UTP 11.6

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries, 80, is currently under house arrest at his $2.5 million oceanfront condo in Palm Beach, Florida, following his release on a $10 million bond. Jeffries, fitted with a GPS ankle monitor, paparazzi photographs show, can only leave his residence for legal, medical, or religious purposes as he awaits trial on severe international sex trafficking charges. 

According to U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, Jeffries allegedly exploited his position at Abercrombie & Fitch to recruit aspiring male models, promising them potential career advancement in exchange for attendance at “Sex Events” hosted by Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith. Prosecutors contend that, between 2008 and 2015, Jeffries and Smith used their wealth and influence to operate a high-cost trafficking operation involving drugs, coercion, and abuse of power. The indictment, which includes 16 counts against Jeffries and his co-defendants, outlines an alleged infrastructure supporting the illegal activities, including a security team responsible for enforcing nondisclosure agreements, conducting background checks, and monitoring witnesses. 

Jeffries appeared composed during his court appearance on Oct. 22, later seen leaving in casual attire with his legal team. Jeffries pleaded not guilty on Oct. 25 to federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges. He declined to comment, reports the Associated Press, after his lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in federal court in Central Islip, on Long Island. He is due back in court Dec. 12.

Jimmy Buffett’s landmarked cottage on Palm Beach’s Root Trail has found a buyer. The late “Margaritaville” singer’s historic property at 138 Root Trail, listed in July for $7.25 million, is under contract, marking the first of three Buffett family-owned homes on this beachside street to be scooped up. 

While the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, the appeal of the two-bedroom, wood-frame bungalow goes beyond the architecture — a separate structure served as Buffet’s personal music studio, preserving his legacy within the walls. Though widely associated with Key West, Buffett’s relationship with Palm Beach ran deep. He and his wife, Jane, owned multiple properties in the area over the years, including a now-demolished mansion on South Ocean Boulevard. Buffet bought his first Root Trail property in 2002, eventually acquiring two more houses across the street in 2013. Priced at $6.65 million and $6.125 million respectively, those homes are still available.

Legendary musician Billy Joel finally sold his sprawling ocean-to-lake estate in Manalapan for a reported $42.6 million, according to Multiple Listing Service records. The sale marks a significant price drop from the original listing of $64.9 million in 2022, later reduced to $49.9 million this year. The buyer’s identity has not been disclosed, nor has the final transaction price recorded by the Palm Beach County Clerk. The Mediterranean-style compound, designed with a nod to Italian palazzo architecture, spans 1.6 acres and boasts 150 feet of Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway frontage. Built in 2010, the mansion includes nine bedrooms, a wine cellar, a theater room, and a grand piano by the staircase. Outdoor amenities feature a beachfront pool, terrace loggia, summer kitchen, and a 10-car garage. Joel originally purchased the estate in 2015 for $22.1 million.

We hear…

Kristen Wiig and John Stamos weren’t out collecting candy on Halloween. Instead, the duo was busy filming for season two of the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale, which explores the world of Palm Beach high society. In costume, Full House alum Stamos, 61, wore a white, 70s-inspired ensemble with tinted aviators, while Saturday Night Live star Wiig, 51, donned a red-and-white checkered dress with puffy sleeves, paired with ribboned pigtails. The first season of Palm Royale, also starring Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, and Allison Janney, follows Wiig’s character, Maxine Simmons, as she attempts to navigate and climb the elite social circles of Palm Beach.

Artist Camilla Webster opened her West Palm Beach studio on Oct. 22 to host the season’s first Cocktails in Paradise gathering, presented by the Young Friends of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. Guests mingled among Webster’s vibrant “Love From Palm Beach” pieces, now available as part of her new wallpaper collection at Chelsea Lane. The collection celebrates Palm Beach’s spirit and showcases the artistry of Palm Beach’s own creative women.

The Bachelorette alum and Jupiter native Tyler Cameron is making holiday dreams come true, offering fans a chance to win a special “holidate” experience with him. The fan-favorite heartthrob teased his involvement in the Simply Spiked contest — an offshoot of Simply Beverages that makes alcoholic juices — through his social media, sparking excitement among Bachelor Nation viewers eager to join him for the festivities.

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County celebrated the upcoming launch of its 2024-2025 Grand Exhibition, Wish You Were Here: Tourism in the Palm Beaches, with an exclusive cocktail party hosted by Jean Shafiroff, a member of the Society’s Board of Advisors, and her husband, Martin Shafiroff, at their Manhattan residence. The Wish You Were Here exhibition is set to premiere at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum on Nov. 14. The exhibit offers an in-depth look at 150 years of tourism in Palm Beach.

Sightings…

Reality TV star Farrah Abraham was seen at the Line in the Sand premiere at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Oct. 23, with Marla Maples also in attendance, both adding a touch of celebrity to the event.

Donald Trump also made an appearance at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Oct. 29. Meanwhile, his daughter Tiffany Trump, expecting her first child with husband Michael Boulos, was recently spotted in Palm Beach.

Palm Beach fitness enthusiasts recently gathered for Eudemonia 2024, a wellness summit held at the Hilton West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County Convention Center. The event featured headliners like wellness coach Jillian Michaels, oncologist Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, and longevity expert Dr. Mark Hyman, drawing attendees eager to learn about the latest in health and wellness.