SFGN 07/7/22 V13iss27

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE JULY 7, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 26 27

NO NO JUSTICE JUSTICE FOR FOR BREE BREE X

TRANS WOMAN OF COLOR MURDERED IN POMPANO TWO YEARS AGO THE

GAZETTE PAGE 10 PAGE X

BEGINS ON PAGE 17

SUPPORT A FREE PRESS! SFGN.com/donate Former Candidate x Pagefor x Governor Indicted Page 12

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

Attack in Norway x Page x Gay Bar Page 13

@SFGN

SFGN.COM

Jesse’s Journal ‘License x Pagetox Hate’ Page 21

@SOFLAGAYNEWS

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

LOCAL ANTI-GAY MINISTRY WILL REMAIN AS ‘HATE GROUP’ AFTER SCOTUS DENIES PETITION Christiana Lilly

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

C

oral Ridge Ministries’ celebration of the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs.

Wade was dampened days later when the same court ruled against them on June 27 in a suit against Southern Poverty Law Center.

Justice Clarence Thomas was the lone justice to dissent.

The church and its affiliate, Dr. James Kennedy Ministries, have been trying to sue the progressive advocacy group for labeling them a hate group.

“The infamous SPLC has recklessly classified disciples of the Gospel as purveyors of hate,” it says on the ministry’s website “They denounce pro-family groups that stand for traditional marriage—God’s rules for marriage—as ‘haters.’”

Visitors to the site are encouraged to donate to “help stop the lies” in their quest to “fight for religious freedom, stamp out discrimination against Christians and conservatives, and continue” their “bold defense of the Truth!”

The lawsuit began in 2017 when Coral Ridge Ministries attempted to create an Amazon Smile account, which would allow shoppers to donate a portion of their purchases to the

“IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT FOR MANY IN OUR COMMUNITY, THE NAME OF DR. D. JAMES KENNEDY AND CORAL RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STILL BRINGS FORTH MANY BAD MEMORIES AND A LOT OF HURT AND PAIN.” -Steven Glassman DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER

THERE’S MORE ONLINE! SEE OUR NEWS IN VIDEO! Online now!

2

@SFGN

July 7, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 27

• 7. 7. 2022

Graphic Design Consultant • Brendon Lies Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Graphic Designer • Julie Palmer Graphic Designer • Greg Bistolfi Artwork@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin HIV Editor • Sean McShee Community Editor • John Hayden Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

Senior Feature Columnists

Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Photo via crpc.org.

church. However, because they were labeled as a hate group by the SPLC, Amazon rejected their application.

Coral Ridge Ministries then moved to sue the group for defamation, eventually taking the case to the Supreme Court, looking to have the definition of “defamation” reexamined.

As Christianity Today pointed out, former President Donald Trump attempted to do the same.

In its decision, the Supreme Court wrote, “Coral Ridge maintained that although it ‘opposes homosexual conduct’ based on its religious beliefs, it is in no sense a ‘hate group.’”

The SPLC said they were protected by the First Amendment to call them a hate group, and the court agreed that there was no “actual malice” proven. In his dissent, Thomas encouraged the Supreme Court to revisit the actual malice standard.

“This case is one of many showing how New York Times and its progeny have allowed media organizations and interest groups ‘to cast false aspersions on public figures with near impunity,’” he wrote.

Coral Ridge Ministries has long clashed with

the LGBT community, as it stands in opposition of same-sex marriage and the right to adoption by same-sex couples. Its founder, the Rev. Dr. James Kennedy, was the author of a number of books, including 2004’s “What’s Wrong With Same-Sex Marriage?” in which he wrote that “a tiny fraction of our population is on the verge of redefining the institution of marriage for all of us.”

One of the most-watched Christian broadcasters of his time, he wrote an endorsement of the comic book “Homosexuality: Legitimate, Alternate Deathstyle,” which was printed on the back cover.

The city of Fort Lauderdale was met with public outrage when it celebrated the 60th anniversary of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and the 50th anniversary of its school, Westminster Academy, in March 2021.

“It is important to note that for many in our community, the name of Dr. D. James Kennedy and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church still brings forth many bad memories and a lot of hurt and pain. The wounds are still there,” Commissioner Steven Glassman said in a statement to SFGN at the time.

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

John McDonald • Everitt Rosen Sean Conklin • Deon Jefferson David-Elijah Nahmod • Aurora Dominguez Gillian Manning • Denise Royal Bella Ramirez • Kennedy McKinney Kizzy Azcarate

Contributing Columnists

Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Gregg Shapiro • Dana Rudolph

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Distribution Services Coordinator • J.R. Davis Distribution Assistant • Juan Manzano National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Stuart Web Inc.

SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for

STONEWALL MUSEUM GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Visit SFGN.com to find out more.

NLGJA Journalist of the Year SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC. — — FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009

BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT

Support our advertisers in the pages of SFGN! Their support helps make our journalism possible.

SFGN COVER: Photo via Facebook.

Associated Press

South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN. SFGN contracts with independent entities for stock images. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Copyright © 2022 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Prevent HIV with pride.

There are many options to prevent HIV. Choose the method that works for you.

LEARN MORE AT CDC.GOV/STOPHIVTOGETHER

@StopHIVTogether • @StartTalkingHIV

@CDCHIV • @StartTalkingHIV

@CDC_HIV

7. 7. 20 22 •

3

PROVIDING OF EXPERIENCE

DR. AMY WECKER

4

• 7. 7. 2022

in the treatment and prevention of HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis.

DR. JESSICA ALTAMIRANO

(844) 922-2777 CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG

WALK-INS WELCOME AT ALL LOCATIONS

FORT LAUDERDALE

MIAMI GARDENS

PLANTATION

SOUTH BEACH

LAKE WORTH

1726 SE 3rd Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (754) 701-6920

13936 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33168 (786) 800-5631

4101 Nw 3rd Court, Suite 9 Plantation, Fl 33317 (754) 701-6911

427 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 514-0813

201 N. Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460 (561) 867-9991

DR. SHEETAL SHARMA

DR. MICHAEL SENSION

7. 7. 20 22 •

5

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G BISEXUAL

‘BACHELOR’ ALUM COMES OUT AS BISEXUAL Elizabeth Corrigan, a former contestant on “The Bachelor,” came out as bisexual during NYC Pride.

“It’s hard to know the right way to say these things, or the right time. Today seems like both and neither,” said Corrigan via Instagram. “It’s important to me today to share with you all that I am queer. More specifically I am, always have been, and always will be — bisexual.”

Corrigan said she has always been open about her sexuality with the people she is close to but never came out publicly out of the fear she would be viewed differently.

However, this Pride Month made her realize that it was important for her to be her most authentic self.

She ended her post by explaining that she hoped that as a result of her coming outat

Photo via Instagram.

least “one person will feel less alone.”

