West Palm Beach summer activities include Drift Fishing, Parasailing, Charter Fishing, River Tours, Food Tours, Snorkeling, SCUBA, Sunset Catamaran Cruises. Many of these activities sell out in advance, so be sure to book them as soon as possible.

Browse all West Palm Beach summer activities HERE!

West Palm Beach summer concerts include:
July 08: Train / Barenaked Ladies
Aug 14: Motley Crue / Tesla
Aug 20: Rob Zombie / Marilyn Manson
Aug 30: 311 / Dirty Heads
Sept 12: Luke Bryan
Sept 23: Wu-Tang Clan / Bone, Thugs N Harmony

ALL West Palm Beach summer concerts HERE!

Want the Best Price for a West Palm Beach Hotel?

WestPalmBeach.com
The Visitor’s Guide to West Palm Beach!

Sailfish Marina

Waterfront dining with daily features. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Sailfish Marina Restaurant, where fresh local seafood is the true star of the menu. Your choices range from Abaco grouper and dolphin to Florida spiny lobster and stone crabs bought right off our fishing boats when available. The Sailfish Marina Resort is a tropical vacation paradise with Old Florida charm. Home to a world-famous fleet of luxury sport fishing yachts and water taxis that will take you cruising through the Palm Beaches and makes its way into our list of West Palm Beach Restaurants on the Water.

Sailfish Marina Restaurant
98 Lake Drive
Palm Beach Shore, FL 33404
(561) 842-8449
website

Benny’s On The Beach

Benny’s was founded in 1986 and has become a popular local surfside dining landmark on the historical Lake Worth Beach Pier, with the most splendid views of the ocean. Owners Lee Lipton, Chef Jeremy Hanlon and Dylan Lipton have created a phenomenal restaurant offering incredibly fresh and flavorful food, refreshing cocktails and family friendly service for all of our guests, located directly over the ocean.

Benny’s On The Beach
Lake Worth Pier
10 South Ocean Blvd
Lake Worth Beach, Fl 33460
(561) 582-9001
website

Florie’s

Florie’s is a restaurant and bar in partnership with Mauro Colagreco, his first in the United States. The chef behind three-Michelin starred Mirazur in Menton, France, Florie’s is a nod to Florida and Chef Mauro’s passion for gardening. On the iconic island of Palm Beach, Florie’s delivers the spirit of the Mediterranean through live fire cooking and earth-conscious offerings inspired by nature.

Florie’s
2800 S Ocean Blvd,
Palm Beach, PL 33480
(561) 582-2800
website

Old Key Lime House

Family-owned and operated establishment that includes a full-service restaurant and bar. Old Key Lime House boasts waterside ambiance with views of the South Florida Intracoastal Waterway, and a Gator viewing site.  Website

Old Key Lime House
300 East Ocean Avenue
Lantana, FL
561-582-1889

Banana Boat Boynton

Banana Boat is seen as a landmark “anchor” to the restaurant and nightlife activities in Boynton Beach. As a family business, they take great pride in offering that “Authentic Florida Experience” for those locals and tourists seeking fresh seafood, fun appetizers, sandwiches and cocktails, at reasonable prices, overlooking the waterfront in Boynton Beach.

When the Banana Boat started back in 1978, most of today’s staff still had not been born yet. Boynton Beach was just a quiet fishing village back then. The Boynton Beach mall would not be built for another 7 years. The giant Motorola factory on Congress (since demolished, now the Renaissance Commons) was still farmland. In fact all of Congress Avenue was still farmland. There was not one restaurant on Congress Avenue at that time. My, how things have changed!

Banana Boat Boynton
739 E Ocean Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
561-732-9400
website

Two Georges

It all started in 1946, shortly after WW2. Maryland locals Harry Scaggs and Fred Howlin bought an old country store in Four Corners, Maryland and turned it into a restaurant and bar. Fred and Harry’s quickly became an institution to folks around the area and was sold in 2001.

The Scaggs family has been very fortunate in the restaurant business and we attribute a large part of the success to the dedicated management and staff. We also recognize our loyal customers across the country and thank you for your role in our 70+ years of business. Two Georges makes its way into our list of West Palm Beach Restaurants on the Water.

Two Georges
728 Casa Loma Blvd,
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
561-736-2717
website

Guanabanas

Opened by Jupiter surfers as a sandwich shop in 2004, Guanabanas has grown to become an institution in northern Palm Beach County for three reasons: The lush, tropical setting; great cuisine and cocktails; and live music from both national acts and the hottest names in South Florida.

Guanabana’s
960 North Highway A1A
Jupiter, FL 33477
(561) 747-8878
website

Seafood Bar at The Breakers

Come for fresher-than-fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. Stay for inspired cocktails or something from our extensive wine-by-the-glass selection. A glamorous exhibition kitchen puts you at the center of it all. Stroll in as you are and experience the allure of the yachting lifestyle. Bespoke nautical details, beautiful aquariums, and a front-row seat to the ocean views no matter where you sit. Nothing short of spectacular, this is Palm Beach life at its best.

