I love the time of year when the country comes together to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Adorned in red, white, and blue, it is a time when we all take a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to live in one of the greatest countries in the world. This year, a variety of fantastic Independence Day events will be taking place around South Florida where attendees can show off their patriotism and have fun! I’ve made a list of my top three enjoyable, family-friendly celebrations taking place throughout Broward and Miami-Dade County for your convenience. God bless America!

Hollywood Beach: Star-Spangled Spectacular Celebration:

Of course, I must begin in Hollywood, home to my beloved Diplomat Oceanfront Residences! Every year Hollywood holds their Star-Spangled Spectacular 4th of July Celebration on beautiful Hollywood Beach. All are encouraged to throw on their American flag bathing suits and soak in the sun, American style! Taking place on the 4th from noon-9 pm, it will be full of a variety of events including a DJ, games, Concert featuring the 13th Army Band of the Florida National Guard, and the dazzling fireworks display at 9 pm. Click here for more information.

Fort Lauderdale: 4th of July Spectacular:

This year the City of Fort Lauderdale will host the 4th of July Spectacular! This FREE event will be a patriotic extravaganza! Highlights include DJ, music, bounce houses, water slides, face painting, human foosball, beach games and contests. The 4th of July Spectacular takes place on July 4th from noon-9:30 pm on Fort Lauderdale Beach at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. There will even be an old fashioned hot-dog eating contest! For information on transportation options such as bike valet, water transportation, and Sun Trolley service, click here.

Miami Beach: Fire on the Fourth Festival:

If you like your fireworks with a side of tons of delicious food, then the Miami Beach: Fire on the Fourth Festival might just be the celebration for you! Food trucks will take over Miami Beach from 11 am- 9:30 pm, along with plenty of music! Featured performers are Spam Allstars, Inner Cirlce, and The Wailers. Attending food trucks will serve dishes from Putino, Virgo Bomb, Melted Scoop, Ms. Cheezious, Guiseppes, Mr. Good Stuff, Dolci Pecati and Taco Fresh. Fireworks light up the sky starting at 9 pm. For more information, click here.

I wish all of you a fun, safe 4th of July!

The secret is out: Fort Lauderdale is now considered one of the most booming real estate towns in the country, with new real estate projects popping up at a fascinating rate. For my blog today, I wanted to discuss five Fort Lauderdale real estate trends/acquisitions and the implications behind them:

Fort Lauderdale is having a Skyline Transformation!

Upcoming real estate projects are transforming the Fort Lauderdale skyline! The leader in this new construction is 100 Las Olas, standing at nearly 500 feet tall. According to Fort Lauderdale mayor Jack Seiler, “We're trying to create a very walkable, livable, 24/7 live, work, play downtown…We're not trying to be any other city, we’re just trying to be the best city we can be.”

Trader Joe’s Retail Center Sells for $49.2 Million!

Trader Joe’s location has sold to 1600 Commons shopping center in Fort Lauderdale, adding up to a hefty $753 per square foot deal, one of the highest values for a retail property seen in Broward County. This is a sign of a strong anchor tenant. Extra proof that Fort Lauderdale continues to be a strong attraction to retail giants, boosting the job market and economy.

International Boat Show Staying in Fort Lauderdale!

Great news boat lovers! The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is set to remain at the Bahia Mar resort through 2050. This announcement comes from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida confirming that this 30 year lease extension will allow developer Jimmy Tate and Rahn Bahia Mar LLC to submit new proposals that would allow the site to be developed. Such upgrades include replacing the existing hotel and add 11-story apartment buildings, as well as renovating the surrounding dock space, adding restaurants, and even including a small fishing village on the property. When asked for comment on these new additions, Tate replied,” Between the 650 residential units and the commercial and the hotel, it’s probably, from an investment standpoint, $500 [million], $600 million.” I look forward to attending the new, improved boat shows for years to come!

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Up for Sale!

One of the largest hotels in Broward County is now up for sale. The 589 Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is expected to receive around $175 million. Property would include a 33-slip marina, and also offers tons of redevelopment potential. This hotel is the third largest in Broward County, and has been renovated several times. It’s reported that this listing is being marketed to domestic and foreign investors in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Amaray Las Olas Sold for $134 Million!

Amaray Las Olas has set a new precedent for apartment tower real estate deals, selling at an impressive $133.55 million. This equates to $525,787 per unit, one of the highest prices per unit for a Broward County apartment deal in recent years. This continues the momentum of Fort Lauderdale luxury apartments setting new standards in resort-style amenities in Broward County. According to John Petricola of Rockefeller Group, part of the joint venture that included Stiles Corporation in this deal, this only speaks positively about the future of Fort Lauderdale real estate: “Amaray Las Olas set a new benchmark for the market, as evidenced by the speed of the leasing program, which we attribute to its spectacular location, authentic and singular design and its luxury lifestyle amenities. This is the new defining landmark on Fort Lauderdale’s skyline and we expect that it will continue to be a strong success far into the future.”

It is evident that Fort Lauderdale is booming, and I only see the Fort Lauderdale real estate market improving with time! If you would like to find the perfect Fort Lauderdale property for you, please contact me at 305-801-8363 or by email via bozena@diplomatrlty.com. This is one real estate phenomenon you don’t want to miss!

Covering the entire 29th floor of the prestigious Diplomat Oceanfront Residence lies the exemplification of luxury, style, and beauty. This magnificent Penthouse immediately makes a superb first impression with an open, airy floor plan that perfectly showcases this 7,861 square foot, 6 BR/8.5 BA dream home. Elegant furnishings and gorgeous custom finishes everywhere you turn immediately give this home a presence that suggests you have entered an unparalleled level of luxury. An abundance of natural light beckons you through floor-to-ceiling windows in almost every room. Beyond these windows are some of the most breathtaking views imaginable, with sparkling turquoise waters glistening from every vantage point. Step out onto over 5,700 square feet of private terrace and enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying a motivating morning sunrise over a steaming cup of coffee. Unwind after a long week with friends while enjoying a bottle of your favorite wine and engaging in stimulating conversation as the alluring 360 degree skyline glows in the background.

While nothing can match the beauty of nature, the interior of Penthouse 2901 certainly comes close! 12 ft. ceilings and gorgeous marble floors showcase the fabulous gourmet kitchen, dining, and living room areas. This superb Penthouse is perfect for entertaining overnight guests, as it features 6 spacious bedrooms with mesmerizing Ocean and city views in addition to spectacular custom closets and chic onyx bathrooms. Also impressive are the immaculate maid’s quarters, ideal for those who require in-house staff. Perhaps my favorite feature? The fun private theatre room, perfect for enjoying your favorite movies with family without ever leaving the comfort of home!

It always gives me great pride to show-off Diplomat Oceanfront Residences to potential buyers, because the resort-style amenities are exceptional! All residents of the Diplomat Oceanfront Residences are afforded numerous resort-style amenities, such as a heated saline water pool with beach and pool service (iced bottled water included), spa with locker rooms, sauna, fitness center, bicycle room, surround sound private theater room, card room, juice bar, entertainment area, library, ATM Machine and a barbecue at the Lanai Level. Additionally, with purchase of any Diplomat condo residents gain access to amazing discounts at the Diplomat Country Club with 18-hole Joe Lee-designed golf course and 15% discount on all food, beverage and Spa treatments. The Diplomat Oceanfront Residences is also attached to the Diplomat Resort & Spa, which recently had over $100 million in upgrades, including a variety of distinguished new restaurants. These include Monkitail, Diplomat Prime, Point Royal, and Portico Beer & Wine Garden. I’m sure you’ve read great reviews about these fine-dining hotspots! I would also like to mention that Diplomat Oceanfront Residences hosts several VIP events for residents throughout the year, perfect for getting to know your neighbor while having a fantastic night!

You’ve been thinking about it, and now is the time to take action! Contact me at 305-801-8363 or bozena@diplomatrlty.com to have your own private viewing of this prime piece of real estate. I know it will be love at first sight!