Events for Friday, February 2 Lake Worth Beach Bonfire, Lake Worth Beach

Pack up your smores kits and enjoy roasting marshmallows around a mini bonfire in Lake Worth Beach. This is a family-friendly event!

Featured artists: The Leafy Greens.

Time: 6 pm 10 pm.

Location: Lake Worth Beach and Casino Complex, 10 South Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

Each Friday night from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach organizes Art After Darka fun mix of art and entertainment featuring a docent-led tour, an open studio, live music, and more! This Friday, join a tour that will highlight African American artists whose work is on view.

Clickhere for more details.

Location: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Get ready for The Art of Laughter: A Hysterical Stand-Up Comedy Series at Arts Garage!

Come see some of the best touring comedians from South Florida and beyond, the first Friday of every month.

Time: 8 pm 10 pm

Cost: $35

Get tickets.

Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Learn the dance of passion from professional dance instructors. If you are looking to socialize, get your dance on, and make new friends, then join us. Monthly dance workshops are FREE to attend from 6:30 8 p.m. Walk-up registration is also welcomed starting at 5:30 p.m. Click Here to view instructors.

Register here.

Location: City Hall Courtyard, 407 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Mark your calendars to celebrate Manatee Lagoons 8th anniversary at ManateeFest 2024! This FREE, family-friendly event is an annual celebration where you can explore the wonders of manatees, the Lake Worth Lagoon, and environmental conservation.

Experience a day packed with activities for everyone, including face painting, live music, photo opportunities with Mia the Manatee, a KidsFunZone, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, eco-conscious exhibitors, and more!

Manatee Lagoonoffers a dedicated area for viewing manatees up close and a robust year-round program and event schedule.

Time: 9 am 4 pm.

Location: Manatee Lagoon, 6000 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

Visit The Square for the third annual Black History Month Kickoff Eventpresented by Rohis Readery. Enjoy a series of events celebrating African Diasporic peoples multifaceted history and culture. The Spirit of this event is to uplift a narrative that will include live music, vendors, classes for children, and workshops for adults.

Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary AvenueWest Palm Beach,FL33401.

Roll out your mats with the community as Natalie Addison guides you through an all-levels Vinyasa class. Start your weekend off right, enjoy a fresh playlist, move your body and set intentions for the day. All levels, bodies and people are welcome. The class takes place on Rosemary Ave in front of True Food Kitchen.

Bring: A Yoga mat, towel and water.

Time: 10 am

$10 suggested donation. Donations can be made on site via Venmo or cash.

Advanced registration is not required.

Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Visit the West Palm Beach GreenMarket and shop over 125 vendors selling various products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, coffees and teas, flowers and plants, homemade specialty items, desserts, and treats, and so much more.

Time: 9 am 1 pm

Location: Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

The Delray Green Market is a Saturday morning destination. At the Green Market youll find more than 50+ vendors featuring Palm Beach County farm-to-fork produce, just picked citrus and juice, farm fresh eggs, raw milk, and butter, 100% grass-fed and finished (antibiotic and hormone free). Florida beef, poultry, pork and lamb, fragrant artisan baked goods, plenty of gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free products, fresh cut flowers, plants and other unique gourmet fare along with live musical entertainment each week.

Time: 9:00 am 2:00 pm

Location: Old School Square, 96 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, shop 30 incredible local vendors at a real farmers market on a real farm! The market offers not only the best produce that you expect from Swank Farm, but also bakers, growers, gardeners, and sellers of the best Farm Market products that you can possibly want.

Location: Swank Farm, 14311 North Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year by exploring artworks in the Chinese Collection and become inspired by the symbolic meanings behind the creatures depicted in these artworks. In the studio, explore calligraphy, stamps, sculptures, and paintings, using similar ancient techniques. Children ages 5 12, and their accompanying grown-ups, participate in a thematic tour, followed by a related art workshop. Every Saturday is a new experience!

Space is limited: online registration required.

Cost: Free admission for children and adults.

Time: 11 am 1 pm

Location: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

American Tune: Simon, Croce & Taylor takes you on a magical trip back to the 1970s to experience the timeless music and prolific songwriting of Paul Simon, Jim Croce and James Taylor. Relive the intimate storytelling, intricate chord changes and breathtaking melodies of these gifted artists, their work building on and transcending the more traditional folk-influenced acoustic music of the previous decade.

Time: 8 pm 10 pm

Cost: $45 $50

Get tickets.

Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Break a sweat with fellow runners in the community during this run club led by lululemon ambassador Alex Celis. Meet in front of lululemonto mingle, stretch and warm up before setting off on a 2-mile loop around Downtown West Palm Beach, ending back atThe Saltyfor a cool down and sweet treat.

Time:Warm-up at 8:45AM; run begins in at 9AM

Register Here to Run

Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Shop at the market at Harbourside Place every Sunday, from 10 am 4 pm! Stroll along the Intracoastal while shopping local artisan and handmade goods!

Time: 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Location: Harbourside Place, 200 N US Highway One, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Enjoy a multi-course dinner at Swank Farm. Wear something in the Carnival colors (purple, green, gold) bring your favorite Mask and lets get into the Mardi Gras Spirit.

Benefiting: Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches.

Clickhereto see the participating chefs and to get tickets.

Location: Swank Farm, 14311 North Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470.

Get onboard The Brunch Club Experience presented by The Palm Beaches for vibes, bites, and delights. Your Brunch experience lets you enjoy a one-way PREMIUM ride on a themed coach with complimentary snacks on your ride up, and plenty of bubbly from exclusive partners like MOET, and Ruffino Prosecco Rose for you and your friends. Plus, Guests get free entry to the Historical Society of Palm Beach County with their Brightline ticket.

Leave room for seconds. Brunch Club riders can enjoy a complimentary drink, appetizers and other perks from these participating restaurants at The Square:

Brunch Club trains run three times a day on February 4 and February 11 from MiamiCentral Station to West Palm Beach Station at 9:45 am, 10:50 am, and 11:45 am. Guests are responsible for their return trip.

BOOK NOW

Janes quartet program, her most frequent offering, is as varied as her twelve studio albums. Featuring some of the worlds finest musicians, her band expertly accompanies her as she interprets iconic songs from the Great American Songbook, famed Brazilian composers, and the singer-songwriters of the twentieth century.

Time: 7 pm 8:30 pm

Cost: $55 $60

Get tickets.

Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

When: January 30 February 3, 2024

Now celebrating its 29thanniversary, FOTOfusion is a popular cultural festival where creativity and technology fuse. The festival attracts thousands of professional and hobbyist photographers to West Palm Beach for a series of workshops, lectures, panel discussions, multimedia presentations, portfolio reviews, hands-on computer classes, demonstrations, and photo shoots taught by world renowned photographers, digital imaging artists and picture editors all of whom donate their time and expertise to educate, mentor and encourage creativity among participants of all levels and ages.

The 29th annual FOTOfusion will celebrate distinguished photojournalist David Burnett, the recipient of the prestigious FOTOmentor Award 2024.

To register or for more information, clickhere.

Location: Palm Beach Photographic Centre, Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

When:

Get ready to hold your breath and unleash your appetite because the Best Stinkin Party in South Florida is back, and its more aromatic and exciting than ever!

Mark your calendars for February 3rd and 4th as this internationally acclaimed event returns to Wellington, ready to tantalize your taste buds and thrill your senses. From the moment you step foot into this culinary wonderland, youll be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds you.

The aroma of garlic-infused delicacies will waft through the air, leading you to the renowned Gourmet Alley. Brace yourself for an incredible selection of over 100 garlicky menu items that will leave you craving more. From classic favorites to bold and innovative creations, prepare to embark on a flavorful journey like no other.

