Miami�s visitor industry was on a roll this winter, with hotels booked solid for major events such as the Miami International Film Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami International Boat Show, Ocean Drive�s Volley Palooza, Grand Prix of Miami, Greater Miami Mardi Gras, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Winter Music Conference, Carnaval Miami and Ford Championship at Doral � just to name a few � with more to come like this week�s NASDAQ 100. �We topped 10.5 million visitors in 2003 and our hotels are reporting a very strong winter season to date,� said William D. Talbert, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) president & CEO. �Even if the New York Times hadn�t just announced that Miami and South Beach were hot, you only have to try and book a hotel room to know it�s true.� As Miami�s visitor industry gears up for its summer festival season, with hot deals and cool events (www.festivalseason.com), hotels and other industry partners have announced the following major developments below: HOTEL HAPPENINGS

Discover �the best kept secret in town.� The Best Western South Miami is a Mediterranean-style boutique hotel that was fully renovated in the winter of 2003. Situated in of the Miami�s most pristine areas, the hotel is adjacent to Miami�s historic South Miami and the trendy Coconut Grove entertainment district. In addition to the renovation, the Best Western will be opening their new restaurant Bernie�s steakhouse in late February. For more information visit www.bestwesternsomia.com.

Mel Zuckerman, founder of Canyon Ranch, the world�s most celebrated health resorts, announced the development of Canyon Ranch�s first healthy living residential/hotel community, to be located in Miami Beach. Canyon Ranch Living, a seven-acre oceanfront property featuring 151 condo-hotel suites and 467 condominium residences, including traditional Canyon Ranch spa and cuisine facilities and services. The project is expected to be completed in late 2005. For more information visit 888-987-9876 or www.canyonranchliving.com.

Circa39, an 86-room boutique hotel located in vibrant Miami Beach is scheduled to open on March 1, 2004. Following a full-renovation, the property will feature a relaxing pool and deck, a bistro, massage cabanas in a tropical garden setting and comfortable guest rooms with ocean, garden and pool views. The hotel, built in 1939, was formally known as the Copley Plaza. Just steps from Miami Beach�s spectacular shoreline, Circa39 is situated on Collins Avenue close to all the South Beach action, yet far enough away from it that the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean fabulous shopping, non-stop nightlife, Lincoln Road (Miami Beach�s outdoor pedestrian shopping mall), the convention center, museums and more. Visit www.circa39.com .

The Clinton Hotel has scheduled the opening of the Panico Salon and Spa for winter 2004. It will offer the latest in body treatments, hair styling, coloring, and makeup as well as nail care. A roof- top spa with lush surroundings and the glamorous salon located inside the hotel will cater to guests and the public as well. In-room services will also be available from the spa. Also slated to open this winter is an Italian Espresso Bar and Gelateria. For more information visit www.clintonsouthbeach.com.

Located in the heart of Miami's financial district in the innovatively designed structure of concave glass and steel, the Conrad Miami is an architectural feat and destined to become a recognized icon on the Miami skyline. Opening in summer 2004, the new Conrad Miami is the first new-build Conrad hotel in the United States and will be the premier luxury hotel for business travelers in South Florida, offering ultimate service and the latest technology advancements with the feel of Miami's artistic style. Special amenities include private butlers for guests and spa services brought right to your room. A standard level of luxury includes pillow menus, bathrobe menus, Bulgari amenities in all rooms and a bed-side remote that can control every electronic device in the room ... even down to the Do Not Disturb sign. For more information, visit www.ConradHotels.com, or call 1-800-HILTONS from the U.S. and Canada.

The first Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on Miami Beach opened January 14t on the pristine shore of Miami Beach, just a few blocks from world-renowned �South Beach�. The Courtyard by Marriot Miami Beach Oceanfront is a $40 million historic renovation project with the former Landmark, Cadillac Hotel. It showcases 263 rooms and a 300 square foot Tiki Bar, which connects to a scenic boardwalk offering guests panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel also features 2,300 square feet of meeting space boasting ocean views. In celebration the hotel is offering special introductory rates through November 30, 2004. For more information, or reservations call 305-538-3373, 800-321-2211 or visit www.marriott.com/miabh.

