STM Blog
The Palm Beaches: Unforgettable Upgrades for 2024
“Experience the enhanced Palm Beaches with new developments, upgraded amenities, and unforgettable visitor experiences in 2024. Discover Southeast Florida’s vibrant gem!”
Last Updated on June 29, 2024 by Daily News Staff
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beaches, America’s First Resort Destination®, is gearing up to offer visitors an unforgettable vacation experience in 2024. With a commitment to enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere, the region is investing over $1 billion in new developments, ensuring that tourists have access to the best of what this Southeast Florida paradise has to offer.
One of the key highlights of the Palm Beaches’ transformation is the influx of new and revamped hotels. Visitors can look forward to chic and luxurious accommodations that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From boutique hotels to high-end resorts, there will be something for everyone, promising an unparalleled level of comfort and style.
In addition to top-notch lodging options, the region is also embracing the culinary scene with cutting-edge dining experiences. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the array of innovative restaurants and eateries that will showcase the diverse flavors and cuisines of the Palm Beaches. Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-starred meal or a casual beachfront dining experience, the options are endless.
Furthermore, the Palm Beaches are dedicated to providing an array of enticing attractions for visitors to enjoy. From world-class golf courses and pristine beaches to cultural landmarks and vibrant entertainment districts, there will be no shortage of activities to keep tourists engaged and captivated.
To ensure convenient access to these exciting developments, transportation options are being enhanced. Whether you choose to fly into Palm Beach International Airport or arrive by car, improved infrastructure and transportation services will make it easier than ever to explore the region and its myriad offerings.
As 2024 approaches, the Palm Beaches are poised to deliver an enhanced and unforgettable visitor experience. With new developments, upgraded amenities, and a commitment to excellence, this iconic destination is ready to welcome travelers from around the globe. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a taste of luxury, the Palm Beaches will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
Several prominent resorts and hotels in The Palm Beaches are undergoing substantial transformations, amplifying the guest experience.
- Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa recently completed an extensive renovation, unveiling 175 revamped guest rooms and suites, upgraded banquet spaces, and the all-new Latitudes restaurant, accompanied by a variety of amenities, including a dedicated kids club.
- Hilton West Palm Beach, adjacent to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, is on track for a grand reopening in November following a $25 million renovation, encompassing refreshed guestrooms, revamped dining options like the Galley with an exciting new menu, an inviting pool deck, added cabanas, a stylish lobby bar, and wellness activities.
- Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa, nestled along the south Palm Beach waterfront, is also preparing to reopen this November following a $20 million renovation, focusing on modernized guest rooms, updated dining venues, and refreshed common areas.
- Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar renovation slated for completion later this year, embracing a contemporary open-space layout while modernizing its restaurant, lobby, marketplace, bar, and lounge.
- Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Palm Beaches Resort is set to redefine luxury, re-emerging in January 2024 as “The Singer Oceanfront Resort,” complete with rejuvenated guestrooms, innovative dining concepts, enhanced meeting spaces, and a picturesque beachfront bar.
- Flagler Club at The Breakers Palm Beach will unveil a luxurious makeover this fall, promising an ultra-luxury boutique experience with a modern aesthetic by esteemed atelier Tihany Design and exclusive guest benefits, including dedicated staff, complimentary transportation, exclusive food and beverage options, and more poised to elevate and enrich the guest experience.
Exciting updates also await guests in The Palm Beaches this season, as several hoteliers unveil enticing offerings.
- PGA National Resort leads the way with a new charter boat, beekeeping experience, pickleball courts, and rejuvenating spa treatments.
- The Colony Hotel introduces the goop Villa, a collaboration with Gwyneth Paltrow’s brand and Ronen Lev, offering a revitalizing escape complete with goop beauty products and special menu options at the Pink Paradise Café and Swifty’s Restaurant.
- AKA West Palm presents Body+Beauty Lab med spa for exclusive cosmetic treatments, while even furry companions can indulge in the recently opened AKA Pet Spa, powered by D is for Dog.
TEEING UP NEW EXPERIENCES IN FLORIDA’S ACCLAIMED GOLF CAPITAL
- The Park, West Palm Beach’s latest 200-acre public golf haven, recently opened, featuring a nine-hole par three course, an 18-hole putting course, a kids-only golf area, and a cutting-edge two-sided driving range with Top Tracer technology, designed pro bono by PGA Tour Coach, Darren May.
- Via Mizner Golf & City Club, the all-new private club in Boca Raton, offers two refined member experiences – a Jack Nicklaus Signature course with 18 championship holes at The Golf Club and an exclusive hub for social gatherings and upscale relaxation at The City Club.
