SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - February, 2025

10 Must-Try Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale for Every Food Lover

Fort Lauderdale is a food lover’s haven, with a diverse dining scene ranging from laid-back seafood spots to upscale steakhouses and international flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood eatery, waterfront dining in Fort Lauderdale, or an upscale fine dining venue, the city offers something for every taste. Here are 10 restaurants in this South Florida city you won’t want to miss!

1. Dune Fort Lauderdale

Luxurious beachfront dining with stunning ocean views

Located right on the beach, Dune Fort Lauderdale delivers a luxurious yet relaxed dining experience with breathtaking ocean views. Their menu features mouthwatering dishes like heirloom tomato and watermelon salad, seven-peppercorn hanger steak, and milk chocolate peanut…

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South Florida Real Estate Booms Along Brightline Train Route

Since its completion in 2022, the Brightline has transformed transportation in Florida, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and now Orlando. The high-speed rail has not only benefited commuters and tourists but has also ignited a surge in South Florida real estate development.

Brightline’s Impact on Real Estate Development

Developers quickly recognized the value of proximity to Brightline stations. "The Brightline has been a major driver of South Florida's real estate market, creating seamless connectivity between key cities," said Danielle Naftali, Executive Vice President of Naftali Group. Her company’s developments, JEM Private Residences in Miami Worldcenter and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale, are thriving due to their…

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Could Florida Eliminate Property Taxes? Governor DeSantis Sparks Debate

Governor Ron DeSantis has sparked debate on whether the state of Florida should eliminate property taxes, a move that would have a significant impact on homeowners and local authorities. His recent comments on social media have reignited the controversy surrounding the fairness and feasibility of property taxes in Florida.

DeSantis' Stance on Property Taxes

The conversation started when DeSantis responded to a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the current system of taxing new construction homes based on assumed value. The tweet stated:

"Property Taxes shouldn't be assessed based on assumed value for new construction homes. I built my house affordably. I should have affordable property taxes to match."

DeSantis responded succinctly by…

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2025 South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Your Complete Guide

The highly anticipated 2025 South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) returns February 20 through February 23, with over 105 food events making their way to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Whether indulging in gourmet bites or specialty cocktails, this is what you need to know before you go to this iconic food and wine festival.

Why South Floridians Need to Go

If you're coming from Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or nearby South Florida towns, SOBEWFF is definitely worth the drive! Here's why:

• World-Class Culinary Masters: Meet and taste recipes of celebrity chefs Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, and Giada De Laurentiis.

• VIP Food & Wine Encounters: Taste gourmet cuisine, mixology, and wine seminars led by leading food and…

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How to Get Around Boca Raton without a Car: Your Transportation Guide

There are a variety of transportation options within Boca Raton for those looking to travel through the city without the option of a personal vehicle. From public transportation to ride-sharing, and even eco-friendly alternatives, here is your list of all the options to help you get around from Point A to Point B with ease.

Public Transport within Boca Raton

Brightline: High-Speed Rail Service

Brightline is privately-owned and operated high-speed rail that connects Boca Raton to Miami, Orlando, and other primary destinations in Florida. This convenient and comfortable option offers two classes of service:

• Smart Service: An affordable option with comfortable seating and the option to purchase food and beverages at the station and…

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Top Things to Do in West Palm Beach This Valentine's Weekend – Hot Air Balloon Festival

West Palm Beach is about to stage an experience people will not forget easily as it hosts the first-ever West Palm Beach Hot Air Balloon Festival at the South Florida Fairgrounds. This event will take place on February 14 and 15, 2025, bringing the opportunity for the Palm Beach County residents to check one off the bucket list and see the magic of hot air balloons first hand.

The One-of-a-Kind Experience

For nearly two decades, the traveling Hot Air Balloon Festival has been mesmerizing attendees across the country from giant cities to small towns. West Palm Beach finally gets its turn under the sheer canopy of these colorful giants.

The Event center is where the festival will take place at the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds,…

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Top Things to Do in Boca Raton: A Guide for Visitors & Locals

The gorgeous community of Boca Raton lies nearly 50 miles to the north of Miami in the Palm Beaches. This place was originally formed in the early 20th century as a primary resort in South Florida. Boca Raton has subsequently grown into a desired destination of beautiful beaches, parks, cultural attractions, and an exciting dining scene. Architect Addison Mizner was a central figure in giving Boca its character especially with the designing of the city's hallmark town hall, Mizner Park, and the grand Mediterranean-styled pink "castle," the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which stands tall today as a landmark.

Boca Raton, or "Boca," as the locals fondly call it, is the second-largest city in Palm Beach County. It is celebrated for its wildlife conservation…

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Billionaire William Lauder Secures Buyer for Record-Breaking Palm Beach Lots

A major real estate deal is under way in Palm Beach County, with a buyer lined up for billionaire William Lauder's 2.3-acre oceanfront estate, listed at $177.8 million. If it closes for that price, the sale would break the record for one of the costliest residential transactions in Florida.

Potential Record Setting Sale in Palm Beach

According to The Real Deal, billionaire William Lauder has found a buyer for his oceanfront property, which could set a new Florida residential record. The sale of Lauder's oceanfront land would eclipse the $173 million that billionaire Larry Ellison paid for a 16-acre estate in Manalapan in 2022. The sale would also top the $170 million that Michael Cantanucci paid for a mansion in Palm Beach in 2023, currently the…

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Why South Florida's Foreclosure Rate is Among the Highest in the U.S.

Current Foreclosure Rates & Trends

A new analysis from ATTOM, the nation's leading real estate data analytics firm, shows that South Florida still struggles to address one of the highest rates in the nation regarding foreclosures. In August 2024, one out of every 2,429 housing units in South Florida saw a foreclosure filing, putting it 12th among the key metropolitan statistical areas in the United States. Over 1,000 homes throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach started some form of the foreclosure process.

In August, 422 homes in Miami-Dade County were listed as being in the foreclosure process. This represents one out of every 2,604 units in the county, an increase of 23.28% from July and 8.4% year-over-year.

In total, 312 of 2,270…

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Boca Raton Real Estate Market Update 2025: What You Need to Know NOW

It seems that at the tail end of 2024, the South Florida real estate market had some big changes compared to a year ago. From increased home prices to increased days on the market, here's a closer look at the leading trends shaping buying and selling in the Boca Raton area.

Home Prices on the Rise

• The average sale price is up 23% year-over-year, standing at $1,127,794 in December 2024 from $919,885 in December 2023.

• The median sale price increased by 3%, growing from $580,000 to $594,950 year-over-year.

• Year-to-date, the average sale price rose 24% and the median sale price was up 11%.

This uptick in price is representative of continued demand across all segments but especially within the luxury markets as…

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