CHECK OUT THE NEW
local name global coverage
Begins in center
may 2, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 18
WMG
Nothing To See Here. Page 14 - 15
SouthFloridaGayNews
@soflagaynews
SFGN.com
NEWS local
SouthFloridaGayNews.com
May 2, 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 18
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com
Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
Editorial
A glimpse at what FlockFest entails. Photo via Facebook.
Inflatable Swans Will Soon Invade Sebastian Beach
Fort Lauderdale ‘FlockFest’ returns June 30
Damon Scott
Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com Designer • Char Pratt Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi TBerardi2014@fau.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com
Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo •
S
ummertime fun might seem a far away The money raised for Renand, based in thought, but for this one you need Fort Lauderdale, will help provide schooling time to get your swan ready. for kids, jobs to families, family housing, The fourth incarnation of “FlockFest” and medical/dental services to villagers in lands once again at Fort Lauderdale’s Haiti. It’s all in an effort to keep kids from Sebastian Street Beach June 30. Founder becoming restaveks — a term often used to Steven Crawford expects more than 2,000 describe a version of modern day slavery. people (and hundreds of swan floats) to take Renand also hosts a gay-friendly, familypart in the emerging tradition. friendly trip to Bassin Bleu, Haiti, to observe The event consists of the work volunteers are doing decorative and creative swan for the community. floats, which attendees take out Participation in FlockFest is on the beach and in the ocean free, so Crawford said funds while enjoying a variety of for Renand will be raised perks and activities. through the sale of “HassleCrawford has paired with a Free” VIP tickets and through local nonprofit for the first time sponsorships. — the Renand Foundation. Crawford said a $100 VIP - Steven Crawford He said he has a personal ticket allows you to show up Founder of flockfest connection to co-founders with your float and have it Renato Markus Silva and Andis inflated, all while hanging out Tamayo. The name “Renand” comes from under a shady tent. You’ll get lots of swag the first three letters of Silva and Tamayo’s as well, said Crawford — think t-shirt, bag, first names. sunglasses, towel and beach chair. “I’ve known the founders for a while and Crawford moved to Fort Lauderdale from have a personal relationship,” said Crawford, Dallas about five years ago. He quickly who is gay. “The entire board is gay and it’s made a lot of friends and launched the first gay-owned.” FlockFest a year after he arrived.
“It started off as a joke with a bunch of friends.”
MEMBER
“It started off as a joke with a bunch of friends,” Crawford said. “I drove an inflator around to everyone’s home and then brought a U-Haul to take all the floats to the [Sebastian Street Beach] parking lot.” In year one, there were 60 people and 30 floats; year two saw 125 people and 75 floats; and last year there were 500 people and 200 floats. The event has become so popular that Crawford is taking the year off as an IT analyst to focus on the event. He’s brought in about 20 sponsors so far and the city of Fort Lauderdale has even shown interest — sending up drones last year to take pictures. Crawford said businesses like the Casablanca Café, located at 3049 Alhambra Street, have always been supportive of FlockFest. FlockFest runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, there are related events beginning June 28 (kick-off party at Georgie’s Alibi) and running through July 1 (dance at Flip Flops Dockside Eatery). Crawford said those who don’t already have an inflatable swan on hand can buy one at To The Moon Marketplace in Wilton Manors.
MEMBER
For more information, including event and ticket options, go to flockfest.com. For more on the Renand Foundation, go to renand.org. See our news in video Online now!
Cover illustration by Brendon Lies. MEMBER
Associated Press
Correspondents
Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • David-Elijah Nahmod
Contributing Columnists
Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • Terri Schlichenmeyer
Associate Photographers
Carina Mask • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing
For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin.Wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin.Neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers Clark.Rogers@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell Lee Curtis Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press
SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for
NLGJA Journalist of the Year 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. Copyright © 2018 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
2
•
5 . 2.2018
MEMBER
5.2.2018 •
3
NEWS online
Action Online
Don't miss the
SFGN’s Coverage of the Pride Center Sex Predator Scandal
Tech Giants Apple, Google Oppose Kansas Adoption Bill
California Gay Couple, Friend File Suit After ‘Gay Bashing’ Ejection from Restaurant
Photo via YouTube still.
Transgender Woman Becomes Prom Queen in Wisconsin
Photo via WCMH-TV.
Gillibrand, Mattis Clash in Committee Over Transgender Military Service
Mattis photo public domain; Gillibrand photo by personaldemocracy via Flickr
6. Friend Launches GoFundMe for Gay Porn Actor in ICU Following Brain Surgery Photo via Twitter / @jimmydurano.
7. Rafiki: Kenya Bans Lesbian Film Ahead of Cannes Debut 8. RuPaul’s Drag Race Exit Interview: Blair St Claire 9. What to Read: ‘The Rest of It: Hustlers, Cocaine, Depression, and Then Some 1976-1988’ 10. Disney Reveals Rainbow Mouse Ears Before Pride Month
Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SoFlaGayNews Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews
4
•
5 . 2.2018
AHF Healthcare Centers Delray Beach 2605 W Atlantic Ave, #D101 (561) 279-0991 Liberty City 1498 NW 54 St, Ste C (305) 603-8200 Orlando 1701 N Mills Ave (407) 204-7000 Tampa Bay 3135 State Road 580, Ste 1 (727) 725-9931
Dr. Mark Davis, AHF Dental Director
Warren, AHF Client
5.2.2018 •
5
NEWS local
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Will Portalatin speaks at a previous DiversiSAFE. SFGN file photo.
‘DiversiSAFE’ to be Held at Gallery of Amazing Things
Annual Latinos Salud event takes place May 12 Damon Scott
O
PROUD SPONSOR
A ”10 BEST” SPA
EDITOR’S CHOICE EDITOR’S CHOICE
A “TOP 10”
BEST SMALL RESORT
NUMBER ONE
SPA OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SPA MEMEBRSHIP AVAILABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA
CLOTHING OPTIONAL AREAS GAY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1999
rganizers are serving up what they hope will be an amazing event — so the venue choice makes a lot of sense. Latinos Salud is hosting its signature “DiversiSAFE” event in Broward County next month at the Gallery of Amazing Things in Dania Beach. The May 12 gala event is designed to be a celebration, but also a way for Latinos Salud to update the community on the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Florida. The nonprofit serves South Florida with locations in Wilton Manors, Miami Beach and Kendall. It primarily focuses on services for gay Latinos, anyone living with HIV, and anyone who identifies as transgender. DiversiSAFE (a mash-up for “diversity” and “safe”) is the annual event where Latinos Salud “rolls out the red carpet to welcome the entire community to the event of the season,” a news release said. “DiversiSAFE is about community, hope, and most of all, celebration,” co-founder Rafaelé Narváez said in a statement. “Everyone in the community is invited to our celebration.” There were about 500 guests at last year’s event in Miami who enjoyed an evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and entertainment. Organizers said they are “upping the entertainment factor” this year, bringing in special guest performer Tatianna from RuPaul’s Drag Race. “The DiversiSAFE dancers will bring artistry to the evening, and the DiversiSAFE role models will return,” the release said. Local DJ, AJ Reddy, will be on hand for the
evening as well. “DiversiSAFE is not just another awards banquet; it’s a high-energy and empowering community event,” said Latinos Salud board co-chair Juan Oves in a statement. The price for entry is a “pick your pledge” format. Attendees designate a donation and any additional amount goes toward Latinos Salud. Entry includes access to event festivities as well as hors d’oeuvres and an open bar (for those 21 and up). Organizers said advance registrations are available for as little as $30 per person. “Those guests who pick the top tier registrations — $125 or $250 per person — will not only significantly support the agency’s services, but also be invited to the VIP meet and greet with Tatianna and with the DiversiSAFE dancers or role models,” the release said. Those who pre-register will receive gift bags and free valet parking. “We’ve updated our DiversiSAFE information pamphlet, and it will be included in everyone’s gift bag,” Stephen Fallon, the agency’s executive director said in a statement. “This resource, created by Latinos Salud, has exciting news and great tips for everyone, whether HIV-negative or HIV-positive, Latino or not, young or experienced. We’re out to defeat stigma, homophobia, and most of all, HIV. Who says you can’t come for the fun, and leave with a little information?” he said. The event starts at 7 p.m. The Gallery of Amazing Things is located at 481 South Federal Highway.
Registration options are available at bit.ly/DiversiSAFELatinosSalud. For more information on Latinos Salud, go to latinossalud.org.
6
•
5 . 2.2018
SPONSORED content
Genesis Health Institute Features SculpSure™ for NonInvasive Body Sculpting!
Eliminate fat without surgery in just 25 minutes…
G
enesis Health Institute is excited to feature SculpSure, a noninvasive body sculpting system for the permanent elimination of fat around the body’s midsection. Treating areas such as the abdomen, flanks and love handles with SculpSure not only destroys fat, but also produces collagen which tightens skin in the treated area. Patients begin to see results within 6 weeks and full results are obtained at just 12 weeks. Best of all, this fat elimination and skin tightening procedure is achieved without any surgery or downtime. In multi-site trials, a single procedure was proven to reduce approximately 25% of the treated fat area and yield a 92% patient satisfaction rate. All in less than half the time required by the alternate “fat freezing” procedure available. Over 80% of adults in the United States are unhappy with their physical appearance, a majority stating their
stomach is a major source of anxiety. It’s not surprising that fat reduction is one of the fastest growing procedures in the aesthetics field. Even with diet and exercise, many people have areas of fat that seem impossible to get rid of. SculpSure can help most patients lose 50% of their midsection body fat with two simple treatments that fit easily into their busy lifestyles. FDA cleared and clinically tested, SculpSure is a safe and effective lightbased treatment that precisely targets fat cells and permanently destroys them in an easy 25 minute procedure. The destroyed cells are absorbed and discharged through the body’s lymphatic system. There is no downtime or recovery; and patients may return to normal activities immediately following the procedure. SculpSure is comfortable and well-tolerated, with most patients feeling nothing more than a tingling, warming sensation.
Contact Genesis Health Institute at 954-561-3175 to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about SculpSure and other Anti-Aging Medical and Aesthetic Treatments. Genesis Health Institute is south Florida’s “Premiere” full service anti-aging center celebrating its tenth year of service. Providing quality healthcare and expertise in Wilton Manors, we pride ourselves in offering the community a caring, hospitable and affordable concierge based medical practice. Dr. Cabrera, owner and Medical Director of the Genesis Health Institute is certified by the American Academy of AntiAging Medicine. Our mission is to provide state of the art medical, therapeutic and aesthetic treatments to optimize not only quantity but most importantly, quality of life!
Genesis Health Institute is located at 1001 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors (next to Starbuck’s at 5-points) and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Please call 954-561-3175 to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss their varied therapies and treatments or check out their website at www.ghinstitute.com for additional information.
5.2.2018 •
7
NEWS local
Wilton Manors Won’t Sever
Ties with Pride Center Michael d'Oliveira
W
ilton Manors City Commissioner Julie Carson brought the controversy surrounding Robert Boo and the Pride Center to last week’s commission meeting.
