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DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — A 92-foot luxury boat worth several million dollars beached in Delray Beach since Friday was removed Sunday afternoon.

TowBoatrUS Ft. Lauderdale was able to move Past Time, which had lost power and beached at Linton Avenue, out of the sand.

The yacht was moved out of the way at 3:15 p.m. and headed on a three-hour trip to Viking Service Center in Riviera Beach.

Captain Larry Acheson, president of the company, said he had 20 people working to remove it since Friday.

"We had various vessels all with different missions," he told WPTV. "We had to pull the diesel fuel off board. Various people on the beach and various people on the disabled vessel. If it starts taking on water, we had to have people running the pumps."

Acheson said he could not disclose information on the owner.

Seth Stern with Wavy Boat, who had been taking video of the boat Past Time the past few days, told WPTV reporter Chris Gilmore "You'll never see a boat like this beached again in your lifetime."

The Viking 92's engines locked up and a generator malfunctioned in high winds, Stern said.

"This is not a small boat. This is not a small operation," Stern said.

On Sunday, crews with the Fort Lauderdale towing company were trying to get the yacht back in the water, including pumping out fuel.

Despite several failed attempts, they planned to get it back in the water at high tide.

"The attempts that I have witnessed have been unsuccessful due to the lines snapping due to the sheer weight of the boat," Stern said. "Today it's nice to see they're pumping off all the fuel and oil to prevent any kind of environmental spill for when they do pull this boat off. It'll also lighten the boat tremendously, making the rescue much easier."

Stern did some research to see the value of the boat.

"I looked one up just to see the prices and there's currently one listed for $12 million, but it doesn't have some of the same bells and whistles as this one," he said. "So the estimation of $15 to $16 million is fairly accurate on this boat. However every day it sits here getting battered by the waves that value has to go down."

Another boat has been stranded at Jacksonville Beach for two weeks.

Luke Rehberg told First Coast News he has decided to demolish "Aqualon," which he had called him.

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Delray Beach offers everything that’s quintessentially South Florida—colorful homes and architecture, a cultural melting pot, and the beach—without any pretension. This eclectic beach town, situated between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, has seen rapid growth in recent years via higher-end hotel and restaurant openings. While locals and in-the-know travelers have long loved strolling along the town’s main drag of Atlantic Avenue for art galleries, bistros, bars, and shops, the downtown area is now expanding with even more to explore. And bookending the town is a pristine beach with sugar-white sand and ample room to spread out.

Summer is a great time to visit now-bustling Delray Beach. The temperatures rise, sure, but hotel rates plummet and the town’s crowds thin out. Pack comfortable clothes and stay hydrated, and you’ll forget all about the heat while you take in the views from a sleek hotel rooftop or the Atlantic Avenue drawbridge. Here are the best things to do in Delray Beach, Florida.

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Getting there and around

It’s easy to get to Delray Beach by flying into Ft. Lauderdale International or Palm Beach International—it's about 30 minutes away from either. If it doesn’t break the bank, flying into PBI provides a less stressful, easier to manage situation. Even though Delray’s downtown area is dense, you'll want to rent a car as South Florida is generally spread out. If you plan on visiting anything outside of a one mile radius you’ll want to drive. Nearby towns, such as Boca Raton, are worth visiting and public transportation is less than stellar—though the Brightline, a new high-speed train line, makes it easy to take a day trip to Miami sans vehicle.

What to do in Delray Beach

Delray Beach lives up to its reputation as an artsy hamlet thanks to an abundance of art galleries. It’s hard not to stop in your tracks when you stroll past Blue Gallery on Atlantic Avenue with whimsical metal wall sculptures by Joel Amit on display among other works. A couple blocks off of Atlantic Avenue, a former spa was transformed into the Heart of Delray Gallery which displays art and houses artist workspaces. If you happen to be in town the first Friday of the month, check out the First Friday Art Walk for a self-guided tour of the galleries featuring live music throughout.

Take an excursion to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, about a 20-minute drive west of downtown. The museum pays tribute to Yamato, a colony formed by Japanese farmers that moved to the area in 1904, and sits on 200 acres, 16 of which are traditional Japanese gardens designed by Hoichi Kuriso. The museum houses Japanese art and artifacts along with rotating exhibits.

