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Delray Beach Nominated for "Best Beach in Florida” Again and Ready to Defend its Title!

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:46pm

Delray Beach, FL – April 21, 2025: Delray Beach has once again been nominated for Best Beach in Florida by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards! After taking home the title in 2024, Delray is back in the spotlight—selected by USA TODAY editors and a panel of travel experts as a top contender for this year’s award.

Voting is now open!

  • Cast your vote daily starting today, Monday, April 21 at 12 p.m. through Monday, May 19 at 11:59 a.m.
  • The winner will be revealed on May 28.

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best of the best, spotlighting standout destinations and attractions across the country.

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, is calling on the community to help Delray Beach bring home the title once more! 

Delray Beach has also been recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag two years in a row! Delray’s Municipal Beach is one of only two Blue Flag destinations in the continental United States. The international designation is awarded to beaches that meet a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. 

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Downtown Delray Encourages Holiday Shoppers to “Shop Small” at its Numerous ‘Mom and Pop’ Legacy Retailers

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:42pm

Delray Beach, Florida (November 7, 2024): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is getting ready for Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024 by highlighting Delray Beach’s many small businesses and urging visitors and locals to “shop small” this holiday season. Downtown Delray Beach boasts more than 125 retail shops, with 96 percent of them designated small, independent businesses. 

 

Small Business Saturday, which was founded by American Express in 2010 and official cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2021, is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities by shopping small. Small Business Saturday is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

 

While Downtown Delray Beach continues to welcome new restaurants and retailers, Delray Beach native and Executive Director of the Delray DDA, Laura Simon, has a special appreciation for the mom and pop, legacy businesses that have stood the test of time. “Our long-established small businesses truly embody the spirit of our downtown,” she shared. “As the city grows and attracts thousands of new visitors each year, these businesses remind us of our roots and the soul of Downtown Delray Beach.”

 

Some of those legacy businesses include:

  • Richwagen’s Delray Bike & Sport: A family owned and operated bicycle shop that has been serving the Delray Beach community since 1961. 
  • Nina Raynor: Since 1958, this family-owned and operated designer boutique has offered evening wear, special occasion, resort casual, accessories and more in Delray Beach. 
  • Delray Camera Shop: A photographic equipment and supplies retail shop now located at 217 NE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach. The Delray Camera Shop opened in Downtown Delray in 1965. 
  • Avalon Gallery: The art gallery features an extensive collection of glass jewelry, lamps, ceramics, metal and Judaica representing 120 different artists from the United States and Canada. Avalon Gallery was opened in December 2004 by John Terry and Mavis Benson, Chairperson of the Downtown Delray Merchant Association.
  • Kilwin’s: Since 1947, Kilwin’s has been a celebrated part of Americana, having a reputation for providing high-quality chocolates, ice cream and confections combined with excellent service. Kilwin’s has been in Downtown Delray since 2001.
  • South Ocean Beach Shop: This beachside boutique has served Delray Beach since 1980 (that’s 44 years!). The shop offers resort wear for women and men.
  • Blue Gallery: A Delray Beach landmark for over 18 years, Blue Gallery mixes sophisticated flare with contemporary art. It features original collections of internationally acclaimed artists painting landscapes, abstracts, semi-realistic and figurative styles. 
  • Just Hearts: This legacy business has anything and everything your heart desires, from art to paperweights to kitchen utensils. They also carry a full line of Brighton products. The store first opened in downtown Delray 30 years ago!
  • Periwinkle: Periwinkle combines outstanding quality with color and style, offering a carefully curated, diverse assortment of clothing, accessories and home décor. The downtown Delray location opened in 2008.
  • Kokonuts: Started by Alex and Fawn Srulovic, the designer swim and resort wear store first opened its doors on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray in 2008. The couple recently purchased Tootsies Footwear and both stores are now in the same location at 400 East Atlantic Avenue. The Srulovics also own Azuri boutique, Koko Shoes and Dunes Surf Shop on the beachside of Atlantic Avenue.

