Hollywood, Florida: All America City and
one of Fodor's "Best Beaches for Families"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judy Erickson
Hollywood, Florida Office of Tourism
(954) 921-3478
Email: jerickson@hollywoodfl.org

What’s New in Hollywood

A naturally fun, affordable and accessible Florida beach destination

HOLLYWOOD, FL - Hollywood, Florida is a natural oasis in a thriving metropolis only 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and 20 minutes from Miami International Airport. Home to award-winning beaches, breathtaking nature areas, a vibrant Historic Downtown, full range of quality lodgings, and abundant recreational activities and entertainment offerings, Hollywood is an appealing seaside destination with unique natural, cultural and historical charms. From its scenic 2.5-mile pedestrian Broadwalk and 1,500-acre mangrove wetland preserve, to its wealth of eco-adventures and water sports, to year-round free concerts, festivals and cultural events, Hollywood is a value-driven, family-friendly destination with amenities to satisfy every interest and budget. Relax and recharge on one of Fodor's Travel Guide's 2009 "Best Beaches for Families" or in one of Hollywood's luxury resorts, boutique hotels, seaside inns or vacation apartments with all the comforts of home.

For all the latest details on what's new and exciting in this naturally fun, affordable and accessible Florida beach destination, be sure to check www.VisitHollywoodFL.org. Our online Travel Trade section (www.visithollywoodfl.org/traveltrade/meetings.aspx) features "Pre- and Post-Cruise," "Meeting Planners" and "Getting Here" pages to assist travelers, tour operators and meeting planners.

NEW THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

CITY EVALUATES PROPOSALS FOR JOHNSON STREET SITE - In March, an evaluation committee will review detailed proposals from four developers for the more than five acres of City-owned beachfront property at Johnson Street and A1A. In the spring of 2009, the City held a series of open community forums to discuss redevelopment goals for the site and unveiled a two-stage process to select a developer. The first stage focused on qualifications and developer strength. The second stage requires detailed proposals with architectural drawings, engineering and market studies, pro formas, rent schedules and more. In November, the City Commission approved four developers to continue to the second stage: Loveland Development, Margaritaville, Shefaor Development and Allied Capital. A web page keeps the public informed and the presentations have all been held in the Commission Chamber allowing anyone interested to follow along in the process. For more information log onto the City’s website, www.HollywoodFL.org, and click on Johnson St RFP under hot information.

TEMPORARY PARK OPENS ON JOHNSON STREET SITE - Seaside playgrounds, paved walking paths, shaded playgrounds and a ping pong table will transform the Johnson Street site into a recreational oasis until permanent redevelopment plans for the entire property unfold. This linear park will also include new lighting, landscaping and a modular public restroom. Two playgrounds, with a variety of exercise stations, will offer a safe, fun activity zone for kids of all ages. The existing Hollywood Beach Welcome Center will remain a depot for helpful information for residents and visitors alike. The adjacent Maurice Connell parking garage will benefit from cosmetic improvements, structural renovations and the refurbishment of its elevators. The adjacent parking lot is also being reconfigured for easier navigation, a shuttle stop and new lighting. These improvements will greatly enhance this site during the ongoing Johnson Street redevelopment process. The new equipment is all portable and will be relocated to other public areas once redevelopment of the site is set to begin. For more information on Hollywood parks, check out www.visithollywoodfl.org/nature_parks.aspx.

RAMADA BEACH RESORT HISTORIC RESTORATION – The historic Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort will begin the second phase of its $15 million renovation in summer 2010. The property was built in 1925 by the world renowned Rubish and Hunter architects in a style similar to the Mediterranean Revival Style popularized by Adison Mizner, the architect of the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach and the famed Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The first phase of the project began in September of 2008 and incorporated new hallways and doors, soffits, antique decorative lighting, paint, a beautiful pattered carpet and an historic photo gallery located on each floor. The lobby also received antique tin ceiling tiles and 1920’s period furniture and decorative lighting. The second phase, planned to begin in July 2010, will include the restoration of original architectural features, returning to the Mediterranean Revival style made popular by Palm Beach society architect Addison. The project will also include the installation of new hurricane impact windows. Portions of the property will be vacated during renovations to minimize disturbance to our valued guests. Information: www.ramadahbr.com.

VILLAGE AT GULFSTREAM PARK NOW OPEN - The Village at Gulfstream Park, South Florida's newest outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment destination, is now open for business. The Village at Gulfstream Park features fashion boutiques, home accessory stores, signature restaurants, outdoor cafés and sophisticated nightclubs. Noteworthy tenants include clothing retailers Fender Rock & Roll Religion, Martier and Vogue Couture; home furnishings stores such as Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm and The Container Store; an eclectic assortment of unique dining and entertainment experiences from around the world, and nightclubs Santanera and Greenhouse. The Village at Gulfstream Park is located adjacent to the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino on South Federal Highway in neighboring Hallandale Beach. Information: www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com.

