THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 13 JULY 7, 2022
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WILTON MANORS
MAN PULLS OUT GUN AT POPULAR WILTON MANORS BAR By Austen Erblat Sun Sentinel
Dramatic video taken outside a popular Wilton Manors bar shows two men arguing before one pulls out a gun, threatening the other. After taking out the weapon, he holds it behind his back while continuing to lob expletives at the other man. Patrons at the bar didn’t know if they were about to see a shooting. “Who knows what he would’ve done,” said one witness who only gave the name “Andrew.” “I don’t know what his intent was.” A second video shows the accused gunman being taken out of the bar in handcuffs by several police officers while others cheer and clap, some derisively yelling “Let’s go, Brandon!” in reference to his shirt, which was emblazoned with the word “Brandon.” Among conservatives, the name has become a way to insult President Joe Biden. Kenneth Justesen, a 45-year-old Wilton Manors man, was arrested and faces several charges. Video showed him arguing with several people outside Gym Sports Bar, a popular bar in Wilton Manors, a historically LGBT-friendly city near Fort Lauderdale. Anthony Robinson, 35, was the person who recorded that video on his phone. Once he saw
Justesen pull out the gun, he stopped recording and called 911. Once Justesen pulled out his gun, Robinson said the first thing that went through his head was “someone getting shot; Whether it be [the man he was arguing with] or an innocent bystander.” In the video and according to witnesses, Justesen said that he had the right to defend himself. But even before that video started, Justesten was antagonizing and threatening people while digging through the trash to search for his phone. “He had lost his phone and was very upset about that, so he went around making comments that whoever had his phone was going to get a bullet in the back of their head, that he would [explicit word] them up, and the other gentleman was saying, ‘don’t say that, it’s just a phone,’” Robinson said. Andrew said he was trying to calm the guy down, especially after Justesen began antagonizing several women outside the bar. He didn’t see Justesen holding the gun behind his back, and only learned that the man was armed after other people there told him. He said he wasn’t fazed. “I’ve seen a lot worse. I’m from New York,” said Andrew, who works nearby and had gone out with friends. “I just wanted to keep my
Kenneth Justesen, a 45-year-old Wilton Manors man, was arrested and faces several charges.
Kenneth Justesen, a 45-year-old from Wilton Manors, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a felony: improper exhibition of a firearm, a misdemeanor: and possession of a firearm while under the influence, a misdemeanor. Photo via Broward Sheriff’s office. cool. He was saying all this aggressive stuff. Now that I see the video, I think, ‘Wow, I didn’t notice that.’” Justesen’s gun was loaded, according to investigators, who went on to say he was
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intoxicated and “approaching patrons in the bar in a belligerent manner.” Read the full story at sfgn.com/Bar Sun Sentinel and SFGN are media partners.
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WILTON MANORS
WILTON MANORS COMMISSION TALKS WATER TREATMENT, WMPD ACCREDITATION, AND DOG PARK RULES By Bella Ramirez
THE
GAZETTE July 7, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 13 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com
Wilton Manors’ last commission meeting was filled with news, including the city’s plans for water treatment, the Wilton Manors Police Department renewing its accreditation, and new rules at Colohatchee Dog Park.
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INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE PLANS DISCUSSED FOR SEWAGE AND WATER TREATMENT
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The city also used Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to discuss plans for investing in water and sewer renovation projects. Finance Director Pennie Zuercher spoke in favor of the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA) financing. WIFIA is a federal program that prioritizes cities with populations less than 25,000. Zuercher also said Wilton Manors will identify what projects will be eligible for funding from other means like the State Revolving Fund and the timeline for each project to affect residents in a less intrusive way. The city commission voted to move forward with applying for WIFIA financing.
WILTON MANORS POLICE DEPARTMENT (WMPD) UPDATES Darren Brodsky, assistant chief of police of WMPD, announced the department was unanimously reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The agency reviews took place June 15 and 16 in Orlando with Accreditation Manager Doug Robertson. Brodsky also noted that there were no “significant safety issues” during Stonewall Pride, as no arrests were made. However, police received 24 medical-related calls during the event, which he cited as due to heat or intoxication. Following public comment, Brodsky also acknowledged the incident of a man pulling out a gun at Gym Sportsbar.
NEW DOG PARK RULES Colohatchee Dog Park will require dog vaccinations as part of the registration process
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Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo by Carina Mask.
for an entrance key fob. Dog owners will have to go in person to show updated dog vaccination papers for their key fobs to work. Once their dog vaccinations expire, the key fob will stop working until owners come back with updated vaccination papers.
“None of you know what the city commission went through to make sure this event went on.” The mayor advised that future events have more transparency of records from vendors, especially those the city donates to.
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The city commission decided to print and mail two of the Town Criers to every resident in town except for those who opt out and change distribution to quarterly rather than bimonthly.
EVENT POLICIES Mayor Scott Newton brought up changing event policies to avoid the difficulties faced from planning Stonewall Pride. He added that there was a point at which the annual event almost got canceled. “I’m not going to go through what I went through this year, next year,” Newton said.
