• Join us on

Press Release

DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH SECURITY AMBASSADOR PILOT PROGRAM DEBUTS

Thursday, February 16, 2017 - 4:30pm

Delray Beach, FL (February 2017)…The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched a new initiative to further enhance its Placemaking goal of fostering a compelling destination by enhancing the physical elements of the downtown, and its strategy to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.  The Downtown Delray Beach Security Ambassador Pilot Program debuted on February 6, 2017.  In partnership and with direction from the City of Delray Police Department and the Downtown Manager, two ambassadors in bright yellow shirts will be on foot and bike from 6am – 11pm Sunday through Wednesday and 6am – 1am from Thursday to Saturday.  They will patrol from NW/SW 5th avenue east on Atlantic Avenue to the Intracoastal Bridge, and one block on either side of Atlantic Avenue from Swinton Avenue to the Intracoastal Bridge.    

 “The DDA has been working closely with the City of Delray Beach Clean and Safe team and Community Improvement Department to find ways to assist with the quality of life issues that are affecting the Downtown/DDA District,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, Delray Beach DDA. “I had learned about the Ambassador Program through the West Palm Beach DDA and met with them on numerous occasions to review the program and the successes that it has brought to their city over the years.  The DDA Board recommended that it would fund and conduct the $50,150, 12-week Pilot/test program, and to hire Professional Security Consultants – the same organization providing Downtown Ambassadors for the West Palm Beach DDA, as well as City Place, Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.”

The role of the Ambassadors is to be a constant “security type presence with a hospitality side”, providing customer service support such as giving directions and information about Downtown to the public, Safe Walk services for employees or customers,  and serving as the extra set of eyes and ears for safety, lighting, banners, trash, etc. The Ambassadors will have cell phone contact with the Police Department and businesses, and will be on radio with the Clean and Safe Sergeant and the DDA team.

They will work directly with the Police Department and Clean and Safe team to monitor areas within the Downtown with an aim of deterring criminal activity or disruptive street behavior, and addressing quality of life issues such as homelessness, panhandling, loitering, disturbances in front of businesses, and assisting the Police Department with any issues as needed such as traffic accidents. In addition, the Ambassadors will work closely with the Downtown business owners and employees to share information and educate the community on how to effectively handle panhandling situations or any other related needs.

The Pilot Program Goals include increasing the perception of safety and enhancing the quality of life within the Downtown Area by addressing issues, and adding support for the Downtown Clean and Safe unit.  “We are hopeful that this program will truly help the Downtown Delray teams in their efforts, and be an asset to those who live, work and play in the DDA district, ” said Simon. 

We need your feedback on the pilot program. Please let us know if you'd like to see the program continue:

If you are a Downtown resident, property owner, business owner or visitor, send a letter or email about this pilot program to: DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com and/or CLICK HERE to take the Downtown Ambassador SURVEY.

For more information, please contact:  DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or 561.243.1077.

 

###

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC  

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

 

Read more

First Friday Art Walk (February 3rd): Special Offers, Refreshments & More!

Thursday, February 2, 2017 - 3:53pm

First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Delray Beach

Next Art Walk: Friday, February 3, 2017

Special Exhibits, Meet the Artists, Refreshments, Music

 

Delray Beach, FL (February 1, 2017)… The February 3rd First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Delray Beach features an evening of art, education and relaxation with the participation of 29 galleries and artists, special exhibits, offerings and promotions.

The First Friday Art Walk is a self-guided tour held every month, from 6 - 9 p.m.  Stroll through art galleries and working studios, and meet talented, local artists that make-up this award-winning arts town. Navigate your way through the myriad styles of art in the Downtown Delray Beach Arts District: Artists Alley (corner of 3rd Street & "Artists Alley" between NE 3rd Ave & NE 4th Ave), Pineapple Grove (NE 2nd Avenue), and Atlantic Avenue.  This is a FREE event (no ticket, pass, coupon required) – just show up and start wherever you'd like!

Art Walk Brochure & Map available at all participating galleries and studios, and online DowntownDelrayBeach.com/FirstFridayArtWalk, or phone the DDA at 561.243.1077.

 

February 3, 2017: Special Offers & Noteworthy News from our participating First Friday Art Walk galleries & studios:

Amanda Johnson Studio - Artists Alley - 337 NE 3rd Ave - http://www.amandajohnsonstudio.com/

Come see all the fabulous color, sparkle and shine in Amanda's studio. She enjoys creating artwork that celebrates life!

Click here to RSVP to Amanda’s February 3rd Art Walk Facebook event:

Art by Paula - Artists Alley - 337 NE 3rd Avenue

For the evening, enjoy wine, cheese and pick-ups, and new acrylic and abstract artwork will be shown. Comfortable chairs will be available outside to sit and relax.

