New Director for Ringling Museum

SARASOTA – Steven High today was named executive director of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, home to the Ca’ d’Zan mansion, Museum of Art featuring a rare Old Masters collection, Circus Museum and Historic Asolo Theater. The announcement was made after Eric J. Barron, president of The Florida State University, approved his appointment by the Ringling Museum Board of Directors. Read more

Flavor Palm Beach Set for September

WEST PALM BEACH – Flavor Palm Beach, the fourth annual restaurant month for Palm Beach County, is set for Fall 2011.

For the entire month of September, the areas finest restaurants including Cafe Boulud, Ruth’s Chris, Renato’s, Charley’s Crab, Talay Thai, iii Forks and other Palm Beach County eateries will offer special three-course, price-fixed menus at $20 for lunch and $30 or $35 for dinner.

The dining showcase kicks off Friday, Aug. 26 with a party for food enthusiasts on the Great Lawn – the centerpiece of Downtown West Palm Beach’s spectacular Waterfront, proceeds will benefit the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In addition to an assortment of culinary delights, Flavor Palm Beach’s kick-off will offer live entertainment by The String Theory Band, dance performances from Palm Beach Atlantic University, strolling painted models and a light show.

The party is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Sponsors include the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Beluga Vodka, Golden Bear Realty, Convention and Visitors Bureau, 97.9 WRMF and American Express.

For info on Flavor Palm Beach, a complete list of participating restaurants, or to make reservations, see www.flavorpalmbeach.com.

See the “Cracker Crazy” Documentary Before You Visit

If you are traveling to Florida, you need to see Georg Koszulinski’s documentary on Florida, Cracker Crazy. It gives the visitor a background how Florida was invented, and some of the main touchstones of the Sunshine State’s history. You can watch it right here on YouTube.

The film blends archives, especially from the state. It’s done with style and humor, never staying too long on each subject, and always showing the most interesting historic tidbits and video clips.

Polynesian Tiki Fans Gather for 10th Anniversary Hukilau

FORT LAUDERDALE – Entice your senses with the alluring vibe of the Polynesian islands and the world of Tikiphiles while sipping potent potions this summer during the 10-year Anniversary of The Hukilau! The East coast’s largest Tiki and Polynesian Pop gathering will also be honoring the 55-year Anniversary of the historic Mai-Kai Restaurant, one of the remaining Polynesian Tiki treasures in North America. Read more

Free Stuff to Do: Urfer Family Park, Sarasota

SARASOTA- At the corner of Bee Ridge Road and Honore Avenue is the Urfer Family Park. With three children’s play areas (segregated by age), nature trails and a LifeTrack outdoor workout station, it is the perfect free activity for a family on vacation who has had way too much of expensive entertainment.

The C. B. Wilson house, moved from downtown, is a restored early 20th century gem with echoes of the Arts and Crafts style. C.B. Wilson was a noted Sarasota physician and early resident of the city; his life and medical practice are depicted inside. The house was moved by Sarasota County, and includes two original palms from its original location downtown.