“If you’re [lonely,] I’ve got you. You are NOT alone. Hoping that one day the fear will turn to what it should be … PRIDE. Only love. All love. Today and each day to come.”

“Broker

Since 1985

B

... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY

P

PANSEXUAL

JOJO SIWA TO GUEST STAR IN ‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’ SEASON 3

JoJo Siwa is set to guest star in season three of “High School Musical: The Series” playing a character named Madison.

In the trailer for the season, she is seen holding hands with a female camp counselor named Maddox. Given how open Siwa has been about her sexuality after coming out as pansexual last year, her role is expected to bring further queer visibility to the screen.

This season the cast is heading to summer camp to put on a production of “Frozen.” As they compete for the lead roles, they also deal with summer romance, “curfew-less nights, and a taste of the great outdoors.”

The series stars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Sofia Wylie and will also have a special guest appearance from Corbin

Photo via Facebook.

Bleu, who starred in the original High School Musical movies.

The show will be available on Disney+ in July.

Joe” Grano, REALTOR 954‐931‐0031 ®

“You have made everyone trust and know that when they’re in Joe Grano‘s hands they are in the best hands. No one compares to, Joe. I just hope you know that you really are the best in the business and I NE FTL 4‐Plex 2/1 Pool‐side, 1/1.5 Dockside don’t know how to scream it from w/Pool. Needs Condo. Updated. New Waterfront, Condo.

Everything.

Low Maint. Incls Dock A/C. Direct WTR View. the top of the roof, but I could tell the world how great you are. Like Investors Dream! w/WTR & Elec!

Dock Available yelp, google what can I do? I need $900,000 OWNER FINANCING! $307,000. everyone to know that you are the $399,000.

SOLD SOLD SOLD only one that they need to go to ever if they want the job done right with 2/1 Great House. Great Yard 1.25 Miles integrity and tenacity it Has to be you!!!!! Only. ” ‐ Dr Riggs to Beach. $300,000.

I Will Be Your Friend & Partner in Success.

First Atlantic Realty, Inc. 1881 NE 26th Street Suite 212 Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Licensed Real Estate Brokerage

6

• 7. 7. 2022

LGBTQIA BITES

T

TRANSGENDER

‘SISTER WIVES’ STAR COMES OUT AS TRANS

Leon Brown, former “Sister Wives” star, has come out as trans and genderqueer in an Instagram post.

“So here’s me, definitely not having almost any of my shit figured out, to let you know that I am trans,” they posted on Instagram.

“My name is Leon or Leo (I love both) and my pronouns are they/them.”

Brown first came out as queer on “Sister Wives” in 2017 by saying “I’m gay.” Their mother wasn’t initially accepting of Brown’s coming out but later said she was happy her child knew themself.

“I remember the first time that I knew I wasn’t a girl. I was pretty young and unfortunately I grew up in a context that was incredibly gendered and restrictive. So I continued to be socialized as a girl and later a woman. And here’s the thing, I’m finally ready to share my favorite self with the world.

And that self is incredibly genderqueer, trans, and unapologetic,” said Brown.

Brown is engaged to Audrey Kriss, who is

Photo via Instagram.

also trans.

“Love you so much and so proud of you,” Kriss said.

7. 7. 20 22 •

7

NEWS NATIONAL

THE COUNTRY

ACROSS

ARKANSAS THE ‘GAYEST SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA’ THRIVES IN THE BIBLE BELT Once revered as the “gayest small town in America,” Eureka Springs has exemplified how LGBT and straight conservatives can peacefully coexist.

This small town in Arkansas has its streets flooded with rainbow staircases and street crosswalks while a “nearly 70-foottall Jesus statue” overlooks the city, reports CNN. “There is a great sense of community and support across all types of people that live here,” Zeek Taylor said. “We have our little struggles, but we always come together in the end.”

Within the small town, many LGBT people own businesses, ranging from old timey photography studios to restaurants

to rug weaving Photo via Eureka Springs/Facebook. stores.

“People who see that [Pride] flag, if they’re not allies, they just don’t make their way into our bar,” said Ethan Avanzino, who owns Wanderoo Lodge with his husband David.

Though there have been conflicting times in Eureka between churches and its LGBT citizens, Pastor Blake Lasater of First United Methodist said is the first church to welcome all.

BY KIZZY AZCARATE

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

UTAH BYU’S INSTAGRAM IS THE NEW PROTESTING GROUND FOR LGBT AND ALLIES Brigham Young University (BYU) has garnered massive attention on social media lately due to the Utah university’s anti-LGBT policies.

Student allies and LGBT activists have taken it upon themselves to spam The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints affiliated private university’s Instagram with rainbow and Pride flag emojis.

“Happy Pride Month! Maybe BYU takes a proactive approach to becoming a safer place for ALL students,” said a 2013 graduate student.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that protestors have left comments like “Love thy neighbor” and “God loves all His children” while also relating BYU’s posts to how they affect LGBT students and followers.

Photo by Pastelitodepapa, via Wikimedia Commons.

“What I hope happens is that people at BYU who are struggling will be able to see that support,” Maci Muller told The Salt Lake Tribune. “And someday I hope that everyone at BYU is able to be themselves.”

TEXAS HOW ELEVATE NORTH TEXAS IS HELPING HOMELESS LGBT YOUTH

Now offering Injectable PrEP! 1 SHOT every 2 MONTHS protects you from HIV. Call today to see the experts in HIV care and prevention!

954-530-8357 Esther C. Schumann, MD, AAHIVS João Rodrigues, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC 2608 NE 16th Ave. | Wilton Manors, FL 33334 | midwaycare.org 8

• 7. 7. 2022

During one of his mindful walks in March 2020, Jason Vallejo saw and approached a young man sleeping on a park bench in Plano’s Haggard Park.

The young man, John, explained that he was homeless and took a DART train from Dallas after not feeling safe in the homeless shelter there.

After their conversation, Vallejo pondered the discomfort that young people must face when being placed in a homeless shelter. And that moment, Elevate North Texas was born. It would be a nonprofit homeless shelter that was geared toward 18 to 24 year-old LGBT people.

As a gay man, Vallejo understood that LGBT youth were more likely to be kicked out of their homes and had a more difficult

THERE’S MORE ONLINE!

Jason Vallejo, Founder & Executive Director of Elevate.

Photo via www.elevatentx.org

time finding a community than others.

“The national stat shows that 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ plus. So for us to be seeing 60% is just really quite telling of where we are politically because of a lot of the hate speech and rhetoric,” Vallejo said of the climate in Texas to WFAA.

LESBIAN WNBA STAR SET FOR TRIAL IN RUSSIA Visit SFGN.com to find out more.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

THE WORLD AROUND

BY EVERITT ROSEN

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

JAPAN COURT UPHOLDS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BAN

IRELAND ELECTS FIRST FEMALE LGBT MAYOR

A court has declared that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, inflicting a setback to same-sex couples and campaigners fighting for the rights of the LGBT community.