A-Z Picture Framing & Gallery - Pineapple Grove Arts District - 275 NE 2nd Ave

Cordially invites you and your friends to a meet and greet with artist Karen Provence.

View her paintings, enjoy complimentary wine & light refreshments, and enter to win an original painting by the artist.   

Black Pearl Fine Art – 514 E Atlantic Ave. - www.blackpearlfineart.com

Wine and cheese will be offered, as well as 35% off custom framing and 20% off selected framed art. 

Blue Gallery - 600 E Atlantic Ave -http://www.bluefineart.com/

Enjoy 15% off art purchased during the February 3rd Art Walk.

DeBilzan Gallery - 38 E Atlantic Ave. - www.debilzangallery.com

Rare appearance by Artist William DeBilzan doing a Live Painting presentation of a brand new original piece from 7 – 11 p.m. The live painting will take place in the Gallery with the participation of several musical guests. At the conclusion, we will auction off the painting. Please be present to place your secret bid.  In addition, all Prints and Giclees will be 25% off, and can be signed by the artist on location. A new promotion for Valentine’s Day: DeBilzan, Artist of Love and Life, will be unveiled to attendees that evening.  

Cacace Fine Art, Inc. - Artists Alley - 354 NE 4th Street, Suite D - www.cacaceart.com

Meet the artists: Vincent J. Cacace will be showing his new oil paintings of Maine and Cape Cod; James P. Kerr will be showing new coastal scenes from N.C. to the Tropics; Bernard Franz will be showing his Raven Bronzes; and Alene Egol will be showing her one of kind Jewelry.

Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square - 51 N Swinton Ave. - www.oldschoolsquare.org  

 In honor of Black History Month, the Cornell Art Museum is featuring some Highwaymen works of art from the Museum Permanent Collection in conjunction with works created in the highwaymen style by Milagro Center Students.  As always, the Who is Joan Quinn:  A Life in Portraits and Fifteen Minutes will be open along with their Museum Store.  Refreshments will be served at the wine & cheese reception.

The mAe (NEW) - Pineapple Grove Arts District - 170 NE 2nd Ave.

Walker Romaine Gallery recently merged with The mAe and relocated to 170 NE 2nd Ave in the Pineapple Grove Arts District in January 2017.  The mAe will continue to carry the work of mid-career and emerging artists curated by The Walker Romaine Gallery, in addition to new artists working in South Florida and nationwide.  Focused on "the fine art of living with art", The mAe will provide a full range of art services to collectors "in the middle" wishing to begin or develop their fine art collections.  The mAe's art services manager, Margaret Walker Milstead, who brings over 35 years of experience in gallery management, art consultation and framing, will manage The mAe's art placement consultation, curating, installation and framing business. Artist Janet Siegel Rogers, an award winning colorist, will be featured at The mAe for the February 3rd First Friday Art Walk

Lidia Tohar Studio 101 - Atlantic Avenue - 12 SE 1st Ave. #101 - www.lidiatohar.com

Light tapas-style hors d’oeuvres and wine along with 10% off artwork and merchandise purchased during the Art Walk

 

Full list of participating Art Walk Galleries:

Pineapple Grove Arts District: Addison Gallery, A-Z Picture Framing & Gallery, Gallery at Studio 5, Delray Art and Framing, Ford Fine Art, Jeff Whyman Studio, Janet Siegel Rogers Studio, The mAe, VT Studios Delray

Artist Alley Studios: 4th Avenue Photography & Video, Amanda Johnson, Art by Paula, Attila Konnyu, Cacace Fine Art, Inc.,  Laszlo's Painting Studio, Ona Steele Studio, Stacy Balmuth, Studio Romaine, Magnus & Gordon Gallery

Atlantic Avenue: Artists' Guild Gallery, an auxiliary of the Boca Raton Museum of Art; Artworks by Lois Brezinski; Avalon Gallery; Black Pearl Fine Art; Blue Gallery; Cornell Art Museum; DeBilzan Gallery; Extreme Art International; Lidia Tohar Studio 101; Sundook Fine Art Gallery

 

###

ABOUT DELRAY BEACH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC - 561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

 

 

Visit Website
Read more

The 9th Annual Savor the Avenue - Reservations are now OPEN!

Thursday, February 2, 2017 - 2:54pm

9th ANNUAL SAVOR THE AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

TIME TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!

 

Delray Beach, FL (February 1, 2017)… It is time to make your reservations for the 9th annual Savor the Avenue on Monday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. !  Tickets are on sale now for this amazing evening of dining under the stars—and down the double yellow line of famed Atlantic Avenue—at the food and wine event of the year. Join hundreds of guests—and 16 of Downtown Delray’s finest restaurants—at Florida’s longest dining table, one that runs more than five blocks and 1,300 feet long stretching from Swinton Avenue east to Fifth Avenue (U.S. 1). This is the event you don’t want to miss! 

