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21 November, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Jazz, Santana, Stiletto Edition

November 21, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Stiletto Race Benefits Achievement Centers

Stiletto Race Tonight
There will be a stiletto race in downtown Delray Beach tonight.
Yep. You got that right; people will be sprinting through the streets wearing high heels.
We aren’t the most fun town in Florida for nothing.
The Second Annual Vince Canning Stiletto Race is actually a benefit for the Achievement Centers for Children & Families, one of our favorite charities.
There will be a variety of categories for those brave enough to run in stilettos.
Among them:
Women’s 75 Meter Dash; Men’s 75 Meter Dash; College Competition; Silver Sneaker 65+ ; Waiter Race; Relay; Sexy Strut; Most Creative Shoe; Costume Grand Supreme.
Races begin at 6 and run through 9:30 p.m. on SE 4th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.
If you don’t want to run, you’ll certainly want to watch.
Delray Stiletto Race Event Road Closures
During the event, the following road closures will be in effect:
SE 4th Avenue will be closed from Atlantic Avenue to SE 1st Street, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Thursday, November 21st.
For event information, please call (561) 266-0003. For road closure information, contact the City’s Public Information Office at (561) 243-7190 or E-mail pio@mydelraybeach.com.

Artists and Entrepreneurs at Artist’s Alley
Tonight from 6-9 p.m., you’ll want to be in Artist’s Alley (near Third Avenue and Third Street in downtown Delray) for their monthly Open Studio and Gallery night.
Great art, friendly artists, wine, snacks and a funky atmosphere made possible by the collection of artists who have breathed new life into a once moribund part of town.
The alley runs north and south between NE 3rd and 4th Streets, east of 3rd Avenue and west of the RR tracks. You’ll also want to check out their new website www. ArtistsAlleyDelray.com
So what about the entrepreneurs? We’re glad you asked.
Innovate Palm Beach is participating in “Global Entrepreneurship Week” by co-founding “The Art Of The Start”, a fusion of art, technology and innovation. AOS is an officially sanctioned Global Entrepreneurship Week event, and that event is set for tonight in Artist’s Alley.
Over 200 entrepreneurs, startups, innovators and funders will descend upon “Artist Alley” for an evening of networking plus hands on displays and presentations by the Delray Beach’s top entrepreneurs and startups.
The event begins at 5pm with a launch party hosted by 3rd & 3rd. Then the attendees will visit the specially designed host resource center and then mingle with the dozens of artists and makers who will be opening their galleries and maker spaces that evening. There will be live music throughout the event provided by Delray Beach’s own “Arts Garage”. The evening will end with an after party back at 3rd & 3rd hosted by Crane’s Beachhouse with more networking and a few surprises
The goal is to highlight Delray Beach as an entrepreneurial friendly city. To that, this event is co-produced by The City of Delray Beach, The Greater Delray Beach Chamber Of Commerce, The Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative, Innovate Palm Beach and www.thereef.biz.

A Santana Tribute Extraordinaire

A Tribute to Santana
Carlos Santana is a rock legend.
He’s not coming to Delray. We saw him last week in Vegas.
But his music will be featured during the free Friday Night Concert Series at the Delray Center for the Arts. “Galo’s Tribute to Santana” kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
Galo is an awesome Santana tribute band and you’ll hear all the hits including “Black Magic Woman, “Oye Como Va” and “Gipsy Queen.”
If you love Latin flavored rock and great guitar work, don’t miss this show.
See you at the pavilion.

Trunk Show Benefits Historical Society
If you prefer jewelry design to Santana, we have a selection for you.
The Delray Beach Historical Society presents “Auriolus Art” featuring the designs of Dr. Doug Layton, a master jewelry designer, historian and artist.
This exclusive trunk show will benefit the Historical Society Friday, Nov. 22.
An open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3 Northeast First Street.
A lecture and trunk show will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.
We recently had a chance to chat with Dr. Layton at an Artist’s Alley event. He’s fascinating and this show is highly recommended. Tell Tara we sent you.
For more information, please call 274-9578.

Icons in Delray

The Lettermen In Concert
After you perused the trunk show, you’ll want to head back to the Delray Center for the Arts to catch a performance by The Lettermen.
The legend trio are in town Nov. 22, 23 and 24.
Performances are set for Friday, 8:00 pm; Saturday, 2 & 8 pm; Sunday, 2 pm; tickets $45.
One of the most popular vocal groups in music history continues to entertain audiences with their iconic, smooth sound. The trio has seen members come and go over the past 50 years, but group leader Tony Butala has been a constant. Today’s trio includes Butala, Bobby Poynton and Donovan Tea singing the songs that made The Lettermen famous.
For tickets visit www.delraycenterforthearts.org

Doug Bell &B Bellevue Cadillac roll into the garage

Doug Bell at The Arts Garage
If you love a variety of musical styles, don’t miss Doug Bell and Bellevue Cadillac, Friday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. at The Arts Garage.
Bellevue Cadillac has been performing nationally and internationally for years and you’ll hear jazz, blues, gospel, Philly Soul and Doo Wop, not to mention some music you may recognize from TV shows. The Bellevue Cadillac’s sound has been used on The Soprano’s, Sex And The City and the film Shallow Hal and Me, Myself and Irene.
Visit www.artsgarage.org for tickets and more information.

