THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 2 JANUARY 28, 2021
Wilton Manors & Oakland Park FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE
POLICE
Daughter of Oakland Park Hit-and-Run Victim Speaks Out Driver Still at Large
By Christiana Lilly The daughter of a woman killed in a hitand-run accident in Oakland Park last week described her death as “one of the most traumatic experiences in my life.” Ariana Cotto, the daughter of the late Nancy Vazquez, spoke through tears at a press conference hosted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Friday afternoon in Fort Lauderdale. Vazquez, 59, was walking diagonally across North Andrews Avenue the evening of Jan. 14 when a driver hit her in the far left lane. The driver continued traveling northbound and did not stop after the collision. Based on a fog lamp cover and headlight debris left behind at the scene, BSO detectives were able to determine it was a 2013-2015 black four-door Honda Accord EX. The Oakland Park resident was taken to Broward Health Medical Center and pronounced dead at 11:37 p.m. Police have released a surveillance video of the accident. “She was my everything. She was my
mom, my best friend, my confidante,” Cotto said of Vazquez. “She was a single mom and an amazing one at that. She did her best to provide me with everything I needed to succeed in life.” Cotto is currently attending school in Connecticut, and she said her best memories with her mother included singing in the car and at their church in Brooksville, Florida. One of the last conversations she had with her mother was figuring out a way she could visit her at school. Cotto urged the driver to contact law enforcement. “Just own up to your actions, even if it was a mistake,” she said. BSO Traffic Homicide Det. Sherry Slagle-Grant told the media that the vehicle would have damage to the passenger side of the car, and that had the driver stopped and called police, they probably would have been able to go home that night after providing a statement. “Although the crash was not the fault of
BSO detectives were able to determine it was a 20132015 black four-door Honda Accord EX.
An image of the vehicle, a 2013-2015 black four-door Honda Accord EX, captured in the footage that was released by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Image via the BSO.
the driver — the pedestrian did walk in the roadway where the driver would not expect
to find a pedestrian — however the driver did flee the scene,” she said. WMG
Anyone with information is asked to contact BSO Traffic Homicide Det. Sherry Slagle-Grant at 954-321-4843. If you’d like to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
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THE
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Watch Wilton Become Wilton By Chris Caputo
GAZETTE January 28, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 2 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
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor • John McDonald
Correspondents
Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires
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Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@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
Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
Unfortunately, the appearance of Wilton Manors hasn’t always lived up to the personality of Wilton Manors. By an always growing number of metrics, we rank highly on the nation’s list of cities of diversity. Our residents and businesses are a case study on the creativity and culture that thrives in a diverse community. As a newly elected public servant, I have received more than a few emails about our city’s public art and cultural #epicfails. From the lack of a public art policy to our less than properly fabulous holiday Christmas tree and Menorah, we haven’t yet shown just how vibrant, creatively alive and thriving our community really is. Like some of the outrageously loud, beautiful and exciting public art installations you’ll now find along
Wilton Drive, I’m here to say “Wilton is finally becoming Wilton!” You don’t have to simply take my word on it, though, because the progress our city made at its Jan. 26, 2020 commission meeting is solid proof. The City of Wilton Manors owes a debt of gratitude to the many individuals and organizations within our colorful community that pushed hard to get the city to take the next right step in truly welcoming public art on city property. At our most recent commission meeting, we passed a formal resolution solidifying our relationship with Wilton Manors Entertainment Group that will result in temporary public art installations in our parks. This important milestone would not have been possible if it weren’t for the ongoing efforts and commitment
As a newly elected public servant, I have received more than a few emails about our city’s public art and cultural #epicfails.
of individuals like Mike Sansevero and organizations like WMEG and Wilton Art. Mike Sansevero, Wilton Art, the Wilton Collective, Wilton Manors Entertainment Group and countless of our residents have pressed hard to beautify our city and create eye-catching art installations — mostly on private property so far. It is my hope that this formal relationship with WMEG will be the first of many. Like most of my fellow Commissioners, I support the creation of a public art or cultural affairs committee whose focus might include the evaluation of public art projects for our city. I hope you will show your support for public art in our city by posting your local art selfies online. While you’re at it, be sure to check out some of our local theatre — I’ll see you there!
• 1. 28.2021
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Associated Press MEMBER
MEMBER
Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
P.S. When can we start talking about making next holiday season’s display in Flippen park the most amazing ever? WMG
— Chris Caputo
WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER
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MEMBER
JANUARY 28, 2021
Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
COMMUNITY
Wilton Manors Police Chief To Retire By John McDonald
Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell announced his retirement at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting. O’Connell has directed the city’s police department since 2011. His retirement was announced at the virtual Zoom meeting by city manager Leigh Ann Henderson. O’Connell was thanked for his service by Henderson, Mayor Scott Newton and Commissioner Gary Resnick. Newton quipped O’Connell “beat me to retirement.” Resnick
inquired if the city’s police officers had been vaccinated for COVID-19. “When that door is open we’re ready to go,” said O’Connell. O’Connell admitted he had been vaccinated due to his status as a senior citizen. Resnick suggested Wilton Manors cops travel to Miami-Dade or Palm Beach Counties to seek out vaccinations. In his report to the commission O’Connell said car burglaries are up in the city and
implored residents to lock their vehicles. “We have to do a better job of protecting ourselves and our property,” O’Connell said. “That’s the message we need to push forward.” O’Connell said there have been six arrests in the city this month related to car burglaries. The chief also stated the department is investigating a Dec. 14 attack on an eldery woman which he described as a “vicious, horrible crime.” O’Connell was joined at the meeting by WPD Commander Gary Blocker. No timeline or process for replacing the chief was discussed. Vice Mayor Paul Rolli said since the position reports directly to the city manager it would likely be Henderson’s decision who to hire. When asked for comment about the chief’s retirement, Michael Sansevero, chairman of the city’s community affairs advisory board, simply stated: “It’s time.” WMG
EP O’Connell was thanked for his service by Henderson, Mayor Scott Newton and Commissioner Gary Resnick.