The Osaka District Court dismissed a complaint in which three samesex couples sought $1 million yen (about $7,400) in damages from the government, claiming that the denial of same-sex weddings infringed their constitutional right to equality.

However, the court agreed with the government, holding that in accordance with the constitution, relationships between people of the same gender were not considered to be marriages, according to CNN. The Osaka court’s decision impacted

Photo via www.marriageforall.jp.

the goals of LGBT rights campaigners who were hoping to persuade the government to reconsider its opposition to same-sex unions.

The new mayor of South County Dublin is the first LGBT woman to hold office in Ireland.

At a council meeting this evening, Fianna Fáil councilor Emma Murphy was chosen to serve as South Dublin County’s mayor.

In 2016, Murphy was elected to the council to represent the FirhouseBohernabreena electoral district.

“As an LGBTQ+ woman it is a huge honour to be the first woman from my community to hold the office of mayor in the State. On the eve of the Dublin Pride Festival, I hope this sends a message of hope and solidarity to all members of the LGBTQ+ community,” she said.

Her experience includes creating initiatives to empower young people and

Emma Murphy. Photo via Facebook.

advancing educational possibilities.

She presently serves as Barry Andrews’ MEP’s communications director.

On Twitter, Andrews mentioned the “historic feat.”

AFRICA MAN ATTACKED BY HOMOPHOBIC MOB IN SENEGAL

In what is believed to have been a homophobic attack, a group of approximately 100 individuals viciously battered an American tourist in Senegal.

The incident took place in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. An enraged mob can be seen engulfing a man who is bleeding, partially nude, and barefoot as they parade him around the streets while shouting anti-gay slurs.

“Homosexuality will not be accepted in Senegal,” the crowd said according to PinkNews, and they referred to the man as a “dirty homosexual.”

The mob allegedly singled out the individual because of his attire. He was undressed by the mob, who also took his possessions and led him to the police station.

THERE’S MORE ONLINE!

Screenshot via Le journal Afrique TV5MONDE/Twitter.

The victim is reportedly an American DJ who was present at the Dakar Biennale exhibition of modern art.

MASS SAME-SEX WEDDING OCCURS IN MEXICO Visit SFGN.com to find out more.

7. 7. 20 22 •

9

NEWS LOCAL

TWO YEARS AFTER HER MURDER, NO JUSTICE FOR BREE BLACK Winner 2021 SFGN Best Transgender Support Group!

Safe T

Support Group

EVERY WEDNESDAY ~ IN PERSON 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM 2312 WILTON DR - WILTON MANORS, FL

SunServe.org/SafeT - (954) 764-5150

and

and

Christiana Lilly

A

s people were celebrating the Fourth of July, the loved ones of Bree Black were mourning her death.

On July 3, 2020, the 27-year-old trans woman from Pompano Beach was shot and killed outside of her home while attending Fourth of July festivities in her neighborhood.

Two years later, no arrests have been made in the case.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office said that “homicide detectives continue to actively investigate the murder” and “they are making progress in the investigation.”

During a press conference after her murder, law enforcement told the media they didn’t know if the shooter was on foot or in a car, if Black and the shooter knew each other, or if she was specifically targeted for any reason, including being transgender.

“So many people of trans experience and specifically Black trans women like Bree Black are murdered without the killers ever being brought to justice,” said Tatiana Williams, the executive director and co-founder of Transinclusive Group in Wilton Manors. “It often seems like there is a lack of urgency when it comes to solving violent crimes and murders committed against people of trans experience, and while law enforcement acts in the moment as if it’s important, once that moment passes, the cases go cold.”

Police said hundreds of people were gathered in the streets when they arrived, but witnesses gave them very little to go off of. There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest. The original $3,000 reward by Broward Crime Stoppers was upped to $8,000 one month after Black’s murder. “[After] weeks spent on this investigation, we have not received any type of information from the community. No calls, no tips, no support in this particular investigation,” Sheriff Gregory Tony said in a press conference in August 2020.

Black was one of at least 44 murders of trans and gender non-conforming people

Bree Black. Credit: HRC.

in 2020, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Since the group started tracking the data in 2015, that number has gone up every year. At the end of 2021, SFGN followed up on the 23 murders of trans and GNC people in the Sunshine State since 2015; half of them are still open.

“The police seem unable to get answers and when the cases go cold, we’re pushed out of the conversation when they feel like we’re asking too many questions,” Williams said. “With each murder, it feels like the same script with a different cast and with law enforcement unwilling to learn about and serve the transgender population, they don’t have that understanding of our community that’s necessary and mistrust continues to build.”

In May, Nedra Sequence Morris was shot in the head and dumped out of a moving car in Opa-Locka. In January, Duval Princess was shot and killed in Jacksonville.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

10

• 7. 7.2022

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s

SNAPSHOT

OF THE

WEEK

From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a weekly look at a community that has stood together through countless trials and victories in the past year alone.

Photo by J.R. Davis

JOURNALISM IS THE

FIRST DRAFT OF HISTORY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS? SFGN's reporting has been supported by tens of thousands of readers in South Florida. Now we're asking for your support. Please help us continue giving you news every day. Every contribution is valuable – even $1.

Partners Mark Harrison, in the mortgage business, and Alberto Camargo, in the finance business, at The I Am What I Am event at The Galleria.

Your gift will ensure that South Florida Gay News is able to continue to provide an online and print resource for our community. Thanks to your valuable contribution, SFGN is able to provide you with local LGBT news that affects every aspect of your life.

South Florida Gay News exists to meet the needs of the South Florida LGBT community. When you give, your donation directly benefits you, as well as everyone else.

SFGN.com/donate 7. 7. 20 22 •

11

NEWS STATE

FORMER DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR INDICTED John Hayden

SunServe Youth Life Coaching Counseling Support Groups Safe Space youth@sunserve.org (954) 764-5150

PAPA DUKE’S DELI PAPA DUKE’S DELI 1952 WILTON DR. WILTON MANORS WWW.PAPADUKESWM.COM COFFEE, BAKED GOODS, BEC, SANDWICHES, SALADS, & SOUPS

A

ndrew Gillum was once close to living in the Florida governor’s mansion. Now he may be just as close to living in federal prison.

Gillum is facing a 21-count federal indictment that includes charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, and making false statements. He faces decades in prison if convicted on some or all of the charges. His close confidant, Sharon Janet Lettman-Hicks, is also indicted.

The U.S. Attorney’s office for North Florida announced the charges, saying the defendants “conspired to commit wire fraud, by unlawfully soliciting and obtaining funds from various entities and individuals through false and fraudulent promises and representations that the funds would be used for a legitimate purpose. The indictment further alleges the defendants used third parties to divert a portion of those funds to a company owned

by Lettman-Hicks, who then fraudulently provided the funds, disguised as payroll payments, to Gillum for his personal use.”

