Steve Dorrance Speaks with Judyth Piazza about Treasure Coast Community Health Foundation on The American Perspective Radio Program – Click to listen

“The way a nation treats its sick and aging is a direct reflection on the character of the nation as a whole. Harry Getzov and Treasure Coast Community Health Foundation have created a 21st century model that strives toward eldercation and available healthcare. I am proud to be part of these important changes.” Judyth Piazza

Steve Dorrance

Harry Getzov, author, national speaker, and upcoming guest on The View and The Doctors will be speaking in Vero Beach at The Quail Valley River Club on December 5 for the benefit of Treasure Coast Community Health. Harry most recently wrote gOLD, a book of fascinating stories from inspired conversations with Hugh Downs, Maya Angelou (one of the great voices of contemporary literature), Jerry Vale, former major league baseball player William Moose Skowron and nearly 1,600 others. “He is thoughtful, caring and amusing, all at the same time! His uplifting and insightful view of the cycles of our lives is prescient for all, including the boomers who are on deck next, and those who are enjoying the golden years.”

Harry Getzov

Mr. Getzov`s Background

Mr. Getzov is an accomplished attorney, educated at Emory University School of Law. Mr. Getzov obtained a bachelor`s degree from Boston University`s College of Liberal Arts and studied at the Brookdale Center on Aging of Hunter College. As a prolific writer, his articles have appeared in the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Dallas Morning News, The Kansas City Star and amNew York, and he has been a guest on radio in the communities he has visited throughout the country. He spent many years in New York City and Hollywood as an entertainment lawyer. He has an insider`s perspective on an industry most will never experience.

To Benefit Treasure Coast Community Health

Mr. Getzov has generously agreed to make this presentation for the benefit of the Treasure Coast Community Health Foundation (TCCHF). Treasure Coast Community Health provides a wide range of medical, dental and behavioral healthcare services, and is a healthcare home to 20,000 Indian River County residents. We accept Medicare and Medicaid patients, populations of importance to Harry.

Event Details

While overlooking the Indian River from the main dining room, attendees will be served an exceptional lunch starting at 11:45 a.m. by a dedicated staff, and receive a complimentary copy of Mr. Getzov`s book. Please call 772-571-1983 to make a reservation for the December 5th luncheon or request additional information. The TCCH Foundation will benefit from your $50 per person, tax deductible contribution.

Generously sponsored by the Brackett Family Foundation

Judyth Piazza chats with Harry J. Getzov, Author of gOLD, The Extraordinary Side of Aging Revealed Through Inspiring Conversations …

Judyth Piazza interviews Steve Dorrance, Executive Director of Treasure Coast Community Health Foundation…

Due to rain on Saturday, October 29th the carnival has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 5th.

20th Avenue Church of God is pleased to announce their annual Children’s Fall Carnival on Saturday, November 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 775 20th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida (772) 562-2235.

Fun For All Ages

The carnival will have games and prizes, a moonwalk, giant slides, food, fun and much more.

All proceeds will benefit The Children’s Ministry, K.W.A.M. 24-7.

20th Avenue Church of God
775 20th Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32962-1454
(772) 562-2235

Church Service Times
Sunday
Sunday School-9:20 a.m.
Morn. Worship-10:50 a.m.
Even. Worship-5:50pm

Wednesday
Bible Study-6:50 p.m Youth Class (1st Wednesday)

Thursday
Prayer-7:00 p.m.

Florida Man Arrested on Charges of Selling Stolen Art and Selling Forged Paintings for Millions of Dollars

A Florida man was arrested this morning pursuant to a federal indictment that alleges he sold paintings stolen from a Los Angeles art gallery, and that he had sold forged artworks to a collector with false claims that they had been painted by esteemed artists.

Matthew Taylor, 43, of Vero Beach, Florida, was arrested without incident this morning by special agents with the FBI. Taylor, who formerly worked as an art dealer, is expected to make his initial court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Fort Pierce, Florida.

