Press & Accolades

SOURCE ARTICLE:  Progressiverailroading.com

 

 

 

High-speed passenger-rail operator Brightline last week unveiled its new station at Orlando International Airport. The opening of the new 37,350-square-foot station signals Brightline’s near-completion of the Orlando expansion project that will connect the city with stations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami, Florida. The station is adjacent to Terminal C and connects to Parking Garage C, which will provide more than 350 parking spots reserved for Brightline riders. Orlando service will also include Brightline+, the railroad’s first- and last-mile transportation service.

 

The station includes self-service kiosks where riders can buy tickets and check luggage before entering the security tunnel. Platforms are 1,000 feet long and can accommodate a train with up to 10 coach cars and two locomotives. Miami-based architecture firm Bigtime Design Studios designed the Orlando station as well as Boca Raton and Aventura stations. Gomez Construction Co. led the buildout.

Orlando service will begin this summer and include 16 daily round trips with hourly departures to Miami. Nonstop trips will take just under three hours; trains with stops will add 30 minutes to the trip. Brightline will begin selling tickets for the Orlando route in May.

 

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT PROGRESSIVERAILROADINGCOM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: gobrightline.com

 

Orlando, Fla. (April 20, 2023) – Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, today, unveiled its highly anticipated Brightline Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport (MCO). With Brightline’s signature yellow and spacious lounges, the station is the perfect backdrop for a new era of passenger rail that will connect two of the fastest growing regions in the state: Central and South Florida. Brightline also announced that Orlando ticket sales will launch in May for future dates, with one-way fares starting at $79 for SMART and $149 for PREMIUM. SMART fare bundles for families of four will be available for less than $199 one way.

 

More than 300 invited guests took part in the Brightline Orlando Station reveal, the latest milestone moment for Brightline and transportation in America. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Kevin Thibault joined Brightline CEO Mike Reininger, President Patrick Goddard and Brightline teammates to celebrate the historic occasion. Brightline Orlando Station was met with glowing reviews as elected officials, dignitaries and community leaders, including the tourism and hospitality sectors, stepped inside the first intercity passenger rail station of its kind, located in the heart of an American airport.

 

Brightline Orlando Station Experience

 

The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening tunnel.

Once through the security tunnel, guests are greeted by an expansive two-story station space, featuring world-class amenities Brightline is known for, including:

• Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and light bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platforms where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart.
• Above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, split-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the split-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with sounds reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America.
• MRKT PLACE is a retail experience with convenient in-station shopping for last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments.
• Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service includes complimentary meals, snacks and beverages, a dedicated first class lounge, free checked luggage, priority boarding and a dedicated coach.
• Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a BrightKids children’s play area located in the SMART lounge.

Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevator to first level platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and can accommodate a train with up to 10 coaches and two locomotives.

 

 

The Brightline Orlando Station Design Team

Brightline Orlando Station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami that also designed the newly-opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority-owned business, that employed more than 100 workers on this project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT GOBRIGHTLINE.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Hospitalitydesign.com

 

 

A Fort Lauderdale institution for 40 years, Anthony’s Runway 84 has been reborn following a $4 million facelift.

 

The Italian-American restaurant and supper club, now simply dubbed Runway 84, bursts with life through a glitzy, jewel box-inspired aesthetic executed by Miami-based Bigtime Design Studios. “We boldly created a design that says old school luxury as seamlessly as Runway 84’s Italian-American roots and its 40-year multi-generational appeal,” says Callin Fortis of Bigtime Design. “We created a vibe and internal ethos for our design that took cues from an era in New York City and Las Vegas that had seemingly had its time.”

 

An immersive color palette and custom, tactile elements set the foundation for a journey back to the supper clubs of the 1930s and ’40s. Gold velvet, brass finishes, and deep burgundy hues comprise a sumptuous visual experience beneath ornamental coffered walnut ceilings, while the new bar and dining room features rose-patterned wallcoverings and emerald-hued banquettes.