Gillum said he’s being targeted for his politics, and released a statement, saying, “I have spent the last 20 years of my life in public service and continue to fight for the people.

Every campaign I’ve run has been done with integrity. Make no mistake that this case is not legal, it is political. Throughout my career I have always stood up for the people of Florida and have spoken truth to power. There’s been a target on my back ever since I was the mayor of Tallahassee. They found nothing then, and I have full confidence that my legal team will prove my innocence now.”

“I HAVE SPENT THE LAST 20 YEARS OF MY LIFE IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE. EVERY CAMPAIGN I’VE RUN HAS BEEN DONE WITH INTEGRITY.” - Andrew Gillum

12

• 7. 7.2022

Photo by Colin Hackley, City of Tallahassee, Public Domain, via Wikipedia Commons.

FAST FALL Gillum lost his race to become governor to Ron DeSantis by less than 1% of the vote. As a consolation prize, he became a contributor on CNN’s political team.

That all quickly unraveled. In March 2020, he was involved in a sex scandal that involved a man who may have overdosed in a South Beach hotel. At the time he said he was abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism following his political loss.

But the wheels were starting to come off long before then. The indictment said the FBI was already sniffing around the alleged scheme in 2016 when he was still mayor. That investigation turned up evidence of freebies, including Broadway tickets and VIP trips, and bad campaign financing. In exchange, Gillum was accused of promising favors for special interests.

As for Lettman-Hicks, she has suspended her campaign for Florida House District 8. In a statement she said, “I am devastated by these baseless charges, and I have made the painful decision to suspend my campaign. I must now focus on fighting for my continued freedom.”

That seat became open when the incumbent became embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal and decided not to run for re-election.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

TERROR IN NORWAY Attack in Gay Bar Kim Swan

Celebrating our 12th Year on Wilton Drive!

Smile...and the whole world smiles back.

New Patients

$69 ($312 Value)

Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning* *In the absense of gum disease.

Not applicable to insurance benefits.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Always Plenty of Free Parking • Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive

954-565-7666

Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Dr. Stephen T. Scoglio, DMD 1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305

Photo via London Pub, Facebook.

W

hat was supposed to be a fun Pride event in Norway turned into a nightmare when a man opened fire in a gay bar, thus canceling the Pride event.

The Norwegian police are investigating the shooting as a possible terrorist attack after two people were killed and others injured at a popular gay bar in Oslo, according to CNN. The suspect was arrested and charged with terrorism, murder, and attempted murder.

In a statement published on Facebook after the shooting, the London Pub condemned the incident as “absolutely awful and pure evil” and said all its employees were safe, expressing condolences for the victims and their families.

Writing on Facebook, Oslo’s organizers canceled all of the events.

“WE WILL FOLLOW THE POLICE’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER. WARM THOUGHTS AND LOVE GO TO RELATIVES, THE INJURED AND OTHERS AFFECTED.” - Inger Kristin Haugsevje LEADER OF OSLO PRIDE

“We will follow the police’s recommendations and take care of each other.

Warm thoughts and love go to relatives, the injured and others affected,” said the leader of Oslo Pride, Inger Kristin Haugsevje, and the leader of the Association for Gender and Sexuality Diversity, Inge Alexander Gjestvang, in a joint statement.

Eight people were taken to the hospital, three of them in critical condition. Another 14 victims sustained minor injuries, CNN reported.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his condolences, calling the shooting “a cruel and deeply shocking attack on innocent people.” “[On] June 25, we were to celebrate love, we were to fill the streets in the colors of the rainbow, we were to showcase our community and our freedom. Instead, we are filled with grief,” Støre said. “Let there be no doubt. We are a community, we are a diverse and strong community, and we will never be threatened or give up our values.”

The White House was shocked by the killings.

“We’re all horrified by the mass shooting in Oslo, targeting the LGBTQI+ community there,” John Kirby, the NSC coordinator for strategic communications, told reporters aboard Air Force One as President Biden was flying to Europe. “Our House [and] hearts go out to all the families of the victims, the people of Norway, which is a tremendous ally.”

www.IslandCitySmiles.com

Sixteen Years Serving the CommUNITY Dare to be bare...smooth by ™

• BOTOX® / DYSPORT® • SCULPTRA® • RADIESSE® /RESTYLANE® / JUVEDERM® / VOLUMA® / KYBELLA • PLASMA PEN SKIN TIGHTENING • PRP HAIR RESTORATION • LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Follow us on INSTAGRAM @SILKLASERAESTHETICS

SCROTOX

Scrotox is the off-label, aesthetic technique of injecting the scrotum.

This results in smoothing out wrinkles, allowing for fuller, lower hanging testicles. The injections also help to reduce sweating.

for current promos

The in office procedure takes under 15 minutes.

We are still asking patients to wear masks in the office.

954.462.7455 www.thesilklasercentre.com

924 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

owned & operated by J.A. Astaphan MD

7. 7. 20 22 •

13

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY”

provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get

stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a

serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your

healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, lightcolored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

 The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis

infection.  Have any other health problems.

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not

breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter

GET MORE INFORMATION

medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your

healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for

program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP ASPIRING are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0085 02/22

14

• US_BVYC_0085_BIKTARVY_B_10x10-75_SouthFloridaGayNews-Dimitri_r1v2jl.indd 7. 7.2022

All Pages

#1 PRESCRIBED

HIV TREATMENT * *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/28/2021.

DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

ONE SMALL PILL, ONCE A DAY Pill shown not actual size (15 mm x 8 mm) | Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

Scan to see Dimitri’s story.

7.

7. 209:56 22 AM • 4/5/22

15

MIAMI

A

news

STILL NO LEADS

IN THE MURDER OF TRANS WOMAN NEDRA SEQUENCE MORRIS

PEX

Christiana Lilly

SPINE & PAIN TOM MACEK, MD

1164 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 201 Oakland Park, FL 33334

Board Certified in:

ANESTHESIOLOGY, PAIN MANAGEMENT

Nedra Sequence Morris.

Dr. Macek is double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Macek is fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, the birthplace and leading program of modern pain management in the United States.

Credit: HRC.

TREATMENT FOR:

▶ BACK PAIN • NECK PAIN ▶ JOINT DISEASE • HIV NEUROPATHY ▶ HEADACHES • SHINGLES ▶ CANCER PAIN

PROCEDURES OFFERED:

▶ STEM CELL THERAPY ▶ PLASMA RICH PROTEIN THERAPY ▶ EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS ▶ JOINT INJECTIONS ▶ SPINAL CORD STIMULATION ▶ PHYSICAL & MASSAGE THERAPY ▶ BACK BRACES ▶ RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION

MEDICARE AND PRIVATE INSURANCE ACCEPTED

T: 954.866.5555 | F: 954.938.2127 DRTOMMACEK.COM

ARRESTED?

