THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 3, 2022
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WILTON MANORS
‘WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS’ Commissioners Fed Up With Slow Progress of Wilton Drive Landscaping
By John McDonald Projects that have long been waiting in the $5.3 million in ARPA funding and Henderson wings may soon spring into action in Wilton said dipping into those funds is possible. Commissioner Gary Resnick inquired as Manors. Commissioners discussed, at length, to the possibility of including broadband in several projects during the Jan. 25 regular the conduit piping. Newton said sometimes meeting. Leading the way was the Wilton Drive contractors cannot put electrical and broadband wiring in the same landscaping and irrigation conduit. project. Mayor Scott Newton “We missed a real opportunity said residents are frustrated to do that when Wilton Drive the project has yet to be was narrowed,” Resnick said. completed. Echoing Newton, “We’ve been talking about Commissioner Mike Bracchi this for years and years and I’m called for action. done,” Newton said. “We’re “We’re all tired of talking gonna get it done this year. about this and the residents are Find the money and let’s move tired of seeing a treeless street,” on.” said Bracchi. “Whatever it takes City Manager Leigh Ann to get it done — I’d like to know Henderson reported a what the total cost would be and $243,000 funding shortage let’s find the funds and prioritize in the project’s budget. A it.” qualified bid of $707,000 was Other projects discussed submitted for the project. Vice were Kiwanis Club, Site 92, Mayor Paul Rolli asked that - Scott Newton Mayor of Wilton Manors Colohatchee Park and the electrical wiring be included former Center for Spiritual in the bid. Living church property. “The bid that we have includes trees, repairs and maintenance, OTHER NOTES FROM THE irrigation and conduit pipe for the electrical,” JAN. 25 MEETING INCLUDE: Rolli said. “I know in that bid we did not include the actual electrical wires used to light A proposal passed unanimously on first the trees from the power outlets. I would like to see if we can move forward with the whole reading to bring a ballot referendum on package this time and not leave the electrical term limits. Voters will get to decide if 12 years is enough for elected city officials. for some later date.” County surtax funds will provide $280,000 Commissioners would be allowed a maximum for the project. Commissioner Chris Caputo of three four-year terms and the mayor allowed asked if funds from the American Rescue Plan to serve a maximum of six two-year terms. Commissioners appointed Scott McCoy to Act could be used. Wilton Manors received
“We’re gonna get it done this year. Find the money and let’s move on.”
Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo credit: Carina Mask.
the Civil Service Board. McCoy, a civil rights attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, is married to Mark Barr, Equality Florida’s Broward County Development officer. McCoy was Utah’s first gay state senator, serving from 2004 to 2009. He also chaired Salt Lake City’s police civilian review board. Commissioners re-appointed Constance Ruppender and appointed Stephen Mumby to the Budget Review Advisory Committee (BRAC). Ruppender is a past president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association.
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Commissioners also approved repealing the BRAC and replacing it with a newly created Financial Advisory Board. The city’s 2021 annual video report was released. Entitled “A Vision For Growth,” the video, narrated by Newton, touts the city’s continuing efforts to grow smart and highlights improvements to infrastructure, development regulations, community programming and safety measures. The next regular commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8.
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OPINION
WILTON MANORS
THE YEAR OF THE TIGER Tonight, as I write this week’s article, the New Moon welcomes a new year for many around the globe. Lunar New Year celebrations have begun welcoming in the Year of the Tiger, one of 12 zodiac animals associated with each year in a rotating cycle. This joyous 15-day celebration welcomes in new energy and new beginnings, a time to put the past behind and look forward to a fresh start. Perhaps we need to take a similar approach here in our Island City, a time to look past how things have been done in the past and look to make a fresh start. We need to leave the word “NO” out of the vocabulary for a change. “No,” the county will not allow landscaping along NE 26th Street. “No,” FDOT will not put a pedestrian crosswalk on Powerline by Mickel Park or lower the speed limit to 35 mph or clearly mark the bicycle lanes. “No,” Leisure Services cannot fund a new children’s playground at Hagen Park. “No,” for Impact Fees to support Public Art. “No,” to a municipal parking facility by City Hall. “No” seems to be Photo via Pixabay. the answer to many issues that keep resurfacing here in our Island City. Perhaps we can look to the Year of the Tiger three issues that this community would like to new Vice Mayor of Broward County Lamar see addressed are 1: lower the speed limit to 35 Fisher. West of Andrews now falls under the for some guidance as we move ahead. The tiger is associated with bravery, mph. Two: install a crosswalk by Mickel Park. newly appointed County Commissioner Jared courage and strength. These are definitely Three: improved