A federal grand jury in Los Angeles indicted Taylor last week on seven felony charges related to art theft and a long-running fraud that targeted a Los Angeles art collector.

The indictment charges Taylor with defrauding the art collector victim out of millions of dollars by selling him forged art works. Taylor allegedly sold the collector more than 100 paintings—including paintings that he falsely claimed were by artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko—for a total of more than $2 million. The indictment alleges that Taylor altered paintings from unknown artists to make them appear to be the products of famous artists, and then sold the bogus artwork to the victim at prices exponentially higher than their actual worth.

To conceal the true nature of the paintings, Taylor allegedly put forged on the paintings and painted over or otherwise concealed signatures from the actual artists. The indictment also alleges that Taylor created and put onto the paintings fake labels which falsely represented that the artworks were once part of prestigious art collections at famous museums, including those of the Museum of Modern Art in the New York and the Guggenheim Museum.

Regarding the alleged art heists, the indictment accuses Taylor of stealing a Granville Redmond painting called “Seascape at Twilight” from a gallery in Los Angeles. Taylor later sold that painting to a different gallery for $85,000, falsely claiming that his mother had owned it for several years. The indictment also alleges that Taylor stole a separate artwork—a painting by Lucien Frank titled “Park Scene, Paris”—from the same gallery in Los Angeles. Taylor was seen several years later in possession of the stolen Lucien Frank painting at a gallery in Vero Beach.

The indictment further alleges that Taylor laundered and transferred across state lines some of the proceeds from his fraud on the collector victim—specifically, $105,000 that Taylor had taken from the victim by selling him four forged paintings in September 2006.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

The indictment charges Taylor with three counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, one count of interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of possession of stolen property. The mail fraud charges each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, and the remaining counts each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years. Therefore, if he is convicted of all seven counts in the indictment, Taylor faces a maximum possible sentence of 100 years in federal prison.

Based on evidence collected throughout this case, investigators believe there are additional victims of art fraud related to Taylor’s activities. Individuals who purchased art from Taylor and believe they may have been defrauded should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles at (310) 477-6565 or the Los Angeles Police Department’s Art Theft Detail at (213) 486-6940.

(A photo of Taylor is below for the purpose of potentially identifying additional victims.)

The ongoing investigation into Taylor is being conducted by the FBI’s Art Crime Team, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Art Theft Detail, and IRS – Criminal Investigation.

3 Boys Productions announced today the program of films selected to screen at the 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival(MIFF). This year, the festival`s program comprises films from U.S. and international filmmakers selected from 238 entries. The 2011 MIFF runs September 9-10 in Melbourne, Florida at the beautiful Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10.

“I`m particularly struck by the creativity in this year`s selections. These filmmakers are charged with telling compelling stories and engaging the audience and they really deliver” said Terry Cronin, the MIFF 2011 director of programming . “For 2011, we are pleased to be able to shine a light on Florida filmmakers who are making their way on the world-wide film festival circuit. We are particularly proud of the talent that has originated here in Brevard County.”

“On the heels of two sold-out showings at the Florida Film Festival, Melbourne native Andrew Kenneth G(a)y brings his feature film, A Beautiful Belly, to his hometown. Palm Bay`s Lee Thongkham brings his hypnotic feature, Tears of Remedy, for a special engagement on Friday. Orlando`s Jose Zambrano Casella will delight the horror enthusiasts with his suspenseful feature, The Sacred. MIFF alumnus Michael Baumgarten brings an after-hour s(e)xy Hollywood-produced thriller called Pretty Obsession which was co-produced by Melbourne`s Robin Krasny. And the short films will really knock your socks off, too! Whether its the dark humor of Matt Cantu`s zombie reality show The Zombie Factor or Devi Snively`s amazing short Last Seen on Dolores Street or the weather reality of Brevard County`s Chris Kridler and her short film Chasing Reality about passionate storm chasers, it`s all sure to be fun”

The films selected for the 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival are:

Features

A Beautiful Belly directed by Andrew Kenneth G(a)y

A warmly comic story of an aspiring but out-of-work children`s entertainer who gets his longtime crush pregnant on their first date: It`s engaging, entertaining, and hilarious.