Visiting the beach is easy, just follow Atlantic Avenue until it dead ends at A1A. While you're there, you may as well pop into the Sandoway Discovery Center, found across the street from the beach on A1A. Kids especially love the historic house-turned-science museum that puts Florida nature on display throughout its rooms. The museum's backyard adds an exciting element in the form of a recently renovated 15,000 gallon saltwater pool that's home to a nurse shark (with more on the way), as well as a stingray touch tank.

One of the best ways to see Delray Beach—and its stunning waterfront mansions—is from the intracoastal on a Delray Yacht Cruise tour. Available daily, the two-hour cruises go up and down the waterway (keep an eye out for marine life).

Best restaurants in Delray Beach

One could easily spend two days just snacking along Atlantic Avenue. Start the day at Over the Bridge Cafe, a completely alfresco, but covered, dining spot where comforting breakfast items like cream cheese-stuffed challah French toast topped with strawberry compote and short rib hash reign supreme. If you prefer pastries for breakfast, stop by Amar Bakery which specializes in Mediterranean-inspired baked goods such as mini olive oil and lemon loaf cakes, za’atar and haloumi croissants, and spinach pies. They also serve locally-roasted Pumphouse Coffee.

You're in a coastal town, so waterfront dining is mandatory. Deck 84 sits on the intracoastal with views of the drawbridge and passing boats with fare like smoked fish dip and burgers. For a meal with fewer frills, Sandwiches by the Sea serves up hearty subs worthy of a beach picnic.

Dinnertime calls for something more elevated—nothing in Delray is ever too fussy, however—like the glitzy Elisabetta’s which counts brick oven-baked wild mushroom pizza and fried bread with ricotta and prosciutto among the standout options. Even in the heat, Delray mainstay Dada, offers respite in its eclectic dining room within in a 1920s house. Outside, a sprawling patio graced by a stately banyan tree makes an ideal spot to enjoy jalapeño agave-glazed salmon alongside a fruity mojito (start with the strawberry basil).

Delray may be even more lively at night thanks to music venues such as Tin Roof and Johnnie Brown’s, where you’ll hear anything from Mo Town classics to classic rock. The Arts Garage, located within the Pineapple Grove Arts District, has comedy performances in addition to live music. And ending the night with a scoop of stracciatella at Gelato & Co. is always a good choice.

New hotels in Delray Beach

It's hard to beat the recently renovated (in 2022) Seagate Hotel & Spa for upscale accommodations that still manage to feel intimate on busy Atlantic Avenue. The lobby of the 154-room property sets the tone with soothing neutral accents while the recently renovated rooms are bright and airy with spacious balconies. Tropical trees surround the pool, lending to its secluded ambiance, and it's only a 10-minute walk from the beach. Guests also have access to the hotel’s private beach club with its own pool and restaurant.

For more of a resort vibe, the Opal Grand, a beachfront property that was renovated in 2021, has coastal-hued rooms, an expansive pool with ocean views, and a forthcoming roof deck. While you probably opt to only dine at the hotel, it comprises a cocktail bar, posh seafood restaurant, and a pool-adjacent alfresco bar making it easy to do so if you wanted. It’s an upscale family-friendly option with plenty of space to spread out whether that’s in a poolside cabana or a villa with a kitchenette.

The Ray Hotel, a recent addition to Delray, opened in 2021 and presents a modern alternative befitting the Pineapple Grove Arts District with living walls, sculptures, and a chic rooftop pool. It's further inland, about a mile from the beach, but ideal for those who like details such as chilled towels at the gym and swanky hotel dining. The crown jewel of the dining options, Akira Back allures with a Japanese and Korean-inspired menu by the eponymous chef who was born in Seoul.

Nine candidates have stepped forward to run for Delray Beach City Commission seats in the March 19 election, while four hopefuls are running for public office in Boca Raton.

They’re among the many candidates seeking local office in more than 20 cities in Palm Beach County this March.

Other candidates, whose seats were uncontested, already have received automatic wins, such as three incumbents in Highland Beach.

Here’s a look at the cities’ candidates in southern Palm Beach County.

Delray Beach

Nine people are running for three different positions in Delray Beach, vying for seats one, three and five.

Running for mayor, Seat Five, are Ryan Boylston, Tom Carney and Shirley Ervin Johnson.One of them will replace Delray Beach City Mayor Shelley Petrolia, who has served in that position since 2018.