roadway stripping with clearly Moskowitz. Also in the mix is the newly elected marked bicycle lanes. These Fl. House Representative Daryl Campbell. characteristics our community improvements and public safety Perhaps all this new leadership eager to make a needs if we are to overcome measures are for the stretch of difference will be just what is needed to finally the obstacles of the past I am hopeful that Powerline Road from Sunrise bring about the changes we deem essential as and to achieve the goals we Blvd in Fort Lauderdale to NW we move ahead to the future, leaving the “NOs” are seeking. Why can’t we our community 29th Street in Wilton Manors. of the past behind us. have streetscaping, proper will succeed in The Florida Department of Transportation A stretch of roadway that is bike lanes, safer streets for recently revisited the many concerns of the almost entirely residential, with pedestrians and bicyclist? advocating officials a school and park facilities, not surrounding communities along Powerline Courage and strength for on a local, regional the commercial or industrial Road with a Road Safety Audit. In the coming the many in our community corridor believed by many. weeks some outcomes from that audit along will be what is required to go and state level These safety concerns have with specific initiatives by FDOT should be head-to-head with outdated been asked for many times, forthcoming. Let us remain hopeful that regulations, a culture that to address public over and over for years now, the concerns of our community have been does not embrace the power to safety concerns all are still left undone, all heard. Let us also remain steadfast in our dream, and those who are all have been told “No” over and determination to bring about the results we too quick to say “NO” it can’t be along Powerline over. Yet the community still are seeking through community organization, done that way. hopes, still asks, still continues outreach to elected officials, and public The tiger is also viewed Road. to meet with city, county and awareness. as an uplifting animal that This time of celebration for many, a time for state officials. Perhaps this gives people hope. Hope is a good thing — hope lets us dream of a year, the Year of the Tiger, will be the year for a new beginnings and new energy, shall offer us better tomorrow. Hope inspires us, it reduces fresh start, for a new beginning, to make these hope that we can make a difference here in our home we call the Island City. Let the spirit of the feeling of helplessness and drives us to changes finally happen. This community looks to new leadership the Tiger guide us with courage and strength succeed. Hope leads to action. I am hopeful that our community will on the county and state level to join with us as we seek to make our community a better succeed in advocating officials on a local, to bring about the changes we are looking and safer place for all. This hope for a better regional and state level to address public safety for. County redistricting has placed most tomorrow is what makes life just better here. concerns along Powerline Road. The main of Wilton Manors within the district of the
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GAZETTE February 3, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 3 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
By Sal Torre
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NEWS
WILTON MANORS
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
EVENT THIS WEEKEND!
WILTON MANORS MARKS BLACK HISTORY MONTH By John Hayden
Construction on the sidewalk begins. Photo via Vice Mayor Paul Rolli, Facebook.
WILTON MANORS PLAZA GETS LONG AWAITED WALKWAY By John McDonald The sight of an excavator digging into the slowed development plans for the plaza, but dirt of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors was a the sidewalk installation is the first step in upgrading the site. long time coming for the Island City. “Wilton Manors has potential Comments to a picture of to be a 24-hour city,” Espinal the construction posted on said. Facebook by Wilton Manors A building permit was Vice Mayor Paul Rolli ranged issued to M.A. Construction from “long overdue” to Group on November 17, 2021, “Hallelujah” to “Dreams really said Evangeline Kalus, Wilton do come true!” Manors City Planner. In its While Rolli’s camera permit with Broward County, captured the first dig, the the job value is listed at project is not funded by the $118,000. city. Grass River Property, a The Shoppes of Wilton Coconut Grove real estate Manors is home to popular investment and services gay nightclubs Georgie’s Alibi company that owns the and Hunters. Mark Hunter, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, one of the owners of Hunters is constructing a pedestrian Nightclub, applauded the walkway. When completed installation of concrete and the walkway will allow Development Manager for Grass River asphalt repair work. pedestrians to access and exit “First and foremost it will the plaza via Wilton Drive. be safer for our pedestrian “We’re building a sidewalk so all our patrons can safely walk to and patrons to enter and exit the plaza,” Hunter from Wilton Drive,” said Jorge Espinal, a said. “Second, it will increase visibility for a safer entry by car. Plus it gives a renewed development manager for Grass River. Espinal said the COVID-19 pandemic walkability factor to Wilton Manors.”
“We’re building a sidewalk so all our patrons can safely walk to and from Wilton Drive.” - Jorge Espinal
Jameer Baptiste. Photo via LinkedIn.
