THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 8 APRIL 15, 2021
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Survey Says!
OAKLAND PARK
COMMUNITY
OP Residents Want Streamlined Downtown and a Brightline Station By Christiana Lilly A survey of 400 full-time Oakland Park a stop in Oakland Park, just west of City Hall on residents shows that the majority feel the city Dixie Highway, and 77% of respondents were is “headed in the right direction” and is pleased in favor of this. This topic was also discussed at the city’s last community meeting on March with services. The 32-question survey, which was presented 31 with residents asking if it was a “done deal.” “Since that opportunity to the city commission April 7, is before the city, it’s part of was conducted by The Kitchens our plan to ensure that we Group from March 4 to 7 using The 32-question know what is going on and landlines, cell phones and we know how to plan for that online. survey, which was in the development of our “The citizens of Oakland presented to the downtown,” said Renee Miller Park feel very satisfied with of R. Miller Consulting Group. their city and its management,” city commission “It’s something that we have to according to the report April 7, was plan for if it does come our way.” provided by The Kitchens During the meeting, Group. “Lower positive ratings conducted by The consultants said that the city are a result of people not being is expected to add 400 new familiar with [city] services.” Kitchens Group from 2020 to 2025 Part of the survey was from March 4 to 7 households and that the household income also about the city’s current development of downtown using landlines, cell of Oakland Park residents is to increase 15%. Oakland Park and the area phones and online. expected As for city services, survey south of it, dubbed OP3D participants gave positive (Oakland Park Design feedback on garbage pickup Development District). Seventy-six percent said that redevelopment (94% very or somewhat favorable), maintaining of the area is necessary to bring in new jobs parks and recreational facilities (88%), and and businesses, of which 77% said it should be providing EMS and paramedics (78%). Oakland Park also ranked high with participants when it a top priority for the city. Brightline has also had an interest in creating came to sponsoring community events (73%),
The Brightline. Photo via Facebook.
traffic enforcement (67%), marketing to new businesses (64%), and maintaining libraries (63%). When it came to the city’s millage rate, 59% said taxes are “what they would expect to pay.” The racial demographics of the survey
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participants were 56% white, 16% African American, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 10% something else, and 3% did not answer. Gender was half and half with a slight lean toward men and the ages of participants were also fairly even; the largest group was 30 to 50 years old at 25%.
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FEATURE
WILTON MANORS
Kareem Awadalla From the Middle East to Wilton Manors
Awadalla brings his journalism to the Island City through his Facebook Group: Wilton Community News By John Hayden Kareem Awadalla knows what it’s like to face danger as a journalist. He’s survived multiple assassination attempts during his career covering the Middle East. Journalism runs through his veins and there was no way that was going to stop him. Today Awadalla lives in Wilton Manors, a city he was introduced to in 2012. He fell in love with its small-town charm. Awadalla still covers the Middle East but now he’s launched a social media news outlet — Wilton Community News. With more than 100 cities, towns, villages, and unincorporated areas in South Florida alone, even the major newspapers and TV stations can’t follow every board meeting and business opening. But meetings happen and businesses open, so it’s up to neighborhood news organizations to keep an eye on what’s happening. Awadalla now brings his lifelong passion for journalism to the Island City. “I think journalism chose me,” he told The Gazette. But perfecting his craft there was difficult and sometimes deadly. “It was very dangerous being a journalist in the Middle East before the Arab Spring.” For simply doing his job, Awadalla faced four assassination attempts. Awadalla grew up in Egypt. In 2012, Awadalla got a scholarship to work in the heart of journalism, New York City. But during a convention in Fort Lauderdale he saw his future. Friends took him out for dinner in Wilton Manors, then showed him a different view of the city. “He took us on a tour with his small boat, Wilton Manors by the water,” he said. “I was infatuated with Wilton Manors. I was very impressed.” Awadalla spent the next few years working, saving, and preparing; his dream manifested itself in August 2018. He tried to dive headlong into his new community by joining city committees and organizations. “The reason I wanted to volunteer is because I wanted to pay back and help keep Wilton Manors this glamorous glory place that I’ve seen since 2012,” he said. Things didn’t work out and he wasn’t able to get on any panels. But having faced multiple assassination attempts, a little bureaucratic rejection wasn’t going to stop Awadalla. “This is my happy place, I didn’t want to be a journalist in Wilton Manors.” But like when he was a child, journalism called him. If he couldn’t work on things from the inside, he’d cover them from the outside. Awadalla grabbed his camera, MacBook, some lights, and started Wilton Community News, a hyper-local Facebook page dedicated to anything and everything happening in Wilton Manors. “I see it as a way to pay back my community.” It started as just a couple posts on issues he didn’t want to get lost in the shuffle. But public response was overwhelming that it took on a life of its own, and now has more than 1,500 followers. Known for being tough but fair, Awadalla now interviews everyone from candidates for public office, officials in charge of our safety, to local business owners. At the height of the pandemic, he focused on the devastating economic impact on the people who perform on the drive, making sure that even though they were out of sight, they weren’t out of mind. City Commissioner Chris Caputo has been the subject of multiple videos from Awadalla.
