Get ready for the hottest event of the summer – and it isn’t the wings! 17 Hooters locations in Southern California, Washington & Oregon are sending their Hooters Girls to compete in the swimsuit contest regional finals at ICON LA Ultra Lounge and invite the community to come out and support their favorite local Hooters Girl on May 12, 2012.

Over 50 Hooters Girls will be competing in the contest in hopes to advance to the 16th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant.  The top 3 Hooters Girls will head to Miami, Florida, competing for the Miss Hooters International title, over $150,000 in cash and prizes, a feature in Hooters Calendar and star in national TV commercials.  Also, this year, a trip for two to Miami to watch the Hooters International Pageant live will be given away to a lucky patron.

“The swimsuit finals pageant is one of the largest events we host regionally,” said Rick Leukert, CEO of the Hooters franchise.  “It is always exciting to see what Hooters Girls will be representing Southern California, Washington & Oregon at the International Pageant and is a great opportunity for our guests to cheer on their favorite Hooters Girls.”

The contest will begin at 7 PM at ICON LA Ultra Lounge, above Hooters of Downtown Los Angeles.  The address is 1248 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015.  A portion of the contest proceeds will benefit the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hooters of America, LLC is the franchisor and operator of over 430 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 27 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly, world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com,  www.twitter.com/Hooters, www.YouTube.com/Hooters or www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

SOURCE Hooters of America, LLC

Homes.com, a leading consumer destination site and resource for all things home related, will release a series of “Top 10″ lists throughout the year to guide consumers through all of life’s adventures, from finding a summer vacation spot to acknowledging America’s top cities for raising children.

The Homes.com Top Ten Scenic Seasides include:

1. Best Beach for Everyone: Provincetown, Massachusetts

Visitors to this quaint town can spend the day lounging on the Cape Cod National Seashore, playing along the harbor beaches or spending time strolling through downtown.

2. Best Beach Town for A Classic Experience: Wildwood, New Jersey

A great mix of entertainment, relaxation and shopping, this Jersey Shore town is home to a two-mile stretch of boardwalk complete with carnival games, shops and plenty of delicious food.

3. Best Beach Town for Golf: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Dubbed “best beach town for golfers,” Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of beach and more than 100 golf courses each with their own unique challenges.

4. Best Sandy Beach: Emerald Coast, Florida

Famous for 24 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast encompasses the laid-back beach towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.

5. Best Beach for Surfers: Huntington Beach, California

Affectionately called “Surf City,” Huntington Beach is known for its beautiful coastline and epic waves.

6. Best Beach for History Buffs: Nantucket, Massachusetts

A visit to Nantucket is a quick journey back to historic New England. Thirty miles south of Cape Cod, this small New England town is home to beautiful cottages, historic lighthouses, museums and wild roses native to the island.

7. Best Beach to Gather Seashells: Galveston Beach, Texas

This family-friendly beach has more than 32 miles of shoreline for visitors to enjoy.  What makes it the perfect place to gather seashells? Winds coming from the north push the water back and reveal the abundance of natural seashells, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

8. Best Family-Friendly Beach: Crystal Coast, North Carolina

A favored Atlantic beach destination for generations, the Crystal Coast is the perfect family getaway, offering family-friendly activities from dining on fresh seafood and exploring historic haunts in a 300-year-old town, to enjoying its 85 miles of silken shoreline.

9. Best Beach for Nightlife: Miami Beach, Florida

Known for its legendary nightlife, Miami Beach is the hub of all things fabulous, active and creative. Home to celebrities and athletes, Miami Beach is a mecca for those looking to swim, surf and jet ski in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean by day and party their cares away at night.

10. Best Beach for Relaxation: Coronado Beach in San Diego, California

Dubbed an “oasis by the sea,” Southern California’s Coronado Beach is a beautiful stretch of uninterrupted sand and water totaling 70 miles.

For pictures and more vacation activities in America’s Top 10 Scenic Seasides, visit the Homes.com blog (blog.homes.com).

For more information, visit http://www.homes.com or blog.homes.com.

SOURCE Homes.com

Summer activities for kids will focus on educational topics according to their grade level. These activities include lessons on pollution, recycling, invasive species, water and its properties, endangered species, animal adaptations and more. Special pricing at Dolphin Harbor is available for parents who wish to enroll their campers in an unforgettable Dolphin Interaction program.

Curriculum for each grade level at Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will revolve on a one-week schedule with additional weeks optional. Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early and late care available for an additional charge.

