
24 minute read
Advertising – Spartan Race
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will be highly visible when The Palm Beaches once again hosts the Spartan Race at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in Boca Raton the weekend of April 22. Before, during, and after the event, the Sports Commission will be featued in social media posts, banners throughout the race grounds (pictured below), and other signage.

Spring Training Boosts Palm Beach County Economy



Palm Beach County, FL — Palm Beach County is once again the Spring Training capital of Florida as it hosts four Major League Baseball Clubs at two premier venues. The Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals will play their home games at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals will again call Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium home. Games are underway now and will run until March 26.
Spring Training has long been a cornerstone for sports tourism in Palm Beach County and will once again boost the restaurant and hospitality industry. In a shortened 2022 Spring Training season, over $33 million in total economic impact was generated for Palm Beach County. Spring Training attendance across both venues in 2022 exceeded 63,000 and over 34,000 room nights were generated for Palm Beach County. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission projects the economic impact created from Spring Training will mirror that of the last full slate of games in 2019 which surpassed $70 million.

Designed with an elegant wrap-around concourse and inviting sightlines, the 160-acre complex features a fan-friendly 7,700-capacity stadium as its centerpiece, along with six practice fields per team. A total of 13 MLB fields and five 120by-80-yard multipurpose athletic fields are covered in beautiful Bermuda grass and cater to soccer, lacrosse, football, rugby, and more.
Since opening in 2017, the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has been home to multiple World Series titles with the Washington Nationals winning in 2019 and the Houston Astros winning in 2017 and 2022. The Houston Astros' World Series trophy recently made a trip to The Palm Beaches to celebrate the historic feat.

The Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium seats 8,030, including box suites, a press box, a professional scoreboard, and JumboTron enhances the experience. In addition to the main lighted stadium field, the complex features 12 full-size baseball fields with MLB dimensions six of which are lit for night play on nearly 120 acres. The stadium is the only one in the country to host four minor league teams: the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals of the Florida State League, and the Florida Complex League Marlins and Florida Complex League Cardinals of the rookie-level Florida Complex League.

Schedule of remaining Spring Training games:
Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
Houston Astros home schedule
Mar. 11 St. Louis Cardinals - 1:05 PM
Mar. 12 Miami Marlins - 1:05 PM
Mar. 14 St. Louis Cardinals - 1:05 PM
Mar. 17 Washington Nationals - 1:05 PM
Mar. 18 New York Mets - 7:05 PM
Mar. 21 Miami Marlins - 1:05 PM
Mar. 23 Washington Nationals - 6:05 PM
Mar. 26 St. Louis Cardinals - 11:05 AM
Washington Nationals home schedule
Mar. 10 Miami Marlins - 6:05 PM
Mar. 11 New York Mets - 7:05 PM
Mar. 13 Houston Astros - 1:05 PM
Mar. 16 New York Mets - 6:05 PM
Mar. 18 Miami Marlins - 1:05 PM
Mar. 19 Detroit Tigers - 1:05 PM
Mar. 20 New York Mets - 6:05 PM
Mar. 22 New York Yankees - 1:05 PM
Mar. 24 St. Louis Cardinals - 6:05 PM
Mar. 25 Houston Astros - 6:05 PM
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
Miami Marlins Home Schedule
Mar. 11 Tampa Bay Rays - 6:40 PM
Mar. 13 New York Mets - 1:10 PM
Mar. 14 Houston Astros - 1:10 PM
Mar. 15 Washington Nationals - 1:10 PM
Mar. 17 St. Louis Cardinals - 1:10 PM
Mar. 19 Houston Astros - 1:10 PM
Mar. 22 St. Louis Cardinals - 1:10 PM
Mar. 24 Houston Astros - 6:40 PM
Mar. 26 Washington Nationals - 1:10 PM
St. Louis Cardinals home schedule
Mar. 10 New York Mets - 6:05 PM
Mar. 12 Washington Nationals - 1:05 PM
Mar. 16 Houston Astros - 1:05 PM
Mar. 18 Detroit Tigers - 1:05 PM
Mar. 20 Miami Marlins - 1:05 PM
Mar. 21 Washington Nationals - 1:05 PM
Mar. 23 New York Yankees - 1:05 PM
Mar. 25 Miami Marlins - 1:05 PM


Annual International Gay Polo Tournament to Boost Local Economy and Charitable Causes

Palm Beach County, FL — The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will partner with the Gay Polo League (GPL) to host the annual International Gay Polo Tournament on April 6-9, 2023, at the National Polo Club in Wellington. The GPL, a 501(c)(3) charity organization, promotes polo as a sport that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. This tournament features four total polo teams, some of which are international and include high-goal players from professional polo leagues.

