July 2016

2016 has been a record setting year for loggerhead turlte nests at MacArthur Park.

1,762 nests inhabit the 1.6 miles of beach just to the north of Singer Island. That number surpasses the previous record of 1,675 nests that were found at the park in 2012. Since loggerheads return to where they were born when they turn 25, that means the turtles that are currently laying the eggs were born at MacArthur park in the early 1990s. Each turtle can lay up to 125 eggs that take about two months to hatch.

MacArthur Park is not the only sea turtle nesting area that is seeing record numbers. Biologists at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center just up the road in Juno Beach are also reporting a record number of loggerhead turtle nests along their 10 mile stretch

On Saturday, July 30th MacArthur Park will be holding a butterfly walk.

The walk will take guests through one of South Florida's last remaining hardwood hammocks and will feature several species of butterflies to observe and identify. In addition, those participating will be able to learn what plants attract which species of butterflies to their backyard. The walk begins at 11am and is free with park admission, although a reservation is required. Guests should bring binoculars or they can rent them from the gift shop.

MacArthur Park is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lake Worth Lagoon on the northen end of Singer Island. The Park is 438 acres of natural environments, including seven species of plants and twenty-two species of animals

A new marine superstore is coming to the Singer Island area next week.

Nautical Ventures will be opening its newest location in Riviera Beach on July 25th. The Riviera Beach location will be the company's third in South Florida, joining its original store in Dania Beach and its other Palm Beach County location in North Palm Beach at the Northlake Marina. The company said their decision to open another location so close to the North Palm Beach store was due to the expansion of the nearby Riviera Beach Marina and Rybovich Yachting Center.

"Our proximity to the new Riviera Beach Marina and Rybovich will provide area yards and captains with a convenient supplier for yacht tenders and service, especially through our partnership with Novurania and our

Photo courtesy of: www.flickr.com/photos/109715776@N05

The newly renovated Riviera Marina is about to get its first tenant!

Rafiki Tiki is set to open this fall at the Riviera Beach Marina Event Center and will offer both indoor and outdoor seating near the Intracoastal. The restaurant will be locally owned and operated by Demetri Solloum. Solloum is a longtime business owner in the area. He operates a large catering company in Riviera Beach and also owned the Citgo gas station on Blue Heron.

"It has been our goal from the beginning of this project to provide opportunities for Riviera Beach residents and business owners, and we welcome Mr. Solloum to Marina Village with great enthusiasm,” said Tony Brown, executive director of the Riviera Beach

The Ana Cecilia once brought humanitarian supplies from Miami to Cuba. More recently, it was used to smuggle drugs into the United States from Cuba. As of Wednesday, it will now be home to sea life just off the coast of the Singer Island.

The 170 foot cargo ship was sunk Wednesday morning after a crew unplugged eight of its portholes. It took about 15 minutes to seek the 85 feet to the bottom of the ocean and will now serve as an artificial reed, diving attraction, and underwater memorial.

"It gives me great pleasure knowing that a cargo ship once used to smuggle illicit drugs into our country is now being turned into an artificial reef here in Florida," said Diane Sabatino, director of field operations for Miami and Tampa for U.S. Customs and

Doris Italian Market and Bakery held a Food & Wine Gala on June 17th, raising over $1300 for the Center for Creative Education in Palm Beach County. The nonproit organization was created more than 20 years ago in order to strengthen the presence of art in classrooms.

“We were so excited to introduce our Wine & Food Galas to North Palm Beach for the first time,” said John Alfano, president and CEO the Hollywood, Fla.-based specialty food store. “Partnering with the Center for Creative Education not only let us raise funds for an incredible charity, but also gave us the opportunity to meet some of the great people in the community."

Doris Italian Market is located just over the bridge from Singer Island in North Palm Beach. While Doris is new to the

4th of July weekend is a fun time to fire up the grills, get the boats in the water, and enjoy a long weekend taking advantage of the South Florida summer. If you are looking for some fun land based activities though, here are some fun things going on in the area this weekend:

Meet King Henry: On Sunday afternoon, you can meet, and learn about the habits of King Henry, MacArthur Park's resident snake. The presentation is free with the cost of vehicle admission to the park and begins at 2pm.

Fireworks, Fireworks, Fireworks: If you are looking for a good spot to watch fireworks Monday night, there are plenty of options to choose from. The famous 4th on Flagler in downtown West Palm Beach gets going at 5pm and features three stages of