Guest staying at the new Dorset Hotel in South Beach can take home much more than a typical souvenir of their stay. The recently opened 1939 Art Deco Gem has undergone a major renovation that kept classic details like a Coral Rock reception desk and curved glass-block entrance while outfitting the lobby and guestrooms with sleek modern furniture that guests can purchase for their own home. Sophisticated yet playful, The Dorset style was created by the design team of Di-Va, with retail stores in Mexico City and a stateside showroom to open later this year in the Miami Design District. Di-Va specializes in architectural pieces that are both functional and fun. �Most all of the pieces you see throughout the hotel, from the beds in the guestrooms to the lounge chairs on the rooftop pool deck, can easily be purchased through our design team at Di-Va,� explains General Manager Silvana Capuzzo, �It allows our guest to take a bit of South Beach style home with them.� The Dorset Hotel is located at 1720 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, for reservations call 305.938.6000. www.dorsethotel.com For more information on Di-Va visit www.di-va.com.mx/ .

The DoubleTree Hotel Coconut Grove (part of the Hilton family) recently completed a $7.5 million renovation to all its 192 guestrooms, suites, function space, and public areas, including the Caf� Brasserie and �Splash� Caf� which features a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove�s marina. Reacquaint yourself with a new Coconut Grove classic! For more information please visit www.coconutgrove.doubletree.com .

The legendary Eden Roc, a Renaissance Resort & Spa in Miami Beach, has just announced new upgrades to the property for 2004. Guests in need of their daily dose of caffeine will be pleased to find that the nearest Starbucks is just an elevator ride away. Now located downstairs in the main lobby of the hotel, the world�s-best coffee shop offers a full menu of its frothy cappuccinos, steaming espressos, and endless varieties of fresh-roasted coffees. For reservations and information, please call a travel professional or the Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa at (305) 531-0000 or toll-free at 888-EDENROC. Visit Eden Roc on the Internet at www.edenrocresort.com .

The Fontainebleau Hilton Resort announced the hiring of Robert F. Brooks as Vice President and General Manager of the landmark Miami Beach hotel taking over for Leo Salom who recently retired. Since 1990, Brooks has served as area vice president and general manager of Pointe Hilton Resorts in Phoenix. In his new position, Brooks will head up the 990-room Fontainebleau and its 1,000-member staff, including an ongoing expansion and renovation featuring new upscale dining and lounge options, an indoor and outdoor children�s facility and water theme park as well as the addition of the 36-story Fontainebleau II condominium-hotel. That project is nearly sold out and scheduled for completion in December to coincide with the resort�s 50th anniversary. The resort also announces Cookie�s Summer Splash for families searching for the ideal summer getaway at an exceptional value. From May 1 through Sept. 30, the Fontainebleau Hilton is offering families a three-day, two-night Cookie�s Summer Splash package. For hotel reservations and to learn more about special summer rates starting at $139, please call (800) 548-8886 and ask for the resort reservations department or visit the resort's website at www.fontainebleauhilton.com.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its property in Miami on October 1, 2003. The 221-room hotel is housed in the 70-story Four Seasons Hotel and Towers, a mixed-use development that also includes condominiums and retail and office space. This structure redefines Miami�s skyline as the city�s tallest building, centrally located on Brickell Avenue, in the heart of Miami�s financial district. The relaxing atmosphere of the Hotel makes it a perfect place to bring the family with the company�s popular Kids for All Seasons program. Groups will find the Hotel equally appealing. An entire floor of Four Seasons Hotel Miami is dedicated to the meetings, events and special occasions with 14,210 square feet of function space. Information on the company and its 42 years of achievement in the hospitality industry can be accessed through the Four Seasons Web site at www.fourseasons.com.

