AKA, a luxury hospitality company, reveals its design transformation at the 36-story Hotel AKA Brickell, located in the energetic Brickell neighborhood at the Brickell Arch at 1395 Brickell Avenue. Just as Brickell continues to evolve and shape this burgeoning area of Miami, AKA does the same for the hospitality and design space – the brand evolves, shapes, and leads the charge. After acquiring the 201-key property in 2021, AKA has invested $16 million into the property with a design reimagination led by world-renowned architecture firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates (Gabellini Sheppard) and includes: · An elevated, personalized sense of arrival that meets guests with a fluid and seamless welcome experience within the porte cochere that leads into the calming new lobby · A spacious lounge that very much feels like a sophisticated oasis after exiting the elevator on the 25th-floor · An epicurean delight in ADRIFT Mare, a restaurant and bar by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers “AKA’s continuous journey is what inspires me every day and one of the most significant milestones of that journey is with what we envisioned and evolved at Hotel AKA Brickell,” said Larry Korman, CEO of AKA. “We transformed a very corporate design, reimagined it with what AKA is known for, and brought life to the property by adding an atmosphere AKA guests expect. We made sure that in every new space, guests could feel the calm.” Prior to the renovations, guests had to travel to the 25th floor to enter the lobby whereas now guests are immediately transported the moment they step onto the property with a serene outdoor greeting area for guests to enjoy while they wait for a car service which then leads into the newly designed, ground floor lobby that is lined with light-oak wood-paneled walls and reflected by satin bronze mirrors. After check-in, guests ascend to the newly debuted 25th floor where they enter Hotel AKA Brickell’s lounge that feels more like a floating living room with views of the Miami skyline and lush tropical greenery surrounding the space. Expansive windows that wrap around almost the entire floor bring in Miami’s warmth and harness an abundance of natural daylight throughout the day into the night, especially at golden hour. Custom patterned stone ebbs and flows across the floors, reminiscent of waves, adding an organic element to this magnificently designed lounge. Photo Credit: William Waldron “We were so excited to work with AKA as we have a very similar aesthetic and design philosophy including incorporating sustainable design principles,” said Michael Gabellini, Partner at Gabellini Sheppard, who was personally involved in every step of the redesign and renovation. “Both Larry and I were able to take our collaborative approaches and infuse so much of what we both envisioned for Hotel AKA Brickell.” One of the most exciting components of this design unveiling is the debut of ADRIFT Mare, the restaurant and bar by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers that opened this summer. The restaurant is set in an 11-story atrium with dynamic views of Brickell and Biscayne Bay. A stunning custom installation of more than 100 ethereal lanterns is suspended from the eatery’s ceiling, situated at varying heights, and interspersed in clustered arrangements to emit an ambient glow. The concept also features an exclusive private dining room reminiscent of the interior of a luxury yacht, where cove lighting inside gold and silver-leafed clouds float overhead, giving the intimate space a surreal feel. Since its opening, ADRIFT Mare has garnered stellar reviews, highlighting the outstanding service, inspired menu and views that make one feel “on top of the world.” It has fast become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Photo Credit: William Waldron Other amenities at Hotel AKA Brickell include a rooftop with a pool and adjacent Sky Bar + Grill; an enhanced Technogym fitness center; a spa (Leaf Spa), and a sprawling open-air event space known as the Sky Lawn. The hotel is located in one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods and according to Forbes, “Brickell feels more like New York City than Miami, with a similar ambition, fast-paced lifestyle and walkability. Everything you need to live, work, shop and relax can be found within a highly concentrated urban core.” For more information about Hotel AKA Brickell, please visit the website at https://www.stayaka.com/hotel-aka-brickell By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Aka Brickell

The countdown to the 2024 Sundance Film Festival starts now! With the 40th edition of the Festival just months away — taking place from January 18-28 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, and online from January 25-28 — the nonprofit Sundance Institute revealed today the Festival site, ticketing details, and on sale dates. Find everything you need to know on the Festival site, from a breakdown of this year’s ticket offerings to a comprehensive "How to Fest" guide for both in-person and online attendees. Mark your calendars! Ticket packages for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival are on sale starting October 18 with individual tickets available for purchase starting January 11. With a variety of ticketing options, the Festival will continue to provide audiences with access to meaningful, culture-shifting stories. Check out available ticketing options below. FESTIVAL SITE The Festival site is now live! Whether you’re a seasoned Sundance regular, an eager new festivalgoer or plan on catching the best of independent filmmaking from home via our online platform, consider this your one-stop shop for all the details you need to maximize your Festival experience. Plus, you can also get a first glimpse of our 2024 Sundance Film Festival logo. LODGING Once you’ve reviewed ticketing options, be sure to book your lodging. Head to our booking partners’ lodging site to access the best rates and all the info