Wellington, FL- July 25, 2025 – Wellington Regional medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – StrokeGold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Wellington Regional Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
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About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit www.wellingtonregional.com.
An Interview with Rene McDermott, Author of the Award-winning Memoir, Raised to Life: The Story of Bethany
By Denise Marsh
Fated to Meet
One of the best perks of being a writer for Cultural Corner is being exposed to a plethora of people with innovative ideas. My encounter with Rene McDermott is definitely a testament to this revelation. I met Rene at the 100th Birthday Bash for the Boynton Beach Women’s club, we were both showcasing our books at a table. There was a wonderful crowd, but because of many vendors we shared a table. Initially I was concerned about the table situation. But Rene handled it like a trooper and was so organized at it. She made a space for herself but still managed to make enough room for me to be able to showcase my books. During the afternoon I got to know her and her calm and friendly demeanor gave me such good vibes. She didn’t talk about her book much, in fact was very humble about it. But, when we were leaving the event, Rene asked if we could trade books and review each other’s books. I was obliged to keep these promises. Little did I know, months later that I would read this book and it would be such an emotional experience for me. I felt like it was a story not to just be read but rather experienced and shared. Rene’s book Raised to Life: The Story of Bethany is about her daughter’s miraculous birth. I will not spoil the book for you, but the interview will surely persuade you to read the book. Let’s start this interview.
A Poignant Journey
AW: In your book, you explain that your daughter was diagnosed with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia prior to birth. Please tell us more about your book and your journey.
R.M: I have to say that it was one of those situations where I didn’t know I was pregnant. One of my peculiar co-workers at the time talked about having a vision of a positive pregnancy test in her dream. I didn’t think anything of it; most of these women had been going through menopause. So, I discarded the “vision “and pretty much said, “well, good luck with that”. Ironically, weeks later I found myself in a women’s clinic with a positive pregnancy test. It was this crazy experience that you could not orchestrate if God wasn’t involved. Everything just came together. I don’t want to reveal everything about the book, but it definitely helped me develop more faith for what I already believed in.
I don’t think it is unique in that other women don’t experience unexpected events. With the world now there’s just so much that you can deal with. And then you realize with faith you can bring so much to the table.
AW: Your story is truly a miracle and people are so skeptical these days. How do you speak to this? What do you tell people?
R.M: Well, you know it is funny because I remember hearing a really wise person say, “ You really aren’t here to talk anyone into anything because as soon as you talk someone into something, someone else is going to come around talk them out of it”. The only thing I could do is to talk from my own experience and say that I, myself have questioned things like “miracles”. But I experienced it. Bethany was diagnosed to die on arrival and I was actually encouraged by the doctors to abort her. And yet, there was still this deep knowing that this was NOT the right decision. I kept hearing God say, “No, you need to do this. There’s a plan here. I am doing something here so hang in here”. I didn’t even have a ray of hope until I was about 6 months pregnant but I kept going.
AW: Was this memoir your first book?
R.M: Yes, I had never written any books prior to this one. I did some grant writing when I was a director. My favorite author is Francine Rivers and the thing that I loved about her stories is that you really felt like you were experiencing what the characters were experiencing. Although mine was not a “character” book, I was still experiencing what I went through at the time that I wrote it.
AW: Was the actual writing process of the book cathartic for you?
R.M: I knew that if I was going to write this book, I had to make myself be very vulnerable. I wanted people to resonate with scenes-me crying in the shower. I actually cried AFTER writing the book when I read it over. I think there are certain parts that heal after different experiences and you retouch on stuff from the past and relive it. When I was writing the book I was very focused on all the technical parts; I wanted to make sure that I remembered everything. But the thing is why are we here if we can’t utilize our darkest moments to lift somebody up when its their turn to go through it? The human experience is very common for all of us.
Growing up we didn’t have the internet or Facebook; we were playing video games like Atari. Nowadays, you have Facebook and support groups where you can watch people starting their journey and have those support systems and forums to share information. A lot of treatments weren’t available back then, so the more you can share, the better. My daughter was in the first group of kids that was “unsurvivable” but were starting to be “survivable” because of advances in Medicine. This was exciting to be able to share with the next generation and equally important.
