Florida Tourism and Travel

Miami, FL - The luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Miami is proud to announce the availability of two travel packages in which visitors can explore the world-famous South Beach Miami nightlife. Miami certainly offers fun in the sun, but as the “glitterati” know, the real fun happens when the sun goes down. With this in mind, Mandarin Oriental, Miami introduces Miami Nights and the ultra extravagant Ultimate Miami Nights, two exciting travel packages for guests to enjoy Miami’s legendary nightlife scene with the possibility to mingle with celebrities and alluring locals alike.

“Miami’s hottest nightspots are always changing and improving to stay on top of the scene. You just need to know where to go, and that’s where I come in,” said Pedro Campos, Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s VIP Nightlife guide. “These travel packages are the perfect opportunity to experience the best of what Miami has to offer all in one night, along with a host of sexy extras.”

(more…)

Key West, Florida Keys - The schedule includes readings and presentations, a book signing by author and illustrator Edward Hemingway, a world-premiere play reading and the announcement of the winners of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.

Lorian Hemingway, critically acclaimed author of “Walking Into the River,” “Walk on Water” and “A World Turned Over,” also is a journalist whose work has appeared in publications including “GQ,” “Rolling Stone” and “Esquire” magazines.

A granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, she has directed the short story competition since its inception in 1981. The literary contest was created to recognize and support the talents of emerging writers.

Lorian Hemingway plans to announce the winners of the Hemingway Days 2008 at 8 p.m. Friday, July 18. The first-place writer is to receive $1,000, while second- and third-place winners are awarded $500 each and others receive honorable mentions.

The awards announcement reception is scheduled to take place at Ernest Hemingway’s first Key West residence, Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St. Completely restored since Hemingway’s era, the property is a showplace with a soaring central atrium garden open to the sky. Owners Tom Oosterhoudt and his mother, Mary Ann Worth, are longtime supporters of the arts who open their home each year to sponsor and host the short story events.

The awards reception is to include a reading of the winning entry, a presentation on Casa Antigua’s unique history by Tom Oosterhoudt and tours of the property. Admission is free.

Another scheduled Hemingway Days literary highlight is a book signing and reception celebrating the release of “Bump in the Night,” a children’s book written and illustrated by Edward Hemingway, Ernest’s youngest grandson.

The event is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in the colorful outdoor courtyard of Key West’s landmark Blue Heaven restaurant and bar, 729 Thomas St. Blue Heaven is located on the former site of a boxing ring where Ernest Hemingway refereed neighborhood matches when he lived in the The Hemingway Home In Key West Florida.

“Bump in the Night” features blue-hued retro-style illustrations, an appealing young hero, humor and a reassuring message that debunks childhood fears. Edward Hemingway’s previous writing and illustrations have appeared in “Gourmet,” “GQ” and “Nickelodeon” magazines, among other outlets.

The Blue Heaven reception will feature light refreshments. Admission is free to kids, grownups and everyone who wants to find out why there’s no need to fear a “Bump in the Night.”

Writers and photographers whose work has been influenced by Key West are to star at an evening of readings, presentations and discussions Wednesday, July 16. Scheduled for 8 p.m., the literary evening is hosted by Wyland Galleries of Key West and takes place at Wyland’s 623 Duval St. gallery.

Notable participants include Lorian Hemingway, treasure-diving photographer and writer Don Kincaid, who played a pivotal role in the discovery of the shipwrecked Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha off Key West; author/photographer and expert angler Jeffrey Cardenas, whose books “Sea Level” and “Marquesa: A Time & Place with Fish,” blend natural history and fishing reminiscences; and writer, artist and writing coach Cricket Desmarais, editor of Key West’s acclaimed literary/art annual “the secret of salt: an indigenous journal.”

“Voices, Places, Inspirations” features a reception where attendees can mingle with presenters and discover the work of marine life artist Wyland and his creative contemporaries. Admission is free.

The world-premiere reading of “Storm Surge” by Southern playwright Hubert Grissom is planned for Thursday, July 17. The offbeat comedy-drama touches on drag antics, the Hemingway family legacy, struggles with relationships and addiction, a set of mismatched twins and the puzzle of gender identity.