DON’T BE A DOPE! CALL 954-763-1900

NORMKENT.COM

THE LAW OFFICES OF NORMAN KENT AND RUSSELL CORMICAN

Russell Cormican

Attorney at Law 12 SE 7th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Norman Elliott Kent

Attorney at Law 2520 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA NORM@NORMKENT.COM 16

• 7. 7.2022

IT’S BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH SINCE A TRANS WOMAN WAS FOUND DEAD IN THE STREETS OF OPA-LOCKA, AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO ARRESTS IN THE MURDER OF NEDRA SEQUENCE MORRIS. In a heavily redacted incident report, Miami-Dade Police shared that the 50-yearold — called Sequence by loved ones — was found dead in the early morning hours of May 14 at the intersection of NW 32nd Avenue and NW 132nd Terrace. There are no suspects in the case.

While police have been tight-lipped on details of the case, NBC 6 reports that Morris was shot in the head.

A few days after her murder, more than 100 loved ones gathered at the spot where her body was found to mourn, releasing teal balloons. The Transinclusive Group posted its condolences on Facebook, including sharing a message from its founder Tatiana Williams, who was also a friend of Morris.

“When these deaths happen and people that are working in the PD or in the community, they don’t know how to

“WHEN THESE DEATHS HAPPEN AND PEOPLE THAT ARE WORKING IN THE PD OR IN THE COMMUNITY, THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR US, SO A LOT OF TIMES THESE CASES GO COLD.” - TATIANA WILLIAMS

FOUNDER OF THE TRANSINCLUSIVE GROUP

advocate for us, so a lot of times these cases go cold,” she said.

Throughout Facebook, friends and loved ones posted memories and their heartbreak over Morris’ death, describing her as a “sweet and beautiful person” and “an angel,” calling her their auntie, mom, and sister. Many posted her going home outfit for her funeral, a beaded dress with teal feathers — guests matched by wearing black with pops of teal. Her funeral service was hosted at Bethany Seventh Day Adventist Church in Miami.

According to her obituary, Morris was born and raised in Miami and worked in mortuary services. She attended Mt. Gilead Community Baptist Church, where she hosted a clothing and food drive.

“Sequence was well-known throughout the community and touched so many lives,” the obituary reads. “Sequence was always there to lend a helping hand or stir up some crazy mess, however the situation turned out you sure were able to find some humor.”

Morris is one of at least 16 transgender or gender non-conforming people to have been killed in 2022, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Year over year, since 2015, the number has steadily climbed, with 2021 being the deadliest year on record, with 51 murders.

Late last year, SFGN tracked the status of the murders of trans and GNC people in Florida since 2015 and found that half of the cases were still open.

If you have information on the death of Nedra Sequence Morris, please call Miami Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 13 JULY 7, 2022

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

MAN PULLS OUT GUN AT POPULAR WILTON MANORS BAR

By Austen Erblat Sun Sentinel

Dramatic video taken outside a popular Wilton Manors bar shows two men arguing before one pulls out a gun, threatening the other.

After taking out the weapon, he holds it behind his back while continuing to lob expletives at the other man.

Patrons at the bar didn’t know if they were about to see a shooting.

“Who knows what he would’ve done,” said one witness who only gave the name “Andrew.” “I don’t know what his intent was.”

A second video shows the accused gunman being taken out of the bar in handcuffs by several police officers while others cheer and clap, some derisively yelling “Let’s go, Brandon!” in reference to his shirt, which was emblazoned with the word “Brandon.”

Among conservatives, the name has become a way to insult President Joe Biden.

Kenneth Justesen, a 45-year-old Wilton Manors man, was arrested and faces several charges.

Video showed him arguing with several people outside Gym Sports Bar, a popular bar in Wilton Manors, a historically LGBT-friendly city near Fort Lauderdale.

Anthony Robinson, 35, was the person who recorded that video on his phone. Once he saw

Justesen pull out the gun, he stopped recording and called 911.

Once Justesen pulled out his gun, Robinson said the first thing that went through his head was “someone getting shot; Whether it be [the man he was arguing with] or an innocent bystander.”

In the video and according to witnesses, Justesen said that he had the right to defend himself. But even before that video started, Justesten was antagonizing and threatening people while digging through the trash to search for his phone.

“He had lost his phone and was very upset about that, so he went around making comments that whoever had his phone was going to get a bullet in the back of their head, that he would [explicit word] them up, and the other gentleman was saying, ‘don’t say that, it’s just a phone,’” Robinson said.

Andrew said he was trying to calm the guy down, especially after Justesen began antagonizing several women outside the bar.

He didn’t see Justesen holding the gun behind his back, and only learned that the man was armed after other people there told him.

He said he wasn’t fazed.

“I’ve seen a lot worse. I’m from New York,” said Andrew, who works nearby and had gone out with friends. “I just wanted to keep my

Kenneth Justesen, a 45-year-old Wilton Manors man, was arrested and faces several charges.

Kenneth Justesen, a 45-year-old from Wilton Manors, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a felony: improper exhibition of a firearm, a misdemeanor: and possession of a firearm while under the influence, a misdemeanor. Photo via Broward Sheriff’s office. cool. He was saying all this aggressive stuff.

Now that I see the video, I think, ‘Wow, I didn’t notice that.’”

Justesen’s gun was loaded, according to investigators, who went on to say he was

www.WMGAZETTE.com

intoxicated and “approaching patrons in the bar in a belligerent manner.”

Read the full story at sfgn.com/Bar Sun Sentinel and SFGN are media partners.

7. 7. 20 22 •

17

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS COMMISSION TALKS WATER TREATMENT, WMPD ACCREDITATION, AND DOG PARK RULES

By Bella Ramirez

THE

GAZETTE July 7, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 13 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Wilton Manors’ last commission meeting was filled with news, including the city’s plans for water treatment, the Wilton Manors Police Department renewing its accreditation, and new rules at Colohatchee Dog Park.

Editorial

Graphic Designer • Greg Bistolfi artwork@sfgn.com Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor •Bella Ramirez

INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE PLANS DISCUSSED FOR SEWAGE AND WATER TREATMENT

Correspondents

Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

The city also used Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to discuss plans for investing in water and sewer renovation projects.

Finance Director Pennie Zuercher spoke in favor of the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA) financing.

WIFIA is a federal program that prioritizes cities with populations less than 25,000.

Zuercher also said Wilton Manors will identify what projects will be eligible for funding from other means like the State Revolving Fund and the timeline for each project to affect residents in a less intrusive way.

The city commission voted to move forward with applying for WIFIA financing.

WILTON MANORS POLICE DEPARTMENT (WMPD) UPDATES Darren Brodsky, assistant chief of police of WMPD, announced the department was unanimously reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

The agency reviews took place June 15 and 16 in Orlando with Accreditation Manager Doug Robertson.

