Pause for Punxsutawney

There is a line from the classic Bill Murray film Groundhog Day that rings especially memorable for us Floridians: “OK, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties, ’cause it’s cooooold out there today… What is this, Miami Beach?” This is because, while the sunny shores of South Florida appear to be the butt of a chilled Punxsutawney Phil jab, we actually know perfectly well how to share in the tradition of Groundhog Day — even if we don’t have the full-blown four seasons to prove it. If you are in search of actual proof of the celebrations, then head to the 11th-annual Groundhog Day at Hollywood Beach on Monday morning for a winter’s-end predictions party all its own. Organizer Jeff Hansen describes the event as “a time-honored tradition celebrating a shared universal hope for a warmer tomorrow — or at least a significant warm-up by noon.” Start off with a hearty breakfast at Ocean Alley Restaurant and Beach Bar (900 Indiana St., Hollywood) at 6:30 a.m., then take a dip in the Atlantic with the infamous Groundhog Swim at 7:30 a.m. And not to worry: They will have TVs showing the live coverage of Phil and the folks of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A $12 donation includes breakfast and a souvenir T-shirt for swimmers. Funds raised will support the Beach Business Association Charity Fund. Call 954-929-9334, or visit hbbafla.com.
Mon., Feb. 2, 2015