Seafood Bar at The Breakers
One South County Road
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(877) 724-3188
website

Viva La Playa

Established in 2020, Viva La Playa is the inspiration of Lee Lipton, Chef Jeremy Hanlon and Dylan Lipton who continue the same excitement and memorable experience at Lake Worth Beach with a new culture, casual resort setting, and cuisine. Viva La Playa is a special addition to the “where every day is a vacation” vibe at Lake Worth Beach and showcases another beautiful view of the ocean. With a front view of the Atlantic Ocean and an unobstructed rear view of the western horizon on our sunset patio, there is always a space within Viva La Playa that creates a memorable setting for all occasions.

Viva La Playa
10 South Ocean Boulevard
Lake Worth Beach, Florida 33460
(561) 247-7245
website

The Hive Waterfront

The Calautti Family has been serving the finest quality food since since 1964. The Hive Waterfront takes that experience to the next level giving you the choices of casual fine dining inside and a more relaxed atmosphere outside in our tiki bar lounge. Whether you’re in the mood for the best wings in town or maybe you’re taking the family out for our famous prime rib dinner you will never be dissatisfied at The Hive Waterfront. The original Hive started back in 2016 and has grown to be a local favorite and now The Hive Waterfront gives us the opportunity to serve more people in Palm Beach County, so buzz on over and let our staff show what the buzz is all about!

The Hive Waterfront
618 W Lantana Rd
Lantana, FL 33462
(561) 513-9168
website

Breeze Ocean Kitchen

What’s more romantic than an oceanfront dinner under the stars? Your private dining experience includes a  champagne toast, a luxury bottle of wine, personal butler and a five-course dinner. Celebrate the Atlantic’s bounteous “fruits de mer” from the coasts of Florida and the Caribbean, while basking in the sun-splashed Palm Beach lifestyle. Enjoy a selection of award-winning local craft beers at our oceanfront Palm Beach restaurant.

Enjoy al fresco dining overlooking the azure waters of the Atlantic at Breeze Ocean Kitchen. The perfect oceanfront restaurant for locals, resort guests and groups to enjoy, Breeze promises stunning views and casual seaside fare in a relaxing setting and makes its way into our list of West Palm Beach Restaurants on the Water.

Breeze Ocean Kitchen
100 South Ocean Boulevard
Manalapan, FL 33462
561-533-6000
website

Rafiki Tiki

This unique cuisine is a fusion of the tropical fruits and spices of the Caribbean with the fresh seafood and citrus of Florida.  Floribbean inspired menu  cuisine is perfect for someone who loves to eat fresh and flavorful food.

Rafiki Tiki
Riviera Beach Marina Village
190 E 13TH ST.
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
(561) 812-2240
website

Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill

The Frigate bird is legendary to sport fishermen and its presence is an indicator to a bountiful catch, good times and success. After a long day, sea wary sportsmen return to their favorite speakeasy to enjoy refreshing beverages, great food, music and laughter while recounting their day’s adventure. Many of these speakeasies became legendary in their own right. Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill is one of those gathering places, located in beautiful North Palm Beach, Florida. Come by land or by boat to enjoy our casual fine dining and hand crafted drinks, all while being nestled beneath the tropical palms, surrounded by island music, enjoying your favorite food and beverage.

Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
400 US-1
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
(561) 855-7497
website

The Catch Seafood & Sushi

The Catch is a specialty seafood and sushi restaurant right on the water in the heart of North Palm Beach. We create delicious food with a beautiful presentation and with our perfect location on the water, we are your next favorite little spot. Come see us, we have live music and friendly service. Be the first of your friends to experience The Catch.

The Catch Seafood & Sushi
766 Northlake Boulevard
Lake Park, FL 33408
(561) 842-2180
website

The Square Grouper

The Square Grouper Tiki Bar in Jupiter has grown to become one of the most popular watering holes in the United States. It is the home of several music videos, including Alan Jackson’s hit “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” with Jimmy Buffett. A little hidden gem nestled among the palm trees at the end of Love Street, with beautiful water views of the Jupiter Inlet and its famous lighthouse, this local landmark boasts the 19-slip Castaways Marina and the most stunning scenery in the area.

The Square Grouper
1111 Love Street
Jupiter, FL 33477
(305) 745-8880
website

U-Tiki

U-Tiki is a restaurant/bar with indoor and outdoor seating with a view of the lighthouse. Docking for boats, along Jupiter Inlet for Riverwalk.  Wet/Dry Boat Storage, & the Water Taxi stops there.

U-Tiki
1095 N. Highway A1A
Jupiter, FL 33477
(561) 406-2210
website

Sea Spray Inlet Grill

Executive Chef Kelley Randall of SeaSpray Inlet Grill in Boca Raton is keen on bringing elevated Florida coastal cuisine to each guest and each plate served, using fresh, seasonal, engaging ingredients, and keeping both the menu and atmosphere approachable, calm and tropical. SeaSpray will serve an all-day menu of popular seasonal offerings for lunch, happy hour and dinner, with brunch to launch in the Fall.

