Events
Everglades Up-Close with Corwin and the Miccosukee Tribe
Join the Celebration of Nature, Culture and Everglades Conservation This Weekend at the Miccosukee Tribe’s Free Annual Festival.
September 25th, 2025
Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, and sunshine, but beneath the surface lies one of North America’s most unique ecosystems: the Everglades. This sprawling “River of Grass” is home to incredible wildlife and is central to the culture and history of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Emmy-winning conservationist Jeff Corwin has partnered with the Tribe to bring the Everglades’ wonders and challenges to a national audience through Wildlife Nation with Jeff Corwin: Expedition Florida. The series airs Saturday mornings on ABC television stations (check local listings).
A Legacy of Stewardship
For centuries, the Mikasuki-speaking Miccosukee Tribe has called the Everglades home. Lucas K. Osceola, the Tribe’s Assistant Chairman, explains, “This has been our home, our sanctuary land, for many generations. The Everglades protected us, and now it’s our responsibility to protect it, not just for us, but for all of humanity and future generations.”
This connection to the land drives every aspect of the Tribe’s conservation efforts, combining traditional knowledge with modern science. From managing forests to protecting endangered species, the Miccosukee demonstrate that stewardship isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a way of life.
Adventure and Conservation on Screen
Corwin has spent over four decades in conservation and three in television, and his experiences have taken him around the globe. Yet, he says working with the Miccosukee has been transformative. “Florida is the poster child for incredible environmental challenges and opportunities. From manatees to coral reefs, from red-cockaded woodpeckers to indigo snakes, it can feel overwhelming, but seeing how the Miccosukee have adapted and become excellent stewards of their backyard is inspiring,” he explains.
The series highlights these efforts with a mix of adventure, science, and storytelling. “Under the fun of exploration, it’s a wake-up call. This is their home, there’s no backup plan, and they’re in a battle to save it. Everyone benefits when they succeed,” he adds.
Lessons from the Wild
The Everglades has a way of teaching lessons, sometimes in unexpected ways. Corwin recounts a recent encounter with a bird injured by hooks and torn muscle. After carefully rescuing it, he helped it recover and released it back into the wild. “Sometimes animals can teach you to be a better person. Helping this animal reminded me of interconnectedness and compassion, qualities we often forget,” he says.
Osceola echoes the sentiment. “I grew up jumping in canals, walking in the woods, watching bobcats care for their young. To me, these creatures aren’t just animals, they’re neighbors. Protecting them is part of protecting our home and our culture.”
Corwin also reflects on the lessons of patience and observation. “Working with nesting leatherback sea turtles, waiting on the beach for them to appear, teaches you humility. Nature has its own timeline. That unpredictability keeps you alert, constantly learning, and deeply connected to the environment.”
Adventure in Your Own Backyard
One of the most exciting revelations from the series is that adventure doesn’t require a passport. “You don’t have to fly to Africa for a safari. You can swim with manatees, take an airboat ride, explore the wilderness, all right here in Florida,” Corwin explains.
The Miccosukee Tribe extends this invitation through their American Indian Day Festival at the historical Miccosukee Indian Village. Osceola shares, “Guests can hop on airboats, enjoy kids’ activities, see performances, and taste our food, including roasted gator, garfish, and pumpkin fry bread. It’s a way to experience the Everglades and our culture that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable.”
Corwin adds, “These open houses are magical. You see baskets being woven, carvings coming to life, and dishes made from ingredients found in the Everglades. It’s storytelling through food, craft, and nature all at once.”
Balancing Culture and Modern Life
Living in the Everglades is not without its challenges. Osceola explains, “This terrain is rough, but it’s home. We always put the environment first, balancing modern comforts with stewardship, and that mindset has shaped our community for generations.”
Corwin admires the Tribe’s resilience. “They’ve built a thriving community in one of the planet’s toughest ecosystems. That requires determination, creativity, and commitment. It’s a lesson for all of us.”
Sharing the Magic
The Miccosukee are not only conserving the Everglades but also sharing their stories and traditions with the world. Osceola notes, “I want everyone to feel the magic we see every day. The bird populations in March, the beauty of the water, the connection to nature—it’s something everyone can enjoy and learn from.”
Corwin emphasizes that these stories are a bridge between people and the environment. “Everything in Florida is connected. What happens in the Everglades affects coral reefs, wildlife, and human communities. Sharing this story is about inspiring action, awareness, and appreciation for the natural world right in our own backyard.”
The Heart of the Everglades
Ultimately, the Everglades are more than a habitat, they’re a living legacy. Corwin reflects, “The River of Grass teaches us that everything is connected. Protecting this place isn’t just about wildlife, it’s about people, culture, and the future. The Miccosukee show us that with dedication, knowledge, and a little adventure, conservation is something everyone can participate in.”
From thrilling airboat rides to pumpkin fry bread that could require elastic bands for your pants, the Everglades come alive in ways both wild and human. Thanks to Corwin and Osceola, along with the Miccosukee Tribe, the magic, culture, and conservation of this landscape are finally getting the attention they deserve, proving that adventure, education, and stewardship can coexist in extraordinary ways.
The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.
May 29, 2026
Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.
As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.
Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.
A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.
The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.
By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.
Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.
Events
Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon
The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.
May 26, 2026
Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.
Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.
The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.
At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.
The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.
The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.
By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.
In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.
At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.
Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.
May 18, 2026
Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.
Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.
The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.
Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.
The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.
Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.
To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/
Gale Miami Pairs Skyline Views, Serene Spa Moments and Casa Gianna’s Italian Comfort for a Downtown Mother’s Day Escape.
Morikami Serves a Mother’s Day Worth Savoring with Garden Views, Homemade Flavor and Heart.
(more…)
Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Celebrated Three Decades of Culinary Chaos, Cocktail Creativity and Charitable Goodness. (more…)
No Chaser Needed as Tequila Town Delivers Straight Shots of Culture, Connection and Cocktails With a Kick in Miami.
(more…)
Sips, Sand and Small Bites Set the Tone as SAVOR SoFLO Festival Serves Up a Beachside Tease of What Could Grow Into Something Bigger. (more…)
Beetlejuice Turns Grief Into Theatrical Magic
Melissa Odabash Brings the French Riviera to PARAISO Miami Swim Week
Machine Gun Kelly Unleashed
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThe Wick Gets Gloriously Cher’d in Boca
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
The Notebook Musical Reveals Love That Never Lets Go
-
Events3 weeks ago
A Mother’s Day Escape with Gale Force Flavor
-
Attractions3 weeks ago
Morikami Turns Mother’s Day into Lasting Memories
-
Music2 weeks ago
Lightning Delays, Late Nights, and a Legendary Weekend at Welcome to Rockville 2026
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Boca Black Box Flips Out With Laughter
-
Music4 weeks ago
Alabama Shakes Return from Hibernation to “Shake Up” South Florida
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Marcus Monroe Brings Double Laughs to Boca Tomorrow