Butterflies directed by Ester Brym

A feature documentary film following the lives of six young people that are prominent `weblebrities` on the video site YouTube. The film explores the new media, its power, and its future.

Pretty Obsession directed by Michael Baumgarten

A pretty eighteen year-old puts herself and her family in danger when she leads a double life as an erotic web cam model.

The Sacred directed by Jose Zambrano Casella

Five young people went on a journey, a weekend of fun, and what they found is the evil inside themselves. Sins come back to kill you!

Tears of Remedy directed by Lee Thongkham

Every teardrop comes with a story, one that endures beauty and pain, and mostly, love.

Palm Bay director, Lee Thongkham, tells a rich and enigmatic story about the power of tears.

Horror Films

Blinky™ directed by Ruari Robinson

Meet Blinky™. All he wants is a friend. The only problem is, he`s not very good at making friends.

Last Seen on Dolores Street directed by Devi Snively

In a hard-boiled town, a heartbroken woman says goodbye to an old pet and hello to a new nightmare. Sometimes, life`s a real bitch.

The Sacred directed by Jose Zambrano Casella

Five young people went on a journey, a weekend of fun, and what they found is the evil inside themselves. Sins come back to kill you!

The Zombie Factor directed by Matt Cantu

The zombie apocalypse becomes REALITY on The Zombie Factor, the most dangerous show on television.

Florida Shorts

This year`s MIFF features 18 films shot in Florida

The Adventures of Monty Moudlyn directed by Zach Hibbard

Monty Moudlyn is the friend who`s always `up`. The kind of eternal, insufferable optimist that you sometimes want to kill.

The Breakdown directed by Robby Sparks

Stress relief never felt so good!

Burial Island directed by Ray and Migdalia Etheridge

Two friends set up camp on a deserted island in the Everglades which had once been an ancient Indian burial ground. (Plus preview of The Money Trail directed by Ray and Migdalia Etheridge)

Chasing Reality directed by Chris Kridler

Storm chasing is portrayed as an extreme sport on television, but the reality is dramatically different. In this documentary, storm chasers talk about life on the road, their peculiar relationship with their cars, and the frustration, smells and miles that go into those few moments of seeing a tornado.

Follow Your Dreams directed by Sue Dontell

A man trying to follow his dream to be a singer is sidetracked by his wife`s illness. He has to set his priorities in that his wife is the most important thing in his life. The wife realizes the light is gone from her husband`s eyes in not being able to follow his dreams. She realizes the importance of following a dream as things come full circle.
The Incredible Banana directed by Paulette King

No matter how hard you think you may have it, there is always someone who is less fortunate them you.

Life Lessons directed by Paulette King

A sister saves the day for her seven year old brother

Maybe directed by Kevin Shah

An average guy Jim trys to find a girlfriend. Jim gets “Maybe`ed” every time and there seems to be no hope, till he meets Rachel. This is a light-hearted take on dating, relationships and being average. A movie inspired by true events.

Melbourne, FL: December/January:

Home directed by Craig Weinstein

A short nonfiction (mostly) collage of the filmmaker`s home of Melbourne over a winter holiday.

No Boundaries directed by Paulette King

Trusted neighbor is having an affair with her next door neighbor`s son.

The Red Shoes directed by Sue Dontell

“I cried because I had no shoes until I met someone who had no feet.` A girl learns a valuable life lesson to be grateful for what you do have rather than to be unhappy about what you don`t have. There is always someone in this world worse off than you.

Special Sneak Preview of “The Space Coast” directed by Lear Bunda

Starring Dana Snyder(Aqua Teen Hunger Force), Amber Freeman, Pat Martin, Dustin Harbin

Twilight of Youth directed by Jerald Fine

Brash, young stockbroker who despises the elderly contracts a strange virus that rapidly ages him.