The Best Stinkin Party is more than just food! Its a full-blown entertainment extravaganza! Prepare to be mesmerized by the electrifying performances of nationally acclaimed musical acts that will take the stage.Learn more.

Location: 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414.

Read the original:

Things to Do This Weekend in The Palm Beaches - The Palm Beaches

January 31, 2024, 3:15 PM HST * Updated January 31, 4:15 PM

Playing in :00

Update at 4:15 p.m. Jan. 31: The Hawaii Department of Health has canceled the high bacteria notification for the Onekahakaha Beach swimming area in Hilo. Water sample retesting results show that enterococci levels no longer exceed the threshold level.

Original post: The Hawaii Department of Health is notifying the public about a high bacteria count at a Big Island beach.

The department is retesting waters at the Onekahakaha Beach swimming area in Hilo after bacteria levels of 2,005 per 100 mL were detected during routine beach monitoring.

The Health Department is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample, as the beach has historically met the acceptable threshold level and there is no known source of fecal contamination.

Therefore, another sample was collected and the Health Department is retesting the site.

The department will update the notification based on the results of the retesting.

For more information, click here and here.

Continued here:

Update: High bacteria count notification canceled for Onekahakaha Beach swimming area in Hilo - Big Island Now

We all know that being around water is usually a pleasant and peaceful experience. Its even scientifically proven to make us feel happier. But for those who want to take things a step further, HawaiianIslands.com has compiled a list of the calmest waters on Earth so every traveler can find their zen.

To find out which beaches offer the calmest waters, the team analyzed millions of publicly available reviews on Tripadvisor, assessing 500 beaches in America and the top 100 beaches in every country around the globe. After identifying the beaches, the team calculated which spots had the highest proportion of reviews that included the phrase calm water/s. (The team notes it only assessed English-language reviews and sense-checked all reviews to ensure the phrase calm water/s was used correctly.)

After crunching the numbers, the researchers found that Baby Beach in Maui, Hawaii, holds the title for having the calmest water of any beach in the world, with more than 27 percent of reviews mentioning the phrase.

Incredibly calm waters with ample coral areas, perfect for snorkeling in. We went to many of the beaches in Maui looking for snorkeling spots, and this was one of the best for beginners like us to try out snorkeling without worrying about the waves. Would be a good beach for children to swim as the waters are so calm, one reviewer wrote.

Coming in at a close second is Ten Bay Beach in Eleuthera, the Bahamas, with nearly 23 percent of the reviews raving about its clear and calm waters. Loved this beach- beautiful calm waters good for families with small kids. Would definitely visit again and spend the whole day there. There is shade from the trees nearby. One of my top picks for beaches on the island, a reviewer wrote about their experience at the beach.

As for where else in America you can find the calmest waters, youll likely have to go to Hawaii, as its home to eight out of the 10 calmest waters in the nation, with only Cape Charles, Virginia, and Lewes, Delaware, joining them.

For international waters, look to Greece, where youll find six out of the 10 calmest waters in Europe, with Marathi Beach in Crete taking the number one spot in that continent.

Ready to explore a whole world of peaceful waters? Check out the full calmest waters list at hawaiianislands.com.

Go here to read the rest:

This Beach in Hawaii Has the Calmest Waters in the World - Travel + Leisure

As expected, the PlayStation State of Play today featured an in-depth look at the latest from famed developer Hideo Kojima, in the form of an exceedingly creepy and cinematic preview of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Sam, played by Norman Reedus, is back in a trailer that makes very little sense if you haven't played the first game and even if you did, the contents of this preview might not make a ton of sense. Rest assured, you'll still be running around wildly impressive landscapes with your giant yellow backpack.

But it sounds like you won't actually have to run around delivering things, because bots are able to do that in this world. The real surprise is when Sam gets captured and runs across his brother, played by the ubiquitous Troy Baker... who pulls out a guitar/gun and starts shredding to take on some enemies? Sure. It'll still be a bit before we see what this all amounts to, as it doesn't arrive until sometime in 2025.

At the end of the stream, though, Kojima teased an all-new project in the works, though it won't be entering full production until after Death Stranding 2 is complete.

Correction, 1/31/24, 6PM ET: This post originally stated this was our first look at Death Stranding 2.We've updated it to say this is our first in-depth look, as the game was first announced in December of 2022.

Read more:

'Death Stranding 2: On the Beach' looks even more baffling than the original game - Engadget

Nikki Haley is attending a fundraiser Wednesday night at a private residence in Palm Beach.Covering South Florida: Nikki Haley to fundraise in Palm Beach and MiamiThe event will be attended by some of the wealthiest residents in Palm Beach County, with tickets costing $10,000 per person.Between January and September of 2023, Haley's campaign raised $18,709,236.41, according to the Federal Election Commission. Donald Trump's campaign has raised $56,699,777.27 in that same amount of time. Campaigns dont end because candidates dont think they can win," said Kevin Wagner, a political science professor at Florida Atlantic University. "Campaigns end because candidates run out of money. So, one of the things any candidate is going to do is spend a fair amount of time trying to raise money to support their campaign, and there are few places in the country that are better to raise money than Palm Beach County, especially on the island. With only two primaries in the rearview mirror, Wagner said Haley can make a strong argument to voters that much of the race is ahead of her, despite unfavorable polling numbers.How to vote: WPBF 25 News partners with the Supervisor of Elections in Palm Beach County for voter registration driveThe fundraiser in Palm Beach is a more traditional way of raising campaign funding in contrast to a recent shift to more online fundraising directly to campaign websites.We have seen a series of campaigns that manage to succeed and raise a lot of money through smaller donations by having a broader base of small donors, said Gregory Koger, a political science professor and director of the Hanley Democracy Center.Nikki Haley's visit comes just one day after President Biden attended a campaign event in Jupiter and a matter of days before Trump makes an appearance in his home county.Previous coverage: President Biden visits south FloridaThe real message for Floridians, especially the ones who live in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade County is: get used to it," Wagner said. "You are going to see candidates down here a fair amount if not campaigning, then fundraising.Despite Haley falling behind Donald Trump in the polls, she has maintained that she will remain in the race.Koger said she is likely positioning herself as a viable option should Trump not be up for consideration by the time the Republican Convention happens.The process of undergoing those trials or getting an actual conviction might make him much less desirable as a Republican Party candidate, and the Republican Party might need someone to turn to, Koger said. For that reason, Nikki Haley might want to stick around in case the Republican Party needs a viable candidate on the ballot competing in primaries.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25 Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

Nikki Haley is attending a fundraiser Wednesday night at a private residence in Palm Beach.

Covering South Florida: Nikki Haley to fundraise in Palm Beach and Miami

The event will be attended by some of the wealthiest residents in Palm Beach County, with tickets costing $10,000 per person.

Between January and September of 2023, Haley's campaign raised $18,709,236.41, according to the Federal Election Commission. Donald Trump's campaign has raised $56,699,777.27 in that same amount of time.

Campaigns dont end because candidates dont think they can win," said Kevin Wagner, a political science professor at Florida Atlantic University. "Campaigns end because candidates run out of money. So, one of the things any candidate is going to do is spend a fair amount of time trying to raise money to support their campaign, and there are few places in the country that are better to raise money than Palm Beach County, especially on the island.

With only two primaries in the rearview mirror, Wagner said Haley can make a strong argument to voters that much of the race is ahead of her, despite unfavorable polling numbers.

How to vote: WPBF 25 News partners with the Supervisor of Elections in Palm Beach County for voter registration drive

The fundraiser in Palm Beach is a more traditional way of raising campaign funding in contrast to a recent shift to more online fundraising directly to campaign websites.

