The Three Tomatoes

Miami Life: Pedestrian Bridge & Festivals Galore

by Lois Whitman Hess · Published · Updated

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The long-awaited pedestrian canopy bridge that will pass over the MacArthur Causeway entrance into South Beach has been delayed to the second half of 2026—and I hope they will change the tacky candy-colored design. If you are into fitness, then you should know about the TYR Wodapalooza Fitness Festival happening this weekend, which is a good thing because the South Beach Food and Wine Festival happens next month. Also in February is the Coconut Grove Arts Festival which is now in its 60th year.

  The Candy Colored Pedestrian Bridge

I have been waiting three years for the candy-colored pedestrian canopy bridge that will pass over the MacArthur Causeway entrance into South Beach to be built. Now, I just read that we have to wait until the second half of 2026 for it to be built.  While we are waiting, please change all those colors to one shade because this one looks like you are entering a circus tent. I don’t know why the new condo residents of Five Park on the north side of Alton Road,  and the Icon South Beach,  are not screaming like crazy to get that eyesore off the road.

The bridge is a great idea but the design is totally tacky. Everyone who lives north and south of the exit off of MacArthur Causeway can’t wait to connect the walkway. It’s going to be so much fun walking to the shops on West Avenue and beyond.

I’m also disappointed that now we have to wait to the second half of 2026 for the bridge to be built. The excuse is that the sewer line under the street had to be fixed. We all thank you for fixing the sewer line that was causing extreme flooding outside your building but what does that have to do with the sewer line? You could have had the bridge ready to be erected by now.

Development firms Terra, Edgewater-based Crescent Heights, and Buena-Vista-ased New Valley are building the bridge. French artist Daniel Buren designed it, which cost $30 million.

Survival Of the Fittest 

If you are into fitness, then you should know about the TYR Wodapalooza Fitness Festival. It’s in Miami this weekend. It’s a gathering of athletes, spectators, health brands, and fitness enthusiasts. The TYR Wodapalooza is on Miami Beach at 1001 Ocean Drive! Last year, over 1,500 athletes competed in 48 athletic divisions, and 45,000 people attended! Miami Beach is a major hub for fitness inspo. There are so many juice bars, coffee shops, and incredible restaurants nearby!

The TYR Wodapalooza wants you to make this fitness festival part of your health and wellness New Year’s resolution! Watching these athletes could even inspire and invigorate your workouts.

The TYR Wodapalooza (WZA) began as a grassroots single-day fitness competition with 145 athletes and 500 spectators in 2012 and has since established itself as the world’s premier Functional Fitness Festival. TYR Wodapalooza descends on Miami Beach and brings together thousands of athletes, spectators, and fitness fanatics to celebrate fitness, community, and life.

There are multiple parts to the festival – the fitness competition for all backgrounds and levels (our foundation), the Gauntlet (an exciting and fast race through three workouts within an hour), and the spectator experience, which includes one of the largest collections of vendors and exhibitors as well as spectator workouts and seminars.

The TYR Wodapalooza has become a calendar staple for the fitness community and a winter getaway for athletes from around the world.

According to Secret Miami, an online guide to news, events, and things to do tickets include a three-day festival pass, a two-day festival pass (Saturday and Sunday), or a single-day general admission. There are also VIP options for each pass option or single-day admission. The two—and three-day VIP option comes with a limited edition credential and special gift. It also offers easy entry and re-entry and premium seating at major competition stages. GET THE DETAILS.

Secret Miami has shared its list of best gyms in Miami for all of your fitness goals!




The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Celebrates 24 Years In Miami

Get ready for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). It’s is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. The Festival takes place February 20 – 23, 2025.

A 100% of net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

This is a whopper food show. There will be more than 105 events, the Food Network’s biggest culinary icons, Grammy-winning artists, popular lifestyle personalities, and more than 500 chefs, winemakers, and spirit producers who will come together to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. as the Magic City sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.

“The Festival not only celebrates the vibrant spirit of South Florida but also highlights the incredible food and beverage that has put Miami on the map as a premier culinary destination,” says Lee Brian Schrager, Festival Founder & Director. “Miami’s unique setting makes it an ideal host for the annual Festival, attracting amazing local, national, and international talent, which keeps fans coming back every year. It’s incredible to see how far the Festival has come – from its beginnings on the FIU campus to now being a global event that supports the next generation of hospitality leaders.”

The Festival’s iconic open-air tasting tents will return this year –American Airlines® North Venueand Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village – for two days and four nights with the country’s most talented chefs and popular lifestyle personalities, supported by over 1,500 students from Florida International University.

Returning fan favorites that guests can expect to see include:

From highly competitive cooking competitions to exclusive one-night-only pop-ups, the Festival team has programmed a diverse lineup of new events that will keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. Highlights include:

  • Alex vs Miami, hosted by Alex vs America’sAlex Guarnaschelliand Eric Adjepong on Thursday, February 20, will be a late-night dance party during which participating chefs will go head-to-head, competing to create the best dish of the night inspired by local flavors.
  • Inspired by his hit series of the same name, Guy Fieri will host Tournament of Champions, an epic culinary competition where four teams—each led by a past TOC winner will battle it out on the sands of Miami Beach for top honors on Friday, February 21.
  • Tyler Florencewill host the new Masters of Fire, celebrating the art of grilling and outdoor cooking, on Saturday, February 22.
  • Duff Goldmanwill host a comedy show and dessert party, A Dozen Eggs and a Dream: A One-Man Show and Dessert Party hosted by Duff Goldman, on Saturday, February 22.
  • A new grand finale event, Asian Night Markethosted byAndrew Zimmern, Jet Tila and Aarti Sequeira, will feature a special performance by Rev Run and close out the Festival weekend on Sunday, February 23.