Vestiges directed by Alex Sushil

Calvin Fields has an appointment with a dermatologist.

Extraordinary Shorts

Caught Short directed by Will Hall-Smith United Kingdom

A scatological romantic comedy.

Crossing Salween directed by Brian O`Malley Thailand/Ireland

In eastern Burma, a young girl named Ho Reh finds herself orphaned after the massacre of her village by the army. She must make the arduous journey to the Salween River that divides the horrors of Burma from the safety of Thailand.

Fumbling Toward Ecstasy directed by Gemma Faith Ireland

Offers comfort in its familiar Irish surroundings yet challenges stereotype, daring to explore female s(e)xuality in later stages of life.

Goliath directed by Ryan Daniel McKinney USA

After contracting HIV, a boy struggles with what is out of his control while his father tries to hold it together by looking to hold someone accountable.

Happenstance directed by Sandy Pranjic & Victoria Strehlau Canada

A cautionary tale.

Karate Wipe directed by Virginia Abramovich USA

A comedic exploration of one of the many challenges of fatherhood.
Loft directed by Gareth Chambers Ireland

A man and his pigeons live in fear of a young boy and his soccer ball…something must be done!

Manhood directed by Melanie M. Jones Canada

Forced to flee to the woods when war strikes their cozy suburban neighborhood, Midge continues her quest to turn her husband Harold into a paragon of manliness with surprising results.

Ol` One Eye directed by Brain Folan Ireland

An old man gets a new glass eye, however this is not your standard prosthetic. To his amazement he discovers that he can in fact see with his new eye.

Orange Desespoir Directed by John Banana France

What happens when a small sad orange decides to leave for the other side of the shop to meet a bunch of fun dancing pineapples ?

Rest Stop directed by Melanie M. Jones Canada

Danny must make difficult choices and live with the consequences of his actions while hitchhiking through Northern British Columbia.
Signs directed by Vincent Gallagher Ireland

There is magic in what we see every day. Sometimes we just have to look hard enough.

Festival Sponsors

The 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival sponsors include: Celebrity Level Sponsors- A Cut Above Video, Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10, Treasure Coast Dermatology; Leadership Sponsors-Browning`s, The Courtyard at the Oaks, Academy Award Sponsors- Against the Grain Tattoos, Bill and Karen Slover. Food sponsors include The Courtyard at the Oaks, Flo`s Catering, Freddie D`s, Forever Soul Ichabod`s, Island Pasta, Miyako`s, Mustard`s Last Stand, Nature`s Market, Pizza Hut, Shells, Skewer`s, Taste of India, Tijuana Flats, and Tropical Smoothie. The MIFF recognizes critical support from the Space Coast Film Commission, and our patrons- Better Bodies, Victoria Buckley, Paulette King, Tommy “Tricks” Loomis, and Sky Diary. The support of these organizations will help the charity Unconditional Love, Inc. In return, sponsorship of the MIFF provides these organizations with community exposure and unique access to MIFF attendees.

About Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival

Now in its 13th Year, the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival prides itself on the promotion of independent filmmakers to the Brevard County community and as a destination for filmmakers worldwide. Each year independent films are screened to enthusiastic audiences and all the funds raised go to charity.

3 Boys Productions

In 1998, a creative group of friends (Terry Cronin, Jeff Hall, Bob Lizek,and Pat Martin) decided to form a production company to produce independent films in Melbourne, Florida. This group has evolved into publishing comic books and novels including the critically-acclaimed detective series “The Skinvestigator”. They continue to host the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and the Megacon Indie Film Expo in Orlando.

For more info go to

www.3boysproductions.com

www.premieretheaters.com

or join us on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/#!/melbourneindependentfilmmakersfestival

Star Quality Air Conditioning, Inc. Launches Website as a Florida Air Conditioning and Heating Resource on the Internet

Star Quality Air Conditioning, Inc. today announced the launch of www.starqualityair.com as an information portal for Vero Beach area home owners and businesses to find information about heating and air conditioning projects. With articles being added almost every day and an online monthly newsletter of heating and air conditioning tips, the website is anticipated to quickly become Florida’s primary resource for residential and commercial air conditioning and heating tips.