Holiday Crafts
We’ve given you music, we’ve given you jewelry, art and entrepreneurs.
But we haven’t forgotten about the upcoming holiday season.
The Southern Handcraft Society Holiday Craft Show and Sale is a must see and runs November 21, 22, and 23 at the Vintage Gymnasium at the Delray Center for the Arts.
Thursday and Friday hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; free admission.
The Pineapple Grove Chapter of the Southern Handcraft Society presents their 21st annual juried craft show featuring a variety of handmade gifts, ornaments, jewelry, woodcrafts, cards, quilts, stitchery, toys, trees, dolls, home décor and tasty treats!

Final Week For A Brilliant Show at The Arts Garage
Don’t miss your final chance to see “The Longing And The Short Of It” a wonderful song cycle about the hilarious, heart-wrenching, and thoroughly messy business of being human; a new collection of theatre songs for our time which has it final few shows at The Arts Garage.
The show, which has received rave reviews features the songs of Daniel Mate”. The production runs through Nov. 24.
For show times and information visit www.artsgarage.org

13 November, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: A Hootenanny in Boca, Folk Rock in Delray and Celebrity Tennis

November 13, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Craft Whiskey, craft beer and music benefit Tri County Humane Society

The weekend starts early this week at YourDelrayBoca.Com.We are heading to Vegas, really the only place that can compete with our hometown in terms of things to do.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with a slew of suggestions for this weekend.

A Hootenanny in Boca

Fine food, great cocktails, music and a great cause—can you ask for anything more?

Our best bet this weekend is Sonoma House’s Whiskey Bent Hootenanny, Friday, Nov. 15 from 7-11 p.m. at the Sonoma House, 220 NE 11^th Street in Boca.

If you haven’t been to the Sonoma House you’re in for a treat. It’s a great event facility available for weddings, parties and fundraisers.

This Friday’s event is a benefit for the Tri County Humane Society. Tickets are $55 online at www.thesonomahouse.com or bring six friends and pay $45 each. Tickets at the door are $75.

There will be music provided by Uproot Hootenanny, games, a cigar lounge, photo booth, pets for adoption and an art display.

Visitors will enjoy hand crafted whiskey, craft beers, paired with BBQ and other great food provided by The Max Group as in Dennis Max, as in Max’s Harvest, Max’s Grille etc. etc.

Tell Wes and Dennis that we sent you.

Best Bite on the Ave

Start your weekend right at the terrific Crane’s BeachHouse with a cool event called “Best Bite on the Ave.”

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, 10 great local restaurants will offer a variety of tasty goodies as they compete for the exalted title of “Best Bite on the Ave”, with each eatery partnering with a local nonprofit organization seeking donations and a chance to win a special $500 prize.

This fun and festive event will be held throughout the hotel. There is no admission charge to attend and live music will be offered throughout the evening.

The participating restaurants and their charity partners this year include:

+ 32 East / Atlantic High School Band

+ Caffe Luna Rosa / Sandoway House

+ Casa Di Pepe / Delray Beach Public Library

+ City Oyster / AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse)

+ Jimmy’s Bistro / Delray Beach Historical Society

+ Pizza Rustica / Caring Kitchen

+ Prime Delray / Take Heed Theatre

+ Salt 7 / Arts Garage

+ Solita Italian / Milagro Center

+ Tryst / Project Holiday

See you at 82 Gleason Street.

Friday Night Concert Series Features Folk Rock

We love folk rock.

In fact, we are listening to The Byrds while typing this.

And just like the song “Turn, Turn,Turn” says, there is a time for free music. And that time is Friday night Nov. 15 at 7:30 at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave.

This week’s band is “The KillBillies” (love that name) and they rock.

Formed in January 2011, The KillBillies are Ben Childs, Luke Pennell and Micah Scott. Based in West Palm Beach, they are all touring veterans who have come together through a shared love of rowdy, rootsy music that speaks to the soul and has something to say. Their combined mission is simple, to stand on the shoulders of musical giants of the past to see the future. Playing banjo, mandolin, guitars, dobro, upright bass, tin whistle, saxophone, and a foot percussion rhythm section, they draw on their knowledge of Celtic music, Bluegrass, Folk, Punk, Rock and Country to create their sound. Sounds good to us.

