Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has been fined $100,000 for violating federal rules prohibiting discrimination in air travel on the basis of disability, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday.
The agency said Spirit failed to appropriately record and respond to complaints about the airline's treatment of passengers with disabilities.
Courtesy of Spirit Airlines
"Our rules on how airlines handle disability-related complaints are designed to help us ensure that passengers with disabilities are treated fairly when they fly," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "We will continue to make sure carriers comply with our disability rules and take enforcement action when they do not."
The violation of the department's Air Carrier Access Act was discovered after its aviation enforcement office conducted an inspection at Spirit's headquarters in Miramar, Fla. in May 2010.
After reviewing disability-related complaints Spirit received in 2009 and 2010, the agency found that the carrier had failed to adequately categorize and account for all the issues that were raised.
This then led to an undercounting of complaints that were submitted in Spirit's annual report to the department. The review also showed that Spirit had not adequately responded to a vast majority of the complaints received during the two-year period.
It’s high season now for travel to Florida and the greater Caribbean, but you can get deals by booking this winter for travel in the spring or summer.
Here are some offers:
In Sanibel in west Florida, the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa offers 20 percent off on stays of at least two nights for guests who book through Feb. 2 for travel through April 1. Rates start at $199 a night after the discount and include breakfast for two. The package is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Visit www.sanibelmarriott.com and use code WNT,or call 1-800-Marriott and mention the hotel’s "20/20" offer.
In Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean, the Verdanza Hotel in San Juan offers a package on a four-night stay, with rates starting at $148 a night. It includes a $100 debit card, 15 percent off select tours with Castillo Tours, a welcome cocktail for adults, a welcome gift for children, plus other perks. The package must be booked by Feb. 29 for travel through April 30. It is subject to availability. The room rate does not include taxes and fees. Call 800-625-0312 or visit verdanzahotel.com/specials-packages.
In Bermuda, off the coast of the Carolinas, book a minimum four-night stay through Feb. 3, and you can get half off at select hotels for travel through April 30. Visit www.gotobermuda.com.
Miami's celebrated chef Michael Schwartz holds his second chef pop-up series 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 with celebrated New York chef Jonathan Waxman.
Waxman, chef and owner at Barbuto in the West Village, had his second cookbook published last April. Called "Italian, My Way: More Than 150 Simple and Inspired Recipes That Breathe New Life into Italian Classics," it's explores Waxman's unique take on Italian.
He'll be cooking from the book on Wednesday at Schwartz's new Harry's Pizzeria. Harry's is small enough that guests will be able to interact with Waxman and Schwartz. The $160 dinner called Barbuto Pizzeria includes welcome cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, four courses, a signed copy of Waxman's cookbook, wine and beer, tax and tip.
Welcome: JW Rum Flip blood orange, ruby grapefruit, Cuban rum, Meyer lemon-vanilla syrup with passed Bruschetta with pompano tartar, Grilled shrimp spiedini with habanerno salsa and Arancini with lobster.
First: Fritto misto Thai eggplant, onions, fennel and Salad of conch arugula, purslane and Seville orange.
Second: Seasonal pizza with local tomatoes, spinach, bacon, cheese.
Third: Whole red snapper; JW chicken; Swiss chard gratin; Wilted kale and Malabar spinach.
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Coral Springs joins forces with Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Mackerel Small Batch Beers for a special tasting dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Hosting the event are Anthony's founder Anthony Bruno and Bobby Gordash, Holy Mackerel brewer.
Here's what the $30 tickets get you.
- Fresh mozzarella & tomato salad paired with Magic Hat #9.
- Pork ribs with vinegar pepper, meatballs with ricotta cheese and coal oven roasted chicken wings with Holy Mackerel's Panic Attack
- "Well Done" pizza paired with Holy Mackerel's Special Golden Ale
- New York-style cheesecake paired with Holy Mackerel's Mack in Blac.
To reserve a spot, call the restaurant at 954-340-2625. It's at 9521 Westview Dr., Coral Springs.
PHOTO: Panic Attack from Holy Mackerel Small Batch Beers
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Here’s the latest from Costa Cruises regarding compensation of Costa Concordia guests that have returned home after the ship’s tragic capsizing off Italy earlier this month. The accident has resulted in at least 16 deaths and another 16 persons are missing.