From Miami Beach to Kendall and everywhere in between, the 2025 Festival offers a carefully curated lineup of events that celebrate the vibrant local cuisine and culture of these neighborhoods and their significant role in shaping South Florida. Event highlights include:

  • A Taste of Italyhosted by Giada De Laurentiis part of the Miami Design District Event Series on Thursday, February 20
  • Steak and Whiskeyhosted by Michael Symon part of the Miami Design District Event Series on Friday, February 21
  • The Cookouthosted by JJ Johnson presented by Stella Artois on Saturday, February 22
  • A Sunset Feastsponsored by Grove Bay Hospitality Group & Friends hosted by Belkys Nerey& Dan Le Batard part of The Hangar Event Series presented by Capital One on Saturday, February 22
  • Noche Cubanahosted by Michelle Bernstein, David Martinez, and Gio Gutierrez on Saturday, February 22
  • Taste of Paradisehosted by Niven Patel and Mohamed Alkassar on Saturday, February 22
  • Miami Bakery Brunchhosted byZak Stern on Sunday, February 23
  • Overtown Eatup!hosted by Marcus Samuelsson on Sunday, February 23
  • Drag Brunchfeaturing Mistress of Ceremonies Athena Dion on Sunday, February 23

The 2025 Tribute Dinner, part of The New York Times Dinner Series, will take place on Saturday, February 22 at the Loews Miami Beach. The prestigious event will honor renowned chef Dominique Crennand acclaimed vintner Gérard Bertrand, celebrating their exceptional talent and artistry. The unforgettable evening will be dedicated to their passion, innovation, and excellence in both the culinary and wine worlds.

This year’s Festival will feature a variety of intimate gatherings, including seated Brunches & Lunches, Master Classes, and exclusive one-night-only Intimate Dinners, alongside a handful of Family-Friendly Eventsand Late Night Parties. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to dive into the art of gastronomy, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with their favorite chefs, local restaurateurs, vintners, and mixologists. Each event will feature a curated selection of premium wines and spirits from the Festival’s exclusive provider, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Highlights include:

            

 

To date, the Festival has raised more than $40 million in support of its educational mission to provide an invaluable real-world experience and an interactive educational platform for future leaders of the hospitality industry at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Managementat Florida International University (FIU). Between SOBEWFF® and its sister NYCWFF, more than $53 million has been raised to benefit the respective charities of each Festival. Beyond the funds raised, both Festivals draw attention to the vibrant dining cultures of their respective cities, provide economic stimulus in their communities, and serve as a platform to drive awareness and engagement for a wide array of philanthropic activities.

Tickets for the Festival are On Sale NOW, with plenty of options to suit your taste and budget at sobewff.org.

Feb. 15-17. Coconut Grove Arts Festival

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is now in its 60th year. We have attended this art and crafts event for 21 years. The bohemian Coconut Grove event features stands and stalls from more than 280 juried artists, as well as culinary demonstrations and delicious local eats, live music, family-friendly activities and more.

Coconut Grove has long been considered Miami’s original art district. More than 100,000 people attend the outdoor festival every year. The festival takes over a beautiful stretch of Coconut Grove, overlooking the sailboats moored in Biscayne Bay. Here, you can browse art in mediums ranging from sculpture and painting to photography and jewelry. Expect top-quality artists representing a wide variety of styles.

The event also includes culinary arts, live music and dance. Cooking demonstrations led by local and celebrity chefs are on the schedule, along with more than a dozen restaurant and gourmet partners showcasing their culinary skills, so come hungry. You’ll enjoy a range of bites ranging from high-end eats to festival-style favorites.

The Family Zone is a must-stop for festival-goers with little ones. It is packed with activities to keep the kiddies entertained. Located in beautiful Regatta Park, a modern bayfront park with tropical landscaping and wide open spaces, the Family Zone offers interactive activities, including hands-on kids’ art activities.

Proceeds from the Coconut Grove Arts Festival fund year-round arts programming and scholarships for local schools

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival® is produced by the nonprofit, 501(c)(3), Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association. Proceeds help fund year-round arts programs. Since its inception in 1963, the association has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools.

 

Lois Whitman Hess
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As Co-Founder and President of HWH PR, Lois Whitman-Hess has been actively involved in public relations for a vast array of business sectors including technology, Internet-based companies, entertainment, law, publishing, fashion, beauty and art. For the last eight years, Lois has authored a daily blog called “Digidame.” It mostly covers her personal journeys as well as tech innovations, art, travel, and entertainment. In addition, Lois co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Lying on the Beach” with TV personality Steve Greenberg who is a contributor on NBC's Today Show. They interview luminaries who discuss their expertise and views on current events.

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Lois Whitman Hess

As Co-Founder and President of HWH PR, Lois Whitman-Hess has been actively involved in public relations for a vast array of business sectors including technology, Internet-based companies, entertainment, law, publishing, fashion, beauty and art. For the last eight years, Lois has authored a daily blog called “Digidame.” It mostly covers her personal journeys as well as tech innovations, art, travel, and entertainment. In addition, Lois co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Lying on the Beach” with TV personality Steve Greenberg who is a contributor on NBC's Today Show. They interview luminaries who discuss their expertise and views on current events.

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