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Delray Beach Chosen to Compete For the Title of 2019's Strongest Town in America

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 11:04am

Via Strong Towns

Delray Beach has been named one of 16 finalists in the 2019 Strongest Town contest, hosted by national nonprofit Strong Towns.

The Strongest Town contest is a month-long, bracket-based competition designed to spotlight communities from around the world that are building enduring financial resilience at the local level and actively embodying the Strong Towns approach to economic growth and development.

The Sweet Sixteen round of the competition began Monday, March 18 as Delray Beach, FL will compete against Claremont, CA in hopes of advancing to the Elite Eight. Readers from around the world are invited to read about the first-round contestants and vote for their favorites online at strongtowns.org until Thursday, March 21 at 12:59 PM EST. The towns that will advance to the next round will be announced on Friday, March 22nd and in the weeks that follow, towns that make the cut for each successive round will be asked to take part in a series of interactive challenges designed to highlight how financially strong they really are.

Anyone is eligible to vote in the Strongest Town competition, but votes from Strong Towns members are weighted more heavily. To become a Strong Towns member, visit strongtowns.org/membership.

Past winners of the Strongest Town competition have included Muskegon, MI, Traverse City, MI, and Carlisle, PA. The winner of the Strongest Town 2019 Contest will receive a commemorative plaque and a visit and interactive community presentation with Charles Marohn, Strong Towns founder, president and author of the forthcoming Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity.

 

About Strong Towns:

Strong Towns is a national media organization whose mission is to advocate for a model of development that allows America's cities, towns and neighborhoods to grow financially strong and resilient. Strong Towns began in 2008 as a blog written by Charles Marohn. Today, it is a nonprofit publishing daily content by dozens of contributors, sharing weekly podcasts and giving presentations around the US and Canada. Strong Towns reaches an audience of more than 1.5 million annually, and has over 2,700 members. Learn more at http://www.strongtowns.org.

 

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DELRAY BEACH FASHION WEEK COMES TO LIFE JANUARY 23-27, 2019!

Friday, January 11, 2019 - 10:38am

 

VIP PASS AND RUNWAY SHOW RESERVED SEAT TICKETS ON SALE – 100% OF PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE  ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

 

Delray Beach, FL (December 21, 2018)…Downtown comes alive with style from January 23-27 during the 6th annual Delray Beach Fashion Week.  The 2019 theme of “Fashion Never Dies" inspired by 007 will be woven throughout the event featuring spectacular fashion, local designers, entertainment and beauty.  Diverse fashions will take center stage at the runway shows, fashion luncheon, Shop the Runway In-Store Shopping Event and in-store promotions throughout Downtown Delray Beach. 

 

“Created by the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown merchants, Delray Beach Fashion Week is an award-winning event which we are thrilled to produce once again,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, DDA.  This special 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.

 

In addition to the Downtown Delray Beach merchants, local fashion designer participants include:  Amanda Perna – House of Perna and Neon Bohemians; Glavidia Alexis - Glavidia: by Glavidia Alexis and Glavidia Hair Studio;  ; Bill DeBilzan – The DeBilzan Gallery; Arianne Brown - Ramona La Rue; Lizzie Lambert – Haystacks and Sam Delaney – Greenlines

Events will take place throughout Downtown Delray Beach and two of the runway fashion shows are free to the public to stand and watch.  The VIP Pass and runway show reserved seat tickets are available at www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, and 100% of ticket proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families.  The VIP Pass is $150, is limited, and includes a reserved seat at all runways shows and the luncheon, a One Year VIP IPIC Theater membership (opening in Delray Beach Spring 2019), a VIP Lanyard, entry to VIP Receptions and a special edition of the 2019 Fashion Week Amanda Perna SWAG Bag. Runway show reserved seat tickets and other event tickets range from $25-$50.

 

There is a “Chance to Win” Downtown Delray Beach Package valued at $500 which also benefits the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. Receive one “Chance” with each VIP Pass or runway seating ticket purchased.   Additional Chances to Win will be available at each runway show for $5 per chance or $10 for three chances.

 

2019 Delray Beach Fashion Week Highlights

Events details will be updated on www.DelrayFashionWeek.com

 

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019:  "Fashion Royale" Evening Wear & Designer Fashion

Location: Atlantic Avenue in front of The Colony Hotel, 525 E Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

7PM- 10PM: Ticketed runway seating, Live performance by Edge Effect – an a cappella group, Red Carpet with Step & Repeat, Downtown Merchant Tent, Beauty Bar with stylists from local salons and beauty stores

8PM SHOW: Live runway show featuring Evening Wear & Designer wear Fashions from the Downtown retailers.

Emcees: Heather McMechan and Dana Peller of Local Mom Scoop, Pellerini and SoFlo Moms on the Go, with Amanda Perna, House of Perna and Neon Bohemians

Recommended attire: Cocktail Attire

Tickets: $30 per seat for runway show reserved seating - benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, free to stand and watch.