Carson, who said she had immense respect and support for what The Pride Center does, put the possibility of the city severing its financial support and ties to Pride on the city’s agenda. But the rest of the commission was against the city taking action. Recently, Boo, Pride Center’s Chief Executive Officer, has been the cause of controversy for not taking action sooner to terminate the employment of a registered sex offender, Clarence Collins, who confessed to raping an 11-year-old girl in the mid-90s and threatening “to kill her if she told.” Children regularly visit the Pride Center and use its playground. Boo admitted he knew of Collins’ sex offender history all along, just not the details of the crime, and wanted to give him a second chance. But once the playground was installed, Collins’ employment at the center was no longer legal since sex offenders aren’t allowed to work near anywhere children gather. Boo later claimed ignorance of the law. This week, Book was censured by the Pride Board of Directors and suspended for two weeks without pay beginning May 1. He will also have to undergo training and will have his performance monitored. He recently apologized for his remarks.
“We learn from our mistakes and obviously the reason we are here tonight is so I can very publicly, very openly, apologize,” Boo said to a crowd of dozens of board members, founders, staff and others at Rosie’s on April 15. “Because of some decisions that I made with the information that I had, I brought a black cloud to the center.” Carson said she found out about Collins’ status as a registered sex offender two years ago and was assured by Boo that he would not be allowed near children. Since then, she said she learned that was not the case. “I believe the city’s been betrayed.” Carson then said the city should sever its ties with Pride until it “demonstrates action” to address the situation. The ties with the city include about $18,000 in fire exemption fees, revenue sharing, event permit fees and facility rental fees. A little under $3,000 is from revenuesharing related to Wicked Manors, which Pride organizes every year. Mayor Gary Resnick pointed out that the $8,000 in fire exemption fees is something that all nonprofits and religious organizations that own property enjoy. Resnick said the city could not single out Pride on the fire exemption fees. Either everyone, or no one,
City of Wilton Manors Commission. Photo via Wilton Manors, Facebook.
8
•
5 . 2.2018
The Pride Center. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.
would benefit from the exemption. said Resnick, the city might lose businesses But even though the amount given by to Oakland Park or Fort Lauderdale. the city to Pride is relatively small, the rest Members of the public and Pride board of the city commission members also spoke out in favor did not want to see that of the organization and Boo. support end. Vice Mayor “Everyone makes mistakes. Justin Flippen said the Everyone deserves a second “greater good” needs to chance,” said Mark Seymour, be taken into account owner of Hunter’s Nightclub, but that he expects Boo a presenting sponsor during and Pride to “restore Wicked Manors. “He’s a good that faith” that some in guy.” the community lost with Pride Center Board Member Pride. Chris Caputo said he was Commissioner Scott disappointed by Carson Newton said he didn’t bringing up the issue and said want to punish all of Pride means a lot to him and Pride and the people others. Resident and activist - Mark Seymour they help just because Michael Rajner said he had “lost Owner of Hunters of the failure of Boo. confidence in the [Pride Center] Resnick agreed, and said board” and that the issue “needs that the city cutting ties correcting.” with Pride would include Wicked Manors Although no action was taken, Carson which generates about $1 million in said she was glad a dialogue on the subject revenue for local businesses. Without that, occurred.
“Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
PEACE PIPE Over 1,000 SQ FT. GLASSROOM!
LOWEST PRICES • LARGEST SELECTION GUARANTEED • YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR VAPOR NEEDS!
LARGEST SELECTION
HOOKAHS • SHISHA • ROLLING PAPERS • VAPORIZERS • ELECTRIC CIGARETTES • ELIQUIDS • ZIPPOS • TOBACCO ACCESSORIES
DIESEL • LEFT COAST • MEDICALI • ROOR • GRAV LABS • SILIKA • PULSE • TSUNAMI & MORE!
INCENSE + CANDLES + TAPESTRIES • ASHTRAYS • TORCH LIGHTERS • FLASKS • BODY JEWELRY • GAMES • ROLLING TOBACCO • POSTERS • STATUES • FIGURINES • T-SHIRTS • LOTS MORE!
OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM • SUN: 12 - 6 PM EVERYTHING YOU NEED! MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! The Best Since 1996 15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95
954-267-9005
4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD
Two Locations!
FACEBOOK.COM/PEACEPIPEFL
Nite Life Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.
754-779-7007
821 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF SEARS TOWN NEXT TO CUBBY HOLE @PEACEPIPEFORTLAUDERDALE
TREATMENT FOR: ▶ BACK PAIN ▶ NECK PAIN ▶ JOINT DISEASE ▶ HIV NEUROPATHY ▶ HEADACHES ▶ SHINGLES ▶ PRP AND STEM CELL THERAPY PROCEDURES OFFERED: ▶ EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS ▶ JOINT INJECTIONS ▶ BACK BRACES ▶ SPINAL CORD STIMULATION ▶ PHYSICAL & MASSAGE THERAPY ▶ BOTOX (COSMETIC & THERAPEUTIC) ▶ RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION
Kent & Cormican Criminal Defense Law Center
954.763.1900
Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.NormKent.com
1164 E. OAKLAND PARK BLVD. SUITE 201 OAKLAND PARK, FL 33334 TOM MACEK, MD Board Certified in: ANESTHESIOLOGY PAIN MANAGEMENT
NEEL AMIN, MD
Board Certified in: ANESTHESIOLOGY PAIN MANAGEMENT
T: 954.678.1074 | F: 954.938.2127 AMERICANPAINEXPERTS.COM medicare & private insurance accepted 5.2.2018 •
9
LGBTQIA bites
L
Lesbian
Doctor Refuses Service to Lesbian Couple’s Daughter
B
By Ryan Lynch Bisexual
Dove Cameron Makes Viral Post About ‘Stealing Your Girl’
Jami and Krista Contreras, via Facebook.
A lesbian couple in Michigan had a physician allegedly deny service to their daughter because of their sexualities. Jami and Krista Contreras brought their newborn baby in for its first checkup, according to PinkNews. After seeing Vesna Roi before their daughter was born, the pair was confused when another doctor came in to see their daughter. The pair asked the doctor where Roi was and was told she prayed about it and
10
•
5 .2.2018
decided not to see the couple’s child. “We just looked at each other and said: “‘Did we hear that correctly,’” Krista said. “When we tell people about it, they don’t believe us. They say: ‘(Doctors) can’t do that. That’s not legal.’ And we say: ‘Yes it is.’” Michigan is one of 26 states where there are no protections against sexual or gender discrimination, according to PinkNews.
Dove Cameron. Photo via Facebook.
A bisexual actor took to Instagram to joke about stealing the girlfriends of fans. Dove Cameron, who is in Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” series as Ruby, made a joke on Instagram that she was coming to “steal your girl,” according to PinkNews. Cameron, who made the original post in August 2017, posted an update on a
motorcycle with a female companion. “Update: stole your girl,” her April 25 post states. The new post currently has 1,045,079 likes since being uploaded. The old post had 1,084,808 likes. Cameron has previously starred in “Descendants” and “Descendants 2.”
LGBTQIA bites
T
Transgender
Pentagon Data Contradicts its Recommendation Against trans Troops
A report from three former military surgeons general and three proLGBT scholars contradicts a Pentagon recommendation that transgender people are less able to serve in the military. The new report comes from Palm Center, which advocates for gender and sexual diversity in the military, according to The Hill. The authors used “internal Defense Department data” in their report. The 56-page report found that out of 994 service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2016 and the first half of 2017, only one was unable to finish their service due to mental health.
“This data was not connected to deployment and did not demonstrate any failure to meet a deployment obligation,” the report states. “What it did demonstrate, however, is the arbitrary way in which separate standards for fitness, targeted specifically against transgender personnel, can make them appear less medically fit and less deployable than their peers.” No new laws can immediately go into effect regarding transgender service, as courts have placed a preliminary injunction as lawsuits on the subject continue.
Call or Come In Today
954.522.3800 www.PallantInsurance.com
Your Pallant Insurance Team
We’ll Handle It!
1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Insurance Flood Insurance
5.2.2018 •
11
NEWS local
Diversity Honors Draws Enthusiastic Crowd for Huerta, Other Honorees But Pride Center scandal casts shadow over annual event Damon Scott
T
he fourth Diversity Honors took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on April 27.
Along with a large ballroom decked out in having newscasters as your host is there silver, glitter, disco balls and male dancers is sometimes breaking news and things were a line up of high-powered honorees that can take them away. So I know it will that took the stage amidst food and cocktails. be a struggle, but I’m going to be your host The Diversity Honors help kick off Harvey tonight.” Milk Day events across the U.S. The event WSVN though gave SFGN a different benefits the Harvey Milk Foundation, based explanation on why Martinez and honoree in Fort Lauderdale, and The Pride Center at Craig Stevens, another anchor at WSVN, did Equality Park in Wilton Manors. not attend. Stuart Milk acted as host and emcee. “In light of the recent controversy Milk is the co-founder of the Harvey Milk surrounding the Pride Center, News Anchor Foundation and the nephew of LGBT legend Craig Stevens [and Lynn Martinez] had to Harvey Milk who was assassinated in 1978. withdraw from the Diversity Honors event,” “[The honorees are] pioneers in advocacy said Lily Pardo, a spokesperson for WSVN. and in politics. They’ve made their mark in “Participating in an event that potentially the community, in elected office limits the station’s editorial and in schools,” said Milk in his independence is a conflict of introduction. interest.” “In light of the “What unites them is a The controversy Pardo recent controversy belief that … there are no references is the recent barriers of race, gender, sex predator scandal surrounding the Pride Center, economic status, at the Pride Center News Anchor Craig Stevens [and gender expression, in which Robert Boo, sexual orientation, or the CEO, admitted to Lynn Martinez] had to withdraw physical infirmity that knowingly allowing a from the Diversity Honors can restrain the human convicted sex predator spirit. And that the to work on campus. It event.” truest test of a person’s was later discovered it - Lily Pardo life is what we have done was illegal for the predator WSVN Spokesperson for one another,” Milk said. to work there because of the While the Harvey Milk playground that was installed Foundation and the Pride Center had in 2015. Some parents were outraged hoped to put the recent scandal behind them, when they found out and called for Boo’s SFGN has now learned the host and one of resignation. Instead, the board recently the honorees did not attend for precisely that suspended Boo without pay for two weeks. reason. However the suspension did not start until The scheduled host of the event was May 1, after the Diversity Honors event. supposed to be Lynn Martinez, a TV news Ten days before Diversity Honors some anchor at WSVN 7News. people called for a protest of the celebration, “By the way I am not Lynn Martinez. I but on the day of the event, South Florida thought about maybe doing a drag, but Family Pride asked those who planned on you don’t want to see me in drag,” Milk attending to not protest. joked on stage. “So one of the issues of “This program really is about the
12
•
5 .2.2018
Robert Boo (left) stands with Stuart Milk. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.
celebration of those who advance the concept of inclusiveness. Not about Robert Boo. Those Honorees deserve to be recognized and applauded for all they do for the community,” the LGBT families group posted. “In the spirit of the moment, we want to give them the space to enjoy their honor this evening. The Pride Center plays a vital role in our community, which includes families. We will continue to press the board, and local officials to remove Robert Boo. Enjoy the celebration tonight.”
