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Cornell Art Museum and City of Delray Beach Recognize Earth Month

Monday, July 22, 2024 - 4:00pm

The Cornell Art Museum, in collaboration with the City of Delray Beach Sustainability and Resilience Office, is hosting a full day of lectures and presentations in honor of Earth Month on Saturday, April 20.



Topics will include Florida Habitat Restoration, Florida Corals, Plastics and Sea Turtles, Home Energy Ratings, Building Performance, Climate Action Planning and more. All events are free, open to the public and will take place at the Cornell Art Museum in Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach). Earth Day is officially celebrated on April 22.



WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Full schedule of events is as follows:



10:15 AM - Florida Habitat Restoration - Speaker: George Gann, Executive Director, Institute for Regional Conservation



* Native ecosystems in cities like Delray Beach are resources to be protected, treasured, and restored. They are also key to preventing extinctions of native plants and animals and increasing resilience in the face of climate change. Learn how Delray Beach is restoring native habitats for the future and how you too can restore nature at home or work. Healthy urban ecosystems are resilient urban ecosystems that will provide myriad ecosystem services for people and nature far into the future.



11:15 AM - Plastics and Sea Turtles: Unraveling the Tangled Threat - Speaker: Heather Seaman, M.Sc., Florida Atlantic University PhD. Student



* Dive deep into the heart of our oceans, where an invisible crisis unfolds, threatening the very fabric of marine life. In this compelling talk, we unravel the tale of how our seemingly insatiable appetite for plastic has led to an environmental conundrum, casting a shadow over the majestic sea turtles. With plastic production hitting astonishing highs and showing no signs of slowing down, our oceans have become a minefield for sea turtles. Mistaking plastic for prey, these creatures are ingesting deadly meals that lead to gut compaction, perforation, and a silent, toxic assault from chemical leaching. Sea turtles are not the only ones in danger, due to the widespread presence of plastics in the environment.



12:15 PM - Florida Corals and You - Speaker: Charis Peterson, Coral Biologist, Education Coordinator, The Reef Institute



* This talk will explain what is happening to coral in Florida, why it should matter to the average person, and what we are doing to fix the problem.



1:15 PM - How many MILES PER GALLON does your HOME get? or How I stopped worrying and learned to LOVE the SCIENCE - Speaker: Christian Chitester, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Delray Beach



* An introduction to the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) ratings and the fundamentals of resilience through energy efficiency in homes. Learning objectives include…What is a HERS rating and what does it tell you about your home? Where does your home use and lose energy? How is a home’s performance tested? What does this mean to you and your community, and why should you care?



2:15 PM - Introduction to Building Performance Benchmarking and EPA Portfolio Manager - Speaker: Christian Chitester, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Delray Beach



* In this presentation we will explore the concept of building performance benchmarking and its significance in enhancing energy efficiency



3:15 PM - Climate Action Planning: Raising Awareness and Gathering Public Input - Speaker: Kent Edwards, Sustainability Officer, City of Delray Beach



* The effects of climate change are already impacting Delray Beach. We are experiencing, hotter days for a longer part of the day and night; more frequent extremely heavy rainfall events; and more of the hurricanes that form are reaching a high category. This is a local and global issue, and there are things we can do to prepare our community and address the global issue. This session will discuss climate planning in the south Florida region, including main topical areas used in climate action plans.



For more information regarding Earth Month, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events/city-of-delray-beach-earth-month and https://www.delraybeachfl.gov/services/advanced-components/basic-pages/calendar-month-view.

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"Wings Over the Square" Butterfly Art Installation "Flying" Over Old School Square

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 - 2:45pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the installation of the new art activation at Old School Square in Downtown Delray Beach called “Wings Over the Square".

The extensive butterfly art installation is up just in time for the 2nd Annual Delray Walls Mural Fest on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. “Wings Over the Square” by artist Lisa Littell is part of the DDA’s “Summer at the Square” initiative, a months-long series of exciting summer happenings at Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach.
 
“Wings Over the Square” features ten large (four-feet tall) butterfly installations with smaller groupings in the Amphitheatre area of Old School Square campus for photo ops. The butterflies will also be painted on the exterior doors of the Cornell Art Museum as well as featured inside the museum as part of an upcoming exhibition, “Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Earth,” which opens September 6, 2024.
 
