THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 7 APRIL 7, 2022
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WILTON MANORS
SENATOR FARMER CONSIDERS CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN;
TALKS DESANTIS AND ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW By John McDonald “Ted provided exemplary service for the Florida Senator Gary Farmer neither confirmed nor denied he would be entering the little guy and little girl and that’s how I’ve race for the congressional seat held by retiring always viewed my role,” Farmer said. “We need to continue that type of representation in U.S. Representative Ted Deutch. “It’s a tremendous honor to be considered,” Congress.” Farmer, 57, said he will be carefully said Farmer in a Zoom interview with SFGN. “Yes, it is something I am considering and considering his next steps and expects to make a decision in the coming mulling over.” weeks. Florida’s congressional First elected to the Senate redistricting maps have yet to in 2016, Farmer represents “The Republican be finalized. Gov. Ron DeSantis eastern Broward County, Party, which is called a special session for April including Wilton Manors. A 19-22 to hammer out the details. Fort Lauderdale native and largely composed One way or another, Wilton attorney known for taking from an electoral Manors will be in his district, on the powerful insurance Farmer said. He praised the industry, Farmer said it was standpoint of Island City’s community spirit Deutch who inspired him to conservative white and reminisced how his great get into politics. uncle was a pioneering real “Ted Deutch is a longtime men, are scared estate agent with a house on friend of mine,” Farmer said. to death about Jenada Isles. “He was an inspiration to me losing power.” “Wilton Manors is such an early on and I sort of followed accepting, helpful and caring in his footsteps. He ran for city,” Farmer said. “I’m blown the Florida Senate in 2006 away by the sense of community with no prior legislative or Florida Senator representing … I wish we could bottle that up elective experience. I knocked Broward County and teach other communities on doors for him six different District 34 how to come together and live in weekends and he won against peaceful harmony.” more established party Farmer declined to publicly candidates.” Deutch is leaving Congress after 12 years state his choice for governor, but was adamant to become the chief executive officer of the about Democrats uniting behind the eventual American Jewish Committee. His district nominee. “We have several very good candidates,” covers parts of southern Palm Beach and northern Broward County. Farmer said Deutch’s Farmer said. “I think there is a scenario I believe retirement creates a “crater size opening in the that benefits Democrats statewide. Any one of the three — Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried, Annette state of Florida.”
- Gary Farmer
Florida Senator Gary Farmer. Courtesy of the office of Senator Gary Farmer.
Taddeo — would be a universal improvement over Ron DeSantis and his hateful, hurtful, harmful, homophobic agenda that he has been running and if he gets re-elected we’re gonna see this for another two years while he continues with these red-meat issues to gin up his base to get them to turn out and turn up the heat on that fear factor.” Fear, Farmer said, is what’s driving the DeSantis campaign. The now infamous “Don’t Say Gay” law is an example of the Republican Party’s efforts to ignite culture wars.
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“The Republican Party, which is largely composed from an electoral standpoint of conservative white men, are scared to death about losing power,” Farmer said. “They realize as society becomes more tolerant, more integrated — whether it be race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, whatever — fear goes away. Fear is largely based on ignorance, in my experience. As sexual orientation and gender identity become more commonplace, the fear goes away. It’s more understood.”
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OPINION
WILTON MANORS
JUST DON’T SAY THAT WORD SFGN file photo.
By Sal Torre As residents of the Island City scramble to find affordable homeowner’s insurance before their current policy is dropped, our governor and State Legislators are more concerned about the word “gay.” As residents deal with the ever-growing opioid crisis and overdose tragedies plaguing our communities, our governor demands that educators not say the word “gay.” As residents struggle with rising rents and the unavailability of affordable housing for young families and our seniors, our governor claims to be pro-family by banning the word “gay.” “Just don’t say gay and all your troubles will go away” can make a catchy tune for the DeSantis campaign. Unfortunately, this very effective smoke screen works all too well in allowing these charlatans not to deal with the real issues at hand. In signing the bill into law, Governor DeSantis states that parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination. I guess the indoctrination of our children is ok when it is coming from homophobic community leaders, or local religious institutions that advocate for conversion therapy, or the governor’s office — but don’t dare say that word “gay” in our schools. Families in our Island City can rest easy tonight knowing that the governor has signed this vital piece of legislation into law. Come tomorrow, however, when you’re homeless because you can no longer afford rising rents, or you lose your home because you can no longer afford insurance coverage, or your family provider dies from an overdose — unfortunately your governor did not have the time to deal with any of these real problems while posing for pictures and demonizing the LGBT community. Turning attention away from the insanity that oozes out of Tallahassee these days — one can set their gaze on the brighter shores of our Island City. This week the city’s Economic Development Division conducted a virtual presentation on the Wilton Next Branding and
April 7, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 7 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
