inshore charters as well as trips in Miami-Dade County’s freshwater canals for peacock bass, largemouth bass, and clown knifefish.

In addition to witnessing firsthand the transition from a springtime dolphin bite to a summertime bite, Raymond has come up with a couple new techniques for catching what is considered one of South Florida’s favorite saltwater fish to eat.

For starters, he uses minnow-sized pilchards that he nets before he heads offshore to attract dolphins to his boat around weed lines, weed patches, and floating debris, which he searches for from the tower of his 28-foot C-Hawk center console.

“It fires the dolphins up and it gives you more opportunities,” said Raymond of the inch-and-a-half-long baits. “They keep the dolphins around your boat. You don’t have to worry, ‘Oh, where’s my rod? Where’s my bait?’ while the dolphins are swimming by.

“You just grab a scoop and throw it overboard. The baits swim back to the boat for shelter and the dolphins bust them all over the place for 10 minutes while you’re taking your time, rigging your rod, tying a new plug on, a jig, whatever you want.”

Raymond said the idea came from seeing dolphins spit out little baitfish as they jumped or hit the deck of his boat. He also saw the baits after filleting dolphins.

“Their stomachs are packed with them. That’s the kind of stuff they’re picking out of the seaweed,” Raymond said. “So I figured they’ve got to eat the heck out of them and they’re not going to get full on them. That’s the beauty of it. You’re not going to overfeed them like you would with big bait. Even if the fish shut off, you throw a scoop and they start blowing up. It turns them on immediately.”

The tactic worked to perfection on a trip with Raymond and his father, David, out of Bill Bird Marina in North Miami Beach.

After Raymond spotted a couple of dolphins near a weed patch from his boat’s tower, he climbed down, dipped up about eight of the little baits, and flung them into the water. Those two dolphins and a bunch of their schoolmates quickly surrounded the boat.

Raymond baited several lightweight spinning outfits with small pilchards as well as with some bigger pilchards.

At one point, David Raymond and I were both reeling dolphin to the boat and a third fish was on an outfit that Raymond had hooked while he was trying to reel up the bait to get the line out of our way. He stuck that rod in a rod-holder so he could gaff our fish.

Raymond’s dolphin outfits — a 10-pound Ugly Stick rod with a 3500 Penn Slammer reel spooled with 20-pound braided line with a 2/0 J hook — produced a fun, exciting fight with the schoolies, which weighed 5 to 10 pounds.

“The braid is so strong and so durable,” Raymond said, “and those little reels now are so capable drag-wise, it eliminates the need for heavy tackle.”

Raymond does bring out heavier spinning outfits — 7-foot rods with Penn 7500 Spinfisher reels with 20-pound braid — for another new tactic for catching dolphins around weed lines.

He uses a fishing kite to put a skirted ballyhoo 50 feet behind his boat and another skirted ballyhoo 100 feet back. With his boat 100 to 150 feet away, Raymond trolls the baits along weed lines and across weed patches. The lure-ballyhoo combos look like flying fish, which dolphin love to eat, as they skip across the water.

Raymond wriggles a dead ballyhoo back and forth with his hands to break the entire spine, which gives the baitfish life-like movement when it’s in the water. He also breaks the tail to prevent the bait from spinning, squeezes out any intestinal matter, and breaks off the bill with an upward snap.

He inserts a 7/0 Mustad 3407 triple-strength J hook through both lips and through the front of the bait’s skull to keep the hook in place, and slides a weighted skirt or feather — a Jet Head, Billy Bait, or Sea Witch — on top of the ballyhoo.

The lure’s weight helps keep the bait in the water instead of flying above it. Raymond uses a 1-ounce skirt on the far bait and a half-ounce skirt on the short bait.

The hook placement in the ballyhoo’s head instead of its belly, as in a trolling bait, is virtually weed-proof, especially positioned directly behind a skirt.

“If you have to go through patchy grass, it doesn’t matter because your hook is out of the water,” Raymond said. “We’ll drag the baits right over it, and that’s what makes it advantageous. You don’t have to worry about constantly picking grass off your baits.”

