Givenchy has presented its Spring Summer 2027 womenswear collection in Paris, introducing a focused wardrobe that emphasizes precision and simplicity in contemporary dressing. Creative director Sarah Burton described the collection as an exploration of balance and clarity, conceived for a fast paced world in which people navigate multiple perspectives and constant motion. The new womenswear line centers on streamlined silhouettes and versatile pieces intended to bring structure to daily wardrobes. Fashion followers can relive the show and explore the full Spring Summer 2027 womenswear collection online. By ML. Photo(s)/Givenchy

Florida Grand Opera has launched an $8.5 million fundraising initiative, The Power of Zero, to mark its 85th season and expand education, artist development, community engagement, wellness programs, and artistic innovation. The campaign goal reflects the company’s 85 seasons followed by five zeros, with each zero representing a key area of impact: Education & Access, Artist Development, Community Engagement, Wellness & Resilience, and Artistic Innovation & Legacy. Members of the organization’s Board have committed more than $400,000 to match gifts this season. Round one of the match runs through November 1, during which every contribution will be doubled until an $85,000 match pool is used, and everyone who donates by Sunday, October 25 will be recognized as a Founding Donor of the 85th season. Supporters are invited to join The Circle with a recurring monthly contribution or to make single gifts, which can be enhanced through employer matching, donor-advised funds, stock donations, or IRA distributions for donors aged 70 and a half or older. By ML. Photo(s)/Florida Grand Opera

The Miami Music Project received a 2026 Sony Music Group Global Social Justice Fund grant to advance youth development through music study and performance. The funding covers direct costs and expenses for the organization's programming and initiatives. Anna Klimala, President and CEO of the Miami Music Project, stated that the organization uses music as a tool for social transformation. She noted the nonprofit has spent 18 years offering vulnerable youth in Miami the resources needed to succeed in life. The Miami Music Project is a nonprofit organization that provides free after-school music education. The program operates in seven local schools, offering instruction three hours a day, five times a week. Since its launch, the initiative has reached over 33,000 children across Miami-Dade County. Inspired by the El Sistema model for social change, the organization removes barriers to entry based on race or economic status. The program reports that all of its senior students go on to pursue higher education. By ML Staff. Photos: Miami Music Project.

When Clase Azul México set out to create its newest tequila expression, Blanco Ahumado, Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco had one goal: to fuse ancestral techniques with modern craftsmanship. “We wanted to recover methods that aren’t always explored in tequila-making,” Tinoco told Miami Living, “and reimagine them with the artisanal mastery that defines Clase Azul.” This newly released tequila brings a subtle smoky elegance to the brand’s traditionally unaged Blanco category, crafted using time-honored techniques more commonly found in mezcal production. It’s a bold yet refined spirit—one that honors the rich culture of Los Altos de Jalisco, while showcasing Tinoco’s visionary approach to distillation. Reinterpreting Tradition: The Making of Blanco Ahumado Blanco Ahumado’s signature flavor starts deep underground, where blue agave piñas are roasted in a firewood-fueled pit oven lined with volcanic stone—an ancient technique rarely used in tequila production. “I wanted to recreate the mezcal process we use for our Durango expression,” Tinoco explained. “But applying those techniques to tequila didn’t yield the same results initially. We went through many trials, refining the cooking time and customizing the distillation process, until we captured the smoky character we envisioned.” After roasting, the agave is shredded and fermented using Clase Azul’s proprietary wild yeast—a strain developed from the natural ecosystem surrounding their agave fields. “We tested 33 strains, and only one had the ability to convert sugar into alcohol while also adding incredible aromatic complexity,” said Tinoco. “It’s one of the most important contributors to our tequila’s character.” That attention to detail extends to every stage. Fermentation happens in open tanks under carefully monitored conditions, allowing delicate and complex notes to emerge. The spirit is then double-distilled in custom copper stills, amplifying both purity and flavor depth. Tasting Notes and Artistic Presentation The result is a smooth and sophisticated tequila, marked by aromas of smoked agave, red apple, and plum. On the palate, expect fresh lemon, minerality, and a silky texture with a lingering smoky finish. True to the brand’s artistic DNA, the Blanco Ahumado decanter is also a work of symbolic craftsmanship. Semi-opaque glass alludes to smoke from the cooking process, a dark ceramic base evokes volcanic stone, and copper-toned accents nod to the stills used in distillation. The 750 ml bottle (45% ABV, 90 proof) is priced at $250 USD and comes in an exclusive presentation case. A Spirit with Soul Clase Azul’s ethos has always been about more than premium tequila—it’s about storytelling through flavor, design, and cultural homage. “Every detail of Blanco Ahumado tells a story,” Tinoco said. “It’s a sensory expression of our home and our heritage.” Since its founding in 1997 by Arturo Lomelí, Clase Azul has grown into an internationally recognized luxury spirits brand, now available in more than 90 countries. Beyond its spirits, the brand continues to innovate experiences—like Clase Azul La Terraza Los Cabos, which blends fine dining, mixology, and cultural immersion. To learn more, visit claseazul.com or follow them on Instagram at @claseazulofficial. By Ml Staff. Images courtesy of Clase Azul.

