News

The tallest diving platform in the western hemisphere soon will stand in Fort Lauderdale. Experienced divers will be able to plunge the equivalent of nearly eight stories from the 27-meter tower at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex. The rest of us will be able to climb to the top and contemplate it — without jumping.

The diving tower will be the first permanent structure of its kind in the western hemisphere and the second in the world, Laura Voet, manager of the aquatic center said. The other is in Zhaoqing, China.

It is designed to survive 146 mph winds, comparable to a Category 4 hurricane, she said.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the diving community,” Voet said. “They just think it’s awesome.”

Though the 27-meter platform will be available only to more experienced divers, community members will have the opportunity to dive off the shorter platforms and climb the tower’s 162 steps to the top, Voet said.

“You’ll be able to see what it’s like to walk up those steps and then contemplate what a diver’s thinking when they’re going up there,” she said.

Voet anticipates the diving tower will bring more swimming events to the area. People have already called to plan annual events at the center, which has been closed for renovation since April 2019 and plans to reopen next fall.

The platform, coincidentally, was set in place on the birthday of Fort Lauderdale High Diving World Champion Steven LoBue, Voet said.

LoBue was the first American to win a gold medal in the men’s 27-meter dive.

“It’s exciting for Fort Lauderdale,” Voet said. “It’s another first.”

This was originally published by Alex DeLuca in the Sun Sentinel and can be found here.

Looking to mix things up this weekend? THesis Hotel - the hottest new destination in Coral Gables, has organized a morning of wellness for your sweaty pleasure. THesis has partnered with local fitness and wellness operators to bring you the perfect trifecta for a full-body workout.

First, kick things off with a total body sweat from Burn Bootcamp Coral Gables, before slowing things down with an active recovery from fan favorite Green Monkey Yoga. Finally, end the morning with a soothing sound bowl meditation led by wellness expert Annie Vazquez of Annie the Alchemist.

This "Wellness at THesis" programming is part of the hotel's effort to spotlight local fitness brands that embody the health, wellness, and fitness mindset of the hotel. Classes are complimentary and open to community members of all levels. There will be refreshments, giveaways, and more.

*Click Here to Book Your Spot*

ROAR Station announced their relocation to a new, larger space in Fort Lauderdale this week.

The 5,500 square foot studio will be perfect for all of the group fitness classes. The new address is 1110 NE 8th Ave, Bay #4 in Fort Lauderdale.

ROAR Station offers a variety of high intensity interval training classes featuring cardio, boxing and strength training. They offer three styles of classes - MAX OUT, with strength and intervals, focused on upper, lower and full body, SMASH Boxing, taking your core and conditioning to another level, and Zoom50, a sports performance inspired class, which will take your agility, footwork and conditioning to another level.

Learn more about ROAR Station, or sign up for a class at roarstation.com, or find them on Instagram at @roarstation.

Miami Beach is renowned for its wide array of award-winning spas located throughout the city. Now, as the summer kicks into high gear, take advantage of being a local with unbeatable deals as part of Miami Spa Months, taking place now through August 31, 2021. As part of the two-month promotion, enjoy up to 50 percent off a variety of treatments – from pampering with an open-air spa facial to indulging in a Swedish or Balu fusion massage or even disconnecting with a private couple's mud bath treatment. 

"Now more than ever, we can all use some self-care, and we're inviting travelers to indulge in tranquil spa treatments in celebration of Miami Spa Months," said Steve Adkins, Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "As the poster child for relaxation and renewal under the sun, Miami Beach is ready to pamper travelers and help them decompress, so they can return home feeling refreshed and recharged."

Earlier this year, 86 percent of Americans reported emotions associated with prolonged stress, including anxiety and anger, according to a study by the American Psychological Association. The study also found an increase in unhealthy weight gain and drinking due to high-stress levels. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, integrative medicines – like massages – are standard treatments for reducing stress, pain, and tension while improving blood pressure, immune function, and increasing overall relaxation.

"Following the events of the past year and a renewed focus on wellness, the proverb 'health is wealth' has never been more accurate or top of mind," said Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. "The offers included as part of Miami Spa Months are truly unbeatable, making now the perfect time to escape from the daily to-dos and enjoy an overdue detox escape to Miami Beach."