AW: In your book you highlighted some of the doctors and surgeons that were very instrumental in your journey. Can you please elaborate more on this?
R.M: It was such a big spiritual journey for me. God just put the right people in my life. I had my OBGYN, Sherri Maetozo in St. Augustine Florida and she was the one that identified my daughter’s hernia in that 21weeks. We wouldn’t have had that time to search and find somebody that specializes in it. The challenge was, that when Bethany was born, she looked like a normal baby, but had we not known what was going on with her, they would’ve spent all their time trying to figure out why she was not breathing that she would be “undeliverable”. The OBGYN that I had, specifically had all these experiences in high-risk pregnancies and immediately began an aggressive approach to treating it. She was the one who got me on the right path to finding answers.
After the book was published, I pondered whether or not to send her a copy of the book. I kept thinking that maybe she wouldn’t remember me. However, she hadn’t forgotten me at all. In fact, she sent me a beautiful email saying that she remembered being on the roof of the hospital, catching a glimpse of me leaving in a helicopter and she was crying. I actually made an impact on everyone around us.
There was little hope for us at the time, and then we found out that a doctor in San Francisco ( I lived in St. Augustine at the time) could help us, so we flew over there. But, miraculously, ( because my brother-in-law had done some research) we ended up with Dr. David Kays, who was just two hours from where we lived. He hadn’t been published yet, but he had some amazing numbers. Later on, he became the medical director of the Center for Congenital diaphragmatic Hernia at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. If it hadn’t been for my brother-in-law, we would never have found someone closer to where we lived. Every step of the way God us to the right people at the right time and it ended up being a beautiful outcome.
AW: Do you think that some people who are non-believers or people who struggle with faith were still able to benefit from your book? Have you had any positive feedback?
R.M: It has been really nice because there have been people who have read it and either believe in the same faith as me or not but they really connect with the story. I think we all reach out to something else when we are struggling and I wanted to share my experience. We’re each to our own devices to make decisions of where and to whom we will reach out. But I just felt like it was really important to share my experience. Even, just the weird things, like the nightmares; everything felt like an outer-body experience for me.
AW: There is something very special about your book cover. Please share the details with us.
R.M: If you look closely, there is a picture of Bethany. The picture was actually a “selfie” that she had given me. I remember telling her, “This is a great picture of you that you took yourself”. I thought about how soulful her eyes looked and everything we had gone through, and knew that this needed to be the cover.
AW: Bethany is all grown up now. Do you feel that her challenges at birth affected her life in any way?
R.M: She is a beautiful 28-year-old who has defied all of the odds. They said she’d have physical limitations. They said she’d only be able to eat bland food. In contrast she is my “Italian Sub girl” and eats plenty of spicy food. They said she would have physical limitations and meanwhile she’s a Yoga instructor that does all of the inversions and all that crazy stuff. I’m just really proud of her.
Or they can go to either: Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com
AW: Do you have any future plans for your book? While reading it, I could totally picture is as an Audio book.
R.M: There are two plans. Yes, I definitely want to do an Audio book and I am blessed because my stepson’s expertise is in audio. He has offered to help me with this endeavor, so we will work on this together. There have also been several people who have given reviews on Amazon and have also mentioned it in face-to-face interaction about the book, “reading like a movie”. My philosophy is now taking one opportunity after another as it shares itself. And, my thing is to just share my story and see where it goes.
AW: You had mentioned to me that you were getting sone type of award for the Memoir. Please share the details with us.
R.M: So, I had never written a book before but I was like,” Am I going to be good at it?” I didn’t want to be like the person that everyone says can sing and you sing and they say, “Please don’t….” I ended up winning for a category of “Author of the Year” and I won as a finalist for “Inspirational Memoir”-this was all through International Impact Book Awards. The ceremony for these awards is in October in Hollywood, California. It is at a hotel right by where they have the Oscars and I have to get all decked out! I am bringing Bethany with me. I’ve only been to California once when Bethany was “in me”. It will be televised on television but am not sure of the channel. They have been wonderful and supportive to deal with.