This year’s participating restaurants are: 32 East, 50 Ocean, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cut 432, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Rocco’s Tacos, ROK:BRGR, Salt 7, The Office, and Vic & Angelo’s. Each 4-course dinner is paired with select libations. The menus can be viewed at downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue and bocamag.com/savor.  Reservations are made with the restaurants directly, and seating is limited. 

Savor the Avenue is a Delray Beach culinary tradition made possible by Delray Beach Magazine’s partnership with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and is a way of showcasing the collection of fine dining establishments located within the downtown area. The DDA is pleased to announce that restaurants will donate $3 from each reservation at Savor the Avenue to the Delray Beach Public Library.  This year, in addition to the judging panel, there will also be a People’s Choice Award granted to the restaurant with the best table décor. Be sure to vote for your favorite Savor the Avenue tablescape by uploading a picture of the best table to Facebook or Instagram, using #SavorPeoplesChoice and checking in to or tagging the restaurant name.

Presented by: Delray Beach Magazine, Boca Raton Magazine, Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

Thank you to our 2017 sponsors: JM Lexus, 111 First Delray, Atlas Party Rental, Delray Garden Center, GRIMES Events & Party Tents and Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Reservations begin February 1st and last day to reserve your seat is March 24.  For information and menus please visit downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue and bocamag.com/savor, or call 561.243.1077. #SavorTheAvenue

 

###

 

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

 

Media Contact:

Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

Read more

Call For Florida Sculpture Artists

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - 9:30am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Info@MetropolitanDelray.com

www.MetropolitanDelray.com

 

Call For Florida Sculpture Artists

DELRAY BEACH, FL (January 2, 2017) —The Morton Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the commissioning of two iconic sculptures to be featured in the Sculpture Garden of their new construction condominium, Metropolitan, in Downtown Delray Beach. Mr. Michael Morton and Mr. Brad Morton, the father-and-son team behind the Morton Group, are inviting the prolific community of South Florida artists to present their portfolios for consideration.

“Our vision for the Metropolitan is to become the epicenter of the flourishing Delray Beach art scene. The Sculpture Garden and the Metropolitan reflect our founding principles of creating contemporary, art-inspired living with the highest level of design, architecture and quality finishes,” said Mr. Michael Morton. Mr. Morton has a long history in the arts, having worked on the construction of the Juilliard School of Music in New York, NY.

The Metropolitan is a highly anticipated luxury residential project located at 33 SE 3rd Avenue in Delray Beach, just steps from Atlantic Avenue. It will become a destination for discerning buyers who appreciate the seaside lifestyle of Delray Beach’s intimate town feel and big city sophistication. Winner of the coveted All-American City award, Delray Beach boasts two miles of pristine beachfront with one of South Florida’s most unique strands of upscale dining, shopping and art venues. Once complete in 2018, The Metropolitan will be a work of art and the premier address in Delray Beach.

About The Morton Group, Inc.

The developer of The Metropolitan, The Morton Group, Inc., has long established itself as one of real estate’s most innovative trailblazers. Michael Morton, the company’s visionary President has developed over 40 residential, commercial and public works projects throughout Florida, New York and North Carolina, including the Juilliard School of Music, Crowntree Lakes and Woolbright Place. A family-run business, Michael Morton’s son, Bradley Morton, serves as the company’s Senior Vice President, and has been his father’s indispensable executive for over 25 years.

 

###

Read more

DELRAY BEACH FASHION WEEK HITS DOWNTOWN

Thursday, December 29, 2016 - 9:57am

COUTURE IS PART OF OUR CULTURE IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY, AND THIS IS NEVER MORE TRUE THAN DURING FASHION WEEK, WHEN THE CITY COMES ALIVE WITH STYLE, JANUARY 25-29, 2017!

Celebrate spectacular fashion, local designers, art and beauty at the 4th annual Delray Beach Fashion Week created by the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown merchants.  The local designs and diverse fashions will take center stage at the fashion runway events, designer showcase, fashion luncheon, Stiletto Race, and for the first time a Boutique Pop Up Shopping Event. 

“We are thrilled to be hosting this award winning and special event again this year, “ said Laura Simon, Executive Director, DDA. Delray Beach Fashion Week is a unique, fun and all-encompassing opportunity to share with our local residents and visitors the fashion and beauty that is found right here in Downtown Delray Beach.”