Travelers ready to embark on their detox journey will have several luxury destination spas to choose from this summer. A few highlights include:

• The Palms AVEDA Spa is offering options with four different treatment packages priced at $139 each. Travelers can choose from a signature facial and manicure treatment, a full-body Swedish massage, a Tropical Island Glow body treatment, or a Tropical Island Journey massage experience.
• For couples, enjoy an invigorating mud bath treatment paired with a bottle of bubbly in a private villa at Esencia Wellness. Vacationers can also choose a 'Woke in Wynwood' facial or a full set of lash extensions for $139, or a Nobu Miami Nagomi massage, facial, and body exfoliation ritual for $199.
• Valmont for The Spa at The Setai features four private spa suites with just enough room for up to two guests. Enjoy ocean and pool views, a private bath and steam room, and choose from a hydration facial, full-body skin polish, 'Triple Fix' treatment with facial cleanse, foot and scalp massage, or 50-minute Bali fusion massage for just $139 each. If 50 minutes isn't enough, guests can choose the 80-minute Bali fusion massage for $199.
• Head over to The Spa at Carillon Miami Beach and pick from an array of massage, facial, or body treatment options while enjoying breathtaking rooftop views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  

For more information on Miami Spa Months deals on Miami Beach, follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach on Instagram or download the Miami Beach App at http://www.miamibeachapi.com/app/.

Miami Swim Fashion Week is back on Miami Beach beginning today, July 8, and running through Sunday, July 11. This annual event by Paraiso focuses on the promotion of swimwear and resort wear brands and their upcoming collections and is the largest event like it in the world. And what better place to do it than where we wear bathing suits all year long!

This year is a busy schedule of runway shows, events, and parties to make up for last year's pandemic restrictions. In fact, this is the first full capacity fashion event since COVID-19. The Paraiso tent will be at Collins Park and events will also be held at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Mondrian South Beach, and Plymouth Miami Beach.

Some of the 30+ designers you can expect to see include:

• Oh Polly!
• Honey Birdette
• Liliana Montoya
• Boohoo
• My Happy by Stef Roitman & Mery Racauchi
• Mery Playa
• Maaji
• NIA LYNN Collection by Nicole Williams English
• and more!

While you can find resortwear and bikinis at any event, but some will be showing off cultural diversity and sustainability as well. PNDMC has a collection created by Shervan McClain, the first African American Male swimwear designer to show at Swim Week. Gabriella Montells is from Miami and her swimwear line, Swim'in G uses eco-friendly sustainable techno-fabric, made of ECONYL® regenerated Nylon, and also gives back to the oceans.

For the entire schedule and list of events, click here.

The owner of a Florida-based chain of mixed martial arts gyms unveiled big plans Tuesday to try to help Miami Hurricanes football players take advantage of new rules that allow them to make money.

Dan Lambert, the owner of American Top Team and a longtime Miami football fan, has offered each scholarship player (90 total) on the Miami football team a monthly payment of $500 this year to advertise his gyms on social media. American Top Team is the home training facility for more than two dozen professional fighters, including Jorge Masvidal and Amanda Nunes.

Lambert's offer to the Hurricanes -- which could add up to as much as $540,000 this year -- is the largest reported sum for a college sports endorsement deal since new state laws and NCAA rules opened the doors for players to make money last week.

"I want to help the kids. I want to reward them for what they do, and I want a better product on the field, too," Lambert told ESPN on Tuesday. "I want to improve the reputation of the school and the team I love so much. I think it's a cool opportunity to get involved and make a difference."

Lambert said the offer is the largest marketing effort his MMA business ever has made. He says he's not sure he'll continue to offer the same deal to Miami players in future years, but he already has bigger plans in the works to create a consistent way to provide some money to every player on the Hurricanes' roster.

Lambert has also started a corporation, called Bring Back The U, that will be solely focused on putting money in the pockets of Miami football players. He said the company will attempt to rally support from local businesses to hire the players as spokesmen. He says he also plans to host fundraising events and then donate the proceeds to any local business that agrees to use the donation to pay for Miami players as spokesmen.