The tournament is a mix of serious competition and lighthearted fun all while celebrating the difference being made in the sporting community. The priority of the event since its inception has been to raise awareness and funds in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives for other LGBTQ+ organizations. The tournament schedule includes a VIP reception, a GPL Polotini party, final matches, and a brunch. The tailgating scene is just as competitive as the polo action, with spectators creating elaborate themed parties, such as pop-up salons and nightclubs.
The International Gay Polo Tournament is one of the most highly anticipated events of the equestrian season. It happens the very same weekend as the first round of the U.S. Open Polo Championship, the grand finale of Polo Season, and the culminating event in the Gauntlet of Polo. From the thrilling competition to the camaraderie, this is one weekend you'll want to attend year after year.
The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ polo league in the world. The GPL strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all members, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or skill level. The GPL's mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can learn, play, and enjoy the sport of polo. The GPL also supports LGBTQ+ causes and charities through fundraising. In 2022, the GPL raised $135,000 to benefit the OnePulse Foundation.
This event will provide a significant tourism boost to Palm Beach County in April, attracting national, regional, and drive market spectators. The event generated over $200,000 in economic impact for Palm Beach County in 2022 from athletes and spectators. In 2023, it is expected to draw even more attendees, further benefiting the local economy.

Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Presented by Baptist Health to Honor 46th Induction Class on April 2