 

Separating the two spaces are fluted, high-gloss lacquer accents and a new mini lounge. “It serves double duty as a natural divider between the two areas as well as creates a lush sense of intimacy in front of the stage reminiscent of a Vegas sneak joint, where a Manhattan was more than an island,” Fortis adds. New additions to the restaurant include a live music lounge with a handsome grand piano installed below a theatrical crystal chandelier.

 

 

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT HOSPITALITYDESIGN.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: https://www.globalrailwayreview.com

 

“Brightline Q&A: Patrick Goddard discusses the new Orlando station”

May 16, 2023 / By Elliot Robinson

 

 

Patrick Goddard, President of Brightline, provides details of the new Orlando station and explains how it will deliver a ‘guest-first’ travel experience for rail passengers.

 

 

 

Can you give a general overview of the new Orlando station? 

Brightline’s new Orlando station will revolutionize train travel in America and continue our vision of offering a guest-first travel experience. The station is set to open in Central Florida later in 2023. It spans three-stories, features ground-breaking design and a unique synthesis of luxury amenities that meet the demand of today’s modern traveler.  

At Brightline, we are the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America and we currently serve Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. 

 

How will the Orlando station meet the needs of passengers?

The passenger’s journey will begin at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers will be able to purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening area. Currently, Brightline is the only rail system in America that screens all passengers and bags prior to boarding. 

 

We offer two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM (see below). The PREMIUM service will provide complimentary drinks and snacks in a dedicated lounge and train coach. Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a children’s play area located in the SMART lounge. 

Who is Brightline working with for the design of the station? 

The Orlando station has been designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami, Florida, that also designed our newly opened stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority owned business whose headquarters are based in Orlando, Florida. 

 

What are the key features of the new station?

The station features an upscale retail experience with convenient in-station shopping and its Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and lite bites. Positioned at the far end of the station, the sit-down bar has a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platform where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart the platform.

Located above the bar is a flip-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. The flip-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with the flip-flap sound reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America. 

Passengers will be able to access trains by escalator or elevators to the first level platform and board from one of two new track platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and will accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives that will transport guests on the Orlando to Miami route in just over three hours.  

The 37,350 square foot station is located at the heart of Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 square foot Terminal C and connects directly to the airport’s parking deck C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces reserved for our guests. An automated people mover connects the terminal to the rest of the airport facilities including Terminal A and B in under five minutes

 

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT GLOBALRAILWAYREVIEW.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Timeout.com

 

 

Back when it closed during the pandemic, Anthony’s Runway 84 was old enough to be a retired postal worker. A generation that grew up in Broward went there with Nonno and Nonna to have mussels and family-sized plates of cauliflower rigatoni. They giggled at the plane fuselage in the middle of the room and decor that felt like the waiting area of a 1980s Disney ride.

 

The pasta was al dente, the Sunday gravy was reliably good and, for the regulars, the been-there-forever staff made it feel as welcoming as a visit to an Italian grandmother’s house. It wasn’t a concept that could survive serving takeout during the pandemic, so owner Anthony Bruno wondered how he’d keep the place going. That’s when restaurateur Marc Falsetto came in with an idea: an Italian supper club with nightly live music and a design befitting of a mafia movie backdrop.

Actually, he had an exact clip in mind as inspiration for a re envisioned Runway: the one-shot scene from “Goodfellas” where Henry heavy-tips his way past the line outside Copacabana, whisking Karen through the kitchen to an open table lifted above the crowded room and set up just for them. Falsetto wanted a place that’d make people feel that special. Bruno liked the idea so much that they decided, along with restaurateur Pat Marzano, to partner up and make it a reality.

 

It’s like that from the first steps into the place. Gone is the airplane museum theme, replaced instead with big-enough-for-six booths along the wall and tables in the center spread over in thick white linen. There’s floral wallpaper, lots of moody maroon and dark green accents and brass handrails separating things, all feeling like the finest restaurant from 1950s Bensonhurst moved south, brick by brick.