The candidates for commission Seat Three are Anneze Barthelemy, Juli Casale and Nicholas Coppola. One of them will replace Boylston, who has served on the City Commission since 2018 and whose vice-mayor term is up.

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Running for commission Seat One are James R. Chard, Tennille DeCoste and Thomas Markert. The winner would replace current City Commissioner Adam Frankel, who is ineligible to run again in his current seat due to term limits.

The qualifying period for candidates ended Nov. 21, according to the Delray Beach City Clerk. And candidates had to submit their latest financial reports by Jan. 10, said Boylston, the current vice mayor.

Boylston, who filed to run for mayor last summer, said the introduction of Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long and Commissioner Angela Burns last March created a “significant shift” in the tone of the city commission meetings.

“Things are very stable at city hall. The meetings are just very collaborative, and it’s just a positive vibe since last year, and we want keep that going,” he said.

Candidate forums are expected to take place before the election. The Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce is holding a forum on Jan. 30.

Boca Raton

In Boca Raton, four people qualified to run for two seats C and D on the City Council.

The Seat C candidates are Yvette Drucker and Bernard Korn. Drucker is the incumbent, having served on the council since her election in 2021. Korn, her opponent, ran for mayor in 2018 and 2020 and lost to current mayor Scott Singer both times.

The Seat D candidates are Brian Stenberg and Andy Thomson. One of them will replace Monica Mayotte, the current Seat D holder. Stenberg ran for the same spot in 2021 and lost, while Thomson won Seat A on the council in 2018.

Stenberg, who currently serves on Palm County’s Planning Commission, said he has lived in Boca Raton for nearly 27 years with his family, and not using what he’s learned and experienced during that time to benefit his neighbors would be “a shame.”

“I figured that running for City Council and serving on the City Council would be an effective avenue for that,” he said.

Like Stenberg, Thomson’s roots in the city run “very, very deep,” Thomson said.

“When a community is in your blood, like it is for me here, the only way you really can realistically hope to keep it that way or make it a little bit better is by getting involved,” Thomson said. “That is what drove me to run.”

The Boca Raton mayor and council members are elected for three-year terms, and after serving two consecutive terms, members are no longer allowed to serve in office.

The mayor and council members seats designated A and B are elected one year, and the council members in the seats designated C and D are elected the following year.

When Drucker ran in 2021, life was still marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, so candidate forums of any kind were all virtual, she said, but this year will likely be different, offering more in-person opportunities for residents to get to know the candidates.

Highland Beach

All three qualified candidates who came forward in Highland Beach ran unopposed, securing automatic wins. They are:

The town’s qualifying period ended Nov. 28, and while no votes will be needed for those candidates, Highland Beach still will have an election: Voters will weigh in on three referendum questions, which will appear on the March 19 ballot.

The questions pertain to a sanitation-rehabilitation project, raising the current funding limitation to adjust for inflation and canvassing duties.

Other cities with March elections

The Palm Beach County’s Supervisor of Elections Office has been compiling an updated list of races in each city. As of this week, in addition to Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Highland Beach, these municipalities are set to have elections in March:

Step into The Palm Beaches, where some of the finest oceanfront properties sit on splendid white beaches with cool ocean water lapping at the shores. If you’re looking for the beach experience of a lifetime, look no further. Wake up to stunning sunsets, spend the day sunbathing in a cabana, enjoy an oceanfront dinner for two, and most importantly, relax and let go.

The Breakers was founded in 1896 by Henry Flagler and has continued to carry the legend as one of Florida’s premier oceanfront hotels. The property boasts four pools in addition to a private beach, indoor and outdoor fitness centers, and Juliet balconies that offer guests sweeping views overlooking the Atlantic. In 1926, New York City-based designers, inspired by European architecture, refashioned The Breakers as it stands today: an internationally acclaimed beachfront destination.

Standing out as one of the two Forbes Five-Star resorts you will find in Palm Beach, this scenic getaway will usher you in with the sound of waves crashing on the shore and breathtaking views. Villas with private balconies abound with lush gardens below and seascapes on the horizon. Enjoy the privacy of your suite or find yourself mingling in the Club Lounge, with unlimited beverage selections, top-class service, and unforgivingly indulgent meals. Perfect for a family getaway or an intimate couples retreat, your fantasies are fulfilled when you enter Eau Palm Beach.

