Paddleboarders make 82-mile journey from Bimini to Lake Worth Beach for cystic fibrosis
Hundreds of paddleboarders completed and 82-mile journey from Bimini to Lake Worth Beach to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis.
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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like
I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like originally appeared on Parade. When I pulled up to the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, I knew that I'd found the perfect hotel that seamlessly mirrored my personality and overall vibe. The striking architectural design and aesthetically pleasing pale pink facade signaled to my senses that I'd finally found my happy place. As I stepped inside the super luxe lobby, every stress melted away. I was instantly transported to a pink paradise that would be my home away from home for the next three days. Popular for girls' trips, bachelorette weekends, and die-hard Barbiecore fans who dream of staying in a pink hotel, this boutique property reigns supreme. It looks like something right out of Kristin Wiig's comedy-drama series Palm Royale, which is set in luxurious Palm Beach. Related: Before I could even sit down to check in (more on that later), the de Gournay mural on the walls of the property's Living Room stopped me in my tracks. My eyes lit up in delight as I marveled at the hand-painted masterpiece that covered the entire lobby. Flanked by floral-patterned couches and pastel upholstered chairs, the whimsical motif is the focal point. With flamingos sporting pearl necklaces and bedazzled monkeys sitting in trees of a lush garden, it's hard not to be captivated by the brilliant artistry. I was only pulled out of my trance when I saw the host gesture for me to start the check-in process. As an experienced travel writer, hotels are like my second home. From small, budget-friendly accommodations to sprawling, extravagant estates, I've stayed in and reviewed countless properties around the world. Also, as someone who enjoys documenting my travels and creating online content, I'm in-the-know about the most Instagrammable places around the globe and where to take those coveted IG-worthy shots. What's more, I've written about why business owners should prioritize making their spaces visually appealing and social media-friendly. From check-in to check-out, it's my responsibility to gather all the facts and details so I can share them with curious, discerning readers. The first thing that I noticed during check-in was the well-dressed staff. The women wore gorgeous, rose-colored satin dresses and the men donned light-colored, linen suits. The dresses were the prettiest, most flattering hotel uniforms I'd ever seen. It's only fitting for such a stunning, detail-oriented hotel. The moment you step onto the property, you'll notice the hospitality is unmatched. Bellmen rushed to take my bags as I approached. They whisked my luggage away, making me hands-free to hold a refreshing, cold bottle of water that was offered upon my arrival. The host checked me in, gave me a rundown of the amenities, and kindly let me know that my room wasn't ready. Since I'd arrived a couple of hours before check-in, which is 4 p.m. (check-out is 12 p.m.), she suggested that I order lunch at their on-site restaurant, Swifty's, and hang out by the sparkling pool. I happily obliged. By the time I finished lunch and took photos and videos of the pool area and lavish lobby, which also has a Dolce & Gabbana outpost and a couple other in-house retailers, my room was ready. The hotel offers sumptuous accommodations, including 89 guest rooms and suites. On the way to my standard room, I was blown away by the dazzling hallway. On my floor, the walls were adorned with white wallpaper bedecked in geometrical bamboo designs. The carpet was bright pink and covered with verdant leaves. The bold colors, patterns and textures complemented the lobby, but with a slight twist. Related: That same maximalist design approach was executed in my guest room. My eyes quickly gravitated to the light-green floral headboard, which was the clear centerpiece of the space. The wicker furniture and desk with a hidden vanity inside were charming touches that added character to the room. Plus, splashes of pinks and greens throughout made it a dream bedroom for people like me who appreciate bright colors, mixed prints and eye-catching patterns. The best part? The Colony Hotel offers a shoppable room experience. So, almost everything is available for purchase. From Matouk linens to Dyson hair dryers, guests can take a piece of pink paradise back to their homes. Pro Tip: Make sure you don't pass on turndown service. There will be a delicious Parisian treat waiting on your pillow to ensure a sweet slumber. The pool is the place to be if you can pull yourself away from your glamorous room. Comfy lounge chairs, umbrellas and playful inner tubes surround the pool. While chilling in the shade or sunbathing, guests can flip through the latest magazines for light reading. As a long-time magazine lover, I was thrilled to see the 'Poolside Press' newsstand. It gives a cool, retro vibe to the area. Plus, it's one of the most Instagrammable places (there are many) on the property. Swifty's, one of the hotel's two dining venues, is a recommended eatery. Offering three meals a day, it's a great spot