Lambert said he has had multiple conversations with the school's compliance department to tell them about his plans. He also has hired attorney Darren Heitner to make sure what he was doing didn't violate new state laws.

"There are improper ways of fans supporting their players, and now there is a legal way to do it," Lambert said. "And if there is a legal way, and you can dot the I's and cross the T's, I'm going to do it."

Heitner helped craft Florida's new name, image and likeness law and has consulted with several athletes and businesses looking to use college athlete endorsers. He told ESPN that Lambert's fanhood and previous donations that he has made to the athletic department do not prevent him from creating a company that facilitates endorsement deals for Hurricanes players.

Heitner said Florida's law only prohibits an entity that has directly supported the university or the athletic department from paying or facilitating these deals. Lambert's new corporation has no relationship with the university.

"There's no prohibition on an entity who may have a booster as a member," Heitner said. "The only restriction is if the entity itself supports the institution or the athletic department."

Many of the state laws currently in place have similar language addressing booster involvement. The NCAA rules, which dictate what is allowed in the 30-plus states that don't have NIL laws in place, also have no restrictions that would make an effort like Lambert's against the rules.

Lambert said he has already had several inquiries about Bring Back The U from other local businesses since launching his new fundraising company on Tuesday morning. He does not have any plans set in stone yet for their fundraising event, but he said every dollar they make will eventually land in the hands of a Miami football player.

"I'm not looking to profit from this," Lambert said. "I want to try to bring people together and make our team better. I've got too many Gator and Seminole friends that have been s----ing on me for the last 20 years. I want to reverse it."

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This was originally posted on ESPN.com by Dan Murphy and can be found here.

CrossFit Home Office today announced the launch of CrossFit Affiliate Programming (CAP), which will provide programming, class planning, and coach development to affiliates via written materials, graphics, and more than 60 videos per month. 

Developed by the legendary trio of Austin Malleolo, James Hobart, and Spencer Hendel - who have trained more than 20,000 CrossFit coaches, appeared in 24 CrossFit Games, and led five gyms - CAP will be offered free of charge to CrossFit affiliates through December 31, 2021. Interested gyms can sign up for the CAP waitlist for access at crossfit.com/programming.

"The coached workout is the most important and differentiated aspect of CrossFit," said Eric Roza, CEO of CrossFit. "Affiliate owners who choose CAP will save nearly 20 hours each month while improving the daily experience for their members and coaches alike. By implementing CAP, affiliates will also expand their gym community, as members offer support, celebration, and commiseration on the same daily workouts to their fellow CrossFit athletes across the country and around the world."

Consistent with CrossFit's "tools over rules" credo, the CAP service is an optional service for all affiliates, and they are welcome to continue to do their own programming or purchase programming from other sources.

"Daily coach development is what will set CAP apart," said Nicole Carroll, CrossFit's General Manager of Training and Education. "CAP's daily video instruction by leading Seminar Staffers will focus on education for coaches, who in turn will improve the experience and outcomes for their members." 

CrossFit Affiliate Programming's key features include:

• Exclusive daily class plans and coaching videos from CrossFit's Seminar Staff,
• Related daily At Home/Travel workouts available solely to affiliate members,
• Pre-loading into leading platforms such as SugarWOD, with others to follow,
• Dedicated support from CrossFit team members via email and phone, 
• Monthly focus areas and options to help members target their weaknesses, and
• Updates and enhancements based on affiliate feedback to support CAP's continuous improvement.
• "By increasing coaching ability, you increase member satisfaction," said Austin Malleolo, one of CAP's developers. "Because CAP is only available to CrossFit affiliates, it will help drive a continuous improvement in coaching quality across CrossFit gyms and serve as a significant differentiator for potential members in contrast to non-CrossFit facilities."

To accelerate the launch of CAP, CrossFit has acquired and integrated the assets of HAM Plan, which was founded by Malleolo, Hobart, Hendel, and MIT wunderkind/L3 trainer Travis Herbanek. 