You can come by boat or by car, to enjoy delicious signatures including Smoked Fish Dip, Mahi Reuben, SeaSpray Burger, Chef’s Catch, Grilled Octopus, SeaSpray Cobb and others. Sweet treats including Campfire S’Mores, Key Lime Pie and Flourless Chocolate Cake are must-try’s along with a full selection of frozen drinks, mojitos, coladas and daiquiris, and signature cocktails including Whiskey Stone Sour, Planter’s Punch, Pomegranate Martinis and a quality wine and beer selection.

Sea Spray Inlet Grill
999 E Camino Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 226-3022
website

Boston’s Sandbar

Located on Delray Beach offers guests all of the elements of a world-class venue with none of the attitude. The quintessential hot spot, Sandbar fuses the appeal of a relaxing beach day and a high-energy nightclub. Sandbar features a variety of special guest DJ performances and offers VIP bottle service, private parties and unmatched ocean views.

Boston’s Sandbar
40 South Ocean Blvd., A1A
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 251-2246
website

Luck Shuck Jupiter

Boasting a comprehensive list of 45 beers from local craft breweries, as well as those throughout the Southeast, Lucky Shuck is a destination for beer enthusiasts and curious novices alike. Owing up to its Taphouse name, along with beers on tap, cocktails, and wine be served on tap as well. Lucky Shuck will also feature a New Orleans-inspired cocktail menu, plus a wine list curated to pair with the restaurant’s distinctive, seafood-focused cuisine. 

Luck Shuck Jupiter
1107 Lighthouse Promenade
Jupiter, FL 33477
(561) 532-3331
website

Prime Catch Boynton

Prime Catch features water views from every table. Come by and relax with extraordinary company at our indoor and outdoor spaces — including Prime Island, our new island bar located in the Intracoastal. We were also voted OpenTable’s Top 10 Diners’ Choice Winners list for Best Seafood Restaurant in Palm Beach County. We invite you to experience the freshest seafood, delicious cocktails, and our complete redesign!

Prime Catch Boynton
700 East Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 737-8822
website

Kona Bay Cafe

Located in historic and family owned Sportsman’s Park Marina (est. 1962), Kona has become a destination for locals and tourists alike. They work closely with the other marina businesses and even encourage customers to bring their catch from the Lady K drift boat and they will cook it for you.

Kona Bay Cafe
310 East Ocean Avenue
Lantana, FL 33462
(561) 429-3606
website

The Beach Club

The Beach Club on the 2aterfront is situated in the Beautiful Old Florida Charm of Lake Worth Golf Course. A casual affordable waterfront restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Featuring various events and activities for children and adults with an 18 hole championship golf course. Open to the public. No membership is required to enjoy one of Lake Worth’s hidden jewels.

The Beach Club
One 7th Avenue North
Lake Worth, Florida 33460
(561) 585-8976
website

Dune Deck Café

Overlooking the ocean and located in Lantana Beach. Enjoy the cool breeze in a casual tropical setting. The Dune Deck Cafe offers delicious dining combined with Florida’s best scenery. One cannot help but be absorbed in the mise-en-scene palm fronds swaying, sea grapes, multi-colored flowers, and broad sweep of sand and surf of the Atlantic Ocean with it’s balmy breezes that invite you to escape to the Caribbean, the French Riviera or the Greek Isles.

Dune Deck Cafe
100 N Ocean Blvd
Lantana, FL 33462
(561) 582-0472
website

Al Fresco

Located in Palm Beach Al Fresco is one of the only waterfront dining experiences in Palm Beach, the Al Fresco patio boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterways and the Palm Beach Par 3.

Al Fresco
2345 South Ocean Boulevard
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(561) 273-4130
website

Darbster Bistro

Darbster, located in West Palm Beach, is a unique plant based bistro with a creative menu that will appeal to both the plant based and mainstream diner. Our goal is to provide delicious, natural, organic and vegetarian friendly cuisine that will satisfy all tastes. Our menu includes our version of some old time classics as well as some new innovative dishes.

Darbster Bistro
8020 South Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(561) 586-2622
website

Waterway Café

Located on the beautiful waters of the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the Waterway Cafe is one of the most popular destination restaurants in Palm Beach County.

Waterway Café is located on the water? Featuring Florida’s only floating bar, Waterway Cafe has become a longtime favorite of locals and visitors alike. Chefs serve an menu of fresh seafood, salads, steak, chicken, pasta and custom-made pizza entrees. Come for a relaxing afternoon or evening of great food and refreshing tropical drinks while enjoying the magnificent views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Waterway Cafe
300 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 694-1700
website

BEST West Palm Beach Concert & Event Tickets!

Want the Best Price for a West Palm Beach Hotel?

WestPalmBeach.com
The Visitor’s Guide to West Palm Beach!

Starting in 1867, mail was delivered as far south as Jupiter on the northern boundary of present-day Palm Beach County via steamer from Titusville, 150 miles away. Jupiter was the southern terminus of the United States Postal Service’s Star Route 6451. A beach walker was added to continue carrying the mail from Jupiter to Miami, but for reasons unknown this was suspended after only two years.

By the early 1880s, South Florida was attracting a steady stream of pioneers and settlers, but there was still no direct mail service between Palm Beach and Miami. In fact, there was no Palm Beach. Back then it was a nameless barrier island that was part of the region known as Lake Worth Country, but the thousands of coconuts that had been planted following the wreck of the Providencia in 1878 were sprouting everywhere and the island would soon have its world-famous name.