Palm Beach County, FL — The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will host the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame presented by Baptist Health as it honors the 46th annual induction class on Sunday, April 2 inside the Paddock Room at the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Cocktails will be served and the silent auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. The dinner and program will start at 5:30 p.m.
Coaches, athletes, and community leaders dedicated to helping others through sport will join family and friends to celebrate and honor the achievements of the inductees at the 46th Annual Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame presented by Baptist Health. The 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee class is Jim Arbogast, Jon Bostic, Sonja Friend-Uhl, Eric Moore, Alfred Morris, Brad Peacock, and Johnny Rutledge.
The Hall of Fame will honor the Annual Sport Awards: the High School Athlete of the Year - Female, High School Athlete of the Year - Male, Amateur Athlete of the Year, High School Coach of the Year, and Coach of the Year. The Hall of Fame will also recognize the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Award and the Outstanding Sports Contributor.
Full list of inductees:
Jim Arbogast
Jim Arbogast began his coaching career in the 1970s at John F. Kennedy Middle School, where he led the basketball team, as well as baseball, swimming, and football. Arbogast's success on the basketball court would continue throughout his career with Cardinal Newman where he won two conference Coach of the Year awards and received a Coach of the
Year nod from both the Palm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel. He then moved to Palm Beach Gardens High School in 1985 as athletic director and head coach of various teams. Arbogast won four conference Coach of the Year titles in bowling, two in cross country, and two in volleyball. However, it was his work as the head coach of the Gators' boys’ basketball team that truly solidified his status as a coaching legend. His achievements include three district championships, two elite eight appearances, and a 1996 Sunshine State Championship. Arbogast's accomplishments earned him a well-deserved spot in the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame.
Jon Bostic
Jon Bostic is a standout linebacker with nearly a decade of experience at the highest level of football. He got his start at Palm Beach Central, where he excelled as both a linebacker and running back. Bostic was heavily recruited by major college football programs, but he chose to play for the Florida Gators, where he immediately made an impact as a freshman. During his college career, Bostic continued to impress, starting in 32 games and recording impressive stats. He was named a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2012, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Education, and Behavior the same year. In 2013, Bostic was drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bears and has since played for several teams in the NFL. But Bostic's dedication to his community is just as impressive as his football career. He is committed to giving back to Wellington, where he got his start, and is currently developing a sports training complex to help young athletes in the area.
Sonja Friend-Uhl
Sonja Friend-Uhl is a highly accomplished athlete and fitness trainer with over twenty years of experience. She began her athletic career as a State Champion in High School and went on to set records as a runner at the College of William and Mary. Sonja has represented the USA in six world teams and was a 2000 Olympic Trials Competitor in the 1500m. After transitioning to Masters Running, she has set several world records and holds numerous American and World Masters Championships in various track and cross-country events. Aside from her athletic achievements, Sonja is a skilled fitness programmer, holding certifications in Fitness Training with ACSM and AFAA, as well as specialty certifications in Youth, Senior, and Pre-Natal Fitness. She is also USATF Coaching Certified and has served as a coach at the high school, collegiate, club, and private levels, including notable stints at Vanderbilt and Florida Atlantic. Sonja is passionate about using her experience and knowledge to train people of all ages and abilities.
Eric Moore
Eric Moore is a former football player who rose to stardom from Palm Beach County, Florida. He played high school football at Pahokee, where he became one of the most sought-after players in the nation. Moore was recognized as a USA Today All-American and a Rivals All-American for his outstanding performance on the field. After committing to play for Florida State, Moore played as a three-year starter for the Seminoles, earning all-conference honorable mentions and second-team All-ACC honors. His impressive college career caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was drafted by the New York Giants in 2005. During his seven-year career in the NFL, Moore played for several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots. He made significant contributions on the field, racking up 45 tackles, six sacks, an interception, and 10 forced fumbles.
Alfred Morris
Alfred Morris is a former football player who had an illustrious career both in college and in the NFL. He attended Florida Atlantic University with a dream of finding his place in Howard Schnellenberger’s offense, and he achieved just that. Morris was a dominant force on the field, setting numerous school records, including an incredible 733 rushing attempts. He was a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and the first FAU running back to break the single-season double-digit touchdown mark. Morris finished his college career with 26 touchdowns and 3,529 career yards, earning him induction into the FAU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2012, Morris was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the NFL Draft, and he quickly proved himself as an exceptional talent. He broke the franchise rushing record in his rookie season, earning him two Pro Bowl trips and second-team All-Pro honors. Morris went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants, amassing a total of 35 touchdowns and rushing 1,429 times for 6,173 yards across nine NFL seasons.
Brad Peacock
Brad Peacock is a former baseball player who began his career in Wellington, Florida, where he excelled in the Babe Ruth League and became an All-Star high school baseball player for Palm Beach Central. He transitioned to pitching and attended Palm Beach State College to further develop his skills. After going 8-0 as a starter, Peacock turned pro and continued to hone his craft in the minor leagues before getting the call up to the big leagues in 2011. Peacock played for the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and Houston Astros during his career, where he became an extremely effective reliever for the team. In 2017, Peacock played a significant role in the Astros' World Series title, helping the team to 101 regular-season wins. He made history during the playoffs by finishing one game and starting the next with no rest, a feat not seen in 95 years. In game three of the World Series, Peacock pitched a hitless performance, lifting the Astros to a 2-1 series lead. Peacock went on to win another American League Championship with the Astros in 2019.
Johnny Rutledge
Johnny Rutledge is a former football player who made his mark on the sport from his hometown of Belle Glade, Florida. He played high school football for the Raiders of Glades Central High School, where he quickly earned recognition from college football powerhouses. Rutledge committed to play for the University of Florida, where he shined from 1995 to 1998. During his time at the University of Florida, Rutledge played a key role in the Gators' back-to-back Southeastern Conference championships. He was also a member of the 1996 Gators' team that won the Sugar Bowl and the Bowl Alliance national championship. Rutledge was recognized as a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection as a junior in 1997 and a first-team selection as a senior in 1998. After college, Rutledge continued his football career at the professional level with the Arizona Cardinals and later the Denver Broncos. Over the course of his career, he made 46 appearances before retiring.
Annual award finalists:
High School Athlete of the Year - Female
Luna Curran - Oxbridge Academy, Softball
Carli Fleisher - American Heritage School-Delray, Lacrosse
Mya Quinn - Spanish River Community High School, Flag Football
High School Athlete of the Year – Male
DeeJay Holmes Jr. - Pahokee High School, Football
Jayden Hylton - Palm Beach Gardens High School, Baseball
Micah Mays - The Benjamin School, Football and Track & Field
Amateur Athlete of the Year
Marques Burgess - Keiser University, Football
Jillienne Cangelosi - Florida Atlantic University, Beach Volleyball
Todd Centeio - James Madison University, Football
High School Coach of the Year
Andrew Immler - Spanish River Community High School, Flag Football
Tony Seaman - Saint Andrew's School, Lacrosse
Kevin Thompson - Palm Beach Central High School, Football
Coach of the Year
Adam Epstein - Keiser University, Swimming and Diving
Dusty May - Florida Atlantic University, Basketball
Doug Socha - Keiser University, Football
Outstanding Sports Contributor
Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation
Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Award
Keith Porges
Televised Sports In The Palm Beaches In This Issue

