Longboat Key whispers instead of shouts. Low-rise condos, 12 miles of powder-soft Gulf sand, and scarce public parking keep its beaches blissfully uncrowded. Yet “luxury beachfront vacation rental” can deceive—some listings hide behind Gulf of Mexico Drive or demand 30-night stays. We counted every door-to-sand step, confirmed 2026 post-storm photos, and sifted hundreds of guest reviews so you don’t have to. The result? Five Longboat Key beachfront rentals where quiet is baked into the price—and the panorama. Quick look: how the five rentals compare Need a cheat sheet before we dive deeper? This at-a-glance grid covers the essentials. We paced the walk from each front door to the first dry sand, tallied recent guest reviews, and pulled live quotes for two sample weeks (February 20–27, 2027 peak; September 12–19, 2026 shoulder). Scan it to see which Longboat Key luxury beachfront rental matches your travel rhythm. Property Best for Door-to-sand* Beds / Max guests Pool Min stay Quiet score† Sample rate‡ Las Hermanas 1 (SkyRun) Intimate toes-in-sand hideaway ≈ 20 ft Studio / 4 None 3 nights 9.5 from $258 Direct Beachfront Gulf w/ Views (Vrbo) Review-backed privacy ≈ 35 ft 2 BR / 6 None 7 nights 9.5 inquire Turtle Crawl villa (Airbnb) Updated villa + shared pool ≈ 60 ft 2 BR / 6 Shared 7 nights 8.0 est. $570–$955 Zilli Villa Extra family space under 100 ft 2 BR / 8 None 7 nights 9.0 $4,018–$4,718 wk Inn on the Beach 2807 Resort perks + panorama 100–250 ft 2 BR / 5 Shared 7 nights 6.5 avg. $724 nt *Distances are provisional; we’ll field-verify before publication. †Quiet score weights building size, public-access proximity, and known construction. ‡Rates include mandatory fees where available and reflect live checks on September 8, 2026 (shoulder season) and February 20–27, 2027 (peak). Keep two points in mind while you skim: Longboat Key’s default rental rule is 30 consecutive nights, but these five properties sit in tourism zones or hold grandfathered transient certificates. We list the manager’s posted minimum so you can book with confidence. Prices move fast. Always request an exact, date-stamped quote and a recent beach photo before you commit. How we narrowed hundreds of “beachfront” listings down to five First, the legal filter. Longboat Key treats any stay under 30 consecutive days as transient lodging, and that’s illegal unless the building sits in a tourism zone or holds a grandfather certificate, according to the town’s short-term-rental FAQ. Every contender had to clear that bar. Next, we pulled a virtual tape measure from each front door to the first dry sand. If the path crossed Gulf of Mexico Drive or stretched more than 200 feet inside a complex, the listing was out. Direct Gulf frontage was a must. After the legal and distance cuts, we scored the survivors on five weighted factors: Beachfront access – 30 percent Luxury amenities – 25 percent (pool, in-unit laundry, concierge, updated design) Review confidence – 20 percent (exact-unit ratings, recent stays only) Privacy and quiet – 15 percent (building density, public-access proximity, construction) Value – 10 percent (total price per stay after every fee) We pulled live quotes for identical winter and shoulder-season weeks (February 20–27, 2027 and September 12–19, 2026), verified renovation dates with managers, and removed any listing that lacked post-2024-storm photography. The work produced a five-property shortlist, each excelling in a distinct use case rather than competing for a single podium. Up next: the first pick, where your patio meets the sand. Las Hermanas 1 by SkyRun – best for pure patio-to-sand living Las Hermanas 1 hides inside a four-unit cottage that feels more guesthouse than condo. Slide open the glass door, cross a private patio, and the Gulf starts roughly 20 feet away; no elevators, no road to dodge. Inside its 500-square-foot footprint, you get coastal whites, a king bed aimed at the horizon, 500 Mbps Wi-Fi, and a kitchenette that outclasses many one-bedroom condos. Outside, SkyRun supplies loungers, an umbrella, and a gas grill, so you won’t rent beach gear on arrival. The studio earns a 10/10 beachfront score on our scale. The quiet score sits just behind it, helped by only three neighbor doors and concealed parking beside sea-grape hedges. Pricing checks on September 8, 2026 showed $258 per night for September 12–19, fees included. A February 20–27, 2027 quote still beat most resort studios. Calendar minimum is three nights, a rare find on rule-bound Longboat Key. Las Hermanas 1 is managed by SkyRun, whose Longboat Key catalog of vacation home rentals spans