The Hotel Victor, located on Ocean Drive adjacent to the famed Casa Casuarina, informally known as the Versace Mansion, is slated to open its doors in late Spring 2004, following $60 million in renovations. The hotel dates back to 1938, but has lain dormant for the past 19 years before being bought by Orlando-based ZOM Development. Paris-based decorator Jacques Garcia has designed the hotel�s interiors, featuring 91 rooms and suites, a 6,000 square foot spa and fitness club, and an elevated private pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Guestrooms will include custom designed furniture, infinity edge soaking tubs and outdoor rain showers, full-size in-room bar and spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and South Beach. The hotel will be managed by Hyatt and will provide consummate service at a level not seen before on the beach. Visit www.hotelvictorsouthbeach.com .

The award-winning Hotel InterContinental Miami is expanding services and amenities for guests of its recently refurbished Club InterContinental Lounge. A hotel within a hotel, guests of the "Upper Continental" Club Floors can enjoy check-in as early as 8 a.m. and check-out as late as 4 p.m. in the comfort and privacy of the Club InterContinental Lounge. Guests are greeted by a dedicated concierge and wait staff and have exclusive access to the Club Lounge's plush private seating for more than 40 guests, complimentary usage of PC with Internet access, booking of the private board room for up to six people, wide-screen television, extensive selection of magazines and periodicals and usage of the relaxing massage chair. Complimentary Continental breakfast and refreshments are available in the Club InterContinental Lounge throughout the day with coffee, teas and scones served in the afternoon and hors d'ouvres, full bar, champagne, beer, wine, cheese and rotating specialty dishes served in the evening as Club Floor guests enjoy the spectacular views of Biscayne Bay at sunset. For more information call 305-577-1000 or visit www.intercontinental.com .

For the second consecutive year, Mandarin Oriental Miami has been awarded the prestigious American Automobile Association�s (AAA) Five Diamond Award. The 327-room hotel is one of only nine hotels in Florida to earn the hospitality industry�s most distinguished award for quality and service. Azul, the hotel�s signature waterfront restaurant featuring the cuisine of star chef Michelle Bernstein, also earned Five Diamonds, maintaining the impressive distinction of being the only Five Diamond restaurant in Miami. The hotel�s new private beach club is the hottest addition to the island oasis. It took 26 tons of Lake Welles sand hauled down from Orlando to create this small piece of paradise within our urban city. It also made history as being the first permit ever issued by the City of Miami for the installation of a beach. Designed to inspire and invoke the senses, the new private beach club allows guests to take refuge in the Balinese-styled hammocks, Thai-style canopied day beds, accents of bamboo and native coral coquina, and Miami�s only outdoor massage cabanas. For more information or reservations, call 305-913-8288 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/miami .

The 157-room Omni Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 500 hotels in the world, recently added more than 7,000 square feet of ballroom space, bringing their meeting space to over 30,000 square feet. Visit www.omnicolonnade.com.

One Bal Harbour will represent the first, true mixed-use project ever to be built in Bal Harbour. It will include one of the first new luxury residential condominiums in the Village in approximately 10 years. WCI Communities, Inc. and demolition/implosion experts imploded the 15-story Harbour House North rental high-rise, located at 10295 Collins Avenue on Sunday, January 18, 2004. Plans call for a 26-story condominium tower with 185 ultra-luxurious residential condominiums ranging from approximately 1,900 to over 8,500 square feet. Anchoring the tower is a planned 17-story hotel component with 124 hotel condominiums of approximately 1,837 and 3,691 square feet, a signature restaurant, world-class spa and more. A hotel operator will soon be announced. For more information call 305-865-4700 or visit www.wcicommunities.com .

The Park Central Hotel, the �Blue Jewel� of Ocean Drive owned and operated by Goldman Properties, recently began a renovation that will refresh the property while remaining true to its authentic Art Deco spirit. This $500,000 project is aimed mainly at soft goods items, with highlights being a delicious and indulgent bedding experience featuring featherbed mattress pads, and new carpeting throughout all 127 rooms and suites, as well as in the hallways. Other new features include bedroom lighting and ceiling fans, as well as mini-bars and larger TVs. Many of the items are already in place, with completion set for early March 2004. In addition, The Park Central now offers Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) access throughout the property. For information call 305-538-1611 or visit www.theparkcentral.com .