you need. PASSES, PACKAGES, AND SINGLE TICKETS The 2024 Sundance Film Festival experience is yours to create. From single tickets to packages and in-person screenings to on-demand online viewing, the options are there for you. The full slate kicks off in person in Utah beginning on January 18 through January 28. From January 25 through January 28, the Festival expands to online audiences, who will have on-demand access to a selection of feature films, short films, and award winner screenings. For Members and Sundance Circle donors who generously provide support for Sundance Institute’s year-round artist support programs, there are opportunities for special pre-sale access for passes and packages. Sundance Circle donors and Members can begin purchasing passes and packages as early as October 11. For more information on benefits for Members, please visit sundance.org/membership. In-Person Tickets, Passes, and Packages Single Film Ticket Discover your next favorite Festival film with one ticket to a premiere, feature film, short film program, or episodic program of your choice during the Festival. Price: $30 Dates Valid: Date and time of screening selected (January 18–28) Salt Lake City Youth Pass Take advantage of a special offer for attendees aged 18–25 (age verification required for purchase). This pass includes unlimited in-person screenings and priority access at Salt Lake City theaters for the entirety of the Festival. Enjoy screenings of award-winning films, select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, short films, and episodic programs with this pass. Price: $225 Dates Valid: January 18–28 Festival Package Second Half Get early access to ticket selection and 10 tickets to in-person screenings for the second half of the Festival. Enjoy screenings of award-winning films, select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, short films, and episodic programs with this package. Price: $250 Dates Valid: January 24–28 Ignite Package Presented by Adobe An exclusive offer for attendees aged 18–25, the Ignite Package presented by Adobe includes an invitation to exclusive Ignite events, 10 tickets to in-person screenings, select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, short films, and episodic programs. Enjoy access to ticket selection before Single Film Tickets go on sale. Price: $250 Dates Valid: January 21–26 Award Winners Package Enjoy the best of the Festival with the Award Winners Package. Get early access to ticket selection and screen eight award-winning films during the final weekend of the Festival. Award winners will be announced on Friday, January 26, 2024. Price: $300 Dates Valid: January 27–28 Salt Lake City Pass Get priority access to all in-person screenings in Salt Lake City with just one pass for the entire Festival. Enjoy screenings of award-winning films, select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, short films, and episodic programs with this pass. Price: $550 Dates Valid: January 18–28 Locals Ticket Package An annual Utah tradition — Utah residents, this exclusively priced package is just for you. Enjoy early access to ticket selection and 10 screenings over the course of the Festival at a reduced price. Price: $650 Dates Valid: January 18–28 Festival Package By far one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Festival, get access to 10 in-person screenings and early ticket selection (before Single Film Tickets go on sale) with the Festival Package. Enjoy screenings of award-winning films, select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, short films, and episodic programs with this package. Price: $850 Dates Valid: January 18–28 Express Pass Second Half Enjoy unlimited screenings during the second half of the Festival, attend select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, and be the first to enter each theater using the priority access line. Price: $4,000 Dates Valid: January 24–28 *For more information on additional ticket options, please visit festival.sundance.org. Online Tickets, Passes, and Packages Single Film Ticket Discover your next favorite Festival film with one ticket to a feature film, short film program, or award-winner screening of your choice. Enjoy convenient, on-demand access from the comfort of your home during the online portion of the Festival (January 25–28, 2024). Price: $25 Dates Valid: January 25–28 Short Films Pass Get unlimited online access to a curated collection of Festival short films with the Short Films Pass. Enjoy convenient, on-demand access that enables you to watch whenever and wherever during the online Festival (January 25–28, 2024). Price: $25 Dates Valid: January 25–28 Award Winners Package Enjoy the best of the Festival with the online Award Winners Package. Get early access to ticket selection and screen eight award-winning films during the final weekend of the Festival. Award winners will be announced on Friday, January 26, 2024. Price: $225 Dates Valid: January 27–28 Festival Package Enjoy a curated collection of Festival films from the comfort of your home with convenient on-demand access. Watch feature films, short films, and award-winner screenings during the online portion of the Festival (January 25–28, 2024). Price: $350 Dates Valid: January 25–28 FESTIVAL VENUES Festivalgoers can experience premieres, repeat screenings, talks, and events to celebrate independent storytelling at the below locations in Park City and Salt Lake City. In addition to the below public venues, by invitation-only screenings will take place at the Sundance Resort. Park City, UT Film Venues: Egyptian Theatre (328 Main Street) Holiday Village Cinemas (1776 Park Avenue) Library Center Theatre (1255 Park Avenue) The Ray Theatre (1768 Park Avenue) Redstone Cinemas (6030 North Market Street) Eccles Theatre (1750 Kearns Blvd.) Prospector Square Theatre (2175 Sidewinder Drive) Additional Venues: Festival Headquarters (Sheraton Park City - 1895 Sidewinder Drive) Filmmaker Lodge (550 Main Street) The Box at The Ray (1768 Park Avenue) The Park (950 Iron Horse Drive) Park City Main Box Office (The Gateway Center - 136 Heber Avenue) Festival Stores: Festival Store at Festival Headquarters (1895 Sidewinder Drive) Festival Store at Eccles Theatre (1750 Kearns Blvd.) Festival Store at The Gateway Center (136 Heber Avenue) Salt Lake City, UT Film Venues: Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway (400 West 200 South) Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas (111 East Broadway) Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 West 300 South) Additional Venues: Salt Lake City Main Box Office at Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway (400 West 200 South) Festival Stores: Festival Store at the Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway (400 West 200) By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Sundance Film Festival