 

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019: “For Your Eyes Only” Shop the Runway In-Store Shopping Event throughout Downtown Delray

10AM - 2PM:  Shop the Runway! This new Fashion Week event provides a fun, unique way to shop the participating retailers within Downtown Delray Beach. Attendees will enjoy a welcome reception at Brule Bistro with champagne and light bites, Fashion Week swag bag, transportation to participating stores and chances to win fabulous prizes when you shop! Attendees will be escorted to retail stores by complimentary transportation where they will enjoy festive shopping experiences and end the day with a closing reception at Papa's Tapas.

Tickets:  $25 per person - benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families.

 

Friday, Jan. 25, 2019: “Fashion is Forever” Resort Wear Luncheon and Fashion Show

Location: CHE!!! Restaurant, 900 E Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

11:30AM - 2PM:  Luncheon, resort wear fashion show, entertainment, silent auction

Recommended attire: Resort Wear

Emcee:  Amanda Perna, House of Perna and Neon Bohemians  and Jule Guaglardi, Co-Founder, Delray Beach Fashion Week

Tickets: $50 per person includes lunch and the fashion show - benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families

Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019: "License to Swim" Fashion Show featuring Swim and Surf Wear

Location: Old School Square Park, NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach

7PM - 9PM:  Celebrate the 007 Swim theme Delray Beach Style! This resort town is filled with all types of swim and surf fashions – check out the over 60 models who will strut the Avenue and the runway in the heart of Downtown Delray Beach. Music, beach games, & vendor tables followed by runway fashion show, chance to win drawing, thank you ceremony and final walk. VIP Ticket holders will enjoy a reception at Avant Restaurant 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 pm.

Emcees:  Lindsey Swing and Lilly Robbins of LL Scene, with Jule Guaglardi, Co-Founder, Delray Beach Fashion Week

Recommended attire: Tropical

Tickets:  $25 per seat for runway show reserved seating – benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, free to stand and watch.

 

Thursday, January 24 – Sunday, January 27, 2019: Trunk shows, shopping and fashion events throughout Downtown.

**Additional trunk shows and fashion events will be added to the schedule of Delray Beach Fashion Week.  Visit www.DelrayFasionWeek.com for the latest information.

 

The 2019 Delray Beach Fashion Week Committee includes Jule Guaglardi, Co-Founder, Delray Beach Fashion Week; MaryAnn Brown, stylist at In the Grove Hair Salon; Glavidia Alexis, owner of Glavidia Hair Studios and Glavidia: by Glavidia Alexis; Shannon Sipperly, owner of Sunday State Style; Amanda Perna owner of House of Perna and Neon Bohemians; Victoria DeSilvio Group and the DDA Team.

 

Thank you to the Delray Beach Fashion Week 2019 sponsors who make this event possible: Platinum Sponsor: Ed Morse Automotive Group; Gold Sponsors: Capital One, iPic, Ormonde Productions, Victoria DeSilvio Group, VUP Media; Silver Sponsors: The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, 236 Fifth Avenue, Glavidia Hair Studios, Grimes Events & Party Tents, In the Grove Hair Studio, Living Fla, PurStrands, SoFlo Moms on the Go, Tammy Benz Salon, The Colony Hotel and Cabana Club; Bronze Sponsors: CHE!!! Restaurant, Delray Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Local Mom Scoop, Pellerini, Park View Realty, Worthing Place, 236 Fifth and Aloft Hotel.

Downtown Delray Beach Participants – 

            Retailers:

A Blast from the Past, Antica Sartoria, Beverly Hills Boutique, Blings & Things, C.Orrico, Charleston Shoe Co., Chico’s, Coco & Co., DeBilzan Gallery, Elektrik Boutique, Glavidia:  by Glavidia Alexis, Greenlines, Haystacks, House of Zen Dali, Hy Pa - Hy Ma, LF Delray Beach, Morley, Nina Raynor, Patchington, Periwinkle, Quiet Storm Surf Shop, Ramona La Rue, Sara Campbell, Spice, Sunday State Style, Surf District Surf Shop, The House of Perna and Neon Bohemians,  Tommy Bahama,  Unique Boutique, Vixity Jewelers, .

            Hair Salons: 

Embellished by Deborah Balta, Glavidia Hair Studios, In the Grove Hair Studio, Karma Eden Salon, PURSTRANDS, Tammy Benz Salon.

 

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

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

About the Charity Partners:

Achievement Centers for Children & Families' (ACCF) mission is to ensure school readiness, provide skill building opportunities, promote academic achievement and support healthy lifestyles. Affordable, nationally accredited programs allow families to work, increasing their overall stability.

Event Road Closure: Delray Beach 4th of July Celebration

Friday, June 29, 2018 - 11:38am

 

4th of July Celebration – Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Road + Bridge Closure Advisory and Modified Trolley Service  

Start Time: At 1:30pm, East Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from the east side of NE/SE 7th Avenue to Ocean Blvd/SR A1A, including all side roads. In addition, Ocean Blvd/SR A1A will be closed from the south side of Thomas Street to Bucida Street. Road closures will remain in effect until approximately 11 p.m.