2018 honorees take the stage Dolores Huerta received the Harvey Milk Foundation’s highest award, the “Honors Medal.” Huerta, 88, is known as one of the preeminent leaders of the Latino, labor and women’s civil rights movement. She is also credited with connecting those movements to the LGBT rights movement. Huerta is co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, which later
became the United Farm Workers. “Part of the work we do with grassroots organizing in the immigrant and Latino communities is to enlighten them,” Huerta said from the stage. “To make them understand that gay rights are human rights. All of the courage, all of the love, all of the work that you do to bring unity and to heal our country: thank you very much for doing the work that you do,” she said. Huerta got the crowd roused up by getting the audience to chant “Yes We Can.” Milk reminded the audience that former President Barack Obama took the slogan from her and once thanked her for it. Milk and representatives from the Seminole Hard Rock presented the Milan Rozsa Youth Award to 10 students from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Gay-Straight Alliance. The school is located in Parkland, where a mass shooting killing 17 people took place February 14. Not only did the Gay-Straight Alliance receive the award, but the Seminole Hard
NEWS local Rock donated $50,000 to the group and gave Robert Boo presented awards to Democratic each of the 10 students a guitar. Rep. David Richardson, the first elected Leading up to the event, Emma González, openly gay state legislator in Florida’s one of the most well-known and outspoken history; and Dean Trantalis, the first openly survivors of the Parkland shooting and gay mayor of Fort Lauderdale who was student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, was elected March 13. expected to attend and receive the award. Trantalis also addressed the Pride Center It’s unclear why the Milk Foundation controversy on Facebook before the event. instead gave the award to the group, and not “Most people believe that Robert does a just González, as they announced on April good job. I am one of those people. I know 27 on Facebook. It was also presented that that he has lead our community through way on their website until Monday, April 30. good times, as well as some very difficult González’ biography has now been removed. times. I can recall the aftermath of the “BIG NEWS: We are proud to announce Pulse massacre as just such an example,” that Emma González will receive the Trantalis wrote. “I believe that Robert 2018 Harvey Milk Foundation has accepted responsibility Milan Rozsa Youth Award and made his apology. He at Diversity Honors,” is now suffering under Diversity Honors posted the rebuke of many on their Facebook page. in our community “She is now arguably as well as sanctions the face of a movement being imposed by that is actually causing his board. I do not change and she is think his resignation doing so with the kind is the answer, but we of courage you don’t must use this moment - Dean Trantalis see very often. The fact to learn from this mayor of fort lauderdale that she’s an openly LGBT, mistake.” Latina, 18-year-old female, Boo received a rousing is as inspiring as it gets.” standing ovation from many At the event, González was not in the audience after he was mentioned on stage. introduced to the stage by Milk. Michael Goodman of GPR/Goodman “The Pride Center is one of the largest Public Relations, implied the award was LGBT community centers in the world. never about González. Between one and two thousand people step “The GSA, which Emma is a part of, foot on our campus every day,” Boo said. received the Harvey Milk Foundation Milan “We’re planning and preparing for the next Rozsa Youth Award,” Goodman said. “All the decades of service and the next generation of students were recognized together, and if our community right here in South Florida.” Emma had attended, the presentation would Entertainment included a performance by have remained the same. So to clarify, there American Idol season three finalist LeToya was one award from the Foundation to the London, drag queens Athena Dion and collective group.” Daisy DeadPetals, and South Florida DJ Kidd According to a spokesperson for Gonzalez Madonny. she did not attend because she “fell ill Friday Along with the Seminole Hard Rock, night and was in bed by 8 p.m.” presenting sponsors included DMK, Levi Meanwhile, embattled Pride Center CEO Strauss and Stoli Vodka.
“Most people believe that Robert does a good job. I am one of those people.”
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School GSA.. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.
See pages 26 and 27 for more photos from the event. 5.2.2018 •
13
NEWS palm beach
What Happened to
Tony Plakas?
SFGN keeps asking questions while Compass keeps dodging them
Jason Parsley
72
words. meet the newspaper’s deadline. That’s the amount of space it took “I have a board full of CPA’s and auditors the Compass Board of Trustees to that are in the middle of their busiest time sum up Tony Plakas’ 20 year tenure that came of year and the board’s process is on their to an abrupt end on January 2. timetable and not the public or SFGN’S “In January 2018, after much deliberation timetable,” said Julie Seaver, who has been and consideration, and in recognition of with the organization 10 years. “As I stated, Tony Plakas’ over 20 years of service as our board meeting is Wednesday the 11th, so celebrated in November 2017, the board I’m afraid it’s a strong possibility you won’t of trustees and Tony decided to move in hear from them by this Monday.” a new direction for the organization,” the SFGN fact checked that statement and board wrote in a statement sent out to the found that one only one board member is community last week. “We are grateful for a certified public accountant in the state Tony’s contributions and vision. Under his of Florida. That board meeting Seaver leadership, Compass grew to be a nationally referenced has come and gone, as has tax recognized LGBTQ community center. We season, but the board still has yet to directly will always be grateful for his dedication and respond to SFGN. hard work.” For the first time this It took the LGBT community week Plakas gave a brief “I decline to center in Lake Worth almost five statement to SFGN regarding months to release those three its ongoing coverage. comment at this sentences. The statement then “I decline to comment time in order to spent the next 556 words talking at this time in order to give give the board, in about everything but Plakas. The the board, in cooperation cooperation with the with the leadership team, 10 paragraph message included welcoming Julie Seaver into the time to inform the public leadership team, position of interim Executive time to inform the responsibly, as Compass has Director; announcing the launch done,” Plakas said. public responsibly, always of a search for a new leader; a Rumors and speculation as Compass has recap of Cocktails for Compass, have swirled around his a fundraiser that happened in departure since he left. And always done.” December; a recap of PrideFest the Compass board has done - Tony Plakas that took place in March; a look little to quiet them or refute Former ceo of compass forward at the annual Stonewall them. SFGN has chosen not Ball in June; the SMART Ride to detail what those rumors in November; and finally a paragraph are. celebrating 30 years in the community. SFGN did speak with some members of the Before SFGN ran its first story detailing community who complained about Plakas’ Plakas had left the organization in early April, salary for a year before he left. They did not they hadn’t publicly released anything. It took want their names used. weeks before his name was removed from the According to the latest tax documents, which website and he wasn’t mentioned at all from are now downloadable on Compass’ website, the stage at PrideFest this year. Plakas earned $126,135 in 2016 and $126,000 To learn more about Plakas’ departure in 2015. In previous years, his salary was lower. SFGN requested an interview with a board In other years, it was higher. In 2009, it was member on April 6 and was told that the $90,857. In 2012, it was $142,830. In 2013, it board would be too busy to respond in time to was $112,000. In 2014, it was $130,500.
14
•
5 .2.2018
Tony Plakas. Photo via Facebook.
SFGN has previously compared those numbers to other nonprofits and LGBT organizations around the country. They don’t appear to be out of the ordinary. “This was a topic that was brought up,” Seaver previously stated. She said Plakas’ salary was commensurate with directors of other LGBT organizations. She said that a lot of work and responsibility goes into the CEO position. “Fiduciary oversight is an extreme responsibility and they take that responsibility very seriously.” Another person, who is familiar with how Compass operates and did not want his name published, pushed back against the salary argument as well. “His salary is a huge red herring,” this person said. “Julie Seaver was the one out in the bars making it a big deal well over a year ago. It wasn’t the board. The board was always comfortable with his salary.“ This source also said members of the community “were passing around the 990s at Roosters.”
A form 990 is a document that nonprofits are required to fill out and make public. It includes some financial information about the organization including the salaries of its top executives. SFGN gave Seaver another opportunity to respond. “The board has issued a public statement on this matter. It’s located on the front page of our website for your reference,” Seaver said. Except the board did not actually address the recent news reports, or the rumors, or anything else regarding Plakas’ departure, including why it took almost 5 months to say anything. SFGN first spoke to Seaver on January 11 about Plakas and why nothing had been made public. Specifically, since she told SFGN the departure was mutual, why no joint press release? Seaver said she thought it was a great idea and she would love to release one, but that was up to the board, and she didn’t know why they were staying mum.
NEWS palm beach Compass staff in 2017. Photo via Facebook.
Another issue that was brought to SFGN’s Last year for Plakas’ 20 year celebration, attention was the fact that Compass had SFGN conducted an extensive interview an offsite location for the offices of their with the former CEO and wrote more than executive team despite their main building 2,500 words detailing his years with the being 14,000 square feet. organization. “The center’s main square footage is used At that time the Compass board and for public meetings, direct services and Seaver had plenty to say about Plakas. In the community events,” Chief Information profile SFGN also detailed two times Plakas Officer Claudia Harrison said of the other pulled the organization from the brink of location just blocks away from Compass’ certain doom. main building. As for who used it: “Staff usage “That’s a testament to his leadership. He varied over the years based on needs of the was able to get it back on track,” said current organization.” chairman of the Compass board Michael Harrison said the offsite office space was Grattendick. “We’re in a better place then rented from 2007 until February 2018. It’s we’ve been in years. And it’s because of his unclear why they shut it down, and where leadership skills and vision.” those offices will go now. It’s also unclear how Plakas’ biggest strength, Grattendick said much Compass was paying for the space. at the time, is his ability to relate. “Rent was commensurate with other “He has the ability to tailor the message office space in the area,” Harrison said. to any component of the community According to Compass’ financial whether it’s the youth, audit that is downloadable on volunteers, major their website under the section contributors, individuals, “lease commitments,” it gives organizations,” he said. “He a detailed explanation of how has an ability to meet with much Compass pays to lease its any of the constituents, main building. It doesn’t appear and tailor a message they to include information about the respond to.” additional office space. In the story, SFGN asked SFGN asked several other Plakas about his future follow up questions, such as how with the organization. much was the rent, but as of press He declined to comment, time Harrison had not answered instead saying “I serve at them. the pleasure of a board of - Julie Seaver “I’m going to answer your last trustees…so I am not going interim Executive question with a question of my to jinx myself on that one.” Director own. I’d like to know why you’re Seven months later he taking such an interest in the was gone. offsite location?” Harrison asked. Later she In SFGN’s profile, Seaver also extolled responded: “Compass has enjoyed a long and Plakas’ leadership. trustful relationship with SFGN. However, “He saved us. He stood up for us. Without the tone of recent articles feels antagonistic development and outreach, there would be in nature. Because of this, we are concerned no Pride, no World AIDS Day, no Trans Day about future articles. We ask that you share of Remembrance,” Seaver said. “We would with us the title of the article in which this just have been government cheese. But Tony information will be used, and the angle you turned that cheese into cheesecake. He said ‘I intend to take. Once the article is published will not work at Compass without a team with as you’ve described, we look forward to a heart.’” continuing our trusting relationship with Seaver added, “But Tony is really the heart.” SFGN. I’m sure you can understand.”
“Without development and outreach, there would be no Pride, no World AIDS Day, no Trans Day of Remembrance.”