The newest addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is the oceanfront Chickee Hut at The Sandbar Grill. Just steps away from the shore, the new thatched palm roof and bamboo structure offers 80 seats of sheltered outdoor dining. The Sandbar Grill offers specialties from Florida and the Caribbean, including a varied menu of fresh seafood appetizers and entr�es, and classical tropical beverages. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with dinner from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also new to The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is The Spa�s beachfront Massage Cabana. Guests can now choose from any massage on the Spa Menu and relax against the sounds of waves from the Atlantic for a supplement of $50. For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/key_biscayne .

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach opened December 24, 2003 as Miami�s newest oceanfront hotel and is now a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark hotel in the city�s historic Art Deco district. The $200 million restoration retains the exterior curves, sweeping lines, and a pastel accent of the Art Moderne/Miami Modern (�MiMo�) design style used by renowned architect Morris Lapidus, and adds new features that deliver a stylish and modern interpretation of luxury. Its centerpieces include the only La Maison de Beaute Carita Spa outside of Paris, a multi-million dollar art collection, the DiLido Beach Club � the only oceanfront restaurant on South Beach, Tanning Butlers, VIP oceanfront cabanas and more. The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of internationally acclaimed South Beach and is steps away from myriad dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife options, including those on fashionable Lincoln Road, a thriving ten-block pedestrian mall. For additional information about The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach please call (800) 241-3333, the hotel directly at 786-276-4000, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton web site at: www.ritzcarlton.com .

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Inc announced that it has entered into an agreement to manage Florida�s renowned Turnberry Isle Resort & Club. With the closing of the transaction on December 29, 2003, FHR has entered into long term management agreement with New York-based Macro Capital Limited to mange the resort under FHR�s Luxury Fairmont brand on January 1, 2004. The property was flagged �The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, Miami, Florida� on January 30, 2004. For more information visit www.Fairmont.com.

SHOPPING/SPA SPECIALS

In late 2003 Aventura Mall welcomed Aldo, Bag N Baggage, Cheeky Baby & Kids, Diesel, Kenneth Cole, Lladro, Lola Blue and Marmi. In January 2004 Aventura Mall welcomed Miss Sixty and Urban Outfitters to its family. Soon to arrive this spring are Apple and Color Me Mine. By fall 2004, Burdines and Macy's department stores will become one and Burdines-Macy's will take over the 225,000 square-foot Burdines and the 252,000 square-foot Macy's. The new stores will operate a divided-store format where the former Macy's store will be devoted to fashion apparel for women and children and the former Burdines store will be reconfigured to focus on men's apparel, furniture, home appliances and accessories. The Burdines store plans to shut down temporarily by the end of May and reopen in time for the holiday season.

Opening soon at Bal Harbour Shops are Just Cavalli and David Yurman (summer 2004). Luka Luka recently opened a new location at the world famous fashion center, the #1 shopping destination in the U.S. For more information visit www.balharbourshops.com.

Bayside recently opened the first Erwin Pearl jewelry store in Miami featuring fashionable jewelry at affordable prices. In February Bayside opened a new 200-seat Chili�s Restaurant with an open-air balcony and waterfront seating as well as a new concept, the Chili�s Margarita Bar. Additionally, Bayside has redeveloped their popular group dine-around program to provide group dining options at fixed prices while allowing guests flexibility to enjoy the restaurant and meals. For more information contact Jim McMichael at 305-577-3344 x 7022.

Burdines and Macys department stores recently created a partnership that combines the names and offerings of the two landmark brands. The new Burdines-Macy�s provides customers with 62 Florida locations offering the best names in fashion for the family, and for the home � Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Alfani, Lenox, Estee Lauder, and much more. For more information visit www.burdinesmacys.com

Dadeland Mall recently welcomed Tous and coming this Spring are Brookstone, Eddy Rodriguez, EP Kids and Nordstrom(November 2004). For more information on this popular mall or the Shops at Sunset Place, visit www.simon.com.

