FTL Today! Everything Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Travel Tips, News, Events and so much more!

The Wave electric streetcar system still planning in Ft. Lauderdale.

Mark B — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:05:47 GMT

The Wave is the potential new 'electric streetcar' system for Ft. Lauderdale. Their website is still up and there are some videos you can download to see what it 'could' look like on our streets. It's pretty cool.

I can say that we REALLY need something like this here in Ft. Lauderdale. If New Orleans can keep their running for so long...why can't we start? Sure...some of the lines wouldn't hold up in a Hurricane...but they can be repaired very easily. Buses don't work down here and I really think that these street cars would benefit everyone. They could be built to by-pass some traffic lights that could save everyone time.

Right now...it looks like they are just planning routes around the downtown area and the riverfront. Great start. BUT! They need to plan for expansions or other lines that connect somehow. One going from the beach to the airport to the port is one example. Also, one should run along US1 north and south and also have some east and west routes.

It's time that Florida start to think about other methods of transportation. These streetcars would cause less pollution, be inexpensive to ride and would free the streets up a bit.

Check out their website for some information and cool videos.

http://www.ddaftl.org/dtc.asp

St. Regis Hotel on Ft. Lauderdale Beach to become a Ritz-Carlton.

Mark B — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:40:24 GMT

The St. Regis Hotel opened a little over a year ago and it's already changing 'brands'. On August 11th, 2008 it will be rebranded as a Ritz-Carlton. That actually might be some good news. Everyone knows Ritz and they have some loyal guests. This will also be the only Ritz-Carlton in Ft. Lauderdale (all other Ritz South Florida properties are in Miami).

Some reports state that St. Regis was in some disputes with the actual owners of the hotel while other causes state it was a 'ripple' effect that started with major management changes by Starwood Resorts (I believe they own St. Regis).

I expect there to be little changing in the hotel...and I hear that even the dining options are staying as is. They are also expecting to keep the 5-star rating.

Back from New Orleans.

Mark B — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:56:33 GMT

(Jackson Square / St. Louis Cathedral - French Quarter)

Just got back from a short trip to the 'Big Easy'. When planning the trip, I decided to try and cash in my Delta frequent flyer miles...since who knows how much longer those programs will be worth anything. The only route we could find was a trip to New Orleans...a Tuesday returning Saturday. With the balance on hand, it covered my whole round trip flight, so why not.

I've heard a lot of negative things about New Orleans post Katrina. Basically, if you stick to the French Quarter and the Riverfront area...you should be fine. We stayed one block off of Bourbon Street so we were close to everything. We didn't rent a car and walked everywhere...from our hotel to Harrah's Casino...to almost every street in the 'Quarter'. We didn't do any of the 'Katrina' tours...didn't really want to see it. We stuck to our own schedule which was great.

One thing I was surprised of was the old history in this town. Some of the buildings date back to the 1700's. I guess as I get older...I find History more interesting than I did back in school. Who would have thought. We hit the museums and got to go into the building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Cool.

I've read how people say Bourbon is stinky and loud and sleazy. I have to agree...but so are parts of New York City. The 'smells' on the street were just like walking through NYC in the summer. Another true statement is the 'anything goes'. There are LOTS of strip clubs around...so if you don't want to explain to your kids what they are...you might want to stick to the other streets in the Quarter.

I was kind of disappointed with the food. You hear how great the food is so maybe my expectations were a big high. The food really was not that big of a deal. Although, most restaurants gave HUGE portions and the seafood was a LOT less expensive than here in South Florida.

With all the history and culture there, I really hope they can continue to rebuild. The downtown area had a lot of construction going on and you really can't tell a huge storm hit there only a few years ago. I was happy to see the city and to pump some money into the economy there.

Oh...and YES Cafe du Monde IS THAT GOOD. The biegnets (fried French doughnuts) are the best I've had hands down...it's a must stop.

(Cafe Du Monde - left ; More of Jackson Square - right)

Hmmmm.....D Wades in Ft. Lauderdale closed?

