FLORIDA TO KENYA
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Travel Editor | Christina Ricci
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Chris Cie Carter is a dynamic music producer, songwriter, and performer known for his innovative approach to blending genres. With a keen ear for melody and a deep understanding of production techniques, Carter has worked with a diverse range of artists, helping shape unique sounds that resonate with audiences. His ability to craft compelling beats and rich musical landscapes has earned him recognition in the industry. Whether behind the mixing board or on stage, Carter’s passion for music and dedication to excellence continue to set him apart as a creative force in the entertainment world.
Producer ChrisCieCarter
DHL Express flies 17 endangered Mountain Bongo Antelope from Florida to Kenya conservation site
DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, has partnered with Tusk, a charity dedicated to accelerating the impact of Africa-driven conservation, to transport 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongo Antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya Bred in Florida, the Bongos are on the verge of extinction with fewer than 100 left in the wild due to poaching, forest degradation and habitat fragmentation
As a partner of Tusk, DHL used its expert and specialist logistics services to provide point-to-point air transfer for the Bongos. Meeting the requirement that the full herd be transported together; DHL provided a dedicated aircraft which carried the Antelopes 7146 nautical miles directly from Palm Beach International Airport (Florida) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya
The Bongos were transported in custom-built crates, alongside 6 tonnes of pelleted feed and 3 specialist animal care staff including a veterinarian and 2 Bongo specialists from the US. The Mountain Bongos were released into a 20-acre sanctuary, which has been set aside for their long-term management and recovery by the Kenya Forest Service. The sanctuary plays a critical role in the national recovery plan and is key to the ongoing success of the project.
Formed by 12 female and 5 male Bongo Antelopes, the herd will remain in the paddocks to safely breed The offspring will then slowly be reintroduced into Mount Kenya's forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years.
Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Europe, says: "We are so proud to be able to leverage the power and expertise of our global network to assist in transporting these critically endangered Bongo Antelope to their new sanctuary in Kenya. The logistics of moves such as this are incredibly complex, with the welfare of the animals being everyone's top priority. A huge thank you to our partners at Tusk, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and everyone involved in making this important conservation mission a success"
Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, says: "Bringing the Bongos back to Kenya is a great moment in the restoration of the country's natural heritage. For decades, these animals have been largely absent from the very forests where they belong, and this project will be crucial in reversing that loss. Seeing them set foot on Kenyan soil again is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations work together."
Dr Paul Reillo, RSCF Founder and President, says: "There is simply no higher calling for humanity than to protect what remains of nature The mountain bongo's story of decline and recovery has been entirely on our watch, and the species' future lies with all of us The bongo's resilience is a story of hope for wildlife and people alike, merging elevated partnerships, proven expertise, vital resources and amazing courage This humbling, profound project exemplifies true wildlife conservation in real time "
Charlie Mayhew, Founder and President of Tusk, says: "The return of 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from Florida to Kenya is a significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat. We are hugely grateful to our global partner DHL Express for their generous support in transporting the Bongos – yet another key milestone in the partnership between our organizations. DHL's dedication to environmental sustainability, and its role as a responsible corporate partner in supporting Tusk's mission to protect Africa's wildlife and natural habitat, is invaluable."
Led by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA), the relocation of the Bongos was a collaborative effort supported by the Meru Bongo & Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and the RSCF The local communities surrounding the sanctuary will play a key role in running the conservation program, creating education and employment opportunities that will support the region In this context, Tusk acts as official partner of DHL Express, working closely together with LEWA, MBRCT and RSCF to provide highly efficient solutions for funding wildlife conservation programs
DHL recently transported 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongo Antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya
A significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat
Dominican Republic: Official Destination of the 2025 Miami Open
The Dominican Republic is the official destination brand sponsor of the 2025 Miami Open, one of the world's largest tennis tournaments, attended by more than 400,000 attendees. Thus, reinforcing the Dominican Republic's presence on the international sports tourism scene and allowing the country to showcase and promote a variety of tourist offerings to a global audience beyond sun and sand.
The Dominican Republic continues to solidify its dedication to sports tourism by strategically leveraging the global exposure of prestigious events such as the Miami Open This enables the country to enhance its prominence, captivating thousands of attendees and reaching millions of viewers worldwide, while showcasing its vibrant culture and unparalleled appeal
"The Miami Open provides an extraordinary platform to elevate the Dominican Republic's brand to a global audience and offer a glimpse into our unparalleled hospitality," emphasized Minister of Tourism David Collado "Events of this caliber give us the perfect opportunity to showcase the rich diversity of experiences we provide far beyond just sun and sand while cementing our status as a premier destination for sports tourism "
On Thursday, March 27, The Dominican Republic' Minister of Tourism, David Collado, led the coin toss for the quarterfinals match between Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik
"Participation in the 2025 Miami Open underscores the Dominican Republic's strategic commitment to attracting world-class sporting events and driving tourism through the power of sports," stated tournament director James Blake "Just this March, the country made a significant impact on the tennis world by hosting the prestigious 2025 ATP Dominican Republic Open Copa Cap Cana in Punta Cana, right after the renowned Indian Wells, further solidifying its position on the global tennis stage "
Beyond tennis, the Dominican Republic proudly hosts a diverse array of premier international competitions, including the PGA Tour at the prestigious Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship, the Ironman 70 3, Oceanman, and many more These world-class events underscore the destination's unparalleled versatility in sports tourism, further solidifying the country's reputation as the epicenter of sports in the Caribbean and Latin America
Through this powerful strategic alliance at the 2025 Miami Open, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sports as a key catalyst for tourism and global promotion This partnership highlights the country's dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, proving that when it comes to world-class destinations, "the Dominican Republic truly has it all "
IMAGERY:
(Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
Afteralandmark2024,ModernPlasticSurgeryandMedSpaofMiami,ledbyArmandoLuis,announcesambitiousplansfor2025, continuingitsreputationasapremierplasticsurgerycenterwhiledeepeningitscommunityimpact Inlate2024,thecliniclaunchedapowerfulcommunitycampaign,including:
"DaystoShine"Summit–Astar-studdedeventfeaturingEmilioEstefanandotherVIPs,empoweringwomeninbusinessand beauty.
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InternationalExpansionEvent–AnnouncingnewoperationsinMedellín,Colombia,withremarksfromDoralMayorCristi Fraga.
ModernPlasticSurgerycontinuestosetthestandardforluxuryaestheticcare,earningnationalmediaattentionandindustry accolades InMarch,theclinicwillkickoffitsMonthlyEventSerieswithaWomen’sMonthcelebration,co-hostedbyOnlyinDade Cares,bringingtogethermedia,celebrities,andinfluencers
"2024wasremarkable,butwearejustgettingstarted,"saidFounderArmandoLuis "Asweexpandinternationallyandinnovate,2025 willbeanotheryearofexcellenceinaestheticcareandcommunityimpact " Formoreinformation,visitwww modernplasticsurgerymiami com
SLOW BURN THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2025/2026 SEASON
Five musicals will be presented at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Slow Burn Theatre Company unveils its highly anticipated 2025/2026 season, featuring five dynamic musicals that explore themes of ambition, identity, and resilience. Set in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the season is presented with support from American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale.
The Season Lineup:
"Catch Me If You Can" (Oct. 11 – 26, 2025): This high-flying musical comedy, based on the hit DreamWorks Motion Picture, follows teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. as he outsmarts the FBI. Created by a Tony Awardwinning team, this show is packed with charm, adventure, and dazzling music.
"Disney’s Frozen" (Dec. 13 – 28, 2025): The beloved animated film comes to life in a spectacular musical adaptation featuring unforgettable songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. A tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and true love, "Frozen" promises stunning effects, breathtaking performances, and pure joy for all ages.
"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" (Feb. 14 – Mar. 1, 2026): Experience the inspiring true story of Carole King’s rise to fame. Featuring timeless hits like "You've Got a Friend" and "Natural Woman," this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical celebrates one of music’s most legendary voices.
"Hairspray" (Apr. 11 – 26, 2026): With big voices, big energy, and even bigger hair, this Tony Award-winning musical takes audiences to 1962 Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad pursues her dream to dance on "The Corny Collins Show." Bursting with humor, romance, and iconic songs, "Hairspray" delivers a heartwarming message of inclusivity and change.
"Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill" (June 13 – 28, 2026): Inspired by Morissette’s groundbreaking album, this powerful, Tony-winning musical explores a seemingly perfect family unraveling beneath the surface. Tackling complex social themes, this show is a deeply moving and thought-provoking finale to the season.
Season Details:
Subscriptions for the five-show season go on sale Monday, February 24, with individual tickets available starting Saturday, June 7.
Slow Burn Theatre Company’s productions are made possible by major support from the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, the Salah Foundation, and the Cornelia T Bailey Foundation
For tickets and more information, visit www browardcenter org
FIU unveils renderings for Benjamín León Jr. Building, the future home of CasaCuba
Florida International University today is unveiling the architectural renderings of the Benjamín León Jr. Building, which will house CasaCuba, an academic and cultural center to preserve and celebrate Cuban and Cuban American heritage.
The project also marked a significant point in the journey toward breaking ground with $30 million raised toward the $40 million goal.
CasaCuba will make its home in a 43,000-square-foot facility. The Benjamín León Jr. Building will be a beacon for Cuban culture, featuring galleries and exhibition spaces, classrooms, and state-of-the-art event venues for its dynamic cultural programming. Designed by architectural firm HKS, the complex will be built by Thornton Construction and promises to be a hub for research, education, and connection, bringing together scholars, students, visitors, and the broader South Florida community
"CasaCuba will serve as a multidisciplinary hub showcasing FIU's unmatched expertise and commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Cuban and Cuban American heritage," said FIU Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth M. Béjar.
"As Miami's only public research university, FIU is uniquely positioned to host CasaCuba," said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. "Located in the heart of this global city with deep Cuban roots and closely connected to its cultural fabric, FIU brings to the project the intellectual capital of its faculty and its status as a Carnegiedesignated R1 public research institution and one of the nation's Top 50 public universities."
FIU houses the most comprehensive collection of Cuban music outside the island, the Diaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection, and the unparalleled Henrique Hurtado de Mendoza Collection of Cuban Genealogy. FIU also is home to the Darlene M. And Jorge M. Perez Art Collection.
The Benjamín León Jr. Building will be prominently located near one of the entrances to the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in west Miami-Dade and will leverage the latest technology, bringing the Cuban American experience to life
"After years of planning and hard work, it's incredibly exciting to see CasaCuba getting closer to reality," said CasaCuba Executive Director Lydia Betancourt Space. "This beautiful new building will uphold the Cuban American experience and have its place among Miami's rich cultural landmarks, alongside the Perez Art Museum, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and FIU's three museums. Thanks to the vision of so many, including Agustín Arellano Sr., who has been part of the project since the very beginning, CasaCuba will provide the context and space to elevate our community's past, present and future."
The construction of CasaCuba will be fully supported by donations. In addition to a landmark $10 million gift from Benjamín León Jr., the Knight Foundation has contributed more than $4 million to the project, including $2 million to support the design of the facility. Other key supporters, such as CasaCuba Board Chair Mario Murgado, and Jorge Mas have been instrumental in advancing the project.
"CasaCuba represents the heart and soul of our community, a place where the rich heritage of the Cuban diaspora will be celebrated, studied, and preserved," Murgado said "It is a privilege to be part of bringing this vision to life, made possible by the collective generosity and dedication of those committed to honoring and elevating Cuban culture Together, we have the opportunity to ensure CasaCuba becomes a lasting legacy for generations to come."