- PopStroke, an extraordinary mini-golf experience backed by Tiger Woods, introduces three state-of-the-art locations in Delray Beach (2023), West Palm Beach (2024), and Wellington (2024), featuring synthetic turf putting courses with fairways and bunkers akin to traditional golf courses.
- TGL, a pioneering golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR, promises a new dimension in golf entertainment that will revolutionize the sport, focusing on innovation, technology, and engaging fan experiences. The purpose-built SoFi Center at Palm Beach State College will serve as a groundbreaking venue, seamlessly blending a data-rich virtual course with a one-of-a-kind short game complex, offering a distinctive and immersive experience for both on-site spectators and viewers worldwide.
A VIBRANT ARRAY OF ART AND ATTRACTIONS
- The Norton Museum of Art will delve into impressionist and modern masterpieces at the “Artists in Motion: Impressionist and Modern Masterpieces from the Pearlman Collection” exhibit, now through Feb 18, 2024.
- The Flagler Museum will present the evolution of technology through time with “Bicycles: Technology that Changed the World” and the Art Nouveau aesthetic with “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau,” now through Dec. 17, 2023.
- The Historical Society of Palm Beach County will present “Endless Summer: Palm Beach Resort Wear” at The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, exploring The Palm Beaches’ impact on fashion history, Nov. 9 through May 25, 2024.
- Mounts Botanical Garden will enchant visitors with “Origami in the Garden,” an artistic marvel by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box, featuring 20 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the ancient Japanese art of origami coming Jan. 7 to May 12, 2024.
- Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at Abramson & Schlaggar Reserve expands to a larger location in Jupiter Farms, a testament to their commitment to wildlife conservation and education. The newly opened facility is a haven designed to elevate the visitor experience, featuring spacious habitats, interactive exhibits, and a fully equipped wildlife rehab center, ensuring the utmost care for the animals under their protection.
- The Royal Poinciana Plaza Après Beach gives the après scene a Palm Beach twist on Sunday afternoons this season, starting November through January, with cabanas styled by Royal retailers amidst a lush courtyard complete with bubbles, bites, and beats.
A SIZZLING CULINARY SCENE
- The James Beard Award‘s ‘Best Chef’ in the South category for 2023 honored five new Palm Beach County chefs as semifinalists for the coveted award. Adding to an already impressive list of award-winning chefs, the distinguished chefs making this prestigious list include Jeremy and Cindy Bearman of Oceano Kitchen, the creative genius Rick Mace of Tropical Smokehouse, the culinary virtuoso Pushkar Marathe of Stage Kitchen & Bar, and the exceptional Lojo Washington of Queen of Sheeba.
- The Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival is the ultimate treat for avid food enthusiasts, set to dazzle with a four-day extravaganza of culinary delights from Dec. 7-10. The 16th annual festival is now partnering with Wine Spectator to increase its wine capabilities with more than 60 wine tables at the popular Grand Tasting event, is hosting seven new events in 2023, and is expanding its footprint throughout The Palm Beaches with a kick-off party in Boca Raton.
- Café Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud’s famed Palm Beach outpost, now offers daily afternoon tea with a French twist featuring a picturesque setting with a menu of Instagram-worthy specialty teas, mini madeleines, and scones, as well as mouthwatering and perfectly proportioned savory and sweet bites, thoughtfully fashioned by Executive Pastry Chef Julie Franceschini.
- The Palm Beaches are buzzing with the arrival of over a dozen new culinary hotspots including The Jupiter Grill by the celebrated Chef Paul Niedermann, winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” in 2012, The House, a culinary jewel nestled within The Park, West Palm Beach’s latest golf haven, under the guidance of top chef Jason Van Bomel, and Pink Steak a modern steakhouse in West Palm Beach with a retro-chic Florida vibe by Julien Gremaud, the creative mind behind the beloved Avocado Grill.
- Highly-acclaimed New York transplants are also making a mark, including Harry’s, Adrienne’s Pizzabar and Felice at The Square in West Palm Beach, Gallaghers Steakhouse in Boca Raton, and soon, Campi by acclaimed restaurateur Curt Huegel at The Ray Hotel in Delray Beach. Additional famed eateries from the northeast set to open in 2024 include Tutto Mare, a Mediterranean concept by the Tutto il Giorno restaurant group that will open at The Royal Poinciana Plaza as Palm Beach’s first and only intra-coastal waterfront destination, and Maman, a French café and bakery at The Square.