The Dolphin Mall, Miami�s largest value and entertainment center and located near Miami International Airport, recently opened the national Brazilian steakhouse chain, Texas de Brazil Churrascaria. Other recent additions include Tommy Hilfiger Clearance, Nautica, Reebok Outlet, Jones New York and Nine West. Visit www.shopdolphinmall.com.

The Falls, a beautiful outdoor shopping and entertainment center featuring a boardwalk winding around waterfalls, lush landscaping and more than 100 department and specialty stores. Recent additions include Cartoon Cuts, UNIq Shoes, eBisu, Brighton Collectables and Cheeky Baby & Kids. For more information visit www.shopthefalls.com.

The Market Company, known for its lively farmers and arts and craft markets, just launched a new farmers market in downtown Miami located at Miami Avenue South of Flagler, underneath the MetroMover and west of Burdines-Macy�s, held every Saturday from 8 am � 3 pm with live music and an abundance of vendors selling tropical plants, orchids, cut flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread and herbs, etc. The Market Company also produces farmers and/or arts and craft markets at various times and days at Lincoln Road and Espanola Way in South Beach, Aventura Mall and The Falls. For more information visit www.themarketcompany.org or call (305) 531-0038.

Shoppers from South Dade to the Florida Keys will now refer to the center formerly known as Cutler Ridge Mall, as �Southland Mall.� T/S Development L.L.C., the management for the mall, recently announced phase one of a comprehensive remodeling project, which new shopping attractions. T/S Development is also in negotiations with various movie theater operators for a multi-plex movie theater, which is also scheduled to open next year.

COOL CUISINE AND NIGHT LIFE

After Glow lounge will be opening this spring 2004 in South Beach, targeting a sophisticated after-dinner clientele with an emphasis on over-the-top pastry desserts, Hookah pipes, dessert wines and fine champagnes. A full bar with an original Martini list will impress all comers. Sommelier David Muis will be on site to recommend wine and dessert pairings. The d�cor will be adorned with Egyptian art purchased in Egypt by curator and co-owner Luso Filho. Live DJ�s will set the musical tone for an interactive social experience. Co-owner Tim Hogle, also owner of Tantra Restaurant and Lounge presents his latest nightlife concept for those who flourish in the moonlit hours. Open until 5am.

The New Radisson Hotel Miami, located at 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, recently announced the opening of its new restaurant Brisa Bistro. As part of the Hotel�s $12 million dollar renovation, Brisa Bistro is much like its nearby arts-district-creative, yet a masterpiece all of its own. Brisa Bistro cuisine offers an exotic medley of tastes that features regional favorites from the Caribbean and Florida blended by way of French and New American cooking techniques. The arts are alive at The New Radisson Hotel Miami, the perfect place �for Business in Miami. For reservations and information, call 305-374-0000 or (800) 333-3333. Visit www.radisson-miami.com .

South Florida will be gaining a major new entertainment and catering complex with the launch of FifteenOOneBarton G. The 25,000 square feet complex will feature a live performing stage, cutting edge audio and lighting technology, dance floors, private rooms, and flexible dining spaces. Three separate levels and seven distinct areas can accommodate from 25 to 1,800 guests complemented by an outdoor Ocean Terrace that can further accommodate an additional 1,200. Formerly Billboard Live, 1501 has been completely re-styled with the signature touch of Barton G evident in all spaces which can now be utilized as a superb venue for corporate and social events, fashion shows, film and TV shoots, music release events, and award shows. Reservations are available by calling 305-672-8881 (Barton G. The Restaurant,) or via e-mail: fifteenoone@bartong.com.