Swan, the famed Miami Design District restaurant and lounge from David Grutman and Pharrell Williams, announces the introduction of a brand new menu now available for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Designed around market-driven ingredients, Swan’s updated culinary offering focuses on lighter fare with highly shareable appeal. It’s Miami’s version of a brasserie: bright and energetic, yet imbued with the spirit of a classic European eatery. Seafood-centric small plates–such as Chilled Oysters, Charred Octopus, and Bluefin Tuna Roses–introduce this menu, leading into highlights such as Lemon Garlic Chicken, Blueberry Filet and Spicy Vodka Veal Parmigiana. Throughout, locally sourced produce complements the freshness. Interspersed are Groot Hospitality house favorites such as Chips & Caviar, Hamachi Crudo, and Everything Bagel Parker House Rolls. This reformatted approach keeps in line with Swan’s popular taste, but elevates it to something a bit more magical–and therefore, more Miami. SWAM https://swanbevy.com/ Phone: +1 305-704-0994 Miami Design District Address: 90 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137 By ML Staff. Photo Credit: CG Media / Cristian Gonzalez

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated lineup of events for the 15th Anniversary of Cayman Cookout. This extraordinary culinary extravaganza, hosted by renowned Chef Eric Ripert, promises an unforgettable experience in the breathtaking setting of Grand Cayman. Taking place from January 9-15, 2024, Cayman Cookout will feature a series of ultra-exclusive breakout events with this year’s all-star roster of culinary talents and long-time participating chefs including José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse, Andrew Zimmern, Kristen Kish, Kwame Onwuachi, Angie Mar, Enrique Olivera, James Kent, Aldo Sohm and mixologist Charles Joly, in celebration of this milestone anniversary. Guests can look forward to an incredible lineup of experiences, including: Taming the Lionfish with Chef José Andrés: Chef José Andrés brings guests on an exhilarating expedition to cull lionfish. The exclusive group of attendees will dive into clear waters with an underwater mission: to control the invasive lionfish. The event offers an inspiring adventure, infused with Chef José Andrés' unique style. License to Thrill: A Culinary Journey to GoldenEye with Chef Eric Ripert and Craggy Range. The exclusive private jet tour alongside Chef Eric Ripert, travels to Jamaica's GoldenEye resort. Culinary enthusiasts will soar over stunning Caribbean landscapes, building anticipation for an exploration of the retreat that inspired James Bond 007: A License to Thrill. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a carefully crafted lunch with local ingredients and perfectly matched Craggy Range wines. A Sparkling Pickleball Soirée presented by Whispering Angel Whispering Angel Rosé elevates Pickleball to new levels with an exquisite fusion of sport and indulgence at this unique experience. Guests will engage in spirited matches of pickleball at The Courts Tennis Center, where the thrill of competition meets the camaraderie of social play. Flavor & Flair: A Glimpse of Les Trois Chevaux with Chef Angie Mar. Bringing a taste of her renowned New York City based restaurant, Le Trois Chevaux, Chef Angie Mar combines her passion for French cuisine with her Chinese heritage to present a unique and exceptional lunch experience at Cayman Cookout 2024. Mastering Cabernet Sauvignon: A Vintage Experience from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley. The immersive beverage demo presents an in-depth exploration of the diversity of prime vineyards, blocks and clones that make these wines truly world class. Treasures of Truffle: Unearthing the Flavors of the Sea with Chef Thomas Seifried and Sabatino Tartufi. Chef Thomas Seifried, the visionary Chef de Cuisine at Blue by Eric Ripert, masterfully reimagines his most distinctive dishes, presenting a meticulously curated menu to showcase the exquisite offerings of Sabatino Tartufi, globally renowned purveyors of truffles. Sizzling Storytelling: Paella Demo with Chef José Andrés. A delightful medley of flavorful paella, enchanting stories and a thrilling surprise entrance describe one of the most anticipated events at Cayman Cookout. Chef Andrés unveils the artistry of his paella, infused with the essence of his cherished Spain and passionate storytelling. A Culinary Journey Through Mexican Heritage by Chef Enrique Olvera: Renowned for his restaurant Pujol on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, Chef Olvera masterfully celebrates Mexico's culinary heritage, infusing each artfully presented dish with the profound richness of Mexico's gastronomic essence, promising an unforgettable dining journey. Oregon v. Burgundy by Lingua Franca: Lingua Franca wines invite guests to discover the history and flavors behind one of the world’s most renowned wineries. Inspired by an extraordinary vineyard site in the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley, its name represents a fine tradition of universal language, bringing people