A highlight of Delray Beach Fashion Week is “Delray on the Runway.”  The January 26th event at Il Bacio invites guests to dress for a “white party,” and includes a runway show, reception, and silent auction.  The event features local Downtown Delray Beach Designers: Jules Guaglardi – Roxy LuLu; Stephanie Graniero – Oh My Bod; Arianne Brown - Ramona LaRue; Glavidia Alexis – Glavidia Hair Studios; Jully Ortega - The Sandy Shoppe; Bill DeBilzan - DeBilzan Gallery; Amanda Perna - The House of Perna. 

Events will take place throughout Downtown Delray Beach and many are free to the public.  Tickets for the Delray Beach Designer Show, Fashion Luncheon, and runway seats at the fashion shows can be purchased at each event.  Raffle tickets will be included with each event ticket purchased and will also be available for $5.  The raffle prize package valued at $1,000 includes:  a 2 night/3 day hotel stay; spa, restaurant and retail gift certificates; tickets to Old School Square events and Delray Yacht Cruises.  All event and raffle tickets sold throughout Delray Beach Fashion Week benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families.

2017 Delray Beach Fashion Week Highlights

Events details will be updated on DelrayFashionWeek.com. Tickets are available for purchase. 

As of 12.29.2016

 

Wednesday, January 25 - “An Evening in Downtown”

6 p.m.:  Art Invitational – Downtown Artists/Gallery Showcase

7 p.m. : Entertainment and “Hair and Evening Wear” Runway Show

On Atlantic Avenue in front of The Colony Hotel at 525 E. Atlantic Ave

The launch of Delray Beach Fashion Week.  Free event, with $25 ticketed runway seating.

 

Thursday, January 26 - “Delray on the Runway”

7 p.m. - IL Bacio/PRIME – 29 SE 2nd Ave

Fashion show featuring the Downtown Delray Beach designers, reception, silent auction, Guest Host - Amanda Perna of Project Runway, and guests invited to dress in white. 

Tickets: $40.

 

Friday, January 27 - “Tropical Paradise”

11:30am-1pm – Che!!! – 900 E. Atlantic Ave

“Tropical Paradise” Resort Wear Fashion Show and Luncheon

Tickets: $35

 

Friday, January 27 - Stiletto Race

6 p.m. – SE 4th Ave & Atlantic Ave.

Stiletto Race hosted by Vince Canning Shoes

Register: delraystilettorace.com.  $25 advance, $35 at event

 

Saturday, January 28 – “Swim & Surf”

7 p.m. - Old School Square Park @ NE 2nd Ave.

Swim & Surf Finale Runway Fashion Show, Guest Host - Suzanne Boyd, WPEC News12; entertainment by Spider Cherry.

Free event, with $25 ticketed runway seating.

 

Sunday, January 29 - Fashion Week Boutique Pop Up Shopping

1 p.m.  – 4 p.m. - Old School Square Fieldhouse – 51 N. Swinton Ave.

Fashion Week Boutique Pop Up Shopping event for customers to see and purchase items shown during Delray Beach Fashion Week.

2017 Sponsors

Delray Beach Fashion Week would not be possible without the support from our sponsors. A big thank you to: Platinum Sponsor - Menin Development Inc.; Gold Sponsors - VUP Media, Grimes Events & Party Tents Silver Sponsors - Swatches & Rags,  Ed Morse Cadillac, Victoria DeSilvio Group, Rosenthal Cosmetics & Plastic Surgery; Silver Media Sponsors - LivingFLA; Bronze Sponsors - Park View Realty; Posh Properties; Monkey In Paradise Vodka, Parisi Events, Iceberg Vodka, Cockspur Rum, DJ Moonray, DJ C Money; Media - Delray Beach Magazine, Delray Newspaper, LOCAL Magazine; Venue Sponsors - Silver: Il Bacio/PRIME, The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club; and Venue Sponsor - Bronze: Che!!!, Restaurant VIP Tent Sponsors: Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Papa's Tapas, Big Al's Steaks, Mussel Beach

 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR FASHION WEEK COMMITTEE!

A special thank you to the Fashion Week committee for their effort and time to put the shows/week together.
We also thank the models and the Johnson and Wales students for volunteering their talent and time.

HAIR SALON CO-CHAIRS: MaryAnn Brown, In the Grove Hair Studio and Glavidia Alexis, Glavidia Hair Studios & Glavidia: by Glavidia Alexis | MODEL CHAIR: Jule Guaglardi, Roxy LuLu | COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Margaret Doerrer, Margaux Riviera, Jelena Lovric, LoveRich Boutique, Jully Ortega, Purstrands & The Sandy Shoppe

For more information and event details or to purchase tickets (tickets are available now!), please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, facebook.com/DelrayFashion, #DELRAYFASHIONWEEK, or phone: 561.243.1077.

 

###

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

 

Media Contact:

Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

Read more