5.2.2018 •
15
NEWS state
Pulse Survivor: Mike Pence wants to put LGBT people in concentration camps Ryan Lynch
A
survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting spoke out against Mike Pence during an appearance on MSNBC. Brandon Wolf appeared on Joy Reid’s show, according to PinkNews. Wolf urged viewers to focus on other important issues instead of Reid, who recently came under fire for homophobic blog posts that she made during the 2008 presidential election. Wolf, who leads LGBT advocacy group The Dru Project, claimed Mike Pence wants to put gay people in “concentration camps” and that there were multiple homophobes in the White House. “If Mike Pence, God bless him, ended up in the White House, sitting behind that desk in the Oval Office, he would have us all in concentration camps hoping to pray away the gay,” he said. “They’re worried about what’s happening right now on Pennsylvania Avenue, and they’re wondering why the media didn’t rain down a firestorm on these homophobic psychopaths who are derailing the conversation and turning back the clock on everything we worked so hard on,” he said. “I guess I’m just here today to implore the
viewers to stay focused on what’s actually threatening this community.” After appearing, Wolf faced criticism and coverage from right-wing media sources, including NewsBusters and Breitbart. “I survived my first haunt through the right-wing media circuit,” Wolf tweeted. “Initial thoughts: I thought trolls would be so much more clever.” Reid still denies posting some of the homophobic posts to her blog, according to PinkNews. She issued an on-air apology in which she said the posts were “completely alien to me.”
KEEP YOUR EYES ON
South Florida Gay News
SFGN.com @SoFlaGayNews
SouthFloridaGayNews 16
•
5 .2.2018
Classic style... high tech platform. No room for a newspaper in your back pocket? Keep SFGN’s weekly paper on your phone. “South Florida Gay News”
Syphilis is
Serious. AHF Wellness Centers Broward 750 SE 3rd Ave, 1st Floor Ft Lauderdale, 33316 (754) 366-1642
South Beach 1613 Alton Rd Miami Beach, 33139 (786) 226-7378
Biscayne 2900 Biscayne Blvd Miami, 33137 (786) 226-7378
Wilton Manors 2097 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, 33305 (786) 226-7378
5.2.2018 •
17
Expires 5/31/18 Look at our Website for more Savings.
PHOTO FACIALS LASER SKIN REJUVENATION LASER HAIR REMOVAL BOTOX® / DYSPORT® RADIESSE® / BELOTERO® RESTYLANE® / LYFT® JUVEDERM® / VOLUMA® SCULPTRA®
Good Samaritan Who Helps Gay Bashing Victims Receives Award
Restylane Dermal Filler: 50 off each syringe
$
Dysport:
3.75 per unit.
$
Laser Hair Removal per session: Full back or chest with abs $225 Nose and ears $35
954.462.7455 www.thesilklasercentre.com
NEWS miami-dade
924 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
owned & operated by J.A. Astaphan MD
“I
t was my honor to recognize Good Samaritan Helmut Muller Estrada for his bravery and heroism He saw two individuals being attacked and was compelled to intervene. Helmut’s efforts helped stop the attack but not before he himself was injured requiring a visit to the hospital and staples in his scalp,” said City Commissioner Michael Gongora. “The City of Miami Beach Medallion is a special honor usually reserved for acts of bravery, heroism and other significant contributions to our city. Helmut’s selfless act of defense warrants this honor and his stepping up and doing the right thing is even more special since he is straight and helped defend two gay victims from an attack related to their sexuality.”
presented by:
Business of the Year Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Business Person of the Year Vicki Brail
May 19
Tickets: $200 Individual / $2,000 Table of Ten Business Attire: Something Red Suggested CHAIR: Marty Davis, Legal Solutions Group
RSVP at GayBizGala.com Host COmmittee
Bob Balsam Civic Achievement Roger Thomson Non-Profit of the Year Yes INstitute
18
•
5 .2.2018
Bill Warren, Cindy Brown, David Treece & Luis Gonzalez Etchevest, Mark Gilbert, Harvey Burstein, Jeff Giordano, Joan Schaeffer & Roberta Goodman Mandel, Jonathan Barrio, Kevin Walsh, Steve Haas & Charles Castro, Jerry Chasen & Mark Kirby, Raquel Matas & Carla Lupi, Victor Gimenez & Edwin Sharlau, Don Hayden & Brian Thompson, Damian Pardo, Tony Lima & Yonel Galano, Marty Davis & Michael Acton-Coles
5.2.2018 •
19
NEWS local
Florida Joins
International Court System ‘A rich and beautiful history of LGBT pride’ Damon Scott
F
ort Lauderdale resident Steven Rule has What was the feedback at the ceremony? been waiting 14 years for this one. But on February 6 his goal came to What became clear from the local people fruition and on March 10 an event was held in attendance [is] there is a huge desire for to honor the achievement — an official a Court functioning here. Most felt that the sanction of Florida as the 70th member of charitable work that the Court does and is the International Imperial Court System. known for is quite different from the pageant The Court (also known simply as the world. It’s welcoming to all walks of life, International Court System, or ICS) is one especially LGBT, seniors, drag, male [and] of the oldest LGBT organizations in the U.S., female that offers a venue for all to work which Rule describes as “a rich and beautiful together for charity. history of LGBT pride.” As part of the March 10 ceremonies, which took place at Hagen You are also known as “Barbie LaChoy?” Park Community Center in Wilton Manors, Rule was also invested as the “Czarina of All Back in the mid-80s I was living in Florida.” Anchorage. It was this part of my life where There were between 120 to 150 people I was introduced to the ICS. I entered and in attendance from Orlando, Tampa, the won the Mr. Gay Alaska title, and the next Keys, Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort year ran, and was elected, Denali Emperor 16 Lauderdale. Steven Rule of All Alaska. ICS functions are different Two years later on a dare, I than pageants, as “emperors” decided to try drag and that “We do not and “empresses” are voted in is how Barbie Dawn LaChoy discriminate; we by the community in which evolved. I ran for, and was they serve. They reign for one elected, Aurora Empress want members from year, raising funds for their 19 of All Alaska. I relocated the gay, straight, to San Francisco in 1995 designated charities and travel (at their own expenses) around where my involvement drag, leather, the country. with the ICS continued. rodeo, religious Jose Julio Sarria founded the This is when I was able to ICS 54 years ago in San Francisco. develop my friendship with and the many other SFGN asked Rule to explain Jose Sarria, the founder community groups of the ICS. I ran and was it all and tell us more about himself. elected Absolute Empress to be involved.” in San Francisco in 2002. Why should people care that To be quite honest, I was a - Steven Rule Florida was sanctioned? better empress than I was an emperor, as I tended to Because we are an all-inclusive be a bit shy. Becoming Barbie LaChoy, I am community and should always encourage able to forget my shyness and raise more people to develop new venues to become money for charity. involved with. We all participate in drag in one way or another. [But] the ICS offers a new Was it surprising Florida wasn’t already way to raise money for charity — a fun and part of the ICS? fashionable way. We do not discriminate; we want members from the gay, straight, drag, It was quite surprising. I knew there leather, rodeo, religious and the many other were a lot of pageants, and I love them also, community groups to be involved. We are but it was not my cup of tea, so I never got proud Floridians. involved in the drag community here. About
20
•
5 .2.2018
The newly appointed and invested founding members of The Imperial Sun Empire of All Florida. From left to right are Grand Dauphine 1, Anastasia Ross; Duchess of Tampa Bay, Savannah Lynn; Lord High Chancellor of All Florida, Marc Viens; Czarina 1, Barbie LaChoy; Contessa 1 of All Florida, Faberge; Duke of Orlando, Ricky Stratton; Lord of Charity, Tim Hymon; and Prince Consort to Czarina 1, Sergio Teixeira. Photo credit: Steven Shires.
four years ago, my friends and I started talking about how much we missed our involvement with the ICS. We toyed with the idea of starting one. After speaking with Queen Mother 1 of The Americas, Nicole The Great, she asked me to look into forming a Court here. That is where it began. I put a board together, filed the nonprofit status (The Imperial Sun Empire of All Florida) and then petitioned the Council for sanctions. We were fully approved on February 6, 2018. What are your initial goals for the Court? We need to grow and be known and [tell people] what the ICS is all about — having a Court family in Fort Lauderdale that will be known for their charitable outreach and fundraising abilities, in a unique and stylistic fashion. We hope to raise up to $10,000 for two of our selected charities, Grateful Paws and Pride Center Senior Services. We are
also focused on encouraging involvement to be able to elect our emperor and empress at our first coronation in late January 2019. What’s your background? I am 55 [and] have been HIV positive for over 25 years. I was in the Air Force when I first realized I was gay, and served a total of 12 years of active duty and Air National Guard [duty]. I am a licensed nursing home administrator and currently employed at Park Summit in Coral Springs as the executive director, where I have been for the past eight years. My passion is LGBT senior living options, and [I] have been one of the leaders for training my staff in LGBT senior needs and issues. I have also worked for most of my adult life as an avid fundraiser for HIV/AIDS causes. I have been with my husband for 20 years and we have been married for four.
More is at impcourt.org.
WMG Volume 5 • Issue 8 May 2, 2018
Wilton Manors Gazette
community
Commission Responds to Water Concerns Green water not harmful By Michael d’Oliveira At the April 24 meeting, Corbin again After months of criticizing city officials about the city’s water quality criticized city officials. “You shake it real good,” he said to and a lack of response, commissioners officially addressed Boyd Corbin by Commissioner Scott Newton, referring placing the issue on the April 24 agenda. to an earlier meeting where Newton Before the item was discussed, Corbin held up a glass of water while stating again criticized city officials about the no one on the commission was hiding water quality, including the alleged anything. Newton responded: “No one presence of a dangerous amount of on this commission has ever heard that we have bad water. chemical compounds. Ever. If I knew there Commissioner Tom was bad water in this Green also criticized “If I knew there city, I’m telling you right Corbin’s previous was bad water now, everyone on this statements. “Sometimes, commission would be it really pushes my in this city, I’m screaming and yelling.” patience.” telling you right Also on April 24, According to a Archacki, water test that Corbin now, everyone on David director of Emergency paid a private lab to this commission Management and the prepare, the city’s water, Utilities departments, which comes from would be and City Manager Leigh the Fiveash Regional screaming and Ann Henderson talked Water Treatment Plant about the current in Fort Lauderdale, yelling.” testing and chlorination has five times more - Scott Newton issues. Chloroform than the Commissioner According to EPA allows, double the Archacki, water from 19 maximum contaminant level for Dichloroacetic Acid, and different locations is tested. Henderson other high levels of substances, said it is tested by certified labs in four including Dichloroacedic Acid and categories: Microbiological, disinfectants, lead Trichloroacedic Acid. In an email from the Florida and copper, and organics. Archacki Department of Health, Corbin was said that the number of weeks needed informed that his water test was not to put chlorine into the water system acceptable because it did not have a was extended from two to five so that the chlorine could be given “more time valid chain of custody.