Anyone who's kept the same treat rotation going for a while knows how quickly a dog's enthusiasm fades. The bully stick that used to disappear in five minutes gets sniffed and abandoned. The training treat that used to earn a perfect sit gets accepted with the energy of a shrug. Rotating in different shapeså a small flavor-driven maker, a broad USA producer, and a curated family-run store – which is exactly what makes them a useful starting point for building variety into a routine. 1. Bully Sticks Direct Bully Sticks Direct is a brand that offers a bully sticks lineup that's all-natural and preservative-free. Every bully stick starts with high-quality beef and nothing else. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives sneak into the process, so what you're feeding your pet stays close to its raw, minimally processed form. That simplicity has real nutritional benefits: the beef delivers protein and other nutrients dogs actually need, stays naturally low in fat and calories, digests easily, and skips common allergens like wheat, soy, and corn altogether. Here's why Bully Sticks Direct fits neatly into everyday routines: • 100% all-natural, single-ingredient treats – no added preservatives, hormones, or artificial ingredients, so the ingredient list stays as short as the treat itself • Odor-controlled, long-lasting chews – a large portion of the lineup is specifically labeled odor-free, which is the detail most pet parents wish they'd checked earlier • Direct-to-consumer pricing – the company sells straight to pet parents, with free shipping and an autoship option that suits treats you'll reorder often • Ethical and responsible sourcing – as a second-generation family business, the company sources from suppliers it trusts enough to feed its own dogs Customer feedback on Trustpilot points to the same quality and reliability. One reviewer wrote, "I also love the quality which is much better than our local farm store sells." Another customer wrote, "I love their autoship/delivery, it's on time and they never miss," and said their "customer service is friendly and helpful." A third described it as a "super high quality and consistent product" and said they're "happy supporting them directly instead of through a reseller," which lines up with the brand's direct-to-consumer model. That combination of depth, odor control, and reorder-friendliness is what makes Bully Sticks Direct a sensible backbone for a rotation. Once the chew side is handled reliably, mixing in flavor variety and softer treats from smaller makers becomes a much easier decision – which is why it lands at the top here. 2. Bonker Bites Bonker Bites is a family-run operation whose origin story is a common one for this category – a Labrador cracked a molar on a mass-market chew, and the family decided to build something better. What emerged is a small, tightly-focused lineup built around single-ingredient dehydrated treats and chews sourced from Midwestern USA family farms. A few points define the approach: • Single-ingredient dehydrated treats – dehydrated chicken breasts, chicken feet, beef heart, beef trachea, and cubed chicken-and-carrot training treats • Odor-free bully sticks in multiple sizes – 3-4" bully bites, 6" sticks, and 12-14" full-length sticks • Strict "no filler" standards – no grains, no gluten, no soy, no artificial colors, no preservatives, and nothing added beyond the primary ingredient • Midwest family-farm sourcing – ingredients come from named farms the company works with directly, with nothing imported Bonker Bites is a strong pick if you want a small, focused range where every product genuinely does the same thing well. The organ-meat and dehydrated-protein pieces are especially useful for pet parents building a rotation around single-ingredient treats rather than layering in cookies, sticks, and blends. 3. Ma and Paws Ma and Paws comes at the routine from a different direction: flavor. This is a small family-owned operation from Garden Prairie, Illinois, licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin with each state's Department of Agriculture, and carried in around two dozen retail locations across those states in addition to selling online. A few points define the approach: • Flavor-driven soft-baked treats – cheese and bacon hearts, peanut butter hearts, pumpkin treats, and pumpkin-and-cinnamon 4" sticks with a softer, more pliable texture • Freeze-dried food toppers – chicken breast, beef heart, and lamb heart in bagged portions, doubling as toppers or training rewards • Chews for regular use – bulk 8-12" beef tendons and beef-and-coconut or pork-and-cheese sticks for dogs that prefer flavored chews • Bulk sizing on most items – larger pack options for households that go through treats quickly Ma and Paws is a good fit for pet parents who want more flavor variety than a single-ingredient shop offers. The soft-baked cookies and flavored sticks work well for training or shared moments, while the freeze-dried toppers cross over into mealtime – a useful cross-purpose to have in the pantry. 4. Natural Cravings USA Natural Cravings USA takes a broad, size-based approach to natural treats and chews. Based in Homestead, Florida, the company produces its own USA-made bully sticks, dog chews, and treats, and has grown into a wider natural-pet catalogue that also includes organic grooming (its Buddha Bubbles line) and raw and gently cooked pet food. A few points define the approach: • Oven-roasted USA bully sticks – made from pure USA beef pizzle, roasted to lock in the natural flavor rather than heavily processed • Shop-by-size navigation – the site is organized around toy/small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs, plus cats, making sizing choices easier at a glance • Broad natural-pet catalogue – bully sticks, chews, treats, plus grooming and raw/gently cooked food under one roof • Sustainable protein sourcing – proteins are described as humanely treated, sustainably sourced, and raised without antibiotics Natural Cravings USA is a strong option for pet parents who like the idea of buying most of their dog's natural pantry from one place, and want size-first shopping rather than category-first. The size-organized approach helps if you have more than one dog, or an especially picky small-breed chewer. 