 

The backlit cutout behind the bar rises up to the ceiling, full of pretty bottles, and there’s a stage in the center of the dining room where bands play classics beginning at 8:30. The aviation nods are subtle now, little jetliners on the corners of the cocktail napkins and among some of the old photos that cover the walls. You might spot Bruno and Falsetto, surely decked in suits with no ties, along with a cadre of jovial table captains and maître d’, “how-you-doin’” their way through the dining room.

 

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT TIMEOUT.COM

VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Gablesinsider.com

 

 

Bigtime Design Studios led the renovation of the 31-year-old pub. The design concept speaks to the historic roots of the original heritage of John and Martin while we connect with the future of tastemakers and merry makers; for foodies and laymen alike; the quintessential Irish Pub for today and beyond. The updated venue fuses old and new by showcasing original millwork and architectural elements of the building and eclectic furnishings from the era repurposed for contemporary socializing. New details like a sleek black-and-white color scheme, an airy indoor garden, and pops of lush greenery provide a modern yet timeless feel. Flooded with light and a sense of airiness a moss covered brick wall is bordered by contemporary portraits of John and Martin, keeping a watchful and approving eye over this decidedly unique concept.

 

‘Our task was for guests to be able to easily recognize the original JohnMartin’s while delivering a completely fresh and uniquely timeless style that would distinguish it from any other Irish pub guests have seen,’ said Bigtime Design Studios designer, Callin Fortis. ‘Using the building’s history and previous owners’ heritage as a point of inspiration, many original features of the space have been repurposed as tributes to the past made new by incorporating them into this fresh contemporary design. Past and present come together for a dynamic rebirth that we think will appeal to everyone who walks through the doors for years to come, whether they’ve been coming to JohnMartin’s for decades or discovering it for the first time.’

 

Upon entering, diners are immediately transported to an elevated Irish pub that’s imbued with nostalgia yet decidedly contemporary. Coffered ceilings throughout evoke a sense of tradition, brought into the present with fresh white paint with red trim, and the floors are made of white and green mosaic tiles, giving the space an upscale and timeless feel. Guests are greeted by a grand 43-foot-long bar boasting black-painted wainscoting and gleaming white quartz countertop, lined by brass and navy upholstered barstools. Along the back wall, antique mirrors and a historical centerpiece from the original millwork are a fond reminder of the venue’s previous incarnation, juxtaposed with modern flat-screen TVs lining the wall for sports fans to watch their team play on game day – an essential function of any bona fide Irish pub. Next to the bar is a small stage for live performances, a new addition, made from light wood.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT GABLESINSIDER.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Bocamag.com

 

The iconic Italian haunt in Fort Lauderdale officially reopened this week after an eight-month renovation. Anthony’s opened 40 years ago and now ushers in a new era with a full aesthetic makeover. The redesigned $4 million interiors will transport diners to a Las Vegas Rat Pack supper club with plush booths, crystal chandeliers, spacious bar and an elevated stage with nightly live entertainment.

Owners Anthony Bruno and Pat Marzano have a new partner in this venture—Marc Falsetto of Handcrafted Hospitality (TacoCraft & PizzaCraft). And while there are lots of exciting new things to look forward to, one thing is certain—Anthony’s signature dishes were not modified in any way. The same kitchen staff will return to ensure that classic flavors are just as diners remember them. There are a few additions to the menu including a Prime steak section and plenty of new cocktails.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT BOCAMAG.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Miaminewtimes.com

 

When Ray Liotta died last May, he left a formidable library of work, but one scene from one movie will forever be etched in our collective memories (and studied in countless acting and directorial classes): Liotta, as Goodfellas‘ Henry Hill leading his date Karen (Lorraine Bracco) through the kitchen of the Copacabana nightclub to the main showroom, where a table is magically set for the couple.