An attorney as well as a playwright, Grissom is a longtime Hemingway Days in Key West contributor. In 2004, the festival schedule included a reading of “Code BapBomb,” his best-known Civil Rights-themed play.

The curtain goes up on the reading of “Storm Surge” at 8 p.m. Thursday at Key West’s Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. Admission is free.

For information about the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition and other literary events during Hemingway Days, call (305) 294-0320.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539).

Jennifer Hudson sparkles on the red carpet and gives stunning performance to ring-in the New Year;
Acclaimed actor and host Dylan McDermott introduces an evening of Hollywood entertainment

Miami Beach, FL – The SETAI, the luxurious Asian-inspired resort in the heart of South Beach, went beyond all expectations for its “Beyond Paradise” New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night.

Award-winning actor and singer Jennifer Hudson made a grand entrance on to the red carpet with her family and entourage, as the featured performer for the night, in a form-fitting, two-piece, winter white skirt suit by Donna Karan. Jennifer dazzled in front of the world’s media, wearing more than $150,000 in jewels. The brandishing beauty of bling gave photographers an extra special treat when she showed off a $55,000 7.5-carat, platinum-and-diamond watch provided for the night by Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches. Hudson also wore a 36-carat, 3.5-inch-wide diamond cuff bracelet in a floral design; a 10-carat butterfly-shaped diamond ring and beautiful eight-carat diamond drop earrings — all by Rosalina (designed by Rosalina Lydster). Acclaimed Hollywood actor Dylan McDermott (The Pratice, Steel Magnolias) also arrived on to a packed red carpet shortly after in a navy blue Marc Jacobs suit, as the host for the evening of celeb-studded entertainment.

“I’m so thrilled to be performing at The SETAI for such a prestigious New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Hudson. “My New Year’s resolution is to focus more and always be happy, even though I work all the time,” added the Dreamgirls star when asked what her wishes were for 2008.

For the Lagoon Dinner Dance, McDermott took to the stage to introduce Hudson at 11:30 p.m. in front of a capacity crowd who enjoyed an extravagant five-course meal, prepared by The SETAI’s acclaimed Executive Chef Jonathan Wright, that included Crispy Peking Duck Salad, Ostera Caviar and Scrambled Eggs, Miso Caramelized Black Cod, Steamed Langoustine Har Gau, and Roasted Wagyu Tenderloin with Maine Lobster Ravioli and Baby Turnips — finishing with a delightful array of desserts that included Croustillant of Dark Chocolate, Mango and Ginger Pâté de Fruit and Rosewater Turkish Delight. For the highly anticipated live show, Hudson changed her attire into a snug, fire-engine red, below-the-knee sleeveless dress with plunging décolleté, by Donna Karan. Hudson humored the audience as she performed four tracks from her upcoming album, including the number-one track “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” from the hit movie Dreamgirls. A champagne toast at midnight shortly followed to the sound of exploding fireworks over the Oceanside beachfront located behind the hotel.

Guests then moved on to the Beyond Paradise late night soirée with renowned international DJ Sky Nellor. Esteemed event producer Michael Stern and his team transformed the hotel courtyard into a seductive, scarlet-washed nightclub filling three areas of the property: The Halle, Courtyard and Z-Zone Lounge. This ultra-VIP party, set in a jungle-themed setting, featured live performances by caged “bird” dancers and a Zen-like DJ. For The Beyond Paradise Party Countdown, diva dance queen and musical artist Wunmi rang-in the New Year with an Afro–fusion musical and dance performance complete with a four-piece orchestra. Shortly after, McDermott introduced the beats of club queen DJ Sky Nellor who filled the air with love, lust and high-energy until 3:00 a.m.

The SETAI’s Beyond Paradise New Year’s Eve celebration was sponsored by Haute Living magazine, DKNY and Knights Head beer, with jewelry provided to Jennifer Hudson by Rosalina and Armaan Swiss Diamond Watches.