Constructa, a full-service real-estate company with over 35 years experience in Europe and the United States, will complete its latest project, Mary Brickell Village in March 2005. Mary Brickell Village, a $160 million project, is the next generation urban leisure and lifestyle center�demonstrating the revitalization of Miami�s downtown. Mary Brickell Village will be a premier dining destination in Miami with its collection of outstanding restaurants: P.F. Chang�s, and two restaurants new to South Florida, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and The Redstone Grill. The award-winning Oceanaire Seafood Room will bring ultra-fresh seafood and a swanky, retro ambience to the development. Finally, The Redstone Grill will offer exceptional American cooking and spirited entertainment in a lively atmosphere. For more information visit www.marybrickellvillage.com.

World famous Floribbean chef, Norman Van Aken of Normans opened his new casual caf� in the Village of Merrick Park called a New World Caf� and Market or �MUNDO� late in January 2004. It is open daily for lunch and dinner. For more information contact Anna Pedron at 305-442-6787 or email: anna@normans.com .

Mixing flavors and techniques from the Caribbean, South America, Africa and the low-country, M.Woods, opened in February 2004 in North Miami, offering moderately priced New American cooking using gourmet ingredients. Chef Marvin Woods incorporates an abundance of seafood and water-fowl with dishes like coconut steamed mussels, clams and island prawns to name a few. A full bar and an international wine list will be offered. Warm and inviting, the earthy d�cor encompasses hues of olive green, chocolate, dark bamboo and stone, including a stone bar with a water element. For more information call 305-895-9982. Oasis South Beach is the chic new Mediterranean restaurant that opened in November 2003. Co-owned by Miami Beach mover-and-shaker, Joe Atick, the Oasis South Beach is located on Miami Beach in the burgeoning district south of fifth-street. Oasis offers authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a setting equal parts restaurant and lounge. The restaurant, located at 840 1st street on Miami Beach, is positioned to be an oasis for those seeking a stylish spot to wine and dine. For more information call 305-673-2252.

Roger�s Restaurant and Bar is scheduled to open in early April2004 with affordable, quality American Cuisine. It�s located in a spectacular indoor/outdoor bay-front setting in the up and coming North Bay Village-just north of Miami Beach. Dinners can feast on pan seared mahi-mahi served with lobster mashed potato, moonshine pork chops with cheese grits, burgers ranging from classic cheeseburgers to chopped fresh tune, salads and much more. Two bars offer an impressive list of cocktails, beers, and wines, while the restaurants design makes the most of its location-with floor to ceiling windows offering endless water views. Roger�s Restaurant and grill is located at 1601 79th street causeway, and will be open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Valet parking available, all major credit cards. Call 305-867-4110.

Gerry Kelly recently debuted an impressive new concept in South Beach�s most coveted location. Partnered with Maxwell Blandford, Gregory Selph, and Monika Olimpiew, STATE is a stunning new upscale lounge and club at 320 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. A stellar team of hosts, disc jockey�s, entertainers and event planners has been assembled. Award Winning event producer & restaurateur, BARTON G has been enlisted as the exclusive on premise caterer offering his original haute cuisine to a variety of corporate events, fundraisers and receptions. In addition to regular evening formats STATE will host a variety of spectacular events. Dates have been selected for Von Dutch, Ted Baker London, Lacoste, Enrico Coveri and Winter Music Conference with a line up including Junior Jack, Perry Farrell, Todd Terry, Steve Lawler, Saeed and Palash, Robbie Rivera and Oscar G. Advance reservations for tables are strongly recommended by calling Luca Fidenzo, Director of VIP Guest Services at 786-621-5221.

ATTRACTION ACTION

Miami Metro Zoo's newest $13.6 million exhibit, the American Bankers Family Aviary, Wings of Asia, is the largest open-air Asian aviary in the Western Hemisphere. Over 300 exotic, rare and endangered birds representing more than 70 species are gradually being added to the free-flight aviary. The story is that today's birds are living dinosaurs, and the exhibit includes an interactive Field Research Center and Discussion Theater, dinosaur fossil excavation dig pit, and hands-on interactive displays supporting the scientific research linking modern birds to dinosaurs. The indoor Potamkin Conservation Center provides more interactive displays about birds, an underwater viewing area to watch swimming and diving ducks, fish and turtles, and a cave-like access to view the aviary from behind two waterfalls. For more information visit www.miamimetrozoo.com.