to filter into the system.” Otherwise, said Archacki, a lot more water would have to be wasted because a shorter chlorination time means hydrants have to be flushed. The subsequent flooding of water has also resulted in some damage to residential lawns which had to be compensated for
with tax dollars. “We take it very seriously,” said Mayor Gary Resnick about water quality. Officials did acknowledge the color of the water, which is green in some homes. “The color is not wonderful. But it’s not harmful,” said Green. WMG
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 •
May 2, 2018
5.2.2018 •
21
Opinion
Greetings from New Jersey WMG May 2, 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 8
By Sal Torre
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira
Correspondents James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing This past week I have been away from our Island City, traveling Trump’s tax break for the wealthy 1 percent and for corporations. up north to the Garden State to visit with family. Along with the joy Pocketbook issues have a way of snapping people back to reality. of being with my dad on his 89th birthday, was the great news that Seniors here in New Jersey only have so many old coins and gold jewelry to sell off to subsidize their gambling addiction. my brother’s battle with cancer is going remarkably well. Snapping myself back to reality, there are many topics of So, as I celebrate life this week with family along the unseasonably cold Jersey Shore, the goings-on back home in Wilton Manors seem importance that were left behind on my journey up north, topics many are still talking about in our Island City. a world away. Happenings at the Pride Center, upheaval in our local elections, My deadline for getting this article submitted, along with my fast approaching departure date have snapped me out of a state public safety, development proposals, and much more continue to be discussed and debated in our city. I will hold off of disconnect. Soon it will be time to go home and throwing myself back in the fray until after I return, get back into the daily routine of work, home, and fall back into the rhythm of paradise and catch up community. Luckily for me, home is an amazing Perhaps next with all that was missed over my weeklong absence. place we know as the Island City. The month of May is jammed with activities Someone once said, “Maybe you have to travel year’s tax bill in our Island City, culminating with the annual to figure out how beloved your starting point really Island City Canoe Race and our city’s anniversary is.” Well, that saying certainly rings true for me, will shock many celebrations at Richardson Park. Then, Memorial because Wilton Manors is my beloved starting Day will mark the beginning of summer and serve point, a very special place where many have made Jerseyites out of as a harsh reminder that half the year will almost home. be gone. Being here in New Jersey is always a harsh their Fox News One event regrettably missed this past week reminder of why we have the current leaders in was the city’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Washington. New Jersey must be a hot spot of induced hypnotic This event hosted by the city recognizes the many Trump supporters, seniors who spend their days committed and wonderful volunteers who serve on glued to Fox News, being brainwashed like cult trance. city boards and advisory committees. members of some Sci-Fi flicks of earlier days. Then Many donate their time and their expertise, offer after getting their needed fix from the Fake News professional opinions and recommendations, and Network, it’s off to Atlantic City where it seems they are equally possessed to throw their savings into penny slot are a large part of what makes our Island City the best it can be. City staff and our elected officials also recognize the latest winners machines. The ‘’Make America Great Again” mantra of these Trumpites is of the Community Spirit Award voted on by our Community Affairs heard throughout the day, touting the wonders in foreign relations, Advisory Board to recognize the outstanding contributions made the kept campaign promises, the skillful military action in Syria, by community volunteers. It recognizes a local individual and a local business/non-profit and of great negotiating skills with world leaders. There is universal condemnation of the horrible liberal organization for their service to Wilton Manors residents and newspapers that keep attacking Trump and those damn Democrats promotes a sense of community. This year’s winners are Westside who want to impeach and take down the Donald at all costs resident Jon O’Connor and Hunter’s Nightclub. Their commitment, while ruining our country. The mantra goes on and on and is an along with all other community volunteers, makes our city the best it can be, lends a helping hand to others, promotes our city, unnerving reality of life beyond our enlightened borders. Perhaps next year’s tax bill will shock many Jerseyites out of and builds a community that brings us all together and is what their Fox News induced hypnotic trance. Many will no longer be continues to make life here just better and better and better. Looking forward to coming home! WMG able to write off their high state tax bill as a deduction thanks to
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 Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers clark.rogers@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping 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. MEMBER
MEMBER
Associated Press MEMBER
MEMBER
Copyright © 2018 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22
•
5 .2.2018
2 •
May 2, 2018
First Quarter Sales Review
Real Estate
By James Oaksun
It’s hard to believe we are already at the midway point between Real Estate Yearbooks. I end my review with the third quarter results, so that we can start the season with the latest information. (You can take a look at the 2017 yearbook on my website at NewRealtyConcepts.com/Yearbook.) What a great time, then, for an update. This column will take a look at first quarter sales counts for the three Wilton Manors neighborhoods, as well as nine select nearby neighborhoods of interest to my readers. The following column will look at pricing. In other words, today I will give you the counts, and next time I will show you the money. Yes, yes I know. The Yearbook has 60 neighborhoods, but the update here only 12. Well we do our best. Watch my blog in the coming weeks for more. In total there were 222 closed sales in the first three months of the year among the 12 neighborhoods reviewed here. Compared to the same period last year, that’s an increase of seven percent. If you look just at the Island City, however, you see a different result. Wilton sales increased by 28 percent versus last year’s first quarter! This allows me to make a point that I raise frequently in this column. When you consider real estate in south Florida – not just in Wilton, but throughout the region – the overall
averages are kind of misleading, if not meaningless. You have to get down to the specifics, by neighborhood, by type of property even. Pricing, sales volume, and inventory can vary widely one neighborhood to the next. Take a look at the table included here. Within that seven-percent “average” increase in volume, you have neighborhoods that were well above that level (i.e., “hot”), as well as some well below (i.e., “not”). As Realtors, it’s hard for us to predict just when people will want to sell their properties, as the decision to sell is based on many factors we cannot control. Volume and pricing data, however, do give an indication of what buyers want. Next time I will share pricing results. And while I can’t say that all Hell will break loose when I do, I think you’ll find it enlightening. WMG
3 •
May 2, 2018
James Oaksun, Florida’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).
5.2.2018 •
23
BRIEFS
Check out what’s happening
Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira
Wayfinding sign update At the May 8 commission meeting, there will be an update on the wayfinding signs the city will be installing sometime in the near future. The purpose of the wayfinding signs is to direct visitors to certain destinations, including business districts, parks, and government buildings. Places like The Pride Center and Art Gallery 21 will also be on the signs. Each sign will be under 15 feet high and will include the city’s logo and tagline – “Life’s Just Better Here.” About $86,000 has been budgeted by the city for the project. WMG
Wilton Manors Elementary book drive Wilton Manors Elementary School is holding a book drive fundraiser through a GoFundMe page – gofundme.com/wilton-manors-elementary-book-drive. The money raised will be used to purchase 10 books for each student to take home when the school year ends. The school is also collecting gently-used books. At Wilton Manors Elementary, 78 percent receive free and reduced lunch, so many of the families may not be able to afford access to literature over the summer. WMG x
Annual Island City Canoe Race Wilton Manors’ 27th Annual Canoe Race and 71st Anniversary Birthday Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Annual Race is an approximate 7-mile relay race around the city consisting of 20-24 teams with 10 participants, each who will be canoeing separate sections of the race [two at a time] with exchange points throughout the city. It starts at the Colohatchee Boat Ramp and ends at Richardson Park. Call 954-390-2130 for more information. WMG
• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • 24
•
5 .2.2018
4 •4 September • May 2, 2018 6, 2017
police
politics
114 Citations Issued in City Cannabis Program
Mayor Resnick Pulls a Switcheroo Drops reelection bid, joins commission race
By Michael d’Oliveira
By Michael d’Oliveira
Commissioner Julie Carson said she still Since it began in early 2017, the Wilton Manors Police Department has issued a supports the program for those reasons. total of 114 citations for individuals caught “There are too many young people, with under 20 grams of cannabis on their particularly of color, who are incarcerated person. In 2017, 79 citations were issued and jailed.” Asked if she might expand the program to other narcotics and 42 paid. This year, 35 or controlled substances, have been issued and 11 Carson said she would only paid. support the program for The citations are issued marijuana. as an alternative to arrests. Chief Paul O’Connell When they approved it said his department would in December of 2015, only alter the program commissioners said they at the direction of the wanted to make sure fewer commission. Also asked people were caught up in if he would ever consider the criminal justice system expanding the program, he for something as minor as said that it would only be personal marijuana use. after a lot of careful thought It was a decision that and research. “We think it’s was supported by NORML, going better than expected,” a nationwide organization - Julie Carson he said about the current working to amend laws Commissioner program. dealing with cannabis. All the individuals issued Karen Goldstein, deputy director of NORML, said America’s war on a citation are given a $100 fine for their drugs has failed to curb drug abuse and first offense. Second-time offenders are has created more problems – increased given a fine of $250, and $500 for a third. In incarceration rates and convictions that addition to the fine, a third offense results hurt people’s chances for meaningful in the offender going through a mandatory employment and other opportunities. “It substance abuse assessment. If an offender makes no sense. It’s a failed policy,” she doesn’t pay the fine within 30 days, they are subject to arrest. WMG said in 2015.
“There are too many young people, particularly of color, who are incarcerated and jailed.”
Mayor Gary Resnick announced April 28 that he will be dropping out of the November Wilton Manors mayoral race and running for one of the two commission seats. Resnick, who has been on the city commission since 1998 and mayor since 2008, the longest mayoral tenure in city history, made the announcement at the city’s annual volunteer luncheon. He told The Gazette that he and his partner, Eric Bucher, decided being mayor for another term would be too much of a demand on Resnick’s time. “But 10 years is a good enough run and I think I can still support the city and support the projects I’ve been involved in legislatively.” He said the time requirements for being mayor and being commissioner are “night and day. Even though it’s a part-time job, it’s a full-time job. There’s so many more events they invite the mayor to, too.” Also running for the commission seats are Commissioner Scott Newton, Central Area Neighborhood Association President Paul Rolli, and Dr. Katharine Campbell, a resident and business owner. The two people who get the most votes will be elected to the seats. Resnick’s departure from the mayoral race leaves Vice Mayor Justin Flippen and resident Boyd Corbin vying for mayor. The official deadline for registering as a
commission or mayoral candidate is in June. “It seems like we’re playing musical mayors,” said Rolli about Resnick’s decision to drop out of the mayoral race. “Gary said he wasn’t going to run. He said it several times. You just wonder what’s going on. If Gary should win, nothing’s really changed on the commission.” According to several people who were at Resnick’s 2016 swearing-in, the mayor declared he would not run again. In an interview with The Gazette not long after, Resnick stated he would probably not run again but left open the possibility. In March of this year, he announced he would run for mayor and seek a sixth term. Asked to comment, Newton said he doesn’t know why Resnick changed his mind but that he can do whatever he wants. He also said it would be easier for him because now he can support Flippen for mayor. “I just have to do for Wilton Manors the best I can . . . I don’t think I’m really running against anyone. I’m running for a seat.” Campbell said she’s not thinking about Resnick entering the commission race. “My focus is providing the benefits I can bring to the table. As a clinical social worker, I bring a unique set of skills. I’m focused on what I can bring to the city.” WMG
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5 •
May 2, 2018
5.2.2018 •
25
column letter to the editor
Mayor Dean Trantalis Responds to Pride Center Controversy ‘I do not think his resignation is the answer, but we must use this moment to learn from this mistake.’ These past several weeks our community has been challenged by the discovery that the Pride Center in Wilton Manors had hired a sexual predator who had served time for aggravated sexual assault on a minor. This was a terrible crime and the law required the perpetrator that upon his release, he was to have no interaction with children and to live a good distance away from them. This person failed to abide by the law and misrepresented himself to the Center when he sought and maintained his employment there. The current director of the Pride Center, Robert Boo, was made aware of the employee’s predator status but stated that when he inquired with the authorities, he was not made aware of the conditions of the employee’s release from custody. Once he was fully informed, he immediately fired him. Opinions differ as to Robert’s duty to have inquired further as to the basis of the employee’s status as a sexual predator. I know that I would have, even just out of curiosity. Nonetheless, our community is now being judged as to the measure of care that we practice as we have now brought upon ourselves new responsibilities as we enter the world of marriage, children, health care services, and the like. While we have generally led a trusting and carefree existence, we can no longer be nonchalant in our interactions with groups who deserve protection and privacy. If we assume these roles of responsibility, we must accept the fiduciary relationship this now brings. Children are fragile like glass, yet the environment that surrounds them is not. We must be extra careful as to what they eat, what they read, and what company they keep. If a person cannot
accept this, then they should not have or be around children. Robert is the director of the Pride Center. As such, he has accepted the responsibility that comes along with it. If the center chooses to include children, then we must be willing to accept that extra responsibility to ensure their protection and care. But that is just one of many other responsibilities that he has, for the center engages seniors, religious groups, healthcare clients, and many many more constituencies. It’s not an easy job. Most people believe that Robert. does a good job. I am one of those people. I know that he has lead our community through good times, as well as some very difficult times. I can recall the aftermath of the Pulse massacre as just such an example. We can all second guess as to what Robert. should have done under the circumstances with the knowledge that he had regarding the employee that was a sexual predator. We could all agree that this person should never have been brought close to the pride Center. I believe that Robert has accepted responsibility and made his apology. He is now suffering under the rebuke of many in our community as well as sanctions being imposed by his board. I do not think his resignation is the answer, but we must use this moment to learn from this mistake. I believe that we can be a better community by helping one another through this episode. We can be thankful that no hurt took place against any child. But let us move forward and understand how this must be a moment of learning and a moment of healing and not simply an opportunity to condemn. Please, let’s not tear ourselves apart over this. There are so many out there eager to see just that.