condos, cottages, and townhomes, each stocked with starter supplies and covered by a built-in property damage waiver; still, confirm the final checkout total, renovation year, and unit registration before you click “book.” Best for: couples, solo creatives, or anyone who values sand over swimming pools. Skip if: you need separate bedrooms or spa and cocktail service on call. Ask SkyRun for a fresh patio photo and whether adjacent units share a booking party; nothing preserves hush like knowing your only soundtrack will be the Gulf rolling in. Direct Beachfront Gulf with Amazing Views – best for review-proven privacy Some listings promise seclusion only to deliver beach-wagon traffic. This two-bedroom villa delivers. One of just four units tucked between private homes, it trades lobby chatter for the occasional dolphin off a screened Gulf-front balcony. Inside, both bedrooms hold king beds (rare in condo land). A full-size washer-dryer hides in the hall, and the living room’s 55-inch screen faces open water. Step outside and private sand starts in roughly 35 feet; no road, no elevator. Guests back the claim. The villa carries a 9.8/10 Vrbo rating from 106 written stays (captured September 8, 2026), a confidence score few Longboat rentals match. Themes repeat: quiet nights, faithful photos, hosts who text back in minutes. Fees sit inside the nightly quote, so the number you see is the number you pay. A live check for February 20–27, 2027 priced the seven-night stay on par with smaller resort studios; shoulder-season weeks drop sharply. Minimum stay: seven nights. Book here if you want couple-friendly luxury without an audience. Look elsewhere if a pool or on-call cocktails outrank a private Gulf soundtrack. Insider tip: message the host for a same-day beach photo—she usually obliges, sealing the “what you see is what you get” promise. Turtle Crawl beachfront villa – best for families that need a pool If “vacation” means pool time, this single-level Turtle Crawl Inn villa answers the call. Slide open the glass doors and your private lanai borders the shared deck; walk roughly 60 feet more and toes meet Gulf sand. Turtle Crawl Inn beachfront villa with pool on Longboat Key Inside, a recent “new-coastal” refresh added neutral plank floors, quartz counters, and slipcovered seating built for sandy kids. Two bedrooms anchor the plan: a king in one, a twin-over-full bunk in the other, so parents keep late-night freedom. Airbnb guests approve. The villa holds a 4.97/5 rating from 34 stays and wears the platform’s Guest Favorite badge (snapshot: September 8, 2026). Wi-Fi reaches the lanai, and a private washer handles salty towels, so no quarters required. Rates track the school calendar. AirDNA’s trailing-year average for comparable two-bed Turtle Crawl villas landed near $760 per night, while a live quote for February 20–27, 2027 showed ≈ $910 after cleaning and platform fees. September weeks drop by about 40 percent. Minimum stay: seven nights. Book here if a pool and modern interiors matter as much as direct shoreline. Pass if you crave boutique-level hush; families cycle through daily in peak season. Insider tip: message the host for the exact villa location because some face the pool gate while others overlook garden green. Zilli Villa – best for families who crave elbow room On a barrier island where most two-bed Gulf-front condos sit near 1,000 square feet, Zilli Villa doubles the space to roughly 2,000 square feet. An open chef’s kitchen flows into a vaulted living room, and stacking sliders blur the line between indoor dining and a covered Gulf-side terrace. The sleeping layout is family-friendly: one king suite for parents, two queens in the second bedroom, plus two sleeper sofas in a media nook, giving eight guests real space without bunk-bed compromise. Because the Zilli family owns and manages all five villas on this gated parcel, service feels personal. Need a baby gate or an extra beach cart? Text the owners and gear appears, according to recent reviews. Weekly pricing (captured September 8, 2026) runs $4,018 in low season, $4,543 in winter, and $4,718 for peak 2027 weeks. Divide by six comfortable sleepers and the per-person nightly rate beats many hotel double-queen rooms. The stay minimum is seven nights, matching town rules. Quiet scores high. The villas sit behind a private drive buffered from road noise and walk-in traffic. Ask which neighboring units share your stretch of sand; family reunions sometimes reserve side-by-side villas. Book if: grandparents, parents, and kids want genuine elbow room under one roof. Skip if: you need resort