GET YOUR GAME ON AT MICKEY BYRNE’S - Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub is named after an Irish sports legend, so it is fitting that sport is a big part of the pub experience. The pub features all the big sporting events including the NFL ticket, MLB ticket, College Football, NBA, USA Men’s Soccer, Champions League Soccer, and Magners League Rugby on its 100-inch HD big screen and six 50-inch HD flat screens. In March, rugby fans will enjoy Wales vs. Ireland on March 13 and England vs. France on March 20. Soccer fans will get their due when the pub hosts the UEFA Champions League Final on May 22. Information: www.mickeybyrnes.com.

SPRING EXHIBITIONS AT ART & CULTURE CENTER – Fine art will take many forms this spring at the Art & Culture Center of Hollywood. From March through May, artists from Haiti, Mexico and the U.S. will present fascinating exhibitions that present their unique visions in a variety of materials and forms. Haitian-born, Miami-based contemporary artist Adler Guerrier will create a new site-specific exhibition in the Center’s main gallery that will explore the effects of geography, politics, and history on Hollywood, Florida, and nearby environs. Doug Crocco will exhibit his highly detailed color pencil drawings that deal with cultural phenomena. Mexican artist Josafat Miranda will display his detailed mystic-themed drawings on canvas, wood, aluminum, paper, and cardboard. And collaborators Michael Balbone and Emily Martinez will showcase their works based primarily upon recycled components and found imagery. Information: 954-921-3274, www.artandculturecenter.org.

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE: COME EARLY, STAY LONGER

Hollywood’s proximity to one of the world’s busiest cruise ports makes it an ideal destination for pre- and post-cruise activities. Whether you have a few hours, or a few days between your flight and your cruise, Hollywood is perfectly situated just minutes from Port Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and offers one-of-a-kind ways to fill your days and nights with sun and fun. On the shore, or in the Downtown, find some time to find yourself in Hollywood, where vacation values await all around town. For more pre- and post-cruise offers, check out www.visithollywoodfl.org/pre-cruise.aspx.

MSC CRUISES OFFERS SPECIAL SPRING RATES - Celebrate spring with MSC Cruises onboard MSC Poesia for one of her Caribbean 7-night cruises to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, and Bermuda or a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas departing Port Everglades at a great rate of $419. Sailing dates include: March 6, 13, 27 and April 3, 10, 17, and 24. MSC Poesia sails her repositioning cruise on April 27, for an 18-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany. Information: www.msccruisesusa.com, or call 877-665-4655 to book a cruise.

ALLURE OF THE SEAS DEBUT SEASON NOW BOOKING - Royal Caribbean International announced that the first revenue voyage for Allure of the Seas' inaugural season, a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary sailing on December 5, 2010, is now open for booking. Guests on the inaugural voyage will be among the first to enjoy an exceptional vacation experience on the newest Oasis-class ship, featuring an array of exclusive onboard amenities, and premiering new, breathtaking high-diving, light and fountain shows in the AquaTheater and dazzling entertainment productions in the Opal Theater and Studio B ice-skating rink. Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sistership Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades. Information: www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

NEW AIRLIFT OPPORTUNITIES

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is expanding its offerings with new international flights to Germany, Colombia, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Montreal, and Toronto and domestic airlifts to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

CONDOR ADDS TWICE WEEKLY NON-STOP FLIGHTS TO GERMANY - Condor Airlines resumes Fort Lauderdale to Frankfurt, Germany service with twice weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning May 14, 2010. Three classes of service are available with a configuration of 18 Comfort Class, 35 Premium Economy class and 217 Economy seats. For more information or for immediate booking, visit www.condor.com or contact your travel agency.

SPIRIT LAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO COLOMBIA - Spirit Airlines is now offering non-stop service to Medellin and Armenia, Colombia. Spirit Airlines recently expanded its network of ultra low fares throughout the country of Colombia, making it the first airline to offer non-stop international service between Fort Lauderdale and Armenia, located in Colombia’s renowned coffee triangle. For more information visit the Spirit Airlines website at www.spiritair.com.

JETBLUE ADDS ROUTES TO NASSAU, CANCUN, SANTO DOMINGO - JetBlue Airways has added two daily nonstop flights to Cancun, Mexico, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Recently JetBlue, which offers non-stop flights from FLL to 18 destinations, began its international service from Fort Lauderdale with two daily flights to Nassau, Bahamas. For more information, visit www.jetblue.com.