Mayor of Fort Lauderdale Dean Trantalis Dean Trantalis. Photo Credit: Carina Mask.
Let your voice be heard! Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 26
•
5 .2.2018
Editorial Cartoon
Convictions
Editorial Cartoon By Mike Luckovich
HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS
We know Insurance, because We Insure Florida.
CONSTANTINE PATSIMAS cpatsimas@weinsuregroup.com
ALEJANDRO KALAF III alejandro.kalaf@weinsuregroup.com
HOME • FLOOD • AUTO BUSINESS • UMBRELLA • RVs BOATs • JETSKIs • MOTORCYCLE
954.903.7519
1975 E. Sunrise Blvd, Suite 602 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 www.WeInsureFTLaud.com 5.2.2018 •
27
LIFESTYLE photos
TAKE A LOOK AT THE 2018 ANNUAL Dean Trantalis (right) and David Richardson.
DIVERSITY A p r i l
2 7 ,
2 0 1 8
The Hard Rock’s donation of $50,000 to the Stoneman Douglas Victim’s Fund was presented during the gala.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School GSA. 28
•
5 .2.2018
LIFESTYLE photos
HONORS
... The annual award ceremony in partnership with The Pride Center and The Harvey Milk Foundation
The annual gala, hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, FL, awarded many true heroes of the LGBT community — including the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Gay Straight Alliance, Dolores Huerta, Mayor Dean Trantalis, and David Richardson. J.R. Davis Dolores Huerta
Robert Boo (left) and Stuart Milk (right).
TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SFGN.COM ON FACEBOOK.
5.2.2018 •
29
lifestyle food The Floridian.
x
Andrews Diner.
Wilton Manors Dairy Queen.
Rick Karlin
L
H is for History
A look at some of the historical eateries in Wilton Manors
et’s face it, when it comes to historic was a liquor store with a “poker room” in settings, Fort Lauderdale can’t the rear. A dining room and kitchen were compete with cities such as Boston, added in the 1950s. For a while it even Philadelphia or New York. Instead of served as the city’s unofficial “town hall.” measuring the history of a building in In 1990 Tony Dee moved to Wilton centuries, we do it in decades. Here, Manors and bought the entire block of anything before 1950 is buildings across from Alibi, practically considered the centerpiece of which ancient. For the next two was a supper club called While Tropics columns, as we gear up for Chardee’s (where Southern Stonewall Pride, we’ll look Nights is now located). may be the at some historic dining After selling Chardee’s, he establishments in the area, bought Tropics and added oldest starting with our home town a piano bar adjacent to the restaurant in favorites in Wilton Manors. restaurant, taking a lot of the Among the most historic is town, The Wilton clientele from Chardee’s with the now-shuttered Tropics, him. Mr. Dee sold Tropics a Manors Dairy 2000 Wilton Dr. It was one few years ago. of the first restaurants in The new owners, after Queen, 1950 Wilton Manors. Al Hagen, operating on their own for who moved to the area in the Wilton Dr., runs a few years, then leased the 1930s, won land in Wilton building and business to a close second. Jackson Padgett (previous Manors along the southern border west of Wilton Drive. owner of Georgie’s Alibi). in a bet on a golf game. He sold After falling behind on the rent some of the lots off for housing. After and running into trouble with the liquor WWII he bought the land east of Wilton commission, Padgett had to close Tropics Dr. and built “The Tropical Club” on the a short time later. corner of 20th St. and Wilton Drive. It Now, after sitting vacant for six
30
•
5 .2.2018
months, the property is in the process of renovation by Paul Hugo, the owner of EAT and The Manor. He plans to re-open the space as The Grille on the Drive, a steak and chop house with live entertainment. Even though the space has undergone major renovations (including an upgraded sound system) the layout remains basically the same with the cabaret area renamed The Tropic Room. The enclosed outdoor bar will be dubbed The Garden. Look for the place to re-open near the end of May. While Tropics may be the oldest restaurant in town, The Wilton Manors Dairy Queen, 1950 Wilton Dr., runs a close second. It was opened in 1953 and has operated continuously since then under four different owners, including the current proprietor, Lynn Lawrence, since 2008. Andrews Diner, 2980 N. Andrews, opened in the 1980s. Current owners Angelo and Gerri Karaliolios took it over in 1991. They agreed to have the diner participate in an HGTV make-over
show a couple of years ago. At that time the décor and menu were updated. The new look was a success, but customers preferred the old menu, so Angelo and his kitchen crew returned to an array of the old favorites. Gerri rules the dining room, playfully needling her regular customers while flashing them her toothpaste commercial-worthy smile. While technically not in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale’s The Floridian, 1410 E. Las Olas, or The Flo, as it is fondly known, opened in 1937 and figures prominently in Wilton Manors’ and Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT history. As a 24-hour spot, located in an area that was home to several gay bars and businesses in the 1980s and early 90s, it was a popular gathering place after the bars closed. It was also a favorite gathering spot for the movers and shakers of the community at the time. Before there were hash tags it’s where the movers and shakers of the community hashed things out over hashed browns. SFGN publisher Norm Kent, even broadcast a radio show from the restaurant for a while.
In our next column: some of Fort Lauderdale’s most historic and infamous restaurants.
5.2.2018 •
31
F O R
T H E
SFGNITES W E E K
O F
M a y
3
-
M a y
J.W. Arnold
2 0 1 8
•
W W W . S F G N . C O M
All That Jazz!
jw@prdconline.com
THU
8 ,
5/3
concert If you love Todrick Hall’s YouTube videos or have been watching his new MTV reality series “Todrick,” here’s your chance to see the amazing performer live on stage tonight at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Hall will be unveiling his latest act, “The Forbidden Tour,” including new songs at the popular concert venue. Tickets start at $26.50 at FillmoreMB.com.
FRI
5/4
opera Florida Grand Opera presents the regional premiere of Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s “Florencia en al Amazonas” on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center in Miami. Based on the writings of Gabriel García Márquez, the tuneful opera reveals the desires of five passengers who embark on an unforgettable journey into the Amazon on a riverboat. Tickets start at $19 at FGO.org.
x
Monday
5/7
theater
A new touring production of Kander and Ebb’s “Chicago,” the longest-running American musical on Broadway, stops by the Arsht Center in Miami tonight with performances through Sunday, May 13. Cons Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart and the girls will sing the “Cell Block Tango” and more. Don’t forget dashing defense attorney Billy Flynn, who comes to their rescue and wins an acquittal. Tickets start at $29 at ArshtCenter.org. Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel.
SAT
5/5 SUN
5/6 MON
5/7 TUE
5/8
theater
event
cabaret
theater
Welcome to the Renaissance! “Something Rotten,” the hilarious Broadway comedy about the creation of the very first musical closes on Sunday at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, so get your tickets. If you missed the show in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, then catch the Brightline to hear Shakespeare’s lament, “It’s Hard to be the Bard.” And, don’t forget to wear your codpieces. Tickets start at $28 at Kravis.org.
Head to the beach this weekend for the Ford Lauderdale Air Show. The festivities begin on Friday night featuring Turnstiles. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, witness amazing demonstrations by an F-18 Super Hornet, C-17 GlobeMaster III, F-4U Corsair, parachute teams, racing boats and a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter. For more information and VIP tickets, go to FortLauderdaleAirShow.com
Mondays are usually a night for rest after a big weekend, but if you’ve got an itch to get out tonight, head down to Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Florida’s Own Dame Edna performs at 8 p.m. in the Manchester Room. Then at 10:30 p.m., you get a second helping of your favorite show tunes with Jennifer McClain’s Cast Party on the main stage. More info at AlibiWiltonManors.com.
The iconic doo-wop hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons come to life in the 2006 Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” opening tonight at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale and running through Sunday, May 20. You’ll be singing along with the cast to “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org.
32
•
5 .2.2018
5.2.2018 •
33
Legacy Planning for LGBTQ Individuals
Wi LLs & Gays Free Luncheon & Seminar | Tuesday May 22 11:30 Mix, Mingle, Mimosas & Lunch | 12:30-2 Seminar The Pride Center at Equality Park, Wilton Manors
“Oh honey, I would, but ... I don’t want to.” Karen Walker, Will & Grace
Presented by David Treece, AIF®, MBA
Featured Speaker Elizabeth Schwartz, Esq.
Don’t be like Karen Walker when it comes to talking about how you want your legacy defined. No matter what your economic or marital status, estate planning is something EVERYONE needs to address. Join the high-energy team of “David & Liz” for a fun-yet-fact-filled afternoon that will address issues specific to LGBTQ individuals in a supportive and interactive atmosphere.