We have seen a series of campaigns that manage to succeed and raise a lot of money through smaller donations by having a broader base of small donors, said Gregory Koger, a political science professor and director of the Hanley Democracy Center.

Nikki Haley's visit comes just one day after President Biden attended a campaign event in Jupiter and a matter of days before Trump makes an appearance in his home county.

Previous coverage: President Biden visits south Florida

The real message for Floridians, especially the ones who live in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade County is: get used to it," Wagner said. "You are going to see candidates down here a fair amount if not campaigning, then fundraising.

Despite Haley falling behind Donald Trump in the polls, she has maintained that she will remain in the race.

Koger said she is likely positioning herself as a viable option should Trump not be up for consideration by the time the Republican Convention happens.

The process of undergoing those trials or getting an actual conviction might make him much less desirable as a Republican Party candidate, and the Republican Party might need someone to turn to, Koger said. For that reason, Nikki Haley might want to stick around in case the Republican Party needs a viable candidate on the ballot competing in primaries.

Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

Read the original post:

Where Nikki Haley's fundraising stands ahead of Florida visit - WPBF West Palm Beach

Embarking on a Caribbean getaway in 2024? Prepare to be captivated beyond the sun-kissed beaches.

The Dominican Republic is synonymous with crystal-clear waters and idyllic, white sand beaches.

A day spent lounging beneath swaying coconut trees is the ideal refuge from Europes chilly winters, allowing you to return to the office flaunting that enviable sun-kissed tan.

In the Dominican Republic there are more than 200 beaches - from the famous Playa Bvaro in Punta Cana to Playa Fernanda in Miches, says Enrique Penson, director of Economic Studies at the countrys Ministry of Tourism.

Yet, the country's charm goes well beyond its pristine coastlines. Majestic waterfalls, lush national parks, and aromatic cacao plantations await your exploration.

In 2023 the country hosted 10 million visitors and that is because the Dominican Republic has it all, says Penson. Besides stunning beaches, magnificent nature and experiences, the best is the Dominican people's warmth and hospitality.

Heres how to get the best out of your visit to the stunning Caribbean nation.

Foodies should make a beeline for the cacao trails in San Francisco de Macors, in the northeast Duarte province.

Making up 10 per cent of the Dominican Republics lush green expanse, cacao plantations are vital to preserve the island's natural environment. Renowned as the worlds premier producer of organic cocoa, the island is the perfect place to experience the captivating floral aroma of unprocessed cocoa fruit.

Step into the enchanting haciendas de cacao, where visitors not only explore plantations and gain insights into the chocolate-making process but also have the opportunity to actively participate in cacao cultivation and harvesting alongside local producers.

Among the most popular cacao trails is that of Finca La Esmeralda. For the ultimate experience, plan your visit during the harvest period, which occurs twice a year from September to December and January to May.

The picturesque landscape of the Dominican Republic is graced with awe-inspiring waterfalls. Venture into the Saman Peninsula for the the perfect blend of beautiful beaches and trekking experiences, recommends Penson.

Here, you can discover the allure of El Limn Waterfall, which cascades from tropical surroundings. One of the most remarkable experiences in this region involves a horse ride through lush paths, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning nature.

The peninsula is also home to the protected Parque Nacional Los Haitises. Its remarkable limestone karsts, sinkholes and mangroves served as the filming location for the iconic Jurassic Park. Spanning 1,600 km-squared, its ancient rock formations date back 50 million years.

Further northwest, near Puerto Plata, the 27 Charcos de Damajagua awaits - a collection of 27 waterfalls that captivate thrill-seekers. This natural playground invites exploration through hiking and swimming, rewarding visitors with exhilarating cliff jumps and natural slides.

The pinnacle of waterfall grandeur, however, lies in Salto de La Jalda, the Caribbean's highest waterfall, standing at over 120 metres. Tucked within the National Park of La Jalda in Miches, reaching it can be an adventure in itself. Whether by a scenic two-hour hike or a helicopter excursion, both routes offer a chance to delve into the forest and experience the biodiversity of its flora and fauna first-hand.

For a touch of magic, venture into Punta Cana's Hoyo Azul, a mesmerising blue sinkhole nestled in lush rainforest. This cenote is often referred to as the "Indigenous eye. You'll find this hidden oasis discreetly tucked away inside the Scape Park, within the captivating Cap Cana area.

Take a revitalising dip in its natural, cold spring waters, which boast a depth of 14 metres and are embraced by a 75-metre-tall limestone cliff adorned with lush vegetation. To reach Hoyo Azul you have to cross a suspension bridge and meander through an orchid garden.

A must visit for nature enthusiasts, this unique site seamlessly blends adventure, nature and tranquillity in the heart of Punta Cana's captivating landscapes.

The Dominican Republic's cultural fusion shines through its vibrant people, who eagerly share their traditions.

The culinary landscape is a fusion of Tano, Spanish and African influences. The national dish, La Bandera Dominicana, is a hearty amalgamation of rice, beans, meat (often chicken or beef), and salad. Fresh seafood dishes, like pescado con coco (fish in coconut sauce), captivate taste buds with their vibrant flavours.

"Fish from any of our coasts is our main dish - always fresh, savoury, and complemented by our traditional sauces crafted from local ingredients," says Penson.

Beyond the national dish, start your day with mang, a breakfast staple made from mashed plantains, or savour the comforting sancocho, a stew filled with various meats and vegetables.

For a sweet and savoury experience, indulge in pasteln de pltano maduro, a dish that layers ripe plantains, meat and cheese. Each bite reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Dominican cuisine, making it an essential part of your travel adventure in this vibrant Caribbean destination.

To truly grasp the essence of Dominican culture and their zest for life, learn the steps of merengue and bachata, two vibrant Caribbean dance styles recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

"Any Dominican will gladly guide you through the steps of merengue and bachata. We carry the beats of these dances within us, cherishing the joy of dancing, and we love it when foreigners express an interest in learning," encourages Penson.

Don't miss the opportunity to attend merengue festivals held in various cities across the Dominican Republic, including the lively celebrations in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata.

See the original post here:

From the Caribbean's tallest falls to a hidden cenote: Seek adventure in the Dominican Republic - Euronews

One of the best weeks of golf is here, even if it has been reduced a bit.

The 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is set to kick off Thursday as the first full-field signature event of the PGA Tours season. Unlike in years past, there are only 80 players in the field, but playing with them the first two rounds will be celebrities from all realms.

Bill Murray. Josh Allen. Aaron Rodgers. Buster Posey. And dozens of others will tee it up at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill the first two rounds before the competition switches to pros only at Pebble Beach over the weekend.

Heres a look at the best photos of celebrities at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looks on prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach

Former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looks on prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looks on prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach

Former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looks on prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays a shot on the third hole prior to

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays a shot on the third hole prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays his shot from the third tee prior to

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays his shot from the third tee prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays his shot from the fifth tee prior to

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays his shot from the fifth tee prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays his shot from the third tee prior to

Josh Allen of the NFL Buffalo Bills plays his shot from the third tee prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Former NBA player Pau Gasol plays a shot prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at

Former NBA player Pau Gasol plays a shot prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am celebrities

Former MLB player Buster Posey plays his shot from the fourth tee prior to the AT&T

Former MLB player Buster Posey plays his shot from the fourth tee prior to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on January 31, 2024 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Go here to see the original:

Photos: NFL stars and other celebrities at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - Golfweek

The Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission discussed federal and state lobbying initiatives in a meeting last week.(Port City Daily photo/Mark Darrough)

TOPSAIL ISLAND Three coastal municipalities in the Cape Fear region are aiming for big shoreline preservation goals in 2024.