And that means you can spend much more time enjoying the best dolphin fishing of the year.

July 15, 2021July 12, 2021

Sunshine, Wildlife, and Cane Toads: My First Year in the South

A year ago, I moved to southeast Florida from northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Besides arriving in a new part of the country in the middle of a pandemic, which presents its own set of challenges, I encountered a lot of new and different things to contend with in my adopted state.

Born and raised around Chicago, I moved to the D.C. area after college, got married and raised kids there, and then decided to move to Florida after a divorce and job layoff last year. Why not start fresh in a new place, where I wouldn’t have to deal any longer with snow and ice? The lingering image that had always been in the back of my mind was to someday live in a warm and subtropical place, surrounded by palm trees, and somewhere near the ocean. And so that’s what I ended up doing when the opportunity unexpectedly presented itself.

I took the settlement checks from both my divorce and my full-time job and put them toward the purchase of a nice “villa” home in Florida. And so in July 2020, I suddenly found myself moving still further south and east from where I had originally started (cold, windy Chicago). My dog Lex, a Pomeranian mix, and I arrived last summer to this sunny and humid part of the country and began to put down roots, and I soon discovered a lot of differences here.

I have no regrets, but here are some observations from my first year in Florida:

Lizards in the house. I didn’t know that there would be so much wildlife around my new neighborhood. While I appreciate all the birds, geese, ducks, and rabbits lollygagging around my lakeside community, and I’ve gotten to enjoy the various lizards darting around the lawn, I didn’t expect to be sharing my home with the geckos. These quick creatures like to sneak into the house and creep around the rooms, hang out on the ceiling, and pop out and startle me.

Cane toads that could kill my little dog. Of all the animals I’ve encountered in southeast Florida, including alligators at the wetlands reserves, the scariest for me are the ugly toads that secrete powerful toxins that could take out Lex, horribly and painfully, within 30 minutes if I’m not constantly vigilant outside.

Hurricanes! Two weeks after I moved to Florida last July, Hurricane Isaias hurdled in from the Atlantic and joined me here. I got a very quick lesson on preparing for tropical storms and securing my hurricane shutters. While my windows were tightly covered for a couple tumultuous days, it was dark and depressing in my house. I was so happy when Isaias finished up his visit and rolled away.
Gated communities. Yes, I live in a secure, gated community, and as a single woman residing alone, I am relieved to have that protection. But what I have found in this part of the country is that there are so many gated communities that it’s not easy to just drive through neighborhoods here and explore. When I lived in Virginia, I could run through any neighborhoods I felt like. Here, I can’t do that. I have to keep to my own community or on the busy roads around it.
More tattoos than I’ve ever seen before. I didn’t know before my move that Florida was the land of full-body tattoos. While I have had friends and family in my life who have sported one or two small tattoos, I was in for a surprise when I arrived here and saw that they are etched all over people’s faces and limbs, in every corner of the region.

Like the colorful tattoos, I am getting used to all the differences in southeast Florida. I enjoyed my first warm winter here, although I missed the changing of the seasons in the fall and the spring. But I am glad my winter coat is packed far away in a bin in the closet, and I don’t ever have to shovel out my car again. I’ll take it.

May 17, 2021May 11, 2021

Spring and summer mark the beginning of moving season

Here are a few tips to make your moving process smoother:

Prior to moving or relocating, declutter clothing, toys, or personal items. Eliminating these items in advance of your move will reduce your packing time and moving costs.

Pack items from each room together so they are not mixed with items from other rooms. For example, kitchen items should be packed separately from master closet items. This will help to make unpacking quicker and easier.

On your moving day, ensure the movers label and scan all of your items before they are loaded into the truck. Items should be labeled on each side and not just on the top so they can be identified easily.

While the movers will create a list of all of your items, consider creating your own inventory list to not only confirm the mover’s list but also designate which room they should be placed in your new home.

Once your items start unloading at your destination, be sure to check each item off on both the mover’s list and your list to double check that all your items have arrived safely. Inspect each item for damage if possible.

Time permitting, open and examine your items to see if they are intact. If anything is missing or damaged, be sure to make a claim as quickly as possible. Take pictures to document any damage, and immediately notify your move coordinator.

