SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - Larry Mastropieri

Cleveland Clinic Plans New Hospital in West Palm Beach with $500 Million Fundraising Goal

Cleveland Clinic, the global leader in heart care and academic medicine, today announced its intentions to construct a state-of-the-art hospital in West Palm Beach. The initiative, supported by a $500 million fund-raising campaign, is tailored to increase medical care for the people of Palm Beach County.

The announcement was made during the Palm Beach Ball, an annual fund-raising event for the benefit of Cleveland Clinic's growth and medical programming in South Florida. The expansion is a testament to the organization's determination to bring high-quality healthcare to more people across the region.

A Vision for Advanced Medical Care

Cleveland Clinic has been a trusted health care provider in Palm Beach County for decades, and the organization…

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Townhouse Growth Surges in Broward County as Land Becomes Scarce

A major townhouse development is coming to Lauderhill, transforming a former golf course into a 650-home community. As land availability continues to shrink and costs rise, townhouses are becoming the go-to choice for developers and homebuyers in South Florida.

Townhouse Construction Outpacing Single-Family Homes

A recent report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates a significant shift in the trend of house construction. Townhouse building increased by 10% in 2024, overtaking single-family home construction. Nationally, 174,000 townhomes were built last year, compared to 158,000 in 2023.

Broward County is emulating this trend, as nearly half of the new single-family homes constructed in 2024 were townhomes. Figures from…

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Boca Raton’s Inaugural Seafood Festival Promises a Feast of Flavors and Fun

Seafood lovers, mark your calendars! The City of Boca Raton is hosting its first-ever Seafood Festival on Saturday, March 22, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater (590 Plaza Real). This highly anticipated event will bring together some of Boca Raton’s top chefs, a variety of delicious seafood offerings, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Tickets & Event Information

• Advance Tickets: $10 online at MyBoca.us/SeafoodFest

• Day-of Tickets: $15 at the gate

Festival Highlights

Live Music at the Seafood Stage

Enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances by The Holidazed, Vern Daysel and the Burning Breeze, and UnRavelas they provide the perfect soundtrack for a day filled with coastal fun.

…

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South Florida Leads the Nation in All-Cash Home Sales in 2024

South Florida remains one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country, attracting a high number of cash buyers. A new study by real estate brokerage firm Redfin reveals that the metropolitan areas of West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami rank among the top U.S. cities for all-cash home purchases in 2024.

Why Is South Florida a Magnet for Cash Buyers?

The trend of cash sales in South Florida is fueled by several key factors:

• Strong Investor Presence – Investors continue to purchase homes for rental income and long-term appreciation.

• International Buyers – Many overseas investors view South Florida as a stable place to park their money, particularly from Latin America and Canada.

• Relocation from…

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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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