Costa Cruises Details Costa Concordia Guest Reimbursement
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2012) — Costa Crociere wishes to again express its profound condolences to the families of the victims, continued sympathy to the families of the missing and deep regret and sorrow for the damages and hardship the Costa Concordia accident caused to all its guests.
Costa Crociere announced a compensation proposal for guests who have returned home after the Jan. 13 tragic Costa Concordia accident.
Costa Concordia, Zuma/MCT Courtesy
This proposal is the result of negotiations between Costa Crociere and consumer associations protecting guests' interests, with the support of multiple tourism and travel industry associations. In Italy, the company has already reached an agreement with the National Council of Consumers and Users, a national organization.
The families of the deceased and guests who were injured and required medical treatment on site will be covered under a separate proposal that will take into account their individual circumstances.
The compensation package for Costa Concordia guests who have returned home includes:
• A lump sum of 11,000 euros (US$14,458.07 at today's exchange rate) per person as indemnification, covering all patrimonial and nonpatrimonial damages, including loss of baggage and personal effects, psychological distress and loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation;
• Reimbursement of the value of the cruise, including harbor taxes;
• Reimbursement of air and bus transfers included in the cruise package;
• Full reimbursement of travel expenses to reach the port of embarkation and return home;
• Reimbursement of any medical expenses resulting from the cruise;
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred on board during the cruise.
This compensation package is higher than the current indemnification limits provided for in international conventions and laws currently in force. The 11,000 euro lump-sum payment is offered to all Costa Concordia passengers, including nonpaying children, regardless of their age.
Costa also has pledged not to deduct from this sum any amount paid by any insurance policy stipulated by guests. In addition, the company will return all goods stored in cabin safes, where retrieval is possible.
Costa Crociere also has pledged to provide a program for psychological assistance to any guests that request it.
The company has further agreed to offer customers the ability to cancel any upcoming cruise booked before Jan. 13, on any of its routes, without penalty through Feb. 7, 2012.
Dedicated operation units will handle claims to ensure timely resolution. Payments will be credited by the company within seven days of receipt of the acceptance of the proposal. Guests should e-mail careteam@us.costa.it or call 954-266-5693 for assistance.
The Hilton Miami Airport hotel said it is completing a $15 million renovation that already includes a new fitness center and upgrades to its 508 rooms and suites.
A makeover of the hotel’s lobby bar is to be completed late summer.
It’s all part of a a three-year, $3 billion renovation of Hilton hotels worldwide.
The Miami hotel’s new fitness center features floor to ceiling windows that look out to gardens and the pool.
Room upgrades include energy-efficient lights, wireless Internet access and 37-inch flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have granite countertops. And room decor is in earth-tones, with red and orange accents like the sun, Hilton said.
For more information on the hotel near Miami International Airport, click here.
Passenger traffic at Miami International Airport reached a new record in 2011 growing 7.3 percent to 38.3 million travelers compared to the prior year period, airport officials said Thursday.
The South Florida airport's international passenger count grew nine percent to 18.4 million, while domestic travelers climbed 5.8 percent to nearly 19.9 million.
The growth in passenger traffic was largely due to hub carrier American Airlines that carried nearly six percent more passengers in fiscal year 2011, airport officials said.
MIA North Concourse D, Miami-airport.com/COURTESY
Already in January American has recorded eight of its top 25 days at the airport for passenger traffic.
MIA's passenger traffic was also lifted by new and expanded service by other carriers, officials said.
In 2011, the new carriers included Arkefly, Corsairfly, ExecAir, KLM, TAP Portugal and VivaAerobus.
The new flight to Barcelona, one of Europe's top tourist destinations and a thriving business center, will complement its existing service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, American said.
“The addition of Barcelona further underscores the importance of our Miami hub and our commitment to its growth,” said Peter Dolara American’s senior vice president based in Miami. “This flight will further expand South Florida’s historical ties to Spain and will complement our service to Madrid as well as Iberia’s increased service to Spain’s capital city.”
As part of a joint business operational agreement, Iberia plans to boost its Miami to Madrid service with a second flight operating four times a week starting March 25.
American said it will continue to operate one daily MIA-MAD flight.
Barcelona will be the 111th destination served by American and its regional carrier American Eagle from MIA.
The Barcelona flights will be operated with Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 225 seats including 30 business class and 195 main cabin seats.
For more information on the new route and flight schedule, click here.
Charles Bradley, on his way to Revolution Live in April, has a Valentine's Day contest that could win your "baby" a phone rendition of Bradley doing "Lovin' You, Baby."