Lisa Haubenstock is a Professional Organizer and the owner of LisaTheOrganizer, LLC. serving Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties.

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021

Road Tripping in Florida

By Amy Martin

If you’ve ever had dreams of swinging high beneath the big top, or if
you’ve ever been bemused by circus-themed-historical-Americana,
look no further than our own backyard.

In 1884, five Ringling brothers launched their first circus in Baraboo,
Wisconsin. They traveled town to town, like many other small circuses,
using animal-drawn caravans. The circus grew, and shortly after their
debut, they were soon able to transport their circus by train, bringing
“oohs” and “ahhs” far and wide across the entire country.

The Ringling Bros. purchased the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show
on Earth in 1907 and operated the circuses separately until 1919.
Combined in the 1930s, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
became the largest and most renowned circus in the world.

The Ringling Estate in Sarasota is an homage to our American culture
— and to our adoration of thrill-seeking entertainment and amusement.

The property includes multiple sites of interest: The John and Mable
Ringling Museum of Art (the official state art museum of Florida),
Ringling’s mansion Ca’ d’Zan (Venetian for “House of John”), the
Circus Museum, the historic Asolo Theater, the Tibbals Learning
Center, the Ringling Art Library, Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, the
Secret Garden, the Dwarf Garden, Bayfront Garden Tours, the FSU
Center for the Performing Arts, and the gravesites of John and Mable
Ringling.

The Ringling Estate encourages artists to use the grounds as an
inspirational space to make art, asking only that posted guidelines are
respected.

Just a hop, skip, and swing away from Parkland, you’ll be there in 3.25
hours.

While you’re visiting Sarasota, you may want to check out these
other electrifying acts:
Take a class and fly trapeze at the school of circus arts, and/or see a
show. https://circusarts.org/flyingtrapeze/
Drive one hour north of Sarasota to Gibsonton to visit the community
of retired circus and carnival performers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibsonton,_Florida

July 1, 2019July 10, 2019

STAYCATIONING

in Florida’s historic hotels

Staying at a historic hotel is a unique experience filled with old-world charm that transports you to another era. You can enjoy that experience at one of the fourteen Florida hotels that are part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Hotels of America.

A hotel must be at least 50 years old and utilize historic accommodations to be included in the prestigious program. The hotel must also be designated as a historic landmark or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Classic Florida style from the 19th and early 20th centuries pervades in hotels like the jazz-age Colony Club Hotel in Delray Beach. Opened in 1926, its gracious lobby still contains original iron chandeliers, terrazzo floors, and even a manually operated elevator. There, you can lounge in one of 50 pieces of 1920s wicker furniture or head out to the huge veranda to enjoy coastal breezes. Classic cocktails await at the Colony Porch Bar or you shop several boutiques inside. When the waves call, the Club has 250 feet of private beach with complimentary cabanas and chaises for guests.

Across the state, in St. Petersburg, the Don CeSar, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace,” is a Mediterranean-style building opened in 1928. It’s hosted such notables as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, and Franklin Roosevelt. During much of the 20^th century, the Don CeSar was conscripted into military service as an Air Force convalescent center and eventually a Veteran’s Administration office. It was saved from an uncertain fate and returned to its former grandeur as a hotel in the 1970s after a $7.5 million restoration.

Casa Monica Hotel circa 1900. (Wikimedia Commons)

St. Augustine’s landmark Casa Monica Hotel opened in 1888 and was purchased by railroad magnate Henry Flagler soon after its opening. The five-story Moorish-revival hotel boasts 100-foot towers capped with red tile and an arched carriage entrance showing 19th-century roots. Inside, take time to admire the gold-leafed archways and hand-painted Italian tile. Its 138 guest rooms have Spanish-style furniture, including wrought-iron four-poster beds and mahogany tables. The Casa Monica Hotel was reopened as a historic hotel in 1999 and soon after hosted the King and Queen of Spain. Today, it’s considered one of the finest boutique hotels in the country and St. Augustine’s only AAA Four-Diamond property.