WHAT’S POPPIN’ PBC
FULL SWING ON NETFLIX
FILM FLORIDA TURNS 25


ONE CHARGE CHALLENGE
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME
GARDENS IN PBC
The 2023 Honda Classic put the spotlight back on golf in The Palm Beaches. The tournament, played at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, was broadcast across the globe through NBC’s Golf Channel. This year’s event competed with the season opener of LIV Golf. Still, the Honda Classic’s ratings dominated, drawing nearly nine million viewers over the tournament’s weekend versus LIV’s less than 600,000 viewers. Officials have confirmed that the PGA Tour event is set to get a new title sponsor, will be back for 2024. Meanwhile, Pickleball - America’s fastest growing sport – is heating up in Palm Beach County. Earlier this year, Patch Reef Park was home to the 2023 Boca Raton Masters International Pickleball Championships. The USA Pickleball sanctioned event was live-streamed to more than 50,000 fans. Highlights from the event were also featured on Inside World Pickleball, a program airing on Amazon Freevee’s Pickle TV channel. The show can also be seen on FOX Sports, CBS Sports Network, and YouTube. In May, the Delray Beach Tennis Center will host the 3rd annual Delray Beach Pickleball Open. Then, in November, The World Pickleball Open is coming to the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center.

Sporting events in The Palm Beaches provide for countless hours of TV coverage year after year. The TimberTech Championship tees off later this year from October 30 to November 5, with the Golf Channel providing live coverage that reaches millions of households. Then, it’s bowling season when the annual Boca Raton Bowl returns to Florida Atlantic University in December. Visit the PBC Sports Commission website to learn more about world-class sports in The Palm Beaches.
MAJOR LEAGUE TV COVERAGE BIG GAME, BIG NAME, BIG PRODUCTION
Spring Training came to a close last month, but not before millions of fans tuned in to The Palm Beaches to watch their favorite teams take the field. While the preamble to baseball season isn’t as hard-hitting as the regular season, spring training is a chance for fans to get an early glimpse of baseball.
The Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals played their home games at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, with televised games airing on Bally Sports Florida and Bally Sports Midwest respectively. Meanwhile, ESPN and AT&T SportsNet televised games for the 2022 World Series Champions Houston Astros. And MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) broadcast games for the Washington Nationals. Both the Nationals and Astros play at The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. International teams also played in The Palm Beaches ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Discover world-class baseball in PBC
Scenes for Remy Martin’s Super Bowl commercial, featuring tennis legend Serena Williams, were shot at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens


The 30-second spot aired during the highly-anticipated game, which drew more than 113 million viewers. According to Nielsen ratings, it was the second most-watched game ever. In the commercial, Serena Williams, recites part of the “Inch by Inch” speech given by Al Pacino in the film Any Given Sunday. Scenes were shot throughout different areas of PGA National’s resort, including The Butcher’s Club. Jerry Blohm, the ad’s production designer told The Palm Beach Post that “PGA National Resort was a perfect combination of elegance and sophistication,” adding that the resort “allowed us to build the sets and at the same time shoot their existing properties.” Discover this and other locations through our digital database at pbfilm.com.