A lesson in gratitude
Rene McDermott is a joy to be around and an overall gracious and grateful individual. I believe she has restored some faith in my life and renewed my sense of gratitude. Raised to Life: The story of Bethany is a story to be continuously shared. I hope you will consider reading the book and experiencing her journey, I am so glad that I did.
An Immersive Evening of Music, Art and Fine Dining at the Boca Raton Museum of Art
Boca Raton, FL (July 24, 2025)—The Symphonia, South Florida’s premier chamber orchestra, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art will host “Venetian Refractions: A Night of Art, Music, and Italian Indulgence” on Friday, September 26 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Mizner Park.
Set against the backdrop of the Museum’s Glasstress Boca Raton 2025 exhibit and featuring Italian music played by Symphonia musicians, the evening will begin with cocktails in the Museum’s Sculpture Garden followed by an exclusive, music accompanied after-hours visit to the exhibit and a gourmet four-course Italian dinner. Each course will be expertly paired with fine Italian wines and music. Presentations by the chef, sommelier, Symphonia Director and Museum Curator will enhance the experience, connecting flavors, music and visuals.
Glasstress is a project in Venice, Italy that brings international artists together to experiment with glass artistry, with an aim to increase the prestige of glass as fine art. Glasstress Boca Raton 2025 showcases more than 20 extraordinary works by global icons such as Sean Scully, Thomas Schütte, María Magdalena Campos-Pons and Jose Alvarez, among others.
“This is a celebration of artistic innovation and cultural collaboration,” said Annabel Russell, Executive Director of The Symphonia. “It’s a rare opportunity to experience such an immersive event encompassing so many aspects of Italian artistry with music, visual art, wine and cuisine. Venite con noi!”
Boca RatonMagazine serves as the event’s the evening’s exclusive magazine sponsor, with underwriting support from Drowos Private Wealth.
Tickets are $125 per person and are available for purchase at thesymphonia.org.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton.
About The SYMPHONIA
The SYMPHONIA, recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, provides high-quality classical music for the enjoyment and benefit of the South Florida community. Founded in 2004, The SYMPHONIA’S performances and educational outreach programs feature nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, enhancing the cultural lives of area residents, with special emphasis on its younger citizens. Follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @SymphoniaBoca. More at thesymphonia.org.
About The Boca Raton Museum of Art
Founded by artists in 1950 as the Art Guild of Boca Raton, the Boca Raton Museum of Art has evolved into a vital cultural resource. The Museum’s original building on Palmetto Park Road, now serves as the Museum’s Art School, nestled within a three-acre sculpture park. In 2001, the Museum received land in Mizner Park, downtown Boca Raton. Designed by Donald Singer, the current Museum facility, with its bold volumes and emblematic design, reflects the spirit of Addison Mizner’s Mediterranean Revival architecture of the 1920s that provided an indelible mark on Boca Raton. Located in Palm Beach County, the Museum attracts visitors from a wide range of regions, with nearly 50% being cultural tourists from drive markets or out-of-state, underscoring the appeal of its reputation, quality of programs, and supporting the Museum’s mission to be a vital cultural resource dedicated to the creative life. Learn more at bocamuseum.org.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – This August, the iconic Hilton West Palm Beach will showcase a plethora of exciting, interactive programming. From mermaid adventures and feel-happy fitness classes to acclaimed jazz at Palma and new summer flavors at Galley.
Pool Activations
Mermaid Adventures
Sunday, August 3
9:30-10:35am and 10:45-11:45am
$65–$125 per person
Hit the pool and learn how to become an aquatic princess with Vero Beach Mermaid. Led by world-famous PADI mermaiden, Brandee Anthony, the immersive, 60-minute class will teach children and adults to safely swim, kick, dive, and tread water gracefully wearing a colorful mermaid tail and monofin. Afterward, end the fun-filled day with a mermaid photoshoot and relax by the pool. To register, click h2`ere.