Near the center of Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District sits the 14-story National Hotel. When it opened in 1939, the National Hotel was considered one of the grandest hotels on Miami Beach; today, the authentically restored Art Deco property stands as a testament to Miami’s golden era. Inside are treasures like hand-picked Deco-era furnishings, terrazzo floors, and a massive original oak bar, the centerpiece of the hotels’ Blues Bar. You can also enjoy jazz and other live entertainment or take a dip in the 250-foot palm-lined infinity pool. For more information on these or any of the other Historic Hotels of America, visit HistoricHotels.org.

July 1, 2019July 10, 2019

Man on a Mission

Street Priest hits South Florida & beyond

Just 19, barely past his freshman year at Lynn University, James Okina is already well-traveled, very savvy, and passionate about his work. In fact, he’s a man on a mission.

At 15, in his hometown of Calabar, Nigeria, a city not unlike Boca Raton with its greenery and coastal proximity, he founded a nonprofit called Street Priests designed to help the children living in the streets.

By the time he reached 17, Okina says he became obsessed with solving this problem on a global scale and began to study why, despite increasing efforts to address the issue, this problem is growing and persists worldwide.

An estimated 100-150 million children live on the streets around the world, while 250,000 die every week from disease and malnutrition, and 10 million are child slaves, according to Womenaid International.

In the U.S., almost 2.5 million kids under age 18 — that’s 1 in 30 — experience homelessness each year. In Palm Beach County alone, more than 4,400 children are counted as homeless, according to the county’s Homeless Coalition.

Kids living on the street are often victims of violence and crime, and later often fall prey to abuse and drug addiction. They are especially vulnerable to the human rights violations inherent in gangs, sexual exploitation, and abuse and neglect.

As an adolescent, Okina had been tempted into gang life. He is thankful he escaped — and it inspired him. “I rose above my own difficulties when my parents divorced when I was 8, and many people helped me along the way.” He remembers a cousin who came to stay where he lived with his father. Okina told NPR in 2017, “I saw that he led a more quiet, dignified life.”

Okina had already made international news by his late teens, as Street Priests drew attention, help, and funding. Trying to find a framework that would help the nonprofit reach children across different cultures and societies, he moved to South Florida to study at the Watson Institute at Lynn. Okina is part of an inaugural cohort of scholars from around the world studying to earn a degree in social entrepreneurship while working on issues they are passionate about.

“The first word that comes to mind when I think of James is unstoppable,” Tyler Tornaben, director of programs for the Watson Institute, said. “He is majoring in his mission every day.”

In his first year at Lynn, Okina met Isaac King, 23, who also feels driven to solve the worldwide crisis of homeless children.

King spent six months in the Dominican Republic after high school. The Ocala native learned Spanish and was drawn to the island’s street children, known as palomos — literally translated as “doves,” but in street slang, meaning “rascals.” King later spent a year in Brazil, working with the homeless “beach kids” of Rio de Janeiro.

At Lynn, joined in common cause, Okina and King set out on a self-proclaimed “audacious” trip back to the Dominican Republic to dive deeper into the street culture there.

Okina (right) and Isaac King flank Ana María Domínguez, Governor of Santiago Province, paying their respects during a recent visit to the Dominican Republic.

Over a period of eight days last March, the two traveled the island, interviewing more than 60 kids, community members, police officers, and government officials for a documentary.

“The stories and plights of both the Haitian and Dominican children we met left a deep and burning desire in us to commit to this problem and create a long-lasting change in our world,” Okina said.

A few of the children living in the streets in Santo Domingo. (Photo courtesy of James Okina)

The two will travel to London this summer to present their findings at the Map the System Global Challenge, part of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School at Oxford University.

King calls his mission partner an inspiration.

“James is a leader in every sense of the word,” King said. “He embodies everything he talks about. When you hear his conviction, you know it comes from a place of compassion and empathy.”

In the fall, Okina is set to help tackle gun violence in Palm Beach County. Partnering with Angela Williams, founder of Mother’s Against Murderers Association in Rivera Beach, they hope to design a plan of action to work with kids in the community to interrupt the cycle of gun violence.