In early 2004, Miami Seaquarium will complete a $250,000 renovation to its Florida manatee exhibit. The newly renovated interactive exhibit is scheduled to open in early March. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the endangered manatee while viewing them through large underwater viewing windows. The two-floor exhibit will display interactive educational graphics on the history, evolution, anatomy, and endangerment issues facing the Florida manatee. In addition, guests can read the updated storyboards of the manatees currently on display that are part of the manatee rehabilitation program. Visit: www.miamisequarium.com .

Parrot Jungle Island, located between Downtown Miami and South Beach, opened last summer with more than 3000 animals and 500 varieties of plants and trees. Over the past several months, the attraction has added some new features including the "Crocosaurus", the largest captive crocodilian in North America, who calls the Serpentarium at Parrot Jungle Island his home. He weighs 2000 pounds and is close to 20 feet long. They have also opened the Primate Area with spider monkeys, capuchins and gibbons, all up close and personal; built their Orangutan playground with plenty of space for resident orangutan kids - Millie, Jake and Hannah - to play, and report that Casper, their albino alligator, lives happily and protected from the sun in the Everglades Habitat, a true replica of Florida's Everglades, sponsored by South Florida Water Management District. www.parrotjungle.com; 305-2-JUNGLE.

Gulfstream Park recently opened the Finish Line Sky Suite that provides a luxury box setting for private groups. It can be rented on a daily basis just as one would a luxury box at a stadium or arena sporting event. The climate-controlled, glass enclosed suite offers a spectacular view of the racetrack and will features a wet bar, refrigerator, large flat-screen televisions, seating for up to 15 guests, elegant furnishings, crystal chandelier, self-serve betting machines, a full assortment of food service from snacks to full-course meals, admission to the exclusive Turf Club, and all-day personalized service from a dedicated concierge. For additional information, please contact Claire Morit, Group and Sky Suite Sales Manager, at 954-457-6233.

PRIME PROMOS

If you�re looking to whet your appetite, plan a visit this August to experience Miami Spice Restaurant Month, an annual GMCVB promotion where more than 60 of our finest restaurants dish up value deals ($29.99 for dinner and $19.99 for lunch) � 25-50% savings from August through September. Diners can register to win many prizes. For more info visit www.MiamiRestaurantMonth.com.

CULTURAL CORNER Encounter the long-awaited Art Deco bus tour that captures the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties and thirties in our nation's only Art Deco Historic District by taking a new three-hour tour with Dragonfly Expeditions, a new GMCVB partner. For more information visit www. www.dragonflyexpeditions.com.

Historic Espa�ola Way on Miami Beach has taken center stage with the recent completion of Plaza de Espa�a, a distinctive outdoor venue for festivals, arts and cultural events. The revitalization, in excess of $900,000, included landscape and infrastructure improvements on Espa�ola Way, founded in 1925 as Miami Beach's first entertainment district. Espa�ola Way hosts weekend festive arts and crafts markets, eclectic shopping, entertainment and special events. Restaurants include Tapas & Tintos, Jerry's Deli, Tantra, Hosteria Romana, A La Folie, Caf� Nuvo, grillfish, Oh! Mexico, Akairo Sushi. For information on "Living the Espa�ola Way," call 305-534-0514 and visit www.livetheespanolaway.com .

Miami Art Central, Miami�s newest venue for the visual and performing arts, opens in Coral Gables. For more information, contact Dan Schwartz at 212-947-4557 or email at SGLwein@aol.com .