In December 1884, the United States Postal Service reactivated the Lake Worth Country to Miami portion of Star Route 6451 using contracted mail carriers who mostly walked along the beach.

These hardy souls were the legendary Barefoot Mailmen. And legendary they were. Have you ever trudged through a mile of beach sand? How about eighty miles under a blazing Florida sun? While carrying a large haversack stuffed to the hilt with mail slung over your shoulder?

And all for $600 a year.

The first contract was awarded in January 1885 to retired Chicago newsman, Lantana settler, and future Dade County school superintendent Edward Ruthven Bradley. He alternated weekly duties with his son Louie for almost two years.

The third, most famous and ill-fated was James “Ed” Hamilton. A native of Cadiz, Kentucky, Hamilton disappeared while trying to cross the Hillsboro Inlet on his way south to Miami on October 11, 1887. Usually a small boat would be hidden in the bushes on the northern side of the inlet, but someone had already taken it across. Hamilton hung his mail sack and clothes in a tree, jumped in the water and was never heard from again. It is theorized that he drowned, but it’s more likely he met a grisly fate. The Hillsboro Inlet was inhabited by hundreds of alligators.

The mail carrier’s route began on Monday morning in Hypoluxo where he picked up the mail (during the first two years, from 1885-1887, the route began ten miles further north in Palm Beach). He sailed to the southern tip of the Lake Worth Lagoon to be deposited on a sandy ridge near the present-day Boynton Beach Inlet. He walked a short distance over the ridge to the beach and it was here that the carrier transformed into the Barefoot Mailman. Shirt off, shoes off, sometimes trousers off (who would know?) and all stuffed into his haversack along with a canvas mail sack. The lightweight canvas mail sack was a major concession by the United States Postal Service. All other mail carriers in America were required to use the standard, heavier mail sack made of cowhide.

The Barefoot Mailman walked south along Boynton Beach and rested his first night at the Orange Grove House of Refuge (for shipwrecked sailors) just north of present-day Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. On Tuesday he hiked more than twenty miles of beach until he reached the Hillsborough Inlet near Pompano Beach and crossed in a small boat kept hidden in the bushes (this is where James “Ed” Hamilton disappeared). He would continue along the beach to the Fort Lauderdale House of Refuge and spend the night.

On Wednesday, the Barefoot Mailman was transported by boat down the New River to its inlet and then walked down the beach until he reached Baker’s Haulover at the north end of Biscayne Bay. Finally, he sailed across Biscayne Bay to deliver the mail in Miami and get as much sleep as possible before he began his return trip early Thursday.

The round trip totaled 136 miles. Eighty by foot and fifty-six by boat. The Barefoot Mailman reached the end of his return trip to Palm Beach by late Saturday, rested Sunday and started all over again early Monday.

To supplement their salary, some of the Barefoot Mailmen allowed a traveler to accompany them for five dollars (equivalent to three days’ wages). They believed their fee was justified because the mail carrier was forced to walk slower with the inexperienced walkers and ferry them across the various inlets.

The need for the Barefoot Mailman ended in January 1893 with the building of a road from Lantana (eight miles south of Palm Beach) to Lemon City (six miles north of Miami). This signaled the official end of the Pioneer Era in South Florida and the beginning of the Henry Flagler Era.

There were at least fifteen Barefoot Mailmen. Besides Edward Ruthven Bradley, his son Louie, and James “Ed” Hamilton, they included Andrew Garnett, Charles W. Pierce, George Charter, Bob Douthit, Dan McCarley, Frederick Matthaus, Otto Matthaus, George Sears and a man known only as Stafford. The last carrier under contract, and probably the fastest, was Henry John Burkhardt. The last to walk the route were Edward “Ned” Peat and Dan Kelley from 1891-1893, but neither was under contract with the U.S. Postal Service.

During the Barefoot Mailmen era (1885-1893), the carriers were referred to as beach walkists or beach walkers. Charles W. Pierce was the first to use the term Barefoot Mailman in 1939 in conversations with artist Stevan Dohanos who was painting murals of James “Ed” Hamilton for the West Palm Beach post office. The images in this article represent three of the six murals on display at the post office on Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The Palm Beach Post was the first to publish the term Barefoot Mailman in 1940.

Based on the 1943 novel by Theodore Pratt, the comedy-adventure movie The Barefoot Mailman, starring Bob Cummings and Terry Moore, was released by Columbia Pictures in 1951.

BEST West Palm Beach Concert & Event Tickets!

Want the Best Price for a West Palm Beach Hotel?

WestPalmBeach.com
The Visitor’s Guide to West Palm Beach!

The U-boat silently rose to periscope depth and fired a twenty-three-and-a-half foot long electric G7e/T3 torpedo that raced towards the tanker at 35 mph while it was surrounded by pleasure craft only one and a half miles off Boynton Beach.

