Welcome To Paradise: Seminole Paradise

By Iretta Tiger

HOLLYWOOD — In paradise there is something for everyone and the same is true for the Seminole Paradise. Dec. 16 marked the official opening of Seminole Paradise, a shopping and entertainment center adjacent to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

This complex features 12 restaurants, 11 nightclub and entertainment venues, and 24 retail shops. Also located in Seminole Paradise is the Seminole Okalee Indian Village and Museum.

The grand opening celebrations began with the arrival of former Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino. Marino made his way to the Park Sports Club where he was presented with a $40,000 check. The check is a donation from Seminole Paradise to the Dan Marino Foundation, an organization that supports various children’s programs.

Chairman Mitchell Cypress, Big Cypress Councilman David Cypress, Hollywood Councilman Max Osceola, Jr., and Cordish Company Vice-President Joe Weinberg did the honor of presenting the check to Marino. The Cordish Company developed the land that is now the Seminole Hard Rock.

The Dan Marino Foundation was also the focus of the VIP grand opening. Those who attended the VIP party paid a $50 fee and there was also a silent auction. All proceeds from the auction and the entrance fee went to the Dan Marino Foundation.

Those who did not attend the party were not left out. Jugglers, a Bahamian calypso band, and illusionists roamed throughout Seminole Paradise greeting and entertaining visitors.

Miami Dolphin’s defensive end Jason Taylor also attended the party but not before doing a live interview. Chairman Mitchell Cypress and Taylor were interviewed by radio station The Beat 103.5’s DJ Coka Lani.

During the VIP party, there were bands playing live music, a circus performance and a boxing match happening simultaneously. A spectacular display of fireworks were supposed to close the evening, but many revelers stayed late into the night. It’s hard to leave paradise.

To check out Seminole Paradise, surf to www.seminoleparadise.com or, better yet, come visit. Seminole Paradise is located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on the Hollywood Seminole reservation.