Mark B — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:44:55 GMT

Hey everyone. I'm not in town, but hear that the new D Wade's resaurant in Ft. Lauderdale is closed. I did drive by on Sunday at 2 PM and it was closed. Anyone know for sure? I only went once and the food wasn't very good and the offerings were typical bar food. Guess it's another restaurant casualty. I'll be back from the 'Big Easy' in a few days.

Cafe Europa closing after 18 years...to make room for hotel expansion.

Mark B — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:39:35 GMT

Café Europa has been a staple on Las Olas Blvd. for 18 years and will be missed. It's not closing due to a slowdown in customers, rise in rent or any reason you might immediately think of in today's wacky economy. It's actually being closed to make room for the Riverside Hotel's expansion. The upgrade/expansion of the hotel will take over the space of 8 store fronts. This has been in the works for quite some time and in a way...it's a good thing to see they are still planning the renovation.

Café Europa's owner, Tony Cupelli, actually moved here from Italy which made a great recipe for authentic Italian food. He also said that he is in negotiations on another Las Olas location for the restaurant. If all goes well, the new location might be open early 2009.

A treadmill at home just might be what you need.

Mark B — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:00:21 GMT

A great way to save some money is to get rid of that gym membership and work out at home. For a small investment, you can have some great equipment ready anytime you want to work out. It can be quite overwhelming with all of the choices out there...especially for quality cardio equipment. Don't you wish there was a scorecard for fitness treadmills? It could make the selection process so much easier. There's a little website that can steer you in the right direction and they even have some reviews by price point. Treadmillsguru.com is simple but to the point and can help you make the right choice.

The one thing I really hate at my gym is when I get there and all the treadmills are taken. It throws off my entire workout and sometimes I even skip the cardio, which isn't a good idea since that is the best way to lose weight. I'd love to have my own treadmill at home to use whenever I wanted. The only problem...would I use it to work out on....or as a plant stand?

Table Games still dealing at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, FL.

Mark B — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:50:27 GMT

Ok everyone...time to get your score cards out. You really need one to keep track of all the law suits and belly-aching going on over the Seminole Casino table games. A Federal Judge stated that he cannot uphold the Isle Casino @ Pompano's suit to block table games at Seminole Casinos. The Isle is trying to stop the games by filing a law-suit against Gov. Christ, but didn't name the tribe itself. Without listing the tribe, the judge cannot do anything..and listing the tribe would probably be a dead-end.

It's good news for Blackjack players...however I have heard that with all of these law suits flying around it might hold up the scheduled payments the Seminoles need to make to the state. Good move everyone....like Florida doesn't need the money.

What's your Bills IQ?

Mark B — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:59:41 GMT

Let's face it...we all need to be aware of our financial stability and future. The sad part is that many people don't realize they need to think about their financial security early in life. I just took my 'Bills IQ' and actually scored very well. I got a B+. Not too bad huh? Visit http://www.bills.com/iq/ and see what you get. It's a great tool and gets you to answer questions you might not have thought of. It might even help you change your financial goals.

The test is easy and the questions are very straight forward. I like how they have it broken down into different groups like Credit, Debit and Budget. I'm VERY good on my budgeting skills...so I knew I'd fly through that section. They even pose a question about a will. Not many people under 35 even think of that....but it's a good idea, especially if you have a family or own a home.

This site is also a great place for Debt help. They offer tips and advice based on your answers. Don't worry..you don't give ANY personal information during the test. No E-mail address so you don't have to worry about SPAM either.

Give it a try and leave a comment back here with your score.

Bertha's swimming with the fish.

Mark B — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:39:59 GMT

All of us in South Florida were watching Hurricane Bertha over the past few days. Yesterday Bertha was a Category 3 Major Hurricane. The good news is that she's not predicted to get even a little close to Florida. More good news is that today...Bertha's winds dropped down to about 80 mph. Now the only area that should be on the lookout of Bertha is Bermuda...but it looks like they might luck out.

Lets hope that all the Hurricanes this year make that curve to the north!