Get surf-strong and wave-ready with a high-energy Surfer’s Shred class. It’s all about building the core strength, agility, and stamina needed to ride longer and stronger. This is a hybrid land and water aerobics class starting on the hotel’s Event Lawn and ending in the pool for a cool down. No surfing experience required. Swimsuits are required. Must be able to swim on one’s own. To register, click here.
Full Moon Yoga with Brit Lukas
Saturday, August 9
8-9pm
$10 per person
Free for hotel guests
Harness the powerful energy of the full moon as you release, recharge, and realign. Join certified yoga teacher and personal trainer Brit Lukas as she guides you through a gentle heart opening practice under the full moon. This is a yin yoga practice open to all levels. Please bring your own yoga mat. To register, click here.
Moonlight Floating Sound Bath
Tuesday, August 19
8-9pm
$50 for in-pool floating bed
$10 for poolside lounger
Poolside lounger free for hotel guests
Drift into deep relaxation under the stars during this unique 60-minute floating meditation, guided by local guru Martha Popova. As you float in Hilton’s resort-style pool, immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of live healing instruments—singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and flutes—designed to elevate peace and well-being. To register, click here.
Sculpt & Sweat with Cloe Mimun
Saturdays
9-9:45am
$10 per person
Free for hotel guests
Join personal trainer Cloe Mimun for a low-impact HIIT style class which incorporates barre and Pilates style movements while using bodyweight to increase the intensity. All levels are welcome. To register, click here.
Sunrise Yoga with 1 Fitness
Sundays
8-8:45am
$10 per person
Free for hotel guests
Soak up the sun with 1 Fitness who will lead guests through yoga sequences to warm up the mind, body, and spirit, as well as focus on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. Afterward, celebrate with a complimentary mimosa or orange juice from Mezze! All levels are welcome. To register, click here.
Live Music
Jazz Nights at Palma
Saturdays
6-9pm
Sway to the smooth sounds of live jazz at Palma, a glamorous, golden sanctuary tucked in Hilton’s lobby. Sip signature cocktails from Palma Bar and let the music set the perfect weekend mood.
Dining
Galley Hour
Daily
4-6pm and 10-11pm (Bar only)
Snag a seat at the bar and get happy at Galley. Chef de Cuisine Joel Rodriguez’s aperitivo happy hour menu features light bites and heavenly craft cocktail pairings.
Summer Prix Fixe Menu
$60 per person
Galley’s Chef de Cuisine Joel Rodriguez has unveiled a summer dining special which offers a playful spin on South Florida classics. The three-course prix fixe menu highlights tropical dishes like spicy tuna tataki tacos, grilled swordfish with bruschetta caponata and lemon garlic cream sauce, and a decadent Key lime tart with strawberry gelée. For reservations, click here.
Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
WELLINGTON, FL – Advanced Surgical Physicians will be hosting their Second Annual Obstacle Course Race on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.
The race will benefit Sojourners With Healing Hearts, a West Palm Beach-based non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support and resources to African American women and women of color during the breast cancer journeys.
Led by Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Kyle Eldredge and the Advanced Surgical Physicians team, this event will be a challenging yet fun obstacle course designed for participants of all fitness levels and participants will run, walk, climb, and crawl through 10 unique stations, including a Balance Beam, Double Sand Bag Carry, Log Carry, Wire Crawl, and Wall Climb, all while supporting a vital cause. Entertainment will be provided by a local DJ to keep the participants energized and vendors will be on-hand selling food, crafts and goods.
“At Advanced Surgical Physicians, we understand that treating breast cancer extends far beyond medical procedures,” said Dr. Andrew Shapiro. “Support is crucial for women navigating their breast cancer journey. We are proud to support Sojourners With Healing Hearts, an organization that embodies this philosophy and does so much to provide comprehensive support to women in our community.”