READ MORE: More dredging needed for Topsail inlets, price could increase by $3.5M

The Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission consisting of representatives from the towns of Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach, and Surf City, as well as Pender and Onslow counties put forward state and federal legislative goals for the new year at a meeting last week. They agreed to employ a new lobbyist for their state agenda and bumped pay for their federal lobbyist Ward & Smith P.A. to aid them with the campaign.

Chair Steve Smith the mayor of Topsail Beach told Port City Daily the commissions budget is around $130,000 per year, funded through matching 33% contributions from the three coastal towns. Smith said the vast majority of TISPCs resources are used to pay lobbyists, with some funds covering related fees, such as transportation.

TISPCs original charter was established in 2005. In addition to lobbying for state and federal policies to benefit the coastal towns, the organization provides information to county and town governments it serves. Smith said this allows other coastal communities to stay up to date with federal and state policies related to beach management and water quality.

The commission agreed to a contract amendment with Ward & Smith which the group has worked with since 2016 to increase the law firms retainer by $250 per month for a new rate of $9,225.

Smith described Mike McIntyre who served as representative for North Carolinas 7th district from 1997 to 2015 as the primary Ward & Smith employee involved with TISPC. Hes worked as the law firms senior adviser for government relations since 2020.

Smith has worked for Topsail Beach in various capacities for at least a decade and became mayor four years ago. He said TISPC has strived to receive federal funding for at least 15 years and described Ward & Smiths services as helpful in advancing several long-term goals, such as federal support for the Surf City storm mitigation project.

At the Jan. 25 meeting, TISPC concluded a four-month search by selecting Raleigh-based lobbyist David Farrell of Maynard Nexsen P.C. to take over state duties from former lobbyist Connie Wilson of Connie Wilson Consulting, Inc. She retired last year after 12 years of work with the commission. Farrell will be paid $4,000 a month.

Smith said it would be difficult to give a figure of how many hours per week the lobbyists work, as it fluctuates based upon activities within the legislature. At the state level, the group will lobby to maintain funding for the Shallow Draft Inlet Dredging Fund, which will cover $16.8 million of a $22 million contract signed with Norfolk Dredging Company in October 2023; FEMA is providing the remaining costs.

The project aims to renourish Topsail Beach by excavating between 1.6 million and 1.9 million cubic yards of sand from inlet channels and applying them to the beachfront. However, a November 2023 review of inlet depths found some areas more shallow than anticipated, potentially increasing the projects cost by $3.5 million; Topsail Beach may seek state support on any cost increases.

When the communities need the shallow draft fund to keep the inlets open, theyre not talking about $500,000 were talking about anywhere from $10 to $20 million, Smith said at the meeting.

The commission will also advocate for recurring patronage from the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund at $10 million per year. The fund provides grants to local governments to mitigate and remediate storm damage to beaches and dunes.

Other state priorities include shellfish lease management changes to provide public access to state waters and lobbying to keep home insurance rates at an affordable cost. Just recently, the North Carolina Rate Bureau requested as high as a 99% rate increase in coastal counties earlier this month, although experts told Port City Daily the final figure will likely be significantly lower.

NCRB chief operating officer Jared Chappell told PCD storm risk is the primary reason for the heightened insurance cost on beach-front homes North Carolina experienced five hurricanes of varying intensity from 2016 to 2022.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association anticipates sea level to rise several feet in coming decades; one of TISPCs roles is to stay up to date with sea level rise studies and integrate new data with federal and state legislative goals.

On the federal level, TISPC will request Congress to direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a full review of past expenditures through the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program, which assists disaster-impacted communities with recovery and repairs on critical infrastructure. This review would use forward-looking data to estimate future expenses and ensure budgetary flexibility for the program.

Additionally, the group will lobby Congress to establish a FEMA team with one representative for the island to determine losses when making disaster recovery recommendations.

TISPC will request legislation to allow sand used for Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) beach renourishment projects on non-CBRA designated beaches and amend the regions CBRA-designated areas.

The commission also wants to consider involvement with initiatives such as the RISEE Act to acquire federal funds for offshore wind energy projects. The group is looking into studies on offshore wind productions impact on commercial fishing.

Vice Chair Mike Benson who is Mayor Pro Tem of the town of North Topsail noted TISPC is starting the year with momentum, having passed some of their top legislative priorities last year. These include granting local authority to remove deserted vessels and banning non-encapsulated polystyrene foam in docks for environmental preservation.

I think we got along further in this legislative cycle than ever before, he said at the meeting.

Benson also noted TISPCs efforts could serve as a model to other coastal communities without a coastal protection policy organization. Smith told PCD Cateret County has a similar body but said other nearby municipalities have not established a group to carry out the same breadth of initiatives as TISPC.

PCD reached out to Benson to ask if he had any other goals for shoreline protection but he deferred to the chairman.

Although it was not on the agenda, Smith raised the idea of considering new tree protections akin to Oak Islands vegetation ordinance amendment passed last week. He cited the stormwater absorption benefits of high tree volume in coastal areas.

Most notably, Oak Island broadened the definition of heritage trees which refers to a tree considered particularly valuable for its rarity, age or size from encompassing 30-inch diameter trees to 15-inch diameter trees, making a significantly higher number of trees require a permit for removal.

We havent had any conversations about doing a total canopy coverage, Smith told PCD, in reference to Oak Islands tree canopy study carried out by urban forestry consulting firm PlanIt Geo, which was published in November and helped inform the towns new vegetation policy.

Smith noted Topsail and Surf City already have tree protection ordinances, but he is interested in taking new measures to preserve vegetation.

I think as we move down through the year, it will become important to understand how they reached the size of a tree and a few other issues there at Oak Island, he said.

Editors note: This article has been updated to change the word expand to amend for CBRA-designated areas in Topsail Island, to change the phrase Topsail Island to Topsail Beach, and to specify shellfish leases for public uses of state waters. Port City Daily regrets these errors.

Tips or comments? Email journalist Peter Castagno atpeter@localdailymedia.com.

Want to read more from PCD? Subscribenowand then sign up for our morning newsletter,Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.

View post:

Beach towns gear up for ambitious state and federal lobbying effort, firm on $9K monthly retainer - Port City Daily

Jacksonville Beach joins 2 other Florida cities that have had their tech services hacked within the past 5 years.

It appears Jacksonville Beach is the latest Florida municipality to suffer a cyberattack that hobbled city services.

The coastal community in Duval County shut down many of its city services and closed City Hall after information technology systems for the city of about 25,000 people mysteriously shut down.

Effective immediately, the City of Jacksonville Beach will shut down due to Information Systems issues, a statement said on the citys website.

Now, city officials have confirmed there was a breach of security for the Northeast Florida citys tech services.

We recently confirmed the issues are the result of a cybersecurity event. We are working to restore our systems and services as quickly as possible. As our investigation into this matter is ongoing, we are unable to provide further details at this time, said a statement on the Jacksonville Beach website just after 4 p.m. Tuesday.

This isnt the first time a Florida city had its municipal services interrupted by aggressive hackers. Two cities sustained cyberattacks within one month in 2019.

Lake City and Riviera Beach both had their services corrupted after aggressive hackers targeted their technological infrastructure five years ago. Both paid more than six figure ransom payments to hackers to get their cyber data returned to them.

Jacksonville Beach officials acknowledged they have contacted law enforcement officials and are conducting an investigation.