Future plans include educational guides on selecting an air conditioning and heating contractor and professional advice from experts in the field.

The web site will be an invaluable resource for Florida area homeowners and businesses in finding accessible information to address their heating and air conditioning needs. Information will be efficiently categorized for easy navigation.

Star Quality Air Conditioning, Inc.’s Mission Statement reads, “We are dedicated to expanding the way you perceive your home comfort needs by blending the latest energy-technology and luxury conveniences with unsurpassed, old-fashioned customer care. Star Quality Air Conditioning, Inc. also states, “We are committed to providing the best customer support possible. We stick by you making sure our job is done correctly and safely. We do this by hiring only the best skilled HVAC technicians and partnering with top quality manufacturers and engineers in the industry. We use green technology to not only save you money by conserving energy, but also doing our part to save the environment.”

About Star Quality Air Conditioning, Inc. – Star Quality Air Conditioning is a full service, fully licensed and insured Florida air conditioning and heating company dedicated to providing quality service in a timely manner. At Star Quality Air Conditioning, we guarantee quality and dependability. Whether you are interested in cleaner indoor air, a new air conditioning system, or you need service on your existing air conditioner; our Independent Dealers are eagerly awaiting to help you with the sales, service, and installation of the air conditioning system that is ideal for your home or business. For more information please, visit them at www.starqualityair.com.

The Sunrise Theatre will host four (4) separate, week-long children’s summer programs in conjunction with the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT). During the camps, partially underwritten by the Sunrise Theatre Foundation and the help of volunteers, local partners and sponsors, professional MCT Tour Actor/Directors will work with a cast of 60+ local children in 4 original musical productions. There will be focused rehearsals with the children, where lines, staging, songs and movement are learned in 4, ½ hour sessions each day.

The weeks culminate in public performances of each session, starring local children, complete with professionally designed scenery and costumes. These are sure-to-please, feel-good…fun for the entire family… performances you won’t want to miss!

“Through the Sunrise Theatre, MCT, and the help of the Sunrise Theatre Foundation, media partners, volunteers and sponsors, our young children and teens will develop a love and appreciation of the arts …for life! Now that is priceless!” said Renee Page, Marketing and Development Director for the Sunrise Theatre.

Below is a list of each of the Sunrise Theatre / MCT Summer Camps being held this year and the dates and times of each of the end-of-the-week performances.

THE JUNGLE BOOK

Summer Camp Session 1: June 20-24 from 10-3 PM
Kids’ Performance: Friday, June 24th at 7 PM – Tickets $10

THE TORTOISE VERSUS THE HARE

Summer Camp Session 2: July 11th – July 15th 10-3 PM
Kids’ Performance: Friday, July 15th at 7 PM – Tickets $10

CINDERELLA

Summer Camp Session 3: July 25th – July 29th 10-3 PM
Kids’ Performance: Friday, July 29th at 7 PM – Tickets $10

THE WIZ OF THE WEST

Summer Camp Session 4: August 8th – August 12th 10-3 PM
Kids’ Performance: Friday, August 12th at 7 PM – Tickets $10

A maximum of 64 students will be able to participate in each of the programs. The cost for each week-long program is $100 per child. Students, grades 1st through 12th, are encouraged to participate. No advance preparation is necessary. Assistant Directors will also be cast to assist with the technical aspects of the production.

Registration for all camps will open May 2nd at 10 AM (there is no pre-registration available). To register, call 772-461-4775 on May 2nd.

For more information on each session, visit www.sunrisetheatre.com

Judyth Piazza chats with ‘Classy’ Chris Gray, Sweet Science Training Center, Vero Beach, Florida on The American Perspective Radio Program. (Click here to listen)

‘Classy’ Chris Gray is a spiritual warrior both figuratively and literally. A stanch family man, Chris has built a foundation of success on hard work and love for both family and God.