Early bird registration is now open, offering discounted rates:
July 1 – July 31, 2025: $50.00
August 1 – August 31, 2025: $55.00
September 1 – September 5, 2025: $65.00
Day of Race (September 6, 2025): $75.00
Race Day Schedule:
6:30 AM: Packet Pickup Opens
7:10 AM: Obstacle Race Warm-Up
7:20 AM: Call to the Start Line
7:30 AM: Start of the Race
8:30 AM: Dancing and Entertainment
8:50 AM: Awards Ceremony
The event will be held at Okeeheelee Park – Micanopy Pavilion, located at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413.
Sponsorships are available and interested parties should contact Danny Howard at Victory Sports Management at danny.howard@victorysportsmgt.com or (954) 835-5929.
Advanced Surgical Physicians provides expert breast, hernia, gallbladder, and general surgical care. Experience what makes the practice different: an in-house phone line and friendly voice to take your call, self-scheduling available for your convenience, insurance transparency, minimally-invasive options designed with your healing in mind, and physician leaders that hold honorable appointments in their specialty. Advanced Surgical Physicians offers large institute options delivered with a small-town feel. Learn more at www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians or call us at (561) 333-1335.
I know it’s been a long time, but I’ve been keeping up with school and work and many other things a near twenty-something deals with. But I wanted to make it short and sweet this time, and talk about a few books I’ve been able to read in the past few months. I’ve already read 15 in the last 2 and a half months! So… let’s talk about them.
Cate Blanchett in The Lord of the Rings in the iconic “mirror” scene in Lothlorien.
First I want to mention a book that’s near and dear to me. The Lord of the Ringsby J.R.R Tolkien. I’ve been reading this book since about February. What’s amazing about my edition is that it’s all three books! The edition I have is bound up in a smooth, grey cover with a gorgeous black font and a small picture. Though I still look like I’m reading a textbook whilst in the middle of it. Anyway, I adore this book so much. The characters are extremely fleshed out, for one. The men are depicted as sweet, funny, and humble (except for a few). The women are layered, with Galadriel being calm and wise, while Eowyn is more spontaneous and passionate. There are characters for all kinds of readers to resonate with. Galadriel is my personal favorite though. Tolkien’s writing is easy to get into, and yet has some of the most beautiful prose and sections I’ve ever read or seen in a book. I love this book, and if you decide to read it, let me know. It’s a beast, but it’s so worth it! I’m so excited to see what happens to the characters, and how Tolkien will end it. I know I will be in tears either way.
The Silver Linings Play Book by Matthew Quick
There are two other books I want to mention while I’m here. The Silver Linings Playbookby Matthew Quick and Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me. The first book I read before watching the 2012 movie, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I read it in the span of nine days, and it was so good! I love the way the book tackles mental health and subjects like depression, obsession, and memories. Almost every character was so poignant, and the ending, though bittersweet, was enough to leave me sobbing. The romance was realistic, and I was hooked from the first page. If you can, give this a read or a listen. It’s the perfect balance of serious, comedic, and true to life. Speaking of true to life, the second book, The Woman In Me, was such a joy to be able to read. I consider myself a fan of Britney and her work, much like I enjoy Avril Lavigne, Lita Ford, and Stevie Nicks. But Britney is more of a guilty pleasure (I’m sure anybody who loves reality shows can relate to this). Her book was heartwrenching. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to support her and her journey.
Well, that’s about it. Thanks for reading, and I’ll talk with you all soon. Bye for now.
On Thursday, July 10th, at the Robert M. Montgomery Jr. Building, ten artists were recognized by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County at a reception marking the beginning of their exhibition. These artists came from all corners of the PBC area, from up north in Jupiter, all the way south to Delray Beach. Each winner received a $7,500 grant in 2024 and a dedicated section at this exhibition.
The artists are masters of a wide range of disciplines, including painters, sculptors, glass blowers, musicians, and other types of artisans.
The reception began at 5:30 pm, when guests were allowed into the building. Dozens of journalists, prior winners of the Innovation Showcase, collectors, and art enthusiasts all began to peruse and admire the various curated works of art on display. The air filled with the sound of jovial conversation and the smell of mini taco hors d’oeuvres as the staff, wearing uniform white dress shirts, began to serve cocktails to guests.