of different backgrounds to common ground – shared conversation, shared enjoyment. Sommelier Standoff presented by Jacques Scott: A unique standoff among the world’s finest wine experts, competing in teams of two where attendees will be the judges. Featuring Le Bernardin’s Sommelier Aldo Sohm and Monica Dubar from The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman paired with a multi-course dinner. Kristen Kish Cooking: A Culinary Demo with Chef Kristen Kish. Top Chef Host and Chef Kristen Kish presents a delectable culinary demo, featuring tales and creations influenced by French and Italian traditions, as well as Chef Kish’s nostalgia for meals from her Midwest upbringing. Hendricks & Croquet: A delightful afternoon of leisure and sport featuring Hendrick’s Gin and a lively croquet match. Botanical delights highlight the art of distillation by Hendrick’s as guests strategize their next move on the Great Lawn in an ambiance of timeless sophistication and camaraderie. Sweet Creations with Master Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour: Sunday begins with a delightful touch, guided by the expertise of the globally acclaimed baking and pastry trailblazer, Chef Antonio Bachour. Ripert and Petanque: Chef Eric Ripert and friends host an exhilarating game of Petanque. Guests engage in a spirited match brimming with energy, all while relishing the company of fellow enthusiasts, paired with delectable bites and refreshing rosé. Crystal Anniversary Gala Dinner: An unparalleled gathering of culinary luminaries, the Headlining Talent of Cayman Cookout presents a multi-course experience, hosted at Blue by Eric Ripert. The dinner unfolds as a carefully choreographed culinary journey that transcends ordinary dining experiences, featuring dishes by chefs Kristen Kish, Thomas Seifried, Enrique Olvera and more. In addition to these remarkable events, the Cayman Cookout lineup will feature cooking demonstrations, rare wine and spirits tastings, poolside parties, and legacy events such as the Barefoot BBQ and Rum & Robusto. The Grand Finale Dinner, hosted at Blue by Eric Ripert, will showcase the culinary masterpieces of the headlining talent, combining impeccable technique, artful presentation, daring flavor combinations, and exquisite wine pairings for a dining experience that astonishes and delights. "We are excited to announce this exclusive lineup of events for the 15th Anniversary of Cayman Cookout," said Marc Langevin, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. "Cayman Cookout brings together culinary talents from around the world and showcases the incredible talent within our resort. This year's celebration promises to deliver unforgettable experiences and unforgettable flavors." To enhance the celebration, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is offering an exclusive room package for guests to indulge in the full Cayman Cookout experience. The package includes a five-night stay with rates starting at $2,899 per night. Guests will enjoy a delightful breakfast buffet for two at Seven restaurant each day and have access to a captivating itinerary featuring the festival's signature events such as Discover Cayman. For those seeking personalized experiences, standalone tickets will be available starting October 15, 2023, allowing attendees to design their own à-la-carte itinerary. "We invite guests to join us in celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Cayman Cookout with our exclusive room package," said Marc Langevin. "Immerse yourself in world-class culinary experiences and the stunning beauty of Grand Cayman. With the addition of remarkable breakout sessions lead by extraordinary chefs and the Studio54-themed soirée, this year's celebration promises to be truly unforgettable." Individual ticket sales for Cayman Cookout 2024 are available for purchase on the festival’s website. For further information and bookings, please click here. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties – announced today that it will continue to address food insecurity in South Florida with a $100K Equitable Food Access Grant from Starbucks. Feeding South Florida will be using this grant to engage local communities in identifying and addressing racial disparities and supporting interventions to overcome common barriers to food access. The grant will also help Feeding South Florida continue to make data-informed decisions and adjust food access programming based on neighbor feedback. Feeding South Florida also received the Equitable Food Access Grant from Starbucks in 2021 and 2022. During the first two years of the grant, Feeding South Florida completed 202 neighbor surveys at 15 partner agency locations throughout its service area to better understand the foundational causes of hunger. Feeding South Florida successfully supported 26 distribution events through its mobile pantries and distributed 182,192 meals equating to 218,629 pounds of food, 79% of which was F2E (foods to encourage). The nonprofit organization served 16,397 individuals including 5,466 children. “We are incredibly grateful to Starbucks for providing us with the Equitable Food Access Grant to help us put food on the table for South Florida families who need it the most,” said Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida. “This third grant will continue to help us increase access to nutritious food among households in communities experiencing high food insecurity rates. This comes at a critical time when the demand for food has increased significantly due to inflation with rising food costs, fuel prices, ballooning insurance premiums and increased housing costs.” “For the last 50 years and still today, Starbucks believes it is our role and responsibility to help strengthen the communities we serve, and in partnership with Feeding America, we are tackling hunger with a focus on equity,” said Michael Kobori, vice president of Sustainability & Social Impact at Starbucks. “The equitable food access grants are a unique opportunity