5. PBJ Pet Supply PBJ Pet Supply (Pets Bring Joy) is a family-run curated shop rather than a manufacturer, built out of the founders' own frustration with big-box aisles while shopping for their Boston Terriers. The store curates chews, treats, balms, grooming products, and supplements from a small set of makers it trusts, and layers a bundle-and-subscribe model on top. A few points define the approach: • Curated, not manufactured – the store picks products from other small makers rather than producing everything in-house • Signature "Bundle Basket" – a starter set that pairs a 12" bully stick with a medium yak cheese chew and PBJ's peanut butter dog treats • Subscribe & Save option – monthly delivery with additional discount stacking, plus quantity discounts across chews, treats, and grooming • Category coverage beyond chews – balms, supplements, and grooming rounds out a routine beyond food and chews PBJ Pet Supply is the right pick for pet parents who'd rather trust someone else's curation than sort through hundreds of options themselves. The bundle model is genuinely useful for testing multiple styles at once – one longer chew, one softer chew, and a batch of soft treats – which is exactly the approach that keeps a routine varied. How to Build a Rotation That Actually Stays Interesting The strongest treat rotations usually mix a few different formats rather than sticking to one type. A reasonable structure looks like this: • A reliable everyday chew – a bully stick or similar single-ingredient chew for daily busy-work, ideally in an odor-controlled version if you're keeping it inside • A longer-lasting occasional chew – a yak cheese chew, marrow bone, or tendon for when you genuinely need your dog occupied for a longer stretch • A flavor variety pack – flavored sticks, soft cookies, or dehydrated organ meats to keep training rewards fresh • A topper or freeze-dried protein – something that crosses over into mealtime, so treat variety extends beyond just chewing For the chew backbone, a specialist like Bully Sticks Direct is hard to beat for depth of sizes and single-ingredient discipline. Bonker Bites layers in Midwest-sourced dehydrated proteins and small-batch trust. Ma and Paws adds flavor variety and softer textures. Natural Cravings USA is a good home base if you want a size-first natural pantry with grooming and food alongside the treats. PBJ Pet Supply handles the curation itself if you'd rather have someone else sort the options for you. The American Kennel Club's guide to choosing edible chews is a useful reference for matching hardness and durability to your own dog's chewing style as you build out a rotation. Final Thoughts Building variety into a treat routine isn't really about buying more – it's about buying differently. Rotate chew style, flavor, texture, and format, and treat time stays engaging for your dog and stays interesting for you to plan. The right mix comes down to your dog's chewing style, how much they care about flavor, and how much sorting you want to do yourself. Any two or three of these brands together will cover most of that ground comfortably. FAQs 1. How often should I rotate my dog's treats? There's no strict rule, but many pet parents rotate flavors or chew styles every few weeks to keep things interesting. Watch your dog's reaction – visible drop-off in enthusiasm is usually the cue. 2. What makes a dog treat "natural"? Generally, a short ingredient list with recognizable ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers. Single-ingredient treats are the clearest version of this. 3. Is it okay to mix treats from different brands? Yes. Most pet parents build their rotation from more than one brand precisely because no single maker covers every chew style, flavor, and format equally well. 4. What's the difference between a chew and a treat? Chews are meant to be worked on for a while (bully sticks, tendons, yak cheese), while treats are usually eaten quickly (jerky, cookies, freeze-dried bites). Most routines use both. 5. Do I need to store natural treats differently? It depends on the treat. Single-ingredient dehydrated and freeze-dried items usually keep well in a sealed container at room temperature, while softer baked treats sometimes last longer if refrigerated – check each product's packaging. By ML Staff. Image generated with OpenAI. Brand website screenshots via Bully Sticks Direct, Bonker Bites, Ma and Paws, Natural Cravings USA, and PBJ Pet Supply.

The Community Foundation of Broward, in collaboration with the Broward County Cultural Division and the Cultural Foundation of Broward, hosted a reception to showcase a planned public art initiative for Fort Lauderdale’s 17th Street Causeway Bridge. The project, titled "Everyone Under the Stars," is a light-based installation designed by Tracey Dear of Illinois-based Dear Productions. Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the artwork will illuminate the bridge, serving as a visual link connecting the expanded Broward Convention Center, the new Omni Hotel, and the renovated Pier Sixty-Six. The recent gathering took place at Pier Sixty-Six Residences, where attendees met with project leaders and the artist while viewing the installation site. Funded by the Broward County Commission alongside local corporations, foundations, and individuals, the project highlights the county's 50-year commitment to public art. A $6 million fundraising campaign is currently underway, with more than half of the goal already secured. Organizers aim to complete the funding before the installation is officially activated. “Public art plays an important role in shaping the identity of a community. It brings people together, creates moments of connection and adds character to the places we call home,” said Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward. “We are honored to work with the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Foundation of Broward and Tracey Dear to bring ‘Everyone Under the Stars’ to Fort Lauderdale and to be part of an effort that celebrates creativity while contributing to the city’s continued growth and vibrancy.” Tracey Dear, recognized for his background in architectural lighting and concert production, was selected to design the installation. His work will complete the entryway to the Fort Lauderdale beach area, connecting the marine industry, local businesses, and residential spaces. During its past fiscal year, the Community Foundation of Broward provided $3 million in support for arts and culture, facilitating access to museums, festivals, and educational programs for thousands of residents. The Foundation currently manages 600 charitable funds valued at $360 million, having granted over $250 million since its establishment in 1984. For more information about the bridge installation and the fundraising campaign, visit The Causeway Bridge or contact project organizers at glenn@culturebroward.org. By ML Staff. Photos: Community Foundation of Broward.