Brodsky also noted that there were no “significant safety issues” during Stonewall Pride, as no arrests were made. However, police received 24 medical-related calls during the event, which he cited as due to heat or intoxication.

Following public comment, Brodsky also acknowledged the incident of a man pulling out a gun at Gym Sportsbar.

NEW DOG PARK RULES Colohatchee Dog Park will require dog vaccinations as part of the registration process

For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping

MEMBER

Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo by Carina Mask.

for an entrance key fob. Dog owners will have to go in person to show updated dog vaccination papers for their key fobs to work.

Once their dog vaccinations expire, the key fob will stop working until owners come back with updated vaccination papers.

“None of you know what the city commission went through to make sure this event went on.”

The mayor advised that future events have more transparency of records from vendors, especially those the city donates to.

• 7. 7.2022

The city commission decided to print and mail two of the Town Criers to every resident in town except for those who opt out and change distribution to quarterly rather than bimonthly.

EVENT POLICIES Mayor Scott Newton brought up changing event policies to avoid the difficulties faced from planning Stonewall Pride. He added that there was a point at which the annual event almost got canceled.

“I’m not going to go through what I went through this year, next year,” Newton said.

2 •

MEMBER

Associated Press MEMBER

NEW LAWS

TOWN CRIER PRINTING CHANGE

City Attorney Kerry Ezrol shared various Florida House bills that came into effect July 1.

Ezrol brought up a house bill that allows cities to restrict smoking to boundaries of beaches and parks. This will be discussed at the next city commission meeting.

He also announced the creation of special event zones; these zones will double traffic fines and allow enforcement of occupancy limits on public or private property.

As of July 1, there is also a new traffic violation for sounds audible at 25 feet or more from a car.

The next city commission meeting is July 12 at 7 p.m.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 18

South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com.

SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

JULY 7, 2022

MEMBER

Copyright © 2022 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

HAVE YOU JOINED THE GAZETTE’S FACEBOOK GROUP? Come join the discussion. The Gazette welcomes feedback. Email Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com with comments, suggestions, etc.

Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS MAN ARRESTED IN 2021

DUI MANSLAUGHTER CASE

By Christiana Lilly

Gary Resnick. Image via Facebook.

WILTON MANORS COMMISSIONER

GARY RESNICK NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION

By John Hayden

Wilton Manors resident David Humphreys was arrested June 28 for a DUI crash from February 2021, which led to the death of passenger, 22-year-old Anesty Meléndez Ruiz.

In the early morning hours of Feb. 6, 2021, the 58-year-old was driving 62mph in a 35mph zone on 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale when he lost control of the car, according to police, crashing into the barricade and hitting trees.

“The vehicle ‘exploded’ into numerous parts upon impact.

The driver and passenger seats were still intact but far apart.”

“The vehicle ‘exploded’ into numerous parts upon impact. The driver and passenger seats were still intact but far apart,” according to the police report.

Local 10 reports that police said the car split in half and 10-foot flames ignited.

Meléndez Ruiz was taken to Broward General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Humphreys’ blood alcohol content was tested and came back at .238% — almost three times the legal limit in Florida.

Humphreys was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter, one count of vehicular homicide, three counts of DUI property damage, and three counts of reckless driving.

He pleaded not guilty.

Meléndez Ruiz was buried in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is survived by his parents, Anesty Meléndez and Jessica Ruiz. On the funeral home’s obituary page, friends and family wrote about his love for Bad Bunny and described him as vibrant, bright and caring.

According to court records, Humphreys was in the hospital for 90 days after the accident, 30 of which he was in a coma. He does not drive and uses a cane and walking boot as a result of the crash. He was convicted of a misdemeanor DUI in 2005.

The state’s request for pretrial detention was denied.

Vice-Mayor Paul Rolli echoed those After decades of service to the citizens of Wilton Manors, City Commissioner Gary thoughts.

“Commissioner Gary Resnick served Resnick has decided to step back at the end of admirably for many years and I wish him and his term.

He made the announcement in an open Eric all the best in their future endeavors. We will miss Gary’s knowledge and experience letter to his constituents.

“I have decided not to seek re-election this in many areas including his work with the November. This has not been an easy decision, Broward and Florida Leagues of Cities as well as in locating significant as representing the city has funding sources for city been an incredible experience. projects.”

I’ve developed many great “OUR CITY “Our city owes a debt of friends along the way. Many of OWES A DEBT gratitude to Commissioner you have reached out to me to Gary Resnick for his 24 years of encourage me to run again and OF GRATITUDE service,” fellow Commissioner to pledge your support. Your TO COMMISSIONER Chris Caputo said. “As a support for all these years, commission, we benefited through nine elections, has GARY RESNICK from his institutional meant the world. I learned two FOR HIS 24 YEARS knowledge and municipal legal things from my mother that expertise. I wish him the very have guided me well: 1) always OF SERVICE.” best as he embarks on his next have a sense of humor, and 2) - Chris Caputo chapter.” leave when they still want you WILTON MANORS Commissioner Mike Bracchi to stay. This is the right time COMMISSIONER for me, Eric, and our rescue agreed.

“Commissioner pup Brady to travel and to have Resnick has dedicated over more flexibility.” two decades of his life to He was first elected to the Wilton Manors our wonderful Island City. He should be City Commission in 1998, and served as mayor commended for his steadfast commitment to from 2008-2018. Current Mayor Scott Newton serving our community.” told SFGN that Resnick has been a great face At the end of his statement, Resnick said for the city. this goodbye may not be forever.

“Gary has been a very good ambassador to “Of course, I love Wilton Manors, and this the city we have,” Newton said. “Accomplished will always be home. Who knows, maybe a lot of good together to make Wilton Manors public office will again be in my future.” what it is today and I wish him all the best.”

www.WMGAZETTE.com

www.WMGAZETTE.com 3 •

JULY 7, 2022

7. 7. 20 22 •

19

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

IMPACT FEES PROJECTED TO INCREASE IN WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS IDENTIFIES BUSINESSES AT RISK OF DIRECT DISPLACEMENT, OUTLINES PLAN FOR HELP

By Bella Ramirez Following an Impact and Connection Fee Study conducted by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., Wilton Manors is considering updating its impact and connection fees. The fees have not been updated in more than 15 years even though it is standard practice to update them every four to five years.

Impact fees are placed on property developers to pay for infrastructure such as police, playgrounds and other investments in the city that may need to be upgraded to accommodate city growth.

These fees will not be placed on existing residents, but new residents will have to pay them.

Although current residents will not pay these fees, City Commissioner Chris Caputo told SFGN that residents should still be vocal about fees in upcoming meetings.

“It’s really important that the existing residents come out because if the impact fees aren’t there, then that means that they’ll end up bearing the cost through their taxes or paying to upgrade or to implement the infrastructure that’s necessary,” Caputo said.