FREE! RSVP online at treecefinancialgroup.com/events 305.751.8855 | email info@davidtreece.com 5_2_18 Treece 1_3V SFGN ad R1.indd 1
STILL MARCHING FOR
4/27/18 3:13 PM
EQUALITY THE FIGHT CONTINUES
While the LGBT community has seen many successes in the past decade, there are still many more milestones yet to come. Follow history as it happens by reading your weekly copy of SFGN.
www.SFGN.com 34
•
5 .2.2018
A&E theater
Island City Stage Announces 2018-19 Season J.W. Arnold
I
sland City Stage, the LGBT-centric theater company based in Wilton Manors, recently announced its 2018-19 season at a luncheon for media and patrons at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 hotel. Artistic director Andy Rogow and managing director Marty Childers presented a line-up that includes a world premiere musical, two comedies and a drama. Opening the season is “Buyer and Cellar” by Jonathan Tolins, Nov. 1 – Dec. 2. Matthew Buffalo stars in this one-man comedy as a struggling actor who take a job as the lonely “shopkeeper” in the nostalgic, Main Streetinspired basement of his idol, Barbra Streisand. One day, Streisand herself comes down to peruse the shelves. The two seem to bond, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs? While Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables nabbed the rights to the regional premiere two years ago, Rogow promised the Off Broadway hit, which originally featured Michael Urie (“Ugly Betty”), would be especially popular with the company’s gay audiences. Associate artistic director Michael Leeds penned “Bette and Barry: From Bathhouse to Broadway,” a world premiere musical running Jan. 10 – Feb. 10, 2019. Imagine Bette Midler and Barry Manilow premiering their new club act in Wilton Manors. The superstars haven’t performed together since the Continental Baths more than four decades ago, but now they’re back. Carbonell winner Mallory Newbrough and multiple Carbonell nominee Michael Ursua star as Midler and Manilow. Newbrough was on hand to sing two songs for the audience. According to Rogow, Leeds originally planned to recreate the duo’s legendary concerts and even considered performing the show in one of the local bathhouses. Rogow got a few chuckles when he told the audience the bathhouse managers weren’t eager to admit women for the performances. The third show of the season will be “From White Plains” by Michael Perlman, March 21 – April 21, 2019. In an emotional Academy Awards acceptance speech, an actor publicly denounces the high school bully he believes pushed his gay best friend to suicide, and who, fifteen years later, inspired the screenplay that garnered the Oscar. As the speech rapidly goes viral, the two men’s closest relationships begin to unravel as they deal with the unforgivable
Matthew Buffalo stars in “Buyer and Cellar,” the opening production of Island City Stage’s 2018-19 season, announced recently.
consequences of the past. South Florida native Alex Weisman introduced Rogow to the play and was set to star, until he was cast in his Broadway debut in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Rogow described the play as the one he’s most excited about on the schedule. Rich Orloff’s comedy, “Veronica’s Position,” May 30 – June 30, 2019, is the story of a middleaged movie star who reunites with her favorite ex-husband (a la Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) for a revival of “Hedda Gabler.” Meanwhile, Veronica’s gay assistant falls in love with an old pal, a controversial photographic artist who has just been denounced by Veronica’s current flame, a powerful United States senator. When conflicts build between those she adores, the fervently apolitical Veronica is forced to take a position on the one subject she cares passionately about—love. The final production of the upcoming season, planned for August, would either be a return of the long-running LGBT-themed “Shorts Gone Wild” series, a collaboration with Miami’s City Theatre, or another play to be announced, Rogow said.
FlexPass subscriptions and individual tickets are expected to go on sale soon at IslandCityStage.org.
65 MEMBER ORCHESTRA IN SUNRISE, FLORIDA
Signature Performance Soprano: KYAUNEE RICHARDSON May 6
Experience the operatic sounds of this award-winning solo vocalist. Richardson’s performances include Handel’s Messiah with the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami and the Alhambra Orchestra and Vivaldi’s Gloria with the Delray Orchestra.
Sunrise Civic Center Theater | 954-747-4646 5.2.2018 •
35
may 2 - may 8
Datebook
Theater Tucker Berardi
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
What We Play Is Life
May 22 at 6 pm at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School presents a night of jazz from the Stoneman Douglas jazz band, joined by world renowned artist Herbie Hancock, jazz artist Wycliffe Gordon and musician Paquito D’Rivera. Tickets $20 to $40. Visit thecentercs.com
*An Accident by Lydia Stryk
May 2 to May 37 at Empire Stage, 1140 N Flagler Drive, Ft Lauderdale. A play about recovery and forgiveness through vehicles of confrontation and eroticism. Tickets $30. primalforces. com or call 954-678-1496.
Legally Blonde the Musical
May 4 - 6 at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Street. Key West high school drama club and Key West Theater join forces for this musical iteration of the dramedy classic taken from the big screen: Legally Blonde. Visit thekeywesttheater.com or call (305) 985-0433.
broward county *An Accident by Lydia Stryk
May 2 to May 37 at Empire Stage, 1140 N Flagler Drive, Ft Lauderdale. A play about recovery and forgiveness through vehicles of confrontation and eroticism. Tickets $30. primalforces.com or call 954-678-1496.
What We Play Is Life
May 22 at 6 pm at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School presents a night of jazz from the Stoneman Douglas jazz band, joined by world renowned artist Herbie Hancock, jazz artist Wycliffe Gordon and musician Paquito D’Rivera. Tickets $20 to $40. Visit thecentercs.com
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com
palm beach county Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross Sunday, May 13 at 7:30 pm in Dreyfoos Hall, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Special Mother’s Day opportunity to
Legally Blonde the Musical, May 4 - 6 at the Key West Theater. Photo courtesy of The Key West Theater.
see American Idol star Ruben Studdard sing his top hits. Tickers $15 to $100. Visit max. kravis.org.
technologies to create works resembling fine art prints or abstract paintings.
Something Rotten
April 12-29 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth, Fl. Come see the award-winning musical adaptation of Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Tickets range from $23 to $35. Call 561-586-6410 or visit lakeworthplayhouse.org/oliver.html
May 1 - May 6 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Hear the story of the Bottom brothers as they struggle to find their place in the theater world dominated by William Shakespeare. Tickets $28 - $68. Visit max.kravis.org.
Works by Rod Faulds and Isabel Gouveia
April 5 through April 30, with reception Wednesday, April 11 from 7 pm to 9 pm at FAU’s Theater Lab Space. This is a two-person exhibition by artists who employ photography and digitally-based
Oliver!
Free Friday Concerts
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
miami-dade county From The Dirt
April 18 to 28 at 8 pm at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores. An Americana-inspired contemptorary dance work about the human experience. Tickets $25. Call 305-751-9550.
Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
The Big Show
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustThe-Funny.com.
* Denotes New Listing 36
•
5 .2.2018
A&E opera “Florencia en al Amazona” is an operatic journey of self-discovery for soprano Ana María Martinez, right. Photo Credit: Florida Grand Opera.
SCHOOL 10 E I V 0-Y A D EA D L R O GALA • CONCERTS • FESTIVAL
MAY 10-12, 2018
Join in the celebration of this splendid building’s history
GALA & CELEBRATION - OLD DAVIE SCHOOL
REVIEW: COME ABOARD, WE’RE EXPECTING YOU AT FGO
“F
LIVE CONCERT - BERGERON RODEO FRIDAY • MAY 11 • 6 - 9 P.M.
LOCAL CRAFT BEER & DELICIOUS BBQ
MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL DAVIE SCHOOL
SATURDAY • MAY 12 • 10 - 5 P.M. • 6650 GRIFFIN RD. A family festival of music with Bluegrass by “Uproothootenanny” and soft rock by “The Long Run,” kids games, BBQ, local craft beer, and arts and crafts.
J.W. Arnold lorencia en al Amazonas,” currently being presented by Florida Grand Opera at the Arsht Center in Miami, is inspired by the writings of celebrated Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez. The challenge for any librettist is taking great literature and effectively adapting the story for the stage while retaining the integrity and artistry of the author’s original words. Márquez is by no means light reading— his most lauded work, “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” is certainly an example—but I was struck by how much librettist Marcela Fuentez-Berain’s derivation reminded me more of an episode of “The Love Boat.” Did you see that special episode where the Pacific Princess took a trip up the Amazon? I didn’t think so, but the formula is still the same: The opera opens on the pier. The Capitán (Rafael Porto) and his discontent nephew Arcadio (Andrew Bidlack), the ship’s “Gopher,” welcome the colorful cast of passengers aboard the riverboat El Dorado. The audience is introduced to the elusive Florencia Grimaldi (Ana María Martinez), a famed opera diva who always travels incognito, only making public appearances on stage, and returning to her hometown of Manaus after a two decade absence. She’s really on a mission to reconnect with her long-lost lover and muse Cristobál, a butterfly hunter lost years ago in the dense rainforest. Rosalba (Cecilia Violetta López) is a young, star struck journalist writing a biography of the singer, even though she has never met Grimaldi. Paula (Mariya Kaganskaya) and Alvaro (William Lee Bryan) are the comically bickering married couple. Riolobo (Steven LaBrie) is the incredibly sexy—just wait until he takes his shirt off—yet mysterious character who serves as part narrator and part spirit guide for the passengers and crew. When the ship
THURSDAY • MAY 10 • 6 - 10 P.M.
6650 GRIFFIN ROAD • DAVIE, FL 33314
encounters a freak storm and runs aground, he implores the river gods to spare their lives. The figurative “three-hour cruise” goes the way of “Gilligan’s Island” to open the second act and when the ship finally returns to the river and reaches Manaus, the passengers must turn back because of a cholera outbreak. Like any “Love Boat” episode, quarreling lovers eventually reconcile, Florencia confronts her past and the ship seemingly returns to port safely. The real triumph of “Florencia en al Amazonas” is the Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s lush and lyrical score. Even though the opera received its premiere more than 20 years ago, Catán’s music is firmly rooted in tradition, frequently evoking the rich harmonies of Puccini and Menotti and the colorful orchestrations of Stravinsky and Debussy. Catán also channels the great film composers from the golden days of Hollywood, like David Raksin (“Laura”) and Bernard Herrman, the genius behind the unforgettable scores of Alfred Hitchcock’s classics. Catán’s melodies are always tonal and accessible to all and were beautifully performed on opening night under the direction of resident musical director Ramón Tebar. Phillip Lienau’s simple, yet incredibly versatile set—the ship’s long deck—is also lent a cinematic quality thanks to panoramic animated projections by Aaron Rhyne and expert lighting design by Kenneth Yunker. Director Jose Maria Condemi rises to the challenges of this work, never overlooking the most subtle, enlightening moments nor overplaying the most dramatic. “Florencia en al Amazonas” may never be revered in the same way as Márquez’s literary works, but it remains a stalwart example of the contemporary opera repertoire as evidenced by this production at Florida Grand Opera.