Two and half minutes later the U-564’s torpedo slammed into the Eclipse. Even though the explosion flooded her engine room, the British tanker was relatively lucky. She didn’t sink and suffered only four casualties that included two fatalities. Other ships attacked by the U-564 off Palm Beach County would not be as fortunate.

German submariners referred to this period in early 1942 as the Second Happy Time or The American Shooting Season. Only months before, Pearl Harbor had been attacked and America was woefully unprepared for war. After traveling two weeks across the Atlantic from their French bases, arriving German U-boat captains were astonished to see none of the U.S. coastline blacked out. At night, the silhouettes of ships traversing the Gulf Stream were easily distinguishable against the lights of Palm Beach County.

What followed was a bloodbath along the Eastern seaboard of the United States that resulted in hundreds of ships damaged or sunk. Returning submarine captains complained to German Admiral Karl Dönitz that they didn’t have enough torpedoes. During World War Two, German U-boats attacked twenty-four ships in Florida waters with the U-564 solely responsible for all attacks off Palm Beach County.

Besides the Eclipse, the other ships torpedoed off of Palm Beach County by the U-564 were the 6,078-ton American steamer Ohioan on May 8, 1942 off Boynton Beach and the 7,138-ton Panamanian tanker Lubrafol the next morning off Delray Beach. Unlike the Eclipse, both ships sank. The Ohioan lost fifteen of her thirty-seven crew and the Lubrafol lost thirteen of her forty-four.

The U-564 eventually met her fate when she was sunk on June 14, 1943 northwest of Cape Ortegal, Spain by depth charges dropped from a British Whitley aircraft. Only eighteen of her forty-six crew survived. However, her decorated commander Reinhard Suhren was not among them. He had relinquished command in October 1942 to become an instructor. Suhren survived the war and died in 1984 in Hamburg, Germany at the age of sixty-eight from stomach cancer.

In mid-May of 1942, the United States went on the offensive and instituted convoys to protect the ships. U-boat attacks instantly plummeted. There were only four ships torpedoed off the Florida coast in 1943 and none in 1944 and 1945.

The Coast Guard cutter Nike reported that it may have sunk a U-boat off the Jupiter Lighthouse on May 18, 1942, but neither the U.S. or German military recorded any U-boats sunk off the coast of Florida during World War Two.

Besides the U-564, the only other U-boat in the area in May 1942 was the U-333 patrolling off St. Lucie and Martin Counties. The U-333 damaged the Java Arrow off Fort Pierce and sank the Amazone off Hobe Sound and the Halsey off Jupiter Island. All three ships were attacked within the space of five hours on May 5th.

The U-333 was lost with all hands on July 31, 1944 west of the Isles of Scilly after depth charged by the HMS Starling and the HMS Loch Killin.

BEST West Palm Beach Concert & Event Tickets!

Want the Best Price for a West Palm Beach Hotel?

WestPalmBeach.com
The Visitor’s Guide to West Palm Beach!

Held Saturdays through May 31, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 101 South Clematis Street (next to the Intracoastal Waterway), the West Palm Beach GreenMarket features more than 90 vendors offering  the freshest Palm Beach County organic produce, baked goods, herbs, teas, flowers and crafts.

“This recognition has me reflecting on what makes this market so special,” West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James said. “I believe the vendors, vista and venue, and, of course, the great team behind it all helped us reach this victory. I’d like to thank our community, who for years has come out every week to support our local economy.”

Top 10 Farmers Markets by USA Today
1) West Palm Beach GreenMarket
2) Green Dragon Farmer’s Market, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
3) Collingswood Farmers’ Market, Collingswood, New Jersey
4) Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Atlanta
5) Pearl Farmers Market, San Antonio
6) Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, Santa Fe, New Mexico
7) Santa Monica Farmers Market, Santa Monica, California
8) Ballard Farmers Market, Seattle
9) Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market, Foley, Alabama
10) Chattanooga Market, Chattanooga, Tennessee

WestPalmBeach.com
The Official Guide to West Palm Beach, Florida!

In 2006, Audrey Gruss founded the Hope For Depression Research Foundation. Named after her mother, the foundation has become the front line in the battle to relieve the suffering of the depressed. I was introduced to Audrey at The Bristol in West Palm Beach for the lighting of the iconic Royal Park Bridge that spans the Intracoastal into Palm Beach. With the flip of a switch, the bridge was bathed in sunshine yellow with the organization’s logo prominently illuminated on the tower.

The effects of depression upon this country are staggering. Depression affects 20 million Americans a year at a cost of $100 billion. The introduction of Prozac in 1985 helped many, but it proved to be only 50% effective. Furthermore, every antidepressant introduced since then has only been a variation of Prozac using the same brain target and pathways.

To find another way, in 2010 the Hope For Depression Research Foundation created the Depression Task Force (DTF). The DTF consists of ten world leaders in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and brain imaging. As opposed to engaging in standard research that tends to be competitive for funding, the DTF is a purely collaborative effort where ideas and discoveries are openly shared creating a scientific synergy between researchers.

And that research has begun to bear fruit. Audrey informed me that clinical trials will begin soon with Tianeptine, an antidepressant that uses a different brain target and pathway than Prozac, at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Stony Brook University and Columbia University.