Florida’s stone crab season is back, and Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab is the catch of the season starting Oct. 16! Surf and turf lovers can crack into the season at Truluck’s two South Florida restaurants in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where the menu features fresh, never-frozen stone crabs, the viral $100 martini with caviar-stuffed olives, seasonal cocktails of the month, a Thanksgiving feast, late-night happy hour and more. 'Tis the season to celebrate! From intimate holiday toasts to big, joyful gatherings, Truluck's turns every moment at the table into a memory worth savoring. Private dining and group celebrations feature fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks, so guests can come hungry and leave merry. Stone Crab Season: Fall marks the highly anticipated arrival of Florida Stone Crab season, from Oct. 16 through May 1. Sweet, succulent and unmistakably fresh, Florida stone crab is a delicacy unlike any other. Truluck’s delivers South Florida diners world-class, fresh, never frozen, Florida stone crab, at the peak of freshness. From trap to table at every visit, Truluck’s serves each claw fully cooked, chilled, pre-cracked, and ready to savor, accompanied by their signature mustard sauce that’s been perfected over countless seasons. For more than 30 years, Truluck’s Florida stone crab has been captured and prepared humanely and sustainably by a dedicated team of crabbing professional partners. Truluck’s Florida stone crab is the perfect way to elevate the everyday or celebrate a special occasion. Pair Truluck’s Florida stone crab experience with its signature menu offerings, from expertly butchered, hand-cut steaks featuring 100% USDA Prime beef aged a minimum of 30 days to extraordinary TRU PEARL oysters. Seafood lovers can also indulge in the sweet, delicate flavors of fresh crab all year long with Truluck’s Crab Crab Crab menu. Enjoy each selection in ½-pound increments or experience all three together as a Crab Flight. Options include Dungeness Crab: Pacific Northwest ($28), Wild Bairdi Crab: Alaska ($35), Red King Crab: Bering Sea ($88) and the Crab Flight of all three for $150. $100 Martinis: A sip, a snack, and a show all in one glass! Truluck's $100 martini that went viral in Houston and Dallas just landed in South Florida, and it’s worth raising a glass to. The $100 Martini is more than a cocktail; it’s a tableside experience. A sleek bar cart is rolled right to the table, where the martini is crafted and finished for an unforgettable sip. The Caviar Martini ($100): Ice-cold Belvedere 10 vodka, stirred tableside and crowned with four caviar-stuffed olives. Nolet's Reserve Martini ($100): Rare, remarkable Nolet's Reserve gin, stirred tableside and paired with juicy berries that make every sip pop. Add a caviar-stuffed olive to any martini for $10 Thanksgiving: A feast worth giving thanks for! Celebrate Thanksgiving at Truluck’s on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 12 to 9 p.m., with a three-course pre-fixe menu for $59 for adults and $29 for children 12 and under. For the first course, guests can choose from the cauliflower-brown butter soup, little gem Caesar salad or the Sonoma greens salad. The second course features herb-roasted Turkey Breast with parmesan mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, broccoli-rice casserole, giblet gravy, and cranberry apple compote. The third course allows guests to choose from carrot cake or warm bourbon apple-spiced butter cake. Family-style side additions that are available à la carte include king crab mac & cheese ($29), lyonnaise potatoes ($15), creamed spinach ($14), asparagus ($16) and pan-seared broccoli ($14). To-go Thanksgiving leftovers are available for $24. Perfect wine pairings include: Davis Bynum, Chardonnay, Russian River: $14 a glass | $54 for a bottle Markus Molitor, Riesling, Haus Klosterberg, Spӓtlese, Mosel: $18 for a glass | $68 for a bottle Calera, Pinot Noir, Monterey: $14.50 for a glass | $56 for a bottle Roth, Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon: $14 for a glass | $54 for a bottle Cocktails of the Month: Each of Truluck's seasonal cocktails is built to match the mood of the month, from the first cool days of fall to making spirits bright for the holidays. October: Autumn Blaze ($24): Autumn Blaze is meant to ease guests into cooler weather. It’s made with Truluck's own Single Barrel Knob Creek bourbon, which comes in at more than 120 proof, shaken with fresh strawberry, lemon and orange bitters and a touch of mezcal. The result is a vibrant cocktail that evokes leaves changing color and temperatures dropping. November: Brother’s Bond Old Fashioned ($26): This limited-time cocktail is