Even if he can’t solve all the world’s problems, it seems likely Okina will at least provide sparks of inspiration and fellowship in lending a hand. Engaging with kids is the first step. “The future won’t create itself. Young people must take an active role,” Okina said. “We are only 25 percent of the population, but we are 100 percent of the future.”

June 1, 2019June 7, 2019

Family Guide to Cool Summer Fun

If you’re not up for braving the South Florida heat this summer, these local venues offer family-friendly activities available during the quiet — and less hot — afternoon and evening hours.

OUTDOOR FAVORITES

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Gumbo Limbo’s environmental complex in Boca Raton is an indoor / outdoor nature center with several aquariums and exhibits. A variety of group programs, including guided nature trail walks, sea turtle talks, and animal feedings, are offered throughout the week. A popular activity that only takes place on summer nights is the Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release, where participants have the opportunity to learn about Florida’s native sea turtles, walk to the nearby beach, and watch a nesting Loggerhead or see baby turtles race for the sea.

View Gumbo Limbo’s calendar of events for information on how to register.

Where: 1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton

When: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation); free parking

Details: GumboLimbo.org

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Favorite activities at Birch State Park range from live animal presentations to guided mangrove and trail walks, and all are excellent opportunities for families to explore Florida’s natural ecosystems and wildlife, and learn about the history behind this local state park. The two-mile loop surrounding the natural habitat is bike- and rollerblade friendly, while the Intracoastal Waterway allows for easy access to fishing and makes for a perfect sunset-viewing picnic spot. Birch State Park offers paddleboard rentals for those looking to visit Fort Lauderdale’s stretch of beaches along A1A. In addition, the park is home to Camp Live Oak, an immersive nature program for children ages 5-13, as well as a variety of scheduled tours, educational classes, and events.

Where: 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

When: Every day, 8 a.m. to sunset

Cost: $6 per family/group vehicle

Details: FloridaStateParks.org/HughTaylorBirch

Bark Beach at Spanish River Park

Release the leash and let Fido roam free on the sands of Spanish River Park’s beach! Bark Beach is sectioned off from the rest of the park to ensure dogs don’t run too far and other park visitors remain unscathed by licks or wet paws. Summer hours are conveniently scheduled in the early morning and late afternoon. Bark Beach is open to all families of Boca Raton who have purchased a dog permit at their nearest community center. A single weekend pass is also an option, allowing unlimited access to Boca’s best dog-friendly beach from Friday through Sunday.

Where: 3001 N. State Rd A1A, Boca Raton

When: Friday through Sunday, 7-9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to sunset

Cost: Bark Beach dog permit required; $11 weekend pass; parking $17 weekdays, $19 weekends OR free with annual beach pass

Details: MyBoca.us

INDOOR DESTINATIONS

Children’s Science Explorium

Located inside Boca’s Sugar Sand Park, the Children’s Science Explorium is a must-visit attraction. Activities during the summer include a variety of interactive, science-geared exhibits and exciting educational programs. The Grab ‘n’ Go Eco Pack gives young children and their families the opportunity to embark on a scavenger hunt throughout Sugar Sand’s nature trails and explore the park’s plants, birds, and insects. Kids-only activities include the one-week Summer Science Camp — open to youngsters in grades kindergarten through 5th — and the after-hour Friday Nights @ the Museum, featuring a cool experiment and movie night! Check the events calendar in early June for a list of summer exhibits and more info on registering.

Where: 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton

When: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation); free parking

Details: ScienceExplorium.org

Young At Art Museum

What’s one thing that makes the Young At Art Museum unique? Through its program YAA for ALL: Access to Lifelong Learning, the museum has developed special programs and events for children and adults with autism and other disabilities. In addition to its pre-scheduled classes and exhibits, the YAA opens one hour earlier every second Sunday of the month, giving exclusive access for families with disabled children. Specialized activities include the Sensory Studio Art Class, which creates a warm and friendly environment of hands-on art-making alongside specially trained staff members.

Where: 751 SW 121st Ave, Davie

When: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $14 for adults/children; $12 for seniors and Broward County residents; $11 for military families. Membership and group rates available.