For Summer Camp enrollment or additional information, please call 305-361-5705, ext. 298, 207, or 520. Summer Camp Miami Seaquarium information & registration forms are available on our website at www.miamiseaquarium.com .

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida’s most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com .

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

SOURCE Miami Seaquarium

The event was hosted by The Jorge Posada Foundation with the support of Miami Downtown Development Authority. More than 42 booths lined the venue on either side offering spirit and wine tastings from presenting sponsor Republic National Distributing Company and food samples from some of downtown Miami’s top restaurants.

Participating restaurants offered a variety of menu options. Restaurants included: Baru Urbano, Edge Steak & Bar, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, Crazy About You, Mare Nostrum, Jimmyz Kitchen, Off the Hookah, El Vato Tequila & Taco Bar, Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Chophouse Miami.

With over two thousand people in attendance, one hundred plus Spirit and Wine brands, and four live musical performances, DWNTWN Food & Wine Festival at Brickell was one memorable event!

For more info check http://www.downtownmiamifoodandwine.com/

The public’s votes are in, more than two million strong, and they say the best building in Florida is … the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.

The Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. To commemorate this historic event and help educate the public to raise awareness of the architecture profession, AIA Florida is planning a year of exciting and educational events.

“We are elated that so many Floridians took the time to learn about the beautiful structures in their communities,” said Donald Yoshino, FAIA and Chairman of AIA Florida’s 100th Anniversary Committee. “We intend to keep the conversation front and center as we celebrate 100 years and encourage students across the state to consider a career in architecture — placing their own unique signature on our state’s skyline.”

With the Fontainebleau Hotel, his first major solo work, Lapidus was catapulted to fame as a hotel designer. From the bold sweep of its tower to the Baroque curves of its idiosyncratic pedestal base, the Fontainebleau broke the mold of the Miami Beach hotel. The main level, comprising theatrically conceived public spaces and entertainment facilities, was built over a ground-level shopping concourse that fused hotel design with new retailing trends.

Miami also had a winner in the commercial building category: the 2004 Espirito Santo Plaza building on Brickell Avenue. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, the building features a parabolic arch in its glass facade that is said to symbolize Miami’s status as the Gateway to the Americas.

Top Ten Buildings in Florida (by popular vote)

1st Place – Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Miami Beach)
2nd Place – Mandi’s Chapel (Live Oak)
3rd Place – Baughman Center at the University of Florida (Gainesville)
4th Place – University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)
5th Place – Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach)
6th Place – Saint Paul’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church (Jacksonville Beach)
7th Place – The Breakers Resort National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach)
8th Place – Florida Southern College (Lakeland)
9th Place – City Park Municipal Garage (Fort Lauderdale)
10th Place – Dodd Hall at The Florida State University (Tallahassee)

Afrojack, who is currently headlining at the Coachella Music Festival, will bring his popular dance beats, electrical new stage show and previews from his upcoming debut album to the masses this summer with his “Jacked” North America tour. “Jacked” was created by Afrojack as a super dance music party and has become one of the world’s most popular club nights. “Jacked” parties feature Afrojack alongside many of the popular artists from his label, Wall Recordings including R3hab, Bobby Burns, Shermanology and Quintino, who will be joining Afrojack on select dates of the “Jacked” tour.

In addition to the summer tour Afrojack will headline many top music festivals in the US and return for his longstanding residency at Las Vegas hot spots, XS and Tryst.

Afrojack’s worldwide popularity continued to surge in 2011 as he was voted the number seven DJ in the world in DJ Mag’s Top 100 list of 2011, which ranks the top DJs from around the globe based on fan voting. This is just one of a lengthy list of recent awards, accomplishments and acknowledgments for the Dutch DJ and Producer Nick van de Wall – a.k.a. Afrojack. He won a Grammy award in 2011 for his remix of Madonna’s “‘Revolver”‘ with David Guetta and was nominated for two Grammy’s in 2012. At one point in 2011, Afrojack had four listings on the Billboard Top 100 Charts, including the massive mainstream radio success, “Give Me Everything” with Pitbull, Ne-Yo and Nayer at the number one spot. His single, “Take Over Control” featuring Eva Simons recently reached platinum status in the US.

Wall Recordings released a string of immensely successful releases by some of the most influential EDM artists, including R3hab, Shermanology, Sidney Samson, Bobby Burns, Quintino and Apster. The label recently released Afrojack’s single ‘Can’t Stop Me’ featuring Shermanology and will have a home on his upcoming debut album. Many artists from Wall Recordings will join him on the “Jacked” North America tour, creating a unique dance music experience for fans.

