Press Release

DANIA BEACH CRA ANNOUNCES THE SIXTH ANNUAL ARTS & SEAFOOD CELEBRATION

Wednesday, January 3, 2018 - 3:57pm

Dania Beach, FL — The Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) proudly announces its award winning, 6th Annual Dania Beach Arts and Seafood Celebration (DBASC). The DBASC will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th, 2018 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. The event will take place again at Frost Park, located at 300 NE 2nd Street in Dania Beach. The DBCRA is excited to bring DBASC back for a 6th year.

“This event attracts thousands to the City for an enjoyable and unique Dania Beach experience. In addition, DBASC showcases the positive revitalization occurring in Broward’s First City while providing increased economic activity for businesses and the community. We look forward to another highly successful year!” states Rickelle Williams, DBCRA Executive Director.
This year’s event boasts a “national headlining” band provided by the Casino at Dania Beach, that will be announced to the public soon. Filled with elements of beautiful art, crafts, performance street art, live musical entertainment and delicious seafood, this event attracts over 25,000 people annually to the City of Dania Beach.

Plan to attend both days and watch Sand Artists create an exciting sculpture with 100 tons of sand. The finished masterpiece will be revealed on Sunday afternoon and guests won’t want to miss taking a selfie at the sculpture. There will be loads of mouth-watering food, great art and crafts, children’s activities, wall to wall music, as well as exciting action for the whole family. Expect to enjoy and experience something original and special while relaxing in Frost Park. Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, blankets and enjoy the unique festival and Dania Beach’s hospitality in the quaint and charming town.

Local volunteers roll up their sleeves and take part in the creative arts and economic development initiatives produced by the Dania Beach CRA, showing off the City’s hospitable nature and progressive attitude. Community members are rightfully proud to be a part of the Arts and Seafood Celebration which was the recipient of the 2014 Florida Redevelopment Association, Roy F. Kenzie Award for Cultural Enhancement and the winner of 23 SUNsational awards at the Florida Festivals and Events Association Convention & Trade Show. “We have a very special feeling for this town, for its past, and for its future and we are very proud of that,” said Bo Donly, former Chair of the Dania Beach Creative Arts Council and member of the DBASC Planning Committee. Considering the city’s legacy as the “First in Broward” and the success of this event over the last four years, the DBCRA is
determined to offer an experience that is “second to none” for the visitors that attend this unique, family friendly event.

Event Highlights:

  • Fresh Delicious Seafood and other culinary delights
  • Live Music
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Ongoing Chef Showcase
  • Live Performance Street Art
  • Local Retailer Booths
  • Magnificent Sand Sculptures
  • Interactive art activities
  • Family Activities and More!

For more information about volunteering, sponsoring or vending and to keep abreast of event details regarding
the entertainment line-up, participating art and food vendors and sponsors, please visit
www.DaniaBeachArtsandSeafoodCelebration.com and follow us on Facebook at www.fb.com/DaniaBeachArtsandSeafoodCelebration

About the Dania Beach CRA
The Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established by the City of Dania Beach and Broward County in 2002 for redevelopment of specific areas within the City. Through the powers of Florida Statue 163, Part III, the CRA is responsible for the elimination of slum and blight within the 1,349 acre Community Redevelopment Area. The CRA area includes the City’s downtown, specific neighborhoods, a robust marine district and several commercial areas. Various strategies for redevelopment and specific projects for neighborhoods, transportation, clean energy and economic development are defined in the Dania Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan.For more information on the Dania Beach CRA, contact 954-924-6801 or visit www.daniabeachcra.org.

The PATCH Hosts a Free Holiday Event with Family Giveaways and Live Entertainment

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - 3:28pm

Dania Beach, FL– On Saturday, December 16th, from 9AM – 2PM, the PATCH and Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) team up with Family In Distress, Conflict Coaches, Dismas Charities and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to host a spectacular Holiday Event with something for everyone. The event will feature live performances, festive music, free meals, holiday crafts, raffles and giveaways. This event will bring holiday cheer to the whole family.

“We are grateful to partner with these wonderful organizations to bring the community a festive event that celebrates the holiday season.  We invite all families in the area to attend and take advantage of the abundant giveaways,” states Rickelle Williams, Executive Director of the DBCRA.

Family in Distress founder, Dr. Cheryl White-Holt says she was inspired while living in Canada.  She had a vision to help those in need and founded ‘Family In Distress’ five years ago with the help of many volunteers. “We wanted to host a festive event for the Dania Beach community to show our support and commitment for families who are struggling through the holiday season. The goal of our programs is to holistically transform families—providing enhanced prospects for their futures,” states Dr. White-Holt.

Holiday Event Activities feature:

  • Shop early for your Holiday dinner side-staples at the market (EBT/SNAP receive 50% off Florida-grown produce)
  • Holiday crafts for the children
  • Garden tours
  • Register for a FREE Orchid workshop on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-orchid-workshop-at-the-patch-tickets-40187556062)
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Live Family Entertainment scheduled throughout the day featuring L.P.E. Lightfoot Premier Entertainment - Disc Jockey, Bella Stroup – Songstress, Africa Watoto Dance Theatre, Lashell Dance Group, Danny Duarte - Latin Fusion & Classical Pianist, and Singer Mr. Eddie Gunter.
  • Unique art and craft vendors
  • Gift card raffles
  • FREE BBQ (while supplies last)
  • FREE grab bags (while supplies last)
  • Toys for Tots Giveaway

About the PATCH Farm and Market

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The PATCH was created as an environmentally and economically sustainable urban farming system within the community, that creates a network of secure healthy food sources of naturally grown vegetables and fruits, while providing local jobs and vocational training in the sustainable agricultural industry to the residents of the community. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events. For more information visit www.thepatchgarden.com or call 954-924-6801.