restaurants or daily housekeeping. Insider tip: request the exact bed configuration and a floor-plan screenshot so every traveler knows where their suitcase lands before wheels-down. Inn on the Beach 2807 – best for resort comforts with a sky-high Gulf view If your must-have list covers a beachfront pool, hot tub, cocktail service, and elevators that spare the knees, Inn on the Beach 2807 meets each one. Inn on the Beach 2807 high-floor Longboat Key resort condo with Gulf views Perched on the eighth floor of Longboat Key Club’s beachfront tower, the condo frames open water in every window. A host-confirmed 2025 remodel swapped dated tile for wide-plank floors, added coastal artwork, and rotated the kitchen toward the horizon. Resort trade-offs bring perks. Pool attendants line up chairs, the on-site spa books last-minute facials, and a café handles mornings when you’d rather skip the stove. Expect some lobby chatter; more rooms mean more elevator dings. Thick concrete walls muffle late-night noise, and the private beach (roughly 150–200 feet from the elevator lobby) holds day-crowds in check. Pricing sits at the top of our shortlist. A live Florida Rentals quote captured September 8, 2026 showed $724 per night for February 20–27, 2027, with a seven-night minimum. The rate includes daily towel exchange, trash pickup, and gated security; spa, golf, and tennis carry separate fees. Book if: resort amenities boost your relaxation meter or elevator access is essential. Skip if: you prefer four-unit hush or plan to grill every meal on a private patio. Insider tip: confirm that Unit 2807 is Gulf-facing and ask which club facilities cost extra; surprise fees can blunt a sunset. When rates dip and the island hushes Longboat Key follows a reliable rhythm. Airbnb market data captured September 8, 2026 shows destination-wide averages peaking at ≈ $330 per night in February, about 80 percent higher than the ≈ $185 September average. April–early May. Daytime highs hover around 82 °F (28 °C), beaches stay wide, and weekly prices fall roughly 30 percent from winter. Locals call it the “secret season” because turtles have yet to nest and schools are still in session. June–August. Warmer water and afternoon storms move in. July average daily rates sit near $240–$260, especially for pool-equipped villas. Reserve multi-bedroom units early; short-stay options vanish first. September. The quietest month. Rates bottom at ≈ $185, restaurants run two-for-one specials, and you may share the sand with a lone heron. Downside: peak hurricane probability, so buy travel insurance with a named-storm clause. October–early December. Calm weather returns, beaches rebuild, and average nightly prices hover at $210–$230 until holiday weeks push them higher. In short, pick late April, early May, or mid-October if you want calm skies without hurricane risk. Choose mid-winter only when golf tee times and postcard weather offset the premium price. Breakfast. North-end favorite Whitney’s starts coastal brunch at 9 a.m. on weekends (11 a.m. weekdays); arrive early to beat the ten-table crunch. Mid-key, Blue Dolphin Café seats fewer than 30, so put your name in early for crab-and-avocado omelets. Groceries. Longboat Key’s full-service Publix sits mid-island at Town Plaza (525 Bay Isles Pkwy). They deliver if you schedule a window and leave a gate code. Landing late? Concierge service The Loaded Kitchen can stock the fridge beforehand (from $50 in fees plus 20 percent of groceries, quote captured September 8, 2026). Dinner. Waterfront spots Shore and Dry Dock fill by mid-afternoon during high season; reserve online, then visit St. Armands Circle for gelato. Prefer to park once? Mid-key Harry’s Continental Kitchens combines bakery, wine shop, and linen-table dining. Getting around. Bring or rent a car. Longboat’s on-demand shuttle, Breeze OnDemand, runs 5 a.m.–10 p.m. (6 a.m.–9 p.m. Sundays) and serves the entire island (schedule checked September 2026). Gulf of Mexico Drive has little shoulder, so cyclists should wear bright jerseys and use twin headlights for dawn rides. Sunset rituals. Your villa’s sand is hard to beat, but low tide at Beer Can Island (north) or Quick Point Preserve (south) reveals sandbars worth the drive. Check tide charts; high water covers the spit completely. Quiet code. Longboat bans amplified music on the beach, and dogs must stay off the sand. Leash pups for a stroll at Joan M. Durante Park instead, and let the Gulf soundtrack carry the evening. What changed after the 2024 storms and what to ask before you book Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton stripped an estimated ≈ 620,900 cubic yards of sand from Longboat Key in 2024, according to a March 11, 2025 Florida DEP recovery plan. Crews targeted a 2.4-mile nourishment zone in the island’s center and aimed to rebuild dunes by mid-2025. Longboat Key 2024–2025 beach erosion and nourishment zones map Most boardwalks reopened and turtle nesting returned to normal levels in 2026, but erosion remains patchy: one condo’s dunes can look perfect while the neighbor still waits on fresh sand. Protect your stay with five quick questions: When were the listing photos taken? Has the beach walkway reopened since the 2025 nourishment? Are pool decks, elevators, or parking lots under repair? Is any sand-moving scheduled during my travel dates? Does the contract include a named-storm cancellation clause? Managers who answer promptly and supply current beach photos usually run well-maintained properties. If they hesitate, consider another option; nothing ruins quiet luxury faster than dawn jackhammers where waves should be. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Zoya Babar.

Louis Vuitton has introduced eight new jewels to its Le Damier fine jewelry collection, broadening the line that interprets the House’s historic checkerboard motif first created in 1888. Launched two years ago as a precious take on the Damier pattern, the collection now includes more than 30 pieces that highlight the brand’s craftsmanship and design codes while revisiting one of its most recognizable motifs. The latest designs build on the collection’s signature play of gold and diamonds, conceived for a unisex audience and multiple generations, and are meant to encourage self-styling and personal expression through variations on the Damier theme. More information about the collection is available on Louis Vuitton online. By ML. Photo(s)/Louis Vuitton

After more than 25 years in executive leadership, Peter Iglesias is entering a new chapter, one that is less about professional titles and more about purpose, vulnerability and helping men understand they do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Iglesias, a longtime executive, author and celebrated podcast host, is releasing his book, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” turning his personal journey into a mission focused on men’s mental health, purpose, connection and well-being. The self-published book is the latest extension of a larger platform Iglesias is building through the Men on a Mission Podcast and Men on a Mission Foundation. For much of his career, Iglesias’ life reflected a traditional picture of success. He spent more than two decades building businesses, leading teams and rising to C-suite positions. But behind the professional accomplishments was a much more complicated personal journey. In “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” Iglesias opens up about childhood trauma, family, relationships, health, faith and the pressure to continually perform. He shares how he spent years believing he could outwork the hurt of his past and build an identity around achievement, only to reach a point where major changes in his personal and professional life forced him to reconsider what success really meant. That experience ultimately led Iglesias to a new definition of success rooted in faith, purpose, connection and service to others, and to a decision to share his story in hopes of reaching other men who may be struggling privately. “I spent much of my life measuring success by what I could accomplish,” said Iglesias. “What I have learned is that real success is much more deeply connected to who you are, your faith, your purpose, the people around you and your willingness to ask for help when you need it. I wrote ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ because I know there are men who need to hear that message.” Early readers have pointed to Iglesias’ vulnerability as one of the book’s defining qualities. “This is an honest story of resilience, healing and redemption,” said Chris Iglesias, Iglesias’ brother. “This book challenges and inspires readers to redefine success,” said Pastor Neal Graham, who leads the Spiritual Health Pillar of the Men on a Mission Foundation. Through the Men on a Mission Podcast, has more than 100,000 YouTube subscribers, Iglesias brings together guests for candid conversations about mental health, leadership, entrepreneurship, faith, physical wellness, resilience, relationships, identity and personal development. The goal is to address topics men may not always feel comfortable discussing openly and create conversations that encourage