Your Passport To The Palm Beaches Film Florida Celebrates 25 Years

Take luxury and leisure to the next level with Passport to The Palm Beaches
Currently in production of its fourth season with host Jacqueline Journey, sharing the very best of Palm Beach County. AA Video crew visited the PalmBeach County Convention Center for South Florida’s premier and most prestigious art fair, Art Palm Beach, interviewing several key people, including artist, actor, writer and filmmaker, Jordi Molla
Also highlighted is Riviera Beach’s own non-profit, Sounds of Success Marching Band. The group’s goal is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music. The show follows the musicians practicing and fundraising for a trip to London to represent Palm Beach County and compete internationally at London Band Week More information and raffle tickets with terrific prizes are available here.
MOSAIC MEANS CULTURE $AVINGS

It’s time to celebrate the many shades of culture in Palm Beach County! The Palm Beaches is home to some of the most magnificent music, art, shows and cultural events in the world. And, during MOSAIC month, you’ll get a chance to enjoy all of it at up to half off! That’s because May is MOSAIC month, which stands for Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture. This is the sixth year that the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County has sponsored MOSAIC, featuring discounted admission and special experiences at up to 50% off at participating organizations such as the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art -just to name a few! Bring your family and friends along to enjoy this month of shows, arts, ideas and culture. Visit MOSAICPBC.com for more details and information.

Film Florida, the state’s only trade association that represents all sectors of film, television, production and digital media industries, is celebrating a major milestone. Over the past 25 years, Film Florida has spread the message that Florida is open for business and welcomes the high-tech, wage -driven jobs that grow and diversify the state’s economy.
The not-for-profit, membership-driven organization provides members a network to engage with and a platform to help reposition Florida as a major production entertainment destination and tourism generator.
Recently the organization produced a FAM Tour of Florida in partnership with the Location Managers Guild and the Florida Office of Film and Entertainment that invites viewers to go beyond the beach and experience the wide array of locations that Florida has to offer. Watch Palm Beach County’s video.

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

Nature enthusiasts looking for a night out under the stars will enjoy The Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour April 8 bringing a showcase of awe-inspiring short films that celebrate the beauty and resilience of the natural world while highlighting the need to preserve it for future generations. The events take place at the Jupiter Lighthouse & Museum and promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a range of documentaries, animations, and experimental films that explore pressing environmental issues, as well as inspiring stories of conservation and activism. The festival will also feature local vendors, food trucks, and live music. So, bring your beach chairs to kick back, enjoy the music, food, and films. Tickets are only available online, gates open at 6 pm.
To find out about other film festivals happening in Palm Beach County check out the Local Film Festivals page on our website.

The latest episode of On the Town in The Palm Beaches with Frank Licari takes a look at the many different European and Asian cultures found throughout The Palm Beaches. From traditional costumes and Greek dancing at St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, to incredible artwork at the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, to the fine pastries of Finland and the friendly fellowship at the American German Club, you’ll experience world-class travel without ever leaving your couch. In fact, you can watch the Around the World episode of On the Town in The Palm Beaches with Frank Licari anytime, on demand, at The Palm Beaches.TV.


The eight-episode Netflix series, Full Swing, debuted in February and has given viewers incredible access and a behind-thescenes look into the lives of professional golfers. The documentary walks a fine line between professional and personal lives and all the intersections that viewers can relate to. Several of the tour players were filmed at their private residences in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.



The Box to Box and Vox Media film crews were embedded with the players during filming. Chad Mumm, Executive Producer and Chief Creative Officer for Vox Media pitched the idea to the PGA Tour since 2010, and when he got the green light, he told the players that “whatever is important to you, is important to us, - we just want to show up and become flies on the wall, disappear, and see what their lives are like and the drama of LIV that unfolded was incredible, we couldn’t have written this script.”
HERTZ “ONE CHARGE CHALLENGE”

Gabi Powell, a World Long-Drive competitor, had some fun around The Palm Beaches when she took the Hertz One Charge Challenge to the streets of her hometown and shared some of her favorite spots. Gabi’s first stop was a new coffee place called Pumphouse Pouratorium West Palm Beach. From there she headed to Jupiter’s Abacoa Golf Course for a little work on the driving range. Then, she headed over to Loggerhead Marinelife Center for a visit with the sea turtles, and decided to dine waterside for lunch at the Dive Bar After that, she drove to Jupiter Inlet and then finished the day back in West Palm Beach, practicing her golf swing at Drive Shack.