All this GOP Jell-O wrestling over Tuesday's Florida primary would be great entertainment if it weren't so, you know, important. We decide history here in the Sunshine State. But is it coincidence that the days leading up to the vote will be filled with great comedy? It can't be.
In order of awesomeness: Bob Newhart, whose inventive stand-up routines were later obscured by his iconic TV work, performs 8 p.m. Election Day at Hard Rock Live (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood). Tickets cost $57.25 and $88.75 via Ticketmaster. Also on Tuesday, the delightfully brash Demetri Martin (right) works the Improv CityPlace (550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach) a couple of days before hosting "Radiolab" at the Fillmore. Tickets: $30; Improv.com. Then, Jackie Mason brings the "oys!" to the Improv Paradise at the Hard Rock Monday night. Tickets: $37.74; 954-981-5653. On Tuesday night, Mason is at the Kravis Center (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Tickets: $25+; 800-572-8471.
Actor and standup Tommy Davidson (left), an "In Living Color" original, hits Ricochet Bar and Lounge (3250 Buena Vista Blvd., Miami) Monday night. Tickets: $25; ricochetlounge.com. Michael Winslow, whose "Police Academy" effects are probably lasered into your brain, is at the New York Comedy Club (8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton) Friday and Saturday. Tickets: $15, $22; 561-470-6887. Stand-up and character actor Harland Williams (he played God in the direct-to-video "Dahmer vs. Gacy") has shows Friday-Sunday at Improv CityPlace. Tickets: $20, $22; 561-841-1212.
SPEAKING OF POLITICS ... Pickpocket, con artist and magician Remy O'Connor will perform his special brand of wizardry (which includes some sideshow freakiness) Feb. 2 at the Hollywood Beach Resort (101 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood). The evening, called "An Intimate Evening With Remy Connor," includes a performance by Isadora Bull of Cupcake Burlesque, among others. Tickets range from $10 to $25 and are available at Remyconnor.eventbrite.com or $20 at the door.
MORE BULL The irreverent Red Bull Candola — part raft race, part comedy skit — is returning to the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale April 14, and now is the time to get your application in. Organizers at Redbullusa.com/candola are accepting registrations for the event through Jan. 31. They will take a maximum of 30 boats, each with a three-man crew. You'll need to describe your proposed design and theme, and a short video showing your "talent" wouldn't hurt your cause. There's more info on the website, or email info@redbullcandola.com. You'll also glean a lot of tips from the video below:
FEELING CRABBY? The popular Lawn at the Riverside in downtown Fort Lauderdale will host some of the area's top seafood restaurants for the Stone Crab and Seafood Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Riverwalk Trust-sponsored event, which includes live music and family activities on the grass next to the Riverside Hotel, is free to enter, with restaurants charging for each dish. Info: Goriverwalk.com, 954-468-1541.
GOTTA MAKE IT RIGHT! Charles Bradley, a.k.a. "The Screaming Eagle of Soul," begins a U.S. tour next month that includes an April 14 stop at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale. Since the January 2011 release of "No Time for Dreaming," which includes covers of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" and Nirvana's "Stay Away," the Brooklyn-based Daptone Records discovery has killed on stages at SXSW, Bumbershoot, "Last Call With Carson Daly" and "The Tonight Show." Tickets for the Revolution show, opened by the Budos Band, are on sale now for $17 at Jointherevolution.net. Bradley also recently announced his "Valentine's Day ... Gotta Make It Right!" contest, in which some lucky fans will win a Valentine's Day phone call from Bradley to their loved ones, in which he'll sing his yearning, churning ballad "Lovin' You Baby." Check Thecharlesbradley.com for details.
JOYFUL NOISE The Lee Boys (above) are from Miami and play a style of music that has nothing to do with hip-hop, reggaeton or salsa. The band's "sacred steel" reverie is pure joy, and the $10 cover for their show at the Back Room Blues Bar (2222 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach) may be the best money you'll spend all weekend. Or, as Conan says, "Good lord!" Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Info: Thebackroombluesbar.com, 561-860-4679.
DUBLIN UP Nearly two months after it became a hot place to drink in Miami's swank Brickell neighborhood, Lucky Clover Irish Pub celebrates its grand opening in a formal way with a block party from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. This being an Irish pub in Miami, the evening's soundtrack is highlighted by the Latin-tinged electro-funk of the Spam Allstars, followed by the Orlando soul of the Legendary JCs. You'll find free nibblings and drinks from 7 to 9 p.m. At the cash bar, look for the Dublin Trouble: Irish whiskey, hazelnut, ginger ale and freshly squeezed lemon. Info: Luckycloverbar.com, 786-691-2750.