 

Check out the Downtown Delray Dining and Shopping Guide here: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/flipbooks/dining-shopping-2024/

 

For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach retailers, please visit: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/shopping. 

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Delray Beach DDA Highlights Local Small Businesses in Honor of “Small Business Saturday”

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:36pm

Delray Beach, Florida (November 1, 2023): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is getting ready for Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2023 by highlighting Delray Beach’s many small businesses. Downtown Delray Beach boasts more than 125 retail shops, with 96 percent of them designated as small, independent businesses.

 

Small Business Saturday, which was founded by American Express in 2012 and official cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2021, is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities by shopping small. Small Business Saturday is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

 

Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA, said: “In Downtown Delray Beach, small business is key. The fabric of our downtown is mom and pop stores, our vibrant and delicious restaurants, creative art galleries, hotel accommodations, educational museums, coffee shops, bakeries, candy stores, and much more! We are proud of our many small business retailers and hope visitors and residents alike will celebrate them by shopping small this holiday season.”

 

Get to know a few of Downtown Delray Beach’s longtime and newer small businesses here:

  • Richwagen’s Delray Bike & Sport: A family owned and operated bicycle shop that has been serving the Delray Beach community since 1961. 
  • A Little Wyld: Co-owned by designer Amanda Perna, who also runs her fashion house House of Perna and Neon Bohemians out of Downtown Delray Beach. A Little Wyld, which opened in Pineapple Grove in 2021, is a loving-curated, woman-owned boutique for kids, gifts, home, and women. 
  • Surf District Surf Shop: A local surf and paddleboard shop located in the historic 1895 Train Depot in Downtown Delray Beach. 
  • Nina Raynor: Since 1958, this family-owned and operated designer boutique – and legacy business – has offered evening wear, special occasion, resort casual, accessories and more in Delray Beach. 
  • Delray Camera Shop: A photographic equipment and supplies retail shop now located at 217 NE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach. The Delray Camera Shop is a Downtown Delray Beach Legacy Business, having been here since 1965. 
  • Periwinkle: A proud member of Delray Beach’s downtown community for over 10 years, Periwinkle has something special for every woman. Owned by Carrie Delafield, who also owns and operates Morley and COCO & CO on Atlantic Avenue. 
  • From Roehm With Love: This Downtown Delray Beach legacy business located in the Pineapple Arts District is a quintessential European style heart & soul felt flower shop. Family-owned and operated; the shop first opened its doors in 1998.
  • Deke’s: Delray’s espresso bar and specialty coffee roaster provides the best coffees from around the world. 
  • Stitches by the Sea: A unique needlepoint shop owned and operated by a family with four generations in the needlepoint industry. A haven for those that are experienced or those that want to learn this fabulous craft, Stitches by the Sea opened on Atlantic Avenue in 2011.
  • The Original Popcorn House: A family-owned and operated gourmet popcorn store that hand crafts and hand-sifts each batch of popcorn. Its flagship store opened in 2014 in a historic house built in 1903 by early settlers of Delray Beach.
  • Tootsie’s: Located right on the Avenue, Tootsie’s offers fabulous and trendy shoes. Founded in 2005. 
  • Avalon Gallery: The gallery features an extensive collection of glass, jewelry, lamps, ceramics, metal and Judaica representing 120 different artists from the United States and Canada. A legacy business in Downtown Delray Beach, Avalon Gallery was opened over 30 years ago by John Terry and Mavis Benson, Chairperson of the Downtown Delray Merchant Association.

 

For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach retailers, please visit: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/shopping. 

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Delray Beach DDA Celebrates Mom with Annual Mother’s Day Orchid Giveaway

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:25pm

April 11, 2025 – Delray Beach, Florida: Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Downtown Merchant & Business Association, is bringing back its much-loved Mother’s Day Orchid Giveaway.