 

Last evening, Anthony’s Runway 84 reopened after its renovation, with a new look and a shorter name: Runway 84. The first modernization was at the valet stand. I am notorious for never having cash on me and having to duck inside the Walgreens next door to get money for the valet. This time, I am notified that they now take Venmo.

 

The next addition to Runway is a mural of famous Italians. Through wrought iron gates marked with a gilded “R”, you are greeted by Dean Martin, Sophia Loren, Joe DiMaggio, Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, Madonna, and Jake La Motta. The walls just beyond the hostess stand are filled with pictures of celebrities who have dined at the restaurant over the years, along with a framed document that partner Anthony Bruno points out as his grandmother’s ship passage to America, complete with an entry stamp from Ellis Island.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT MIAMINEWTIMES.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Imgfl.com

 

After closing the restaurant in spring 2022 for a $4 million renovation, Anthony’s Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale is set to host its first patrons today. The eight-month makeover was conducted to provide a relaxed, contemporary look that evokes the historic feel of Anthony’s Runway 84, now known as Runway 84.

 

“The decision to close was not an easy one to make, but it was the right one,” Anthony Bruno says, owner of Runway 84. “A successful 40-year run is almost unheard of in this business. We were blessed and lucky to have such a loyal following that stayed with us over so many years. It was time to refresh and prepare for our next 40 years doing what we do best: make people feel like family.”

 

The idea behind the significant renovation included Bruno, Pat Marzano of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Marc Falsetto of Handcrafted Hospitality. The trio of restaurant veterans envision Runway 84 as a destination worthy of The Rat Pack. Miami-based award-winning design firm Bigtime Design Studios redesigned the venue, which includes a live music lounge featuring a new grand piano and dramatic crystal chandelier, a new bar complete with an elevated cocktail program and a dramatic new entranceway to deliver Copacabana vibes.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT IMGFL.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Newsbreak.com

 

Before popular red sauce establishments like Carbone, Prime Italian, and Café Martorano made their way to South Florida, there was Anthony’s Runway 84. The iconic dining institution first opened in the heart of Fort Lauderdale 40 years ago, considered a landmark establishment that maintained a well-earned reputation for classic Italian-American cooking and hospitality. No matter the night, its vibe — equal parts raucous dinner party and Goodfellas glam — combined with its celebrity magnetism and delicious food and drink, made it a nightly hotspot for cocktails and conviviality or a meal with friends or a special occasion. The restaurant closed in spring 2022 for a complete (and pricey $4 million) renovation, and loyal diners have patiently waited in anticipation for the grand reopening. Now, after an eight-month closure and a complete makeover that promises a cool, contemporary look that evokes the historic spirit of Anthony’s Runway 84 — now simply Runway 84 — will reopen to the public later this month.

 

“The decision to close was not an easy one to make but it was the right one,” owner Anthony Bruno tells News Break. “A successful 40-year run is almost unheard of in this business. We were blessed and lucky to have such a loyal following that stayed with us over so many years. It was time to refresh and prepare for our next 40 years doing what we do best: make people feel like family.”

 

With the official January opening date still pending, anticipation has been and remains high for what looks like one of it not the biggest restaurant openings of the year. The major refresh is the brainchild of partners Bruno, Pat Marzano of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Marc Falsetto of Handcrafted Hospitality; a trio of restaurant kingpins who envision Runway 84 as a tony supper club worthy of The Rat Pack at their hippest. “Those that loved the original Anthony’s Runway 84 will find plenty of new to love and will find familiarity around every corner, from the art of the walls to the food on the plate,” adds Marzano.

 

For the design, the team has tapped Miami-based award-winning design firm Bigtime Design Studios to reimagine the space and turn their vision into a reality. Among the additions, a live music lounge featuring a gorgeous new grand piano and dramatic crystal chandelier; a tony new bar complete with an elevated cocktail program and a dramatic new entranceway delivering major Copacabana vibes.