Interested affiliates can sign up for the CAP pilot at crossfit.com/programming. The service will begin rolling out to affiliates in good standing worldwide beginning July 6th, and it will expand to languages beyond English beginning in the fourth quarter. Pricing for the service in 2022 will be announced during the trial period, but it is expected to be $150 per month

Echelon Fitness announced its partnership with GRAMMY®-winning independent international superstar, education advocate, business entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Pitbull. Also known as Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull is ready to ride as part of the official Echelon Fitness team.

In addition to a financial investment in the company, Pitbull's involvement will offer considerable new content and value for the Echelon Community members, globally. The partnership will include:

• Dedicated anthem song written to inspire members, and get the world moving and feeling good. The Echelon anthem will be released as a single on his new album, heard on his upcoming I Feel Good tour and through radio and TV Echelon spots.
• Special dedicated "Ride with Pitbull" content channel, including the music of Pitbull.
• Ability to ride with Pitbull himself along with some of his dancers including classes created and taught by his dancers, The Most Bad Ones.
• Exclusive, co-branded bike and merchandise centered around his Timeless album launch.
• Echelon's engagement with Pitbull's educational learning centers SLAM! by offering internships and college scholarships.
• The anchor channel will live within the Echelon Fit app (exclusive to members) featuring Pitbull's brand, image and music.

"It is truly an honor to partner with Echelon Fitness," says Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull). "With this new venture, we look forward to producing new avenues for music and fitness. Music is the universal language. Fitness is a cultural movement. Together we will create a powerful generation. I don't know about you but that makes me feel good, Dale!"

"Learning Pitbull was a fan of our product and our community was humbling," said Lou Lentine, President and CEO of Echelon Fitness. "We have been experiencing significant growth, and confidence from key financial investors, including a recent investment led by Goldman Sachs. Pitbull has featured and been featured with some of the biggest talents in the music industry. And now his latest feature is with Echelon Fitness. We are so excited to welcome Mr. Worldwide to the team!"

For more information about the Pitbull Listening channel, the Echelon Connected equipment and membership, visit echelonfit.com.

As gyms and studios reopen and return to full capacity, our workout habits are once again shifting. We are starting to get back to our pre-COVID workout routines and in-person classes. According to ClassPass' new Comeback Report, here are 8 trends we can expect for the remainder of the year, and beyond.

‍1. IRL Experiences Are Back And Here To Stay

• 9 of the current top 10 experiences getting booked on ClassPass are for in-person classes and appointments.
• Once we go back to in-person experiences, we keep going back. Among users who have returned to class, average usage is 10% higher than it was before the pandemic.

2. Vaccination-Required Classes Are In

• Studios such as [solidcore] are starting to offer vaccination-required classes. These classes typically require proof of vaccination at the door, but no mask during class. 
• A ClassPass survey shows 69% of members would prefer returning to classes that require a vaccine, and 18% plan to only return to studios with vaccination requirements.
• 59% of respondents would prefer to remove their mask in class once vaccinated.

3. The Afterwork Workout Is Back On Our Calendars

• 5:30pm has just made a comeback as the time we are most likely to break a sweat; earlier during the pandemic we saw lunchtime workouts score the #1 spot.
• Lunchtime workouts are still popular (12pm is the second most popular class time), but we are finally venturing out and using an end of day workout as the perfect way to create separation from our email, take a deep breath and kickbox our way through some workday frustrations.

4. Yoga Is Growing A Loyal Following

• Livestream yoga is the only digital class type in the top 10 most booked classes and appointments.
• In-studio yoga has climbed to the second most popular class type since studios have reopened. It’s likely that the at-home yoga spike produced some new students, and that both new and seasoned yogis are excited to practice with a community again.
• People new to ClassPass are most likely to book a yoga class first.

5. Outdoor Classes Continue to Boom in Popularity

• The outdoor trend first started as a way for studios to offer classes while their indoor spaces were closed. Since May 2020, there has been a 917% increase in the number of studios offering outdoor classes.
• Outdoor classes continue to grow in popularity -- May 2021 saw the most outdoor reservations in a single month ever on ClassPass.

6. Self-Care Tops Our List Of Needs

• For the first time ever, massage is one of the top 10 reservation types on ClassPass.
• In many cities such as NYC, one-third of ClassPass credits are now being spent on wellness and beauty services including massages, facials, manicures, haircuts and more.