Hotels.com promo $30 off!

Mark B — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:44:17 GMT

Hey everyone. Hope you are having a great 4th of July weekend. Mine is going very well...except for the $40 I lost at the casino. Glad I'm not a big spender when it comes to my time at the slots.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Hotels.com is having a promotion right now in addition to their great discounted hotel rates. You get $30 off with a 5 night hotel booking! Let's face it...we all need the extra savings. Click on the link below to activate the coupon code and be taken to Hotels.com.

$30 off with 5 night booking!

Florida Supreme Court rules on Seminole Blackjack...a possible bust for players.

Mark B — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:53:19 GMT

If blackjack is your game...and you've been waiting to hit the Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Casino to try your hand....you better head over as soon as you can. The Florida Supreme Court finally ruled on the suit that claimed Gov. Charlie Crist had no authority to sign the Gaming Compact with the Seminoles. The court agreed and said that he didn't have the right to sign it without the approval from the state legislature.

While Blackjack and other table games are possibly a bust for the Seminoles, the class III slots (Vegas-Style) will probably stay put...at least in Broward. Since the state allows them in the pari-mutuals, there is a good argument that the Seminoles should be allowed to have them....with no taxes of course.

The table games are still open at the Hard Rock Hollywood, but for how long is the question. The state courts really have no impact on Indian Gaming so the Seminoles are waiting on a Federal investigation on the decision. There is also a pending lawsuit from the owners of the Isle Casino (in Pompano) in Federal court to block table games in Seminole properties. The games could operate for a month or longer...no one knows. They could be shut down or continue to operate. It's a 'gamble' at this point.

Are table games really that bad? Why not open it up to all facilities and give Florida the opportunity to offer some quality and variety in gaming....along with bringing in some additional revenue. We need to stay ahead and think of ways to improve our tourism in these tough times. Lets face it...gas prices are not going down. We need to live with high airfare and giving tourists another reason to visit (besides just the beach) might just work. Lastly, how can you pass up all that tax revenue??

Busch Entertainment theme parks will cost you more.

Mark B — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:38:36 GMT

Busch Entertainment announced it will be raising regular price tickets to it's theme parks. A basic one day ticket to Orlando's Sea World is now $69.95, Sea World's Aquatica is now $41.95, Busch Gardens Tampa is now $67.95 and finally Busch Gardens Adventure Island (water park) in Tampa is now $37.95.

The one good thing? Florida Residents are still going to get some great discounts on multi-day passes. Two-day, Two-park tickets for Sea World and either Aquatica or Busch Gardens will set you back only $79.95. That's actually a LOWER price than before. Three-park, Three-day tickets are $119.95...which is also now a lower price.

Save some money on local South Florida restaurants.

Mark B — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:19:04 GMT

I've used this website many times and it's well worth it. They offer certificates for participating restaurants around the US (and some great places here in South Florida) and offer them at a discount. The usual amount is $25 off of your bill and they sell them for only $10. That's a $15 savings. They also make GREAT gifts and always run additional discount promotions (right now they are giving away a free $10 certificate with every purchase). I've used them 3 times for Ft. Lauderdale restaurants and had no issues. It's also a great idea if you are planning a vacation or a weekend getaway...you can plan ahead and order a few certificates and save some money.

Once you make your purchase, you print the certificates out on any printer. It's super easy and I suggest you give them a try.

Click on either picture below to be taken to the site. Happy eating!

Disney's Pleasure Island to become 'what once was'.

Mark B — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:31:17 GMT

Those of you familiar with the 'Disney Marketplace' and 'Downtown Disney' entertainment areas in Walt Disney World Resort, might be shocked to hear that Pleasure Island will be closing it's six nightclubs in September. All of the clubs will be closed for good and the plan is to build 'restaurants and shops' that appeal to a broader customer base. Look for the new spots to open in the next few years.

Pleasure Island has been slinging drinks and entertaining the 'younger, single' crowd for about 19 years now. It will be sad to see it go...but 19 years is a 3 lifetimes for any nightclub. No plans have been revealed, however Disney has been doing some upgrading in the Marketplace adding new shops and even a 'balloon' attraction (you ride up 300 feet while it's hooked to the ground).

So if you have some fond memories of PI...you might want to take a trip while the clubs are still open. Take one last round on the revolving dance floor (yes...it actually revolves around) at Mannequins Dance Palace and take a look at the Rubik's cube tables at 8-Tracks.

4th of July around Broward County.

Mark B — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:04:25 GMT

Wow. Can you believe it's July 4th next Friday? It seems like New Year's Eve was just yesterday. I found this information at Sun-Sentinel.com. Along with these events....the casinos in Broward are having all sorts of promotions as well. I've gotten some stuff from Seminole Hard Rock and The Isle at Pompano Beach.

Coral Springs: This Fourth of July Celebration includes games and entertainment for all ages from 6-9:30 p.m. There may be a small fee for some activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Sportsplex, east of Sawgrass Expressway between Sample Road and Royal Palm Boulevard. Parking is $3/car. coralsprings.org/events. 954-345-2200.

Davie: Start the fun at 10 a.m. with a free family splash pool party. A DJ will be spinning tunes poolside. In addition, there will be an arts and crafts show and World War I and II military tank, jeep and equipment show. Purchase food or bring your own; grills and tables are available. Country group Shadow Creek will kick off the evening festivities at 6 p.m. in the ball fields. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, climbing wall and free birthday cake in honor of this nation's big birthday party. Patriotic fireworks are at 9 p.m. Pine Island Park, 3800 SW 92nd Ave. davie-fl.gov. 954-797-1163.

Get to Vista View Park early for the best seats to view fireworks displays from across the county. Viewers will get a panoramic view from the park's hill, the highest man-made elevation in Broward County. See the fireworks displays from Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Sunrise and possibly Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Food vendors will be present. Don't forget to bring beach chairs and blankets. Parking is $5/car. 4001 SW 142nd Ave. , Davie. 954-370-3792.

Deerfield Beach: All-American Fourth of July happens from 4-10 p.m. Enjoy the holiday with childrens' activities and music from 1-4 p.m. and Final Countdown Band at 6 p.m. An oceanfront concert by Jay and the Americans is at 7:30 p.m. The Mad Bomber fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Main Parking Lot, Southeast First Street and Ocean Way, one block south of Hillsboro Boulevard. Complimentary parking at The Cove Shopping Center, 1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd. with shuttle service from 12-5 p.m. and 11 p.m.-12 a.m. At the beach, drop off and pick up will be at Ocean Way and Southeast Third Street. deerfield-beach.com. 954-480-4433.

Fort Lauderdale: Celebrate America's Independence by joining the festivities from 1-9:30 p.m. on Fort Lauderdale Beach. A DJ will be entertaining with contests and games starting at 1 p.m. on Southeast Fifth Street and A1A. A water balloon toss and hula-hoop contest will be part of the fun. Music will be provided by Storm Riders at 4:30 p.m. and The Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. The sky lights up at 9:00 p.m. for this annual fireworks show which blasts off from a barge off A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. fortlauderdale.gov. 954-828-5363.

Hollywood: The Star-Spangled Spectacular kicks off at 3 p.m. on the Broadwalk with 101.5 Lite FM's live broadcast. Hollywood Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a patriotic medley from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Johnson Street Beach Theatre. Tropical rockers Jimmy Stowe & the Stowaways take the stage at 8 p.m. and after the fireworks. Family entertainment will include Police Pipe & Drum Corps, Riverside Dixieland Band, face painting, balloon twisting, and airbrush tatoos. Interact with Uncle Sam and other historical characters as they stroll along the Broadwalk. Offshore fireworks begin at 9 p.m. with 101.5 Lite FM simulcasting. Due to limited parking, it's recommended that you take advantage of the free shuttle operating from 4-8 p.m. between Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center, 2030 Polk Street and Johnson Street/A1A. Shuttles resume after the fireworks. 954-921-3404.