not an old fashioned guests can make at home. It uses Truluck's own Single Barrel Bourbon from Brother's Bond, the brand's first single barrel release. The bourbon is stirred with a hint of fig, chipotle cacao bitters and a house cordial that combines espresso, orange, honey and toffee. December: Holiday NOG ($19): This spiced cocktail combines bourbon and bourbon cream for a mellow, sensory drink that recalls holidays past. Nutcracker Rum Punch ($19): This punch embodies a childhood rum ball or a sneaked sip from the holiday punch bowl. It has a little naughty heat and spicy intensity, balanced with honey and fruit. Sommelier’s Secret Red Wine Challenge ($20 per glass): From Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, Truluck’s will offer a Sommelier’s Secret Red Wine Challenge. It is $20 a glass, and if guests guess what wine it is, it’s free. Holiday Parties: Eat, drink and be merry! Holiday cheer is served at Truluck's. The Miami and Fort Lauderdale locations offer an elevated setting for making unforgettable holiday memories. Truluck’s was made for these moments and is all about elevating every occasion to momentous new heights. With flexible floor plans and a variety of spaces for group dining, Truluck’s can accommodate intimate gatherings and grand celebrations alike. Everything, from menu to décor, can be tailored to fit the special event. For more information about holiday parties, contact Elizabeth Nourse at ftlevents@trulucks.com for Fort Lauderdale or miamievents@trulucks.com for Miami. Extended Half-Off Happy Hour: Sip, shuck and unwind! Guests can also raise a glass to the season with extended happy hour specials. Evenings start at Truluck’s with 50% off handcrafted cocktails, wines by the glass, spirits and oysters available daily, exclusively in the Truluck’s bar during Happy Hour. Miami: Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to close; Friday, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close; Saturday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close; and Sunday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Fort Lauderdale: Sunday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to close and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. At Truluck’s Miami, the night lingers a little longer, the cocktails flow a little smoother, and the piano plays guests' favorite tunes. Guests are invited to sip, sway and sing along as the evening comes alive in the late-night piano lounge with live music Wednesday through Sunday from 7 to 10:30 p.m. TRU Ninety-Two Menu: Truluck’s TRU Ninety-Two three-course prix fixe menu is available Monday through Saturday until 6 p.m. and all day Sunday for $59 at the Fort Lauderdale location. Starters include a selection of Little Gem Caesar Salad, Sonoma Greens Salad, Iceberg Wedge Salad, Tomato Salad, Warm Baby Spinach Salad (for a $5 upgrade), Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Bisque or the Prime Meatballs. Guests can choose from one entrée: Jalapeño Salmon Béarnaise, Sesame Seared Tuna, Petit Scallop & Shrimp Sauté, Filet Mignon 6 oz* (an 8 oz upgrade is available for $9 or 12 oz for $16), Roasted Natural Chicken, Pappardelle Bolognese, or the Ora King Salmon (for a $10 upgrade). To finish, they can choose one: Petit Carrot Cake, Petit Chocolate Malt Cake, Petit Key Lime Pie or the Warm Butter Cake (a $7 upgrade). Guests at Truluck’s South Florida locations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale can enjoy the Prime Rib Sundays offering as part of the restaurant's TRU Ninety-Two prix fixe menu, or à la carte. Priced at just $59, the three-course format features a 14-oz slow-roasted, carved-to-order, expertly crafted prime rib served with shallot-rosemary jus and a classic baked potato. Guests can upgrade to an 18-oz portion for $15.00. About Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab: Truluck’s is a premier dining destination, renowned for high-quality seafood, exceptional service, and steadfast dedication to sustainability. Since opening its flagship restaurant in Houston in 1992, Truluck’s has crafted unforgettable experiences, one memorable meal at a time, for guests in 12 locations across Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Truluck’s has two South Florida locations: Miami (Brickell) and Fort Lauderdale (A1A). The Miami restaurant is located at 777 Brickell Ave., Suite 100, Miami, FL. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. The Fort Lauderdale restaurant is located at 701 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Suite CU1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Hours of operation are Monday- Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. By ML Staff. Photos: Truluck's.