 

From May 1 through May 10, 2025, shoppers who spend $200 or more at Downtown Delray Beach businesses can receive a complimentary phalaenopsis orchid—a beautiful gift for mom or a treat for yourself! For all who receive an orchid, they can also enter to win Downtown Delray gift basket. Hundreds of orchids were given away last year, and this year’s event promises to be just as special!

 

Where to Pick Up Your Orchid:
Shoppers can bring their receipts totaling $200 or more to one of the following locations to claim their orchid from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.:

 

  • A Little Wyld – 157 NE 2nd Ave (Pineapple Grove)
  • Avalon Gallery – 425 E Atlantic Ave
  • KoKo Delray Shoe Store – 1049 E. Atlantic Ave (Beachside)

 

Eligible purchases include spending at Downtown Delray Beach’s charming fashion boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, spas, salons, specialty stores, and fitness studios.

 

This annual tradition is proudly supported by the Downtown Merchant & Business Association and serves as a way to thank the community for shopping local and celebrating moms in style.

 

Offer valid while supplies last. Limit 10 orchids per person. Receipts must be dated between May 1–10, 2025, and only purchases from qualifying businesses in Downtown Delray Beach will be accepted. Receipts from restaurants, Green Market vendors, hotels, or food/beverage establishments are not eligible.

 

For more information, visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/mothersday and www.facebook.com/downtowndelray, or call the DDA office at 561-243-1077.

 

Photos courtesy of Delray Beach DDA: 

https://www.dropbox.com/home/BLUEIVY%20COMMUNICATIONS/Current%20Clients/Delray%20Beach%20DDA%20-%20OSS/Delray%20DDA/Mother's%20Day%20-%20Orchid%20Giveaway 

 
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Tickets Now On Sale for “Party in Paradise”: Delray’s Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:19pm

Delray Beach, Florida (June 16, 2025): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is once again celebrating Florida’s Official Jimmy Buffett Day with a “Party in Paradise”: Delray’s Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. The concert takes place August 30, 2025 at Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444) and will feature the Caribbean Chillers – The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. Attendees can expect a laid-back atmosphere with margaritas and music, a costume contest, limbo competition, coconut painting, and lots of games and fun! Tickets are now on sale here.

 

The Caribbean Chillers Show, considered Florida's Favorite Jimmy Buffett Tribute Act, is described as an "AUTHENTIC" recreation of what you will hear and experience at a Jimmy Buffett Concert. The Opening Acts feature Cape Universal, a local reggae band and Spred the Dub, an eclectic mash up of grooves and ‘riddems’ incorporating elements of reggae, jazz, funk, soul and good old rock n' roll.

 

WHEN: Friday, August 30, 2025. Schedule:

·       5:00pm Gates Open & Fins Up! Toast to Jimmy Buffett as we kick off our Party in Paradise

·       5:00pm -6:10pm Cape Universal Band & Limbo and Costume Contest

·       6:20pm - 7:45pm Spred the Dub

·       8:00pm - 10:00pm The Caribbean Chillers

WHERE: The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Parking is available in Old School Square garage.

 

COST: General Admission tickets (bring your own lawn chair) are $25, kids 12 and under are $5, kids 2 and under are free. VIP Admission is $60 and includes access to an exclusive VIP lounge, seating, dedicated bar and one free drink ticket. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. No outside alcohol is allowed in the venue.

 

Learn more about the Party in Paradise here: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events/free-sunset-kickoff-concert-bon-jovi-tribute-zzsc6-dr99s-npshs-yb8fm

 

DETAILS: Rain or shine, the DDA invites everyone to don your best Hawaiian shirts, chew some Juicy Fruit and head to Old School Square for a sun-soaked Party in Paradise! Grab some takeout from a local favorite or enjoy food and drink options from on-site vendors—and get ready to dance the night away under the stars. For more information and to see a full list of events at Old School Square, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.

 

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