Thursday, January 7th - 2026- You’ve likely driven past it, but do you know the story behind the world’s largest bronze equine statue? This week, we explore the Pegasus and Dragon, highlight the return of local history talks, and look ahead to the Huizenga Park reopening.

Friday night is packed with live music in Pompano and history at the Stranahan House. Looking ahead, we’ve got details on the annual Orchid Show, LEGO builds for the kids, and a "Wayward Son" taking the stage.

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Stuff You Won't Want To Miss:

1. 'Carry On My Wayward Son' because Kansas is taking the stage on Friday night at the Pompano Beach Ampitheater.
2. On Friday night Pompano Beach is hosting its next Backyard Jam at Old Town Square. This is a night of live music, delicious southern bites, craft cocktails, and laid-back vibes.
3. Also on Friday night, its the next History Happy Hour at the Stranahan House & Museum. This week the discussion will be led by Imani L. Warren, curator of the Old Dillard Museum, as we reflect on how these stories continue to shape our shared history.
4. On Saturday, the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) is hosting its partnership with the LEGOLAND Junior Explorers program in conjunction with the launch of its Galacticoaster ride. Young LEGO masters will be designing and building their dream thrill rides.
5. On Saturday night (at the NSU Miniaci Performing Arts Center) Chris McDonald the Elvis performer will be singing all the great songs in celebration of the King's birthday.
6. Starting this weekend through Wednesday, the Orchid Magic Show and Sale will be underway in Pembroke Pines at the Dodge City Center. The Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s annual show and sale is recognized as one of the largest and best juried orchid shows in the country.
7. Curious about the architecture of Downtown Fort Lauderdale? Now through May you can sign up for one of the weekly downtown walking tours with the New River Architectural Project.
8. School is back underway at Acton Fort Lauderdale. In Session 4 our younger learners are exploring the game of chess and story with the 'Chess Quest' while our older learners are diving into their high school level 'Introduction To Physics'. If you are curious to learn more - make sure you book a call.

😉Hey - quick question. Did we miss anything? Each week we do our research but you might know of an event, an organization, or a local business that deserves some love here in our weekly basket of goodies.​

Just hit reply to this email and let us know!

Featured Fort Lauderdale

Just south of Fort Lauderdale on Route A1A (Federal Highway) is Hallandale Beach, and home tho the third tallest statue in Florida (which is saying something when you think of all the theme parks up in Orlando).

The statue 'Pegasus and Dragon' is located at Gulf Stream Park. If you’re driving along US-1 near the border of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it’s impossible to miss: a literal titan looming over the skyline. It’s not a movie set or a theme park entrance—it’s the Pegasus and Dragon statue at Gulfstream Park, and it is every bit as epic as it sounds.

Standing at a staggering 110 feet tall, this isn't just a piece of public art; it’s a $30 million engineering marvel that holds the title of the world’s largest bronze equine statue.

A Battle of Mythic Proportions

Commissioned by Frank Stronach (the billionaire owner of Gulfstream Park), the sculpture depicts the ultimate showdown: the winged horse Pegasus stomping a fallen dragon into the earth. The symbolism is clear—the eternal victory of good over evil—and the scale is meant to match that gravity.

By the numbers, this thing is a beast:

• Weight: Over 700 tons of bronze and steel.
• Height: At 11 stories tall, it is the third-tallest statue in the United States (towering over even the Statue of Liberty if you exclude her pedestal).
• Construction: It was cast in China and Germany, shipped to Florida in 26 massive containers, and assembled on-site like a giant 3D puzzle.

See It Come to Life at Night

While the statue is impressive in the Florida sun, the real magic happens after dark. The "Pegasus Park" area transforms into a high-tech theater. The dragon isn't just for show—it actually breathes fire (blasts of 20-foot flames!) as part of a choreographed performance involving 13 musical tracks, 350 fog nozzles, and a dazzling LED light show.

Below the massive rock formation at Pegasus’s feet, there is even a hidden 5D dome theater, making this one of the most unusual "lawn ornaments" in the world.