- More fresh dining experiences on the menu for 2024 include Limani Grille and Madame Tang’s at Town Center at Boca Raton, and a host of enticing concepts at Restaurant Row in Boca Raton, including Pubbelly Sushi, El Camino, Fiolina Pasta House led by Michelin-star chef Fabio Trabocchi, and Shabibi, a Lebanese-inspired culinary gem by chef Ralph Pagano of Naked Taco restaurants.
ARRIVE WITH EASE & STYLE
- Brightline, the epitome of modern, eco-conscious intercity rail in the U.S., recently extended its services to and from Orlando International Airport. This novel connectivity now effortlessly links West Palm Beach and Boca Raton with vibrant cities from Orlando to South Florida—Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale—ushering in unparalleled ease of exploration for travelers.
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) To meet the demand, the airport is undergoing a multi-million-dollar project at Concourse B, part of a phased modernization program for PBI. The first phase will include a new 3,000-square-foot restaurant and restroom expansion. Other updates will consist of an overall refresh, an integrated nursing suite, a sensory room to create a calming space for travelers with autism and more. To view returning and seasonal flights visit https://www.pbia.org/airservice.
SOURCE Discover The Palm Beaches, PR Newswire
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle
The Knowledge
So, Here’s the Story of Mound Bayou, Mississippi
Discover the inspiring history of Mound Bayou, Mississippi — one of America’s most successful Black-founded towns and a symbol of resilience, freedom, and progress.
Last Updated on June 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Did you know there was once a thriving Black-founded town in the Mississippi Delta built on the dream of freedom, self-reliance, and opportunity?
Mound Bayou
Founded in 1887 by Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin T. Green, Mound Bayou, Mississippi became one of the most successful all-Black communities in American history. Established just decades after the Civil War, the town represented hope during a time when racial segregation and violence dominated much of the South.
Mound Bayou quickly grew into a center of Black business, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Residents built schools, churches, newspapers, banks, and medical facilities, proving that economic independence and community leadership could flourish despite enormous challenges.
The city even gained national attention from leaders like Booker T. Washington and President Theodore Roosevelt, who recognized Mound Bayou as a symbol of progress and determination.
During the Civil Rights era, the town also played a role in the fight for justice, particularly through the work of Dr. T.R.M. Howard following the murder of Emmett Till.
Today, Mound Bayou stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a chapter of American history that deserves far more recognition.
Now you know.
Here are some related article links you can include at the bottom of your STM Daily News post for further reading:
Related Articles & Further Reading
• The Official History of Mound Bayou
https://www.cityofmoundbayou.com/our-history
• Mound Bayou: The Historic Black Community in Mississippi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mound_Bayou,_Mississippi
• The Historic Bank of Mound Bayou
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_Mound_Bayou
• The Legacy of Dr. T.R.M. Howard and Civil Rights Activism
https://www.cityofmoundbayou.com/our-history
• How Mound Bayou Became Known as “The Jewel of the Delta”
https://cityofmoundbayou.com/
• Community Discussion About Mound Bayou’s History
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackHistoryPhotos/comments/1ta0r2e/famous_allblack_american_cities_towns_mound_bayou/
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Entertainment
Life isn’t all diamonds – money and fame don’t shield the many ‘Real Housewives’ facing criminal charges
“The Real Housewives” is more than messy drama—it’s a crash course in real-world crime, as cast members face charges from DUIs and theft to fraud, assault, and federal prison.
C. Clare Strange, Drexel University
“The Real Housewives” reality TV series, which showcases the lives of a rotating cast of wealthy women in 11 cities in the U.S. and places in several other countries, is famous for its characters’ over-the-top drama and messy personal antics.
But there are also useful lessons that the characters’ lives and frequent run-ins with the law offer to casual observers and criminology students alike.
I developed the idea for The Real Housewives of Criminology course when I heard a story on NPR in 2023 about how the Bravo Network franchise was becoming more like a true-crime TV series.
Jen Shah, a cast member from “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” had recently been sentenced to six years in federal prison for her role in a nationwide telemarketing scheme – but she wasn’t the only one on the show who met such a fate.
Many people who appear on “Housewives” share a real-life penchant for crime – from driving-under-the-influence charges and theft to fraud and assault.
During any given episode, viewers may find “Housewives” stars and their families navigating the fallout – from court dates to public shaming.
I realized that these scenes illustrate core concepts from criminal justice theory and practice as well as any textbook.
A window into the course
The course examines the criminal cases of the “Housewives” and compares them to those of the general public.