DANNY AIELLO, JAZZ SINGER Danny Aiello is a respected character actor ("Do the Right Thing," "Moonstruck") and also a respected jazz singer. The New York Times dared reference four of the premier touchstones of jazz vocalism in saying, "Mr. Aiello's singing has the bounce of his idols, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Louis Prima, and the throaty lyricism of another idol, Tony Bennett." At 7 p.m. Friday, Aiello and his Swinging Jazz Band help close out the inaugural January Jazz at the Bienes Center series at St. Thomas Aquinas High School (2801 SW 12th St., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets: $28, $38. Info: 954-513-2272. Aiello and band also will perform 7 p.m. Monday at the Lyric Theater (59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart). Tickets: $40. Info: 772-286-7827.
SCARLETT FEVER The new Miami City Ballet-commissioned work from the current "it boy" of international choreography, Liam Scarlett, moves to the Kravis Center (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) for performances Friday through Sunday. "Viscera" will highlight MCB's Program II, along with Jerome Robbins' "In the Night" and Balanchine's "Ballet Imperial." Tickets: $19-$169. Info: Kravis.org, 800-572-8471. Program II moves to Fort Lauderdale's Broward Center Feb. 3-5. More info: Miamicityballet.org.
BUFFETT TICKETS Curiously, good seats can still be had for Jimmy Buffett's performance Saturday night at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami. They range from $49.75 to $154.80 at Ticketmaster.
FREE FAMILY MOVIE The free Friday night screening at the ArtsPark on Young Circle in Hollywood is the good-for-adults-too Disney classic "The Lion King." The show starts at 8 p.m. Info: 954-921-3404.
MORE FAMILY FUN Tigers, elephants, Chinese acrobats, Russian daredevils, contortionists, clowns and funnel cakes … It's all there. But what sets the UniverSoul Circus apart is the vibe, a modern riff on the circus arts with hip-hop and humor to spare. The circus returns to Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens Tuesday through Feb. 5. Tickets: $15-$33.65 via Ticketmaster outlets. More info: Universoulcircus.com.
Thinking of getting engaged in February? GG's Waterfront Bar and Grill in Hollywood is giving a free bottle of champagne to every couple who gets engaged at the restaurant in the month of February.
Owners Dan and Lise-Anne Serafini wanted to up the ante for the month of Valentine's Day.
Prospective grooms should call in advance and the free bottle and two glasses will be ready whenever he wants it presented. You'll need to order lunch or dinner entrees as well.
GG's Waterfront Bar & Grill, 606 N. Ocean Drive in Hollywood, 954-929-7030.
PHOTO: Dock seating at GG's.
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Athens monuments, Courtesy of Athens, Greece tourism
Cruise line Oceania Cruises is delaying the launch of its new ship by three weeks because of labor strikes in the Italian shipyard building the vessel, The Miami Herald reported.
Instead of sailing April 24, the new Riviera is now scheduled to depart May 16 on its maiden voyage in Europe including Athens.
Passengers affected by the change will be offered a choice of re-booking or a full refund, the Miami-based cruise company said.
Miami earned the dubious distinction as the country’s second rudest city in a recent ranking in Travel + Leisure magazine. (New York was first.)
That discourteous result got us thinking: What’s the rudest thing you’ve ever seen or experienced in South Florida?
We’re looking to compile a list of those answers, so please send us your comments either as a reply to this Travel Blog or to the Facebook page for the SunSentinel’s Business section, .facebook.com/SunSentinelBusiness.
International travel guides and sites - Directory of top tourism sites and travel guides from around the world. Whatever your travel plans, you will find something useful here.
In order of awesomeness: Bob Newhart, whose inventive stand-up routines were later obscured by his iconic TV work, performs 8 p.m. Election Day at Hard Rock Live (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood). Tickets cost $57.25 and $88.75 via 
Actor and standup Tommy Davidson (left), an "In Living Color" original, hits Ricochet Bar and Lounge (3250 Buena Vista Blvd., Miami) Monday night. Tickets: $25; 
DANNY AIELLO, JAZZ SINGER
FREE FAMILY MOVIE