Food trucks, limited chair rental and friends. You can’t go wrong.

Chris Evert Pro Celebrity Classic

If you want to do a little stargazing this weekend, check out the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic Nov. 15-17 at the Delray Beach Tennis Stadium.

More than just “hit and giggle” tennis, the event raises big money for charity. Last year, more than $600,000 was raised in three days to fight drug abuse and child neglect in Florida.

Since 1989, close to $21 million has been raised by Chris and friends.

This year, look for Jon Lovitz, Alan Thicke, Pat McEnroe, Boca’s own Vince Spadea, Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver, Mats Wilander, rock star Gavin Rossdale and the sublime Elisabeth Shue among others.

For ticket info, visit https://www.chrisevert.org/

Have a safe weekend and remember Viva Las Vegas and Delray-Boca.

14 October, 2013 0 Comments

It’s Best To Protect Assets Before You Have A Problem

October 14, 2013 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Barry Siegel urges you to plan ahead

By Barry D. Siegel, Esq., The Siegel Law Group, P.A., Boca Raton

Imagine a husband and wife out for a drive on a rainy day, a child runs into the road, and the worst possible thing happens. In addition to the emotional shock and heartbreak, they soon learn that they have been named as defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit.

They call their auto insurance agent to ask how much coverage they have in this case, and are told that coverage is the minimum the state requires, which is $300,000. The insurance agent advises them that the company will assign a defense attorney to defend them.

Some days later they meet with the defense attorney who has requested a complete list of financial assets and liabilities. As they prepare their financial statement they realize what a strong financial position they are in. They have a mortgage-free residence valued at $300,000, a $400,000 IRA, $875,000 in stocks and bonds, and $275,000 in cash accounts. Frankly, most couples in their 50s would feel quite secure with a net worth of $1,850,000 and several years to earn prior to their planned retirement.

Two days later they receive a complaint from the attorney for the child’s parents claiming damages of $5,000,000. They forward the complaint to their attorney and he advises them that, if they proceed to trial, they are quite likely to lose.

He suggests that they might want to engage in some planning to protect what they can, but because the lawsuit has occurred, there is little that can be done to protect assets. They are forced to hire a bankruptcy attorney to determine how much of their property can be protected from the $5,000,000 lawsuit by filing for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy attorney requests a $25,000 retainer.

It dawns on them that they had considered a meeting with their estate planning attorney to discuss asset protection, but decided that they were protected with their insurance coverage and didn’t really have time for a meeting.

Unfortunately, scenarios like this occur every day in America; and once you have a legal problem it’s too late to do asset protection planning. It’s like trying to buy insurance for your boat while it’s sinking in the midst of a storm. Planning has to be completed when the skies are clear, and before anyone has any possible claim on your assets.

The Siegel Law Group is based in Boca Raton and has practice specialties in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Tax Planning, and Asset Protection. For more information, contact Mr. Siegel at 561 955-8515 or bsiegel@siegelestateplanning.com.

30 September, 2013 0 Comments

Changes Coming to Delray’s South Federal Highway

September 30, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Delray Place symbolizes a South Fed resurgence

After years of calling for a new vision and plan for the South Federal Highway corridor, residents of the southeastern gateway to Delray are starting to see lots of activity.

All four corners at Linton Boulevard and U.S. 1 have significant developments planned.

Consider:

Delray Plaza, long the anchor of the area is rumored to be adding an LA Fitness. Some residents are concerned about losing the Regal 18, for 20 years the go-to place to see a movie in Delray.
On the southwest corner, a new SunTrust Bank and Chick-Fil-A have been approved. The SunTrust will be constructed in what is now the parking lot of the existing SunTrust bank. Chick-Fil-A will occupy the site where the bank currently sits.
Nearby Linton Towers has been purchased by a partnership controlled by CDS International Holdings, owner of Atlantic Plaza downtown.
A much anticipatedTrader Joe’s is the lead tenant for Delray Place on the southeast corner.
On the northeast corner, construction is underway on a new Fresh Market. A new Mexican restaurant is also planned. Also on the northeast corner, a new Chase Bank (on an outparcel of the Old Harbour Plaza) is planned. The bank will be 3,550 feet with a two-lane drive thru.

Meanwhile, other key parcels along South Federal Highway are undergoing renovation projects.

Ed Morse Cadillac—construction is underway on a new 2,180 square foot body shop. A used card building will be removed to allow for a reconfiguration of a parking lot.

Delray Honda—the owner of the dealership is acquiring commercial property on the west side of South Federal Highway just north of the current location to build a new state of the art facility.