7. Weekend Glow-Ups Have Returned:  

• Friday is now the most popular day to make a beauty or wellness appointment. We are back to booking blowouts and manicures before the weekend, wanting to feel our best for seeing friends and family for the first time in over a year! 

• Vaxed and waxed is not just an Instagram hashtag -- searches for wax services are up 700%+ compared to June 2020.

8. We Crave New Experiences Beyond Our Homes:

• Around the world, discovery of new experiences is on the rise. In the past month, ClassPass usage increased by more than 100% in the US and tripled in the UK. (data is from May 1, 2021 to June 10, 2021)

• Strength training is the most-booked class type as people return to studios and look for classes with gear they may not have had access to at home. Digital classes have dropped significantly in the rankings -- only Livestream Yoga remains in the top 10.
• We are again getting social -- there has been a 64% increase in people inviting their friends to class since the start of the year (January 2021), and May saw the highest volume of people inviting friends to class since pre-shutdown.

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To read more of the ClassPass survey results, click here.

You can call it a comeback! ClassPass surveyed members during the month of June to find out whether or not people are returning to in-person experiences post-COVID and the results of their Comeback Report are showing YES. Here are the things we missed most about IRL workouts and the 5 reasons we are heading back according to survey participants.

‍1. Better Access To Equipment

• Since it can be hard to fit a Pilates reformer in a studio apartment, two-thirds of people say access to equipment is one of the main reasons they are heading back to class.
• 4 of the top 5 fitness genres with the highest recent reservation volumes use equipment that is typically not found in home gyms.

2. Feeling Good Physically And Mentally

• 60% of people say in-person classes and appointments are better for their mental health than an at-home digital routine – and let’s face it, after a tough year, self-care is now more important than ever.

3. Pushing Ourselves To Achieve More

• 81% of people say they push themselves harder in class than they do on their own – which makes sense considering there’s not a tempting couch or needy pet nearby. 

4. Receiving Guidance From Instructors

• 74% of people prefer to have an instructor’s direction and encouragement when working out. Shoutout to our faves!

5. Greater Accountability

• 67% of people say in-studio classes make it easier to work out regularly and keep up a routine – and ClassPass makes it easy to pencil it in.

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ClassPass allows consumers to book at over 40,000 gyms, fitness studios and spas through their monthly membership. Read more about trends they found in their Comeback Report here.

Last week, Peloton announced Peloton Corporate Wellness as a new way to bring Peloton content or connected fitness products to businesses and organizations. The same Peloton experience loved by more than 5.4 million members is now available to organizations that are committed to providing employees access to innovative mental and physical health resources.

"Introducing Peloton Corporate Wellness is the latest step to making the award winning Peloton experience more accessible," said Peloton's President William Lynch. "Over the years we've worked hard to help our Members achieve healthier and happier lifestyles. Peloton Corporate Wellness is the natural extension for us to be able to scale that offering. Together with our Corporate Wellness partners, we're now able to share the experience with millions more while also driving stronger culture and community within the workplace."

Organizations can now offer subsidized access to Peloton Digital and All Access Memberships, as well as exclusive benefits on Connected Fitness products. Corporate Wellness partners will receive access to tailored enterprise features to help drive strong engagement, reduce administrative workload and measure impact, all via an easy to use and secure platform. Each Corporate Wellness partnership will benefit from Peloton's brand and marketing expertise, extensive knowledge of member engagement, and community-building tools.

In addition to the measurable and tangible health and wellness benefits that Peloton can deliver, Peloton Corporate Wellness also has the unique opportunity to help organizations drive employee engagement and retention. Peloton's high engagement and member satisfaction is driven in part by the number of community-first features like tags, which helps members find other members with similar interests on the Leaderboard, and sessions to make it easier to workout with a group. Similar to a live class, sessions is another way to work out together where members can schedule any ride or run, 20-minutes or longer, then send an invite to others to join that class.

Peloton's social tools can be used to help teammates bond while also forging great fitness habits.

Learn more about Peloton Corporate Wellness at onepeloton.com/corporate-wellness.

