Press Releases

A First Look at Valo, the Electric Air Taxi, in Miami Beach

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2026

South Florida Insider

Future of Flight Takes Center Stage in Miami Beach as Vertical Aerospace Introduces Valo Electric Air Taxi at The Bass Museum.

February 27th, 2026

The Miami debut of Valo, the next-generation electric air taxi from Vertical Aerospace, unfolded against the iconic backdrop of the The Bass Museum in Collins Park, offering media, guests, and the public an inside look at a quieter, greener future of travel. Set in the heart of Miami Beach, the aircraft’s sleek design stood in striking contrast to the Art Deco architecture, underscoring the role advanced air mobility could play in dense, design-forward urban environments like South Florida.

Over two days, visitors explored the aircraft, met the team behind its development, and learned how electric flight could offer a quieter, cleaner alternative to congestion across the region. Vertical is working with operating and infrastructure partners to explore a network of routes for its electric and hybrid-electric aircraft across South Florida that would transform key journeys for one of the country’s most traffic-constrained corridors.

On Tuesday, February 24th, the first evening of Valo’s Miami debut concluded with a cocktail reception, where media, influencers and VIP guests attended to take an up-close look at the aircraft and hear firsthand why South Florida is emerging as an important market for advanced air mobility.

In remarks given at the evening reception, Dómhnal Slattery, Chairman of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized why the moment — and markets like Miami — matter.

“Today, the most frustrating part of travel is often the first mile or the last. Time matters. Ease matters. Comfort matters. And our customers’ passengers expect – and deserve – all three,” Slattery said. “With Vertical, we see an opportunity to bring passengers into the network of our airline customers faster and more seamlessly – from city center to hub to global destination. This isn’t technology for its own sake. It’s about making travel smoother, more efficient, and more premium from start to finish.”

On hand and representing one of Vertical Aerospace’s key airline partners was Steve Johnson, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer at American Airlines, the leading carrier at MIA airport. The airline recently announced its $1B investment in Miami airport concourse expansion.

A standout moment on Tuesday afternoon was a visit from students of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who traveled from Daytona Beach to tour the aircraft and took part in a Q&A session led by Chief Engineer David King, and Michael Cervenka, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer. The session offered a rare opportunity for future aerospace engineers to engage directly with the technology — and the people — shaping the next generation of flight.

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Press Releases

Palace Bar Is the Pulse of Miami Beach Pride 2026

Published

6 days ago

April 8, 2026

McKaela Lulic

Set across from the restored rainbow crosswalk, this Ocean Drive favorite is once again becoming the heart of Miami Beach Pride.

April 8, 2026

As Miami Beach Pride 2026 returns to Ocean Drive this April, Palace Bar Miami Beach is once again set to be one of the biggest centers of the celebration. Known for its drag shows, open-air dining, and longtime place in South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community, Palace will host a full schedule of Pride Week events while standing directly across from one of the most meaningful new symbols of the weekend: the restored rainbow crosswalk in Miami Beach.

On Friday, April 10, the City of Miami Beach will unveil the rebuilt LGBTQIA+ rainbow crosswalk in Lummus Park, just steps from the Palace on Ocean Drive. The installation was recreated using 3,606 salvaged pavers from the original 2009 crosswalk, giving the city a renewed and permanent symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility, unity, and pride. Its location across from the Palace makes the venue a natural backdrop for one of the most talked-about moments of Miami Beach Pride 2026.

That visibility is nothing new for Palace. Owned by Tom Donall, a co-founder of Miami Beach Pride, Palace has spent nearly four decades building its reputation as one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ venues in Miami Beach. For locals and visitors alike, it has become a go-to destination for drag entertainment, brunch, nightlife, and community on Ocean Drive.

This year’s Palace Bar Miami Beach Pride lineup runs from April 8 through April 12 and includes some of the week’s biggest events. The schedule features the Miami Beach Pride Pageant on April 8, the Haus of Gucci Ball on April 10, and a full weekend of brunches, rooftop events, performances, and DJ sets from Oscar Velasquez and Jrny. Pride weekend will close on Sunday, April 12, with a major final celebration featuring DJ Dani Brasil and appearances by RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Jimbo and Trinity the Tuck.

With the return of the rainbow crosswalk and a major lineup of performances and events, Palace is positioned to be one of the defining destinations of Miami Beach Pride 2026. The venue continues to bring together nightlife, performance, and LGBTQ+ culture in a way that feels both celebratory and deeply rooted in Miami Beach’s history.