One hundred percent of all donations to the Hope For Depression Research Foundation goes directly to depression research. For more information about Audrey Gruss and the Hope For Depression Research Foundation, please visit: HopeForDepression.org

WestPalmBeach.com
The Official Guide to West Palm Beach, Florida!

Tell us about your beginnings. I understand you studied with Lee Strasberg. What was that like and who were your peers?

My family came to Palm Beach County in 1924. Pretty normal childhood. I went to Northboro Elementary and Junior High, and Palm Beach High School. I worked at the new Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach, but I couldn’t get out early enough from PBHS, so I transferred to Webster Tufts, a small private school in Lake Worth, in my Senior year so I could make it to the theater for call-time at their Wednesday matinees.

Like many folks in the theater, I did my first play in the first grade. I did at least one play every year until I got to high school, but doing only one show a year was no longer enough for me. Even though I did the annual school musical at PBHS (Brigadoon, with George Hamilton in the lead), it was not enough theater for me. So, I did local TV shows, plays at the Norton Gallery, worked at Music-Carnival and then, in my Junior year, the new Royal Poinciana Playhouse opened in Palm Beach, and I was offered roles on-stage, but I wound up being their sound technician. Upon graduating from high school, I moved to New York City to study my craft. I had been advised to audition for Sandford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse in Greenwich Village. I was familiar with both Meisner’s work and the Playhouse, and I also knew and admired the members of his famous Group Theater. Regardless, before I auditioned for Sandy, I decided I would rather start with Lee and Paula Strasberg. I interviewed with Lee and was selected to study and train with him and Paula in their private classes. I was very fortunate indeed. It was not uncommon to sit with other students such as Marilyn Monroe, Jane Fonda and so many other fine young actors in training with such a great teacher.

What were some of your experiences as an actor? 

I have been very fortunate to work with Helen Hayes, Vincent Price, Michael Epps, Richard Rogers, Jule Stein, Burt Reynolds, Zsa Zsa, Ava Gabor, Eartha Kitt, Christopher Hewitt, Barbara Harris and so many artists I admire for their body of work. It was exciting to do a Broadway show with Sada Thompson. However, my favorite moments as an actor were when I was hired as Christopher Plummer’s stand-in during the filming of Little Gloria, Happy at Last. It was the life story of Gloria Vanderbilt. Chris had a scene with Bette Davis which took several days to shoot because the owner of the home would only allow one camera due to all of the precious antiques in each room. Every time we got a break or had to do a breakdown to move the lights and cameras, Chris would go straight to his trailer, leaving Miss Davis and myself on the set alone together. She never left the set except for meal breaks. I spent close to a week talking with and getting to know one of the most important talents of the 20th century. This is my favorite memory of them all. Bette Davis literally changed my life.

What attracted you to directing? I understand you were the first to bring Off-Broadway to south Florida.

I directed my first play here in South Florida. I had done quite a bit of reading about directing and I had observed the choices directors made of the plays I saw in New York. Working with directors is a large part of being a well-trained actor. In 1977, I was asked to direct a production and accepted the offer. I truly enjoyed every moment of the work. It got very strong reviews and I was off and running on a completely new aspect of my work in the theater.

After training and working in New York (along with some regional work), I moved back to West Palm Beach because a family member was terminal and his transition was very slow and painful. Soon after arriving home, I got involved with local theater and started doing shows and plays. In New York, I had not only trained with Lee and Paula Strasberg, but I also audited classes with Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, Robert Lewis and Uta Hagen. It was what a group of us enjoyed doing on those days when we did not have a class with Lee or Paula.

One day, several actors and I were talking at a South Florida casting and we discussed how there were no classes in South Florida that taught the Stanislavski System. We agreed that we needed to continue studying our craft and should start meeting to share the training we had up to that point in our work and create a space where we could meet and work together. I was asked if I would conduct the training and immediately said “No” as I had never thought of teaching theater/acting. I agreed to facilitate the meetings but not to teach. However, it soon turned out I was teaching the group and became really involved in doing so.

It’s interesting to note that, in the late 1970s, profane language (four-letter words) and some subject matter had never been done on stage in Florida – at all, anywhere. I believed actors in South Florida were being deprived as we could not do any of the work that was currently being done On and Off-Broadway in Manhattan – not to mention Off-Off-Broadway. These were playwrights who would become the writers of our generation, who wrote about things and situations that we experienced every day in our lives. So, we made a decision to push the envelope. Most of the material we chose to work on in our workshop were scenes and monologues from these writers.

Actors must deal with many personal things in our work. I, myself, do not have a pattern of speech and vocabulary which includes four-letter words. I don’t judge those who do, but many characters were being written during this time with language uncomfortable to most of the local actors. Local talent had never been challenged with characters who used such language or acted in plays with subject matter which was assumed to be objectionable to an audience.

Tell us about the founding and history of Actor’s Rep. You relocated to a larger venue in West Palm Beach in January 2019?

Our history dates back to our founding in 1980 as Actors Workshop & Repertory Co. A gentleman came to West Palm Beach with the intention of starting a Gay theater. He was asking around the theater community about talent and actors who would not be intimidated with Gay subject matter. He was told about our workshop and what appeared to be a fearless group of actors.