A new Wal-Mart is being built in a shopping plaza on the south end of the corridor in an existing shopping center.

And Out of Denmark, a well-known Delray restaurant, that has been on hiatus for a number of years is coming back to the corridor.

Still, a couple of sore spots remain. The leadership of the nearby Tropic Isle Civic Association recently met with city planners and economic development officials to urge that the city clean up some properties including an old dealership and a former hookah lounge which burned down.

The association is asking that the properties either be cleaned up or demolished.

The lounge was subsequently demolished.

The group also wants increased landscaping in the medians, compliance with landscape codes from commercial properties and better signage.

The neighborhood has also informed the city of what they would like to see in the area.

Desired uses include:

Restaurants, high end national chains
Indoor amusement and recreation facilities
High end car dealerships
Hotels
Office buildings, if the ground floor is retail, food service or a commercial use.
Movie theater
Walk in medical clinic
Mixed-use multi-family projects with retail/commercial on the first floor
Businesses that support car dealerships

Uses that would not be favored include:

Any 24-hour businesses
Pawnshops, astrologists, fortune tellers
Adult entertainment, including gambling or hookah businesses
Flea markets
Big box retail over 50,000 square feet

14 August, 2013 0 Comments

Strand Project Proposes Downtown Delray Apartments

August 14, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Update: The Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve the project. It will now head to the City Commission for a final vote and public hearing in September. Yourdelrayboca.com will keep you posted.

The Delray Beach Planning and Zoning Board will host a public hearing Monday, Aug. 19 to discuss a much buzzed about project “The Strand.”

The Strand, designed by well-known local architects Kupi Eliopoulos, is envisioned as a 198 unit apartment complex located on the north and south sides of SE 1st Street, west of SE 3rd Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, near the railroad tracks opposite Sun Trust bank.

The site, which is currently vacant, consists of two parcels that are separated by SE 1st Street.

The north parcel contains 0.79 acres and the south parcel contains 2.34 acres.

The development team is seeking a conditional use request that will allow an increase in density on the site from 30 units to the acre to 63 units.

If approved, the smaller north parcel would have 43 residential units within a four-story structure, three floors of residential with covered parking on the ground floor.

The south parcel would have 155 residential apartment units within a five-story structure which will have four residential floors with covered parking on the ground floor.

The proposal also includes recreational amenities including a swimming pool, exercise rooms and clubhouse for each parcel.

The project also includes certain green initiative designs such as a charging station, a “greenwall” system, roof mounted photovoltaic panels and solar bollards. Access to the site will be via SE 1st Street for the north parcel and SE 2nd Street and SE 3rd Avenue for the south parcel. The buildings will accommodate three different unit types including, studio (efficiency), one bedroom and two bedroom units that range in size from 500 square feet to 1,200 square feet.

Once the project is heard by the Planning and Zoning Board, it will be heard by the City Commission most likely in September.

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, 100 NW First Ave.

This project is being considered in an atmosphere in which some residents have expressed dismay at the conditional use process which allows for an increase in height and density. Proponents of conditional use say it gives policy makers discretion to approve or turn away projects based on what is needed or compatibility. They argue that a certain amount of density is desirable to keep downtown vibrant and to support local businesses. They also contend that attractive design is more important than the number of units and that density is good for the environment because it limits car trips (people living downtown enjoy walking over driving) and allows for services to be delivered more efficiently.

Others are concerned by increases in density which they believe increases traffic and endangers the village by the sea ambience.

The density argument has been raging in Delray since the late 90s, when Worthing Place (93 units to the acre) was proposed splitting the community. Some “high” density projects have sailed through with ample public support including a recent project by the Related Group south of Atlantic Avenue. Others, including Atlantic Crossings near Veterans Park, have met fierce resistance.

The City Commission is expected to review the conditional use process as part of a comprehensive review of the city’s land development regulations.

29 July, 2013 0 Comments

Foreclosure Report: Good News/Bad News

July 29, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Foreclosures are heading down in the Sunshine State

It’s the classic “good news/bad news” scenario.

At the halfway point of the year, Florida has the nation’s highest foreclosure rate, but there is reason for optimism – new cases appear to be on the decline, according to Realty Trac. The report indicates that one in 58 homes in Florida are facing foreclosure.

Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties posted the highest foreclosure rate among metro areas – one in 43 homes are in some “stage of distress.”

The good news? Florida has one of the country’s longest timelines for foreclosure, taking an average of 907 days. Only New York and New Jersey (1,033) have longer delays.

More good news: While foreclosures remain elevated in Florida, new filings fell 23 percent in June from a year ago, RealtyTrac said. New cases in South Florida dropped 17 percent.