Star Gala 2020 Raise over a million dollars for STARability Foundation at Ritz Carlton Resort Naples

VOL.3 NO. 3

STARability Gold Gala Raises One Million MIAMI VICE PARTY Elite Health Center Miami New Auto Toy Store Turbine Boat Preview Raymond Lee Jewelers Luxury Chamber Event Mediterranean Fest 2020 Vourla in Naples Gary Thompson Man of the Year Event The Pompano Event Sample Mansion 3.16.20 Saving the Everglades One Snake at a Time Lilly Pulitzer Spring Lookbook 2020 Best of Coral Gables Fred Astaire 3.16 Event CROQUET The Hobby of Socialites

MARCH 2020

FOUNDER | Jay Shapiro Luxury Chamber Media Group jay@southflorida.in

Assistant to the Editor | Kolleen Poirier kolleen@southflorida.in

Fashion Editor | Juliana LaBonte juliana@southflorida.in

Travel Editor | Christina Ricci

Business Editor | Cindy Ragan

Real Estate Editor | Venus Proffer

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Traveling from Florida to Cuba in 2020 Insider Secrets they will not Share

South Florida Publisher Jay Shapiro Travels to Cuba Alone for the First Time and Share's His Experience with Readers

Q.) How can I travel to Cuba from Florida?

A.) Airlines only. Jet Blue, American Airlines and Delta fly from the Miami / Fort Lauderdale region and Southwest flies direct to Havana from Tampa. Its a particularly good time to fly to Havana because travel there is light and light flights means cheap airfare and faster travel time. We arrived in Havana 15 minutes early and on our return flight, we left Jose Marti airport in Havana over a half-hour early and arrived 45 minutes early in Ft. Lauderdale. There were only about 20 people on a plane large enough to hold roughly 200 people.

Q.) Is a visa needed?

A.) Yes, a visa is needed however you do not need to purchase it in advance. Online visa companies charge $85 plus fees for a total of $110 (or more depending on the company) if you wait until right before your flight the day you travel you can purchase the visa for only $50 from the Jet Blue counter agent. *check with the airlines to make sure this is still in effect before traveling.

Q.) What else is required to travel to Cuba?

A.) 1. Current passport not expiring in the next few months. 2. Health insurance. Don't have health insurance? Don't worry, the airlines cover this for everybody. Its already included in the ticket price. 3. A reason for traveling there. You need to have a legitimate reason to travel to Cuba. As a magazine publisher, I chose the category of Journalistic Activity. Some people choose family visits, religious activities, public performance, etc.

Q.) How about the hotel rooms in Havana?

A.) They run anywhere from $7.00 per night for a cheap hostel up to $300 per night for a four-star luxury resort. Paseo del Prado is the newest luxury hotel and is located right downtown in old Havana. If you love cigars and the ocean you may want to consider the Melia Hotels. MeliaCohiba is along the Malecon (Havana Seawall) and within walking distance of downtown Old Havana assuming you have good walking shoes.

Melia Habana is up the road about 5 miles or a $15 cab fare. Melia Habana is right on the ocean and has a huge luxury swimming pool and many high-end restaurants and bars. Other hotels to consider: Hotel Nacional, Hotel Inglaterra, and The Saratoga. We do not recommend spending less than $60 per night for a hotel unless you will be renting from a family. If you do you will be in for a rude awakening. Many of the hotels look like luxury rentals online advertised for $20 or $30 per night but when you arrive there you find out what its like living in an old dilapidated school building with no toilet paper, broken elevators, open windows with no air conditioning and a stench that would make you prefer living in hell.

Q.) How is the food in Cuba?

A.) The food is somewhere between bad to edible. Sometimes you can find good food but its a challenge. The problem lies in the fact that there are literally no grocery stores on the island. There are small government regulated bodegas and they offer some basic staples such as: cooking oil and a few other items. There are no candy bars or potato chips anywhere on the island. The food that is accessible to the local hotels and restaurants falls in line with staples and basics and must be sourced from many different places. The eggs from the egg tienda, the cooking oil from the salesperson or bodega, the meat from the carniceria etc. Some of the five-star hotels are wealthy enough to sneak enough quality ingredients in to make you a good meal. Perhaps they get quality gourmet ingredients from non-U.S. yacht provisioners or travelers from other countries who smuggle them in. Some of the wines on the shelf at the bodega are 2 times more expensive than they are in the U.S. The Saratoga hotel has great mixed drinks and good food but the condiments there are what we would call generic in the U.S. Melia Habana hotel has a great Italian restaurant.

Q.) What attractions would you recommend seeing?

A.) I'm more of an adventure traveler and I believe in traveling light and just showing up and seeing what happens and going wherever you feel like wandering. Cuba is very safe and there is no crime on the island. I wandered around some of the roughest streets of Havana at 2 am after a few drinks and there was no crime or problems. There are literally no drugs on the island. Prostitution is legal so that is not even a crime. 75% of the cars on the island are classic cars so you don't need to go anywhere special to see those. The Tropicana Club was founded in 1939 and they have nice dancing girls 24 hours per day. Just show up to downtown old Havana and start walking around. Almost everything on every block is historic!!

Q.) Do Cubans like Americans?

A.) They love Americans but sadly enough they despise President Trump. Many Cuban-Americans love our president but that simply is not the case on the island. Most people will tell you: Oh, I have a brother in Miami or a cousin in Jacksonville. Don't be afraid to be American but do NOT talk politics!!!

Q.) How do you get around in Havana?

A.) Taxi only. Almost every male on the island is a taxi driver. The licensed taxi drivers will have cars labeled "Taxi" and the non-licensed drivers will come up to you and ask you if you need a taxi. Non-licensed taxi drivers are willing to negotiate the price of the taxi fare. Many taxi drivers have old cars such as 1949 Chevrolets. Some drive newer cars which were built in China or Russia. One of the reasons I wanted to cut my Cuban vacation short is the fact that every few feet I walked someone was coming up to me saying: taxi? Taxi? You need taxi? It gets repetitive and old very fast. You will not need to look far to find a taxi because they will find you.

Q.) Is Cuba safe?

A.) Yes, it is very safe. There are no police in Cuba and the ironic part is that there is no crime either. Some people say that all of the police are undercover but that might just be a rumor to scare the locals and prevent them from committing a crime. If someone did commit a crime in Cuba the punishment would be very very harsh. Prostitution and 24-hour drinking are perfectly legal so you can have enough fun there without breaking their law.

Q.) What about the internet and cell phone usage?

A.) Your cell phone will not work on the island however its wifi will. Facebook works perfectly fine via wifi which is pronounced: We Fee in Spanish. At the hotel, you must purchase a NAUTA ETESCA internet card. ETESCA stands for Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba and its the state owned internet provider. First, transfer your American dollars to CUC – Pesos Convertibles at the receptionist's desk and then go to the desk that sells the ETESCA internet cards. Purchase either a one hour or five-hour card. They are only a few dollars. Then as if you were enjoying a scratch-off lottery ticket reveal the username and password and then enter it in your phone's wifi login.

>> continued.......

Q.) Which type of money do they accept in Cuba?

A.) There are 3 types of currencies in Cuba. 1. the old Peso which is only for the people who live there. 2. CUC or Pesos Convertibles which is the currency that was created by the government for tourists to use at local businesses. 3. your own local currency which many people will gladly accept. The Cuban currency system is designed so that the government, the local hotels and the Cuban people, in general, can all profit from currency exchange. When you bring $100 to the hotel they will only give you $87 in Peso Convertibles so $13 goes to the hotel and the Cuban Government. Some locals will exchange Pesos for Dollars one for one but be careful who you deal with because while there is virtually no crime on the island the people are hustlers and will try to talk you into buying a box of counterfeit cigars or taking a long cab ride etc.

Q.) Do they speak English in Cuba?

A.) No!! Many people under the age of 50 speak enough English to catch a cab and do basic things but the older people do not speak any English at all. Travel with someone who speaks Spanish.

Q.) Can I bring Cuban cigars home from Cuba?

A.) Yes, you can bring up to 100 cigars and one bottle of Havana Club rum. I bought a box of Cohibas and a bottle of rum and had it in my suitcase and the Cuban customs official stole them from me. He told me that the Rum was the wrong size which I know was total BS because it was the standard-sized bottle. I did have some other cigars stashed in my suit coat pockets that made it through. Once you get beyond the Cuban Customs section at the Jose Marti airport there will be no more searches. Walk into the furthermost section of the airport and there are two places that sell great Cuban cigars. One of them is duty-free and one of them is not. The duty-free place sells cigars for almost 50% cheaper and they are right next to one another. These are 100%authentic cigars. I bought a box of Partagas for $32 USD and they do accept US dollars in that section of the airport. The rum at the airport is more affordable than it is at the bodegas on the streets so do yourself a favor and buy your products at the airport but remember to buy them in the area where you board the plane. NOT in the area before you get searched. Upon arriving the U.S. customs asked me if I had any alcohol and cigars. I said: They took my alcohol in Cuba but I do have cigars in my suitcase. He let me right on through without even searching the suitcase. He was however shocked that Cuban customs illegally confiscated the rum. If there is any crime in Cuba its a crime against humanity and generally not committed by the common citizens!!!

Discover The Palm Beaches Hosts Hundreds for "Super" Co-Branded Event with Lilly Pulitzer and Brightline During Week of Super Bowl LIV Celebrations Over 200 women affiliated with professional sports (e.g. wives, girlfriends, team management, partners, etc.) invited to discover the destination's storied past, culture and wellness-driven spirit in advance of Big Game.

Discover the Palm Beaches, the official marketing organization for Palm Beach County, in partnership with iconic resort lifestyle brand, Lilly Pulitzer, and high-speed rail service provider, Brightline, celebrated hundreds of women affiliated with professional sports, co-hosting a private Lilly Pulitzer Brightline Train to Discover The Palm Beaches – including executives, wives, girlfriends and partners affiliated with a variety of sports teams, prominent corporations and community organizations.

"On behalf of The Palm Beaches, a thriving destination of culture, diversity and development, we are honored to celebrate and recognize the community of women who shape sports," said Jorge Pesquera, President and CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches. Among the attendees were Ashley Ellis (wife of NFL tight end, Alex Ellis); Colleen Parkey (wife of Cody Parkey, former NFL kicker and 2015 Pro-Bowler); Calli Derby (wife of A.J. Derby, former NFL tight end); and Courtney Aguayo (wife of former NFL kicker, Roberto Aguayo), just to name a few.

Designed to inspire residents and visitors to seek respite in The Palm Beaches, participants were treated to a luxurious day in the destination, enjoying roundtrip transportation from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach aboard a custom-wrapped Lilly Pulitzer Brightline train, featuring the designer's Coral Bay and Blue Ibiza Aqua La Vista patterns. From the historic landmark properties and unparalleled service that made Palm Beach America's First Resort Destination, to 47 miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches, Palm Beach's official historian, Rick Rose, educated passengers on the significance of the East Coast Railway, noting its transforming effect on South Florida. In addition to transportation, participants enjoyed a private brunch at the Colony Hotel, where students from Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach entertained guests with a special musical performance. City officials and local female leaders joined Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of DTPB, to welcome the group – including Gail Coniglio, Mayor, Town of Palm Beach; Mary Lou Berger, Palm Beach County Commissioner; Verdenia Baker, Palm Beach County Administrator; Jack Lighton, president and CEO of Loggerhead Marinelife Center; and Jennifer Binstead, regional marketing public relations and influencer marketing, Lilly Pulitzer. Attendees were treated to a VIPalm Beach shopping experience at the flagship Lilly Pulitzer store on Worth Avenue, delighting shoppers with happy, colorful hues, painted on-site by Lilly Pulitzer resident artist, Melissa Sixma Lingo – as well as VIP gift bags handsomely curated by Worth Avenue retailers for this first-ever event. Bringing their panache, colorful history and charitable vibe to Super Bowl LIV, Lilly Pulitzer matched dollar for dollar spent during the VIPalm Beach shopping experience, resulting in a cumulative total of $10,000 to be donated to Loggerhead Marinelife Center (the non-profit education and ocean conservation facility that is globally recognized for its sea turtle hospital).

New App - Ubii Connects South Florida Service Seekers with Service Providers Ubii is connecting South Florida with any service they need with the touch of a button! Ubii has just launched in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties and can't wait to grow our network of skilled providers and the people looking for them. Ubii - any service with a :)

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Entrepreneur Farhan Elvis Ahmed & His Team Launch Revolutionary Product in the Pet Industry Originally from India, and moved to South Florida from New York City with his MBA, Farhan Elvis Ahmed is known in Luxury Chamber circles simply as "Elvis.” He has long been a man who wears many hats and has an intense love for animals.

With investments in racehorses and other businesses, a taste for fine suits, cigars and a keen eye for luxury, Elvis thinks that beloved animals of all species (not only humans and horses) deserve the best of everything.

Being born in a business family and with the vision of collaborating his business and

LEFT - Elvis Writing His Business Plan RIGHT - Speaking at a chamber event

passion, Elvis strongly feels that Doggie Water 2Go has a great future. He loves his team and is grateful to everyone who has believed in him. A project now in the works for a couple

Elvis Direct Statement: "We will continue to deliver the best for every doggie child, contribute to the society- a world full of happy and healthy pets"

of years the actual launch of Doggie Water 2Go was a great success at SuperZoo 2019 in Las Vegas, NV which was held August 20-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The resulting support from the media and industry allies has been intense and an absolute pleasure says 27-year-old Elvis.

More about the product: Doggie Water 2Go, by Vital Pet Nutrients Inc. is the world's first portable solution for ultimate doggie hydration! It is the world's finest doggie water, packed with essential electrolytes. With the unique ‘Peel and Serve’ technique, safe and clean water is available at your fingertips in just 2 seconds! It is portable, healthy, travel-friendly, and packed with added essential electrolytes, which is not only beneficial to regain the lost hydration in your doggie but overall affects the health and happiness of your doggie child!

Satisfied Client

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Morty Katz Joins Luxury Chamber Annuities Disability PPO/HMO Life & Health Long-Term Care Group Insurance Mortgage Protection Plans Final Expense Planning Morty Katz who entered the Insurance business in 1982 has been servicing the personal and small business market for 37 years.

We, at Morita Financial, strive to provide the most out of the box thinking to help the consumer obtain the most cost-effective plans and products in their quest for family and personal security. Our mission is to provide you with the right plan & policy -- not just any plan or policy.

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LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED & REFERRED!! https://www.linkedin.com/in/moritafinancial/

March 2020 Interview - Vera Kosarev Q) Vera can you share a little about your story and what inspired you early on to go into the dance sport/ballroom dance industry?

A) For as long as I can remember, music and dance have always been a part of my life.

My Grandmother, Mayya, worked at as a teacher at a local school in Nizhny, Novgorod, Russia. There, she was also in charge of of several plays and musicals. I always watched in admiration when I was lucky enough to go with her to the rehearsals. My grandfather Yakov, had a beautiful collection of tango songs. He would play them a lot in the house and we would dance around listening to his songs. Both, my mom and grandma, also finished Music School and played piano. After several failed piano classes my family decided to take me to a nearby Dance Studio where I fell in love with ballroom dancing.

Q) What are some of the benefits of dancing?

A) Aside from learning to dance, people come to the studio for many different reasons.

Some come to lose weight, gain more balance and coordination. It is a safe and hands on form of exercise not to mention fun. You do not notice the time go by at all. Others come because they may have lost their significant other or they may be dealing with empty nest syndrome. There have also been multiple studies done that ballroom dancing helps prevent and improve brain function and disease such as Alzheimer’s and MS. There is literally not enough room to list all the benefits here!!!! I love that this spot is inclusive of everyone! It is for any age, size, color, race, ability, gender, you name it. You just need to make that first step through the door!!! I feel that every person needs to know at least a little bit of social dancing. Everybody goes to weddings, cruises, parties and other events.

Vera & Vladimir Kosarev

Q) How did you meet your business, dance and life partner Vladimir?

A) Vladimir and I met in Rochester, NY where we were living at the time. We had a brief encounter when Vladimir first moved from Perm, Russia but it wasn’t until I came back to Fred Astaire, after a break for collage, that we started dating and dancing together. We have been with Fred Astaire Dance Studios for over 15 years.

Q) What have been some of your biggest achievements: A) Vladimir and I have been lucky enough to have many accolades both on the business side, winning top studio both regionally and nationally many times over the last 8 years we have been open, as well as countless top teacher awards.We have also been lucky enough to achieve several title in our professional career that include: Two Time World Masters Smooth Champions, Us National Nine Dance Finalists, Fred Astaire World Champions, Two Time National Fred Astaire Champions, as well as Members Of The Prestigious Fred Astaire Dance Studios National Dance Board & International Dance Council Q) What advice would you give people that are first coming in?

A) Dancing is a trained skill like any other. It takes time! If you want to learn how to play the piano, learn to play golf, or a new language you will not learn it over night. Please have patience. Everyone has a different pace of learning. Also, all dances are interrelated so please have an open mind and let the professional instructor guide you. Many people come in asking for Salsa, however that will not help you in most social situations. You should have a nice repertoire under your belt. In fact, we just went to a “Salsa Night” over the holidays and they probably only played actual Salsa for about 10% of the time.

Q.) How can we take lessons at your studio?

A.) Please visit: https://www.fredastaire.com/coral-gables/special-offers/ We have a special offer for the new year valid until January 31st, 2020. We are also available to answer any questions at: 305-443-0085

Greek Lightning Arrives on Florida Shores No Gen-X girls we did not say Greased Lightning but something to get just as excited about has arrived on the shores of South Florida. Greek Lightning is a Rakomelo, a liqeuer from from Greece which resembles its Italian cousin Grappa. An aromatic mythical beverage made with grape brandy, secret herbs and honey. Cinnamon and honey comprise the gestalt of the flavor profile and while this meld is a Mediterranean favorite, many are unaware of the mythical qualities and health benefits long associated with the two. The natural beverage weights in at a moderate 48 proof and is bottled in the famed olive producing region of Kalamata, Greece. The honey comes from the Taygetos Mountains of Sparta. www.TheGreekLightning.com

Greek Lightning is available at: Big Daddy Liquors!

Christina Ricci - The Wedding Destination Specialist Founding Member Christina Ricci will be helping Luxury Chamber Media Group expand into the Beverly Hills / Los Angeles Market and spending her free time traveling to and networking at both South Florida and CA chamber events. www.EsteemedEscapes.com

Christina Ricci, President and Founder of Esteemed Escapes

by Avanti Travel Service, I have over 20 years experience designing perfect getaways for both individual and group clients‌I love to make dreams come true.

I believe traveling is a mode of learning about the world in a way that expands your mind, and creates memories that touch your senses to enrich you for a lifetime.