to grab a bite while lounging at the lively pool scene. I had several breakfast and lunch meals, including the most delicious salmon bowl I've ever eaten. Breakfast is consistently good with offerings like avocado toast, granola parfait and other morning meal classics. In addition to Swifty's, the Colony is also home to Pink Paradise Cafe. Guests can pick up grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks. Of course, it also serves coffee and pastries for those who need a java and sweet fix. While dining or flipping through magazines poolside, you just might spot vintage-loving celebrities like Kelsey Grammer or Coco Rocha, who are known to frequent the property. The legendary hotel has a long history of being a hotspot for stars and Palm Beach socialites that dates to the 1950s. Some of its famous past guests include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Lena Horne, to name a few. Drinks and cocktails are always flowing in the Living Room, located in the lobby. This is the prime gathering spot for live entertainment, socializing and people-watching. In fact, the Living Room even has its own series featuring notable personalities and entrepreneurs, which takes place every Wednesday evening. During my stay, Suebelle, the stylish bouffant-wearing famous influencer, was hosting a gathering. The Colony is also where trendy Palm Beachers and tastemakers go for book signings, fashion pop-ups and more. Of course, guests are decked out in the latest designer fashions. From Valentino to Lilly Pulitzer, women go to the Colony to see and be seen. It's a fashion-friendly property where getting dressed up is expected. So, be sure to pack flowy maxi dresses and glittering pink ensembles that will complement your pretty surroundings. It's also a good idea to bring a few casual pieces like tank tops, shorts and, of course, bathing suits. Ahead of my trip, I created a mental mood board to help with my packing list. It prevented me from overpacking and made my clothing selection process easy. If you're looking for a hotel where feminine aesthetics thrive and top-notch amenities abound, the Colony answers the call. That's why it's the ultimate destination for girls' trips, mother-daughter getaways and bachelorette celebrations. Whether you're hanging out at dinner, relaxing by the pool or having a slumber party while wearing the branded white robes, spending time with your favorite girls is always loads of fun. The hotel's ambiance and mesmerizing designs serve as the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Plus, it's just steps or a short drive away from the beach and nearby hotspots. Guests who want to take a dip in the ocean can request a buggy to the beach. Sure, you can walk, but who doesn't want to be chauffeured in style? In true Colony fashion, the buggy is completely branded with all the flair that the property boasts. In the mood to shop? Gather your girls and get some retail therapy on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach's famous luxury shopping district. Designer brands and luxury retailers like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. are mainstays on the strip. Also, be sure to stop in Lilly Pulitzer for vibrant print dresses and darling accessories. If you want to indulge in an off-site dinner, head to Pink Steak, where they keep the pink and green vibes going. The restaurant serves quintessential steakhouse fare like high-quality steaks, seafood and classic sides. It has a lively atmosphere that's ideal for bachelorette party groups. If being out in nature is a must, add the Ann Norton Sculpture Museum to your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to see exquisite sculptures and remarkable artwork while being outdoors. The museum even has a cozy porch for visitors to sit and take in all of nature's beauty. The Flagler Museum is another option for those who crave history and culture. The museum is housed inside Whitehall, Henry Flagler's opulent 75-room Gilded Age mansion, which is also a National Historic Landmark. Prior to my stay at the Colony Hotel, my expectations were extremely high. However, I had no clue that they'd be greatly exceeded. I anticipated that there would be plenty of cute photo-ops, good food and breathtakingly beautiful decor, but I was blown away by the hospitality and amazing attention to detail. Sometimes looks can be deceiving. For example, I've visited several places that were visually appealing but lacked in the quality of service. This hotel excelled in both areas. When I requested a steamer for my dress, it came within minutes and was, of course, pink! From the branded items in my guest room to the staff calling me by name, it was a pink paradise that I plan to revisit for years to come. Rates start at $499-$999, per night, per room in the summer season. High season starts at $999-$2499, per room, per night.I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like first appeared on Parade on Jun 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Associated Press
L3 Limo Party Bus Rental Company Expands Tampa Fleet for Record July 4th Weekend Travel