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City Attorney Kerry Ezrol shared various Florida House bills that came into effect July 1. Ezrol brought up a house bill that allows cities to restrict smoking to boundaries of beaches and parks. This will be discussed at the next city commission meeting. He also announced the creation of special event zones; these zones will double traffic fines and allow enforcement of occupancy limits on public or private property. As of July 1, there is also a new traffic violation for sounds audible at 25 feet or more from a car. The next city commission meeting is July 12 at 7 p.m.
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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.
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WILTON MANORS MAN ARRESTED IN 2021
DUI MANSLAUGHTER CASE By Christiana Lilly
Gary Resnick. Image via Facebook.
WILTON MANORS COMMISSIONER
GARY RESNICK NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION By John Hayden
Wilton Manors resident David Humphreys was arrested June 28 for a DUI crash from February 2021, which led to the death of passenger, 22-year-old Anesty Meléndez Ruiz. In the early morning hours of Feb. 6, 2021, the 58-year-old was driving 62mph in a 35mph zone on 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale when he lost control of the car, according to police, crashing into the barricade and hitting trees.
“The vehicle ‘exploded’ into numerous parts upon impact. The driver and passenger seats were still intact but far apart.”
“The vehicle ‘exploded’ into numerous parts upon impact. The driver and passenger seats were still intact but far apart,” according to the police report. Local 10 reports that police said the car split in half and 10-foot flames ignited. Meléndez Ruiz was taken to Broward General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Humphreys’ blood alcohol content was tested and came back at .238% — almost three times the legal limit in Florida. Humphreys was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter, one count of vehicular homicide, three counts of DUI property damage, and three counts of reckless driving. He pleaded not guilty. Meléndez Ruiz was buried in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is survived by his parents, Anesty Meléndez and Jessica Ruiz. On the funeral home’s obituary page, friends and family wrote about his love for Bad Bunny and described him as vibrant, bright and caring. According to court records, Humphreys was in the hospital for 90 days after the accident, 30 of which he was in a coma. He does not drive and uses a cane and walking boot as a result of the crash. He was convicted of a misdemeanor DUI in 2005. The state’s request for pretrial detention was denied.
Vice-Mayor Paul Rolli echoed those After decades of service to the citizens of Wilton Manors, City Commissioner Gary thoughts. “Commissioner Gary Resnick served Resnick has decided to step back at the end of admirably for many years and I wish him and his term. He made the announcement in an open Eric all the best in their future endeavors. We will miss Gary’s knowledge and experience letter to his constituents. “I have decided not to seek re-election this in many areas including his work with the November. This has not been an easy decision, Broward and Florida Leagues of Cities as well as in locating significant as representing the city has funding sources for city been an incredible experience. projects.” I’ve developed many great “OUR CITY “Our city owes a debt of friends along the way. Many of OWES A DEBT gratitude to Commissioner you have reached out to me to Gary Resnick for his 24 years of encourage me to run again and OF GRATITUDE service,” fellow Commissioner to pledge your support. Your TO COMMISSIONER Chris Caputo said. “As a support for all these years, commission, we benefited through nine elections, has GARY RESNICK from his institutional meant the world. I learned two FOR HIS 24 YEARS knowledge and municipal legal things from my mother that expertise. I wish him the very have guided me well: 1) always OF SERVICE.” best as he embarks on his next have a sense of humor, and 2) - Chris Caputo chapter.” leave when they still want you WILTON MANORS Commissioner Mike Bracchi to stay. This is the right time COMMISSIONER for me, Eric, and our rescue agreed. “Commissioner pup Brady to travel and to have Resnick has dedicated over more flexibility.” two decades of his life to He was first elected to the Wilton Manors our wonderful Island City. He should be City Commission in 1998, and served as mayor commended for his steadfast commitment to from 2008-2018. Current Mayor Scott Newton serving our community.” told SFGN that Resnick has been a great face At the end of his statement, Resnick said for the city. this goodbye may not be forever. “Gary has been a very good ambassador to “Of course, I love Wilton Manors, and this the city we have,” Newton said. “Accomplished will always be home. Who knows, maybe a lot of good together to make Wilton Manors public office will again be in my future.” what it is today and I wish him all the best.”