The city commission voted unanimously during its June 28 meeting to go forward with the “extraordinary case” for impact fees by maximizing them and holding two public meetings before finalizing the fees.

Commissioner Gary Resnick described this as updating the fees “to be more in line with reality.”

The largest projected monetary fee is the parks and recreation impact fee, which is projected to increase from $1,224.28 to $2,146 for single family homes and $976.51 to $2,010 for multi-family homes.

The fee with the highest percent change is the police impact fee, which is projected to increase from $91.50 to $382 for single family homes and $360 for multi-family homes. Fire impact fees are projected to increase by $40 for single family homes and $42 for multifamily homes.

Since the current impact fees are so outdated, many types of fees do not yet exist.

Under Raftelis’ guidance, the city is expected to add general government impact fees ($520 for single family and $491 for multi-family) and library fees ($112 for single family and $104 for multi-family).

Raftelis also advised the city to maintain

By Bella Ramirez

Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

Photo by Carina Mask.

the $0.25-per-square-foot affordable housing fee already used by the city.

Caputo started the discussion of affordable housing and how the fees may affect rent and mortgage for future Wilton Manors residents.

“The reality is, whatever the cost the developer pays, he’s going to pass it on to the renter,” Caputo said.

Commissioner Michael Bracchi offered the idea to rethink fees on single family homes.

“We want to try to keep houses affordable, right? I don’t think we want townhouses going in every possible space where they can,” Bracchi said. “[Developers] should be bearing the bulk of the fees.”

Mayor Scott Newton spoke in favor of prioritizing multi-family homes instead in hopes of paving the way for more affordable housing.

“The reality is, the multi-family is what we need to make sure is there for affordable housing for people that work on The Drive, work on the restaurants, work at the bars, work at the hotel that might be coming up — all that,” Newton said.

Raftelis also advised the City Commission to alter their utility connection charges.

Their team suggested adopting a new water connection charge of $696 and increasing the wastewater charge from $2,075 to $2,441.

Non-residential buildings are also projected to account for higher impact fees. Restaurants and bars will face the brunt of the fees with an estimated $5,550, or $5.55 per square foot.

Retail spaces are next to see the largest change with a projected $1,839 or $1.84 per square foot.

Residents can voice their thoughts on the fees at the upcoming city commission meeting July 12 at 7 p.m.

Wilton Manors identified 23 businesses at risk of direct displacement from redevelopment at their latest city commission meeting June 28.

The city is adopting a five-point plan to help the businesses stay in Wilton Manors.

Kim Allonce, the economic development manager of Wilton Manors, created and presented an in-house study of Wilton Manors’ small businesses and how to keep them from getting displaced. The study, candidly called “Stay in Wilton,” focused on businesses impacted by direct displacement — “forced to vacate due to eminent domain, building sale, redevelopment or rezoning.”

Allonce identified three at-risk businesses on The Ave, four at-risk businesses on The Drive, and 16 at-risk businesses in East Village.

The five-point plan outlines partnering with Modified image via PXHere. local organizations to help businesses relocate, establishing a Relocation Assistance Grant to help with costs, asking landlords to sign a owner for a long, long time,” Newton said.

Commercial Tenant Protection Pledge, waiving “I never asked for a city to help me, because I select requirements for relocated businesses put money away.”

Newton also noted that many businesses and asking landlords to offer “Right of First in the East Village area should “know it may Refusal” to returning businesses.

City Commissioner Michael Bracchi brought not be a permanent place” since the owner up the possibility of supporting the at-risk expressed that he would like to redevelop it businesses financially during their move. one day.

Caputo offered the idea of using American Commissioners Gary Resnick and Chris Caputo Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to give aid to the voiced agreement.

“Moving a business, even if it’s a near area, displaced businesses. The ARPA funds come is disruptive,” Resnick said. “Some of these from the federal government and can only be used to help small businesses. [businesses] have supported Caputo described the funds as a the city for 20, 30 years and “use or lose it” situation.

I think we should do the “I’m going to be a The city commission has same thing.” not decided whether they The commissioner little harsh here, and will provide aid to displaced suggested creating an aid fund I think I can because businesses nor how if so. from developer money to help An issue also brought up the businesses.

I’ve been a business about the displacement was the “I know for a fact that at owner for a long, shortage of commercial space in least one of these on this list Wilton Manors. Allonce noted is losing their retirement plan long time ... I never that certain businesses were if they are unable to move to asked for a city to interested in retiring rather a place where they can keep help me, because I than moving if displaced. Some their customers,” he said. highlighted at-risk businesses Mayor Scott Newton said put money away.” outlined in her presentation that businesspeople should were Lotus Chinese Kitchen, “look out for rainy days” and - Mayor Scott Newton Holy Mackerel, Joshua Tree and save from the beginning rather Mavericks Barbershop. than depend on selling their Wilton Manors residents can business for retirement funds.

He spoke against using taxpayer dollars for voice their thoughts during public comment at the next city commission meeting July aiding businesses.

“I’m going to be a little harsh here, and 12 at 7 p.m. or by contacting Kim Allonce at I think I can because I’ve been a business kallonce@wiltonmanors.com.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 20

• 7. 7.2022

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

www.WMGAZETTE.com 4 •

JULY 7, 2022

CONVICTIONS

Jesse’s Journal

LICENSE TO HATE

Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org

A home for your spirit.

W

Church of Our Savior MCC

“Love without judgement”

954-633-2987

Jesse Monteagudo hen the Supreme Court approved marriage equality (2015) many believed that homophobia was on its way out.

Though hatred against LGBT people continued to exist, many thought that, like racism, it was a feeling that bigots would keep to themselves. All this changed with the rise of Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. Trump gave his followers permission to hate, not only against the queer community but also against Blacks, Indigenous peoples, Muslims, immigrants, or anyone else they do not like. Under Trump, America became a hateful nation, and we still pay the price.

The Texas Republican Party has long been a bellwether of the American right movement.

Though the Texas GOP has always been homophobic and transphobic, this year it carried its bigotry to new levels. At a recent convention, Lone Star Republicans approved a platform that called homosexuality “an abnormal lifestyle choice. We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin, and we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values. No one should be granted special legal status based on their LGBTQ+ identification.” The convention also endorsed conversion therapy and opposed “all efforts to validate transgender identity.”

Texas Republicans are very far out, even by GOP standards, and nothing that they decide at their conventions will surprise me. But publicly expressed, anti-queer feeling has now spread across the right’s political firmament. Sometimes public homophobia is expressed by repressive laws, as is the case with Florida’s recently passed “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Sometimes it is expressed by comments on social media, as in Twitter messages posed by QAnon nut cases Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Trans people, especially youth, are favorite targets of the MAGA haters who seek to restrict their access to affirming health care or their right to use bathrooms or participate in sports. Some go as far as Mississippi’s Robert Foster, who argued that those “advocating to put men pretending to be women in locker rooms and bathrooms with young women should

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

2011 South Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www.churchofoursaviormcc.org

Join us for in-person worship

at 10 AM Sunday, or live streamed on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChruchofOurSaviorMCC

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, via Wikimedia Commons.

receive the death penalty by firing squad.”