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Marketing Project. This presentation offered such welcome and positive news on several issues that many in the community have been pushing for over many years: unique branding of commercial corridors, entranceway signage, streetscaping, attractive lighting, and celebrating our uniqueness as the Island City. This project will offer a positive roadmap for our business community, our city leaders, and our residents to promote and grow our city in a more focused and productive manner. After last week’s City Commission meeting, one area that definitely can use some focusing is how our elected officials view the needs of our Leisure Services Department. The meeting embarrassingly morphed into an episode of “Let’s Make a Deal” as our mayor and commissioners haggled over the possible acquisition of the Kiwanis Club property. Parks and community facilities are a major part of the foundation that supports great cities. Unfortunately, this strong foundation comes at a cost — one that sometimes gets lost in the visionary stages. Hard choices must be made with a firm understanding of what our city actually needs in additional park facilities and how
such a need will be paid for — not just in the acquisition stage but in the year after year budget demands on city coffers. We cannot sustain all the projects currently on the drawing table, such as the Colohatchee Expansion and the Kiwanis Club acquisition, along with continued maintenance and programming at our existing facilities without major budgetary wizardry or an increase in taxes. Of the two current major projects in the works, perhaps the Kiwanis Club might be the better of the two. Our city commission will have to decide to either seize the moment for the acquisition of the Kiwanis Club and pull the plug on the Colohatchee Expansion Project or decide on some other possibility, but having a clear understanding of what the goals and objectives are for our residents and the future of our city must be what guides such decisions, not just the notion that this is yet another deal of the century that is simply too good to pass up. Spring-time holidays are fast approaching, spring breakers and snowbirds will be heading back north, and very soon hotter weather will be with us day after day. Take some time to enjoy the last of the cool mornings as we head into much hotter months ahead, perhaps with a nice walk through your neighborhood, or a quick drive to the beach or sitting out under the stars on a cool evening sipping a cocktail with friends. Taking time to enjoy what makes living here in our Island City so wonderful should fill us all with much enthusiasm as we head outside with our morning cup of coffee to watch the sun rise on the horizon. What a perfect opportunity to shout out loud that life is just better here.
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“Just don’t say gay and all your troubles will go away” can make a catchy tune for the DeSantis campaign. Unfortunately, this very effective smoke screen works all too well in allowing these charlatans not to deal with the real issues at hand.
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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
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WILTON MANORS
OUR COMMUNITY
NEWS
WILTON MANORS
BRIGHTLINE TRAIN COLLIDES WITH TRUCK SITTING ON TRACKS IN WILTON MANORS
CONTINUES
By Christiana Lilly
TO SHINE
It was the community that saved my life Executive Director of SunServe, Tony Lima, when I first tested positive for HIV many years at SunServe’s 20th Anniversary Gala, ago. If Kristofer Fegenbush and Robert Boo “SHINE.” Phoro via Facebook. (of the Pride Center at Equality Park) had not immediately taken me under their wing and connected me to the Center’s “LIFE” program (https://bit.ly/pclifeprog), I doubt I would be living a life that resembled anything close to the life I live today. Not all the work fell on Kristofer or Robert; neither knew me personally then, but both personally connected me to community of people who helped me heal and discover my worth. The COVID-19 pandemic robbed us in many ways of our connection to our community for nearly two years. To protect ourselves, and each other, it was critical for us to avoid the sort of in person gatherings that our community had come to love: galas, celebrations, fundraisers, and the like! During the pandemic, many private donors and community organizations (e.g., Our Fund) stepped up in big ways to continue to fund the causes and critical needs faced by our community. Just If the night’s success was because we weren’t hosting not enough, the weekend fabulous fundraisers didn’t continued with the return Our community mean the need went away — in of Lambda Legal’s annual fact, it increased. really shined, fundraiser at Bonnett House. We’re finally beginning to While I haven’t heard the final showing up and safely emerge from COVID-19. number, I understand it was giving generously Two weeks ago played host to Lambda Legal’s most successful SunServe’s 20th Anniversary to support fundraiser in our community. Gala, named “SHINE.” I had the Lamba Legal continues to SunServe and distinct honor of serving as the fight for the rights of the LGBT host committee chair and take their support community and our allies in great pride on behalf of our our community and beyond. of our Greater community in acknowledging As we safely emerge from that the event not only sold Wilton Manors COVID, we’re stronger and as out (320 tickets!) but raised committed as ever to serving Community. significantly more than our community. If you are intended — $250,000+ in a aware of something great single night and still counting. Our community happening in our community — or perhaps a really shined, showing up and giving generously need in our community not being addressed — to support SunServe and their support of our I would love to hear from you. Please email me Greater Wilton Manors Community. SunServe at ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com or text me at will use this money wisely, serving the most 954-557-2801. at-risk and in need within our community with mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, housing assistance and other critically needed services. WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER
A Brightline train collided with a truck sitting on the train tracks in Wilton Manors on March 31. No major injuries were reported, but a woman with pre-existing conditions who was on the train asked to be taken to the hospital as a precaution, according to a Brightline representative. The train was traveling through the city when a truck carrying a car was on the train tracks while the barriers were down, the representative added. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan told Local 10 that the truck was transporting a Tesla. “He was stopped on the tracks with one vehicle loaded on the trailer,” he said. “The gates went down and he was unable to get the truck off of the track.” Passengers on the Brightline were stuck on the tracks for two hours before being allowed to continue on their journey. The incident comes just a month after a collision in Oakland Park, also involving a Brightline train. The driver was on the tracks
THE RETURN OF
— CHRIS CAPUTO
Photo via GoBrightline. Photo via Facebook.