The development literally led to most city services coming to a halt in Jacksonville Beach. City Hall, all recreation and parks services and other associated services have been put on hold. Emergency services, waste collection and first responder services remain operational along with Beaches Energy, the electrical service.

Jacksonville Beach officials didnt estimate when full city services will return.

Post Views: 0

See the rest here:

Jacksonville Beach admits city tech services have been hacked - Florida Politics

Save Our Beaches San Clemente hopes to accelerate its support from the community after its first informational meeting on Wednesday night, Jan. 24.

Dozens gathered in the San Clemente Community Centers Ole Hanson Fireside Room to hear about the current issues facing the citys coastline, the largest governmental entities involved, and how to get involved in spreading the organizations message.

We expected 60 or 70 people, and I think we had roughly 80, said Joe Wilson, a founding member of the nonprofit organization. There was a terrific turnout and a lot of energy in the room. A lot of people (were) very supportive in volunteering for specific things like social media or surf advocates.

With a mission of finding solutions to restore and retain sand in San Clemente, Save Our Beaches SC wanted to spread the word about the issue of coastal erosion, according to member John Dow, to motivate people to participate.

Were only four people, Dow said. There are a lot of people that have their hands in this issue, a lot of different elected officials or organizations, and we need to touch on all of them.

Dow and member Suzie Whitelaw also sit on the City of San Clementes Coastal Advisory Committee.

During the meeting, Whitelaw detailed the San Clemente Shoreline Project and its delay, and the effect of erosion on North Beach and at the southern end of the citys coastline.

Overall, she said the loss of beach width throughout the city was not due to sea-level rise. Instead, the placement of riprap, or hard armoring, along the railroad tracks has accelerated the wave action in those areas and thus increased how much sand the waves can take away. Additionally, continual human development with impacts to creeks and riverbeds has decreased the sand supply.

Orange County Public Works is among a working group that recently initiated a study to determine the feasibility of transporting sand to beaches via rail cars, Whitelaw added, for which Save Our Beaches believes North Beach would be a prime location for a pilot project.

The Prado Dam, a project owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and located near Corona, has filled up with sand and could contribute to a solution, as Whitelaw indicated the Shoreline Projects dredger wouldnt return to the area for several years.

The project, officially known as OC Regional Stockpile Hub Supporting Beneficial Re-Use of Sediment, comprises a collaborative effort to develop a site to stockpile cobble, sand and silt and deliver the materials to receiver sites around the county, according to a document obtained by San Clemente Times.

Save Our Beaches SC has also communicated with the California Coastal Commission about San Clementes southern end, where the Orange County Transportation Authority has placed riprap through multiple recent projects.

The organization has asked the CCC to mitigate the ripraps impacts by taking the lead to restore public access between San Clemente State Beach and San Onofre State Beach, according to Whitelaw. Access could be restored by maintaining the beach between multiple underpasses and establishing a new pedestrian trail on the eastern side of the tracks going through Cyprus Shore.

Whitelaw also spoke about the benefits of breakwaters, or piles of rock placed parallel to the shore that calm wave action and allow sand to build up.

Even better are submerged breakwaters or artificial reefs for a more natural aesthetic, the latter of which can provide habitats to abalone, kelp and other living organisms.

Julian Husbands, an 18-year resident who attended the meeting with his son, said Save Our Beaches presentations taught him about the impact of erosion, whereas he previously thought global warming was a major cause. A longtime surfer at San Onofre, Husbands has mainly observed the significant erosion at that beach and taken note of other areas in town.

The Jan. 24 meeting gave Husbands hope more than anything else, he said, as the presentations mentioned how the CCC and OCTA could play a major role in moving forward and various solutions the city of Oceanside has used.

I didnt realize that those rocks that (OCTA puts) along the coastline can exacerbate it, so, at some point thats not in their best interest, either, said Husbands. If thats going to make it worse, then theres going to have to be more significant solutions.

Colleen Alexiou, another attendee and friend of Whitelaws, came away from the meeting with the desire to get more involved. She also spoke about the importance of informing more people about the issue, even though a lack of sympathy from people who dont live in the area may affect support for necessary funding.

Save Our Beaches also hosted the founding members of Save Our Sand Oceanside during the meeting. The two organizations have been in contact for the past few months, according to Save Our Sands Nick Ricci, who emphasized the value of coordination between like-minded groups.

By hosting informational events, organizations attract people to their mission and can form a symbiotic relationship in which both parties have assets and connections to offer.

Then, you can network with all the people that (your supporters have contacts with), said Ricci. I cant tell you how many amazing opportunities that (Save Our Sand has had) the last few years with networking with people.

Whitelaw encouraged attendees to also participate in the citys updates on its Nature Based Coastal Resiliency Feasibility Study, with the possibility of another upcoming public workshop in which people can scrutinize concepts for sand retention.Learn more about how to get involved with Save Our Beaches San Clemente at saveourbeachessc.org.

See original here:

Save Our Beaches SC Meeting Shares Mission with Residents - San Clemente Times

Tampa, Fla. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a water quality advisory for the following location:

Picnic Island Beach7409 Picnic Island BlvdTampa, FL 33616

Tests completed on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, indicate that the water quality at Picnic Island Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

DOH- Hillsborough advises against any water-related activities at this location due to the potential for high bacteria levels. Bacteriological sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.

This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. New test results should be available for Picnic Island Beach on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

For more information call 813-559-4065 or visit Florida's Healthy Beaches Program.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit http://www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Link:

Water Quality Advisory Issued for Picnic Island Beach | Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough - Florida Department of Health

L.L. Bean has just added a third shift at its factory in Brunswick, Maine, in an attempt to keep up with demand for its iconic boot.

Orders have quadrupled in the past few years as the boots have become more popular among a younger, more urban crowd.

The company says it saw the trend coming and tried to prepare, but orders outpaced projections. They expect to sell 450,000 pairs of boots in 2014.

People hoping to have the boots in time for Christmas are likely going to be disappointed. The bootsare back ordered through February and even March.

"I've been told it's a good problem to have but I"m disappointed that customers not getting what they want as quickly as they want," said Senior Manufacturing Manager Royce Haines.

Customers like, Mary Clifford, tried to order boots on line, but they were back ordered until January.

"I was very surprised this is what they are known for and at Christmas time you can't get them when you need them," said Clifford.

People who do have boots are trying to capitalize on the shortage and are selling them on Ebay at a much higher cost.

L.L. Bean says it has hired dozens of new boot makers, but it takes up to six months to train someone to make a boot.

The company has also spent a million dollars on new equipment to try and keep pace with demand.

Some customers are having luck at the retail stores. They have a separate inventory, and while sizes are limited, those stores have boots on the shelves.

Read the original post:

Man arrested in Deerfield Beach shooting that left teen hospitalized - NBC 6 South Florida

Summary

There are 63 national parks in the US, and over 400 national park units are managed by the National Park Service. With so many millions of protected miles to explore, these national parks manage to protect every type of environment.

This is good news for those struggling to decide if they want a beach-side vacation getaway or a full-blown national park road trip through the US; some parks make it possible to enjoy both. Located off the coast of some of the most popular ocean-side cities or along the miles of shore along the Great Lakes, there are hundreds of miles of beaches to explore in the US.

These 10 national parks in the US have some truly exquisite beaches, with a variety of wildlife, sandy space, and surrounding natural beauty to enjoy.

Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA, one of Maine's most beautiful beaches

Acadia National Park in Maine has been ranked as one of the most beautiful places in the US, and its scenic New England beaches are just one more thing to love.

Acadia National Park features both beautiful ocean beaches like Little Hunters Beach, and scenic lakeside shores, such as Echo Lake Beach. Visitors to the park often find themselves struggling to decide whether to set up at the beach or enjoy the ocean and lake views from one of the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park.