L3 Limo Party Bus Rental Company Expands Tampa Fleet for Record July 4th Weekend Travel Transportation provider adds luxury party bus capacity as Tampa Bay area prepares for Boom by the Bay celebration L3 Limo, a party bus rental company serving the Tampa Bay area, has expanded its luxurious fleet ahead of Independence Day weekend as travel projections indicate record-breaking holiday demand, with more than 20 celebrations planned across the region. According to AAA, an estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday week, with 4.78 million traveling by bus, train, or cruise. Locally, multiple municipalities are preparing for large-scale festivities, including Boom by the Bay, which spans several downtown venues such as the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Boat Parade, Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf, and the Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works. L3 Limo is positioning additional party bus and luxury vehicles to accommodate groups attending Independence Day events and celebrations across Tampa Bay, including sporting events, concerts, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, birthdays, and weddings. From Clearwater's Coachman Park concerts to St. Petersburg's Red, White & Views festival and Temple Terrace's golf club fireworks, L3 Limo's party buses feature premium sound systems for passengers' favorite music, LED lighting, and onboard entertainment where guests can enjoy their favorite movies, ensuring guests celebrate comfortably as they travel between these Tampa Bay events. 'Tampa Bay has become a top priority destination for July 4th weekend celebrations, and our professional reservations team is seeing unprecedented demand for tampa party bus rental services from Ybor City to Raymond James Stadium,' said Mr. Seghrouchni, owner of L3 Limo. 'Whether guests want to celebrate at Amalie Arena events, brewery tours, or a bar crawl through town, we provide quality transportation so the party starts the moment they step aboard.' Industry data indicates that party bus prices often rise by 30–50% during peak holiday periods such as July 4th. Reflecting this demand, L3 Limo's reservation specialists report strong advance bookings from groups planning to travel between Tampa Bay's many Independence Day attractions, from Safety Harbor's patriotic parade and Tarpon Springs' picnic events to festivities at Sparkman Wharf and the Tampa Bay History Center area. July 4, 2025 Boom by the Bay 2025 will include the Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works, the Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf festivities, and the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River. The Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk July 4th celebration features a boat parade with the theme 'Salute to Service,' honoring military and first responders with patriotic displays on the water. The event includes a water ski show, blessing of the fleet, and fireworks, with boats competing for most patriotic vessel. VIP tickets offer premium seating with drinks and food for spectators. This multi-venue format creates transportation challenges for attendees traveling between locations throughout the night, increasing demand for group transportation solutions like tampa party bus rentals. The special event weekend coincides with other major Tampa Bay area attractions near Raymond James Stadium and various sporting events throughout the fun-filled holiday period. L3 Limo serves the whole crew for any big event, with a fleet of tampa party buses accommodating groups of all sizes—from intimate birthday parties to large wedding parties. Its luxury vehicles feature premium sound systems, LED lighting, and onboard entertainment, with knowledgeable chauffeurs ensuring VIP treatment for every ride. Customers can request a free quote for tampa party bus services by filling out a contact form on the company's website or contacting L3 Limo directly via phone or email. About L3 Limo L3 Limo is a Tampa-based charter bus and party bus company serving Central Florida. The limo fleet provider offers quality transportation services for wedding packages, corporate events, birthday parties, celebrations and special occasions throughout Tampa Florida. More information is available at L3 Limo 5804 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 699-5777 Media Contact Company Name: L3 Limo Contact Person: Adell Seghrouchni Email: Send Email Phone: (813) 699-5777 Address:5804 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd City: Tampa State: FL Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: L3 Limo Party Bus Rental Company Expands Tampa Fleet for Record July 4th Weekend Travel
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former NFL Great Jimmy Graham's Next Challenge: the Arctic Ocean
Former NFL Great Jimmy Graham's Next Challenge: the Arctic Ocean originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jimmy Graham has been called an adrenaline junkie, and for good reason. During his 14-year NFL career, in which he was one of the best tight ends of all time, Graham spent every offseason adding to his long list of flying certifications — pilot's license, helicopter license, seaplane license, you name it. When he wasn't flying planes, he was jumping out of them — Graham recently said he's skydived about 100 times. Advertisement Graham retired from the NFL in 2023, and last year he committed to an adventure that will be much more than an adrenaline rush. In less than a month, Graham and three others embark on a trek that will push the limits of human endurance. Graham is part of Arctic Challenge 2025. In early July, he and his new teammates will row their way across the Arctic Ocean — 1,000 kilometers through freezing and treacherous waters. Among the many goals is to raise money for charity and to break the speed record for this route. The record currently stands at 15 days, five hours and 32 minutes. Jimmy Graham aboard the boat he'll be in for two weeks during July's Arctic Challenge Barrera 'We're trying to push the limits of our body, our brains, our minds, our soul,' Graham told Athlon Sports. 