PHOTOS BY NICHOLAUS BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Celebrating Two Decades of Atlantic Ave Magazine
In September 2006, Atlantic Ave Magazine published its very first issue, launching a monthly tradition that has served Delray Beach and its surrounding communities for two decades. As we celebrate September 2026, it felt fitting to look back twenty years and revisit the people, places, and moments that shaped our city at the time and see how far the city has come since.
To capture that journey, I spoke with leaders who guided Delray Beach through key chapters of its evolution, as well as the individuals who helped build the magazine itself. These people confirmed to me that the “secret is out” that Delray Beach is a great town.
A CITY ON THE RISE: LEADERSHIP THEN AND NOW
In 2006, Mayor Jeff Perlman was focused on one of the most transformative initiatives in Delray’s modern history — the downtown master plan.
“The highlight was getting the downtown master plan moving to continue the revitalization of East Atlantic Avenue,” Perlman recalled, “Revitalizing the downtown area was great for the economy.”
Perlman also shared a personal connection to Atlantic Ave Magazine’s beginnings. “I was the Editor for Atlantic Ave Magazine when it started. We reshaped the magazine to have a magazine that was a mirror to the city.” He was also on the city commission for seven years.
Reflecting on Delray Beach’s evolution, Perlman noted that the city feels “less like a small town” today yet still retains the unique character that drew him here decades ago. “I came from New York, and I have lived in Delray Beach for 40 years. It was an affordable paradise.
Downtown Delray Beach has a real main street that few Florida cities have. I was lucky to serve in an era when we had many volunteers.”
Today, Mayor Tom Carney leads Delray Beach — and uniquely, he also served as mayor in 2013. His decision to run again stemmed from a desire to help steer the city’s future.
“I felt the city had gotten a little off track,” Carney said. “I had a background in real estate, finance and banking and wanted to help the city I live in.”
Carney’s perspective bridges past and present. In 2006, he served on the Community Redevelopment Agency board, helping redevelop Pineapple Grove. He also became the first President of Arts Garage, an anchor of Delray’s cultural identity.
He continued, “Back in 2006, Mayor Perlman had the “Creative City Collaborative” which was the tool for fixing up key parts of Delray Beach. Now we are a city with great restaurants, music, and arts for everyone.”
“We are in touch with many companies that want to relocate to Delray Beach. Just like the new Sundy Village, people are buying up older buildings and putting up new buildings. It is still a work in progress. “
Looking ahead, Carney emphasized the city’s visioning process, including plans for Congress Avenue and the western stretch of East Atlantic Avenue that goes to I-95. “We are only 16 square miles, but we are making this a great city without destroying the fabric of the city. I love the citizen engagement, and we already have a vision for Delray Beach in 2035.”
THE DELRAY AFFAIR: A TRADITION THAT ENDURES
Few events embody Delray’s community spirit like The Delray Affair, which began in 1962 and remained a beloved tradition in 2006 and still today. Crowds across the region fill East Atlantic Avenue to enjoy art, food, music, and community.
Stephanie Immelman, CEO of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, reflected on its growth. “It used to go from Swinton to the Intracoastal drawbridge. Now it goes to the Delray Tennis Center to the Colony block.”
In 2026, the event featured 450 artists, continuing its legacy as a regional draw. Immelman described it as “a positive uplifting annual April event for our community… authentic, charming, and walkable. The event gives our merchants a boost.”
Jennifer Costello is the Executive Director of the Del-ray Affair, and shared with me, “The Delray Affair is truly a reflection of the spirit of this community—the talented artists and artisans, dedicated businesses and sponsors, wonderful volunteers, and the thousands of people who return year after year. We are incredibly proud to help carry on this beloved tradition and to play a part in its continued success.”
COMMUNITY LANDMARKS: GROWTH AND RENEWAL
In 2006, the Delray Beach Public Library opened at its current location on West Atlantic Avenue, while Old School Square underwent major renovations that strengthened its role as Delray’s cultural centerpiece. These investments helped define the city’s identity — blending history, arts, and community engagement.
A BIG YEAR IN SPORTS — LOCALLY AND STATEWIDE
Sports played a key role in Delray’s 2006 story.
At American Heritage School, both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams won State Championships — a rare double victory. Dr. Kristina Shahin has been at American Heritage for 16 years and five years as the Director of Athletics and highlighted to me
the Stallions’ continued excellence, noting 12
state championships during her tenure.
