160+ programs of study, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, and professional certificate programs.
40,000 students attend PBSC, the largest higher education institution in the county, with online options and five campus locations.
500 industry partners focused on fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering technology, cybersecurity, and nursing.
$1.4 billion impact on the county’s economy, which is the equivalent of supporting more than 18,100 jobs.
volume 5, number 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
executive editor
Joshua I. Manning
publisher Dawn Rivera
senior graphic designer
Stephanie Rodriguez
graphic designer
Yolanda Cernicky
account managers
Betty Buglio
Evie Edwards
Joetta Palumbo
administration
Shanta Daibee
Jill Kaskel
Carol Lieberman
photography
Frank Koester
Abner Pedraza
contributors
Shannon Anastasio
Denis Eirikis
Denise Fleischman
Margaret Hunt
Mike May
Fiona Slusarev
ROYAL PALM
12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: (561) 793-7606
Fax: (561) 793-1470
www.royalpalmthemagazine.com published by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.
chairman/ceo
Barry S. Manning
Royal Palm The Magazine is published six times a year in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Copyright 2025, all rights reserved by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
GROWING SPORT OF PADEL ARRIVES IN RPB AREA
Padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is surging in popularity, and it’s now getting a dedicated location in the Royal Palm Beach area. The brand-new XCEL Padel facility will open for play on Dec. 4 at 101 Sansburys Way near the South Florida Fairgrounds. This follows the September opening of a location in Westlake. BY MIKE MAY
15
THE DRIPBAR FEATURES IV VITAMIN THERAPY
The DRIPBaR, located in Crestwood Square, offers an array of health and wellness services with a focus on IV therapy, which delivers hydration, vitamins and nutrients directly to the bloodstream. BY FIONA SLUSAREV
KICKS, CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY
23
18 A SPARKLING START TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, Oct. 18, as Villari’s Studios of Self Defense hosted the Southeastern Invitational. BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
Royal Palm Beach invites residents to step into a world of twinkling lights, festive music and community cheer when the Winter Festival returns Saturday, Dec. 6. BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
As seen on the TV show Shark Tank, Topsail Steamer has arrived in Royal Palm Beach, with a new location on Southern Blvd. featuring its signature steam-and-eat seafood pots. BY MIKE MAY
from the publisher
With the holiday season about to get underway, we have plenty to celebrate here in the Village of Royal Palm Beach! After you enjoy your Thanksgiving with friends and family, be sure to make plans to attend the village’s Winter Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. It will be a daylong event with plenty of entertainment for young and old alike. As evening falls, village officials will light the Christmas tree and welcome the arrival of Santa Claus. Check out our preview of this special holiday event this issue.
Also this issue, we learn about the growing sport of padel, and a new facility called XCEL Padel, opening in December near the South Florida Fairgrounds. We also visit The DRIPBaR, a fascinating new business that focuses on IV vitamin therapy and other health and wellness options.
Next, we visit the Southeastern Invitational martial arts tournament held recently at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. Finally, our Royal Palm Table feature this issue is on Topsail Steamer, which opened recently on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach, featuring their signature steam-andeat seafood pots that you can pick up and enjoy at home.
From our family to yours, we wish you an amazing holiday season and a festive new year. We shall return in 2026 with more feature stories spotlighting great things happening here in the Village of Royal Palm Beach.
Dawn Rivera
Dawn Rivera, Publisher
Bollywood Event At Masala Mantra Supports The Women’s Chamber Kids Cancer Foundation Annual 5K Held At Royal Palm Beach Park Rock N Fall Festival Brings Halloween Season To Royal Palm Beach PBSO Night Out Against Crime At Royal Palm Beach Commons Park
DENISE FLEISCHMAN
BOLLYWOOD EVENT AT MASALA MANTRA SUPPORTS THE WOMEN’S CHAMBER
Masala Mantra, an Indian restaurant in Royal Palm Beach, held its second annual Jewels of Bollywood event on Saturday, Sept. 13. The ladies-only event featured gourmet Indian cuisine and cocktails, along with Bollywood dance performances and music, raffles, prizes and other entertainment. The evening was a benefit for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County Foundation, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to programs that empower and uplift women entrepreneurs.
(Left to right) Masala Mantra owner Purnima Patel, Westlake Councilwoman Charlotte Leonard, Women’s Chamber Executive Director Selena Samios and Reisha Roopchand Allen of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Donna Fanelli, Ria Roopchand, Sylvia Roopchand, Rena Nannan and Rosa Rodriguez; and belly dancer Lauren Cheek provides entertainment.
(Left to right) Lisa Creese, Amy Nannan and Crystal Amado; Ravali Kota with Donna Fanelli, who won a gift from Ravali’s store, the Mana Vastra; Sherron Permashwar and Jennifer LaFrance take a 360-degree photo; and Justina Garrison and Jennifer Peavy.
ROYAL PALM
(Left to right) Lauren Cheek balances a sword on her head; Amisha Gandhi sings; Stephanie Edison and Melany Armand; and Cathy Frantz and Lin Lee.
(Left to right) Rena Amaro and Usha Patel; attendees enjoy a toast; and Lauren Cheek gives attendees some belly dancing pointers.
KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION ANNUAL
5K HELD AT ROYAL PALM BEACH PARK
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Kids Cancer Foundation held its annual Sebastian’s 5K Walk/Run & Fall Festival at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event was held in memory of young Sebastian Sarmiento, who bravely battled against cancer. Participants received medals, t-shirts and gift bags. There were also vendors and fall-themed activities. Learn more about the Kids Cancer Foundation at www. kidscancersf.org.
(Left to right) Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue cadets: (front row) Sean Glass, Levi Velten and Efren Martinez; and (back row) Kylie Walshe, Justin Siegel, Jayden Quiroz and Everett Velten with cadet advisors Martinez and Cooper; Claudia Needle, Ashley Barone, Farah Allam, Christie Lydon, Danielle Lewinsohn, Gerard Santacruz, Emily Romano and Jillian Guerry from CycleBar Wellington; Cynthia Johnson, Stacey Wesley, Evelyn McClendon, Sharon Wood, Dr. Wanza Sermons-Lee and Harrietta Hickman of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Charmettes Inc.; and Team PBSO finishes the 5K race.
(Left to right) Michael Burke, Rebecca Corrente, Alex Peterson and Destiny Garcia hand out medals and gift bags; Kelly and Lorelai Price encourage participants; Yaiza Velez, Isabella Harding, Dashwna Thelusma, Andrew Rodriguez, Andrew Nowicki, Steve Ruiz, David Summers and Miguel Fraino from Christ Fellowship hand out clementines to participants; and Linda Messina and Erica Martial.
ROCK N FALL FESTIVAL
BRINGS HALLOWEEN SEASON TO ROYAL PALM BEACH
Royal Palm Beach held its annual Rock N Fall Festival on Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event featured an array of Halloween-themed activities, as well as a fun zone, a bounce house, carnival games, rides and tribute concerts. Families enjoyed events such as pumpkin carving and costume contests.
(Left to right) TJ, Omari and Glenys Hedrington decorate pumpkins; lumberjacks Jasper Mayer, Kaden Williams and Christopher Ivers man the saw; Giani, Isabela, Jackson and Grayson in their costumes; and kids costume contest winners Kalea as a unicorn, Wyatt as a cowboy and Kyden as Spider-Man.
(Left to right) Chloe and Kylie enjoy the craft table; Sophie and Liliana, along with Loki and Cynthia, were the pet costume contest winners; Officer Gordo with his prisoner; cousins Charlotte, Winter, Amaia, Colin, Aliana, Capri and Gianetta in their costumes; and scary volunteers promote Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
PBSO
NIGHT OUT
AGAINST
CRIME AT COMMONS PARK IN ROYAL PALM BEACH
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office held a Night Out Against Crime event on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event included free food and treats, crime fighting specialty units on display, K9 therapy dogs, pumpkin carving, and arts & crafts.
(Left to right) Emily Rodriguez, Wafa Alazzeh and Natalie Cruz; Mayor Jeff Hmara and Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps sign the breast cancer awareness car; PBSO Volunteers William Smith, Joan Gitelis, Gilbert Berzen, Barry Shapiro, Phyllis Shapiro, Paul Wegner and Mercedes Gallardo; Darrel and Malinda Ragoonath; and FAT Truck Cpl. Brian Roode, Deputy Ian Sowers, Deputy Yanick Exceus and Cpl. Michael Miller.
(Left to right) Mayor Jeff Hmara, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, Cpl. Read, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, Capt. Ulrich Naujoks, Carolyn Hmara and drone operator Sgt. Levey; Deputy Logan Werner, Jaxon Tufts, Khloe Hudson and Deputy Andy Tucker; Justine Miller with Deputy Sara Cannon; and K9 therapy dog Gracie with Claire Plevin.
Growing Sport Of Padel Arrives In RPB Area
BY MIKE MAY
Padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is surging in popularity, and it’s now getting a dedicated location here in the Royal Palm Beach area.
A brand-new XCEL Padel facility is expected to open for play on Dec. 4 at 101 Sansburys Way near the South Florida Fairgrounds. This follows the September opening of another XCEL Padel location at 17035 Persimmon Blvd. in Westlake’s James Business Park.
The brainchild behind this expansion of padel in Palm Beach County is Marcos del Pilar, considered by many to be the “Godfather of Padel in the USA.” He is an award-winning global padel consultant, speaker and master teaching professional.
If you are unaware of padel’s roots, it’s a sport that started in 1969 when Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera, an avid tennis fan, started playing this new sport.
According to del Pilar, during one of Corcuera’s trips to the United States, he had tried “paddle-tennis,” a game inspired by tennis, but it was played on a smaller court, with a lower net, and the racquet was replaced with a paddle.
From there, the sport of padel evolved and started to be played across Latin America and Spain, which is del Pilar’s original homeland. Nowadays, padel is played worldwide in more than 90 countries with more than 30 million players.
“Without a doubt, it is the fastest growing sport in the world,” del Pilar said.
According to del Pilar, the United States is quickly becoming the largest market in the world for padel. And, with 22 indoor Padel courts at the two XCEL Padel locations, Palm Beach County is playing a very relevant role in this accelerated expansion.
“To be able to build the padel industry from scratch is the main reason I moved from Madrid [in Spain] about 10 years ago,” del Pilar said.
The West Palm Beach location near the fairgrounds will feature 66,000 square feet and serve as the company’s headquarters.
Premium amenities there will include 12 professional, indoor padel courts with AI camera systems; a performance gym with premium-grade fit-
ness equipment; a sauna, cold plunges, IV therapy and massage; lounge zones to unwind after your match; a boutique pro shop; and a healthy, chef-curated menu with premium drinks.
“We are bringing the fastest-growing sport in the world to this area, and we are doing it by building one of the largest indoor facilities in America. This is a big deal, that every neighbor should know and celebrate,” del Pilar said.
Del Pilar is also very proud of the 46,000-square-foot facility in Westlake, which has been quite successful in the weeks since its opening.
“We are bringing a new lifestyle to Westlake, and we will make a huge impact in the community for the years to come,” del Pilar said. “We have 10 indoor padel courts there with high ceilings, a signature restaurant, a VIP lounge, a boutique pro shop and multipurpose space for wellness activities. The space is absolutely stunning.”
With the presence of padel at these two Palm Beach County locations, del Pilar feels that Palm Beach County will be the No. 1 location for padel throughout south and central Florida.
“We created a very innovative concept, looking for high-end demographics avid to engage with the sport, and looking for an exceptional customer experience. We position ourselves in excellence while making the sport accessible to everyone.”
“With around 250 courts total in Florida, our two facilities with 22 total courts are capturing around 10 percent of the total marketplace in Florida, becoming the undisputed leader by far in the region,” del Pilar said. “We are making a true bet for this market, and doing it in the best and most ambitious way possible. We created a very innovative concept, looking for high-end demographics avid to engage with the sport, and looking for an exceptional customer experience. We position ourselves in excellence while making the sport accessible to everyone.”
Del Pilar is also bullish on padel’s future expansion across the United States.
“The area is pretty new for the sport,
— Marcos del Pilar
but we have some interesting metrics that can give you some background,” he said. “There are around 150,000 padel players in America, with expectations to get somewhere in between 10 to 12 million players by the end of the decade. America has around 600 courts so far, and XCEL Padel is becoming a very
significant player in this expansion.”
According to del Pilar, he is convinced that people in Palm Beach County will flock to his two padel facilities.
“The concept is innovative and disruptive, creating the right environment for this exclusive, high-ticket and moneyed audience to feel a very strong feeling of belonging that will drive retention, engagement, revenue and high returns,” del Pilar said.
XCEL Padel is located at 101 Sansburys Way, off Southern Blvd., just east of the South Florida Fairgrounds. For more information, call (561) 839-8777 or visit www.xcelpadel.com.
XCEL Padel partners Marcos del Pilar and CEO Iryna Ryzhuk are bringing this new concept to the Royal Palm Beach area.
“Your
The DRIPBaR Offers IV Vitamin Therapy And Other Wellness Services
BY FIONA SLUSAREV
The DRIPBaR Royal Palm Beach offers an array of health and wellness services with a focus on IV therapy.
This new business opened earlier this year in the Crestwood Square shopping plaza at the corner of Southern and Crestwood boulevards. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in September, but the wellness center has been open since March.
The mainstay of the business is IV therapy, which delivers hydration, vitamins and nutrients directly to the bloodstream. Many other health-centered services are also offered, including IM (intramuscular) shots, red light therapy, weight loss programs, and, more recently, facials and skincare services.
Charlotte Leonard, a member of the Westlake City Council, is the owner of the Royal Palm Beach location of The DRIPBaR franchise. She explained how these treatments can be helpful as an addition to traditional medical care.
“Vitamin therapy can add value to your health,” Leonard said. “It’s not a fad; it really can complement and enhance what you’re already doing for your health.”
IV therapy services can fill a niche for certain people: the health-conscious athlete looking to be in top shape and recover faster, the average person who constantly feels tired for seemingly no reason, or the patient who is undergoing grueling medical treatments for serious illnesses like cancer, where extra nutrient support is needed.
“They’re needing those vitamins and minerals to help, not to cure them, but to reduce and address the areas where inflammation may be happening because it’s not getting the feed — the nutrients and the minerals they need,” Leonard explained.
Some doctors even refer their patients to The DRIPBaR. Leonard noted that oncologists have recommended their patients try IV therapy.
“When you’re getting [radiation or chemotherapy] treatment, a lot of times you’re no longer able to eat or get the nutrients you need,” Leonard said, adding that IV therapy can be a welcomed aid in these cases.
At the beginning of every appointment, clients discuss their symptoms and needs with a nurse practitioner, so that the right “cocktail” is chosen or created for each individual. Clients can even bring lab results from a doctor to help inform the decision. A registered nurse creates the mix inside the hood, a laboratory glove box, that provides a completely sterile environment. The drip is administered to clients just minutes later. For those who are squeamish about needles, they can even provide a topical numbing spray.
For clients that don’t have time to sit with the IV, an IM shot may be a better option. The shots are more targeted than the IV bags, which have multiple vitamins. A shot has a singular
The DRIPBaR is located in the Crestwood Square shopping plaza at the corner of Southern and Crestwood boulevards.
(Inset) The DRIPBaR Royal Palm Beach is owned by Charlotte Leonard. PHOTO COURTESY KHANNA HOUSE STUDIOS
vitamin. For clients who can’t make it to the shop, Leonard is happy to bring The DRIPBaR to you with their mobile services. Bags are mixed and delivered to clients within a two-hour window.
When you walk into The DRIPBaR, chances are that you will be greeted by Leonard herself, whose mellow voice and affable nature set the tone for the duration of the spa-like experience. She believes in IV therapy because she experienced the results firsthand after starting drips near the end of the pandemic.
“I started getting IV drips myself. I think they helped maintain my overall health and helped me to reduce any exposure to viruses,” she said. “I really believe in it because I feel like it kept me healthy through that time.”
Leonard grew up in Pleasant City, the oldest African American community in West Palm Beach. She has had a long career as a healthcare executive, working in long-term care for more than 30 years, before she transitioned to her work at The DRIPBar.
When she’s not at her business, Leonard is known for her many public service activities. She serves as chair of the executive board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. She is a member of the alumni chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. A resident of the fastgrowing community of Westlake, she has served on the Westlake City Council since 2022. She is also on the Palm Beach County Citizens Advisory Committee on Health and Human Services, as a representative of the League of Cities.
Even with her packed schedule, Leonard remains deeply committed to her clients. “I try every shot so that I
“Vitamin therapy can add value to your health. It’s not a fad; it really can complement and enhance what you’re already doing for your health.”
— Charlotte Leonard
experience and know what that benefit is,” she said.
The longevity of treatment effects varies from person to person. Leonard explained that it can depend on how low the client’s vitamin levels are when they begin. “It’s very personal and specific,” she said.
Should you want to experience The DRIPBaR for yourself, new clients can currently get $50 off their first drip, or
sign up for a membership of one or two drip therapies per month, plus added bonuses. If you and some like-minded friends are looking for a unique way to celebrate, The DRIPBaR even offers group events and parties.
The DRIPBaR Royal Palm Beach is located in the Crestwood Square shopping plaza at 11965 Southern Blvd. To learn more, call (561) 890-3747 or visit www. thedripbar.com/royal-palm-beach-fl.
The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The DRIPBaR in September.
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Kicks, Confidence & Community: Southeastern Invitational Brings Energy And Excellence To Palm Beach County
The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, Oct. 18, as Villari’s Studios of Self Defense hosted the Southeastern Invitational. From the first bow to the final roundhouse kick, the event captured the heart of what makes the martial arts such a powerful and positive force in the community.
Families, friends and martial arts enthusiasts filled the gymnasium early that morning, ready to cheer on students from across the region.
The invitational, which ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured a full lineup of competitions, including kata (forms), sparring, self-defense and weapons demonstrations. Each highlights the discipline, confidence and dedication
that Villari’s students are known for.
The atmosphere was electric. Parents and siblings clapped from the stands, instructors offered last-minute encouragement and young competitors tightened their belts with determination. What stood out most wasn’t just the physical skill on display, it was the sense of respect, camaraderie and sportsmanship that filled the room.
In the kata division, students of all ages took to the mats, performing precise movements and powerful stances that reflected hours of focused practice. The sparring rounds brought plenty of excitement, as competitors demonstrated quick reflexes, control and strategy, earning cheers from the crowd with every clean point. The
weapons demonstrations added an extra layer of artistry and intensity — bo staffs spinning, nunchaku whirling, and swords slicing the air with precision and grace.
But the self-defense portion may have been the most interesting of all. Contestants highlighted practical techniques that emphasized awareness, confidence and composure — reminders that the martial arts are as much about personal growth and safety as they are about competition.
Throughout the day, the theme of community stood out clearly. Villari’s instructors and volunteers worked seamlessly to keep the event running smoothly, welcoming participants from different schools and backgrounds. Be-
(Left to right) Black belts Paul Amesse (5th Degree), Larry Boritz (9th Degree), Mark Pearson (9th Degree), David Wilson (8th Degree), Jake Benson (5th Degree), Mike Calandra (6th Degree) and Simon Jupp (6th Degree).
tween matches, competitors congratulated one another, parents chatted over coffee and old friends reconnected — proof that the martial arts truly bring people together. Master Instructor David Wilson went on to thank Master Jake Benson and Master Mark Pearson of Villari’s Port Orange, and Leslie Boritz and Master Larry Boritz of the Boca Delray Karate Club.
By the time the final medals were handed out, it was clear that the Southeastern Invitational had been
a tremendous success. “It’s not just about winning,” Wilson said. “It’s about seeing students challenge themselves, show respect and grow in confidence. That’s what today was all about.”
As the mats were rolled up and families headed home, smiles and laughter filled the air. Many students were already talking about next year’s competition, setting new goals, eager to return with even stronger skills and bigger dreams.
The Southeastern Invitational was
more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of hard work, family and community spirit. Villari’s Studios of Self Defense extends thanks to everyone who participated and supported the event. If the energy and enthusiasm from this year are any indication, Palm Beach County can look forward to many more inspiring tournaments to come.
Visit www.villarisofwellington.com to learn more about Villari’s Studios of Self Defense.
(Left to right) Paul Amesse (5th Degree), Mark Pearson (9th Degree), John DeLorey (10th Degree) and David Wilson (8th Degree).
Dr. John Hinson Visits RPB Rotary To Discuss Active Aging
As Healthy Aging Month came to a close in September, local orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Hinson, a shoulder and elbow specialist at the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, spoke to Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club members during the club’s breakfast at Hilary’s Restaurant and Royal Deli in Royal Palm Beach.
As a trusted medical professional in the community, Hinson shared his expert insights on the importance of active aging and maintaining joint health, emphasizing how mobility and preventative care can improve the quality of life for older adults.
Hinson’s presentation highlighted the importance of safe measures, such as stretching and listening to the body, in supporting joint health and making physical activity more accessible for older adults. He also discussed the different conditions that may occur with age, the situations where surgery
would be necessary, being aware of pain and symptoms, and when to seek help. Hinson also offered attendees insight into preventative measures that athletes can consider when playing sports, such as pickleball, golf and tennis.
Hinson specializes in traumatic and degenerative conditions of the shoulder and elbow, including arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability procedures, shoulder replacement, including reverse total shoulder replacement, and the care of throwing athletes and golfers. Hinson graduated with honors from the Medical College of Georgia in 2004 and served as president of the Georgia Elbow and Shoulder Society from 2013 to 2015. He has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons since 2014. Committed to helping people protect their joints and perform at their best, Hinson continues to serve the
Palm Beach County community with expertise and compassion.
The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club has a longstanding dedication to “service above self,” bringing together business, professional and community leaders to address real-world challenges with passion and vision. Hosting Hinson at its breakfast reflects this commitment by fostering awareness about active aging and joint health — key factors in improving community wellness and empowering individuals to lead healthier, more independent lives. His presentation not only educated members but also nurtured the club’s mission to promote integrity, service and the advancement of well-being in the Royal Palm Beach community.
Learn more about Hinson and the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute at www.pboi.com. For more information about the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club, visit www.rpbrotary.org.
Dr. John Hinson (center) with Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club board members Eric Gordon, Andre Blackwood, Sylvia Sharps and Michael Gauger.
ROYAL PALM BEACH RESIDENTS
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Sparkling Start To The Season As Royal Palm Beach Winter Festival Returns On Dec. 6
BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
The Village of Royal Palm Beach invites residents and visitors alike to step into a world of twinkling lights, festive music and community cheer when its annual Winter Festival returns on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 9 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. This annual celebration has become one of the community’s most anticipated traditions, bringing an afternoon and evening where the warmth of neighborhood spirit blends beautifully with the magic of the holiday season.
As you enter the park, you’ll imme-
diately be greeted by dazzling decorations, towering trees adorned with ornaments and the unmistakable scent of fresh holiday treats drifting through the air. This is the kind of event where families linger, children laugh and neighbors reconnect while sharing in the joyful energy that only a true community celebration can spark.
Throughout the day, the festival stage will come alive with performances from local schools and talented groups, who pour their heart and soul into spreading holiday cheer. The lineup
begins at 2:30 p.m. with Western Academy, followed by lively routines from the Solid Gold Twirlers at 3 p.m. and inspiring performances by the Conscious Kids Association at 4 p.m. The nostalgia continues at 4:30 p.m. with the Victorian Voices, whose classic carols evoke memories of holidays gone by. As the evening deepens, the stage welcomes Kiannely at 5:30 p.m. The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will take the stage to welcome guests at 6:15 p.m., right before the tree-lighting ceremony. A show-stopping Taylor Swift tribute that
along takes the stage at 7 p.m.
For families with little ones, the festival offers a world of wonder. A free kids’ fun zone, carnival rides, a bounce house and a rock wall provide nonstop thrills, while the children’s craft station from 3 to 6 p.m. encourages creativity with hands-on holiday activities. Food
vendors will be stationed throughout the park, offering everything from classic festival bites to seasonal specialties, perfect for enjoyment while listening to music or strolling beneath the twinkling lights.
Of course, no Winter Festival would be complete without the star of the season—Santa Claus himself. He’ll be
making a very special appearance at 6:45 p.m., ready to greet children and pose for photos, so families are encouraged to bring their cameras and capture the magic.
As the evening nears its peak, all eyes will turn to the sky for the cherished annual moment: the lighting of Royal Palm Beach’s impressive 28-foot Christmas tree at 6:20 p.m. The countdown, shared by hundreds of voices, brings a sense of unity that embodies the spirit of the season.
Parking is available throughout the park, with additional off-site parking at Village Hall. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic delays, set up lawn chairs and blankets, and settle in for a full afternoon of festive fun.
The Winter Festival isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of community, tradition and togetherness. Be sure to bring your loved ones and help kick off the season in sparkling style.
Royal Palm Beach Commons Park is located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd. For more information about the Winter Festival, visit www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov.
Enjoy Steam-And-Eat Seafood Pots At Topsail Steamer
BY MIKE MAY
As seen on the TV show Shark Tank, Topsail Steamer has arrived in Royal Palm Beach, with a new location on Southern Blvd. featuring its signature steam-andeat seafood pots.
When it comes to making plans to eat, some people like to buy their groceries and prepare meals at home. Others like to order and have the food delivered. And, of course, some people prefer visiting their favorite restaurant. Now, there’s another option available locally.
In many respects, Topsail Steamer is a unique compromise between cooking at home and dining at a restaurant. Expanding across the county, Topsail Steamer specializes in seafood steam pots and now has a location on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.
When you purchase your meal from Topsail Steamer, you will pick up your order, which will have been prepared with everything you need, including the bucket you cook your meal in, prepared and ready for you to steam at home.
The roots of Topsail Steamer can be traced to North Carolina’s Topsail Island.
In 2017, Danielle Mahon left her corporate career and started her company to share the joy of steamed seafood feasts that she experienced “down the shore” as a child. Her big break took place on a television show that turned her concept into a national sensation.
“We appeared on Shark Tank in October 2024,” Mahon recalled. “It has been an incredible experience leading up to and after the airing of our episode. I accepted a deal with Todd Graves of Raising Cane’s and [investor] Lori Greiner. Since the airing of our episode, we have seen a significant increase in both our instore sales and franchise interest. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a small business like ours that I am incredibly grateful for!”
Topsail Steamer has quickly become a staple meal for so many families in Palm Beach County, with some customers driving from Fort Lauderdale to enjoy. The husband-and-wife local ownership team of Kate and Kyle McGoff opened Topsail Steamer to encourage families and loved ones to gather around the table.
“With messy seafood hands, you can’t be on your phones, and it’s the best way to guarantee an amazing meal and an even better time,” Kate McGoff said.
This new type of dining is quickly becoming popular with area residents, and business has remained strong since
Enjoy a steamed seafood feast right in your own home with help from Topsail Steamer.
Topsail Steamer is located on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.
Topsail Steamer opened its doors on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
The local spot is now one of two Topsail Steamer locations in Florida, joining one on Anna Maria Island near Bradenton on the Gulf Coast.
Topsail Steamer is currently open seven hours a day, from noon to 7 p.m., seven days a week. There are discussions to extend the hours on weekends to meet expected demand.
If you like seafood, then you’ll love what’s on the menu at Topsail Steamer
— shrimp, lobster, oysters, snow crabs, littleneck clams, scallops and more.
According to McGoffs, the menu is filled with a wide variety of tasty and delicious entrees with unique names, signifying what’s in your steamer bucket. It ranges from “The Low Country Shrimp” featuring peel-and-eat shrimp and andouille sausage, to “The Shark Bite” featuring, well, just about everything on the menu.
Aside from the menu, each of the steamer dishes also includes a base of sweet corn, red bliss potatoes, cocktail sauce, butter and paper for the table. You’ll also get to choose your seasoning, from a classic seafood to a spicier Cajun.
“If you like seafood, there’s something on the menu for everyone,” Kyle McGoff said.
The ordering process is simple and straightforward.
“You can call ahead, walk in the door or place your order online. You can even place the order a week in advance, requesting the food be ready for pickup at a specific time on a specific day,” Kate
McGoff said. “Then, it’s simply a matter of taking it home, steaming it and eating it.”
The steaming process can take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on your stove top. Topsail Steamer has extras to make for an even better experience, including jalapeño cheddar and classic cornbread, made by local baker Graham Randall of Papa G’s Country Kitchen. The cornbread comes ready to eat.
There are three standard steamer sizes. The entrees can be for two to three people, four to five people, or a party pot that can serve 20-plus. The party pots require some additional cooking accessories, available from Topsail Steamer. There’s also an array of build-your-own options.
Naturally, any meal is not complete without dessert. Topsail Steamer sells lemon blueberry and key lime pies, also made by Randall.
Topsail Steamer is located at 11929 Southern Blvd., Suite 7, in Royal Palm Beach. To order ahead, call (561) 5607353 or visit www.topsailsteamer.com.
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