'It'll be an interesting journey.' Advertisement Interesting? That might not be the best word. Insane, maybe 'I can describe this as the hardest thing I've ever done,' he said. Graham first heard about the Arctic Challenge through his good friend, Andrew Tropp, a retired Navy SEAL. Graham and Tropp teamed up with husband-and-wife team John and Hannah Huppi, both former Team USA rowers based in Louisiana. The four of them, along with several members of the support team, have been training and prepping for over a year. If they complete the trip, they would be the first all-American quartet to do it. Hannah Huppi would be the first woman. Graham would be the first black rower. Advertisement Again, that's if they complete the trip. They begin the journey in Tromso, Norway in a state-of-the-art boat that includes three rowing positions and two cabins. 'We row two hours on, two hours off,' said Graham 'And on your time off, you have to do your job. My job is lead navigation, lead comms, lead weather. 'So I'll be communicating with our ground teams, figuring out our route, figuring out the currents and any storms that are headed our way. And then determining what the right compass course is going to be for the next, I guess, five to 12 hours.' After that, Graham added, there's the job of personal care — calorie intake, hydration, sleep. Advertisement 'The biggest component for me is going to be the sleep,' he said. 'We'll get about 50 minutes of sleep at a time. Once you're dealing with sleep deprivation, you know, trouble can happen and mistakes can happen. And this is a journey that, you know, there's very small margins for errors.' This may be the greatest challenge Graham has undertaken, but the 38-year-old has been pushing himself since childhood. Placed in a group home at age 11, Graham was bullied often as a kid. As he grew into his 6-foot-7 frame, basketball became a way out of his troubling situation as he earned a scholarship to play hoops at the University of Miami. After four years of basketball and graduating with a double major (marketing, management), Graham stayed at Miami to take graduate classes — and that's when he joined the Hurricanes' football team for one season. He only caught 17 passes that year, but five were for touchdowns. NFL scouts noticed that his size-speed combination made him an enticing tight end prospect. The New Orleans Saints took him in Round 3 of the 2010 draft. Jimmy Graham with the Saints Lew-Imagn Images Graham took full advantage of the opportunity. In just his second season, he set career highs with 99 receptions and 1,310 yards. In 2013, he led the league with 16 TD receptions, one of four seasons with 10 or more touchdowns. After playing for the Saints, Seahawks, Packers and Bears, Graham retired with 719 receptions for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns. The 89 touchdowns rank fourth all-time among tight ends. The receptions and yards are both eighth. Advertisement Believe it or not, Graham said life in the NFL has prepared him for the rigorous training for the Arctic Challenge — both the hard work put in and the acquired skill of making smart decisions under pressure. 'I think it definitely helps me just staying calm, just having a clear vision and decision making at, you know, very, very dangerous moments when things have to be decided,' he said. 'And two, I think just the pallet for training … I've been working out since I was 15. The longest I've taken off from working out was probably two weeks, after I had wrist reconstructive surgery. 'There's a lot of like misconceptions of what the NFL is. I speak to a lot of kids and mentor a lot of kids and try to describe to them what being a professional athlete is. Most people, they see all the glory, right? They see the touchdowns, the Pro Bowls, they see the commercials, they see the fanfare … but the real moments and the majority of the time, it's a lot of work. It's a lot of sacrifice and it's a lot of suffering, especially after injuries.' Preparing for the cold During his six seasons with the Saints, Graham had the luxury of playing indoors. But he does think his two years each with the Packers and Bears will help him in the Arctic. Advertisement 'Definitely, Green Bay was a great preparation for this, Chicago as well,' he said, adding that his coldest experiences weren't games so much as practices. 'Forget the games,' he said. 'The games, you can always get up for that. In Green Bay, we practiced outside every day. … I remember one day it was probably zero degrees.' Graham said the average air temperature when they get to the Arctic will be around 37-45 degrees — balmy compared to winters in Green Bay. Problem is, the average water temperature for the Arctic Ocean will be 28 degrees, with 10-foot waves and wind gusting between 20-40 miles per hour. 