“My Wife is my best friend and when I am not in the ring we do everything together, I guess you could say I am more of a home body these days,” says Gray.

When asked what is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to you, Gray said, “Getting married, I never thought I would ever get married. I love being married and that is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.”

Gray was also asked who he would like to meet one day and he said, “Christ without a doubt, just the amount of love that he showed for people is amazing.”

Sweet Science Training Center

Vero Beach’s #1 Workout! Our hardcore “Rocky” style workouts will get you in the best shape of your life- all experience levels are welcome!

*Boxing
*Weights
*Cardio
*Self Defense

Address
1137 21st Street,
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Phone
772 501 2744

Hours

Mon – Tues: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm

Wed: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm

Thurs – Fri: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm

Sat: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

Join us on the Dyer Subaru lot at 999 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach, for an interactive Easter egg hunt on April 23 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Bring your Smartphone preloaded with a QR Code Reader to enhance the fun with your little one. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free to the public and is being sponsored by Dyer Chevrolet Mazda Subaru.

Dyer Subaru999 US Hwy 1
Vero Beach, FL

Sponsor: Dyer Chevrolet Mazda Subaru
Phone: 772-469-3000
Contact name: Natalie Fincik
Contact email: nfincik@dyerauto.com
Website: http://www.dyerauto.com

A serious tennis injury leads a would-be author to write his long-planned first novel. “Until I Return: Dawn of the Shining Darkness” is a spiritual thriller based on modern headlines and little-known prophecies of saints.

For most people, nothing important gets accomplished until they get off their duffs. For author Ken Nowell, however, the novel he had thought about for over a decade was never to be written until he landed flat on his.

Eighteen months ago, Nowell was playing tennis with three friends. When a ball was softly returned to him, Nowell sprung forward. “I heard and felt a ‘pop’ in my ankle, and immediately went down, hard,” he recalled. “I thought my partner had slammed his racket on my Achilles tendon. I’m embarrassed to say that weeks later I learned I had kicked myself while lunging.”

The tendon had severed completely in one place and shredded in another. So, Nowell’s active lifestyle came to a crashing halt. After stressful decades in a variety of careers –including practicing law, serving in a state legislature, and owning a variety of businesses – Nowell had managed to retire in Vero Beach, Florida, by the age of 52. He had hoped to slow down, knowing a more leisurely pace would add years to his life. But not this slow!

Convalescing in bed, day after day, it wasn’t long before Nowell realized he had too much time on his hands. He longed for a way to rekindle the excitement that sports, sailing and exotic, international travels had offered him in the past. He considered diving into the spiritual thriller he had been thinking about for years. With the encouragement of his wife, Betsy, and after briefly meeting best-selling author, Daniel Silva, Nowell decided to take the plunge.

For the next year, his new outlet for excitement would become an intellectual, rather than physical, exercise.

“My injury was a blessing,” the author now claims. “The decks were cleared of my many distractions. Finally, I was able to dedicate long stretches of quiet time to the creative process.”

The pain and effort paid off with the release of Nowell’s new spiritual thriller that promises to be a great read for anyone, of any faith, who is spiritually curious. “Until I Return: Dawn of the Shining Darkness” takes the reader around the world and through the centuries, weaving fascinating strands of Christian history into today’s headlines. This thought-provoking, fictional tale is packed with historically accurate references that are documented in endnotes. It is enticing, both spiritually and intellectually. Yet, the story still manages to surprise at every turn and tug at a full range of emotions. The video book trailer can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9K5FyF08tI or the publisher’s website at www.VeroHousePublishing.com.

Now that the author is back on his feet, again, and encouraged by the response he has received, Nowell says he has a follow up book in the works. He adds, “I just hope I won’t have to contribute another leg to speed up the process.”

ADDITIONAL BOOK INFO:
Until I Return: Dawn of the Shining Darkness
420 pages
Paperback
ISBN:978-0-9828279-0-1

Available from
major bookstores,
Amazon.com,
BarnesAndNoble.com,
VeroHousePublishing.com

BOOK LOGLINE:
The prophecies
you don’t know…
The warning
you should never forget.