 

Taking cues from the restaurant’s rich 40-year history and the storied lives of its owners, the design team strived to reimagine the space in a way that preserved what was, mirrored our present-day affections and channeled future inclinations.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT NEWSBREAK.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Whatnowmia.com

 

Before Carbone, Prime Italian, Café Martorano and their ilk there was Anthony’s Runway 84, the dining institution that opened in the heart of Fort Lauderdale 40 years ago. The landmark maintained a reputation for classic Italian-American cooking and hospitality since the day it opened its doors. When the restaurant closed in spring 2022 for a complete (and pricey, $4 million) renovation, loyal diners who knew Runway as their second home, waited in anticipation for the reopening. Now, after an eight-month closure and a complete makeover that promises a contemporary look that evokes the historic spirit of Anthony’s Runway 84, now simply Runway 84, will reopen to the public late-January 2023.

 

“The decision to close was not an easy one to make but it was the right one,” contends owner Anthony Bruno in a statement. “A successful 40-year run is almost unheard of in this business. We were blessed and lucky to have such a loyal following that stayed with us over so many years. It was time to refresh and prepare for our next 40 years doing what we do best: make people feel like family.”

 

Runway 84 has an official January target opening date that is still pending. This major refresh is the brainchild of partners Bruno, Pat Marzano of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Marc Falsetto of Handcrafted Hospitality. “Those that loved the original Anthony’s Runway 84 will find plenty of new to love and will find familiarity around every corner, from the art of the walls to the food on the plate,” adds Marzano. For the design, the team has tapped Miami-based design firm Bigtime Design Studios to reimagine the space and turn their vision into a reality. Among the additions, a live music lounge featuring a new grand piano and dramatic crystal chandelier; a new bar complete with an elevated cocktail program and a dramatic new entranceway delivering major Copacabana vibes.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT WHATNOWMIA.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Diarioslasamericas.com
Bigtime Design Studios led the renovation of the 31-year-old pub. The design concept speaks to the historical roots of John and Martin’s original heritage, while connecting to the future for lovers of good taste and playfulness; For foodies and not so fans.
The legendary Irish pub has been redesigned by the award-winning Bigtime Design Studios company. The 7,000-square-foot, two-story venue pays tribute to the original John Martin’s, while creating a welcoming, familiar, and contemporary atmosphere.

 

Bigtime Design Studios led the renovation of the 31-year-old pub. The design concept speaks to the historical roots of John and Martin’s original heritage, while connecting to the future for lovers of good taste and playfulness; For foodies and not so fans.

 

The local redevelopment melds the old with the new, showcasing the building’s original woodwork and architectural elements, as well as eclectic period furnishings repurposed for contemporary socializing.

 

“Our task was to make it easy for customers to recognize the original JohnMartin’s, while also offering a completely new and timeless look that sets it apart from any other Irish pub customers have seen,” said the Bigtime Design Studios designer, Callin Fortis.

 

Upon entering, patrons are transported to a lofty Irish pub steeped in nostalgia yet contemporary. The high ceilings evoke a sense of tradition, brought into the present with white paint and red accents, and the floors are white and green mosaic tiles, giving the space a luxurious and timeless feel.

 

Inside, there is a large bar with a black-painted wainscoting and a shiny white quartz countertop, with brass and navy blue upholstered stools. Along the back wall, antique mirrors and a historic centerpiece from the original woodwork fondly recall the venue’s previous incarnation. Next to the bar is a small stage for live performances, a new addition, made of light wood.

 

One of the most impressive innovations is the creation of a 34-seat interior garden, designed with a skylight that spans the entire ceiling, allowing sunlight to penetrate the room and into a 50-seat dining room.

 

At the back of the premises, a small dart room with an exposed brick wall painted in the colors of the Irish flag offers a place for fun and games. On the top floor, the renovated venue features a new private dining room with its own bar and restrooms.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT DIARIOLASAMERICAS.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Progressiverailroading.com

 

Brightline yesterday released renderings of its train station under construction at Orlando International Airport in Florida.