For more information on Afrojack, exclusive updates and more visit www.afrojack.com or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/djafrojack ; and on Twitter @djafrojack.

AFROJACK “JACKED” NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

Sat. 6/16 Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park Miami R3hab, Shermanology

“Mid-Beach is just as gorgeous as its more famous sibling, South Beach,” said Lieberman. “I want to provide outstanding, affordable accommodations in an area that is known for its exclusivity.”

With the property’s close proximity to famed Millionaire’s Row, South Beach Group’s latest purchase will soon be the go-to vacation spot for people searching for more than just partying 24/7 in South Beach.

The vacant hotel building at 3720 Collins Ave. was purchased for $6.75 million and a planned $15 million renovation of the property, which was built in 1937, is to follow.

Lieberman is continually on the lookout for well-located properties and is currently looking into purchasing his first ocean-front property in the immediate area surrounding Croydon Arms.

About South Beach Group Hotels:

The South Beach Group is an established boutique hotel chain in Miami, known for trendy hotels at affordable prices. With options ranging from a simplistic economy-style room, to a full-fledged extravagant suite, the South Beach Group can cater to the preferences of any given traveler. South Beach Group’s properties are located in the heart of Miami Beach and provide guests with complimentary shuttle service to and from Miami International Airport, a nightly courtesy cocktail hour, free Wi-Fi, and VIP club passes to the hottest venues in South Beach.

For more information please visit southbeachgroup.com.

According to event organizers Robert and Robin Burr, their Miami Rum Fest has doubled in size each year, a testament to the fact that consumer interest in sugar cane spirits is growing rapidly, faster than any other category of liquor.

“The vast range of fine rums now coming to the market reinforces our prediction that rum is enjoying a renaissance of appreciation,” said Robert Burr, festival promoter and author of Rob’s Rum Guide. “We’re seeing an explosion of top-tier family reserves, luxury sipping rums and premium products on the shelves in liquor stores. Exciting new rums are joining the legacy Caribbean classics to bolster the cane spirits category and provide consumers with a fantastic array of choices of sipping rums. We’re also seeing many new high quality rums specially designed for creating great cocktails.”

The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity for consumers and the trade to learn about — and sample — the best rums in the world over the two-day grand tasting events with more than 20,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Deauville Beach Resort.

“We’re very excited to see so many new rum brands and island lifestyle products participating this year,” said Robin Burr, exhibits manager. “We’ve nearly doubled the size of our main exhibit space once again to bring festival participants a wider variety of rums and related products from around the world.”

Rum enthusiasts can choose between $40 advance tickets to the grand tasting events ($50 at the door) or $250 VIP passes granting all-access admission to the week long series of VIP parties and special events.

For tickets to the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, visit the web site at www.RumRenaissance.com or call 877-855-3378.

SOURCE Miami Rum Renaissance Festival

“Jazz in the Gardens just gets better and better every year, but this year it was simply remarkable. The performers, the attendees, the food, and the weather created a perfect combination. People traveled from near and far to see and experience this amazing festival. It gives me with sheer joy to see this event develop to where it has become a nationally recognized venue and in turn making the City of Miami Gardens a  travel destination,” says Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

Saturday March 17th

The weekend’s festivities kicked off to clear skies and Miami’s own celebrated Jody Hill & the Deep Fried Funk Band who took to the stage with a tight set and strong vocals. Local Miami Gardens favorites Ike & Val thrilled early audiences with their unique style and Ike’s mastery of the blues guitar, playing with the intensity of Jimi Hendrix. Jazz aficionados were glued to their seats as the legendary Ramsey Lewis performed time tested jazz classics with his talented Electric Band. Old school human beat box Doug E. Fresh followed with a high energy performance that had the whole festival doing “the Dougie” while laughing and singing along as he led the audience down memory lane with a medley of old school hits and classic TV theme songs. Grammy nominated R&B soulstress Ledisi followed with an eclectic and rich performance, engaging the early evening audience. Love was the mood set by the next performer, classy and polished KEM, who thrilled with hit after hit of romance inspired songs. The night ended with an exuberant and surreal performance by Jill Scott , who was one of the most eagerly anticipated musicians of the weekend. Scott sported a huge afro and a wide smile, taking her fans for “a long walk,” visibly relishing performing hit after spectacular Scott hit.