“The world is a book and those who so not travel read only a page.” –Saint Augustine

When it comes to travel, St. Augustine, Florida is simply a superlative southern style getaway. St. Augustine, Florida is located on the Northeastern Coast of Florida just a short 30 mile drive from Jacksonville, Florida and a hop skip and a jump away from Daytona for all you NASCAR fans and lighthouse lovers.

St Augustine is the ideal getaway for a romantic weekend because it is immersed in rich American history. St. Augustine is known for having a wonderful collection of Bed and Breakfast Inns and there is a cozy little Bed & Breakfast on the Matanzas Bay named the Westcott House, located at 146 Avenida Menedez. This quant 16 room B&B was originally the home of Dr. John Westcott, a prominent doctor in St. Augustine in 1880`s. The rooms are decorated with an old Victorian style feel and are furnished with American and European antiques.

Once we arrived, we walked into the main house and felt very welcome. The Inn has a warm and elegant feel but at the same time very comfortable and non-intimidating with the smell of the antiqued oak floor accompanied by the smell of fresh baked cookies out for everyone to enjoy.

The owners of the Westcott House, Andrew and Joy Warren were very elegant themselves yet very down to earth and very inviting. After our meeting, we were led up the winding staircase to our room and were amazed with the beautiful view of the Matanzas Bay from our private balcony that also had a private entrance from the deck. This was perfect for coming in late from a romantic dinner at the wonderful restaurant Rhett`s Piano Bar which Joy recommended. Rhett`s Piano Bar is located at 66 Hypolita Street.

Once we were settled into our lovely room, our day began with a trip to the Castillo de san Marcos, the Alligator Farm, the lighthouse that overlooks the bay and some yummy treats from touring Whetstone Chocolates. The chocolate coconut fudge is to die for.

We started our night by attending the 5:30 p.m. social hour at the Westcott House. The staff served an assortment of wine, champagne, and beer accompanied with a delicious array of Hors `devoures. The goat cheese and cranberry spread was a perfect start to our romantic evening that just got better as the night passed.

After the social hour, we retreated to the Jacuzzi in our room and enjoyed a nice soak in the tub and a glass of wine on the balcony while watching the sunlight fade into the distance and the old city`s streetlights flickering on like fireflies shimmering in the dusk. We then set out to the restaurant that Joy recommended. We had a lovely dinner and then took a horse and carriage ride around the enchanted city.

St. Augustine is a lovely quant romantic city with a sort of mysteriousness combined with abundant history that continuously draws you in. The click-clack of the horse`s hooves echoed throughout the peaceful cobblestone streets. We were delivered to our doorstep and could not wait to get back into our lovely room. The best was yet to come ”

As we settled into our room and slivered into the soft silky sheets that smelled of lavender and rose, we both said aloud, This is the most comfortable bed we have ever been in. ” As we woke in the morning to the sounds of birds chirping outside our window we retreated to our balcony to watch the sunrise on the bay with dolphins swimming and splashing in the sunlight. The Bay looked like a carpet of diamonds shimming in the sun.

Our breakfast was served by the friendly staff and owners. The eggs Benedict were delightful with a slight hint of lemon along with bagels and cream cheese and some fresh fruit on the side. To top it off the fresh squeezed orange juice complimented the champagne which created delicious mimosas.

The last morning was so peaceful and wonderful that we didn`t want to leave.

The Westcott House truly made us feel as if we were living in a fairy tale. This is one Inn that we highly recommend and will definitely be on our list of 10 best places to visit in Florida. It was truly a romantic weekend to remember.

By Jerry and Jenae Scarborough

For more information on the Westcott House: http://www.westcotthouse.com/
See More:

Judyth Piazza chats with Andrew Warren, The Westcott House Bed and … (Click here to listen to interview)The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880, will take you back in time to the Victorian Age. It is one of the few inns located …