He was told all we did was study, but never performed. That was not the case. We performed all over South Florida, just not as Actor’s Workshop. When he approached me with his idea of launching a Gay theater, I advised him that the Gay community would not attend his theater as they would never gather in public under any business with a banner of “Gay.” After all, this was 1980. I suggested he reconsider opening a theater which would do any play, as long as it was a valid piece of work regardless of its subject matter or language.

Several days later, he called me and said he’d been asking around and it seemed I’d been right about those who might support the theater.

In the spring of 1980, we opened at 408 South Dixie, in downtown West Palm Beach in our own 99 seat theater. We did new plays and classic plays. When we did do a Gay play, the Gay community stayed away. However, our audience, mostly retirees from Century Village, loved it and literally stopped the show with laughter. The cast had to constantly “hold” on stage until the laughter died down before they could continue the play. We attracted a dedicated audience of patrons who did not attend the commercial plays on Broadway, but. instead, headed downtown where some of the strongest theater in New York is created.

Unfortunately, the theater didn’t last and we were forced to stage our plays at various venues. We worked at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, the Stonzek Theater in Lake Worth and Mo’s Art Theater in Lake Park before we found a temporary home in the Cuillo Center (after the Burt Reynolds Theater went bankrupt). Then, the Cuillo went bankrupt.

In 2011, we found a small, 54 seat theater at 1009 North Dixie in West Palm Beach. We eventually outgrew the space and spent two years scouting for a new location. It turned out that the place we wanted was right across the street at 1000 North Dixie. In January 2019 we relocated. Our new theater has a larger stage (68 seats), more classrooms, larger office space, five bathrooms and a lobby. We couldn’t be happier.

What are some of your favorite past performances at Actor’s Rep?

Some of my favorite plays have been The Taffetas, columbinus, Hands Up!, Loquacious & Bodacious, The Life and Times of Zora Neale Hurston, and The Exonerated.

What else does Actor’s Rep provide? Classes?

We are now offering 400% more classes than we were able to offer in our previous theater. Our education director Kat Kenny has done a fabulous job. We provide multiple classes on Improvisation, Speech & Diction, Acting 101, Acting 201, Audition from A to Z, Acting for TV & Film, Preparation classes for BAK and Dreyfoos in Theater, Communication and Visual Arts, Digital Sketch Comedy Writing, and the Alexander Technique. We also have a Community Outreach Program where we teach theater in an after-school program and one of our instructors conducts a class for students with special needs.

Besides the fact they are larger venues, what sets Actor’s Rep apart from other West Palm Beach venues such as Dramaworks and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts?

Our motto is The Most Socially Relevant Theater in Palm Beach County! That says it all and I believe is what sets us apart from all other venues.

What does the future hold for Actor’s Rep?

I see us as a place where an actor of any age or director can learn and grow as an artist and have a stage to present material which challenges each one of them, along with an appreciative audience. Our present capacity is 68 seats, but we are drawing up plans to increase our capacity to 120 seats.

What is your opinion about the current state of theater in South Florida?

My close friend, Kelly Roosevelt, and I travel often to theaters all over the South Florida area. We have seen some very powerful theater in places like Gablestage in Coral Gables, at the beautiful Biltmore hotel, and many other theaters. I think theater is growing and more and more folks are discovering the fact that we have a very rich theater community in South Florida. If anyone still sees us as a Cultural Oasis, it is because they have not taken the time to take advantage of all we have.

What do you love most about West Palm Beach?

I continue to find so many different things to respect and admire about my home state and county, but to think we will stop or halt our growth is a lesson in frustration. Money always wins. Fortunately, we have been able to save much of our past through preservation. Not just some of our buildings, like the homes of our African American residents of the past in the Northwest section of the city, but also homes in Palm Beach, our 1916 Courthouse, and homes up and down the coastal area. We are also restoring our landscapes to their original native plants and trees with such a beautiful and natural look. Since you asked me what I like “most,” I would have to answer; the people. We are such a rich mix of folks. We come all over the world, and West Palm Beach is a neighborhood for all of them. We have neighborhoods where we all mix and live together as one. I think the downtown area has become a truly international community. How many other cities can claim that to be true? We are blessed, indeed.

For more information about Actor’s Rep including their upcoming show schedule, please visit www.ActorsRep.org

WestPalmBeach.com
The Official Guide to West Palm Beach, Florida!

The Houston Astros were the 2017 and 2022 World Series champions. The Miami Marlins won the World Series in 2003 and are now co-owned by ex-Yankee great Derek Jeter. The New York Mets were the 1969 and 1986 champions. The Washington Nationals won the 2019 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals won the 2011 World Series, and the Baltimore Orioles won a whopping three times, in 1966, 1970 and 1983.

Houston Astros Spring Training
02/21/26-/03/22/26
Buy Houston Astros Tickets!

St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training
02/21/26-/03/22/26
Buy St Louis Cardinals Tickets!

Miami Marlins Spring Training
02/21/26-/03/22/26
Buy Miami Marlins Tickets!