AIRES EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TO COLOMBIA - Aires Airlines launched service to Bogota, Colombia and has announced it will add routes to Medellin and Cartagena in late 2010. Aires started its first route to the United States when it added the Bogota-Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood route in late 2009. For more info, visit www.aires.aero/Home/Default.aspx.

TRANSAT OFFERS SUMMER FLIGHTS FROM CANADA – Transat is now offering regular service to Montreal and Toronto from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. For more information, visit www.airtransat.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL (Anniversary Park, Hollywood Blvd. at 20th Ave., Sunday, March 14th, 12 noon - 6 p.m., Parade at 1 p.m.) - The St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival returns to Downtown Hollywood, featuring pipes and drums, marching bands, kids’ activities and of course Irish entertainment, food and drink. Information: 954-921-3404.

FISH TALES (ArtsPark at Young Circle, U.S. 1 & Hollywood Blvd., March 13, 2 p.m.) - Art and Culture Center of Hollywood's Family Friendly Performance series continues with Fish Tales, presented by Momentum Dance Company. Free admission. Information: 954-921- 3274.

ARTSPARK SYMPHONY SERIES (ArtsPark at Young Circle, U.S. 1 & Hollywood Blvd., March 28, April 11, May 2, 6 p.m.) - Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a magical twilight performance by The Symphony of the Americas, conducted by Dr. James Brooks-Bruzzese. Free admission. Information: 954-921-3500.

SEASIDE CRAFT FAIR (Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Saturday, April 17 to Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Enjoy the work of artisans from all over the country at this excellent oceanside craft fair on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Discover a wide variety of handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, wall art, personalized gifts and wall hangings, paintings, photography and much more. An expansive Green Market features plants, orchids and homemade soaps. Free admission. Information: www.artfestival.com.

EXPO ALFRESCO (ArtsPark at Young Circle, U.S. 1 & Hollywood Blvd., April 28, 5 - 8 p.m.) - Hollywood's largest networking and food tasting event brings a tantalizing sampling of the area’s finest restaurants to the ArtsPark. Bring an appetite! Presented by the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $15. Information: 954-923-4000.

PRO FOOTVOLLEY TOUR 2010 HOLLYWOOD BEACH OPEN (Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 9, 12 noon - 6 p.m.) The world’s most spectacular professional footvolley event returns to Hollywood Beach this May. The internationally televised event will attract amazing athletes from all over the world to compete for the grand prize. Footvolley, a fast-paced Brazilian hybrid of volleyball and soccer born on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, is growing in popularity and is expected to attract thousands of fans from South Florida’s vibrant sports and cultural community. Don’t miss this exciting international event, taking place during Mother’s Day Weekend in beautiful Hollywood Beach. Information: 954-921-3404, www.footvolley.net.

NEW BUSINESSES IN HOLLYWOOD

Florida fashion, furniture, framing, function space and fine cuisine are all represented in a crop of stylish new retail businesses that recently opened their doors in Hollywood. These hip new hot spots have joined the unique boutiques and irresistible restaurants that call Hollywood home. The cream of the new crop is listed below:

Art Project Gallery, Framing & Décor provides everything an artist or art-lover needs at 2000 Harrison Street. Information: 954- 455-5594.

Brasserie Chow offers fine food and refreshments at 1925 Hollywood Boulevard. Information: 954-924-4440.

Hollywood Events, a venue for special events of every variety, will host its grand opening on in March at the Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel, 101 N. Ocean Drive. Hollywood Events has seating capacity up to 100 or 150 for cocktails, dancing. Information: 954-549-8602, itsallaboutyouevents@gmail.com.

Ikos Design specializes in stylish furniture at 1916 Hollywood Boulevard. Information: 954-367-3785.

Voom Voom Style provides innovative women’s fashions at 1937 Hollywood Boulevard. Information: 954-925-4520.

About Hollywood, Florida
Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood, Florida, the 2007 All-America City and one of Fodor's 2009 "Best Beaches for Families," is a desirable year-round destination offering more than 5,000 hotel rooms at a variety of hotels, resorts and Superior Small Lodgings. Minutes away from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport and home to Port Everglades, the largest cruise port in the world, Hollywood visitors enjoy seven miles of Blue Wave beaches; a two-and-a-half-mile European-style Broadwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, boutique and full-service hotels and resorts as well as vacation apartments facing the ocean; a revitalized Historic Downtown Hollywood and new ArtsPark at Young Circle; and an array of activities including first-class shopping, waterfront, nature and dining experiences. For more information about Hollywood, FL, contact the Hollywood Office of Tourism at (877) 672-2468 or visit www.visithollywoodfl.org.