Harvest Festival at the PATCH

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 2:35pm

Dania Beach, FL– The Dania Beach PATCH Farm and Garden invites you to attend its Harvest Festival on Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 9:00AM - 1:00PM and celebrate harvest time at the PATCH. This free festival features garden tours, a free food giveaway, unique vendors, and the first opportunity of the season to grab your Holiday dinner vegetables fresh from the garden. This tradition honors the bounty of the Garden, which has provided local, organically-grown produce for Broward County for nearly 9 years. There will be plenty of fun activities for family and children of all ages.

“We love the opportunity to share such a time-honored tradition as
harvest with our customers and local residents. It is truly a
celebration of the beginning of new life and the start of the next
yield of fresh and organically-grown produce for the community. We are
also excited about our partnership with Ark of the City, who has
graciously provided 200-250 bags of free food for the community,”
states Kathleen Weekes, Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Interim Director.
The Harvest Festival Event Schedule:

8:00AM - Volunteer Activities
9:00AM - 1:00PM - Market Opens: Shop early for Thanksgiving side- staples EBT customers will receive a 50% discount an any Florida-grown produce purchase.
9:15AM - Waste Management Presentation on recycling
9:30AM – 10:30AM Beekeeping Open Forum
10:00AM – Free food Giveaway
10:00AM – 1:00PM – Children’s Activities and Garden Tours
10:30AM – 1:00PM – Beekeeping Formal Presentations
11:00AM – Lady Bug Release

About the PATCH Farm and Market

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The PATCH was created as an environmentally and economically sustainable urban farming system within the community, that creates a network of secure healthy food sources of naturally grown vegetables and fruits, while providing local jobs and vocational training in the sustainable agricultural industry to the residents of the community. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events. For more information visit www.thepatchgarden.com or call 954-924-6801

Harvest Festival Helps Feed over 300 before the Holidays

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 2:30pm

Dania Beach, FL– On Saturday, November 18th, the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) hosted its third Annual Harvest Festival at the PATCH Farm and Market honoring the bounty of the Garden, which has provided local, organically-grown produce for Broward County for nearly 9 years. More than 500 people attended the event. Ark of the City, Farm Share, Supa T Records and Elliott Enterprises sponsored a free food giveaway and graciously donated Thanksgiving Supper hot plates and bagged fresh produce by the pound to give to the community. Over 300 people were fed and took home free bags of produce to their families just in time to cook for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

“We are honored to support the PATCH’s mission of eliminating food insecurity in the community,” said Morris Goldwire, of Ark of the City. “We are so proud of the organizations and volunteers, and especially the DBCRA staff for their efforts during this event.  They take great pride in giving back to our local communities.” 

On December 16th, from 9AM – 2PM, the PATCH and DBCRA team up with Family in Distress, Dismas Charities and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to host a spectacular Christmas Event with something for everyone. Featuring live performances, Christmas music, free meals, holiday crafts, raffles and giveaways, this event will bring holiday cheer to the whole family.

About the PATCH Farm and Market

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The PATCH was created as an environmentally and economically sustainable urban farming system within the community, that creates a network of secure healthy food sources of naturally grown vegetables and fruits, while providing local jobs and vocational training in the sustainable agricultural industry to the residents of the community. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events. For more information visit www.thepatchgarden.com or call 954-924-6801.

Dania Beach CRA Announces Second Annual Business Luncheon

Friday, October 13, 2017 - 12:55pm

Dania Beach, FL. - On Friday December 8th from 11:30AM-2PM, the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) will host its Second Annual Business Luncheon at Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center located on the third floor at 8000 North Ocean Drive in Dania Beach. Featured speakers are Dave Anderton of Port Everglades and Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures.   The DBCRA luncheon engages the established and growing business community in discussions on the rebirth of Dania Beach as a modern and strategic location for economic growth. Seat reservations, valet and lunch are $25 (payment by check or credit card will be accepted at the door). Seating is limited, so please  register by contacting Dan Murphy at dmurphy@daniabeachfl.gov or call 954-924-6801.

Dan Murphy, DBCRA Economic Development Manager states, “Investors are discovering the strategic geographical importance of Dania Beach for logistics businesses as well as housing and transportation.  Both speakers should captivate our annual luncheon with the breadth of their vision for the city.”

Keynote speaker Dave Anderton,  Port Everglades Director for Strategic Planning, will  discuss the next 50 years at Port Everglades and Dania Beach’s role in the logistics support network. Dev Motwani, President of Merrimac Ventures Real Estate Firm will speak on his development, the 300-residence Trion mixed-use project located at Federal Highway and Dania Beach Blvd., and the implications for the next generation of housing and transportation.

For more information, contact the DBCRA at 954-924-6801 or visit www.daniabeachcra.org.