The variety of shorelines to explore means that guests can enjoy everything from sunbathing to kayaking to swimming (although guests should remember that this is the northern corner of the US, even in the summer, the water is brisk at best).

Sandy beach onSan Miguel Island in Channel Islands National Park, California, USA

For those looking for some truly untainted beaches in US national parks, it's hard to imagine a better destination than Channel Islands National Park.

Accessible only by ferry, the beaches and rocky shores of the Channel Islands have been spared the wear and tear of motorized vehicles. Additionally, because the Channel Islands are one of the most difficult national parks in the US to visit, the shores here are perfect for a quieter day at the beach.

A beach in Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

Olympic National Park is the most visited of Washington State's three national parks, and for good reason. In addition to the temperate rainforests and miles of incredible hiking trails in Olympic National Park, this scenic area just two hours from Seattle protects some of Washington's most beautiful beaches.

There are over a dozen beaches to choose from in Olympic National Park, including Ruby Beach, Sand Point, and Rialto Beach. Unlike the white sand beaches of the more southern national parks, visitors to Olympic National Parks beaches are likely to see dramatic rock formations and red-tinted sand on their beach excursions.

View from Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in the US, thanks to its inaccessibility off the coast of the Florida Keys. While the beaches of the seven islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park require months of planning to get to, there is no doubt that these sandy shores are worth the work.

The Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas Beach Section is the most isolated beach in the Florida Keys, which manages to further emphasize its beauty. Since the seaplanes only carry 10 passengers at a time, with limited flights to the park, guests will have these white sand beaches practically to themselves.

Scenic coastline inRedwood National Park, California, USA

Giant redwoods and beautiful California coastline? Redwoods National and State Parks may just be the perfect combination of land and sea. While the northern shores of California are a little chilly for full-blown swimming excursions, there are plenty of black sand, striking rock formations, and rolling sand dunes to explore.

While all of the beaches at Redwoods National and State Parks are beautiful, Enderts Beach and False Klamath Cove are two of the best beaches for those looking for some coastal wildlife. With thriving tidepools and unusual rock formations, these beaches highlight the beauty of the California coast and are some of the best US National Park beaches overall.

Boca Chita Beach and Lighthouse,Biscayne National Park, Florida, USA

Biscayne National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the US. Nearly 95% of Biscayne National Park is underwater, featuring protected coral reefs and coastal formations. The other 5% are some of the best national park beaches in the US.

The Boca Chita Key Beach, which also features the Boca Chita lighthouse, is perhaps the most photographed beach in Biscayne National Park. However, the entire Sands Key and Elliott Key, both of which frame the underwater portion of Biscayne, are lined with beautiful shorelines. Each one of these sandy stretches is perfect for a relaxing day on a US National Park beach.

The rocky volcanic coast ofHawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA

While the volcanoes and frozen lava flows may be the most famous part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this popular destination on the Big Island also has some of the best national park beaches in the US.

While some of the scenic shoreline, namely the region that is part of the Kahuku-Phue parcel, is closed to the public for the time being, other beaches like Halape Cove can be enjoyed by adventurous travelers. After backpacking through the rugged jungle formed by the rich volcanic soil, the beaches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are a truly one-of-a-kind sight.

View of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska

While the beaches in Alaska may not be full of white sand and warm ocean water, there is something inherently beautiful about these northern shores. Lined with wildlife, from river otters to sea lions, the beaches of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve are some of the most enchanting places to see the region's spectacular beauty.

The namesake Glacier Bay is the crowning jewel of the park's beaches. With wildflowers in the spring, floating glaciers in the bay, and a variety of Alaska's iconic animals, a beach visit to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve may just be the seaside getaway travelers didn't know they needed.

Canoers on the shore of Lake Superior in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

When travelers think of beaches, they often think about crashing ocean waves along the coast. The US is home to thousands of lakes, however, and some of those lakes hide the best national park beaches in America.

One such example is Isle Royale National Park, a conglomeration of islands on the Great Lakes that features miles of lake beaches. Another national park that cannot be reached by car, the beaches of Isle Royale National Park are pristine. Despite being a lake beach, the depth of the Great Lakes means that not only is swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking available, but snorkeling can be enjoyed as well.

Aerial view of Trunk Bay on St John Island, US Virgin Islands National Park, USA

While not part of the 50 states, the Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, and the idyllic Virgin Islands National Park has some of the most beautiful national park beaches in the US.

Nearly half of the land protected by Virgin Islands National Park is underwater, so beachgoers often find themselves snorkeling off the shore to make the most of their visit. A tropical destination near the Caribbean, there is no doubt that the beaches of Virgin Islands National Park, including Salomon/Honeymoon Bay and Hawksnest Bay are perfect for casual visitors and avid ocean explorers alike.

See the rest here:

10 U.S. National Parks With Beaches - TheTravel

Join us on a journey to discover some of Costa Ricas best surf beaches, each with their unique charm and surfing potential.

Costa Rica, home to a myriad of golden beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, is renowned among surf enthusiasts from around the globe. One of the unique features of this abundant country lies in its dual coastlines, allowing surfers the opportunity to ride the waves of both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans. This Central American paradise truly is a surfers dream destination, whether youre just starting out on the board, or youre a seasoned wave rider.

Pacific coast rollers Lets begin our journey along Costa Ricas Pacific coastline, stretching along the western side of the country. This rugged and dramatic shoreline is characterized by pristine sandy beaches, dominated by towering cliffs and the countrys iconic lush rainforests that cascade down to the waters edge. The Pacific coast stands out from its Caribbean counterpart thanks to the raw power of its waves, which create a whole host of exciting opportunities for surfers in search of exhilaration. Some of this coastlines highlights include:

Tamarindo Tamarindo Beach is renowned among surfers worldwide, thanks to its spectacular sunsets and abundant wildlife. It also provides surfers with some exciting waves to tackle, leading this small town to gain a reputation as a top destination for surfers.

Tamarindos beauty lies in its strategic location, which has also resulted in its development as a cosmopolitan coastal town. Nowadays, there are various large resorts, with lots of places to eat and shop. Tamarindo is also well-connected, which results in plenty of visitors keen to enjoy its surfing opportunities.

Santa Teresa While Tamarindo might be world-famous, Santa Teresa is perhaps its opposite; far from the well-trodden surfer routes, this stunning small town emerges as a Pura Vida hideaway, quietly tucked away on Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula. Perhaps the worlds best-kept secret, Santa Teresa is home to secluded beaches, stunning sunsets, and fantastic surf opportunities not to mention a true sense of authenticity. Lacking large resorts and their accompanying tourists, Santa Teresa makes up for what it lacks in flamboyance with its unassuming beauty. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants here, making it a great place to enjoy a vacation. The waves can be feisty here, too, so its worth considering taking a lesson or two if youre a first-timer in the area.

It is worth making a detour here: This off-the-beaten-path haven is home to some hidden gems, such as Costa Ricas ultimate surf and yoga retreat (https://www.surfandyogacostarica.com/), where you can enjoy the thrill of riding the waves and all the wellbeing benefits of yoga and meditation in the very same stay.

Hermosa Hermosa attracts experienced surfers from all over the world, but its not the place for beginners as the waves are consistently large. Its often quieter than some of the better-known beaches, but bear in mind that the sand here is black its best not to walk on it barefoot as it heats up quickly.