'I think I've had a little bit of prep for it, but in the end, you know, it's just going to be suffering, keeping the digits and feet dry.' The Arctic Challenge Team (l. to r.): Andrew Tropp, Jimmy Graham, Hannah Huppi and John HuppiOmar Barrera As much as the past year has been dedicated to training, it's been equal parts learning. Graham's aviation experience is valuable in terms of navigation and understanding of weather patterns. In late May, he was preparing for a trip to the U.K. to meet with the team's 'weather router,' Simon Rowell, a weather expert who supports record challenges for sailing and rowing around the world. In Graham's role as lead navigator, he'll be in communication with Rowell every 12 hours throughout the trip to mitigate weather risks. Advertisement Back in December, the team was in Idaho for medical training and cold-weather training. He said they were put through a four-year medical course in two days. 'We learned how to do finger blocks, digit blocks, learned how to do dental blocks … You know, learned basically wartime triage medicine.' Mitigating risk As intense as that sounds, Graham is quick to point out that all of this is just a natural progression from everything else he's done that others might consider too dangerous. Whether flying or skydiving, he was always learning from the best and working with the best. And mitigating risk was always top of mind. Advertisement 'I love my life,' he said. 'I want to keep living my life happy and healthy.' The team has already had a couple of sea trials. The most recent was from Miami to Islamorada, midway down the Florida Keys, and back. Of course, the weather was much nicer than it will be in the Arctic, and the trip was a about one-third of how far they'll go in July. Next up for Graham, he's planning to pull an all-nighter about two weeks before the trip. 'I'm going to spend about 24 hours, just to prepare my back and my sit bones and everything,' he said. 'I'll just sacrifice the day … I'll row two hours on, two hours off for 24 hours nonstop.' Advertisement If they can complete the Arctic Challenge in 15 days, that means Graham's 24-hour exercise would be less than 7% of the overall time he'll be rowing two hours on/two hours off in the Arctic. Still, Graham says — perhaps joking? — this could be less grueling than a seven-month NFL season. 'But yeah, it's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life. Definitely interesting to see where the mind goes.' Another key aspect of the training and preparation has been nutrition. Graham said he expects to burn 9,000-1,000 calories per day, so he's got to prepare the body for that. Fortunately for Graham, he's been very particular about food and being healthy since he got to the NFL. Advertisement 'I've been eating a certain way for about 16, 17 years now,' he said. 'So nothing has really changed. 'I would say during my trainings, I'm intaking more carbs than I ever had before. You know, with football, I didn't eat a lot of carbs … I limited them.' Don't get him wrong, Graham does enjoy pizza — he just hasn't had a slice in about a decade. It was suggested to him that maybe a slice of pizza would be a nice way to celebrate when he completes the Arctic Challenge. 'Oh, yeah,' he said. 'Well, I'm going to eat everything. I think it'll be about five days of literally eating all the things I haven't eaten in the last probably 20 years.' The team preparing for a sea trial in Barrera For the kids Graham won't just be celebrating his completion of this massive undertaking; he'll also be celebrating the money they expect to raise for several youth charities, including Covenant House in New Orleans. Advertisement Graham's been working with at-risk kids through his foundation for years. Helping raise money for these groups is gratifying, but not as important to him as inspiring kids to be their best. 'Providing them with great opportunities, giving them hope,' he said. 'Giving them somebody who's been exactly where they are, who spent times as a child very alone, very unwanted. For them to realize that when you turn 18, you have complete control over what happens to you. It ain't gonna be easy. But if you put your head down and just work and focus on each and every day, focus on just getting better, focus on getting smarter… 'I just want to encourage any kid that feels alone, feels unwanted, just understand that you have a bright future, you're a bright human being, and if you're willing to work, and put in the time and limit distractions, you can create any life for yourself that you want.' So what's next for Graham after he conquers the Arctic Ocean? He's got an idea. It's something that would check all the boxes: one, inspire kids; two, provide the adrenaline rush he craves; and three, entertain a crowd. Advertisement 'I've spent the majority of my adulthood entertaining crowds,' he said. 'One of the biggest joys I've had, besides the camaraderie with my boys in the locker room, was scoring touchdowns. There is nothing that compares to that. How do you replace scoring a game-winning touchdown in front of 60,000 or 70,000 fans, 12 million people watching on TV? It's a hard hole to fill.' Hmm… Loves to fly, loves to entertain… 'I'm gonna go into air shows at some point,' he said. 'Doing front-flips in a plane with people watching seems like the best way to fill that hole.' Given Graham's track record, don't bet against him. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