The Independent Colleges and Universities Benefits Association (ICUBA) board of directors announced the appointment of Chu H. Soh as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 15. Soh brings more than two decades of leadership experience across healthcare benefits, self-funded health plans, and mission-driven organizations. He steps into this role as independent colleges, universities, and private K-12 schools in Florida face rising healthcare costs and pressure on their operating budgets. ICUBA operates as a multiple employer welfare arrangement, helping members pool purchasing power to reduce insurance costs, administrative fees, broker commissions, and consulting fees. Soh will lead efforts to deliver value to current members, develop benefits strategies, and build partnerships. He will also focus on expanding ICUBA’s membership by introducing its collaborative benefits model to eligible educational institutions across the state. "We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us to build upon the strength of our member community while positioning the organization for meaningful growth," said Jennifer Boyd-Pugh, chair of the ICUBA board of directors. "Chu brings the combination of healthcare expertise, strategic vision, financial discipline and demonstrated ability to grow complex organizations that is essential for ICUBA’s next chapter." Previous Leadership Experience Soh most recently served as president of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer and chief insurance officer of GuideStone Financial Resources, an enterprise serving more than 13,000 employer organizations nationwide with over $20 billion in assets under management. During his tenure at GuideStone, he managed a multiemployer benefits structure, healthcare network partnerships, product development, risk management, and financial stewardship. As chief insurance officer, he led a health and ancillary benefits program covering more than 90,000 lives across approximately 5,000 employer organizations. Before his time at GuideStone, Soh spent seven years as chief operations officer of Christian Care Ministry/Medi-Share, where he helped scale the organization from approximately 20,000 to 155,000 member households. He began his career with 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel following progressive leadership roles in medical operations and healthcare. He holds degrees from Baylor University, the University of Florida, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. "His experience building products, expanding participation and leading complex organizations through transformation strongly aligned with the qualities our search committee identified as critical for ICUBA’s future," said Cara Wald, vice chair of the ICUBA board of directors and chair of the presidential search committee. The appointment follows a national search led by the ICUBA presidential search committee in partnership with CarterBaldwin Executive Search. By ML Staff. Photos: ICUBA.

BOL Hospitality Group opened Common Room, an American restaurant, and The Brooklyn Room, a speakeasy, in Downtown Hollywood on Thursday, Sept. 24. The hospitality group hosted a preview and ribbon-cutting ceremony where guests experienced the restaurant and sampled dishes including Cavatappi Mac & Cheese, Spicy Rigatoni, Short Rib Tacos, and Crisp-Skin Branzino. Mayor Josh Levy, City of Hollywood officials, and representatives from the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce joined BOL Hospitality Group Co-Founder Eric Douglas and the executive team for the event. Located at 2032 Harrison St., Common Room operates as a neighborhood restaurant offering food and cocktails. The dining space includes a post-dinner cocktail component, providing two distinct settings within the same venue. Concealed inside Common Room is The Brooklyn Room, an invitation-only cocktail bar hidden from the main dining area. Access is granted exclusively by the manager. The space features cocktails inspired by Brooklyn neighborhoods and a rotating music format ranging from hip hop to house and indie rock. "We are thrilled to officially welcome Common Room and The Brooklyn Room to the Hollywood community and celebrate this milestone with the support of Mayor Levy and the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce," Douglas said. "Their partnership and commitment to supporting local businesses help make moments like this possible." The menu features American dishes. Items include Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Chicken & Caviar, Lobster Roll, Southern Fried Chicken, Prime Rib French Dip, Prime Skirt Steak Frites Au Poivre, Tamarind Braised Short Rib, Wild Mushroom Pappardelle, Spicy Rigatoni, The Common Wagyu Burger, Faroe Island Salmon, and Crisp-Skin Branzino. Miami-based Unfiltered Hospitality designed the cocktail program, pairing classic builds with original signatures. Common Room also offers a tailored martini service for $18, alongside spirit-free drinks. Operating hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. The establishment is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. By ML Staff. Photos: BOL Hospitality Group.

We bought a tired 1950s ranch in Miami Shores three summers ago, a low concrete-block house with jalousie windows, a carport, a terrazzo floor hiding under three layers of carpet and a backyard that was mostly a sad mango tree and a chain-link fence. We loved it immediately, which is apparently the most dangerous thing you can do with an old house in South Florida, and we spent the next year and a half turning it into the home we had been imagining while the inspector tapped on the walls. What surprised me most about the whole process was not the cost or the permits, although both were memorable. It was how much of the house we got to live in, in a sense, before a single wall came down, and how many expensive mistakes that saved us. Why we didn't trust the drawings alone Our architect was patient, and her drawings were beautiful, but my partner and I quickly discovered that neither of us could really read them. We would nod at an elevation, agree that the new windows looked great, and