But all of us are in the bull’s-eye. The new haters exploit parents’ longstanding fear for their children’s safety when they accuse all LGBT people (and our allies) of being “groomers” who, if not pedophiles ourselves, support the rights of pedophiles. Like wokeness, grooming is something that most people know little about, though they instinctively fear it. Politicians, who should know better, use this to their advantage.

Though the quest to protect “innocent” children from homosexuals is nothing new — it was the goal of Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” crusade in 1977 — I did not expect it to still be as powerful in 2022.

I do not think Americans hate LGBT people more today than they did a decade ago. Like racism, homophobia and transphobia have always been with us. However, under the current political climate, some Americans feel more justified or encouraged to express their bigotry and act upon it. Even worse, these haters now have more power and influence to enact their hatred than ever before. This is something that we should keep in mind, as the midterm elections approach.

Coronavirus Journal X. I have not written much about COVID-19 lately, partly because I ran out of things to write about it. But life has since taught me otherwise. Though I have been vaccinated (four times) I recently tested positive for the virus. But I am largely asymptomatic, and I expect to get over this illness soon (thanks to the vaccines). So let this be a lesson to us all. Though the current plethora of diseases is getting weary, we must be prepared. So, please, get your shots, not only against COVID-19 but also against meningitis and monkey pox. They might save your life.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS. CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

SPIRITUALITY

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

LISTINGS

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-928-0410 Friday Night & Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org 7. 7. 20 22 •

21

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS? 22

• 7. 7.2022

SFGN.com/donate

FEATURE PETS

HANDSOME BOY!

Dexter (ID 657002) may just be one of the most handsome dogs at the Humane Society of Broward County this week.

This blonde retriever mix is four years old and 69 pounds of sweetness. He walks well on a leash, is very gentle, knows to sit – especially when a yummy treat is involved – and

DEXTER

appears to like people of all ages. Can he be part of your family?

Appointments are not necessary to visit the Humane Society of Broward County. However, please complete the preadoption application on the website www.humanebroward.com prior to stopping by if you would like to meet a pet.

The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I95, and opens daily at 11 a.m. If you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Can’t adopt, but want to help? The Humane Society has wish lists on Amazon and Chewy.

ALL STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND CUSTOMERS SHOULD WEAR A MASK TO ENTER THE SHELTER.

7. 7. 20 22 •

23

A&E APPOINTMENTS

The South Florida Symphony will perform its Miami Beach concerts in Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall at the New World Center beginning in November. Credit: New World Center.

ARTSBEAT SYMPHONY CELEBRATES WITH BIG MOVE J.W. Arnold

SFSO ENTERS A NEW WORLD The South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) recently announced its 25th anniversary season, but the biggest news was that the symphony will make the New World Center its new Miami Beach home.

The New World Center, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, is an architectural landmark in the heart of South Beach. Its state-of-the-art acoustics, cutting-edge multimedia equipment, and dramatic views of the iconic Miami Beach Art Deco skyline will offer SFSO patrons an elevated musical experience and increased seating capacity, orchestra president Jacqueline Lorber promised in a statement.

A perennial favorite at its birthplace in Key West, SFSO was named a Partner in the Arts for The Parker in downtown Fort Lauderdale last year. The symphony performed to full houses during its inaugural season at the former Parker Playhouse, which had undergone a $30 million renovation in 2021.

Growing audiences in Miami necessitated a larger venue to accommodate patrons, and funding for the move was provided by the Gerald L. Laskey Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward.

“In recent years, the momentum in Miami has continued to build, establishing the foundation to enter our next stage of growth at the New World Center…with an enthusiastic patron base and full support,” Lorber said. “We are grateful for the generosity and foresight of Gerald Laskey.”

The symphony’s 2022-23 season will include five masterworks concerts from November 2022 to April 2023, and the return of the holiday favorite, Handel’s “Messiah,” in December.

For a full schedule and tickets, go to SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

WORLD PREMIERE IN WEST PALM BEACH “Time Stops – A New Musical” will receive its world premiere July 15 to 17 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

“Time Stops” is the story of a writer who desires to create a musical based on the life her late daughter never had a chance to experience. As she retreats further into her imaginary world, the people in her life find themselves at their own crossroads of unrealized dreams.

Featuring an original story by Bonnie Logan (“Boca Bound”) and led by an award-winning creative team, “Time Stops” is directed by Chad Larabee (“Drefus in Rehearsal,” “Ain’t We Got Fun”) with original music and musical direction by award-winning composer Brett Boles (“Foreverman,” “Benjamin Button”). Grammynominated and Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway producer and music director Michael J. Moritz, Jr. (“Hadestown,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”) serves as music supervisor for the production.

Tickets start at $45 at Kravis.org.

24

• 7. 7.2022

HAPPY H O U R

TUES-FRI 4-8PM

4

$

ALWAYS

ALL BRANDS PICTURED

5

$

W E D N E S D AY S

DRINKS

MIDNIGHT CONTEST hosted by

DAISY D with

ERIS D & TPROMIX

2440 WILTON DRIVE, WILTON MANORS, FL TUES-THUR 4P-1A, FRI 4P-2A, SAT 2P-2A, SUN 2P-1A

1243 NE 11 AVE, FT LAUD, FL | TUES-SUN 6P-2A/3A WEEKENDS | LEBOY.COM

7. 7. 20 22 •

25

SFGN's

SWAPSHOP

!

Call our sales team at 954.530.4970 husband for rent HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price.

Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com

Reach your local community the tried and true way.

Call us to make a classified ad!

954.530.4970

BROWARD BOYS PAINTERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

We Show Up & Do It Right The First Time Satisfaction Guaranteed!

TOWN HOME COMMUNITIES CONDO BUILDINGS SHOPPING PLAZAS

We Warranty Everything We Do

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

954-341-2400

EXTERIOR PAINTING ROOF COATINGS WATERPROOFING STUCCO REPAIRS PROFESSIONAL QUALITY 7 & 10 YEAR WARRANTIES

www.BrowardBoys.com Contractor Lic# CC93-7181 & Ins.

26

• 7. 7.2022

7. 7. 20 22 •

27

Sick of STDs? freeSTDcheck.org AHF Wellness Centers (877) 259-8727

Broward

Biscayne

Homestead

750 SE 3rd Ave. 1st FL

2400 Biscayne Blvd

2826 NE 8th St Ste B-13

Jackson North

South Beach

Wilton Manors

100 NW 170th St, Ste 208

1613 Alton Rd

2097 Wilton Dr