Sunday March 18th

A refreshed and eager adult crowd, dressed in their Sunday best, returned for the second glorious day of the Lucky 7 Jazz in the Gardens.  For the first time in the festival’s history gospel graced the stage with local sensation Sensere, who promised to deliver a rock-infused, soul-based, Gospel set and did not disappoint. Then internationally recognized South Florida based Nicole Henry kicked off Sunday’s national artist performances with her rousing renditions of pop and R&B inspired jazz selections. The man who rocked the Tonight Show for 15 years, Kevin Eubanks , took to the stage after Henry, with his smooth jazz guitar backed up by a powerful rhythm section that rocked the park. Kenny G.’s always appreciated long held saxophone renditions and playful audience interactions kept the vibe alive, instrumental style. Then, Ms. Patti LaBelle , diva extraordinaire, took the stage, belting out a rousing rendition of her # 1 hit “New Attitude” to enthusiastic shrieks of appreciation from young and old alike. The excitement filled weekend ended on a very high note as Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige brought her heartfelt “go girl” energy and the audience to its feet with powerful vocals and personal story to close the Lucky 7th Annual Jazz in the Gardens as only Mary J. Blige could.

“Jazz in the Gardens” owes its success to a simple formula: a star-studded line-up, great food, extraordinarily affordable ticket prices and amazing weather. For the past six years the festival has enjoyed unprecedented growth, consistently delivering stunning increases in attendance while attracting both locals and thousands of out-of-towners to the beautiful City of Miami Gardens. Previous years have included celebrated performances from A-list artists such as Charlie Wilson, Ms. Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Robin Thicke, the late Teena Marie, Wyclef, Babyface, Gladys Knight,  Frankie Beverly  and Maze, The Isley Brothers, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Roy Ayers, The O’Jays, Nancy Wilson, Al Jarreau, En Vogue, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill, George Benson, Sergio Mendes, Luciano, Boney James, Boyz II Men, Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn, Melanie Fiona, Joe Sample, and Lalah Hathaway, among others.

About City of Miami Gardens

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003 as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 110,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean and Hispanic residents. The City hosted the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl, the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl™ and Super Bowl XLIV™. This is the second time that the City has hosted the Super Bowl under Mayor Shirley Gibson’s Leadership.  Recently the City of Miami Gardens dropped 5 places from 35th in crimes being committed in metropolitan areas to 40th in the nation according to CQ Press of Washington, D.C., who publishes the annual Crime in Metropolitan American report. The City attributes this achievement to its successful implementation of its own Police Department. To learn more about the City of Miami Gardens, go to www.miamigardens-fl.gov.

SOURCE City of Miami Gardens

As an official Port Sponsor, Miami DDA contributed $50k to the Volvo Ocean Race Miami. The festival, newly renamed Downtown Miami Race Village for its partnership with Miami DDA, will consist of daily activities, international entertainment events, water sports exhibitions, Volvo Ocean Race Academy, the In Port Race, Pro-Am Race, cardboard canoe race, the Antique & Classic Auto and Boat Show, a classic steamboat race, the legacy showcase, food, art, drinks, city-wide events and the Volvo Open 70s- to name a few.

With the combined efforts of the Volvo Ocean Race Miami and Miami DDA, local merchants are being notified to gear up for the tourism influx they will see this May. From restaurants to hotel rooms Downtown Miami will be thriving with pedestrians along Biscayne Boulevard. The official count down has begun to the 24-hour arrival event and 14-day festival in Bicentennial Park to honor and celebrate the six-Volvo Open 70′s.

The globally recognized Volvo Ocean Race is an extreme sailing event around the world and is widely known as the ‘Everest of Sailing.’ The worldwide sporting event kicked off from Alicante, Spain on November 5th, and will conclude in Galway, Ireland, in July 2012. The teams are competing across 39,270 nautical miles through some of the world’s most treacherous seas. South Florida is the only North American stopover for the race and will host Miami’s first ever two weeklong festival.

“Miami DDA is a strong partner to have for this event,” says Don Poole, president, board of directors, Volvo Ocean Race Miami, Inc. “We know with the local impact of this event that businesses in Downtown Miami will feel the economic boost during a month when tourism usually starts to slow down.”

“Downtown Miami is a natural backdrop for this event,” said Alyce Robertson, executive director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority. “As an international destination with an iconic waterfront setting, the district is already serving as a magnet for tourism and recreation. We are proud to participate as a key sponsor of the Volvo Ocean Race and are excited to have this opportunity to showcase our city’s greatest assets.”

Volvo Ocean Race Downtown Miami Race Village will take place May 6-20 in Bicentennial Park. For information on Volvo Ocean Race Miami or the Downtown Miami Race Village, please visit, www.volvooceanracemiami.org. Like us on Facebook at Volvo Ocean Race Miami and follow us on Twitter @VOR2012Miami.