then lie awake wondering whether the living room would feel like a fishbowl from the street. Plans and elevations are a language, and we only spoke it badly. About two months in, she suggested bringing in a visualization studio. She had worked with one before on a waterfront project in Coconut Grove, a team providing 3D rendering services in Florida, and she said that for clients like us it was usually money well spent, because changes made on a screen cost almost nothing next to changes made with a concrete saw. We were skeptical about the cost, but we agreed to a small set: the front of the house from the street, the open living and kitchen area, the primary bedroom looking out to the yard, and the back of the house with the new pool and terrace. The windows that faced the wrong way The first set of images changed the design almost immediately. The plan had a wall of new impact glass along the west side of the living room, looking onto the side yard and a neighbor's royal palms, and on paper it was the most exciting part of the house. When the studio rendered that room at four in the afternoon in July, which they did because our architect asked for real sun angles at our actual address, the whole space was flooded with harsh, low light and you could almost feel the heat coming off the screen. We shifted most of that glass to the north and the back of the house, kept a narrower strip of windows on the west with a deep overhang above it and added a row of sea grape along the side fence. The revised image showed a living room with soft, even light all afternoon, and I can tell you from two summers of living in it that the real room behaves exactly like the picture. The original version would have meant blinds drawn from lunch until sunset for most of the year. Choosing a white in Miami light The other moment that I still think about involved stucco. We had chosen a crisp, cool white from a small sample card in the architect's office, under fluorescent lights. The studio rendered the front of the house in that color in full midday sun, and it was blinding, almost blue, the kind of white that makes you squint when you pull into the driveway. They tried three warmer whites and an extremely pale sand, and we picked the sand on the spot. When the painters finished, the neighbor across the street told us it was the first renovation on the block that didn't look like a dental office, which I have decided to take as a compliment. The same thing happened with the terrazzo. We had planned to restore the original floor, a pale gray with flecks of green, and wanted to know how it would look next to new white oak cabinets in the kitchen. Seeing them together in the rendering convinced us to switch the cabinets to a warmer, lighter wood, and the combination now feels like it was always meant to be there. The pool and the mango tree The backyard renderings started a slightly emotional debate. The first version of the plan had the pool in the middle of the yard, which meant taking out the mango tree, and in the image the yard looked clean and modern and somehow empty. Our architect asked the studio to try a second option with a narrower pool along the back fence and the tree kept as shade over the terrace. Seeing both side by side made the choice for us. The mango stayed, and it now drops more fruit on the terrace than we can possibly eat, which is a problem I am happy to have. We also used the back view when we went to the village for review, because Miami Shores has its own design standards and the neighbors had questions about the height of the new wall along the yard. A clear image of the real proposal answered most of those questions before anyone needed to argue. What I'd tell anyone renovating here The images were not cheap, and for a simple kitchen refresh I wouldn't bother. For a full renovation in this climate, though, where light, heat, hurricane glass and outdoor living shape almost every decision, seeing the house in the actual sun at your actual address is worth a great deal. We moved in on a hot afternoon in late May, walked out onto the terrace under the mango tree and realized it looked almost exactly like the picture we had stared at for a year, except that in real life it smelled of fruit and cut grass, which no rendering has managed yet. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Pexels.

Harry Winston, the renowned “King of Diamonds,” presents the Majestic Escapes collection, a stunning showcase of high jewelry inspired by some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. This exquisite series takes wearers on a journey through dazzling landscapes, from serene beaches to snow-covered peaks, with each piece meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its natural muse. Bali at Sunrise A Journey Through Beauty The Majestic Escapes collection features suites of jewelry that draw inspiration from the splendor of pristine sands, lush forests, and majestic mountains. The designs blend Harry Winston’s signature craftsmanship with innovative artistry, creating pieces that reflect the unique character of each destination. Collection Highlights Beach-Inspired Elegance: Pieces featuring aquamarine, turquoise, and diamonds evoke the serene beauty of crystal-clear waters and soft sands. Lush Green Landscapes: Emeralds, peridot, and sapphires mirror the rich hues of tropical foliage and rolling hills. Snow-Capped Sophistication: White diamonds and icy-blue gemstones are used to depict the ethereal allure of snow-covered landscapes. Bermuda Bora Bora Tahiti Oahu Sunsets St. Moritz Seville Venice Mount Fuji A Legacy of Excellence Harry Winston’s Majestic Escapes collection continues the brand’s legacy of blending extraordinary gemstones with impeccable craftsmanship. Each piece is not only a tribute to the world’s most captivating destinations but also a testament to the artistry and innovation that define Harry Winston’s creations. For those seeking timeless beauty inspired by nature’s wonders, the Majestic Escapes collection offers a journey of unparalleled luxury and elegance. To learn more, visit HarryWinston.com. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Harry Winston.