FOR GALA TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION VISIT: OLDDAVIESCHOOL.ORG
Diana Cronkhite
DAVIE-COOPER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
5.2.2018 •
37
Datebook
Community
may 2 may 8
Tucker Berardi Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks *Concert in the Park
Sunday, May 6, 2016 at Reynolds Park, 18501 NE 22 Ave, North Miami Beach. A day of live music, arts and crafts and a classic car show, plus food trucks and more. Tickets $15, visit miamidade,gov/parks
*The Cons 2018
May 29 June 1 at Miami Beach’s SLS South Beach Hotel. Come check out the convening cons: Inked Con, Cannabis Con and Cam Con have something to offer for everyone. Register at thecon.biz
GFLGLCC May Mixer
Tuesday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Brinny Irish Riverfront Pub, 304 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale. Join the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at their May Mixer aboard the Double Decker Water Taxi. Complimentary drink included, cash bar and Hors D’oeuvres available. Tickets free for members, non-members $10. Visit gogayfortlauderdale.com
Broward Support Services PFLAG
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
broward county *Art of Wine & Food Series
Thursday, May 3 at 6 pm at the NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy small bites and four varietals of Z. Alexander Brown wines. Tickets $40 per person, $25 for museum members. Visit nsuartmuseum.org
*Lunch With Art
Every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1:15 pm at 41 NE 1st St. Atlantic Blvd. 2nd Floor Ave, Pompano Beach. Indulge your creative side in this free hands-on program. Bring your own lunch or grab a bite to eat at the inhouse cafe.
Pride Film Series — The Shape of Water
Tuesday, May 8 at 1:15 pm at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. Enjoy this free showing of Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water. Must be 18 or older to attend. Soda and popcorn will be served.
38
•
5 .2.2018
GFLGLCC May Mixer
Tuesday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Brinny Irish Riverfront Pub, 304 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale. Join the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at their May Mixer aboard the Double Decker Water Taxi. Complimentary drink included, cash bar and Hors D’oeuvres available. Tickets free for members, non-members $10. Visit gogayfortlauderdale.com
Cuisine for Art Fundraiser
Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 pm at the Hard Rock Event Center, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. An annual fundraiser to benefit the Art and Culture Center/ Hollywood. Entertainment will include the Dale Powers Band, vocalist Maria DeCrescenzo, and Michael Dean as Cher. Tickets $150.Visit artandculturecenter.org
4th Annual Heart & Soul Festival
Friday, April 27th from 6 pm to 9 pm at the
may 2 - may 8 GALLERYone DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Fort Lauderdale. Local artists will showcase their collection of art, live jazz music and gourmet food. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Visit www.bfabroward.org.
Boca Raton. Join experts in a support group that addresses discrimination, coming out, depression, PTSD and how to deal with these stresses as an LGBTQ teen. Call 561483-5300 to register in advance.
Super Saturated
Transcendence
Friday, April 27 at 7:30pm at the Young At Art Museum, 751 SW 121 Ave, Davie. SuperSaturated is a night of sensation featuring interactive art installations, live music and performance art paired with plenty of beer, cocktails and food! Tickets $100. Call (954) 424-5064.
TASTE of Oakland Park
Friday, April 27 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park. A grand tasting celebration of food and drink for locals by locals. Tickets are $15 and include food and drink samples from all vendors. Free for children under 12. Visit oaklandparkfl.gov.
palm beach county LGBTQ Teen Support Group
Tuesdays from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Falk Center for Couseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road,
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.
Sober Sisters
Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.
Positive Connection
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who are HIV posi-tive are invited to come together for support, education, and advocacy. Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.
Bisexual Support Group
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth.
Share your thoughts with other members of the bisexual community, discuss issues, and address concerns in a safe environment. Email marissa@compassglcc.com or visit CompassGLCC.com.
miami-dade county *Concert in the Park
Sunday, May 6, 2016 at Reynolds Park, 18501 NE 22 Ave, North Miami Beach. A day of live music, arts and crafts and a classic car show, plus food trucks and more. Tickets $15, visit mi-amidade,gov/parks
*The Cons 2018
May 29 June 1 at Miami Beach’s SLS South Beach Hotel. Come check out the convening cons: Inked Con, Cannabis Con and Cam Con have something to offer for everyone. Register at thecon.biz
*Classic Film Series
Wednesday, May 8 at 7 pm at Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores. Watch Double Indemnity, a classic film noir featuring an insurance salesman who gets roped into a murderous scheme. Tickets $5$10. Call (305) 751-9550 x221.
*RGB Showing
Thursday, May 3, at 7:30 pm at Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores. Critically acclaimed documentary RBG presented by the Miami Theater Center and Miami Jewish Film. Email info@ miamijewishfilmfestival.org.
Champions of Equality Anniversary Gala
25th
Wednesday, May 16 from 7 to 9 pm at the home of SAVE Guardian John Byrne, 400 Alton Road, Unit 3007, Miami Beach. Celebrate 25 years of SAVE with lite bites and complimentary cocktails, presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Visit championsofequality.com to or-der tickets and RSVP.
key west Hot Naked Sundays
Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. A pretea pool party. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.
* Denotes New Listing
YOU’RE ALREADY A PART OF
HISTORY ● Rec
Accounting and Tax Services GET INTO THE MOMENT Follow SFGN.com on Facebook and see all the places you’ve been. We post photos from events across South Florida. From business gatherings to political protests, we’re right there with you.
Timothy S. Hart, CPA Managing Partner
2929 East Commercial Boulevard, Penthouse D | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 954-202-9770 | 954-202-9777 Fax THart@R3Accounting.com | www.R3Accounting.com
Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews 5.2.2018 •
39
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
attorney
attorney
Law office of george castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com
law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net
Law office of Robin bodiford 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com
law office of Shawn Newman 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
beauty
furniture
Trantalis & Associates attorneys Dean J. Trantalis, Esq. 2301 Wilton Drive Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, 33035 954.566.2226 TrantalisLaw.com
a&e
Ft Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org
car
dental Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com
Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org
sfgn.guide
on-call
KEEP YOUR EYES ON
South Florida Gay News
Licensed & Insured
954-725-3633
SFGN.com
custom alarm
@SoFlaGayNews
contractors, Inc.
Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 40
•
5 .2.2018
transportation RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133.
SouthFloridaGayNews It’s about time. It’s about us. A paper that speaks with you, to you, and about you. A paper that pulls no punches, protects our friends, defends our allies, and defines our adversaries. Our goal is to have you make our paper your home page.
Welcome to the South Florida Gay News.
final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center
2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com
financial services WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR
FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting
Bookkeeping Small Business Advising
health insurance Medicare/MedicaID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield 2765 West Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074
health American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com
professional services
954-667-9829 ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM
7:0 0P M
2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
W ED N ES D AY S
getaway
www.sfgn.guide CUSTOM IN GRE
MANNY SIMONE, NEWS ANCHOR
STALLATIO
N AT A
AT P RI
Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981
WE INSTA
LL:
Custom mad e Roller shad Curtains es Verticals Blinds Movie scre ens Windows Wifi door lo cks Wifi light sw itches
handyman
CE
RELIABLE RIDES INC
YOU WORK YOU RIDE We also inst all/replace A / C thermos the latest in tats of technology (Ecobee or — downloa Nest) ded and co ntrolled by your sma r t ph o
ne
Contact Hai m to schedu le a no obligatio n quote!
954-398-3676
sfgn.com
Hitechshade@gmail.com
AL JOHNSON
MANAGER reliablerides51@yahoo.com
2430 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY WILTON MANORS FLORIDA 33305 954.581.5655 954.581.5606 FAX buyreliablerides.com 5.2.2018 •
41
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 professional services
spirituality
William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954.630.2627 TED’S PLUMBING
call us to reserve space!
754-244-3247
The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare
6330 N. ANdrews Ave. Fort LAuderdALe
Licensed & Insured
Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.
2300 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Rd) Wilton Manors, FL 33311
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH ANY REPAIRS
standard service call during regular business hours. Limited time offer.
Quality Repairs ● Emergency Service ● Fair Prices!
sports Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.
Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173
www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services
social
www.sfgn.guide 42
•
5 .2.2018
2 bedroom/2 bath condos from
$135,000
Ocean/Intracoastal from
$300,000
THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!
Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida.
$250,000
Brian S. Bedigian, P.A.
RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.com
Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years
from
Pest and Termite Control, Inc
#1 In Customer Service ● 35 Years Experience
Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:
3 bedroom/2 bath homes
Taylor & Turner
When You Need a Plumber... Call Ted!
real estate
Realtor
954.205.5275
SFGN Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call us at 954.530.4970
attorney Injury or illness? - Unable to work due to injury or illness? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys! FREE Evaluation. Local Attorneys Nationwide 1-855-643-2430 [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]
commercial for sale
employment positions wanted Male-Caregiver - 10+ Experience, Certified in State of Florida. Call Antonio 954.599.3265
handyman 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
rentals wilton manors MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140. Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com
WILTON MANORS - 1/1 contemporary furnished condo steps to Starbucks and Five Points, new tile floors, 2nd floor 16 unit bldg. $1000 first, last, and deposit not negotiable. Phone or text 954-654-4910 or email covin5237@gmail.com
rentals fort lauderdale Drake Tower - 2 Bedroom - Two Bath, Totally Renovated, Spectacular River View. Fully Furnished, Upgraded Cable Included, 1 Year Lease - $1600 per month + Security. Available May 1, 2018. Call Anthony - 619.822.5158
real estate
$$$ SAVE THOUSANDS $$$
4% TO LIST AND SELL • Michael Tublin 561-703-5533 United Realty Group
www.sfgn.guide
television DIRECTV SELECT PACKAGE! - Over 150 Channels, ONLY $35/month (for 12 mos.) Order Now! Get a $200 AT&T Visa Rewards Gift Card (some restrictions apply) CALL 1- 888-597-7205
home health care
COMPANION AIDE - Strictly Professional, TBI, PCA, and NHTD certified Over ten years’ experience. Provide light personal care, light cleaning. Laundry and major meal prep. Respite for caregiver. Serious inquires call Karl 954-616-8952
help wanted dog runner sought (with references) - Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale. Call Norm 954-661-3361
internet
AT&T - High Speed Internet Starting at $40/month. Up to 45 Mbps! Over 99% Reliability! Bundle AT&T Digital TV or Phone Services & Internet Price Starts at $30/month. Call 1-855-830-9658
FREE Information Kit
855-407-8729
www.dental50plus.com/SouthFL
Only one product is beyond the government’s reach when it comes to defects and safety: firearms.
piano
electronics for sale Kodi TV Box Fully Programmed, $79.00 2Gb/16Gb • Movies, Premium TV & Sports, No Monthly Fee. IPTV Service Available. 800 Channels with VOD $100 per year, Free Trial 9542837557 HDTVME.Com
electrician HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com
employment wanted SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year. Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment. Fax resume to 954-530-7943.
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.
painting GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com
pool service COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. Call 954-235-0775.
www.sfgn.guide 5.2.2018 •
43
LGBT CRUISES & TOUR EVENTS
17th Annual
from $599
Halloween Cruise
Oct 28- Nov 4, 2018 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas Ports: Galveston, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel
from $2,283 from $3,999
Aug 13 - 20, 2019 7 Nights – Labor Day Castles on The Rhine River Cruise Aquafest Hosted Group of LGBT Travelers September 5-17, 2019
Exclusive LUXURY LGBTCruise Tour Vietnam, The Mekong River, and Cambodia (Angkor Wat) with #1 Tour Operator Abercrombnie & Kent
More In African Safari, Vietnam & Cambodia, Alaska, Baltic, Caribbean, Danube More In Machu Picchu & South America, Mediterranean, Canada Fall Foliage 2019 2019
(800) 592-9058 / AquafestCruises.com