Year-round respite awaits you at The Boca Raton Beach Club. Sitting on 200 waterfront acres, spacious suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking your private beach. Drift over to your private, oceanfront cabana and enjoy daily chef delights or sink into a zero-gravity lounge chair with a glass of bubbles. Take a dip in the pool and saunter over to the Marisol and Beach Club Lounge for fresh takes on classic flavors and exquisite drinks. Waterside taxis await to whisk you away to your next adventures, surfing, catamaran cruises, paddle boards, snorkeling, and more, only at The Boca Raton Beach Club.

Find your ultimate getaway on Singer Island, a well-known luxury getaway. Spanning beaches of white sand surround a Tiki Bar, two swimming pools, an outdoor fire pit, and the Lagoon Cantina. Locally sourced ingredients tease your tastebuds at the Ocean Restaurant & Lounge while sipping on freshly-made margaritas. Enjoy the ultimate adult getaway while the kids enjoy the lagoon water slide, waterfall, and daily activities of the kid’s ocean club.

Discover endless ways to soak up the sun here at Tideline Ocean Resort. Enjoy fresh local cuisine at Brandon’s, a destination restaurant, while soaking in scenic ocean views. Watch the sun dip below the horizon from the balcony of your room, take a dip in the hot tub and find yourself taking a relaxing walk along the beach. Simple yet sophisticated, find yourself drifting along with the salty breeze at this exclusive beachfront hotel.

Those looking to relax and let go to the lull of the ocean waves need look no further. Here at Seagate enjoy ocean view dining, complimentary valet parking, Delray Beach water sports rentals, and access to a private beach. Each room was intentionally designed with your comfort in mind, from the Egyptian cotton linens to the walk-in shower and balconies overlooking the sea. Four saltwater swimming pools and an exclusive Beach Club access await. There will be no shortage of fun and glow in the sun at Seagate.

Nestled away on a pristine beach, Jupiter Beach Resort offers a maritime escape. Boasting 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and a 4,500 square foot ballroom with a covered outdoor terrace, this is the perfect place for a grand oceanfront event. Extending your trip? This is a dog friendly resort where pooches receive just as much pampering as their human counterparts. Furry friends are greeted with gift bags at the door and welcome to enjoy all designated areas of the resort. Sit back with a cocktail infused with the salty breeze at The Sandbar, enjoy a farm-to-garden dinner at Latitudes and enjoy the splendid amenities provided for each and every guest at Jupiter Beach Resort.

Coastal style luxury brings the beaches to your front door. This Five-Star Resort provides an intimate island escape on white sandy beaches while remaining close to Worth Avenue and downtown West Palm Beach. Enjoy polo, a private tour on a yacht, snorkeling, fishing, and more in this tropical paradise. Lavish rooms, world-class service, and amenities are a given here while exploring the magic of this evocative resort.

True tranquility beckons to those who find their way to Opal Grand Resort. Explore the magic of the Atlantic coast, unwind to seaside yoga classes and soak up the sun on this award-winning beach. Plan ahead and check out Opal’s Guide to Delray Beach/Boca Raton, and experience The Opal Grand through photos. This oceanfront offers an experience for every age and interest. Paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga, surfing, tennis, and lounging poolside are just some of the choices waiting for you.

If you’re considering a vacation in South Florida and don’t feel like dealing with the hustle and bustle of Miami, but still want to dine at fantastic restaurants and get some oceanfront beach time in, then you’ll want to add Delray Beach to your agenda. It’s more laid-back than a South Beach getaway or a visit to Fort Lauderdale, but there’s far more going on than in the sleepier Palm Beach County locales nearby. Read on to discover some of the best ways to spend your time in Delray, for the ultimate travel guide to the Florida beach town.

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The Seagate Hotel

The Seagate Beach Club is a Delray staple for a reason. The Preferred Hotels spot is located right on Atlantic Avenue, and this low-key, elegant resort, which also has its own beach club, truly offers the best of both worlds. You get all of the fun shops and restaurants on Atlantic Avenue within walking distance, and you won’t have to fight for a spot on the beautiful beach. Back at the hotel, you can unwind at the spa or kick back at the pool. The spacious rooms have balconies overlooking the pool, so you can always tan from up there and work remotely.