“We are excited to bring this creative, whimsical and unique art installation to downtown Delray,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “Our hope is that Wings Over the Square will bring feelings of joy, lightness, and transformation to our residents and visitors that visit our downtown this summer.”
 
“Wings Over the Square” was created by professional fine artist, graphic artist and muralist, Lisa Littell. The butterfly art serves as a symbol of transformation and love for Littell, who said she hopes to create a ripple of positivity and joy that transcends boundaries and touches the heart. According to Littell, the butterflies are meant to send a message of hope to anyone who visits the installation.

Lisa Littell has found immense joy in creating art that touches hearts and brings smiles to the art appreciator. As a professional fine artist, graphic artist and muralist, her art is creative, whimsical and unique, always incorporating an interesting play on color and perspective. Through struggles and sacrifices in her personal life, her art has been both empowering and inspiring, allowing expression of emotions for herself and her collectors. The art breaks down walls of isolation and provides a space where creativity, passion and connection flourish. The butterfly art, as a symbol of transformation and love, marks a new chapter as she hopes to create a ripple of positivity and joy that transcends boundaries and touches the heart. The butterflies are sending a message of hope for anyone who visits the installation.

"Wings Over the Square" will be up at Old School Square through at least the end of September. 

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New Restaurants and Retailers Opening in Downtown Delray

Friday, July 12, 2024 - 10:42am

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce the opening and expansion of numerous new and existing restaurants and retailers in Downtown Delray Beach this summer and beyond.

“We are excited for the continued growth of Downtown Delray Beach,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “Not only are we continuing to bring in new retailers, businesses and restaurants to our business district, but we are successfully and quickly filling vacancies as existing businesses choose to leave or move locations at the end of their leases. These are all signs of a healthy downtown.”

Visitors and residents to Downtown Delray Beach can expect the following this summer and in the coming months:

RESTAURANTS/CAFES:

  • Subculture Coffee is opening its new Downtown Delray Beach location at 302 NE 6th Avenue (Northbound Federal Highway). The grand opening is Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 5pm. 
  • Kapow Noodle Bar will open at Salt7’s former location (32 SE 2nd Ave) in the Fall of 2024.
  • Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina will open his Bourbon Steak restaurant at The Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue. The new space will seat 310 and feature a 34-seat bar, patio seating, and a private dining room for 24. It is expected to open in late 2024.
  • Amar Bistro is moving to the Bar 25 location on Federal Highway (25 SE 6th Ave) where it will offer a full bar, covered outdoor patio and additional seating. The new Amar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar is scheduled to open in September 2024. Amar’s current location (522 E Atlantic Ave.) will reopen in November 2024 as Gesto, an artisanal pizza shop.
  • The owners of Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach will open a similar concept in the former Pour and Famous location at 524 W. Atlantic Ave. Tropical Smokehouse is a Florida BBQ restaurant.
  • Pura Vida is opening in the former BurgerFi location at 6 S. Ocean Blvd. on the southwest corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A. Pura Vida is a healthy-minded café serving natural, wholesome foods.
  • The Standard, a modern American restaurant and bar with one location in Mizner Park, has opened its second spot to replace The OG at 166 SE 2nd Ave.
  • Lefkes will open July 2024 in the Delray Beach Market. Lefkes offers traditional Greek dining.
  • Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, located in New Haven, CT, will open a South Florida location at 105 E Atlantic Ave, which was formerly Cabana El Rey.
  • True Grit Hospitality has taken over the former Taverna Opa space at 270 E. Atlantic Ave. and will open a new concept, “Roka Hula,” a full service modern Asian Tiki Bar & Restaurant.
  • The Bridge Café is expanding into the vacant space just east of its current location (814 E. Atlantic Ave) where the owners will open a complementary concept.
  • Gabriella’s Modern Italian, created by the popular New Jersey restaurant of similar name and concept, Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse, will open this October on NE Seventh Avenue within Atlantic Crossing.
  • Jerk and Lime at Nicole’s House, a family-owned Jamaican fusion restaurant, is opening late summer/fall at 182 NW 5th Avenue.
  • Johnny’s Deli opened at Toni’s Market on West Atlantic Avenue near the Tennis Center.