All southbound traffic into Delray Beach on Ocean Blvd/SR A1A will be detoured via George Bush Blvd/NE 8th Street to US1/Federal Highway. All northbound traffic into Delray Beach on Ocean Blvd/SR A1A will be detoured via Linton Blvd to US1/Federal Highway.

Parking: Handicap parking will be available at the public lot to the north of the Marriott on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicap vehicles must have placards and registration when approaching checkpoints. The public is urged to park in Downtown Delray Beach and take the Downtown Roundabout or walk to the beach.

Parking Garages: On Wednesday, July 4, a flat fee of $5 per vehicle will be charged from 10:00 a.m. to closing at the following public parking garages and locations:

Robert Federspiel Parking Garage, 22 SE 1st Avenue

Old School Square Parking Garage, 95 NE 1st Avenue

Please use the new smart meters or the Park Mobile App.

Downtown Roundabout Modified Trolley Service: On Wednesday, July 4, the Downtown Roundabout will operate its regular weekday schedule (ROUTE 1: 6am-7pm; ROUTE 2: 6:45am-11:15pm), providing free roundtrip service along Atlantic Avenue from the Tri-Rail Station on South Congress Avenue to Ocean Blvd/SR A1A.

Beginning at 2 p.m., trolleys will operate on a modified route, providing roundtrip service along Atlantic Avenue from Tri-Rail to NE/SE 7th Avenue. From 7th Avenue, trolleys will travel to SE 1st Street westbound to SE 6th Avenue. Service will continue north on SE 6th Avenue to Atlantic Avenue, and proceed west on Atlantic Avenue. NO SERVICE will be provided east of the Intracoastal until the following day. Due to anticipated traffic, please expect delays during this event.

Boat Traffic Advisory: Atlantic Avenue Bridge will be closed to marine traffic from approximately 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4 to facilitate holiday celebrations. Boaters are advised to use caution during this time. In addition, George Bush Blvd. and Linton Blvd. bridges will also be closed to marine traffic during this time.

Laura Simon Named To International Downtown Association Council

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - 12:56pm

 

Delray Beach, FL (April 2, 2018)…Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority(DDA) Executive Director Laura Simon has been selected to serve on the International Downtown Association (IDA) Nighttime Economy Council.  She will work with five other members representing Downtown Orlando, Jacksonville, Lower Eastside NYC, Denver and Winnipeg, to create best practices for developing a nighttime economy for established, growing and emerging Downtown urban districts. Ms. Simon has worked for the Delray Beach DDA since 2010, and was promoted to Executive Director in 2015.

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

Downtown Delray Beach Property & Business Owners and Residents Attend Annual Town Hall Session

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - 12:10pm

Delray Beach, FL (April 4, 2018)…The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority(DDA) hosted the Annual Town Hall Session for Property & Business Owners – “State of the Downtown”- on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square.  DDA Board President Peter Arts welcomed the more than 150 guests, followed by Laura Simon, Executive Director who shared the mission and focus of the organization –  marketing of the Downtown District, placemaking, and economic vitality.  She also included highlights of Delray Beach Fashion Week, the Downtown Security Ambassador Pilot Program and Savor the Avenue. 

Featured speaker Robert Gibbs, Gibbs Planning Group presented the results of the Downtown Delray Beach Downtown Retail Market Study and the Downtown Shopability Analysis.  Highlights included: 

  • Through the Retail Market Analysis, provided the categories of retail/restaurants that are supportable within the Downtown.
  • Providing strong recommendations from the customers point of view regarding ways to enhance the Downtown shopping experience including first impressions, and how important these are for a return visit.
  • Downtown Delray Beach has a walkability score of 92 out of 100 - among the highest in the nation. 
  • Reviewed all master plans, land development regulations, codes, parking regulations, and signage, and provided short, medium and long-term recommendations to create the #1 Downtown in the US.

 

“Delray Beach is one of the top five downtown shopping districts in the US,” said Robert J. Gibbs, AICP, ASLA, Gibbs Planning Group.  “It is filled with an exciting collection of restaurants, specialty shops and hotels all clustered around beautiful, walkable streets and squares. Delray has the rare X-Factor desired out by many millennials, young families, empty nesters and tourists.”

 

To view the complete reports, please visit:  www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Research-Data. The DDA is appreciative of Dada and Dr. Doodles Donuts for providing refreshments at the Property & Business Owners Town Hall.

 

About the Downtown Delray Beach Retail Market Study:  The report includes a written and illustrated summary of relevant population and demographic characteristics of the Downtown trade area, including the socioeconomic characteristics and buying patterns; and a qualitative opinion as to whether or not retail development is supportable, sales forecasts, and size estimates of the retail categories.

 

About the Downtown Shopability Analysis:  A comprehensive, market-based plan for the downtown commercial district to improve its retail market share and become more appealing to leading retailers and restaurants.  The plan includes short- medium- and long-term strategies and recommendations for building infill, lighting, open space, parking, storefronts, streetscape, tenant mix, vehicular circulation and walkability that can be made to achieve maximum shopper appeal and potential sales

 

 

For more information, please contact the DDA by email DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or call 561.243.1077. 

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.