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Spa Worker Sexually Assaulted in Oakland Park
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By Christiana Lilly Law enforcement has released a video of a man wanted in the sexual assault of a woman Monday morning at an Oakland Park spa. The spa is located at 3075 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in an office building between a Chevron gas station and a McDonald’s. According to a report, the woman told the Broward Sheriff’s Office that the man asked about massage services when he arrived at the spa around 4:30 a.m. However, there was a “dispute” over the payment about 20 minutes later. The man grabbed her from behind and pushed her into a back room, where he assaulted her. He then ran off on foot a few minutes later. In the video released by police — the
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GROSSMAN, GROSSMAN,MD MD Image via the BSO.
woman’s face has been blurred for her privacy — the man has a beard and is wearing a white hat. WMG
If you have information or recognize the person in the video, call BSO SVU Det. Stephanie Simmons at 954-321-4228. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
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COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Oakland Park Shows Off Its Inclusivity With New Sign Project By Christiana Lilly The city of Oakland Park is erecting 14 signs around the city announcing to visitors and residents that all are welcome. Each sign reads “Oakland Park welcomes all races, all religions, all genders, all ages, all abilities, all sexual orientations, all countries of origin.” “It really reflects our pledge as a city and community to really stand together as one community and welcome everyone,” Oakland Park Mayor Jane Bolin said. “For me, it’s a physical manifestation of that pledge.” The first sign was unveiled at the City Hall entrance in a ceremony on Jan. 15 to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Bolin was joined by most of the Oakland Park City Commission as well as members of the Broward County Commission. An image of the sign has also been included in some employees’ email signatures. The signs were the brainchild of the city’s Diversity Ambassadors, who came together after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last May — during an arrest, a police offer knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, choking him to death. Last summer, Bolin drafted and passed a “Proclamation Condemning Racism and Reaffirming Commitment to Promoting Racially Equitable Development.” Beyond the signs, Oakland Park appears to practice what it preaches. In December, the Human Rights Campaign awarded the city a 99/100 in its annual Municipal Equality Index report. This is a vast improvement since 2016, when the city scored an 86/100. According to the HRC, Oakland Park is lacking in its non-discrimination laws and benefits to LGBTQ city employees. However, it got perfect scores in municipal services,
Elijah Manley. Photo via Facebook.
Queer Black Activist Drops Charges In Wilton Manors Attack By John McDonald
The first sign was unveiled at the City Hall entrance in a ceremony on Jan. 15 to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ equality. “I would like to be 100,” Bolin laughed. “There is a [really] big difference between 99 and 100. For me, it’s an excellent reflection of who we are as a city, including our staff and our values but I think we want to strive for 100.” When asked why the city wanted to be so proactive after Floyd’s murder, Bolin said the city can’t pretend it doesn’t have its problems. “We can’t just pretend, ‘Oh everything is the greatest in Oakland Park, we don’t have any problems, we don’t need to worry about this,’” she said. “To not respond i think would have been irresponsible of us.” WMG
It was quite a year for Elijah Manley. could get the individual anger management Manley campaigned for the Florida House of and substance abuse treatment.” Manley campaigned under the Bernie Representatives, challenging incumbent Rep. Sanders wing of the Democratic Bobby DuBose for the District party and is practicing the 94 seat. socialist’s ideology when The 22-year-old eventually it comes to jail and prison lost to DuBose in the sentences. Democratic primary, but “Being behind bars isn’t received nearly 9,000 votes likely to change his behavior for a 30% showing. towards others or fix any of his Campaigning during a problems,” Manley said. pandemic is not easy and The Florida House campaign Manley — who identifies was Manley’s third campaign as queer, Black and Jewish for public office. Manley’s — also had to deal with a campaign for Broward school frightening encounter while board — following the mass canvassing one day in Wilton shooting at Marjory Stoneman Manors. Manley was attacked Douglas High School in by what police described as a Parkland — received 43,009 foul-mouthed and inebriated - Elijah Manley votes and drew the attention of man as they delivered door safety and education advocates. hangers in an apartment “I supported him very complex. Manley told SFGN they have decided to strongly when he did that,” said Kathleen M. Bonczyk, Esq., of the Workplace Violence drop charges against the local resident. “I have decided not to file any charges with Prevention Institute. “Elijah understands the State Attorney’s Office,” Manley said. “I’ll what needs to be done to prevent tragedies.” be following up with their office to see if we WMG
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“Being behind bars isn’t likely to change his behavior towards others or fix any of his problems.”