RETAIL:

  • New York City-based gourmet cookie shop, Chip City, opened its first Delray location at 302 E Atlantic Ave, Unit 302, in May.
  • Candle Land opened at 415 E. Atlantic Ave on June 9.
  • Delray Design Studio by Zelman Style Interiors opened on June 13th at 111 SE 1st Avenue.
  • Tootsies and Kokonuts are being combined and moving to 400 E Atlantic (Global Pursuit).
  • House of Perna is relocating from Arts Warehouse to Shoppes at the Ray on NE 2nd Ave. This will be fashion designer Amanda Perna’s second downtown location (she also co-owns A Little Wyld).
  • The Shops at the Seagate are moving to Pineapple Grove where they will reopen as Tern Studio
  • Surf District, located in Ocean City Lumber Co. (220 NE 1st St.) is under new ownership.
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Delray Beach Voted Best Beach in Florida!

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - 12:43pm

Delray Beach, Florida (May 29, 2024): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to announce: USA TODAY 10Best reveals Delray Beach is the winner in their 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Beach in Florida. More details here: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-beach-in-florida-2024/.

To win the top spot, an expert panel nominated their favorites beaches in Florida, which were put out to a vote for favorite go-to destinations. The public was allowed to vote once per day during the competition.

“We are so pleased that USA TODAY and their Reader’s Choice Award see what all of us locally already know,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray DDA. “Delray Beach is the best beach in Florida, and even the world!”

“In Delray Beach, the beach is just the beginning. Not only do we have a world class beach with an international Blue Flag rating, but we also have a vibrant downtown with eclectic eateries, charming shops and interesting art galleries,” Stephanie Immelman, President & CEO of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. “Delray Beach is well-known for its numerous special events, and we have an involved and engaged community. Come for the beach and stay for everything else!”

The top 10 winners for Best Beach in Florida are ranked as follows:

  1. Delray Beach
  2. Panama City Beach
  3. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
  4. Clearwater Beach
  5. Treasure Island Beach
  6. Stuart Beach
  7. Cape San Blas
  8. Destin
  9. Jupiter Beach Park
  10. Anastasia State Park

Learn more at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-beach-in-florida-2024/.

About Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1971 with a mission to grow, strengthen, and enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach. As an autonomous agency of the City, the Delray Beach DDA advocates, facilitates, plans, and executes business development, fosters business relations, helps with the planning of public and private projects, and markets the downtown district. The DDA is located at 350 SE 1st Street, Delray Beach, FL. Learn more at https://downtowndelraybeach.com/ or by calling 561-243-1077.

Follow updates on social media: @DowntownDelray and @DelrayOldSchoolSquare

About Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce is comprised of more than 800 businesses and professional firms working together to make Delray Beach a great Community. For nine decades, the Chamber has served as the hub of business where stakeholders intersect with government, technology, health care, education, economic development, tourism, arts, culture and non-profit interests. The Chamber’s long-time business owners coupled with new up and coming entrepreneurs create a vibrant business landscape. Learn more at www.delraybeach.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Perlman
561-310-9921
Melissa@BlueIvy.co

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This Underrated Florida City Has Beautiful Beaches, Trendy Hotels, and Vibrant Street Art

Friday, June 3, 2022 - 1:54pm

Article by Travel + Leisure 

Delray Beach, Florida, offers so much more than pretty beaches. 

Delray Beach, Florida, is a small oceanfront city nestled between Boca Raton and Boynton Beach in Palm Beach County. The beloved beachfront locale is a favorite among locals, but it's yet to be uncovered by the masses.

Here, you'll find everything from trendy hotels to beautiful beaches, to seemingly endless dining options — not to mention a vibrant arts and culture scene that truly sets it apart from your typical Florida beach town. Ahead, our complete guide to Delray Beach, including where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat and drink.