Due to high demand for tours of the historic Art Deco District, the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) just added another award-winning guided walking tour on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., to its schedule. Enjoy the colorful, sun-splashed architecture of South Beach, learning about the developers and designers who saw Miami Beach as their personal palette. MDPL offers tours Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Adults-$20; Students and Seniors $15. Tours depart the Art Deco Welcome Center at and Ocean Drive and 10th Street. MDPL also just announced new architectural lecture and film series, offered free at the Art Deco Welcome Center. Visit www.mdpl.org or call 305-531-3484 for information.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has launched a new series of programs, known as �Art Makes Good Business�, designed to educate company executives and their employees about why Art Makes Good Business and how to take full advantage of it. The event is open to new and current Corporate Members of MOCA. An understanding and appreciation of art is increasingly becoming a necessity in today's complex business world. Whether you are seeking new ways to interact with clients or new opportunities for raising public awareness of your company's philanthropy and role in the community, art can be a valuable tool. During the coming months the series will explore the relationship between art, business and community during a variety of educational and entertaining programs at locations throughout Miami-Dade County. Art Makes Good Business speakers will include leaders from the business and art worlds. The series will cover how to understand contemporary art, how to build personal and corporate collections, and how art can make a major statement about a company's mission and image. Reservations are required. Space is limited. For information call: 305-893-6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org .

ENTERTAINMENT

In February 2004, Onboard Media, wholly owned by European luxury retail giant Louis Vuitton Mo�t Hennessy (LVMH) launched The Beach Channel, Miami Beach�s very own version o0f the travel channel. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Miami Beach�s Charter Cable channel 19, The Beach Channel reaches 80,000 households and 12,000 Miami Beach hotel rooms. Featuring original programming that promotes Miami Beach as a vacation destination, segments include such programs as Location Miami, a behind-the-scenes look at film production around town, and Deco Dreams about Miami Beach history. Concurrently on board, a customer publisher that produces books, magazines and video for cruise lines and resorts is launching www.thebeachchannel.tv �an interactive website featuring streamline video from the television channel, and revamping the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guide.

The first six months of Miami-Dade's film, television, commercial and still photo production year has started with a bang, with over $40 million spent in the local economy so far this year. The year began with major television productions with Miami featured prominently in not only the second season of the hit show "CSI: Miami" with David Caruso on CBS, but also on the top rated FX series "Nip/Tuck" and most recently The Simple Life 2 starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie which will air later this year. Spanish-language television production has also increased substantially � especially in the telenovela sector with over eight popular Latin soap operas produced locally including Rebeca, Gata Salvaje, Al Filo De La Ley and Amor Descarado. Miami has also been the backdrop for hundreds of TV commercials including Wendy�s, Corona, Mitsubishi, BMW, McDonald�s, Nestle and AT&T just to name a few. Still photo production continues to rise, as European crews are returning in force, propelled by a strong Euro and stellar production resources. On any given day you can spot some of the hottest models on location in South Beach doing shoots for Victoria�s Secret, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Italian Elle and numerous catalogs. For more information on the Miami-Dade Mayor�s Office of Film & Entertainment visit www.filmiami.org.

TRANSPORTATION TIDBITS

Absolute Limousines recently added the 40-passenger Entertainment Coach to their unrivaled Florida fleet. This $250,000 addition is the only full-sized limousine coach of its kind in the tri-county-area. Shortly after introducing it to the South Florida market, many destination management companies and corporate clients utilized this luxurious bus for entertainment and for traveling throughout Florida. In January 2004, they premiered Absolute Exotics, a unique car rental service that offers a wide variety of premium high-end exotic vehicles. For more information on Absolute Limousines and Absolute Exotics please visit www.AL11.com .

The new and free Coral Gables Trolley makes it more convenient for visitors and residents to park and travel along popular routes. The trolley will run Monday through Friday on three different shifts: the Full Route which runs from SW 8 street to Douglas Road Metrorail; the Twilight Route which runs from Douglas Road to Anderson and the Midday Route, which runs from Madeira to Ponce Circle. The average headway time is about 10-12 minutes during peak and 12-15 minutes for the rest of the day. For more information about traveling routes and hours of operation visit www.coralgables.com .

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is a non-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305/539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com.

###

Media Contact: Michelle Revuelta +1 305 539 3111 michelle@gmcvb.com