The Hertz One Charge Challenge is a new campaign that aims to show off all the places you can go on one charge in their new electric vehicles. Watch the video on YouTube.
Focus On Film
Whipped Cream Swimwear


The production team of Spectrum Innovations chose several locations across the area for Whipped Cream Swimwear’s 2023 Spring Campaign including the Town of Jupiter and City of Riviera Beach. The art department set up a stylized vehicle near the beach and decorated it with flowers for their models to pose against. The swimsuit company is located in South Florida and became a viral sensation in 2022, generating over 20 million social media views. Since then the company has taken off.

Whipped Cream’s founder, Michelle Pieroway has been crafting swimsuits for many years and is also an actress, model, TV personality as well as a designer and an artist who just happens to be featured in a Cultural Council for PBC’s Where Culture Always Shines campaign that is currently welcoming visitors to The Palm Beaches.
Osprey Golf Course Is Featured
The Eric Cogorno Golf team selected the beautiful Osprey Golf Course in Boca Raton as the location for their current production. As a leader in golf instruction, Eric Cogorno has gained a massive following of subscribers eager to improve their game. And what better place to do so than in Palm Beach County, where the grass stays green all winter and productions are welcome. It’s no secret that PBC has become a hub for golf production, with an incredible 160 sun-soaked golf courses to choose from.
Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the country, and The Palm Beaches has more golf courses than any other county in the country. The sheer number of golf options and the undisputed quality of the courses, thanks to famous designers, have made the County a premiere golf destination. Up your game by subscribing and checking out Eric’s latest video at Eric Cogorno Golf - YouTube
Get ready y’all! What’s Poppin’ PBC?, the new high-energy series from Kitty Lundan, is airing Sundays at 9 am, beginning April 2nd in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market on WSFL Channel 39, the CW South Florida. You’ll have a front row seat as Kitty and the What’s Poppin’ PBC? crew travel around The Palm Beaches in search of great family-friendly food, fun and adventures. Examples include Kitty dancing at the Fred Astaire Studios, creating delightful pastries at Café Sweets, taking a chartered boat around Peanut Island, getting an up-close look inside a and so much more. “Poppin’ up on these businesses and meeting great people was absolutely amazing!” Kitty said. After the premiere on WSFL, What’s Poppin’ PBC? will air on The Palm Beaches TV.


FILM FLASHBACK 1977: THE SPY WHO LOVED ME

The Spy Who Loved Me is arguably Roger Moore’s best James Bond film and featured a Lotus Esprit that turned into a submarine! Producers sought the help of Perry Oceanographic in Riviera Beach and ended up using several cars but only one was made to go underwater, which meant that the inside of the car was full of pipes, levers, cabling, motors and batteries to propel the car through water, and keep it from hitting the coral reef just out of frame. Roger Moore never actually drove the car when it was underwater. In fact, the car was designed and driven by the late, retired Navy SEAL, Don Griffin of Port St. Lucie. The film was United Artists highest grossing movie at the time, grossing $184.5 M worldwide.
Location Spotlight Gardens As Backdrops


Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach is the oldest and largest at 20-acres, of living plant vistas with 25 unique garden settings for filmmakers and photographers to utilize. Currently a delightful stickwork sculpture is on the great lawn. The garden is closed to the public on Mondays, making it a perfect day for productions to take place.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach offers six distinct gardens inspired by the gardens of Japan with a mile of paths to stroll, bridges to cross, and water features that give a sense of peace in our hectic world. There is also an authentic tea room, outdoor café, a world class bonsai display with exceptional vistas in every direction. The property is expansive with plenty of room for basecamp and production vehicles.

Pan’s Garden in Palm Beach is an exceptional example of a botanical garden that is entirely made up of plants that are native to Florida. The Casa Apava wall from the 1920’s is a historically significant feature that has been the backdrop to many moments and celebrations throughout the years. Brick hardscaping, pond lilies and a gazebo create a lovely setting for photography and low impact productions. Find the perfect location for your production in our locations library at pbfilm.com.
EDUCATION CORNER SSOF FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

After receiving a record-breaking, 528 eligible submissions from 75 schools, this year’s finalists for the 28th annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) have been announced.