to combine efforts with our Community Stores across the country - which are designed to support historically under-resourced communities through local partnerships and economic opportunity - to increase access to nutritious food for people that need it most. We are proud to have reached this momentous milestone and of the impact these food banks are making.” Feeding South Florida, a partner of the Feeding America® network, is one of 16 food banks to receive this third grant from Starbucks. Since 2021, the food bank has received It’s $300,000 in Equitable Food Access Grants. Feeding South Florida was identified based on the location of a Starbucks Community Store which is committed to economic development and opportunity in historically under-resourced communities. Since 2016, Starbucks has helped to provide more than 50 million meals* to people facing hunger through its FoodShare program in partnership with Feeding America. To learn more about how you can help end hunger, visit https://feedingsouthflorida.org/. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash

As a result of its dedication to causes in South Florida and beyond, Craig Zinn Automotive Group (CZAG) was recently named one of 14 nationwide honorees of the AutoSuccess Champions of Charity Award. This is the second consecutive year that CZAG has been honored with the award. The AutoSuccess Champions of Charity program highlights today’s top automotive companies, from manufacturers to dealerships to vendors, that are making a difference in their communities, businesses and beyond with their charitable acts and donations. Honorees will be featured in the September 2023 issue of AutoSuccess and on AutoSuccessOnline.com. Craig Zinn, president and CEO of CZAG, owns and operates Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Toyota of Hollywood, Subaru of Pembroke Pines, Lexus of North Miami, and Acura of Pembroke Pines offering new and used makes and models as well as parts, service and collision repair. CZAG has supported countless organizations, charities, and causes throughout the South Florida community for more than 40 years. Some of these groups include the American Cancer Society, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Children’s Harbor, Cleveland Clinic, Step Up for Down Syndrome Broward Gold Coast, Humane Society of Broward County, Military Heroes Support Foundation, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors Parade, Ellie’s Army, David Posnack Jewish Community Center, the Hollywood Police Athletic League and Miami Police Athletic League. Craig Zinn’s continued philanthropy also includes the initiation of an Animal Assisted Therapy endowment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and being the proud donor of the “Short Stop” at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Room. In 2021, the area was renamed Craig Zinn Automotive Group Shortstop to honor CZAG’s continued commitment to the hospital and its programs. Through its continued partnership with the South Florida-based David Posnack Jewish Community Center, CZAG supports programs and services for children, teens, and their families offered at the Davie Campus and the east Fort Lauderdale Campus at Temple Bat Yam. CZAG most recently served Official Automotive Corporate Sponsor for 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access that took place August 6-11, 2023, where over 1,500 Jewish teens from all across the globe traveled to Broward County for a week of athletic competition, community service, and social activities. As one of the largest donors to the Subaru Share the Love program in the nation, CZAG’s Subaru of Pembroke Pines has donated a staggering $1.4 million to date to the local community, including its two hometown charities, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Broward County. “It is a great honor to be named to the esteemed list of the AutoSuccess Champions of Charity recipients for the second year in a row,” said Zinn. “We are proud to have grown partnerships with so many South Florida nonprofit organizations, and we are always eager to find new ways in which we can contribute to their success.” By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Craig Zinn Automotive Group

Fort Lauderdale's Wonder Paws Rescue is gearing up to host its third-annual charity golf tournament Par for the Paws to support neglected furry friends in need. The fundraising event is set to take place at Jacaranda Golf Club on October 21 at noon, where golfers and animal lovers alike will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of abandoned animals. Wonder Paws Rescue Co-Owner Patricia Lara (left) and daughter and Co-Owner Paulina Claure (right). The event promises a fun-filled day with a welcome barbecue, complimentary drinks, a silent auction and an awards banquet to honor the golfing champions. The excitement doesn't stop there — there's a cash prize of $10,000 for a Hole in One, a $100,000 shoot-out and a 7-night resort stay for one lucky winner. Interested participants must register in advance. Available sign-up options include everything from putting to partying, sponsoring and more. Can't make it? Animal lovers lacking a free slot in their schedule can still make a difference by donating online to the event via a donation form. All donations up to $25,000 will be matched by the rescue. The host organization Wonder Paws Rescue, an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a familiar name in community when it comes to animal rescue. The dedicated group is made up of 100% volunteers has saved the lives of over 1,600 cats and dogs and counting. With every swing on the course, fundraiser participants are funding vet bills, supporting life saving treatments and rescue missions, covering food and medicine costs and more. All proceeds raised during Par for the Paws will go directly to the rescue. Head over to the Par for the Paws website for more information. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Wonder Paws Rescue.

Basis Industrial, a privately held and vertically integrated real estate owner and operator based in Boca Raton, Florida, closed on an $8.308 million construction loan on Sept. 22, 2023 for a self-storage facility located at 1610 Algonquin Street, Detroit, MI 48215. Basis Industrial acquired the land on which the storage facility is being built in October 2021. This is Basis’ third construction loan closing this year. Basis continues to source financing due to its long track record of success and deep financial acumen. Berkadia sourced the construction financing from Old National Bank. In early October 2023, Basis Industrial plans to break ground on the 78,187-square-foot, state-of-the-art self-storage facility featuring 645 climate-controlled units, advanced security systems, and other amenities. Slated construction completion is fall 2024. Basis Industrial plans to have a third party, Public Storage, manage the facility upon completion. With a need for a self-storage facility and located within a high-income area, Basis strategically chose this location for its project. Basis acquired the development site in October 2021 for $817,000. O’Connor Realty represented the seller, Phillip Kofta. Basis Industrial, which is expanding its portfolio of industrial and commercial properties across the U.S., currently has 15 storage projects at varying stages of completion throughout the U.S. “We are thrilled to have secured construction financing in this tumultuous market. We can now move forward with the next steps in developing this state-of-the-art self-storage facility, which will be our first but not our last in Detroit,” said Anthony Scavo, president of Basis Industrial. For more information, visit www.basisindustrial.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Basis Industrial.

Spooks, treats and yummy eats! All souls are welcome to participate in CityPlace Doral’s Second Annual Day of The Dead – Dia de Los Muertos – celebration. The month-long activation will recognize this culturally rich Latin American tradition and bring the community together through a variety of activities and culminate with a community event. Starting Monday, Oct. 9, CityPlace Doral will be vibrantly decorated with colorful Dia de Los Muertos themed decorations. At the main entrance, guests will be welcomed by a wooden calavera (sugar skull) and colorful papel picado (perforated paper). The Fountain Plaza will be ornamented with an altar display of a trio catrines (male skeleton figures) with flowers, marigolds, papel picado and more. Sugar skulls will be displayed at the center through the main event on Thursday, Nov. 2. All items are hand-crafted by Artistic Elves. The main Day of the Dead event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 2, 6–9 p.m., where children and families can enjoy face painting, food sampling from local restaurants and a center-wide processional with performances by folkloric dancers, stilt walkers, mariachis and costumed characters. Guests are encouraged to dress in theme. The evening will feature New World Symphony’s “Dia de Los Muertos: A New World Symphony Mobile WALLCAST Concert,” a live performance by NWS Fellows and a prerecorded presentation of concerts performed at the New World Center. Currently the largest mobile wall in South Florida, the 23x13 screen consists of state-of-the-art LED panels and sound system. Throughout the month, visitors are encouraged to take festive photos or snap a selfie and tag @CityPlaceDoral for a chance to be featured on the center’s social media. The Dia de Los Muertos art installation is an extension of The Oasis experience. The ongoing Oasis experience at CityPlace Doral’s Fountain Plaza features a relaxing, open-air atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy grab and to-go bites from CityPlace Doral’s restaurants and enjoy South Florida’s beautiful weather. The Oasis incorporates Adirondack chairs, tables, umbrellas and oversized games such as Chess, Cornhole and Connect Four. When: Main Day of the Dead Event Celebration: Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, 6–9 p.m. Day of the Dead month-long activation: Oct. 9–Nov. 2, 2023 CityPlace Doral’s hours of operation are: Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Where: CityPlace Doral 8300 NW 36th St. Doral, FL 33166 Cost: The Day of the Dead Celebration is free and open to the community. Parking at CityPlace Doral is available for an additional charge. How: For more information, visit https://cityplacedoral.com/eve.... For more information, visit www.cityplacedoral.com or call 786.693.1849. Join the conversation and follow CityPlace Doral on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @CityPlaceDoral. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of City Place Doral.

Playboy Spirits, a joint venture between Spirits Investment Partners (SIP) and PLBY Group, announces the highly anticipated launch of PLAY HARD – a premium line of vodka seltzers. PLAY HARD Seltzers, Playboy Spirits’ newest addition to their alcohol beverage portfolio, is a refreshing new entrant to the RTD category with a focus on unique flavors, natural ingredients, low calories and stand out packaging featuring iconic artwork by Andy Warhol. PLAY HARD marks Playboy Spirits' entry into the global ready-to-drink (RTD) market, connecting with Playboy’s fashion-forward Gen Z and Millennial following, and opening the vault to its expansive collection of original art. The inaugural lineup debuts with Andy Warhol’s iconic "Bunny Head" pop-art painting from 1989, prominently featured on the 12-ounce slim cans with other notable artists set to be featured on subsequent releases. Crafted with gluten-free vodka, sparkling water and all-natural flavors, PLAY HARD is a standout product with a playful spirit. PLAY HARD seeks to fill the void in premium RTDs and invites consumers to indulge in life's pleasures. “Playboy Spirits welcomes a new generation as we unveil the next chapter in hard seltzers with PLAY HARD—designed for those who seek great flavor, premium quality, and style,” said Marc Bushala, CEO of Playboy Spirits and SIP. “PLAY HARD seltzers captures Playboy’s legacy as a bon vivant lifestyle brand and modern spirit, inviting everyone to express themselves, live boldly and enjoy themselves. PLAY HARD celebrates self-expression and a nod to those who like to play hard and have fun.” Drawing inspiration from ground-breaking pop culture artists of the 20th Century, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and others that painted unique works for Playboy in the 1980’s, PLAY HARD elegantly combines the best-in-class product and packaging. Each 12oz slim can has only 3g of carbs, 110 calories, all-natural ingredients and 4.5% ABV. The inaugural release includes the exotic allure of Mango Dragon Fruit, the invigorating zest of Grapefruit Yuzu, the tropical delight of Pineapple Passion Fruit, and refined essence of Apple Prickly Pear. Each of the four flavors reflects PLAY HARD’s celebration of uniqueness, creativity and individuality. "The launch of PLAY HARD is a beautiful intersection of art, culture and content,” said Devon Belter, Global Brand Director of PLAY HARD. “Incorporating Andy Warhol's artwork into the PLAY HARD packaging not only pays homage to a cultural icon but also confirms Playboy’s legacy of artistic depth, historical significance, and contemporary relevance.” PLAY HARD will be offered in select retailers in Miami and Orlando in September with plans to expand into additional markets throughout 2024. PLAY HARD will be available online at www.playhardseltzer.com starting in September. To learn more about where to purchase PLAY HARD Vodka Seltzer, visit www.playhardseltzer.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of PLAY HARD.

Image by xbrchx/Adobe Stock The city of Miami is a hotbed of nightlife and entertainment in a melting pot of Caribbean and other worldwide cultures, with sunny beaches and an alluring atmosphere that make it a top tourist destination throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for major tourist attractions like the Rolling Loud music festival or you want a more authentic taste of what life is like in the Magic City, here are some of the must-see events and attractions to keep in mind when looking for something to do, whether you’re visiting Miami or a native of the city. Image by DisobeyArt/Adobe Stock First, I’ll start this article off with an honorable mention. Miami’s extravagance reminds many visitors of Las Vegas, and those comparisons could become a lot closer in the next couple years as the state of Florida works to legalize sports betting. The city’s predisposition for opulence (take a look at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, built in the shape of a massive, ocean blue guitar) fits right in with the gambling lifestyle, and adding sportsbooks to the mix will add a new layer of fun to the entertainment once the booming industry is able to finally get running in South Florida. Destinations like the Hard Rock Casino are already intriguing because of the unique architecture they sport, even before you get started with the games, and as the betting economy continues to expand, one can only imagine what kinds of attractions we’ll see spring up next. Image by Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock Getting started with the rest of the list, one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for the authentic South Florida experience is Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. The sprawling district covers roughly 3.5 of the 36 square miles of land area in the city, with more than 76,000 residents as of the 2010 census (meaning that more than one out of every six Miami residents calls Little Havana home). The neighborhood gets its name from the capital of Cuba, located a little over 250 nautical miles from Miami. South Florida has more than 1.2 million Cuban expats or people with ancestral roots in Cuba, and Little Havana is one of the best ways to experience Cuba’s diverse culture without jumping through the hoops that it takes to actually visit the secluded island. Image by underworld/Adobe Stock Whether you’re looking for nightlife, delicious food, the iconic Cuban coffee and cigars or the vibrant street art, Little Havana has something for everyone, the beating heart of the Magic City. As time has gone on, the neighborhood has grown to encompass more Latin American cultures than just those of Cuba: now many people hailing from Nicaragua, Honduras and Mexico reside in the area too. You can spend days wandering the neighborhood aimlessly, or you can go to specific events like the Viernes Culturales/Cultural Friday or the Calle Ocho Festival, a massive fiesta held each March. Image by remon/Adobe Stock When it comes to sporting events, Miami has a range of professional teams. Each of the Big Four North American sports calls the Greater Miami area home: the Miami Marlins of MLB, the Heat of the NBA, the Dolphins of the NFL and the Panthers of the NHL. If you’re staying in Miami itself or relying on public transportation to get around, the Marlins and Heat make the most sense (depending which time of year you visit) as both their home stadiums are within the city itself. The Heat provide consistent championship caliber basketball under the tutelage of coaching wunderkind Eric Spoelstra, while the Marlins have a young team brimming with talent on the verge of completing a lengthy rebuild. It’s hard to imagine Latin American culture without baseball, after all, which makes the Marlins an excellent choice for the culturally-inclined. Image by Africa Studio/Adobe Stock The Panthers made a run to the Stanley Cup Final this past season, falling just short to the eventual champions (just as the Heat did in the NBA Finals), so if you want to see some snow in South Florida (and have a rental car, brought your own, or have the patience for a lengthy trip on public transportation), you’ll have to travel further afield to Sunrise. The Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes (of college football) play roughly half an hour north of the city in Miami Gardens, while CF Inter Miami of MLS is shaking up the soccer world after reeling in one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi, to suit up for them. Inter Miami, similarly, plays all the way up in Fort Lauderdale despite calling the Magic City home: the opportunity to see Messi play is a chance like no other, but there are some hefty logistics to balance in order to do so. Image by fotosr52/Adobe Stock Website: www.rotowire.com/betting/best-sports-betting-sites By ML Staff

Columbia Care Inc. (NEO: CCHW) (OTCQX: CCHWF) (FSE: 3LP) (“Columbia Care” or the “Company”), one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and retailers of cannabis products in the U.S., announced today its change in legal name to The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. and will rebrand to The Cannabist Company (“Company”). The rebranding reflects the Company’s continued dedication to building a cannabis company for the future, which fosters innovation, creativity and passion across its teams, adult-use and medical customers, partners, and the industry. In addition to the rebrand, the Company's common shares and warrants will trade under the symbols “CBST” and "CBST.WT", respectively, on Cboe Canada effective Thursday, September 21, 2023. “The rebrand to The Cannabist Company marks an incredibly pivotal moment for us as an organization and speaks to where we are heading. When we launched Cannabist, we wanted to create a brand that could evolve with the rapidly growing industry and serve as the hub for all customers, regardless of what brought them in our doors. As we’ve opened Cannabists across the country, it became clear to us that the ethos behind that retail brand represented our company as a whole – a passion for cannabis that we all share and fuels our work every day. The introduction of our Cannabist retail experience has paved the way for a new level of innovation and customer engagement and we felt it was the right time for us to step into a new future together as Cannabists. We are excited to continue sharing our love for the plant and defining what that means for our customers, partners, and communities,” said Jesse Channon, Chief Commercial Officer, The Cannabist Company. Cannabist was launched in 2021 as the Company’s national retail brand, which now accounts for 36 locations across the country. The retail experience was developed to educate, inspire, and serve the rapidly growing cannabis market, delivering high quality products, technology-led solutions, and a welcoming customer experience. The Company will continue the process of converting its retail portfolio to the Cannabist brand across the country in 2024. “This marks an important milestone in the Company's evolution, signaling a fresh chapter and solidifying our commitment to providing an eco-system of collaborative technologies, products, and services. We want to connect consumers to the best cannabis, customers to the best experiences, partners to the best opportunities, and communities to the best in each other. Since our founding, we have been focused on providing high quality products, as well as extraordinary service, to our customers and patients, and this commitment to our community will always be at our core. The Cannabist Company represents an opportunity to reintroduce ourselves in a way that combines our trusted heritage, passion for what we do, and the vision for where we are heading as a company and as an industry,” said Nicholas Vita, CEO, The Cannabist Company. For more information, please visit cannabistcompany.com. More on The Cannabist Company (f/k/a Columbia Care) The Cannabist Company, formerly known as Columbia Care, is one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of cannabis products and related services, with licenses in 16 U.S. jurisdictions. The Company operates 125 facilities including 94 dispensaries and 31 cultivation and manufacturing facilities, including those under development. Columbia Care, now The Cannabist Company, is one of the original multi-state providers of cannabis in the U.S. and now delivers industry-leading products and services to both the medical and adult-use markets. In 2021, the Company launched Cannabist, its retail brand, creating a national dispensary network that leverages proprietary technology platforms. The company offers products spanning flower, edibles, oils and tablets, and manufactures popular brands including Seed & Strain, Triple Seven, Hedy, gLeaf, Classix, Press, and Amber. For more information, please visit www.cannabistcompany.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash