Immigration Attorneys in Delray Beach, FL

Kimberly Miller

A slow-blooming tempest that stalked Florida this week finally began to mature on Friday triggering tropical storm watches and warnings in the Keys and along the Gulf Coast.

The National Hurricane Center upgraded the recalcitrant knot of thunderstorms to Potential Tropical Cyclone Four and expects it to grow into Tropical Storm Debby in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, Aug. 3. After a short time over water, it is forecast to make landfall in a marshy area north of Homosassa Springs late Sunday into Monday as a strong 65-mph tropical storm.

However, areas from as far South as Naples and north to the Big Bend region of the state are in the forecast cone of uncertainty. Inland areas of Orlando and east coast cities including Daytona Beach and Jacksonville are also under the specter of tropical turbulence as the storm gropes through the state and into the Atlantic Ocean early Monday.

The title of "potential tropical cyclone" is given to systems that the hurricane center is confident will form but have not yet developed a closed center of circulation. It allows forecasters to issue watches and warnings as a burgeoning storm approaches the coast.

Hurricane Center forecasters were cautious Friday to note the uncertainly of Gulf Coast-skimming storms.

"Since the forecast track is almost parallel to the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the southeast coast of the U.S., only a small change in the track could lead to large changes in which land areas receive any landfalls and the biggest impacts," NHC forecasters wrote in an 11 a.m. discussion.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four was 315 miles southeast of Key West with 30 mph sustained winds. It was moving west-northwest at 16 mph.

2024 HURRICANE GUIDE:Storm preparation tips, supplies, evacuation zones, insurance info

Areas along the southwest coast of the state from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach were under a tropical storm warning as of Friday evening. A warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.

Areas in the Florida Keys south of the Card Sound Bridge, including the Dry Tortugas, were under a tropical storm watch, which means tropical storm conditions are expected within 48 hours. Areas from Bonita Beach north to Aripeka were also under a tropical storm watch.

Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee early Friday morning.

For Palm Beach County, which is outside of the cone but not out of the reach of potential impacts, a blustery weekend with potential tropical storm-force gusts is forecast.

Robert Molleda, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service office in Miami, said average rainfall amounts through Sunday are expected to be in the range of 2 to 4 inches but could be higher in some areas.

Saturday shouldn’t be a nonstop washout but there will be squally bands of heavy rain and winds that will be stronger at the coast.

“It’s not going to be a good day. It’s going to rain a good part of the day,” Molleda said. “The other main concern is the potential for flooding.”

There is less concern in Palm Beach County for potential tornadoes with this system than with 2022’s Hurricane Ian, which reached across the state to spin up three tornadoes, including an EF2 with 125 mph winds that tore through Kings Point west of Delray Beach.

“Sometimes that adverse weather can be well displaced from the center of circulation,” Molleda said.

Forecasters have maintained 2024 will be a busy hurricane season, despite the mostly quiet month of July. The combination of an emerging La Niña climate pattern and exceptionally warm water temperatures led NOAA to issue its highest storm forecast on record in late May with a prediction of 17 to 25 named storms, including eight to 13 hurricanes.

Colorado State University increased its number of named storms for the season to 25 from the 23 it forecast June 1. It increased the number of hurricanes to 12 from its original forecast of 11.

An average hurricane season has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.

More:2024 Hurricane Season Guide: Storm preparation tips, supplies, evacuation zones, insurance info

On Friday afternoon, the official NHC forecast was not calling for PTC4 to become a hurricane, but some meteorologists had concerns that a low-end hurricane could form depending on how long the system stayed over the abnormally warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva said if the system leans toward the left, or the western edge of the forecast track cone, it would have more time to fuel up. As it was Friday, wind speeds were expected to top out at about 65 mph ahead of landfall. Category 1 hurricane wind speeds start at 74 mph.

“It might be strengthening all the way up until it makes landfall, DaSilva said. “If it rides the western portion of the cone, there is nothing to slow the strengthening other than it hitting land.”

While there were concerns earlier in the week that the storm would stall or meander in a collapse of steering winds, the thought Friday was it would get picked up by a trough moving over the Ohio Valley that would take it across the state and into the Atlantic.

After brutal storm landfalls in 2022 by Category 4 Ian and 2023 by Category 3 Idalia, people on the Gulf Coast may be fearing a major hurricane or the potential for rapid intensification. Rapid intensification is when a storm gains 35 mph or more in a 24-hour period.

That seems unlikely, said Jeff Masters, co-founder of Weather Underground and a meteorologist for Yale Climate Connections. Not only is the system getting a slow start after raking across the mountainous spine of Cuba, it’s not expected to be over water long enough to rapidly intensify.

If the storm was expected to linger over water, there would be more concern.

"The eastern Gulf of Mexico is one of the last places we want to see a developing storm system in the coming days," said Michael Lowry, a meteorologist with South Florida ABC affiliate Channel 10, in a daily briefing. "Water temperatures are not only the warmest on record for the time of year in this area but are some of the warmest waters anywhere on the planet right now."

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism; subscribe today.

With three locations in Greece and one in New Jersey, Lefkes Estiatorio is now expanding into South Florida and opening a restaurant just off Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.

Specializing in modern Greek cuisine inspired by traditional classics, Lefkes will open to the public on Friday, Aug. 2 on Third Ave less than a block off of the uber-hip dining strip.

Started by Anastasio Dumas in Athens, Greece in 2004, the restaurant's original site had a massive cottonwood tree located in the middle of it. Managing partner and cousin Georgia Dumas said that rather than remove it, Anastasio decided to build around it and use it as a centerpiece. He then took it a step further and used it as the name of the new venture as "Lefkes" loosely translates to cottonwood and "Estiatorio" means restaurant in Greek.

After opening a second Athens location in 2004, Lefkes Estiatorio expanded again in 2017 opening a restaurant on the Greek island of Santorini in 2017. They then made the leap across the pond and opened the first location in the United States in New Jersey in 2019.

Georgia Dumas said the move into South Florida came about when they were approached by several investors who suggested they open a restaurant in the Sunshine State. Dumas said they were regulars at the popular New Jersey location and also happened to have second homes in Boca Raton.

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Though many areas in South Florida held appeal, Dumas said that they believed the Miami area was a bit played out and considered Delray Beach to be still up and coming.

“I spend a lot of time in South Florida, and I’ve seen Delray Beach emerge as a premier culinary destination over the years. I wanted Lefkes to be a part of this exciting and growing scene. We’re bringing the bold flavors and energy of Greece to downtown Delray Beach!”

Dumas said the new restaurant is built on the same core concept as the New Jersey location, with a few slight differences. While the New Jersey location does serve sushi, the Delray Beach location places a bit more emphasis on it and features eight signature rolls. The Delray spot will also incorporate tropical ingredients like mango and coconut into some dishes. Finally, she said, "We have a new executive chef who will put his own touches on as well." She's referring to executive chef Gregory Simpson.

Some of the popular dishes that South Florida residents can look forward to include the paidakia which is Lefkes' herb marinated, wood fire-grilled lamb chops; the lavraki "bronzino," a mild, flaky sea bass; the tuna tartare and the zucchini and eggplant chips appetizers, Dumas said.

She said the Greek wines Lefkes serves are some of the top-rated wines in the world, including the Boutari Assyrtiko from Santorini. Additionally, guests can order several Greek beers including Mythos and Fix that are very popular at the New Jersey location.

More:Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue dining scene has several new additions, coming attractions

In addition to world-class Greek cuisine, Dumas promises Lefkes Estiatorio will "bring the vibe of Mykonos to Delray." People around the globe flock to the Greek island — "yes, it's a party place," she said, "a very popular destination."

That party atmosphere will be highlighted on Fridays and Saturdays when the restaurant transforms into a premiere nightclub featuring top DJs and special performers beginning at 9 p.m.

In addition to lunch, dinner and nightlife, Dumas added that brunch parties may also be in the future. "We'll have a better picture by the end of September."

Lefkes Estiatorio opens in Delray Beach

What: Lefkes Estiatorio

Where: 33 SE Third Ave., Delray Beach

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Information: instagram.com/lefkes_delraybeach

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

Are you looking for the best things to do in Delray Beach, FL? It’s one of our favorite places to visit, so we’re going to give you the 4-1-1.

Delray Beach is located in Southeast Florida, not far from cities like Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

This small city by the Atlantic Ocean is a popular destination. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant art scene and great special events.

These are the top things to do in Delray Beach, including outdoor activities, colorful art galleries, and other cool places to visit while experiencing this artsy seaside city.

Table of Contents

Downtown Delray Beach

Downtown Delray Beach is a bustling area at the center of town. It’s the perfect place to go whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

The Pineapple Grove Arts District is a popular spot near Atlantic Avenue. This area is full of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

If you are visiting during the first Friday of the month, First Friday Art Walk is a must-attend downtown event. It’s a great opportunity to browse galleries, meet local artists, and enjoy live music.

This area also hosts several annual events, which is always a great excuse to visit. We’ve attending several art festivals over the years and have enjoyed them all. (The trick is to arrive early before it gets too crowded).

For more information, visit the official Downtown Delray Beach website.

Downtown Delray Beach Address: 350 SE 1st St., Delray Beach, FL 33483

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is one of the best places to visit if you are looking for peaceful things to do in Delray Beach.

It opened in 1977 after Palm Beach County received a land donation from George Sukeji Morikami.

Morikami was one of the remaining settlers of the Yamato Colony, an agricultural colony of Japanese farmers who lived in the area during most of the 1900s.

The South Florida museum celebrates Japanese culture with detailed exhibition galleries filled with Japanese art and artifacts.

There are six gardens that are inspired by significant gardens of Japan. There are benches located throughout the gardens and it’s a great excuse to slow things down and breathe.

Cornell Café is a great place to eat while onsite at Morikami Japanese Gardens.

The restaurant is open for lunch on days the museum is open.

It serves Pan-Asian-inspired food, with areas that overlook the gardens.

The property’s gift shop is full of excellent items like crafts, home and garden décor, apparel, and other things.

There are plenty of options if you’re looking for a great book or the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens website.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446

The Girls Strawberry Patch

The Girls Strawberry Patch is a U-pick strawberry farm with an ice cream store, a petting zoo and so much more.

If you judge The Girls by its strip mall exterior, you are in for a major surprise when you enter the store.

You enter into the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour and Country Store. There are fresh baked gourmet cookies, hand-dipped strawberries and so much more.

If you think it’s just an ice cream shop and store, head to the back door.

When you visit The Girls Strawberry Patch, you’re in for a real treat!

Relax in their lush garden setting or take a stroll through the amazing grounds and look for the unexpected treasures.

You’ll spot swans, exotic birds, and a petting zoo that’s perfect for the young and young at heart.

Plus, there are a fantastic variety of trees and foliage to enjoy with kitschy treasures added into the mix.

Tips:

For more information, visit the official The Girls Strawberry Patch website.

The Girls Strawberry Patch Address: 14466 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484

Silverball Retro Arcade

The Silverball Retro Arcade is always on our to-do list whenever we’re in Delray Beach. It’s a step back in time and fun! fun! fun!

Loaded with fun pinball machines and other vintage games (like Skee Ball), you pay for unlimited play.

Make sure you go up to the second level where there are a row of pinball machines. It’s not as crowded if you are there during the day.

Each game includes a historic overview which is really interesting and part of the reason it’s considered a museum.

Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray Beach is open daily (Monday – Thursday: Noon – 12am; Friday and Saturday11am – 2am; and Sunday: 11am – 12am).

TIPS:

For more information, check out our Silverball Museum article.

Silverball Pinball Museum Address: 19 NE 3rd Avenue, Delray Beach

Delray Beach Historical Society

In the transformative 1960s, Delray Beach citizens recognized the importance of preserving local history.

In 1964, Ethel Sterling Williams, along with Kenneth Ellingsworth and 15 residents, founded the Delray Beach Historical Society to safeguard the city’s past.

Today, the Society is a cornerstone of the community, featuring a one-acre campus with a city archive, three historic cottages, and a Florida-native heritage garden.

It offers year-round programs, exhibits, and events to celebrate Delray Beach’s history.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Governors and supported by a dedicated staff and volunteers, ensuring the ongoing preservation of Delray Beach’s story.

The Delray Beach Historical Society’s Summer Hours are Tuesday – Friday from 11 am – 3 pm and Saturday by reservation. Regular hours are Wednesday – Friday, 11am – 2pm. Admission is free.

In 2017, Heritage Gardens was created to address the disappearing green spaces due to rapid development.

The Delray Beach Historical Society transformed this area into a peaceful oasis where visitors can relax and learn about local history through nature.

Self-guided tours are available 10am – 5pm, 7 days per week. Suggested donation is $5.

For more information, check out the Delray Beach Historical Society and Heritage Gardens website.

Delray Beach Historical Society and Heritage Gardens Address: 3 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444

DaDa Restaurant

If you’re looking for a great place to dine, look no further than DaDa. DaDa opened its doors in Delray Beach in 2000, and is in the historic Tarrimore house (circa 1924).

They have a great seasonal menu full of eclectic appetizers, entrees and desserts. The food is as innovative as the surreal environment.

We decided to share a few appetizers as our meal. The artichokes were delicious.

We ended our meal with their donut dessert, which we heard were amazing. We understand why people talk about all the time. They are divine.

The restaurant is open from 5:00 pm to midnight every night. They also serve brunch on Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.

For more information, visit the DaDa website.

DaDa address: 52 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Delray Municipal Beach

Delray Municipal Beach is a public beach managed by the City of Delray Beach. Enjoy soaking up the sun and waves in this scenic area.

This beach is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise over the Atlantic.

The city contracts a beach chair rental service, so if you don’t bring your own equipment, you can pay to rent umbrellas, chairs, and cabanas that are set up each morning.

This is an excellent beach for water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. There are even designated areas for swimming, surfing, volleyball, and other activities.

Delray Municipal Beach is open daily. Just be sure to check the weather before heading out.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official City of Delray Beach website.

Delray Municipal Beach Address: 400 S Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33483

Additional Things to Do in Delray Beach

Sandoway Discovery Center educates its visitors about marine life through exhibits and animal encounters.

For more information, visit the official Sandoway Discovery Center website.

Sandoway Discovery Center Address: 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483

Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a natural, free-admission area with a 0.75-mile where you can observe species of birds and other local wildlife.

For more information, visit the official Palm Beach County website.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands Address: 13270 Jog Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33484

Atlantic Dunes Park is a city-run park with a nature trail and beach access.

For more information, visit the official City of Delray Beach website.

Atlantic Dunes Park Address: 1605 S Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33483

Arts Garage is a hub for the local art community, hosting events like live music and stand-up performances.

For more information, visit the official Arts Garage website.

Arts Garage Address: 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Saltwater Brewery is an eco-friendly local microbrewery with a tasting room and beer garden.

For more information, visit the official Saltwater Brewery website.

Saltwater Brewery Address: 1701 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33445

Delray Beach Market is a food hall with innovative food vendors and craft cocktails.

For more information, visit the official Delray Beach Market website.

Delray Beach Market Address: 33 SE 3rd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483

If you enjoyed this article about things to do in Delray Beach and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:

Lefkes traveled from Athens and Santorini to Englewood Cliffs, NJ and is now making its much anticipated debut in downtown Delray Beach. Lefkes Estiatorio has announced it will open at the Delray Beach Market on Friday, August 2, 2024.

The full-service fine dining and elevated nightlife destination features a uniquely delectable array of modern Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by traditional classics with a flavorful twist.

Lefkes Estiatorio invites you on an exquisite journey of flavors to take you to the Greek Islands and beyond, helmed by Executive Chef Gregory Simpson, which includes items such as Lavraki (Grilled Whole Mediterranean Sea Bass); Charcoal & Wood Grilled Lamb Chops; Wild Caught New Zealand Langoustines; Saganaki (lightly, golden fried Kefalograviera cheese with lemon, oregano, flamed with Metaxa Brandy); Charcoal Grilled Octopus; Sesame Crusted Tuna Salad; Watermelon Salad with Feta chunks, mint, and orange balsamic vinaigrette; Zucchini & Eggplant Chips; Prime Steaks; and more.

Lefkes also will have a full service sushi and sashimi bar, anchored by Master Sushi Chef, Raymond Chan, featuring eight signature rolls, including Hades’ Trident (yellowtail, avocado, jalapeno, scallion, wasabi tobiko, spicy mayo); Santorini Roll (shrimp tempura, crab, cucumber, avocado, scallion, wasabi tobiko, spicy mayo, kabayaki); and its two signature boats, Poseidon’s Platter and Neptune’s Boat, both with sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls.

Signature cocktails include Santorini Sunset (Tito’s, Aperol, hibiscus tea syrup, passion fruit, lime); Lefkes Delray (Volcan Blanco Tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, ginger infused honey, Hawaiian black salt); Mykonos Me Baby (Ketel One, rhubarb liqueur, passion fruit syrup, lemon); and many more.

Lefkes Estiatorio first debuted with two locations in Athens in 2004 then expanded to its second location in Santorini in 2017. In 2018, Lefkes expanded to its first U.S. location in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The Delray Beach location is the group’s fifth restaurant.

Georgia Dumas, Lefkes Managing Partner, has been eyeing Delray Beach for some time. “I spend a lot of time in South Florida, and I’ve seen Delray Beach emerge as a premier culinary destination over the years. I wanted Lefkes to be a part of this exciting and growing scene. We’re bringing the bold flavors and energy of Greece to downtown Delray Beach, and we can’t wait to take our guests on this Mediterranean journey!”

In addition to its critically acclaimed cuisine, Lefkes Delray also brings the vibes of Mykonos to Delray each Friday and Saturday evening, as it transforms into a premier nightlife destination, featuring top DJs and special performers beginning at 9:00 p.m.

An extensive Happy Hour menu featuring light bites and 50% off drink specials will be available from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily. Dinner service is Sunday through Wednesday until 10:00 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday until 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays features Mykonos-style DJs and entertainment, starting at 9:00 p.m.

Reservations can be made at OpenTable.com; and more information is at LefkesGroup.com and on Instagram @Lefkes_DelrayBeach. Lefkes Estiatorio is located at Delray Beach Market, 33 SE 3^rd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483.

Delray Beach Market's former food hall is transforming into five individually leased spaces, including a 1970s-inspired disco nightclub.

The 25,000-square-foot space is on the ground floor of the four-story, 150,000-square-foot building at 33 S.E. Third Ave. It opened in April 2021 and closed for renovations in January 2023. The reimagined space is expected to reach full occupancy by the end of 2025, according to Jeff Sussman, president of Boca Raton-based Sussman Restaurant Brokerage.

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Previously, diners could purchase food from each individual vendor and share the same dining space and central bar. Now, Sussman envisions the space as an “eatertainment” venue where guests can "hop" between independent bars, eateries and clubs.

"The food hall was like the perfect storm," he said. "It opened up right at the gateway of COVID. It never really got the proper send-off, was not well-received and was not the right concept for Delray, where people sit down for dinners and go to bars for nightlife."

None of the market's previous 25 vendors – including Big T's Deli, Chuck and Patty, Kasai & Koori, Roots, Salvo's Pizzeria, Scoops and Cones, Tip to Tail and Vote for Pedro – will return.

The new tenants include Bounce Sporting Club, which opened in April, and Lefkes Mediterranean Restaurant, which will open within the next 10 days.

One of the major attractions for the project is Good Night John Boy, a "groovy" '70s-themed disco nightclub, set to open at the beginning of 2025. The nightclub currently has five locations nationwide, including a Florida location in St. Petersburg.

A nationally recognized New York-based restaurant group will open a restaurant bar concept in late 2025, Sussman said. Several fast-casual concepts, including a New York-style pizzeria and a local taco eatery, are being evaluated to fill the remaining 2,500 square feet.

"We are very confident that this project will become one of the most sought-after, go-to venues in South Florida," he said.

The number of food halls in the U.S. has tripled since 2016, according to Garrick Brown Real Estate Consulting, a researcher for real estate services company Cushman & Wakefield. In 2023, there were 343 operating food halls, with 127 in development.

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