South Florida after dark is unmistakably electric. This electricity, an appetite for spectacle, has been there even before rooftop lounges in South Beach began pouring artisan cocktails and supercars started lining the valet stands of Brickell. This glitz, high stakes, glamor, and sensory indulgence are baked into Greater Miami's DNA. Even though international visitors fixate on Design District and its luxury retail corridors or Ocean Drive and its famous palm-lined avenues, a major aspect of South Florida’s nightlife heritage still thrives underneath the neon glow of its iconic gaming halls. From the historic Mediterranean revival architecture of Hialeah Park to the pulsating thoroughbred racing of Gulfstream Park, wagering and the spectacle Florida loves have been going hand in hand for a long time. However, over the past few years, how Florida residents and visitors experience all of this has started changing dramatically. Driven by mobile connectivity, evolving player habits, sophisticated digital design, and immersive gameplay, casino culture has migrated to the cloud and our pockets. From Palm Beach Saloon to Digital Screens: The Evolution of Gambling in Florida Florida gaming has a long and storied past. In the early to mid-20th century, gambling operated in private clubs, horse tracks, and jai alai frontons. Historic venues like Hialeah Park, established in the 1920s, blended aristocratic sporting traditions with the thrill of pari-mutuel betting. However, by the 70s and 80s, the landscape had evolved toward tribal gaming venues and sprawling entertainment campuses with thousands of slot terminals and live poker rooms. Even though these brick-and-mortar landmarks are still there and as engaging as ever, today's urbanites and jet-setting professionals want that same high-caliber design, thematic variety, and rapid gameplay on demand. In other words, they want to see this on their mobile screens, which is why so many gaming enthusiasts are turning to polished mobile titles. Fans who appreciate vivid digital graphics, intuitive mobile design, exciting special features, and progressive jackpots can visit Fortunes Ultimate Slots to explore popular slot releases and experience intricate gameplay elements and themes wherever they are located, as long as their connection is stable and their phone’s battery is high. This virtual transition hasn’t diminished the prestige of traditional gaming. Instead, it has complemented it. The gaming world has adapted to the new spontaneous lifestyle of its demographic, just as high fashion has embraced streetwear and culinary institutions have launched boutique delivery experiences. How Virtual Slots Manage to Capture the Magic City Vibe The appeal of land-based casinos doesn’t come just from winning or losing. It also comes from the very atmosphere and the architecture. The warm ambient glow, the chime of cascading payouts, the kinetic momentum of a room filled with energy — they all work together to evoke a distinct emotional response in the player. However, it’s not impossible to translate this complex environmental psychology to the smartphone display. That said, it requires exceptional digital design prowess. The early digital casino games failed to achieve this because they relied on tinny, repetitive loops. They couldn’t capture the gravitas of the bustling gaming hall. Modern games, by contrast, use high-fidelity spatial audio engineering, synchronized celebratory cues, atmospheric ambient hums, and rich basslines to fully replicate the feeling of sitting in front of a shiny machine. They also lean heavily into narrative themes. You get immersed in sleek cyberpunk skylines, retro neon landscapes, and ancient mythical Egyptian and Greek realms. HD resolution and fluid animations complement the narrative. Wild symbols expand in style, and bonus multipliers cascade across your screen like the visuals of modern console games. But more than that, digital slots can now even surpass the physical ones. They introduce mechanics you don’t see in old-fashioned slot machines. Features like dynamic payline grids, cascading symbol drops, multi-stage bonus rounds, and fully embedded mini-games are ever-present in modern video slots. Redefining the Miami Downtime Through Digital Play The rhythm of life in South Florida is quite distinctive and generally easygoing. Naturally, that’s during the day. When night falls, nightlife kicks off and often runs into the early morning hours for many. This usually means late mornings and late afternoons are very peaceful. In those quiet moments, no one wants to commit to longer, higher-maintenance leisure activities like dining for a few hours somewhere in Wynwood, where you also need an extra hour just to get there. That’s why mobile casino games fit neatly into these windows. They provide immediate and self-contained amusement. You don’t have to worry about getting to your favorite brick-and-mortar venue or minimum stakes. There’s no sensory overload either. It’s just engaging, intuitive recreation that begins and ends at your wish. Traditional Resorts vs. the Virtual Arena: Comparing the Two Experiences It’s safe to say that both physical gaming resorts and mobile casino platforms have their place in South Florida's entertainment scene. However, it’s still worth comparing the two to understand how they differ and why virtual gaming has surged in popularity over the last several years. First, the two differ significantly in their primary appeal. Resorts offer the physical spectacle: immersive social ambiance, luxury dining, and live events. Online platforms offer low-friction play, privacy, convenience, and instant access. Physical gaming is for enjoying live spectacle, playing on physical machines, and playing at tables with real people. They offer flashing neon banks and clattering chips. Meanwhile, mobile games are for a more private experience. They offer personalized audio-visuals, a diverse range of spin configurations and stakes, and, most of all, the pleasure of instant spins. The diversity of games is virtually limitless on online platforms, which is better for some, but even though physical machines are fewer in number, each can offer a unique experience that online games can’t always match. It’s why there’s no clear winner between the two in this regard. Lastly, the ideal occasion for each is the opposite. Mobile platforms are for midday relaxation and micro breaks, unwinding in a hotel room, travel commutes, and relaxing after a hard day of work. Physical venues are for planned weekend getaways, group celebrations, and full-evening excursions. All in all, the two experiences don’t need to be direct adversaries, even if it might seem that way to the uninformed eye. They have different purposes and can be part of every gamer’s life, even if not in equal measure. The Cultural Convergence: Gaming, Hospitality, and the Future South Florida is bound to cement its reputation as one of the leading international tech hubs and business destinations. It sits at the crossroads of luxury culture, hospitality, and mobile tech. Many modern hotel groups and residential developments are enriching their private clubrooms with various digital gaming setups, streaming infrastructure, and even esports simulators. That’s why mobile gaming is no longer an isolated pastime for some. It’s becoming an integral part of contemporary leisure, especially as technological advances make it feel more like the real thing and more exciting to a broader range of people. By capturing the essence of Florida’s legendary gaming culture, i.e. the bold style, electric showmanship, and thrilling anticipation, virtual platforms ensure that the spirit of the actual casino floor is only a tap away. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Pexels.