 

The private, intercity passenger-rail company released a video with renderings showing the outside design, main entrance, ticketing and luggage drop area and retail spaces. Expected to open later this year, the 37,350-square-foot station will be three stories tall, Brightline officials said in a press release. The station will feature two 1,000-foot-long track platforms, each of which can accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives.

 

Architecture firm Bigtime Design Studios designed the Orlando station. The firm also designed the recently opened Brightline Boca Raton and Aventura stations. Gomez Construction Co. is the contractor for the Orlando project.

 

The new station will be Brightline’s first in Orlando. When the station opens, the railroad will provide service between Orlando and Miami in about three hours.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT PROGRESSIVERAILROADING.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Elnuevoherald.com

 

The Orlando station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, a Miami-based architecture firm that also designed the recently opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, along with architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner.

 

“This world-class rail station continues our mission to transform rail travel in America,” said Patrick Goddard, Brightline president. “We have carefully thought through every detail of this resort to ensure it exceeds the expectations of the modern traveler.”

 

The station has a Mary Mary Bar, serving cocktails and light bites. The unique bar is located at the other end of the station with a panoramic view of the train platform, where guests can watch the trains arrive and depart from the platform.

 

 

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT ELNUEVOHERALD.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: https://www.progressiverailroading.com

 

“Brightline unveils renderings for future Orlando station”

 

Brightline yesterday released renderings of its train station under construction at Orlando International Airport in Florida.

The private, intercity passenger-rail company released a video with renderings showing the outside design, main entrance, ticketing and luggage drop area and retail spaces. Expected to open later this year, the 37,350-square-foot station will be three stories tall, Brightline officials said in a press release.

The station will feature two 1,000-foot-long track platforms, each of which can accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives.

Passengers and their luggage will be required to pass through a security screening area before boarding. Brightline is the only U.S. passenger-rail system to screen passengers and luggage, company officials said.

Architecture firm Bigtime Design Studios designed the Orlando station. The firm also designed the recently opened Brightline Boca Raton and Aventura stations. Gomez Construction Co. is the contractor for the Orlando project.

The new station will be Brightline’s first in Orlando. When the station opens, the railroad will provide service between Orlando and Miami in about three hours.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT PROGRESSIVERAILROADING.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Miaminewtimes.com

Anthony Bruno’s aviation-themed restaurant has long been the red-sauce go to, serving up classics for New York ex-pats homesick for their favorite Italian restaurants. For four decades, patrons enjoyed martinis at a bar where a large-scale replica of an airplane served as the focal point or sat in a booth to gaze at the Fort Lauderdale skyline from “cockpit windows” while Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin crooned in the background. They came for an oversized pork chop, fresh snapper, or a hearty bowl of pasta. So when the restaurant closed its doors in May 2022, there was a rush to make one last visit before the beloved institution closed for a reboot. When it opens in 2023, the airplane memorabilia and the cockpit windows will be gone, and the establishment will be transformed into a supper club with Rat Pack vibes. It will also have brought on new partners: Bruno has partnered with Pat Marzano (from Bruno’s other venture, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza) and Marc Falsetto of Handcrafted Hospitality (Tacocraft, Pizzacraft) on the renovation estimated to cost about $3 million.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT MIAMINEWTIMES.COM
VIEW AS A PDF

SOURCE ARTICLE: Cruisehive.com

 

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Celebration has been voted the Best New Cruise Ship of 2022 in Cruise Hive’s annual Cruise Ship Awards. The 5,374-guest ship was in competition with nine other new vessels that debuted during the year.

 

Expectations were high for Carnival Celebration, the cruise line’s second Excel-class vessel after Mardi Gras, since it was voted Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship of 2022 in Cruise Hive’s Cruise Ship Awards.

 

Carnival Celebration received 34% of the votes for Best New Cruise Ship of 2022, coming in ahead of second-place Wonder of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship that garnered 26% of the votes, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima, which received 14% of the votes.

 

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE AT CRUISEHIVE.COM
VIEW AS A PDF