Margate: The theme of this year's parade is "Historical National Landmarks." It begins at 9 a.m. on the west end of Margate Boulevard at 76th Avenue and continues east to Golub Municipal Complex at 58th Avenue. Afterward, participate in the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the "Margate Boulevard Streetscape Project." Complimentary hot dogs and refreshments will be served. The 9 p.m. fireworks display will be at a new location this year: east side of State Road 7 at Margate Boulevard (the former Swap Shop property). margatefl.com. 954-972-6458.

Miramar: This family-oriented celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with the top 40 music of singer Dee Dee Wilde, inflatable rides and face painting. Family Olympics with "All American Apple Pie Eating" and "Bubble Gum Blowing" contests is at 6 p.m. Kids and parents can compete for prizes. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Fireworks display starts promptly at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway. 954-704-1631.

Pembroke Pines: Enjoy rides, arts and crafts and food starting at 7 p.m. The Wise Guys will perform a free concert. Fireworks display lights up the sky at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Blvd. ppines.com. 954-435-6525.

Plantation: Proud to Be an American Celebration begins with a parade 9 a.m. at West Broward Boulevard and Northwest 46th Ave., traveling west to Northwest 69th Avenue and ending at City Hall. Children's carnival with rides starts at 5:30 p.m. Tops 40's band The Fabulons performs at 7:30 p.m., followed by Zambelli Internationale fireworks at 9 p.m. Hot dogs, burgers, soda sales benefit Plantation Athletic League. Central Park Ball Fields, 9151 NW Second St. plantation.org. 954-452-2510.

Pompano Beach: Groove to DJ's spinning tunes starting at 7 p.m. The Fireworks Extravaganza is 9 p.m. north of the fishing pier, 222 Pompano Beach Blvd. (A1A north of Atlantic Boulevard). mypompanobeach.org/events. 954-786-4111.

Sunrise: Grand marshal Stanley C. Panther will lead a patriotic parade with colorful floats and costumed characters 10 a.m. from Northwest 12th Street along Sunset Strip to City Park, Northwest 64th & 68th avenues. Tennis players can try their hand at a tournament 10 a.m. at Sunrise Tennis Club, 9605 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Cost is $12-$15. Festivities are from 6-10 p.m. at BankAtlantic Center parking lots and will include bands Nobody's Fault and Love Child, bounce house, jugglers, face painters, inflatable slap shot and food vendors. Florida Panthers and Ice Dancers will be joining the fun. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Lawn chairs and umbrellas are permitted. BankAtlantic Center, One Panther Parkway. sunrisefl.gov. 954-747-4600.

Tamarac: The All-American Celebration from 6-9:30 p.m. will feature family games, a concert by Valerie Tyson Band, amusement rides and free patriotic giveaways. Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam will be in attendance. Purchase refreshments from the local vendors. Fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Parking with shuttle service starting from 5-8 p.m. will be at City Hall and Tamarac Community Center. Return will immediately follow the event. Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77th St. tamarac.org. 954-597-3620.

Weston: Broward Health Weston and the City of Weston start the holiday with the annual 7:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk which begins and ends at Weston Town Center. For more information log on to splitsecondtiming.com or call them at 954-384-7521. The Hometown Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the theme of "Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism." The route begins at Town Center Boulevard and Three Village Road and continues on Main Street in the Town Center. Call the Weston Community Center for more information at 954-389-4321.

Fee, fee and more fees.

Mark B — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:56:02 GMT

Delta Airlines is the latest to jump on the 'fee' bandwagon. Beginning August 15th, Delta will begin to charge a fee of $25 or $50 round trip for those using 'SkyMiles' or frequent flyer miles for 'free' flights. I'm actually surprised they are still going to have this program at all. As it stands now, I think they've increased the total amount of miles needed for a free flight to 50.000. That's a lot of miles! I guess this is the first step to 'discounted' fares for frequent flyer miles.

Let's hope they hold off on other fees for a while.

Say it with a cool display booth.

