THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 11, 2021
Wilton Manors & Oakland Park FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Healing — One Brush Stroke At A Time Wilton Manors Parkland mural gets a much needed facelift
By John Hayden It’s been three years since the school be expressed in a creative way instead of having shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High those emotions push down inside. And when School (MSD) in Parkland. While the shock has they placed the tiles together, it was almost slowly faded, the pain remains for the survivors, electric.” This turned out to be a positive first step, but the families of victims, and the South Florida community. Now a place dedicated to healing, due to the scope of the tragedy, Dr. Busciolano knew more had to be done and reflection, and peace in Wilton took a leap of faith. Manors is getting some TLC, “I wanted more! And as I making sure it will be here for “... They could looked around I saw an empty a long time to come. allow their raw wall in front of Lola’s Bazaar, The mural and MSD and without specific plan, Memorial Rock Garden outside emotions to be I called Evan Anthony, the Lola’s Bazaar Market was expressed in a owner, and said ‘Would you created in the aftermath of the give me that wall for the MSD shooting. While many of the creative way instead students?’” student survivors made sure of having those Anthony was happy to the world paid attention by provide the canvas. Now the using their political leverage of emotions push down project needed direction. the moment, others suffered in Next Dr. Busciolano was silence. inside. And when able to meet Lauren Rosa, the Dr. Julio Busciolano is a they placed the tiles art teacher at MSD. Being able mental health therapist who to work with someone who worked with many of them, together, it was had an established physical and told SFGN about what he almost electric.” and emotional connection saw, and how he was inspired to the students helped bring to help them heal through art. - Dr. Julio Busciolano everything together. “I saw in these survivors “Meeting Lauren was a gift. an initial sense of confusion, related to PTSD symptoms: lack of sleep, An amazing and talented professional that tendency to isolate, flashbacks, panic with led the project every weekend,” he said. “But noises, etc.,” he said. “Above all a sense of by the end of July she had to leave for her new job at the Department of Defense in Tokyo. It disconnection with self and others.” In the days after the shooting, students were was difficult for the young artists but they were given tiles and encouraged to express their resilient and continued to come on their own.” Even though he isn’t a trained artist, Dr. feelings through art. “So they could allow their raw emotions to Busciolano stayed close to the project by
Photo credit: Courtesy Dr. Julio Busciolano.
setting up a booth at the bazaar, selling his vinyl records. He watched as the students painted the eagle, then used portraits of the victims to create their images on the wall. When you visit, you can’t help but be moved. Each picture is a lost member of our community, memories kept alive by a community that cares and refuses to forget. “When you experience trauma, words are insufficient,” he said. “Positive change happens when human beings can express themselves through artwork, reframing feelings and I believe, mostly in this case, they produce a deliberate response to an experience.” Now, to mark the three year anniversary, the mural is getting some much needed upkeep.
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From heavy rains to fading in the sun, South Florida weather is tough on outdoor art. Viviana Werner, an MSD alum, started the restoration, and is thankful to Kimberly Marie from Holy Mackerel who donated the paint, as well as the continued support from Wesley Schultz and Evan Anthony at Lola’s Bazaar. Dr. Busciolano is glad the mural will continue to be here for others. “Throughout these three years I’ve seen people stopping by and crying, praying, getting angry, struggling to make sense, and families talking to their children,” he said. “A powerful moment: the day when a Sandy-Hook survivor joined an MSD survivor at the mural and held hands.”
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WILTON MANORS
OPINION
Red Dot Technology is Not the Best Use of Resources
Preventing and deterring crime is a justified use of funds but there are other technologies that are more suited for the Island City
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
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and to public safety. Many other crime prevention methods could also have been paid for utilizing this funding source. Unfortunately limited resources will now go to the purchase of Red Dot technology for patrol firearms. I welcome the difference of opinions and the factual debate when arguing the pros and cons of certain projects before our City Commission. However, I was somewhat put off by the disingenuous response by police hierarchy in a response to City Commission inquiry on the need for such Red Dot technology. The response sited the recent killing of the FBI agents in the City of Sunrise as a need for any technology that brings our uniformed officers home safely to their families at night. The use of Red Dot technology would have done nothing to save the lives of those FBI agents. Perhaps laws that prevent criminals from purchasing armor piercing bullets and having stricter gun purchasing laws might have made a difference, but Red Dot equipped firearms would not. There is no doubt that such technology benefits specific areas of law enforcement. Swat teams, sharp shooters, special trained forces are definite areas where such technology is needed and justified. Our city relies on those services from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to my knowledge. The need to equip all our patrol officers
with such technology just does not carry any merit, especially when you look at what such a program achieves. Compare this to the purchase of much needed crime prevention technology which have measured success rates in the reduction of criminal activity within a city’s boundaries along with the increased apprehension of criminals looking to target residents, their homes and their vehicles. To me the choice is clear. In a perfect world, where money is no object, and we can all have everything we want — then perhaps we might be able to justify the cost and required training hours needed for Red Dot technology here in our small city. Unfortunately we do not live in such a world and tough decisions have to made every day on how best to use limited resources. This week, in my opinion, our City Commission failed to make those tough choices. Being the eternal optimist that I am, I await promises from police brass that they have a plan for the purchase of much demanded and needed crime prevention technology such as the license plate scanners. Hopefully we will see them quicker than other long-promised items that keep getting pushed back year after year due to budgetary restraints. Sometimes you have to accept the decisions of others who might not share the same point of view. Hopefully our city leaders have made the right choice and my doubts tonight are over blown. The ability to have a difference of opinion, to be able to question, to express one’s doubts and beliefs are all part of what makes life in Wilton Manors just better here…
www.WMGAZETTE.com • 2 .11.2021
February 11, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 3
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com
The need to equip all our patrol officers with such technology just does not carry any merit, especially when you look at what such a program achieves.