New York Mets Spring Training
02/26/26-/03/21/26
Buy New York Mets Tickets!

Washington Nationals Spring Training
02/21/26-/03/22/26
Buy Washington Nationals Tickets!

Baltimore Orioles Spring Training
03/10/26
Buy New York Mets Tickets!

BEST West Palm Beach Concert & Event Tickets!

Want the Best Price for a West Palm Beach Hotel?

WestPalmBeach.com
The Visitor’s Guide to West Palm Beach!

Frankee Cuzzola: What would you like our readers to know about the Palm Beach Zoo?

Margo McKnight: The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a zoo with a big heart, fascinating creatures, and an important job. Communities across America are getting farther and farther removed from each other and nature. There is a growing body of science illuminating the need to unplug from our electronic man made world. It is clear that people are healthier and happier when we spend time in nature. The other important role we play is to help push back on the loss of wild animals and wild places. Our mission is to inspire our guests to act on behalf of these wild things that need our help. By simply visiting the zoo and getting your dose of the wildlife and having fun you are also helping to save animals in the wild because you are funding the conservation work we do.

When did you get your first break in the business?

When I was a freshman in college, I landed a job working in the zoo at Busch Gardens Tampa teaching children in Zoo Camp. It was there that I fell in love with introducing people to wild nature. Seeing children have transformational moments hooked me forever.

What is your favorite current exhibit at the Palm Beach Zoo?

I love the Panther Prowl where Florida panther Sassy and cougar Micco live. The Florida panther, our state animal, is one of the world’s most endangered animals.

What you love about your job?

Saving the planet is one of the best jobs on the planet. Working with animals and people who love animals is amazingly rewarding. Our job is to get people to have fun and to fall in love. If you are already in love with nature and wildlife, we want you to be even more committed and join us in protecting and restoring it.

What technological changes do you envision for the Palm Beach Zoo?

The zoo and aquarium business is getting more and more fascinating every year. Through technology and design, our guests are experiencing our animals more closely and naturally than ever before. Through research and science, our animal welfare and care allows us to make our animals healthy and happy from performing a root canal on a jaguar to relieve dental pain to preventative medicines for anteaters. I have been working in this field for almost 30 years, and although sadly we have lost many species of animals in the wild we have saved many as well. The most important role we play is to help protect and restore our beautiful planet.

What is the best business book you ever read?

There are so many excellent business books, but my most recent favorite is Leaders Eat Last by Simon Selnik. I am a biologist by training, so it really makes sense to me to think about how our physiology affects our behavior. Once you understand the complexity, you can start relating it to real situations and the workplace.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

You need to learn how to listen, really listen, active listening. It can become a superpower!

What is you favorite smartphone app?

OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker. If you don’t have it get it, it is fascinating to see where these amazing creatures go. It’s especially useful when you are floating in your kayak, just kidding!

What do you see ahead for Palm Beach County?

I see the weaving of a tapestry composed of diverse communities enjoying, nature, art, and technology. This county has spectacular natural areas, a gorgeous marine environment with the northernmost coral reef ecosystems in the U.S., a wonderful zoo, science center and aquarium living right next to amazing cultural superlatives including a robust visual and performing arts scene, historic architecture, and cutting-edge technology. I see an integration through partnerships and networks.

What do you love most about West Palm Beach?

I love the culture. You can find me getting extra “doses of nature” outside with my horses, dog, or floating somewhere in my kayak. When I am not outside, I am in my art studio with a paintbrush in hand!

For more information about the Palm Beach Zoo: Click Here

WestPalmBeach.com: The Complete Guide to West Palm Beach, FL!

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is free and located on the Great Lawn where Clematis Street intersects with the Intracoastal Waterway. It is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until April 19, 2025 (with the exception of March 22nd).

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket has been recognized three years in a row as one of the best farmers markets in America by USA Today’s Top 10 Best Reader’s Choice.

This year’s theme, “Seasoned to Perfection,” is a nod to the Market’s offerings and will feature 130 vendors.

New vendors for the 2025 season include 4 Degrees Café, Atlantic Crab and Seafood, Bearing Fruit Tropicals, Celo’s Bread Basket, Funky Donkey Burritos, Jupiter Donuts, KONES, Linny’s Cinnamon Sugar Loaf, Pizza Mike, Produce Buddies, Quail Quest, Worthy Family Farms, Rick’s Banana Whips, Rollup NYC, Solchiki and Sweet Lady J Cookies.

Parking:  During Market hours (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) parking is free at the City Center Garage (401 Banyan Boulevard), Clematis Street Garage (500 Banyan Boulevard), and Sapodilla City Garage (640 Clematis Street.) The Banyan Garage (200 Banyan Blvd.) and Evernia Garage (333 Evernia Street) are closest to the event, and are subject to the City’s all-day weekend flat rate of $5.00.

Those who wish to use the free West Palm Beach trolley may take either the Green or Yellow Line routes.

The complete list of West Palm Beach GreenMarket vendors may be viewed here.

BEST West Palm Beach Concert & Event Tickets!

Want the Best Price for a West Palm Beach Hotel?

WestPalmBeach.com
The Visitor’s Guide to West Palm Beach!