You’re invited to The Cookout. You should feel very honored. “There’s a saying [in the Black community], ‘You’re invited to the cookout,’” Jameer Baptiste said. “It literally doesn’t mean that you’re invited to a cookout. It’s a way of Black people saying ‘You’re invited into our communities.’” To mark the start of Black History Month, Hotspots! Magazine and WMEG is hosting the inaugural The Cookout: A Black History Month Field Day Fundraiser. Plans are to hold a Town Hall discussion early then get to a fun day of activities and games, Baptiste said. “The town hall will be more serious with political individuals and businesses, people that have dealt with discrimination and racial tension in Wilton Manors.” Money raised will benefit AHF and Afro Pride, a relatively new organization that is quickly becoming a staple in South Florida’s LGBT community. The event’s Facebook page says The Cookout’s goal is “building community in a town where race relations have been stranded for some time ... We’re working closely with city officials and local businesses to show that Wilton Manors sees and cares enough to address the issue.” Baptiste said the importance of engagement and community buy-in can’t be overstated. “We’ve been aggressively appealing to the city so they become enveloped in the process and become part of it.” The Pub is providing food and LeBoy is the liquor sponsor. The visibility of these specific businesses is noteworthy, as they were the sites of disturbing racist attacks late last year. At The Pub, LeNora Jaye and Antonio Edwards were verbally attacked by a customer shouting racial slurs. The man was quickly ejected and banned for life. At LeBoy, customers would badger dancers with racial slurs, and new management told SFGN that anyone caught
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Plans are to hold a Town Hall discussion early then get to a fun day of activities and games, Baptiste said.
doing that would face lifetime bans at the club. “It’s bittersweet that such a horrible incident happened at their establishment [The Pub]. At the same time it’s a chance for us to build a unified front to be able to say we’re all working together to combat these issues,” Baptiste said. The Cookout is Saturday, Feb. 5 in the courtyard at the Pride Center, at 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, from 1-6 p.m. A $10 donation gets you food and a soft drink. A cash bar will be taking donations for alcoholic beverages. “It’s an event that’s never been done in Wilton Manors. It’s a lighthearted, fun, celebratory experience.”
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FEBRUARY 3, 2022
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NEWS
OAKLAND PARK
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
TEEN ARRESTED AT KEN KELLEY, FORMER SCANDALS OAKLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL OWNER, DIES OF CANCER FOR BRINGING LOADED GUN By Denise Royal
By Christiana Lilly The Broward Sheriff’s Office arrested a 16-year-old student Jan. 19 after he brought a loaded gun to school. The agency reported that the Northeast High School student was called into the front office to discuss his grades. When he arrived, staff said he smelled like what they believed to be marijuana so they searched his bag. Inside, they found a gun with ammunition. BSO’s Threat Management Unit arrived at the school and arrested the teen. He told investigators “he had no intentions of using Photo via Facebook.
BSO’S THREAT MANAGEMENT UNIT ARRIVED AT THE SCHOOL AND ARRESTED THE TEEN.
the firearm on school grounds and that it was for protection on his walk home from school.” He was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center and faces a felony charge of possessing a firearm on school property, BSO said.
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ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER
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Ken Kelley. Photo via Facebook.
Ken Kelley is being remembered as a community-minded man who supported Wilton Manors and LGBT causes with unwavering support. Kelley passed away at the age of 70 in January after a brave battle with cancer. Tributes on social media are pouring in from friends, customers, and former employees. They remember Kelley as a loyal and generous employer — for years, he owned Scandals Saloon in Wilton Manors and the Stable Bar in Oakland Park. Scandals, a longtime area favorite, is known as a place where patrons could enjoy country music and line dancing. “Nice people, cheap drinks, and fun conversation,” recalls friend Dan Larrimore. “That was the whole idea.” It opened before Wilton Drive was the entertainment capital of Wilton Manors. Kelley’s charm was also a big draw for patrons. So were Sunday T dances and the oncea-month Gospel Jubilees, both put on at Kelley’s suggestion. “You’ve never heard such a sound in all your life,” said Larrimore. “We were there to appreciate gospel music, not make fun of it.” Aside from providing a variety of entertainment, those who knew him
Tributes remember Kelley as a loyal and generous employer — for years, he owned Scandals Saloon in Wilton Manors and the Stable Bar in Oakland Park.
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remember Kelley for his kindness and generosity. “He always had something funny to say and never had a negative word about anybody,” said friend Jeremy Pettus. “Ken Kelley never met a stranger,” said Chad Thilborger. “He was kind and would step up to the plate for charities.” “He was a huge community supporter,” said Terrence Smalley. “He helped raise tons of money for charity. He had a big heart and a great sense of humor. It’s a big loss for many of us.” Kelley also made an impact by being one-half of a power couple. He and his husband Lloyd Pagels were one of those “it” couples that many people admired. “They were that storybook,” Larrimore said. “They were made for each other.” In 2018, Kelley sold Scandals, known as a place where patrons could enjoy country music and line dancing. For Kelley, running the business had become too challenging after Pagels’ death eight years ago. Kelley’s battle with cancer was also getting more challenging to fight. In recent years, Kelley moved back to the Florida panhandle where his sisters helped care for him.
www.WMGAZETTE.com FEBRUARY 3, 2022