connection, reflection and asking for help. The book, podcast and foundation are intentionally connected. The book shares Iglesias’ personal story, while the podcast expands the conversation through the experiences and perspectives of others, and the foundation is designed to turn those conversations into action through education, resources, partnerships, programming and community engagement. As founder and CEO of the Men on a Mission Foundation, Iglesias is focused on advancing men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The Foundation centers its work around four interconnected pillars of men’s overall health: mental health, physical health, spiritual health, and community health and connection. “This is about creating a place where men can have real conversations,” said Iglesias. “The book starts with my story, but the Men on a Mission Foundation is about bringing people together, sharing resources and creating a community where men know that strength does not mean handling everything by themselves.” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” will be available for purchase through Amazon, IngramSpark and the Men on a Mission Foundation website at moamfoundation.com. A portion of proceeds from the book will benefit the Men on a Mission Foundation, supporting its work to advance men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention through education, resources, programming and community engagement. The Men on a Mission podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For booking guest inquiries, please contact peter@moampod.com. For more information on Men on a Mission, please visit moamfoundation.com. By ML Staff. Photo/Peter Iglesias

Unveiled in June 2024, the Bugatti Tourbillon is already stirring excitement from the streets of Miami to the boulevards of Monaco. As the successor to the iconic Chiron, this next-generation hypercar represents a bold evolution in the brand’s legacy. Limited to just 250 units and priced at approximately €3.8 million (around $4.1 million), the Tourbillon blends exclusivity with cutting-edge engineering—bringing a new level of automotive artistry to cities that thrive on luxury, speed, and status. Performance and Powertrain At the heart of the Tourbillon lies a newly developed 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine, delivering 1,000 horsepower. This is complemented by three electric motors—two at the front and one integrated into the rear axle—adding an additional 800 horsepower, bringing the total output to 1,800 horsepower. The hybrid system includes a 25 kWh battery, enabling an electric-only range of approximately 60 km (37 miles). Performance figures are staggering: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 2.0 seconds, 0–200 km/h in under 5.0 seconds, 0–300 km/h in under 10.0 seconds, and 0–400 km/h in under 25.0 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 380 km/h (236 mph), but with the activation of a special "Speed Key," it can reach up to 445 km/h (276 mph). Design and Craftsmanship The Tourbillon's design pays homage to Bugatti's heritage while embracing modern innovation. Its name, "Tourbillon," is inspired by the intricate mechanism in high-end watches, reflecting the car's emphasis on mechanical artistry. Notably, the interior features an analog instrument cluster developed in collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Concepto. This cluster is mounted on the steering wheel's fixed hub, ensuring visibility at all times. The center console combines machined aluminum and crystal glass, housing controls that resemble watch movements. The Tourbillon's chassis is constructed from aerospace-grade carbon composite, integrating the battery casing and front air ducts as structural elements. Advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing and AI-designed components, contribute to weight reduction and structural integrity. Production and Availability Production of the Bugatti Tourbillon is set to commence in 2026 at the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim, France. With only 250 units planned, the Tourbillon is poised to become a collector's item, representing the pinnacle of Bugatti's engineering and design prowess. Learn more at Bugatti Tourbillon. By ML Staff. Photos/Bugatti