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WILTON MANORS
IMPACT FEES PROJECTED TO INCREASE IN WILTON MANORS
WILTON MANORS IDENTIFIES BUSINESSES AT RISK OF DIRECT DISPLACEMENT, OUTLINES PLAN FOR HELP
By Bella Ramirez Following an Impact and Connection Fee Study conducted by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., Wilton Manors is considering updating its impact and connection fees. The fees have not been updated in more than 15 years even though it is standard practice to update them every four to five years. Impact fees are placed on property developers to pay for infrastructure such as police, playgrounds and other investments in the city that may need to be upgraded to accommodate city growth. These fees will not be placed on existing residents, but new residents will have to pay them. Although current residents will not pay these fees, City Commissioner Chris Caputo told SFGN that residents should still be vocal about fees in upcoming meetings. “It’s really important that the existing residents come out because if the impact fees aren’t there, then that means that they’ll end up bearing the cost through their taxes or paying to upgrade or to implement the infrastructure that’s necessary,” Caputo said. The city commission voted unanimously during its June 28 meeting to go forward with the “extraordinary case” for impact fees by maximizing them and holding two public meetings before finalizing the fees. Commissioner Gary Resnick described this as updating the fees “to be more in line with reality.” The largest projected monetary fee is the parks and recreation impact fee, which is projected to increase from $1,224.28 to $2,146 for single family homes and $976.51 to $2,010 for multi-family homes. The fee with the highest percent change is the police impact fee, which is projected to increase from $91.50 to $382 for single family homes and $360 for multi-family homes. Fire impact fees are projected to increase by $40 for single family homes and $42 for multifamily homes. Since the current impact fees are so outdated, many types of fees do not yet exist. Under Raftelis’ guidance, the city is expected to add general government impact fees ($520 for single family and $491 for multi-family) and library fees ($112 for single family and $104 for multi-family). Raftelis also advised the city to maintain
By Bella Ramirez
Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Photo by Carina Mask.
the $0.25-per-square-foot affordable housing fee already used by the city. Caputo started the discussion of affordable housing and how the fees may affect rent and mortgage for future Wilton Manors residents. “The reality is, whatever the cost the developer pays, he’s going to pass it on to the renter,” Caputo said. Commissioner Michael Bracchi offered the idea to rethink fees on single family homes. “We want to try to keep houses affordable, right? I don’t think we want townhouses going in every possible space where they can,” Bracchi said. “[Developers] should be bearing the bulk of the fees.” Mayor Scott Newton spoke in favor of prioritizing multi-family homes instead in hopes of paving the way for more affordable housing. “The reality is, the multi-family is what we need to make sure is there for affordable housing for people that work on The Drive, work on the restaurants, work at the bars, work at the hotel that might be coming up — all that,” Newton said. Raftelis also advised the City Commission to alter their utility connection charges. Their team suggested adopting a new water connection charge of $696 and increasing the wastewater charge from $2,075 to $2,441. Non-residential buildings are also projected to account for higher impact fees. Restaurants and bars will face the brunt of the fees with an estimated $5,550, or $5.55 per square foot. Retail spaces are next to see the largest change with a projected $1,839 or $1.84 per square foot. Residents can voice their thoughts on the fees at the upcoming city commission meeting July 12 at 7 p.m.
Wilton Manors identified 23 businesses at risk of direct displacement from redevelopment at their latest city commission meeting June 28. The city is adopting a five-point plan to help the businesses stay in Wilton Manors. Kim Allonce, the economic development manager of Wilton Manors, created and presented an in-house study of Wilton Manors’ small businesses and how to keep them from getting displaced. The study, candidly called “Stay in Wilton,” focused on businesses impacted by direct displacement — “forced to vacate due to eminent domain, building sale, redevelopment or rezoning.” Allonce identified three at-risk businesses on The Ave, four at-risk businesses on The Drive, and 16 at-risk businesses in East Village. The five-point plan outlines partnering with Modified image via PXHere. local organizations to help businesses relocate, establishing a Relocation Assistance Grant to help with costs, asking landlords to sign a owner for a long, long time,” Newton said. Commercial Tenant Protection Pledge, waiving “I never asked for a city to help me, because I select requirements for relocated businesses put money away.” Newton also noted that many businesses and asking landlords to offer “Right of First in the East Village area should “know it may Refusal” to returning businesses. City Commissioner Michael Bracchi brought not be a permanent place” since the owner up the possibility of supporting the at-risk expressed that he would like to redevelop it businesses financially during their move. one day. Caputo offered the idea of using American Commissioners Gary Resnick and Chris Caputo Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to give aid to the voiced agreement. “Moving a business, even if it’s a near area, displaced businesses. The ARPA funds come is disruptive,” Resnick said. “Some of these from the federal government and can only be used to help small businesses. [businesses] have supported Caputo described the funds as a the city for 20, 30 years and “use or lose it” situation. I think we should do the “I’m going to be a The city commission has same thing.” not decided whether they The commissioner little harsh here, and will provide aid to displaced suggested creating an aid fund I think I can because businesses nor how if so. from developer money to help An issue also brought up the businesses. I’ve been a business about the displacement was the “I know for a fact that at owner for a long, shortage of commercial space in least one of these on this list Wilton Manors. Allonce noted is losing their retirement plan long time ... I never that certain businesses were if they are unable to move to asked for a city to interested in retiring rather a place where they can keep help me, because I than moving if displaced. Some their customers,” he said. highlighted at-risk businesses Mayor Scott Newton said put money away.” outlined in her presentation that businesspeople should were Lotus Chinese Kitchen, “look out for rainy days” and - Mayor Scott Newton Holy Mackerel, Joshua Tree and save from the beginning rather Mavericks Barbershop. than depend on selling their Wilton Manors residents can business for retirement funds. He spoke against using taxpayer dollars for voice their thoughts during public comment at the next city commission meeting July aiding businesses. “I’m going to be a little harsh here, and 12 at 7 p.m. or by contacting Kim Allonce at I think I can because I’ve been a business kallonce@wiltonmanors.com.
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