The impressive beach club offers cabana service, indoor and outdoor dining, and a beachfront pool that’s perfect for kids to play around. It’s the ultimate getaway, whether you’re a local who wants some time off or a vacationer looking for water sports adventures.

The Seagate Hotel also boasts the Atlantic Grille restaurant, known for its fresh ingredients and, best of all, an overflowing dessert buffet that looks like something right out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

And if you forgot something at home, just head to the hotel’s boutique, which has total New York vibes, but with a tropical twist. You can pick up swimwear, a cover-up, or a chic sundress for dinner.

The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club

If you’re looking for somewhere else to stay, the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club is a classic in downtown Delray Beach. This bright, charming hotel was designed by an associate of famed architect Addison Mizner, and is a colorful choice with oceanfront access. It has been owned and operated by the same family since 1935, but has evolved over the years; it’s also sustainably-focused and eco-friendly.

Le Colonial

This French Vietnamese restaurant originally started out in New York City, and now has locations everywhere from Chicago to Houston, as well as a brand-new outpost in Delray Beach, which feels like a glam eatery you’d find in Palm Beach. The vibrant hot spot boasts a spacious, airy interior that’s equal parts Instagram-worthy and luxurious, as well as a moody bar with flowers galore. Le Colonial recently started serving brunch, and you’ll want to be one of the first to enjoy it, especially if you’re looking for dishes a bit more creative than the usual eggs and avocado toast.

Make sure to save room for dessert, because the restaurant is known for signature dishes like an indulgent tapioca pudding. Do keep in mind that Le Colonial has a dress code, so you’ll need to ditch your beach cover-ups and athleisure.

Elisabetta’s

This delicious Italian eatery, with another location in West Palm Beach, is situated right on the main drag and offers some of the best freshly made pasta in town. You can dine outside and people watch on Atlantic Avenue, or set up shop in the buzzy dining room.

Hawkers

This Asian street food mini-chain is a reliable choice, whether you’re visiting with family and want to dine outside with loads of room, or feel like bellying up to the bar. Located in the heart of Atlantic Avenue, Hawkers offers small plates that are fun to share with the rest of the group. Start with the roti, spicy edamame, and soup dumplings, and save room for noodles.

City Oyster and Sushi Bar

This spot on the Avenue is great for lunch during the week; you’ll always run into someone you know. At night, the restaurant transforms into a busy bar that’s packed with people. If you’re looking for solid salads and strong cocktails, The Office is another classic lunch gastro.

Dada

Dada opened in 2000, and has remained a buzzy spot in the area ever since. It’s great for special occasions because of the lush garden, funky decor, and inventive dishes. Sit underneath the twinkling lights for dinner, or grab a bite for brunch. The trendy eatery, located near the Pineapple Grove Arts District, is located inside a historic house originally built in 1924 (it’s one of the oldest homes in town), and is inspired by the Dada/Surrealist movement.

Sandbar Delray Beach

Stop by this kitschy beachside bar to indulge in a bit of day drinking during happy hour. The on-trend tiki bar is one of the most fun small-town dives, and quite literally boasts sandy floors, so feel free to wear sandals and sip on frozen cocktails like the Killer Colada or Mango Tango Slush. While Sandbar often has a DJ, if you’d prefer live music, just head down the street to Tin Roof. If you’re more of a beer drinker than a rum lover, check out the Saltwater Brewery, which has a beer garden and fun food trucks.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

These gorgeous gardens are an absolute must-visit if you’re traveling to Delray and looking for an activity that’s off the beaten path, as well as a nice alternative to sitting on the beach. Visit the lush gardens, check out the bonsai trees, and explore the exhibitions inside to learn about Japanese culture. The Cornell Art Museum in Old School Square is another spot to add to your list, especially if you’re a bit too sunburnt to hit the beach again.

Periwinkle

This Atlantic Avenue boutique is an ideal stop for feminine sundresses from both designers you love and ones you haven’t heard of yet.

Snappy Turtle

Snappy Turtle is one of the best preppy boutiques in the Palm Beaches. Stock up on colorful cotton dresses or head to the nearby home store to spruce up your bar cart. If you love pink and green, you’ll be in heaven once you walk inside this shop.