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GAZETTE
Editorial
By Sal Torre In a city the size of Wilton Manors, with limitations on funding for lofty ideas, the watchdog function of our City Commission to question certain projects is ever more important. Unfortunately our City Commission missed an opportunity this week to exercise this important function of our local government. The Wilton Manors Police Department requested City Commission approval for the use of funding from the State Forfeiture Fund to purchase what is called Red Dot technology for patrol firearms. This technology retrofits firearms with the ability to project a red dot to improve the accuracy, safety and efficiency when a patrol officer needs to discharge their firearm in the line of duty. On the surface such technology sounds wonderful and useful. In reality here in Wilton Manors, some might think this is as an unnecessary expense, especially when other much-needed crime prevention technology and equipment are monetarily out of reach for our small city. Use of State Forfeiture Funds are governed by state statute, which specifically states funds be utilized for crime prevention, safe neighborhoods, drug abuse education and drug prevention programs. One would need to stretch the scope of this program to include Red Dot technology for firearms, along with the cost of many hours of specific training of personnel, as a needed program that represents the best usage of such funding. Many in our community affected by the increase in criminal activity can rest easier tonight knowing that our police patrols will now be equipped with Red Dot technology for firearms rarely discharged in the line of duty. Some might argue that technology such as license plate readers might be a more effective and needed technology for our local police department. Criminals entering our city in a stolen vehicle pose a real threat to our residents
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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
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WILTON MANORS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Slow Down on NE 26th Street I’m writing to ask you to run a public service blurb, once again, to alert tourists and snowbirds, heading for the warm fun and frolics of Wilton Manors, about the speed trap on NE 26th Street, perpetrating as a school zone. They will be looking to SFGN for information on what’s happening in the neighborhood and my hope is that, with your help, they’ll be patronizing local businesses rather than being forced to give inordinate amounts of money to the city. Despite poor markings and police just waiting to hugely capitalize on the situation, tickets are issued when no students, buses or significant indications of a school building’s existence are in evidence. I’ve written to Vice Mayor Tom Green, asking for improvements, and got no response. So, please be sure your readers know that they should go less than 15 miles per hour on NE
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26th Street, between Andrews Avenue and NE 6th Street. Thanks!
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COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
After 44 Years
Wilton Manors Planning To Rein In Short-Term Rentals
Still More to Give
By Paul O’Connell
By John McDonald Wilton Manors approved its legislative action plan at Tuesday night’s commission meeting with short-term rentals at the top of the list. Commissioners voted unanimously to support collaboration with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to rein in short-term rental properties. Peter Nasca, a 12-year resident of the city, spoke against short-term rentals during the public comments portion of the virtual Zoom meeting. Nasca specifically singled out Airbnb, the San Francisco-based online lodging company. “What my wife and I are deeply concerned about is a proliferation of Airbnb homes,” said Nasca, adding that three Airbnb homes are on his block with another likely on the way. “This is getting out of control,” Nasca said. Nasca said with Airbnbs come noisy incidents and excess garbage. He recommended the city put a 30-day limit on Airbnb stays. “We gotta do something Photo credit: Hector Falcon, about this,” Nasca said. “We via PxHere. don’t want Wilton Manors to become an upscale flop could ruin the neighborhood. house.” “I moved here because I Wilton Manors’ legislative loved knowing my neighbors,” action plan supports proper Newton said. “I don’t know licensing, insurance and them anymore. Every week industry-accepted safety there’s new people there.” practices regarding shortNewton said the short-term term rentals. The city also rental market is more concerned supports legislation clarifying about money than people. The that existing grandfathered mayor went on to say he knows municipal short-term rental of better behavior from halfway ordinances can be amended houses than short-term rentals. without penalty. “It disrupts the nice quiet “I’m certainly a big fan of - Peter Nasca neighborhood,” Newton said. cracking down on problem Other legislative action vacation rentals,” said 12-year Resident items include the importance Commissioner Chris Caputo. of home rule, water quality Caputo said the city has software that can detect if vacation rentals improvements and alternative water supply are operating unregulated and asked if city development, climate change strategies management could provide an update on and natural resource protection strategies, expansion of affordable broadband internet violations at the next meeting. cybersecurity enhancements, Mayor Scott Newton voiced his frustration access, with short-term rentals, saying there are three transportation funding, affordable housing on his street and if the trend continues it and sales tax fairness.