Where to Stay in Delray Beach, Florida

Eye-catching artwork, mouthwatering food and drink offerings, and luxe accommodations — you'll find all this and more at The Ray. The 141-room property, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is sure to delight any design enthusiast with its impressive art installations, large sculptures, living walls, bespoke furnishings, and a spacious, open-concept layout. While The Ray is not located on the beach, it does have a rooftop pool for lounging and sipping cocktails. (Or, you can take one of the complimentary cruisers and bike to the sand.) Adjacent to the pool is the sprawling, greenery-filled Rosewater Rooftop, an all-day, indoor/outdoor drinking and dining venue that serves up refreshing drinks and delectable bites, plus a side of panoramic views.

 

Alternatively, those looking to stay right on the beach can reserve a room at Delray Sands Resort. This upscale, family-friendly property boasts 115 bright and airy accommodations, as well as an oceanfront swimming pool, whirlpool, and separate children's pool. Head out onto the sand, where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and private cabanas. Other amenities include live entertainment and three on-site drinking and dining options.

What to See and Do in Delray Beach, Florida

Wander through Pineapple Grove Arts District.

The arty Pineapple Grove Arts District is chock-full of murals and sculptures, as well as its fair share of eclectic galleries, whimsical shops, and one-of-a-kind eateries (more on that below). Don't miss the 15,000-square-foot Arts Warehouse, which is aptly located on Artist Alley. The warehouse houses a collection of galleries, exhibitions, and studios. Check the events calendar for a full lineup of workshops and programming.

 

Explore Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Stroll through the magnificent Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and you'll forget you're in Florida. The museum pays homage to Japanese culture and art with its fascinating exhibits. Then, take a scenic walk through the lush, landscaped gardens, which feature tranquil waterfalls, ponds, forests, and more (don't miss the impressive bonsai collection).

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of the city's street art.

For a closer look at the city's best works, put on your comfiest sneakers and embark on the Delray Beach Art Trail. Along the route, you'll pass over 40 pieces of art, including a slew of colorful murals. And if you need to beat the heat at any point, just pop inside one of the many galleries.

Hit the beach.

Delray Beach boasts two miles of soft, palm-tree-lined beaches, as well as tranquil blue waters. When you're not soaking up the sun from your beach lounger (which you can rent directly on the sand, along with umbrellas), dip your toes in the water or opt for a leisurely swim.

Where to Eat and Drink in Delray Beach, Florida

For Breakfast and Bites: Kick off your morning on a sweet note with a visit to The Modern Rose, which features a daily and seasonally rotating selection of freshly baked pastries, as well as savory sandwiches and breakfast classics like the PB&J served on brioche and toasted naan with whipped cream cheese, grilled caramelized peaches, honey, and cinnamon. The female-, Latinx-, and veteran-owned company also has more than 60 different boutique tea varietals, plus locally roasted coffee. The French Bakery is another excellent choice, with a wide selection of handcrafted, freshly baked breads, including the mini French baguettes, which are just as adorable as they are delicious. Alternatively, satisfy your sweet tooth with a hand-rolled chocolate almond croissant, vanilla or chocolate butter cookies, or a madeleine. Drooling yet?

For Brunch and Lunch: Snag a table at Lulu's Cafe & Cocktails, a trendy jaunt that looks as if it's been plucked right out of SoHo. Here, you'll find everything from breakfast burritos and croissant sandwiches, to salads and bowls, to charcuterie boards and chicken wings. Don't forget to stop by the jungle leaf-patterned bar for a handcrafted cocktail or two. If waterfront dining is what you're after, make your way to Deck 84, which overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Arrive early to snag a seat outside as you feast on delicious seafood like blackened shrimp Caesar salad, seared swordfish, fish and chips, or miso-glazed salmon.

For Dinner: Rose's Daughter is a dinner-only Italian eatery owned by local chef Suzanne Perrotto. Options abound, from made-from-scratch pizzas to heaping portions of pasta. If you're craving seafood — specifically shellfish — look no further than Mussel Beach, where the mussels are imported daily from Prince Edward Island. Meanwhile, date night calls for a romantic dinner at the Mediterranean-inspired Joseph's Wine Bar and Cafe, where the owner, Joseph, is waiting to welcome you. Oenophiles will especially love it here, as the wine list spans more than 2,000 bottles.

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