The City of Miami Beach Commission voted last Wednesday on a $2.5 million deal to get one step closer towards the nation’s first adaptive fitness and recreation center.

The idea was spearheaded by the Sabrina Cohen Foundation and the future facility will host a 27,000-square foot and three story fitness center with an all inclusive universal design. The foundation still needs to raise about $8 million.

“This is a game changer. You know, we never know when life is going to change on the dime, and we’re going to be here to catch our residents and keep them strong and healthy and alive and active members of society,” said president of the foundation Sabrina Cohen.

The center will be built on 53rd Street and Collins Avenue and will offer daily physical fitness programs, a rooftop pool with aqua therapy and a fully accessible beachside program. It will cater to people with all needs, from being wheelchair bound to those with autism and everything in between.

Check out the entire story by 7 News WSVN here.

A new and unique beer collaboration between J Wakefield Brewing and Legacy Fit aims to be your post-workout beverage this summer.

Legacy Fit posted on their Instagram page, "We often say at Legacy... We want you walking out better than you walked in. We are focused on building a community that goes beyond the gym walls. Beer like working out is social and fun. We were thrilled to collaborate with @jwbrewing on a post workout beer. If anyone knows beer it’s them."

John Wakefield, Owner, Founder and Brewmaster at J Wakefield Brewing in Wynwood, works out at Legacy Fit and loves a good beer after a hard workout. It only made sense for him to team up with Manning Sumner, Founder and Owner of Legacy Fit, to create the perfect post-workout beverage.

Named "No Days Off" after the infamous Legacy Fit philosophy, J Wakefield describes the beer as a "3.5% Mango/Raspberry sour ale with electrolytes added. The acidity and tartness from the base beer when paired with the minerals from the sea salt we added makes this the perfect post workout beer. The raspberry and mango play a key component in bringing a bit of sweetness to the picture to round it all out."

You can pick these 4packs up now in the J Wakefield taproom to go for $18 or you can try them out at Legacy Fit Wynwood during their Happy Hour workouts.

Pride is so much more than how you identify, it is an ability to express one's self. Pride is about love, not just who you love, but love for yourself and your community. 

*RELATED OP-ED: Pride is So Much More Than My Sexual Orientation

Celebrating Pride isn't just for the LGBTQ community, but for all including allies. Pride is a celebration of love, and this goes for self-love too.  

Here are three ways you can celebrate Pride all year long.

Spread love and create a safe space for others to feel comfortable expressing their authentic self. Create an environment where all feel welcome to sweat. We all can remember our first fitness class, the nerves we may have had about entering a new space. Sometimes for LGBTQ individuals this can feel tenfold. A simple smile or a fist bump can make anyone new, regardless of how they identify, feel like they are welcome.  

Respect pronouns. If you're not sure of someone's pronouns, ask. It is best to ask someone how they identify themselves than just go based on how someone looks. If you feel uncomfortable asking someone, introduce yourself and state your pronouns.

Support your South Florida LGTBQ trainers and business. South Florida is home to many trainers and businesses who are out and proud. Show you stand for love by jumping into one of their classes this month or anytime of the year!

M Park by The Shops at Midtown Miami re-opened as a new and improved community park. Located between Nordstrom Rack and West Elm, M Park will be a wonderful addition to the daily life of both neighborhood residents and travelers alike with a capacity of over 200 people.

The new park consists of two areas: an open grassy space with welcoming seating for relaxing and events, and an enclosed playground for kids. The vibrantly-colored playground is designed for children aged two to 12, consisting of four separate play structures for visitors to enjoy. The play structures feature multiple levels with climbers, slides, rock walls, cargo climbing nets and monkey bars under integrated sail shades. The two sides of the park, connected by a large Gumbo Limbo tree in the center for shade, are surrounded by artificial turf.

“We are excited to welcome the community to the new and improved M Park in the heart of Midtown Miami.” said Richard Forrest, Vice President of Property Management. “There was a need in Midtown for a beautiful green space for locals and visitors to stop by, recharge and let their kids play. The Community Development District worked hard to transform M Park into a premier destination for fun, creativity and relaxation for the city of Miami. We are excited and proud to share it with our neighbors and shoppers.”