At 6:00 pm, Dave Lawrence, the CEO of Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, proceeded to make announcements in the central room of the exhibition. “These are very, very talented artists who live, work, and play here in Palm Beach County,” Lawrence remarked. “There are 10 artists selected through this selective application process… All they had to do was commit themselves to this notion of innovation and renewal.”
After he finished, he introduced one of the winners, Victoria Cardona, and she began playing select songs from her new album, Que Pasó. Another winner, Noah Garbarino, played on traditional Japanese taiko drums as well, which he crafts himself, having traveled to Japan to study how to make them.
Most of the other winners, Gillain Kennedy Wright, Jose R. Mendez, Janis Mc David, Jeanne Jaffe, Tracy Guiteau, Eli Cecil, and Molly Aubry, all had displays with a wide variety of their carefully crafted works on display. The exception is Suzanne Ankrum-Harris, who is using her grant to fund and produce a new stage play, Hurricane Diane.
“We try to give artists unfettered access to fund their dreams,” said Nick Murray, the Council’s Director of Marketing. “Artists in Palm Beach County should be artists full time.” The works will be on display from July 11 through August 29, at 601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach. The exhibition itself will be free and open to guests during the summer, Tuesday to Friday, from 12 pm to 5 pm. If you wish to learn more about the exhibit or the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County more broadly, you can visit their website at www.palmbeachculture.com
The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity (OEBO) is proud to announce the sixth annual Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach.
This dynamic, free event is designed to empower and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, offering youth ages 8 to18 a unique opportunity to explore the world of business ownership through engaging workshops, discussions led by experts and hands-on experiences.
Highlights of the forum include a youth entrepreneur panel discussion to hear from young business owners who are “making their mark.” The event also includes workshops:
• Entrepreneurship 101: Ideas to Action – Learn how to turn a spark of inspiration into a viable business.
• Pitch like a Pro: Sell Your Idea – Led by Ben Abidian, president of Atlantic Construction Engineers, this session will teach participants how to confidently pitch their business ideas.
• NIL Unlocked: Your Identity, Your Opportunity – Facilitated by James Taylor of the PBC Sports Commission and Taylored Management & Consulting, this workshop explores how young entrepreneurs can leverage their name, image, and likeness (NIL) for business success.
Attendees will also receive free professional headshots, enjoy a complimentary lunch and connect with like-minded peers and mentors.
“Before attending the event, starting a business felt like a distant idea, something other people did. But Mind Your Business gave me the tools, the encouragement, and most importantly, the belief that I could do it too,” said Bella Mayorca. “The event sparked the idea for Flash Sign Design, my business that will be launched by the end of July. This business uses AI to help customers design their own signs easily and creatively right from their phone or computer. What started as inspiration at an event has turned into something real, something I’m proud of. And it wouldn’t have happened without the support of this community and the resources that were made available through Mind Your Business.”
Popular summer concert series will be held every third Wednesday from July through September
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 9, 2025) — This summer, soothing rhythms and melodies will once again drift across the West Palm Beach Waterfront. The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to announce the return of its popular Soul in the City Jazz Experience, a monthly concert series featuring top-tier musicians from across the nation performing in Downtown West Palm Beach. Soul in the City will take place on the third Wednesday of each month, July through September, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion (101 South Flagler Drive). General admission tickets are $30, and table reservations for four or more are $45 per person. Tickets can be purchased at wpb.org/jazz.
“I am truly delighted to welcome back Soul in the City to our vibrant Waterfront,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “It’s inspiring to see people of all ages come together, united by the universal language of music. Whether you are a longtime jazz enthusiast or simply looking for something new and fun to do, I encourage everyone to experience this impressive concert series.”