Why You Should Visit

Whether you’re a fan of mythology, a "megalophobia" enthusiast, or just looking for a truly bizarre South Florida photo op, Pegasus and Dragon is a must-see. It’s located right at Gulfstream Park, so you can easily pair your visit with some world-class horse racing, a trip to the casino, or dinner at the surrounding Village shops.

Pro-Tip: If you want the full experience, aim to arrive just before sunset. You can admire the intricate bronze details (like the individual feathers on Pegasus’s wings) during the day, then stick around to see the dragon start spitting fire once the sun goes down.

So... You Think You Know Florida

You probably already know... there are tons of things to see and do here in South Florida. I mean... we are a world-class destination for visitors who seek out the beaches, the dining, the waterways, and more.

What you might not know... is that we have mermaids here in Fort Lauderdale too!

The Underwater Magic of Fort Lauderdale’s Wreck Bar

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its sprawling golden beaches, mega-yachts, and endless sunshine. But what if I told you the city’s most enchanting experience doesn't happen on the sand, but underwater?

If you are visiting South Florida and looking for a night out that breaks the mold of typical beach bars, you need to head straight to the iconic B Ocean Resort.

Formerly known as the Yankee Clipper, this hotel is steeped in mid-century Florida history. While the resort itself offers modern luxury right on the Atlantic, the real treasure is hidden hidden away on the lobby level: The Wreck Bar.

Stepping into the Wreck Bar feels like descending into the hull of a glamorous sunken ship. It’s dark, moody, and fitted with maritime decor. But your eyes will immediately be drawn to the massive porthole windows behind the bar, which offer a direct view into the resort's main swimming pool.

This isn't just any pool view. For decades, the Wreck Bar has been famous for one incredible attraction: live mermaid shows.

It is pure, delightful Florida magic. As you sip on a handcrafted tropical cocktail (the signature tiki drinks are a must), real-life mermaids glide past the glass. They perform graceful underwater ballets, blow bubble kisses to the crowd, and interact with awestruck patrons on the dry side of the portholes.

It’s a mesmerizing throwback to 1950s entertainment—a little bit kitschy, incredibly unique, and absolutely unforgettable. The energy in the room when the mermaids appear is electric.

Know Before You Go: The mermaid shows (including the classic family-friendly swim and the saucier late-night burlesque shows) are extremely popular. You cannot just walk in; you absolutely need to book a table reservation in advance via the B Ocean Resort website to guarantee a seat for the underwater spectacle.

Don’t miss this. Grab a drink, watch the show, and get lost in the vintage glamour of the Wreck Bar. It’s easily one of the best travel stories you’ll bring home from Fort Lauderdale.

More Treats To Try

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• SAVE THE DATE - January 24th and 25th - Come on out and see the Grand Reopening of Huizenga Park!
• And the Avenue of the Arts (AOTA) Festival is coming up at the end of the month. Come out for the Kids Art and Mural Tours!
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Quote Of The Week

​Author Nassim Taleb on why earned knowledge and being in the details is superior.

Flotsam & Jetsam

Imagine for a moment... you were a tiny drop of water. Falling rain.

And you could fall anywhere in the world.

Pick a point on the map, and that is where your rain drop touches the Earth. Then watch it flow through streams, brooks, rivers, and lakes all the way to the ocean. That's the fun of the Global River Runner. It is like one giant simulation of our world-wide water system.

Click locally and see where you will flow. Well... here in Florida all things lead to the Everglades. So pick a more mountainous region. In the end we are all destined to join to big oceans.

Word Play Of The Week

The idiom "the stakes are high" means that a lot is at risk or there are significant consequences depending on the outcome of a situation. It implies that the potential rewards or losses are substantial, making the situation critical and the decisions or actions taken very important.

"The stakes are high" originates from gambling terminology, where "stakes" refer to the money or valuables risked on the outcome of a game or bet. The phrase has been used figuratively since at least the early 19th century to indicate that a lot is at risk in a particular situation, making the outcome very important. ~ Source​

Idea Of The Week

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