Mark B — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:57:19 GMT

I've always wondered where trade show display booths came from. The last Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show had so many booths with cool displays...I always thought each company built it own booth. Not so! It turns out there are companies out there that specialize in creating those booths. It seems that each year, booths at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show try to 'outshine' each other.

Not only can these companies create booths for trade shows...but they can customize any type of booth. Have a theme party? A kid's birthday party? A summer block party? You can have some great booths designed that will definitely have everyone talking. If you don't want a 'custom' booth...you can find ones with a gallery of 'pre-designed' booths.

Another great idea would be for that neighborhood yard sale...you'd want your house to stand out. Imagine what a cool 'booth' could do to your sales. If you want to be inspired, visit www.godfreygroup.com for more information.

United Airlines to 'fly out' of Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood...for good.

Mark B — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:45:12 GMT

On September 2, 2008, United Airlines has reported it will stop all service at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport...along with the Palm Beach International Airport. The case? Fuel costs. All the big airlines are slashing their fleets and seats and the 'leisure' airports will be the ones to get cuts. Miami International Airport will still have 'United' service...but 'trimmed down'.

When I first heard about this...I thought "wow...this is getting pretty bad for South Florida". Then I began to get some details. Bottom line? It won't be THAT bad. United only has 4 flights daily from Ft. Lauderdale and one in Palm Beach. That's really nothing when you compare to the other 'big guys' like Delta and American. Also, while United is pulling out...the low-cost carriers like Spirit, Southwest and Jet Blue appear to be adding flights (or talking about adding them). If you have already booked a flight on United and it's after September 2 flying into or out of Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach...you should call your travel agent or United immediately.

Cruise lines will have the biggest challenge trying to keep up with all the changes. You also should be checking your flight itinerary quite often to make sure your flights have not been canceled. While there usually isn't major changes...your schedule can be thrown off if you booked a direct flight..and now it's a stop-over.

In a few years air travel is going to be much different than we know it today. Lets hope it will all work out for both the airlines and us passengers.

Better get a good piece of Carry-On Luggage.

Mark B — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:12:05 GMT

Fees, fees everywhere. I'm sure everyone has heard that airlines are now charging a fee for every piece of checked luggage. Not only does it stink, it makes it really hard to 'shop around' for the best rate. You can't just look at the 'base rate' anymore. You have to take into account all the fees, which can add up in no time. Soon you'll be paying for soda and water on most flights...so you need to find ways to 'get around' the fees.

With that aside, it's going to become very popular to take a nice piece of Carry-On Luggage. Not only do you want a solid piece, you want it to look nice and be big enough to hold all you can..and still fit in the 'overhead' bin. If you think about it...you won't have the risk of your luggage getting damaged if you just carry it on. There's a great website out there that is offering some quality products at great prices. They also have a partnership with Delta that can earn you SkyMiles. That's not bad. Hartmann.com has all types of styles and types of luggage...from duffels to totes and Wheeled Luggage...they'll have something you'll love. They have styles for both men and women,and some great Leather Luggage so check them out now and save a few bucks on your next trip.

Looking for an investment property? How about Las Olas Riverfront!

Mark B — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:46:20 GMT

Yes you can own the floundering Las Olas Riverfront entertainment complex in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale. It's actually going to go up for public auction on August 5 at 11 AM at the Broward County Courthouse. The property has been in a foreclosure suit for missing a payment on it's $22 million mortgage.

The property was built in 1998 with a portion of public funds and had the potential to be a huge draw for residents and tourists. The movie theater has gone down hill, tenants have come and gone and the place has a hard time swooning new businesses. The location is great...right along the New River close to Arts District.

The current owners (Boca Developers) bought Riverplace in 2005 and had plans to build three towers on the property...a hotel, office building and condos. The snag was that Riverfront was originally built with public funds, so that limited what could be done with it.

Hopefully there will be a buyer with a vision...and can pump some money and life back into this complex. A hotel might be just what it needs (and a nicer movie theater...like the Palace in Boca). West Palm Beach did a great job with their City Walk complex, so I know it can be done.

If you're bidding...good luck!