The Soul in the City Jazz Experience lineup includes:
Allyson Briggs has earned a reputation as “The Glamour Girl of Jazz.” Since bursting onto the New York jazz scene more than a decade ago, she has become one of the most sought-after vocalists and bandleaders today. With hundreds of public concerts and private events per year, she leads her own retro jazz band, Fleur Seule, with effortless fun and fashion to match whichever decade she chooses to recreate.
Robert Ross, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, performs jazz, blues, soul, and rock. He has released seven recordings with The Robert Ross Band and won two New York Music Awards for Best Blues Artist, competing against notable artists such as John Hammond Jr. and Taj Mahal. Since moving to Florida in 2017, Ross has won three Florida Blues Challenges and reached the semifinals twice at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. His performances are known for their soulful blend of blues and jazz.
The third and final concert of the series is set for Wednesday, September 17, with the featured band to be announced soon.
All ticket purchases include complimentary popcorn. Food, nonalcoholic drinks, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and advance ticket purchase is required. Metered street parking is available along the streets near the Lake Pavilion, with Banyan and Evernia garages serving as the closest public parking garages.
“Soul in the City is undoubtedly one of our community’s most unique events,” said Angela Poco, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “This series provides an inviting indoor environment that allows attendees to fully engage with exceptional jazz performances by some of the nation’s most accomplished musicians. Given the high demand for tickets each year, I strongly encourage everyone to secure their tickets early to be part of these memorable evenings.”
Soul in the City Jazz Experience sponsors to date include WPB Magazine, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, Fox Sports 640 South Florida, and News Talk 850 WFTL.
For more information about the Soul in the City Jazz Experience or other City of West Palm Beach Events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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About the City of West Palm Beach: The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is an ideal place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
WHAT: Driftwood has launched a seasonal three-course Summer Prix Fixe Menu, available for $55 with an optional $15 curated wine pairing. Created by Chefs Jimmy Everett and Tommy Coombs, the menu showcases Driftwood’s signature approach to modern Florida dining — highlighting local farms, coastal ingredients, and bold, globally inspired flavors.
Guests can expect comforting classics elevated with thoughtful technique, bright seasonal produce, and unexpected pairings that reflect the spirit of South Florida summer.
MENU: Appetizers
Sweet & Sour Cauliflower with benne seed and scallion [VG, GF]Crispy Local Okra with preserved lemon aioli and pecorino [V, GF]Smoked Local Fish Dip with old bay crackers are Roots Farms Harvest Salad with citrus vinaigrette [VG, GF]
Entrées
Chicken n’ Dumplings with handmade ricotta dumplings Rigatoni Bolognese with pork & beef ragu and housemade ricotta Roasted Cabbage Red Curry with crispy mushrooms and coconut milk [VG, GF]
Shrimp n’ Grits with Key West pink shrimp and n’duja [GF, SF]Local Fish of the Day with blackened cauliflower and lentils [GF]
Desserts
Housemade Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Sandwich Warm Cornbread with buttermilk ice cream, blueberries, and local bee pollen
WHEN:
Available throughout summer during regular dinner hours.
WHERE:
Driftwood 2005 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Website | (561) 733-4782
AMAR LAUNCHES SUMMER PRIX FIXE MENU CELEBRATING THE FLAVORS OF LEBANON
WHAT: This summer, Amar in downtown Delray Beach invites guests to experience a Taste of Lebanon with a new Prix Fixe Summer Menu, priced at $45 per person. Designed for sharing and required for the entire table, the menu brings together Amar’s vibrant, ingredient-driven approach to traditional Lebanese cuisine — perfect for a sun-soaked evening on Atlantic Avenue.
The meal begins with a spread of mezze and ends with a sweet bite of baklava, with your choice of grilled meats, seafood, or vegan falafel as the centerpiece. It’s a celebration of warm hospitality, bold flavors, and communal dining — the heart of the Amar experience.
MENU:
Mezze (served for the table)
Classic Hummus
Baba Ghanouj
Muhammara
Fattoush Salad
Lebanese Pickles & Olives
Fresh Pita Bread
Main (served to share, with Lebanese rice & grilled onion sumac) Choose one protein option for the table:
