Sharks are some of the most ecologically important and most threatened animals on Earth. Recent reports show that up to one-third of all known species of sharks and their relatives, rays, are threatened with extinction. Unsustainable overfishing is the biggest threat by far. Losing sharks can disrupt coastal food webs that billions of people depend on for food. When food chains lose their top predators, the rest can unravel as smaller prey species multiply. In my years of talking with the public about sharks and ocean conservation, I’ve found that many people care about sharks and want to help but don’t know how. The solutions can be quite technical, and it’s challenging to understand and appreciate the scale and scope of some of the threats. At the same time, there is an enormous amount of oversimplification and even misinformation about these important topics, which can lead well-intentioned people to support policies that experts know won’t work. I am a marine conservation biologist and have sought to improve this situation by surveying shark researchers and helping scientists identify research topics that can advance conservation. I’ve also written a book, “Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive With the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.” Here are three ways that anyone can make a difference for sharks and avoid taking steps that are ineffective or even harmful. A 2020 study that surveyed 371 reefs found that sharks had virtually disappeared from about 20% of them. Don’t eat unsustainable seafood The No. 1 threat to sharks and rays – and arguably, to marine biodiversity in general – is unsustainable overfishing. Some fishing methods are incredibly destructive to marine life and habitats. They can also produce high rates of bycatch – the unintended catch of nontarget species. For example, fishermen pursuing tuna may accidentally catch sea turtles or sharks swimming near the tuna. The single most effective thing that individual consumers can do is to avoid seafood produced using these harmful methods. This does not mean completely avoiding seafood, as some advocates urge. Seafood is healthy, delicious and culturally important, and there are environmentally friendly ways of catching it sustainably. There are even sustainable fisheries for sharks. Reputable organizations such as California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium publish sustainable seafood guides that rate different types of seafood based on how they are caught or raised. While experts may quibble over details of some of these rankings, consumers can follow these guidelines and know that they are helping to protect sharks and ocean life in general. Support reputable environmental nonprofits, not harmful extremists Lots of great environmental nonprofit organizations work on shark issues and offer opportunities to get involved, such as donating money and communicating with elected officials and other decision-makers. In my book, I describe the work of many of these groups, including my favorite, Shark Advocates International. Unfortunately, some organizations promote pseudoscience that doesn’t help anyone or anything. In a 2021 study, colleagues and I surveyed employees of 78 nonprofits that work on shark conservation issues to understand whether and how these organizations engaged with the science of shark conservation. We found that a small but vocal minority had never read scientific reports or spoken with scientists, and held blatantly incorrect and harmful views that cannot help sharks. For example, some organizations are trying to get certain airlines to stop carrying shark products like dried fins, without acknowledging that well over 95% of fins are shipped by sea or that sustainable sources of these fins exist. One of my particular pet peeves is amateur online petitions that may not reflect actual conditions. For example, in the spring of 2022, some 60,000 people signed a petition calling for Florida to ban the practice of shark finning – without recognizing that Florida had banned shark finning in the early 1990s. As I explain in my book, it is essential to identify organizations that use science in support of worthwhile conservation goals and avoid promoting others that do not. Look to experts Many ocean science, management and conservation experts are active on social media. Following them is a great way to learn about fascinating new scientific discoveries and conservation issues. Unfortunately, sharks also get a lot of sensational coverage in the media, and well-intentioned but uninformed people often spread misinformation on social media. For example, you may have seen posts celebrating Hawaii for banning shark fishing in its waters – but these posts don’t note that about 99% of fishing in Hawaii occurs in federal waters. Don’t take the bait. By getting your information from reliable sources, you can help other people learn more about these fascinating, ecologically important animals, why they need humans’ help and the most effective steps to take. Words By David Shiffman Post-Doctoral and Research Scholar in Marine Biology, Arizona State University . Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission. Top image by Cassiano Barletta/Unsplash

MG Developer, Coral Gables’ renowned boutique luxury developer, unveils its latest renderings of The Village at Coral Gables’ Wellness Club, of nearly 4,000 square feet. Stunning amenities and features include an indoor and outdoor terrace lounge that is ideal for events and gatherings; a fitness wing; a luxurious plunge pool as well as a library and conference center; perfect for residents who enjoy working remotely and are looking for all the office amenities like high-speed wi-fi and a large monitor screen to host virtual meetings and more. Curated by MG Developer in collaboration with renowned architect De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, the impeccably designed amenity spaces elevate the standard for modern living in historic Coral Gables. “We pride ourselves in ensuring that each home and community we build, has a unique sense of style and design. For us, every home we create begins with a story, rich in the City’s history,” said Alirio Torrealba, CEO of MG Developer. “And The Village of Coral Gables is a very special enclave that is truly unique in so many ways, but its story is part of the vision George Merrick had when he envisioned the Seven Villages. We are very proud to bring this new design-style of living to life.” The new renderings provide a sneak preview into a few of the superb amenities that will pay homage to the city’s past while building for modern-day luxurious comforts. The expansive wellness clubhouse, of nearly 4,000 square feet, emanates a contemporary and tropical ambiance, built in Mediterranean revival-style architecture, and a color scheme that blends natural tones with lush green foliage with hints of gold décor accents. While the curated interiors were inspired by the aesthetic beauty and lifestyle of Seville, Spain, MG Developer set out to continue the vision of George Merrick's, founder of Coral Gables. The boutique 48-residence residential enclave will pay homage to Merrick’s legacy and history in a classic yet modern way. The Village at Coral Gables will be bordered by gardens inspired by the alcoves in the Plaza de España and will integrate courtyards throughout an entire block, with 50 percent of the site expected to include lush landscaping and hidden parking garages featuring an artistic component that complements the Coral Gables area. The Village at Coral Gables will feature four distinctive collections: Townhomes, Lofts, Villas, and Flats. Residences will vary in style and size, from the sophisticated flats of two bedrooms with a study room and a balcony to the charming four-bedroom townhomes that range from 1,750 square feet to 3,100 square feet. Although the development is situated within walking distance to the new Plaza, Downtown Coral Gables, and is in close proximity to South Florida’s most sought-after golf courses, the new Lowe’s Hotel, the Biltmore Hotel, cultural attractions, as well as the best dining venues in Miami, the verdant canopy streets that surround The Village at Coral Gables evoke the serenity of a quiet countryside. With everything The Village at Coral Gables has to offer, combined with its stunning design and lifestyle, it is poised to become the most desired living destination in South Florida. Located at 535 Santander Avenue and set throughout 17 lots, The Village at Coral Gables site is bordered by Malaga Avenue, Santander Avenue, Segovia Street, and Hernando Street. Completion is expected by 2024. The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Located at 2990 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 101. You can also schedule an appointment by calling 786.833.6398. MG Developer, led by Alirio Torrealba, is one of South Florida’s most active residential developers having completed its newest project, Biltmore Row, and Althea Row, which nearly sold out in less than 90 days and completed its Biltmore Square community that includes the award-winning Beatrice Row, which was recognized internationally for its stunning and classical design. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Coral Gables

PONANT has announced an exclusive partnership with the Paris Opera (Opéra national de Paris) for a themed voyage from Athens to Venice in 2024. The seven-night itinerary, August 1-8, 2024, on L’Austral, will welcome six dancers from the Opera’s ballet company, including prima ballerinas Valentine Colasante and Mathieu Ganio, for a program of performances both at sea and ashore, themed lectures, and introductory ballet classes. Rates start at $4,182 per person based on double occupancy. The prima ballerinas and dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet will take part in two sessions with guests, where they will share details about their careers and what drives them. There will also be two screenings of performances and excerpts from documentaries on dance, followed by a discussion. PONANT and the Paris Opera Ballet have also created two “danced lectures” involving rehearsing the pas de deux in front of an audience, an invitation to find out what goes on behind the scenes when preparing a ballet. To complete this immersive onboard experience, travelers will have the opportunity to take part in an introductory classical ballet class with a dance teacher from the Paris Opera. The dancers will hold two exceptional performances planned with extracts of the great classical and contemporary ballets in the Municipality Theatre of Corfu on August 3, 2024 and the Dubrovnik Theatre Marin Držić on August 5, 2024. “What the Paris Opera Ballet and PONANT have in common is that both are driven by an all-consuming desire to share, to be open to others and the world. Through this partnership, they are offering travellers an opportunity to discover the Opera’s classical and contemporary dance treasures and to exchange views. It is an odyssey that I know in my heart will inspire the six dancers as they perform against a backdrop of theatrical Greek and Croatian landscapes,” says Alexandre Neef, Director General of the Paris Opera. “We are delighted and proud of the confidence and trust placed in us by the Paris Opera in forging this partnership. Dance has the power to unite, transport and invite people to share. It is the essence of PONANT’s Explore to Inspire philosophy. It is also in the spirit of the new collection of themes, Travel is an Art, for voyages ever richer in meaning and inspiration; and truly unforgettable moments,” states Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT. To find more information on the two prima ballerinas, please see below: Valentine Colasante, prima ballerina at the Paris Opera Ballet: “A pure product of the Paris Opera,” as she describes herself, Valentine Colasante joined Paris Opera’s dance school at the age of eight and was hired by its Ballet company at 17, climbing the hierarchy to become a prima ballerina at 29. A natural born dancer, her mother was a dance teacher and her father a jazz musician in Paris. Whether being electrifying as Kitri, scintillating as Raymonda or dazzling as Pina Bausch, Valentine Colasante lights up the world’s most prestigious stages with her radiant presence. Mathieu Ganio, prima ballerina at the Paris Opera Ballet: Son of two dancers, one a prima ballerina at the Paris Opera Ballet, the other a soloist at the Marseille Opera Ballet, Mathieu Ganio was destined for stardom. Since he first appeared on stage, in 1986 at the tender age of two, Mathieu Ganio has given it his all to meet this destiny. His elegant movements and qualities as a partner combined with a rare charisma have earned him international acclaim and raised him in 2004 to the rank of prima ballerina. In 2020, Mathieu Ganio was elevated to ‘Officer of Arts and Letters,’ France national order for cultural merit, for his contribution to dance. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Ponant

Stepping into a Luca Faloni store is like entering a swoon-worthy Hotel lobby with calming music accompanied by the subtle meld aroma of espresso and fresh linen. The stores are welcoming, functional, and desirably homely. This Luca Faloni retail blueprint extends itself into the Miami store which much like their garments, every molecule of the style has been considered. The store has been meticulously imagined and designed by Davide Barrera. Encapsulating the heritage of the city, Art Deco is the initial inspiration. Carrara marble, boiserie in walnut veneer, and handmade cement tiles from Turkey are characterized by color pairings of moss green, moca cream, and brushed brass alongside strong geometric symmetry to complete the look. Bespoke furniture devised by the Luca Faloni team has been produced by Italian carpenters Brugnotto Group, paying homage to the brand's roots and mirroring the sibling stores around the world. Garments are displayed in wardrobe-styled rails and shelves further embodying the relaxed and welcoming energy of the brand’s mission of accessible artisanal craftsmanship. “Miami is an important market for us as it's an opportunity to showcase the linen collection throughout the seasons and a huge window to tourists internationally & in South America.” Luca Faloni The 100% pure linen range is produced by some of the oldest mills and artisans in Northern Italy and will play a principal part for consumers in Miami. The Portofino Shirt, Lipari Trousers, and Versilia Shirt provide softness, breathability, and durability providing the foundations of menswear for clients looking to bridge the gap between formal and casual attire. Luca Faloni was founded in 2014 as an online business whose popularity grew thanks to its offering of quality products at a fair price. Their style remains unchanged since its launch except for the introduction of occasional new colors and categories throughout the year. 2018 was the opening of their first store in London Marylebone with Milan, London Piccadilly, New York, Munich, Stockholm and now Miami joining suit with the continuation of further global retail expansion to come. To learn more visit www.lucafaloni.com By ML staff. Courtesy of Luca Faloni.

Building on the success of its three prior events, national trade show organizer Design Edge Co. announces its next exhibition, set to attract over 500 Florida area interior designers to Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami, March 15-16. Design Edge Miami is open to professional interior designers from throughout the state of Florida for this season’s two-day, in-person event. The roving trade show will present over 50 designer-friendly brands from the home furnishings and kitchen and bath sectors to registered designers, doubling the number of manufacturers since its inaugural event in 2021. New exhibitor brands for Miami include Currey & Company, Eichholtz, Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting, Jamie Young Co., and Sherrill Furniture; as well as Artistica and Tommy Bahama, two divisions of Lexington Home Brands. Among the returning manufacturers are Eastern Accents, Global Views, Made Goods, Palecek, and Vanguard. Programming for the Miami event will include a special guest appearance by celebrated Palm Beach and NYC designer Celerie dle of Kemble Interiors, as well as a Luxe Interiors + Design magazine-sponsored panel discussion entitled “Building Your Brand,” with noteworthy design industry pros Thom Filicia, Thom Filicia, Inc.; Netflix series star Eilyn Jimenez, also principal of Sire Design; Dwayne Bergmann, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors; Marissa Cornejo, Design Marketing Collective; David Beld, Palecek; and Gail Doby of Pearl Collective as the moderator. Additional event partners and sponsors for the spring event include the ASID Florida chapters, the High Point Market Authority (HPMA), and the South Florida chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). The Design Edge Kitchen and Bath Experience returns for a third time, in Miami, presenting the first opportunity for the Florida design community to see products from these categories alongside furnishings. Featured brands include Cosentino, Monogram, Brizo, Azzurri Luxury Kitchens, and Sherwin-Williams. Registration for Design Edge Miami begins this month at no charge to interior designers. Mana Convention Center is a recognized event venue located minutes from Downtown Miami in the Wynwood Arts District. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Design Edge Miami

Fairchild is celebrating the return of Orchids in Bloom, an enchanting festival of orchids, on Saturday and Sunday, March 11-12, 2023. Thousands of orchid plants grace the garden during the two-day festival, this celebration of all things orchids will offer dazzling displays, gardening demos, and fantastic lectures. It's perfect for enjoying a beautiful and fun day in Miami with family and friends. There is something for everyone: Come watch orchid vendors compete for the top prize at the Orchid Show and Exhibit presented by the Orchid Society of Coral Gables in the Garden House. Purchase exotic and tropical orchids. Attend lectures by our Orchid Experts and Scientists. At The Million Orchid Project Lab, transplant orchid seeds in the STEMLab Enjoy hundreds of spectacular butterflies at Wings of the Tropics. Explore the Children’s Garden. ORKIDS ENCOUNTER: Calling all kids and kids at heart: join us on an Orchid adventure through the Garden to explore and discover one of the largest plant families…Orchids! Complete your mission and earn your Expedition Discovery Orchid Pin. And so much more! By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is proud to announce its new, National President, Tess Rowland, effective Feb. 6, 2023. On May 4th, 2021, Rowland was driving to her job as a television news reporter in Panama City Beach, FL when a suspected drunk driver with drugs in the car hit her head-on, causing severe, life-threatening injuries. First responders on scene said it was a miracle that she survived, and she is continuing to recover from physical and mental trauma caused by this crash. "MADD has helped me get my life back," Rowland said. "And while these injuries will be with me for the rest of my life, I'm driven to use my platform as the National President to ensure that no one else has to endure what me and my family went through." Rowland first became involved in MADD as a volunteer following the crash and recovery. She's previously served as the Walk Like MADD 5K Northwest Florida Event Chair, and as the 2022 Keynote Speaker for the annual MADD Florida Law Enforcement Recognition event where she received accolades from more than 100 law enforcement professionals. Now, as president, Rowland will serve as a national spokesperson and chief champion for MADD, the nation's largest nonprofit working to end drunk and drugged driving and support the victims of these violent and preventable crimes. "Despite greater awareness, there is renewed urgency surrounding this issue as new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that impaired driving is reaching its highest levels in over a decade," said Rowland. Moving forward, Rowland is on a mission to change the misperception that MADD is an organization exclusively for parents. For decades, MADD has been invested in educating and saving the lives of young people. Now, through a new initiative, Coalition 45, Rowland is taking MADD's youth engagement to the next level. Coalition 45 serves to spark urgency around the fact that 100% preventable deaths related to drunk and impaired driving occur in the U.S. every 45 minutes. Over the next year, Rowland will be traveling the country to meet with youth-focused nonprofit organizations and young activists to talk about how they can work together to solve these issues. Rowland will be recruiting 45 representatives from different regions and cities across the country to develop new resources created by young people, for young people. "As a 24-year-old, Tess has a unique opportunity to widen the reach of MADD and bring together young people to help solve an issue that will save lives," said MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "As drunk driving deaths continue to rise around the country, we must take action to broaden our community and bring together a diverse network of advocates to help end drunk and drugged driving." Rowland follows Alex Otte, who served as MADD National President in 2021 and 2022. Otte came to MADD after she was severely injured by an intoxicated boat operator when she was 13 years old. During Otte's time as MADD National President, she championed the HALT Act in 2021 and MADD's inaugural Boating Under the Influence (BUI) campaign in 2022. By ML Staff. Photo by MADD

The Betsy-South Beach announces events taking place during February 2023 including jazz and classical music performances, poetry readings, art exhibitions/openings, public art activations, artist residencies, and community partnerships. All events are free and open to the public and take place at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. @thebetsyhotel More information click here. FEBRUARY ARTS EVENTS February 1-28, 2023: The Betsy presents live jazz performances 9x a week in the Lobby Salon. Featuring jazz pianists Olegario Diaz, Leonard Reina, Devin Show, Allen Paul, Brian Murphy, Edgar Pantoja, David Attelan, Tal Cohen, Jim Gasior, Ryan Ellis, Charu Suri, Markus Gottschlich, and Danny Mixon. Performance times: Mon thru Thurs – 6 to 11 PM; Fri and Sat – 6 PM to 12 AM; Weekend Brunch – 11 AM to 4 PM. Feb 5-26 @ 5 PM: The Betsy Curated Ocean Drive Promenade Concert Series in Lummus Park @ 14th St. Feb 5 – The Ted Piltzecker Jazz Vibes Quartet; Feb 12 – Miami Beach Classical Music Festival Singers (Valentines Weekend Program); Feb 19- The Danny Mixon Legacy Jazz Quartet (Black History Month Program); Feb 26 – the FIU Amernet String Quartet. Patrons are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concerts supported by The City of Miami Beach, Ocean Drive Association & Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau Feb 4 @ 7:30 PM, Classical Music – Special celebration of the SOBE Chamber Ensemble’s 25th Anniversary The Betsy presents the South Beach Chamber Ensemble performing Beethoven’s String Quartet #10, Op. 74 and Two Movements for String Quartet by Rebecca Clarke. This event is in The Gallery, enter thru 1433 Collins Avenue. Feb 8 @ 7:30 PM, Poetry Reading – Jenny Q and Susan Leary present their work Betsy Writers Room visiting poet Jenny Q reads with local poet Susan Leary in The Betsy Library. Event Sponsored by Supporting Women Writers in Miami. Feb 12, 13, 14 from 8 to 8:30 PM, The Betsy’s façade will be illuminated using projection mapping to enliven a program of love songs and arias performed by emerging artists in the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival’s young artist program. These projections will be on the Betsy façade at 1440 Ocean Drive, and visible from Lummus Park, in a program supported by the Children’s Trust and City of Miami Beach, presented in partnership with the Ocean Drive Association. Feb 16, from 6 to 10 PM, Culture Crawl - Property-Wide Arts Activation in partnership with the City of Miami Beach: 1) Galleries open for self-tours of mixed media and photography; 2) Intergenerational jazz with jazz vocalists representing the past, present, and future of jazz in Miami, 3) live opera pop-up on the terrace, 4) projections on the ORB by visual artist Erin Parrish. Feb 21 from 6 to 9 PM, Exhibition Opening – Eric Kroll’s ‘The New York Years 1971-94’ The Betsy Hotel celebrates an exhibition of works by award-winning photographer Eric Kroll, “Photographs from the NY Years 1971-1994”. This inaugural exhibition and book signing includes an artist Q/A at 7 PM in The Carlton Room; hosted by co-owner, Lesley Goldwasser, enter thru 1433 Collins Avenue. Feb 1-28. Ten artists in residence in The Betsy Writers Room The Betsy Writers Room celebrates its 10th anniversary with over 1000 visiting artist to date. The Feb 2023 lineup includes Ira Rosen, Raksha Vasudevan, Jenny Qi, Boris Fishman, Joanna Rakoff, Mary Anna Evans, Julie Scelfo, Rachel Abrams, Namrata Tripothi, and Candace Mays. thebetsywritersroom.com MORE ON THE BETSY-SOUTH BEACH The Betsy Hotel is an award-winning widely celebrated luxury boutique property, owned and operated by the Plutzik Goldwasser Family and located at 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Located beachside, The Betsy–South Beach is the host hotel for wide-ranging programs that embrace the richness of global arts and culture. Since 2012, The Betsy Writer’s Room has hosted more than 1,000 visiting artists, including notable poets Billy Collins, W.S. Merwin, Nikkey Finney, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Robert Haas, and so many more. The Betsy’s literary programs are inspired by the work of mid-century poet Hyam Plutzik, a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and father of Betsy Hotel owner Jonathan Plutzik. thebetsyhotel.com @thebetsyhotel By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of The Betsy South Beach

Nayara Bocas del Toro, Panama’s adults-only private island luxury retreat, is thrilled to reveal two towering fifty-foot treehouses originally designed by IBUKU, a Bali-based design studio lead by Elora Hardy. This is the architectural firm’s first project in Central America. The solar-powered treehouses are constructed from four varieties of locally sourced bamboo and 19 varieties of reclaimed five-hundred-year-old, partially petrified hardwoods recovered from the floor of the Panama Canal. The structures are the first of five treehouses conceived by Elora Hardy, who borrowed inspiration from the lush surroundings to create a sense of arrival and discovery. The elegant and whimsical one-bedroom accommodations are located at the end of meandering paths covered in greenery and accessible via curving stairs. The airy dwellings have 21-foot ceilings with a tropical yet pared-down aesthetic and floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air living room look out over the canopy of the mangrove forest. Outdoor jungle showers and deep soaking tubs invite bathing en plein air, and a pulley system allows for unobtrusive room service. “At Bocas Nayara's treehouse, we wind up among the tall stilts to a glass Moon Door that turns like a dancer on its center pivot. Bamboo and reclaimed hardwood underfoot give texture to our journey. Around us, screens curve playfully and poles soar overhead. Overlooking the mangroves, the view wraps around us and we feel like we are part of it. With a balance of elegance and texture, we are at once open to nature and sheltered within our own space. Here is the place where we can incubate unforgettable experiences,” says designer, Elora Hardy. While the word “treehouse” can conjure a ramshackle structure cobbled out of bent nails and splintered boards, IBUKU’s tree dwellings are an exquisite tribute to local craftsmanship and the sensuousness of nature, with raw edges and distinctive character. Built from locally harvested bamboo and reclaimed hardwoods pulled from the floor of the Panama Canal, the treehouse is an environmental marvel that fuses Balinese and Panamanian materiality and design traditions. Water is generated from purified rainwater and power from the sun. Great care has been taken to engineer environmentally safe wastewater treatment as specified in the detailed environmental study. The resort also features 16 custom overwater villas, a 70-foot freshwater pool, the 100-year-old Elephant House restaurant, and the world’s first elevated white sand beach built on stilts over the sea. “A recent guest marveled at our varied architectural designs throughout the resort,” says General Manager of Nayara Bocas del Toro, Scott Dinsmore. “Every design has our guest experience in mind and our new treehouse is no exception. Just imagine staying in an Elora Hardy treehouse and an over the water luxury villa with a private pool all in one vacation – perfection.” Treehouse rates for 2023 start at $1,500 per night during peak season and $1,300 per night during green season, including all meals and non-motorized water sports at the year-round destination. For more information or reservations, please call 1 800 637 9095 or visit bocasbali.com. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Nayara Bocas del Toro

In an effort to support the community it serves, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is pleased to announce it has expanded and is now operating a sixth Club at Dr. Frederica S. Wilson Skyway Elementary School, located at 4555 NW 206th Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL 33055. The Dr. Frederica S. Wilson Skyway Elementary School Club, which will serve approximately 100 children from the local area, is now accepting new youth members. Area youth will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is filled. The Dr. Frederica S. Wilson Skyway Elementary School Club offers a fun and enriching Educational After-School Program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade on weekdays from 2 – 6 p.m., as well as on Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ teacher planning days. Spring Break and Summer Camp programs will also be available in 2023. Youth members will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including STEM, arts and crafts, physical fitness, tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring, social-emotional learning and more. There is a $25 registration fee per youth member, but no monthly fee. The Dr. Frederica S. Wilson Skyway Elementary School Club aims to introduce tennis and golf to underserved populations and foster a love for the sport to all demographics and has begun its second phase of construction of tennis courts and a miniature golf course on campus. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s positive programs enable area youth to learn values such as friendship, honesty and teamwork by providing a safe and secure environment where they can develop into productive and independent young adults. “We are thrilled to open our sixth Club at Frederica S. Wilson Skyway Elementary School,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “This would not be possible without the generous support from Dr. Frederica S. Wilson who is committed to providing great futures for Miami-Dade area youth.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade follows the same guidelines and schedule as Miami-Dade County Public Schools. For more information or to inquire about tuition sponsorships and enrollment, please contact Unit Director Daisy Mendez at 305.446.9910, e-mail dmendez@bgcmia.org or visit bgcmia.org. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unplash

Celebrate romance and a special evening at The Ritz- Carlton, Bal Harbour with our one of a kind, dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton Suite for two. With scenic ocean views, we invite you to fall in love from the first to last course of our tropic-inspired menu with a Caribbean flair. Love at First Course includes: Private dining at The Ritz-Carlton Suite Signature welcome cocktails 10-course menu specially signed by Executive Chef Miguel Acosta Wine Pairing Live music Add-on: premium cigars book now February 11-14, 2023 $600 per person RSVP to Edward.Creel@ritzcarlton.com By ML Staff. Photos by Ritz-Carlton. Top image by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash

As Valentine's Day nears, enhance the celebration with a visit to the Baccarat Boutique Bbar and Lounge located in the Miami Design District. Surprise your loved one with a gift and toast to the special occasion with a delectable cocktail or a glass of bubbly, amidst the most luxurious food and beverage offerings in the district. For the Scentimentalist Stop by the boutique with your sweetheart and discover the world of Baccarat. The trending Baccarat Rouge 540 is sure to sweep anyone off their feet, or perhaps pick up a new set of champagne flutes to celebrate love and more: Baccarat Rouge 540 ($325) Vega Flute ($400) Eye Vase Rectangular ($750) The Lovers Nest Decorated with the best of Baccarat chandeliers, vases, barware and more, the indoor and outdoor seating creates an immersive Baccarat experience. Our BBar and Lounge offers gourmet coffee, cappuccino and teas, or toast to love with a bubbling coupe of champagne. Indulge in the finest lite bites with our French inspired menu. Discover the world of Baccarat with your favorite person through our signature cocktails served in Baccarat, delicious food, and colorful crystal. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Baccarat Boutique