The judging panel of entertainment industry experts have agreed that there is undoubtable talent found in our Florida school system. Previous SSOF winners can be found acting, producing, and directing in many feature films, television series and documentaries that we love, today – and even return to volunteer their time and expertise to SSOF.
Returning for another year, stage and screen actor, producer Frank Licari, will host this year’s 90’s themed show. Joined by surprise guests and presenters, this year’s finalists will have their projects showcased as they come together to network with other high school and college student filmmakers from across the state.
On Friday, April 21, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, Florida, winners in each category will be celebrated at our live red-carpet award show where we will present $20,000 in cash prizes and awards.

Every year, the SSOF award show attracts more than 650 students and their families, along with celebrity presenters, industry professionals, media, state and county dignitaries, performers and more. Learn more by checking out the full list of finalists. And be sure to RSVP by April 7th.
To be included in this newsletter, please email ajordat@pbfilm.com or call 561.233.1000
Production Activity Report

For February 2023
Variance Explanations
Percentage change variances of ± 10% in perf ormance statistics are explained in this section
1. Total Production Revenue: A 14% YTD increase in Total Production Revenue is due to a few highbudget projects that helped production get off to a strong start in the new year. Those high-impact productions - including a Super Bowl commercial featuring Serena Williams, a TV series for Amazon Prime and TV series for Paramount+ - set the stage for a noteworthy increase in production revenues.
2. Total Production Days: A 10% YTD decrease in Total Production Days is due to crews having to work within budgetary limits, which means capturing footage in a shorter period of time. One reason for this is inflation and the high average daily room rates for hotels in The Palm Beaches. As a result of the growing cost of doing business, visiting companies are shortening their production schedules.
3. Total Leads: A 11% decrease in Total Leads can be attributed to available technology. Looking back at data, we’ve seen Leads from the state film office decline sharply over the years. Still the 11% decrease represents just six fewer Leads this year when compared to this time last year.
4. Website Unique Visitors: A 213% increase in Website Unique Visitors is due primarily to a spike in website visitors over a three-day period in February and a five-day period in January. The spike in February was largely driven by social media traffic that was shared by groups with large audiences. Meanwhile, the spike in January was largely driven by traffic to pages on the website related to the Student Showcase of Films, which had a record-breaking number of entries this year. These two months of unusually high website traffic are a great start towards meeting and exceeding our goals of website traffic for the year.

Palm Beach Convention Center FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT-BUDGET COMPARISON
Palm Beach Convention Center
FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT-PRIOR YEAR COMPARISON For the Five Months Ending February 2023
TDC Marketing Report – April 2023
April Events
Social Media
Social Media Followers
Facebook – 8,755 (February) to 8,770 (March)
Instagram - 2,821 (February) to 2,869 (March)
LinkedIn - 504 (February) to 516 (March)
Instagram Monthly Total
Interactions – 264 (February) to 178 (March)
Impressions – 7,456 (February) to 4,930 (March)
Reach – 1,288 (February) to 1,043 (March)
Generate Profile Visits – 776 (February) to 441 (March)
Facebook Monthly Total
People Reached – 2,328 (February) to 2,155 (March)
Post Engagements – 21,615 (February) to 16,808 (March)
Page Likes – 29 (February) to 15 (March)
LinkedIn Profile Views - 71 (February) to 57 (March)
Engagements - 90 (February) to 122 (March)
Impressions – 3,901 (February) to 4,970 (March)
Connections - 386 (February) to 394 (March)



Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Returns [google.com]
Palm Beach Illustrated
The sixth edition of the prolific art fete will take over the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach March 2326.
Lynn University selects Joel Podolny as 2023 Commencement speaker [google.com]
Lynn University
D., will serve as keynote speaker during its annual commencement ceremony at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Thursday, May 4. Joel Podolny
Watch: Tucker Carlson goes on delusional Jan. 6 rant arguing that there was never an insurrection [google.com]
Alternet.org
Fox News Tucker Carlson speaking at the 2020 Student Action Summit, hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art fair to showcase more than 500 artists - WPTV [google.com]
WPTV
More than a hundred galleries from 15 countries are moving artwork into the Palm Beach County Convention Center for the Palm Beach Modern +
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art fair opens Thursday [google.com]
Palm Beach Daily News
... edition Thursday, bringing museum-quality art and important works from the 20th and 21st centuries to the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Returns For Its Sixth Edition - Haute Living [google.com]
Haute Living
Showcased at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, PB+C yet again brings world-class, investment- quality works from the 20th and 21st century