when the barriers were down but was able to get out of the vehicle before the train crashed into it. In February, there were three crashes involving a Brightline train in just four days, according to the Palm Beach Post, and more than 50 people have died in collisions with the company’s trains.
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APRIL 7, 2022
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NEWS
WILTON MANORS
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
DON D’ARMINIO ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR WILTON MANORS COMMISSION By John McDonald Don D’Arminio, a member of the Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board, has filed the necessary paperwork to campaign for city commission. Launching his first bid for public office, D’Arminio said he is prepared to put his extensive background in business administration and accounting to work for the Island City. “I am passionate about growing our city responsibly to ensure that our budget is sustainable and fiscally responsible,” D’Arminio said in a press release. “My six-year tenure on our city’s planning and zoning board has given me a thorough understanding of our municipal code and how our city operates. That coupled with my accounting background gives me a unique skillset to serve our residents and business partners as a city commissioner.” D’Arminio, 60, graduated from Montclair State University in New Jersey and has spent
Don D’Arminio. Credit: Photo via Facebook.
the last 25 years working as an accounting and tax professional. He has been a resident homeowner in Wilton Manors for 14 years and is active in philanthropic efforts across the Island City. D’Arminio and his partner, Marc Martorana, have been together for 25 years. The couple reside in the central neighborhood district and have two rescue dogs, Dustin and Ollie. On his campaign website, D’Arminio lists four campaign priorities: Road safety and traffic, infrastructure, economic development and quality of life. D’Arminio told the Gazette responsible economic development in the transit-oriented corridors is vital to ensure a sustainable city budget. The election is in November with voters to decide on two commission seats and a mayor.
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NEGOTIATIONS DRAG ON OVER WILTON MANORS KIWANIS PROPERTY By John McDonald Wilton Manors commissioners bounced go to the scholarships,” Platz told the around several proposals in the city’s ongoing commission. Organized with Broward College, the negotiations with the local chapter of Kiwanis scholarships would allow the club to create International. Discussions resumed on March 25 at the a legacy while improving the lives of local regular meeting with Kiwanis requesting children. “Kiwanis Club is very aware of the value a scholarship program in the amount of $350,000 over a seven-year period. In of that property and one of their goals and exchange for the scholarships, Kiwanis would it always has been is to provide for children within this community,” said City Manager gift its riverside property to the city. “Here is a piece of property that is offered Leigh Ann Henderson. Commissioner Gary Resnick to us for less than half of said the city is expected to what is going to sell for in increase employees’ pay by the marketplace and I’m just $400,00 to $500,000 making baffled that it’s not more open the Kiwanis deal a longshot by armed on this commission,” his calculations. Mayor Scott Newton said as he “As much as I loved to opened the discussion. acquire your property I just Sal Torre, president of don’t think we can afford it,” the Westside Association of Resnick said. Wilton Manors, cautioned the Platz agreed to allow another commission to look out for city inspector on site to take a “surprises lurking around the look at the air conditioning and corner.” electrical system, sea wall, roof “This is an aging facility,” and plumbing. Commissioner Torre said. “There’s not been Mike Bracchi said when the many upgrades for some time. Kiwanis Club President latest inspection is completed, The cost of bringing the facility the city would have a more up to current code and ADA accurate picture of what work (Americans with Disabilities needs to be done. Bracchi also asked for no Act) compliance can and will be costly.” The clubhouse, built in 1959, is assessed at deed restrictions in the deal. Platz told the Gazette the club pulls in $207,890. The property’s overall just market value is $415,970. The inside is dated, Torre $24,000 annually in rentals, “without really said, with repairs needed to make the space trying.” That figure is nearly half the annual payment the city would make under the desirable for rentals. Club President David Platz said dwindling current proposal. Kiwanis would also keep membership has forced the service access to the building for meetings twice a organization to the bargaining table. Platz month. “We’ve been at this for over a year now,” said the club has received higher offers than Platz said. “We’ve bent over backward willing what it is willing to agree upon with the city. “We want to work with the city and be a to work with them. Either do it or don’t.” partner with the city and have that money
“We want to work with the city and be a partner with the city and have that money go to the scholarships.” - David Platz
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