While an official grand opening event for the community and local dignitaries is slated for Saturday, August 21, you’ll still be able to take advantage of the new green space until then with regular activations and local events. But even if you’re not going there for a happening, you can still head there to relax and enjoy a picnic with food from one of The Shops at Midtown Miami’s many restaurants, and take in the beauty of a growing neighborhood.

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This was originally published on the Culture Crusaders and can be found here.

Break the Cycle is joining SocialXchange, Muscle Mom, Let's Ride 305, and Nationwide Ridas for the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride on Saturday, June 19 at 9:30 am. This is a family friendly event to ride in unity.

Bikers are welcome to meet at the Calder Casino Parking Lot and the estimated ride will be 15 miles.

Break the Cycle (BTC) is nonprofit organization and a multicultural bike group of cyclists who ride for a purpose. Bridging generational gaps & meshing socioeconomic statuses, these cyclist are working to redefine the urban community of Miami, all while promoting a healthy lifestyle. BTC's weekly events attract hundreds of cyclists.

Click here for more information on the Juneteenth event or to register for the ride.

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sweetgreen is now officially open in Wynwood, making it the third new location to open in Miami this year. This fast-casual salad concept over 120 locations across the country.

Located at 2621 NW 2nd Avenue, this restaurant fits right into the neighborhood with a vibrant exterior mural by Jen Stark and colorful interior designs. You can find both indoor seating at this location.

With a goal to build healthier communities, at sweetgreen you can find locally sourced and organic ingredients in their carefully prepared salads and bowls.

Use the app to order ahead and customize your meal, or stop in today!

sweetgreen can also be found in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Look out for a fourth Miami location in the Miami Beach neighborhood of Sunset Harbour.

Yellow Green Farmers Market, the sprawling, 10,000-square-foot weekend market in Hollywood, reopened several weeks ago after having been closed for more than a year.

With the reopening come several significant changes, including some grand plans for the future. Upgrades include the addition of four giant tiki huts that provide shade and seating for visitors to the market, along with live musical entertainment on the new main stage.

Yellow Green Farmers Market general manager Mark Menagh spoke with New Times about the future improvements, including two new spaces that will house a food hall, a retail market, and office space.

Menagh says the food hall, called the Station, will have an industrial feel and house about 30 vendors. Each stall will be equipped with its own sink, storage area, and a cooking area with a ventilation hood.  A fire-suppression system will permit the Station to accommodate deep fryers.

The Nest, an air-conditioned venue on the south side of the market, will be built out with a rustic look and offer office space as well as kiosks for sales of antiques, collectibles, and more.

Menagh says that the heart of Yellow Green remains the original market, where about half the spots are currently occupied.

"A lot of people didn't come back" after the closure, he explains. "We're dealing with small businesses, and people might have simply moved out of town."

Menagh says the goal is to have about 450 vendors — a significant increase from the 350 who rented space pre-COVID. The trick is to make sure the vendors sell a range of items that people want to buy.

"I try to make sure every business here is unique," he explains. "I can't add another cupcake vendor. Anyone can sell cupcakes, but what if you're making, say, a Bundt cake soaked in Jamaican rum with a spiced frosting? That's a product that I would want."

Menagh cites a relatively new vendor — Wicked Bread Co. — as an example of a successful niche business at Yellow Green. "Nobody else at the market will sell you their cinnamon bread or interact with you the way they do," he says of the stand, which opened in 2020 just before the pandemic set in.

Space rental starts at $550 a month for an indoor space and $385 for an outdoor space. There's no lease, so vendors are free to leave if they're not successful — though Menagh very much wants them to be. "I look for entrepreneurs. I want people who have a vision of what they want to sell."

By his count, more than 40 successful businesses got their start in the market. "It's a proving ground," Menagh says.

Right now, the market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but there are plans to extend the hours until 8 p.m. At that point, Menagh images locals lingering after they shop to relax with a wine or beer from one of the on-premises bars.

"I can't imagine a market like this anywhere else," he adds. The year-round outdoorness of the market is very unique to Florida."

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This originally published in the Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.