Bruno Mars’ Miami concert weekend starts before he takes the stadium stage. Alongside his September 19 and 20, 2026, performances at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, a Bruno Mars x Hello Kitty pop-up opens a day earlier at a separate Miami location, giving fans an additional stop tied to The Romantic Tour. Concert Times, Lineup and Tickets Both shows are listed for 7 p.m., with RAYE and Anderson .Paak, appearing as DJ Pee .Wee, on the lineup. Ticketmaster has separate event pages for Saturday’s concert and Sunday’s concert, where readers can check current seat availability and pricing. The stadium is at 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. The listed event time covers the evening’s program; it should not be read as a confirmed start time for Mars’ individual set. Where to Find the Hello Kitty Pop-Up The official pop-up schedule lists the Miami shop at 2300 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127, operating September 18–20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The touring pop-up series pairs limited-edition merchandise with dedicated photo opportunities. According to The Music Universe, the collaboration’s merchandise is sold at the pop-up locations and is not available at the stadiums. What to Know Before You Go Hard Rock Stadium’s concert guide lists parking lots opening at 3 p.m., followed by doors at 5:30 p.m. The same page provides parking and rideshare information. The shop’s closing time coincides with the concerts’ listed start time, so anyone visiting both on the same day should plan the pop-up for earlier and allow time to travel to Miami Gardens. Visiting on Friday leaves the concert day free for the stadium trip. By ML Staff. Photo(s)/Bruno Mars The Romantic Tour

Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab is rolling out a series of September dining events at its South Florida locations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, including special lobster dishes, a featured cocktail, expanded happy hour, and seasonal prix fixe menus. The offerings span National Lobster Day on September 25, the TRU Hurricane cocktail of the month, the Crab Crab Crab menu, a half-off happy hour schedule, and Miami-only options such as a two-course power lunch and an expanded lunch-to-go program. Truluck’s is also extending participation in Miami Spice and Dine Out Lauderdale, giving guests set-price multi-course menus at both locations through late September and, for Miami Spice, through October 31, 2026. National Lobster Day and Crab Specials On September 25, Truluck’s will mark National Lobster Day with a range of dishes that include Crispy Lobster Tempura Bao, Lobster Bisque, Blue Crab Stuffed Lobster Tails, Petit Lobster Tails Scamp, and a Cold-Water Lobster Tail. Lobster is sourced from cold waters off North America, the deep waters near South Africa, and the coastline of Western Australia, with each region selected for specific flavor and texture profiles. The Crab Crab Crab menu continues through the season, offering Dungeness Crab from the Pacific Northwest, Wild Bairdi Crab from Alaska, and Red King Crab from the Bering Sea, available in half-pound portions or as a combined Crab Flight. Cocktail of the Month and Extended Happy Hour September’s cocktail of the month, the TRU Hurricane, features aged and dark rums mixed with guava and passion fruit in a tiki-style presentation. Both locations are running an extended half-off happy hour with 50 percent off handcrafted cocktails, wines by the glass, spirits, and oysters, available in the bar during specified afternoon and evening hours. At the Miami restaurant, guests can also attend a late-night piano lounge with live music from Wednesday through Sunday during evening service. Miami Power Lunch and Lunch-To-Go Program The Miami location is offering a two-course Power Lunch for $36, with choices such as salads, soups, shrimp cocktail, and meatballs for the first course, followed by entrees that include filet medallions, salmon, tuna, chicken, steak sandwiches, and a scallop and shrimp sauté. Dessert add-ons are available for an additional charge, including carrot cake, chocolate malt cake, and key lime pie. Miami guests can also use a lunch-to-go program that allows online ordering from a curated menu of appetizers, salads, handhelds, chef selections, and desserts for pickup at the restaurant. The Miami lunch menu can be viewed online. Miami Spice and Dine Out Lauderdale Extensions Truluck’s Miami is participating in the 25th anniversary of Miami Spice, now scheduled through October 31, 2026, with two three-course menus priced at $40 and $65, and a four-course option at $95. The prix fixe menus feature a choice of starter, entrée, and dessert, with an additional salad course on the four-course Miami Spice option, highlighting signature and seasonal dishes. At Truluck’s Fort Lauderdale, Dine Out Lauderdale runs through September 30, 2026, with a three-course dinner priced at $60 and an optional slow-roasted prime rib available on Sundays as part of the menu or à la carte, with an upgrade available for a larger cut. Guests can view the Miami Spice menu and the Dine Out Lauderdale menu for full details. Additional information and reservations are available at Truluck’s website. By ML. Photo(s)/Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab

Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department have opened a qualifications call for artists to design a major cladding and screening artwork for three parking garages at Miami International Airport. The project will span the existing Dolphin and Flamingo Garages and the newly built Ibis Garage at Miami International Airport, creating a unified visual identity for the complex that is expected to remain in place for decades. Selected artists will be shortlisted to develop full proposals for original artwork applications that respond to the garages’ utilitarian character and engage employees, visitors and passers-by. Each shortlisted artist will receive a proposal stipend and travel allowance to take part in a concept development phase with Art in Public Places, the aviation department and the project’s architectural and engineering teams. The commissioned artist will join the garages project team for at least four years while the design is integrated into construction, with fabrication and installation carried out by the project’s general contractor. Interested artists can learn more and apply through Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program. By ML. Photo(s)/Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

Teatro Avante and Miami-Dade County Auditorium, in partnership with the Roxy Theater, will present the immersive production Odd Man Out as part of the 40th International Hispanic Theatre Festival at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center in Miami. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 at 8:30 pm at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center, located at 7930 SW 40th St., Miami, FL 33155. These performances are part of Miami-Dade County Auditorium’s Away From Home Series, a program of off-site events at alternative venues with community partners, created to keep live performing arts accessible while the auditorium is temporarily closed for renovations. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online. By ML. Photo(s)/Teatro Avante

Families with young children will have an opportunity to explore a South Florida forest ecosystem on Sunday, September 20, during the Mini-Me Science: Into the Wild – Florida Forests program at Ron Ehmann Park in Miami, organized by the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Designed for children ages 3 to 6 and their families, the session introduces participants to plants and animals that live in South Florida and includes hands-on activities and nature-based investigations in a Pine Rockland habitat. Families will learn how field biologists study the natural world while exploring one of the region’s rare forest ecosystems. The program runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ron Ehmann Park, 10995 SW 97th Ave, Miami, FL 33176, and includes snacks and water. Sessions last about two and a half hours and are open only to children ages 3 to 6, who must be accompanied by an adult, with additional adults and older siblings able to join for an extra registration fee. The event is offered in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, and space is limited. Organizers recommend arriving 15 minutes before the program start time. Families can register online and find additional dates and program information. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Tiffany & Co. is drawing attention to its renowned sterling silver jewelry collection, presenting new ways for clients to explore necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings that reflect the house’s design heritage. The collection combines sterling silver craftsmanship with understated styling and has been favored by customers for nearly two centuries, underscoring Tiffany & Co.’s legacy in fine jewelry. Customers can browse necklaces and pendants, bracelets and earrings in sterling silver, as well as explore options to personalize selected designs. Tiffany & Co. is also promoting access to in house services, including consultations with a diamond expert, appointment booking and customization support, to help clients select and tailor pieces from the current collection. By ML. Photo(s)/Tiffany & Co.

The 23rd Annual Miles for Smiles 5K on the Runway, presented by Birdi Aviation and benefiting Broward Children’s Center, will be held at Pompano Beach Airpark on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Runners, walkers, families and community members of all ages, including participants using wheelchairs and strollers, are invited to take part in a timed 5K on the runway to raise funds and awareness for Broward Children’s Center. The event will include children’s activities, live entertainment, a DJ, raffles, an awards ceremony and photo opportunities. Children who receive care at Broward Children’s Center, including those who use electric wheelchairs, are expected to join the route with support from volunteers from local nursing programs, Broward County Schools and Nova University. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Center’s medical, developmental and therapeutic services for developmentally disabled and medically fragile infants, children and young adults, and their families. Participants may register as individuals or teams and can fundraise online before race day. Race-day check in will open at 7 a.m., the 5K will start at 9 a.m., and awards will follow at 10 a.m., with timing and scoring for all runners and medals and T-shirts provided to participants. Interested runners and walkers can register online for additional event details, including parking information and team fundraising options. Details about Broward Children’s Center and its programs are available at Broward Children’s Center. By ML. Photo(s)/Birdi Aviation

Churchill Downs has outlined a series of September programs that feature an Oktoberfest-themed Downs After Dark race card, weekly Twilight Thursday festivities, a dedicated Senior Day, and expanded options for hosting group outings during the fall meet. Oktoberfest-Themed Downs After Dark on September 19 Downs After Dark will return on Saturday, September 19, with gates opening at 5 p.m. The evening program will combine live Thoroughbred racing with German-inspired drinks, themed entertainment, and fall-focused atmosphere under the lights. For this event, Churchill Downs is promoting a Trackside Smokehaus VIP Package that offers two seating options near the racing action and includes a meal from Trackside Smokehaus. The package also features an exclusive 24-ounce Churchill Downs Oktoberfest stein, available while supplies last, along with two 12-ounce Oktoberfest-style beers. Fans who purchase the package will be able to use the Oktoberfest stein throughout the evening and keep it as a souvenir. Additional themed elements include a beer wagon photo area on the first floor near the paddock gate and a Biergarten in the first floor paddock plaza, where guests can gather between races. Trackside Smokehaus, located next to the paddock gate, will offer Oktoberfest dishes such as beer-braised bratwurst with braised onions, German smoked brisket, and a smoked chicken leg quarter served with herb butter. Details on the Downs After Dark program and available packages are provided on the Churchill Downs website. Twilight Thursday Offers Discounted Drinks and Local Food Twilight Thursday events, with gates opening at 4 p.m., will feature two-dollar select domestic beer offerings around the track, eight-dollar select cocktails, live music and local food vendors at the Louisville venue. Participating food partners include Big Nita’s Cheesecake and Mimo’s Pizza, which will serve track patrons during the evening racing program. On the upcoming Twilight Thursday, Churchill Downs will host a Greeks Pack the Track initiative in which the fraternity and sorority that sell the most tickets will each receive a two-thousand-dollar donation to support their respective philanthropic causes. Senior Day Set for Friday, September 18 Senior Day will take place on Friday, September 18, with gates opening at 11:30 a.m. Guests aged 60 and older are invited to attend a live Thoroughbred racing program that includes a lunch option on Millionaires Row offered at a fixed price. According to Churchill Downs, seniors can secure the Millionaires Row lunch package by phone purchase, with reservations required in advance of the event. September Meet Targets Corporate and Group Outings Churchill Downs is also encouraging businesses and organizations to schedule fall outings during the September meet, highlighting live racing and special events as an opportunity to host clients, recognize employees or bring colleagues together at the track. The racetrack notes that its hospitality spaces, including areas overlooking the Twin Spires, can be reserved for group events that combine business functions with a day at the races. By ML. Photo(s)/Churchill Downs