Caribbean Coast Lets move to the other side of the country and find out what Costa Ricas eastern coast has to offer its surfing visitors. Generally speaking, the Caribbean coast is said to offer a more laid-back vibe. The beaches here are known for their coral reefs rather than their giant rollers, with gentler waves that appeal to surfers first starting out. Thats not to say this coastline doesnt sometimes experience more substantial waves, and its worth consulting this wave height forecaster before visiting especially if youre a surfing novice.

Puerto Viejo Puerto Viejo is home to a great selection of restaurants and bars while preserving a relaxed vibe. Surfers head to Puerto Viejo to enjoy the surf and soak up its colorful architecture, lively markets, and abundant wildlife. Puerto Viejo can be prone to some more lively waves, so its a good place for more experienced surfers to hone their skills.

Playa Chiquita Playa Chiquita blends natural beauty with an enviable laid-back atmosphere. Whats more, it enjoys a consistent, gentle swell, making it an excellent setting for beginners as well as others who perhaps need to hone their skills before heading westward to the Pacific! Playa Chiquita enjoys beautiful, lush surroundings, which only add to its allure. This unrivaled backdrop makes for an exhilarating place to unwind after a day enjoying the simple pleasures of riding the waves.

Whether youre after the adrenaline rush of larger, more spirited waves, or youre after a beginner-friendly destination, theres a Costa Rican surf beach for everyone. The only problem might be choosing where to head to first!

Read the original post:

Where are the best surf beaches in Costa Rica - TravelDailyNews International - TravelDailyNews International

Elon Musk's Twitter operations are still in free fall.

Earlier this week, the billionaire CEO sent an email to staff telling them that they "need to be extremely hardcore" and work long hours at the office, or quit and get three months severance, as The Washington Post reports.

Employees had until 5 pm on Thursday to click "yes" and be part of Twitter moving forward or take the money and part ways. The problem for Musk? According to former Uber engineer Gergely Orosz, who has had a close ear to Twitter's recent inner turmoil, "far fewer than expected [developers] hit 'yes.'"

So many employees called Musk's bluff, Orosz says, that Musk is now "having meetings with top engineers to convince them to stay," in an  embarrassing reversal of his public-facing bravado earlier this week.

Twitter has already been rocked by mass layoffs, cutting the workforce roughly in half. Instead of notifying them, employees had access to their email and work computers revoked without notice.

Even that process was bungled, too, with some employees immediately being asked to return to the company after Musk's crew realized it had sacked people it needed.

According to Orosz's estimations, Twitter's engineering workforce may have been cut by a whopping 90 percent in just three weeks.

Musk has been banging the war drums in an active attempt to weed out those who aren't willing to abide by his strict rules and those who were willing to stand up to him.

But developers aren't exactly embracing that kind of tyranny.

"Sounds like playing hardball does not work," Orosz said. "Of course it doesn't."

"From my larger group of 50 people, 10 are staying, 40 are taking the severance," one source reportedly told Orosz. "Elon set up meetings with a few who plan to quit."

In short, developers are running for the hills — and besides, they're likely to find far better work conditions pretty much anywhere else.

"I am not sure Elon realizes that, unlike rocket scientists, who have relatively few options to work at, [developers] with the experience of building Twitter only have better options than the conditions he outlines," Orosz argued.

Then there's the fact that Musk has publicly lashed out at engineers, mocking them and implying that they were leading him on.

Those who spoke out against him were summarily fired.

That kind of hostility in leadership — Musk has shown an astonishing lack of respect — clearly isn't sitting well with many developers, who have taken up his to get three months of severance and leave.

"I meant it when I called Elon's latest ultimatum the first truly positive thing about this Twitter saga," Orosz wrote. "Because finally, everyone who had enough of the BS and is not on a visa could finally quit."

More on Twitter: Sad Elon Musk Says He's Overwhelmed In Strange Interview After the Power Went Out

The post Panicked Elon Musk Reportedly Begging Engineers Not to Leave appeared first on Futurism.

Excerpt from:

Panicked Elon Musk Reportedly Begging Engineers Not to Leave

Floored Apes

The value of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs have absolutely plummeted, leaving celebrities with six figure losses, in a perhaps predictable conclusion to a bewildering trend.

Earlier this year, for instance, pop star Justin Bieber bought an Ape for a whopping $1.3 million. Now that the NFT economy has essentially collapsed in on itself, as Decrypt points out, it's worth a measly $69,000.

Demand Media

NFTs, which represent exclusive ownership rights to digital assets — but usually, underwhelmingly, just JPGs and GIFs — have absolutely plummeted in value, spurred by the ongoing crypto crisis and a vanishing appetite.

Sales volume of the blockchain knickknacks has also bottomed out. NFT sales declined for six straight months this year, according to CryptoSlam.

According to NFT Price Floor, the value of the cheapest available Bored Ape dipped down to just 48 ETH, well below $60,000, this week. In November so far, the floor price fell 33 percent.

Meanwhile, the crypto crash is only accelerating the trend, with the collapse of major cryptocurrency exchange FTX leaving its own mark on NFT markets.

Still Kicking

Despite the looming pessimism, plenty of Bored Apes are still being sold. In fact, according to Decrypt, around $6.5 million worth of Apes were moved on Tuesday alone, an increase of 135 percent day over day.

Is the end of the NFT nigh? Bored Apes are clearly worth a tiny fraction of what they once were, indicating a massive drop off in interest.

Yet many other much smaller NFT marketplaces are still able to generate plenty of hype, and millions of dollars in sales.

In other words, NFTs aren't likely to die out any time soon, but they are adapting to drastically changing market conditions — and leaving celebrities with deep losses in their questionable investments.

READ MORE: Justin Bieber Paid $1.3 Million for a Bored Ape NFT. It’s Now Worth $69K [Decrypt]

More on NFTs: The Latest Idea to Make People Actually Buy NFTs: Throw in a House

The post Celebrities' Bored Apes Are Hilariously Worthless Now appeared first on Futurism.

See original here:

Celebrities' Bored Apes Are Hilariously Worthless Now

Italian Import

Carbon dioxide has a bad rep for its role in driving climate change, but in an unexpected twist, it could also play a key role in storing renewable energy.

The world's first CO2 battery, built by Italian startup Energy Dome, promises to store renewables on an industrial scale, which could help green energy rival fossil fuels in terms of cost and practicality.

After successfully testing the battery at a small scale plant in Sardinia, the company is now bringing its technology to the United States.

"The US market is a primary market for Energy Dome and we are working to become a market leader in the US," an Energy Dome spokesperson told Electrek. "The huge demand of [long duration energy storage] and incentive mechanisms like the Inflation Reduction Act will be key drivers for the industry in the short term."

Storage Solution

As renewables like wind and solar grow, one of the biggest infrastructural obstacles is the storage of the power they produce. Since wind and solar sources aren't always going to be available, engineers need a way to save excess power for days when it's less sunny and windy out, or when there's simply more demand.

One obvious solution is to use conventional battery technology like lithium batteries, to store the energy. The problem is that building giant batteries from rare earth minerals — which can be prone to degradation over time — is expensive, not to mention wasteful.

Energy Dome's CO2 batteries, on the other hand, use mostly "readily available materials" like steel, water, and of course CO2.

In Charge

As its name suggests, the battery works by taking CO2, stored in a giant dome, and compressing it into a liquid by using the excess energy generated from a renewable source. That process generates heat, which is stored alongside the now liquefied CO2, "charging" the battery.

To discharge power, the stored heat is used to vaporize the liquid CO2 back into a gas, powering a turbine that feeds back into the power grid. Crucially, the whole process is self-contained, so no CO2 leaks back into the atmosphere.

The battery could be a game-changer for renewables. As of now, Energy Dome plans to build batteries that can store up to 200 MWh of energy. But we'll have to see how it performs as it gains traction.