Details: YoungAtArtMuseum.org

Museum of Discovery and Science

In addition to its array of science exhibits and children’s Discovery Camp, a distinctive feature of the Museum of Discovery and Science is its in-house IMAX 3D theater, which presents a number of documentaries and Hollywood films. With numerous showtimes throughout the day, as well as wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly screenings, this theater is a great pick for families. This summer, the Museum’s featured exhibit, Hall of Heroes, immerses visitors in the superhero world of crime-catchers, Batmobiles, spy gadgets, and more.

Where: 401 SW Second St, Fort Lauderdale

When: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Cost: $17 for adults; $16 for seniors; $14 for military families and children ages 2-12; free for children ages 1 and under; parking $6-$10. Museum membership rates available.

Details: MODS.org (Note: The IMAX 3D Theater has its own hours and admission fees. Please visit the MODS website for details.)

July 7, 2017July 3, 2019

Snowbirds Aflutter in Pacific Northwest

It’s my wife’s fault. She finished a book on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The treacherous terrain. The harsh weather. The constant threat from hostile Indians. It soon became clear that I might be a belated scalping victim if we didn’t get out to the Pacific Northwest and retrace at least part the great trail.

Fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson dispatched Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1804 to explore lands west of the Mississippi River he’d bought a year earlier for a song from cash-starved Napoleon Bonaparte. They never found the hoped-for navigable water route from St. Louis to the Pacific. But they delighted the third president with drawings and detailed reports of the area’s plants, animal life, and geography that were vastly different from that of America’s east coast.

The same contrasts that helped foster the settlement of the American west fascinated my wife and me as we drove along the Pacific coast from Victoria, British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Crescent City, California. The differences provided a constant source of amazement for us throughout more than 1,700 miles of driving. Our room at Crater Lake Lodge featured a view of the 2,000-foot deep lake and 10,000-foot high Mt. Shasta. Crater Lake is crystal clear and glass smooth. Intrepid tourists hike down the 180-foot drop to the lake’s surface and put a toe into the constant 57-degree water. Snow-covered Mt. Shasta silently laughs at them from miles away.

Tip: Take along some Avon Skin So Soft to repel voracious mosquitoes that appear from nowhere, attack without mercy, and follow you into your car. We favored back roads over Interstates.

That’s where the contrasts were most impressive. Valley floors covered by ripening corn, lavender, u-pick blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry fields crept between the rocky toed foothill children of great mountain fathers. Doublewide mobile homes in the valleys are looked down on by million dollar chalets up on the mountainside. A Washington state road side trip brought us to a generations-old clapboard store that catered to river rafting college kids. Bikini-clad girls and chisel-bodied guys stop in for craft beer and sandwiches of imported meats and cheeses before hitting the river. We followed them and photographed as they plopped into their tubes, popped beers, and lit up joints, legal in the Evergreen State.

The two-lane country roads had plenty of contrasts themselves. There were bussize RVs and 100-mile per day bicyclists. We met a young French Canadian girl bound from Quebec to San Francisco, alone, up and down the mountains on her pedal-powered two-wheeler. We’re grandparents and worried a bit as she disappeared in our rearview mirror. At mountain overlooks, chipmunks will eat out of your hand as nearly domesticated deer munch grass nearby. Washington has the largest car ferry system in America.

The two-hour trip from Victoria, British Columbia to Anacortes, Washington snaked through the magnificent San Juan Islands. Recreational sail and power boats gave right-of-way to ocean-going container ships. The exquisite juxtaposition of mountains and sea are contrasted sharply to the flatlands surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. Pacific Northwest towns are small, charming, and fastidiously neat. Main street light poles are festooned with hanging baskets of sparkling bright flowers. Seafood is delicious and plentiful. Merchants and restaurant folks are go-out-of-their-way friendly. Our takeaway from this trip? America is a big, beautiful country. It’s well worth taking the time to explore it. Jay Moore is a retired public relations executive. He and his wife divide their time between homes in Hampton Roads, Virginia and Palm Beach, Florida.