Dr. Shahin reflected on 2006 and said, “Our girls soccer team went 17– 2–5 under coach Steve Burgess and won the 2A state title. Our boys team went 13 – 9– 2 under head coach Alvin James and won a state title. Our boys’ tennis team won the 1A state championship under head coach Brian Schleifer.”
Dr. Shahin provided a picture taken for the article of the Director of Athletics Dr. Kristina Shahin (Center), to the left, Assistant AD Herve Coby, and to the right Associate AD Mikele Colasurdo holding the 2006 boys and girls State soccer trophies. Note – at the time of this article a photo could not be taken of the boys State tennis trophy.
She shared insights on the upcoming season: “The Girls team is young but there’s a lot of talent and potential… we’re excited to see where they can go.”
Victor Sanchez is the Boys varsity soccer coach and said, “The boys soccer team is looking solid with a number of key returning upperclassmen. Players to watch for are Matteo Kukcuoglu and William Foster, with Luciano Campos anchoring our defense. The team had a few Freshmen and Sophomores last year that gained valuable experience and will make a big impact this year.”
Meanwhile, the 2006 Delray Beach Open was very exciting with world-class talent. Tournament Chairman Ivan Baron recalled a standout moment: Andre Agassi’s appearance just months after reaching the US Open semifinals.
“He is a superstar. We always wanted him to play and when he called us and inquired about playing, we were incredibly excited. Andre arrived in Delray Beach with his wife, Steffi Graf and the crowd was one of the loudest we had ever heard. He won two rounds, reached the quarterfinals, and it was a true pleasure hosting him that week.”
He continued, “Incredible finals in both singles in doubles as Nestor / Knowles were one of, if not the best, doubles teams in the world, and Tommy Haas had an amazing career reaching #2 in the world.”
Baron noted how the event has evolved into “a true destination event” with food, wine, entertainment, and hospitality for our fans, sponsors, and community— all while maintaining its intimate feel. We’re proud of how much the event has grown since 2006 while still maintaining the intimate, welcoming atmosphere that has always made the Delray Beach Open special.”
By the way, Sebastian Korda won the 2026 DBO singles title in an all-American final against Tommy Paul. The doubles champions were Austin Krajicek and Nikola Mektic.
NATIONAL CONTEXT Twenty years ago:
• President: George W. Bush
• Florida Governor: Jeb Bush
• Gas averaged $2.56 per gallon
• Florida saw a quiet hurricane season
• The U.S. was engaged in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sports fans celebrated the Miami Heat’s NBA Championship and the Florida Gators’ NCAA men’s basketball title, followed by their dominant football performance in the January 2007 BCS Championship.
BEHIND THE SCENES: THE MAGAZINE’S STORY
The Atlantic Ave Magazine success is rooted in the people who helped build it.
Photographer Melissa Korman, who has been with the magazine since 2006, recalled the early days of the popular “What Are You Wearing?” section. “I used to go out to all the late-night spots around Delray and photograph people and their outfits… It’s amazing to see how that little idea grew into such a popular section of the magazine.”
Korman added, “Delray Beach has grown into a vibrant destination.” She loves the staff and adds, “Especially Fabio and Eduardo, David, Lisa, Diane, and Harvey. I am also very excited to be working with Matt, our new publisher, and look forward to bringing fresh energy and a new beat to the magazine as we move into its next decade.
Diane Feen has been part of Atlantic Ave Magazine since the very beginning, and her reflections on those early days capture both the spirit of the publication and the soul of Delray Beach itself. “The freedom to write about people and places that matter,” she told me, “And the ability to tell the personal stories about the founders and pioneers of Delray Beach” are what have kept her inspired for twenty years. Looking back to 2006, she recalls writing about Nancy Stewart and Carl DeSantis, and meeting Jeff Perlman for the first time — a lunch that led to assignments profiling some of the city’s most fascinating figures. As she put it so simply and so powerfully, “Delray is still a great town – but the secret is out.”
Graphic Designer Fabio Passere, also with the magazine since its inception, said, “After all these years, that sense of teamwork and camaraderie is something I truly value.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Twenty years can feel like a lifetime or the blink of an eye. As Atlantic Ave Magazine celebrates its anniversary, one truth remains constant: Delray Beach continues to grow, evolve, and inspire — just as it did in 2006, and just as it will in the decades ahead. Few cities have a main street as vibrant, welcoming, and enduring as Delray Beach. And few communities embrace change while preserving their character as gracefully as this one.