More on batteries: Scientists Propose Turning Skyscrapers Into Massive Gravity Batteries

The post Startup Says It's Building a Giant CO2 Battery in the United States appeared first on Futurism.

Go here to see the original:

Startup Says It's Building a Giant CO2 Battery in the United States

Red Crew, Blue Crew

Had it not been for the heroics of three members of NASA's specialized "Red Crew," NASA's absolutely massive — and incredibly expensive — Space Launch System (SLS) likely wouldn't have made it off the ground this week.

During the launch, the painfully delayed Mega Moon Rocket sprang a hydrogen leak. The Red Crew ventured into the dangerous, half-loaded launch zone to fix it live. Incredible work indeed, although in spite of their heroics, keen-eyed observers did notice something strange about the so-called Red Crew: they, uh, don't wear red?

"How is it we spent $20B+ on this rocket," tweeted Chris Combs, a professor at the University of Texas San Antonio, "but we couldn't manage to get some RED SHIRTS for the Red Team."

Alas, the rumor is true. Red shirts seemed to be out of the budget this year — perhaps due to the ungodly amount of money spent on the rocket that these guys could have died while fixing — with the Red Crew-mates donning dark blue shirts instead. Per the NYT, they also drove white cars, which feels like an additional miss.

A leftover from last night that’s still bothering me:

how is it we spent $20B+ on this rocket but we couldn’t manage to get some RED SHIRTS for the Red Team pic.twitter.com/FO10Y6mg3H

— Chris Combs (@DrChrisCombs) November 16, 2022

Packing Nuts

For their part, the Red Crew didn't seem to care all that much, at least not in the moment. They were very much focused on needing to "torque" the "packing nuts," as they reportedly said during a post-launch interview on NASA TV. In other words, they were busy with your casual rocket science. And adrenaline, because, uh, risk of death.

"All I can say is we were very excited," Red Crew member Trent Annis told NASA TV, according to the NYT. "I was ready to get up there and go."

"We were very focused on what was happening up there," he added. "It's creaking, it's making venting noises, it's pretty scary."

In any case, shoutout to the Red Crew. The Artemis I liftoff is historic, and wouldn't have happened if they hadn't risked it all. They deserve a bonus, and at the very least? Some fresh new shirts.

READ MORE: When NASA'S moon rocket sprang a fuel leak, the launch team called in the 'red crew.' [The New York Times]

More on the Artemis I launch: Giant Nasa Rocket Blasts off Toward the Moon

The post Experts Baffled by Why NASA’s “Red Crew” Wear Blue Shirts appeared first on Futurism.

More here:

Experts Baffled by Why NASA’s “Red Crew” Wear Blue Shirts

Meat and Greet

Behold, ethical omnivores: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a key go-ahead to what could be the first lab grown meat product bound for human consumption in the US.

The decision, a first for cultivated meat in the US, paves the way for Californian startup Upside Foods to start selling its lab-grown chicken product domestically — meaning that now, it only needs approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) before the ersatz chicken can hit restaurant menus.

"The world is experiencing a food revolution and the [FDA] is committed to supporting innovation in the food supply," FDA officials said in a statement. "The agency evaluated the information submitted by Upside Foods as part of a pre-market consultation for their food made from cultured chicken cells and has no further questions at this time about the firm’s safety conclusion."

Upside Foods' products were evaluated via a process in which manufacturers divulge the production process to the agency for review, along with a sample. If everything looks good after inspection, the FDA then sends back a "no further questions" letter to the company.

"We are thrilled at FDA's announcement," said Upside director of communications David Kay in an email to Reuters. "This historic step paves the way for our path to market."

Going Protein

Lab meat like Upside's aren't a plant-based imitation, unlike popular vegan alternatives such as Beyond Burgers. Instead, they're made from real animal cells grown in bioreactors, sparing the lives of actual livestock.

But while at a cellular level the meat may be the same, customers will definitely notice a difference in price. For now, cultivating meat remains an extremely expensive process, so pending USDA approval notwithstanding, it could still be a while before you see it hit the shelves of your local grocer.

To let eager, early customers try out the lab meat, Upside, which already announced its collaboration with Michelin star chef Dominique Crenn last year, will be debuting its chicken at specific upscale restaurants.

"We would want to bring this to people through chefs in the initial stage," CEO Uma Valeti told Wired. "Getting chefs excited about this is a really big deal for us. We want to work with the best partners who know how to cook well, and also give us feedback on what we could do better."

While the FDA's thumbs-up only applies to a specific product of Upside's, it's still a historic decision, signalling a way forward for an industry that's rapidly accruing investment.

Updated to clarify details regarding the FDA's evaluation of the product.

More on lab grown meat: Scientists Cook Comically Tiny Lab-Grown Hamburger

The post FDA Gives First Go Ahead for Lab Grown Meat Product appeared first on Futurism.

Read this article:

FDA Gives First Go Ahead for Lab Grown Meat Product

Welp, that didn't take long. The first civil suit against the still-imploding crypto exchange FTX was just filed in a Florida court, accusing FTX, disgraced CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, and 11 of the exchange's many celebrity ambassadors of preying on "unsophisticated" retail investors.

The list of celeb defendants impressive — honestly, it reads more like an invite list to a posh award show than a lawsuit.

Geriatric quarterback Tom Brady and soon-to-be-ex-wife Gisele Bündchen lead the pack, followed by basketball players Steph Curry and Udonis Haslem, as well as the Golden State Warriors franchise; tennis star Naomi Osaka; baseballers Shoehi Ohtani, Udonis Haslem, and David Ortiz; and quarterback Trevor Laurence.

Also named is comedian Larry David — who starred in that FTX Super Bowl commercial that very specifically told investors that even if they didn't understand crypto, they should definitely invest — and investor Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank" fame.

"The Deceptive and failed FTX Platform," reads the suit," "was based upon false representations and deceptive conduct."

"Many incriminating FTX emails and texts... evidence how FTX’s fraudulent scheme was designed to take advantage of unsophisticated investors from across the country," it continues. "As a result, American consumers collectively sustained over $11 billion dollars in damages."

Indeed, a number of FTX promos embraced an attitude similar to the cursed Larry David commercial. In one, Steph Curry tells viewers that with FTX, there's no need to be an "expert," while a Naomi Osaka promotion pushed the idea that crypto trading should be "accessible," "easy," and "fun."

It's also worth noting that this isn't the first suit of its kind. Billionaire Mark Cuban, also of "Shark Tank" fame, was named in a class action lawsuit launched against the bankrupt lender Voyager in August, while reality TV star Kim Kardashian was recently made to pay a roughly $1.2 million fine for hawking the "EthereumMAX" token without disclosing that she was paid to do so.

The FTX suit, however, appears to be the most extensive — and high-profile — of its kind. And while a fine for a million or two is basically a one dollar bill to this tax bracket, $11 billion, even if split amongst a group of 11 exorbitantly wealthy celebs, is a more substantial chunk of change.

Of course, whether anyone actually ever has to pay up remains to be seen. Regardless, it's still a terrible look, and real people got hurt. If there's any defense here, though? At least they didn't promise to be experts.

READ MORE: FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried hit with class-action lawsuit that also names Brady, Bündchen, Shaq, Curry [Fox Business]

More on the FTX crash: Experts Say Sam Bankman-fried's Best Legal Defense Is to Say He's Just Really, Really Stupid

The post Celebrities Are Officially Being Sued by FTX Retail Investors appeared first on Futurism.

More here:

Celebrities Are Officially Being Sued by FTX Retail Investors