“We gotta do something about this,” Nasca said. “We don’t want Wilton Manors to become an upscale flop house.”
On April 2 I will retire from the Wilton Manors Police Department. It has been my privilege to serve as your Chief of Police for the past 10 years. My service to the Wilton Manors community truly has been the highlight of my 44-year career in law enforcement. Gratitude only begins to describe the feelings that I have for this experience and this community! When I think of our police department I think of one word: family. When I started in 2011 I changed our Mission Statement to read as follows:
POLICING WITH PASSION FOR OUR PROFESSION AND COMPASSION FOR THOSE WE SERVE This mission statement was embedded into every aspect of our law enforcement work, especially as we trained our new hires. I know each member of our team, regardless of assignment, carries in their heart this policing philosophy. In a very real sense police officers throughout our country carry the mission eloquently summarized in the words of Senator Ted Kennedy (paraphrased) when, in June 1968, he stated in his eulogy for his brother, Bobby:
“To see wrong and try to right it; to see suffering and try to heal it; to see war (on our streets) and try to stop it.”
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Police Chief Paul O’Connell. Photo credit: City of Wilton Manors.
Please know that a central component of planning my exit is to ensure your Police Department is in good hands with a strong foundation which entails strong ethics, steel courage and visionary leadership. I assure you these traits are in place and ready to steer our ship into the future; steady and true. As I take my final bow allow me to use a quote from Ellen Goodman (final column, 1/02/2010, Washington Post): “I am told that there is a trick to a graceful exit. It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, a relationship is complete — and letting go. It means leaving what is over without denying its validity or its importance in life. It involves a sense of future and a sense that for every exit there is an entry.” So, as I enter “retirement” I have been asked by friends, “What will you do”? My answer; I will do MORE because my search for social justice is a journey that has not yet ended. Indeed, after 44 years I still have more to give!
I ask that you rise with me above the distant noise and confusion and acknowledge the many acts of courage and kindness by our police officers.
My friends, these words are the story of us, of who we are, of what we do and why we do it. We are the “guardians at the gate” who are called upon in moments of danger and in times of grief. The media and some on our streets try to define us by the misdeeds of a few. I will always define us by the bravery of the many. I ask that you rise with me above the distant noise and confusion and acknowledge the many acts of courage and kindness by our police officers. Winston Churchill was correct when he stated, “Making a living is what you get. Making a life is what you give.” These words truly define our profession and those who wear our badge of honor.
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GUEST COLUMN
WILTON MANORS
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COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Defaced Mural Angers Artist and Locals A new mural will be painted in its place
By Christiana Lilly
I
t was the evening of Jan. 22 when artist Nara Rosa got a call that her mural had been defaced. A wall located at The Yard in Wilton Manors, what was once filled with paisley and floral prints was now covered over with silver bubble letters.
“I was speechless when I got the message,” Rosa said. A man with a bag of spray paint cans came onto the property and started painting over her work. When approached by management, he said he thought it was an open wall — he was asked to leave the property. But Rosa is as bubbly and optimistic as her artwork. She took it as a sign that with the new year, she’s due for a new project. For the last week, she’s been back at it, creating two brandnew murals at The Yard. The artist is using her signature bright colors, flowers, and this time is incorporating a rainbow into the piece. “I stopped and said, you know, it’s a new
A photo of the man who painted over the mural at The Yard. Photo courtesy of Nara Rosa.