Students discuss how factors such as social class, age and race can impact people’s experiences with the justice system. At the same time, they come to understand that factors such as how serious a crime is, a person’s criminal history and the harm done to victims tend to drive case outcomes more than any other factor.
I believe that this course is especially relevant now, because it is increasingly common for undergraduate students to consume news about crime and punishment from streaming platforms and social media.
It seems there is a new “Housewife” arrest every several months, which brings with it new circumstances and a new case study to dissect.
Critical lessons
One key takeaway from the course is that there are many meaningful differences – and similarities – between the criminal cases shown in “Housewives” and those of most people.
While money and power can often go a long way in fighting a criminal conviction, sometimes they fall short when the harm to victims or society is too great, or the pattern of behavior is too obvious.
Many “Housewives” stars and their families have learned this lesson the hard way.
Read along
This course requires students to view footage from “The Real Housewives,” read peer-reviewed criminological research, and listen to podcast episodes from “The Bravo Docket.”
We even read book chapters straight from some of the Housewives’ memoirs. All of this culminates in a “Final Reunion,” meaning a final verbal exam for students, in which they embody one of the “Housewives” cast members and answer questions from me – dressed as host Andy Cohen – about their criminal cases.
Real takeaways
While the court of public opinion tends to quickly draw conclusions from limited information, my honors students learn that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the U.S. justice system.
The Real Housewives of Criminology helps them to navigate the nuance beneath the headlines about popular crime news stories, in and beyond the “Bravosphere.”
C. Clare Strange, Assistant Research Professor of Criminology and Justice Studies, Drexel University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Blog
The Substitute Teacher Who Wanted Blueprints of Our House
A fifth-grade assignment took a strange turn when a substitute teacher asked students to draw schematics of their homes. What followed — a wildly fictional floor plan and a priceless reaction from my mom — turned into one of my funniest childhood memories.
Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The Substitute Teacher Who Wanted Blueprints of Our House
Elementary school memories tend to blend together — cafeteria pizza, playground arguments, the eternal struggle of times tables — but every once in a while, something happens that sticks with you for life. For me, that moment came in the fifth grade during a week when our regular teacher was out, and we cycled through substitute teachers like we were testing models for durability.
By midweek, in walked a substitute with a mysterious, slightly intense energy — the kind of vibe that suggested he either meditated at dawn or worked a graveyard shift doing something he couldn’t talk about. We settled into our seats, expecting worksheets or quiet reading time.
But nope.
He had other plans.
“Today,” he announced, “we’re going to draw schematics of our houses.”
Schematics. Not drawings. Not little houses with smoke coming out of the chimney. Actual blueprint-style schematics. He wanted the layout of our bedrooms, our parents’ rooms, and where the pets slept. Every detail.
Now, to be fair, Highlights Magazine did have a feature that month teaching kids how to draw floor plans. So maybe he was just a bit overenthusiastic about cross-curricular learning. Or maybe — and this is my completely rhetorical adult theory — he worked the graveyard shift as a cat burglar gathering intel between heists. Just moonlighting between blueprints.
While the rest of the class tried their best to recreate their actual homes, my imagination sprinted in a totally different direction. The house I drew had:
- A massive master bedroom with an oversized bathroom for my parents
- Separate bedrooms for us kids on the opposite side of the house
- A kitchen placed right in the center like a command center
- And the dog — the true VIP — had a luxurious two-story doghouse
I had basically created a dream home designed by a 10-year-old watching too much Fantasy Homes by the Yard.
Later that day, my mom asked the usual question: “So, what did you guys do today?”
“We drew schematics of our house,” I said casually.
The look on her face was instant and intense. She wasn’t panicked, but there was definitely a “Why does a substitute teacher need to know the exact layout of my home?” expression happening. Parental instincts activated.
But then I showed her my diagram.
She stared at it. Blinked. Then sighed with massive relief.
“This isn’t our house,” she said.
“Nope! I made it up,” I replied proudly.
Her shoulders relaxed so much she probably lost five pounds of tension in one instant. If the substitute was secretly planning a heist, my masterpiece of misinformation would have sent him to the wrong house entirely.
Looking back, the whole moment feels like a sitcom setup — a mysterious substitute collecting “house schematics,” me creating a completely fictional piece of architecture, and my mom going on a full emotional journey in under 30 seconds.
Maybe he was just excited about the Highlights Magazine floor-plan activity. Or maybe — just maybe — he moonlighted in cat burglary. We’ll never know.
But if he was, I like to think I threw him completely off the scent.
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