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year, a new life for everybody because of this pandemic, it’s time to change and life is like that. Sometimes you have bad stuff that you have to deal with,” she said. “I said, ‘I’m going to repaint another one,’ and I’m glad I have that inspiration to do that in this life. Problems appear and disappear and that’s it. It is in our mind to start over.” The Yard, previously known as Eucalyptus Gardens, is owned and operated by Lazy Lake Mayor Evan Anthony. The village is a collection of shops, including a wine bar, farmers market, coffee shop, a clothing The Yard owner and Lazy Lake Mayor Evan Anthony paints over the store in a silver Airstream, vandalism on Nara Rosa’s mural. Photo courtesy of Nara Rosa. and the popular concrete walls that have been painted over with stunning artistry. what were you thinking?’” asking the public if they knew who he was and There’s Frida Kahlo, a pink Anthony recounted. “I don’t to hold him accountable for painting over the spoonbill traipsing through even know what it says mural. water, a whimsical mandala, because I was so irate that The mural went up two years ago, a splash a tribute to the students killed I asked them to leave the of bright paisley prints and flowers. Rosa at Marjory Stoneman Douglas property and the police came.” said it was inspired by psychedelic imagery High School, and more. Wilton Manors Police from her “hippie times.” In the two months it That was before an created an incident report took her to complete the mural, she said she unknown man came onto the and told Anthony that they woke up every day excited to go back to The property the evening of Jan. 22 should put up signs to let the Yard to continue working on it. When it was and started spray painting over public know that the walls are completed, it became a popular, InstagramRosa’s work. Wesley Schultz, private. Since the vandalism, worthy backdrop for visitors. - Nara Rosa the manager of Lola’s Bazaar they have installed the signs. “I got lots of emails, a lot of Facebook LOCAL ARTIST at The Yard, caught him and “This guy just goes in there, messages,” Rosa said. “I have a lot of people called Anthony to come over. brazen, and paints right over,” who support me.” The man said he was doing an Anthony said. “If you’re an Rosa hopes to finish the mural before her advertisement and he thought it was an open artist — [he] told me [he’s] an artist — you birthday in March, when she hopes to have a wall. don’t do that. It’s a known fact.” glass of wine with a few friends in front of the “I said, ‘No you’re totally mistaken. You have Photos were taken of the man and the finished piece. no authority to be here and you just desecrated vandalism, which Schultz and Rosa shared “It will be my own birthday gift to myself,” somebody’s hard, three months of painting, on social media. People spread the message, she laughed.
“PROBLEMS APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR AND THAT’S IT. IT IS IN OUR MIND TO START OVER.”
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GUEST COLUMN
WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors May Have 99 Problems, But Code Compliance Is Probably #1 By Chris Caputo Many residents in Wilton Manors received a legislative action alert request directly from the City, encouraging them to email their State Representatives with the statement that “short-term vacation rentals are bringing down property values, and in many cases, forcing residents to put their home on the market.” This statement, sent from the city, does not reflect my values and beliefs as commissioner nor is it a factually accurate statement. The goal of the legislative action alert was to help convince our state representatives to support cities rights to regulate short-term vacation rentals. I am a huge fan of keeping the right to govern locally (home rule) and I firmly believe our city should have the right to regulate what happens in our community. I am, also, firmly against making inaccurate statements about the effect of short-term vacation rentals. Multiple studies have shown that vacation rentals are increasing property values in our city and serve a key role in supporting LGBT tourism and our local business community. It is important to know that state law currently prevents us from banning vacation rentals. That’s an important basis for any conversation. Also, know that I am firmly against problem vacation rentals in our community as well as an outspoken ambassador for properly run vacation rentals. There are countless vacation rentals that don’t allow fast turnovers and excessive guests (which can lead to unacceptable parties!) in favor of encouraging longer stays with a smaller number of guests. As city commissioner, I am here to accept responsibility for the problem as I recognize it. Our Code Compliance department is not yet as effective as it needs to be. This isn’t the fault of our existing code compliance staff — they are working tirelessly and passionately — but they are short-staffed. We lost Julio Davila, our Code Compliance Supervisor, to a nearby city that paid more for a job with less responsibilities. (One part of our problem as a city is that we continue to lose staff to nearby
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cities who pay employees more for the same or less work.) This problem is manifesting not just in terms of short-term rentals, but for many different types of code complaints as well. As a city, we need to work as efficiently as possible to solve the problem for insufficient code enforcement in our city. There are about a dozen vacation rental property owners in our city who are threatening the reputation for the community as a whole. We need code compliance to rapidly begin fining these problem property owners, and we need those fines to escalate rapidly for repeated offenses so we can weed out the problem property owners. We also need our police force to be capable of responding to noise violation complaints — whether they involve a short-term rental or a resident exhibiting bad behavior — and be able to turn that into a code violation without the onus being on our residents to come in and file more paperwork. Our slow, ineffective delivery of code violations is threatening this key economic driver keeping our city alive during COVID-19. A dozen bad apples, or less, who own shortterm rentals are putting all of our vacation rentals at risk. We have to fix that.
— Chris Caputo
WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER
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I invite your suggestions on how we can address problem vacation rentals in our city. You can reach me via email at ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com.
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