• 4 .15.2021
GAZETTE April 15, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 8 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
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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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Kareem Awadalla. Photo via Facebook.
“The city is really fortunate to have Kareem,” Caputo said. “He takes his craft seriously and he has really shed a lot of light on the issues facing our city.” The Gazette plans to partner and collaborate with Awadalla and Wilton Community News. “The Gazette is a great publication. Without them there would be so many things that would go unseen,” Awadalla said. “I only do videos. I thought maybe we could cooperate together to get the message out more.” Jason Parsley, the associate publisher of The Gazette’s parent company SFGN, believes this will help intensify the coverage of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. “We’re excited about partnering with Kareem and Wilton Community News,” Parsley said. “Kareem’s video work will be an excellent supplement to our journalism, adding a new dynamic to the stories.” Kareem covers the costs of Wilton Community News out of his own pocket, so he’s still working as a journalist. As a Mideast expert he shows up on TV around the world giving his perspective on major events. Kareem also works on documentaries and has several projects going on at once. Keep an eye out for Kareem and his camera around the community, follow his Facebook page, and watch for more of his coverage here at SFGN.
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APRIL 15, 2021
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Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
It’s springtime, so if you have pets, be sure to keep your eyes out for cane toads! Dog owners, ask your veterinarian during your dog’s next check-up for advice on what to do if your dog licks one. Photo: PxHere.
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Lien This!
‘Lazy’ Owner Overruled In Manors Sidewalk Caper
Manors Approves Special Magistrate For Code Enforcement
By John McDonald A Broward County magistrate ruled a Wilton Manors sidewalk adjacent to Lazy Lake is being negatively impacted by overgrown vegetation from the property at Northeast 21st Court. At the hearing on April 6, code enforcement officers with the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department of the County’s Building Code Services Division presented testimony and evidence that the sidewalk is impassable to wheelchair-bound people. Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo commended the county for taking action. “For residents in our city, this issue with the collapsed fence on our sidewalk has been a thorn in our side,” Caputo posted on Facebook. “This update is welcome relief for our city staff, who have been unable to remedy it since it involved the personal property [fence] of another city’s resident.” The property owner, Oliver Kamm, was not present at the hearing. Kamm was given
By John McDonald Wilton Manors Commissioners passed a new city ordinance moving lien reduction requests from the commission to a special magistrate. After more than a year of consideration, the new law was passed unanimously. On first reading, under the leadership of the late mayor Justin Flippen, the proposed change to city code passed on a 3-2 vote with former Commissioners Julie Carson and Tom Green in the opposition. The idea behind the change is to remove political influence from code violation negotiations by handing over authority to a special magistrate. “The process didn’t have sufficient integrity,” said Vice Mayor Paul Rolli at the March 23 commission meeting. Under the old rules, Rolli said, property owners would fall out of compliance and could not sell or refinance their properties and then come to the commission for relief. “I’m not as lenient with that stuff because there were plenty of opportunities for these people to come in,” Rolli said. “I just want to see the process have integrity.” Commissioner Gary Resnick agreed with the vice mayor. “The process that we had really lacked not just integrity but also predictability,” Resnick said. “There were really no factors that were applied by the commission. It was very political.” Resnick noted former Commissioner Carson said there was a policy that automatically reduced fines by 25%. “We’ve never had such a policy and that’s what was misunderstood and to some extent thought of in the community,” Resnick said. “So as much as we tried we didn’t apply our authority to reduce fines to any type of predictable, factual manner which really bothered me because I just didn’t think it was fair.” A special magistrate, Resnick said, has
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
A close-up shot of the sidewalk. Photo by Carina Mask.
15 days to perform corrective actions. After 15 days, a $250 daily fine kicks in for noncompliance. The case is scheduled for a rehearing on May 2. On the 20th day of non-compliance, the county, Caputo said, “is authorized to take any and all necessary action to remedy the issue.”
Paul Rolli. Photo credit: Carina Mask.
more knowledge of cases, sets fines and can determine if property owners have been responsive or not. After the special magistrate’s decision, property owners who are not satisfied can then appeal to the city. City Attorney Kerry Ezrol said after a lien is recorded for more than 90 days, the city can initiate foreclosure proceedings. Wilton Manors, Ezol said, is in the middle of a foreclosure action with Hollywood, Floridabased LLIJMASG, LLC. and secured a $1 million summary judgment on five liens. Ezrol reminded the commission the city cannot foreclose on homesteaded properties. Presently the sum total of liens in the city from May of 2016 to September of 2019 is $2,151,300. Of that total, $980,753.54 was reduced. Of the reduced amount, $769,696.46 has been paid. Commercial properties saw an average reduction rate of 54%. Homesteaded properties were reduced by 61% and nonhomesteaded properties were reduced by 60%.
A special magistrate, Resnick said, has more knowledge of cases, sets fines and can determine if property owners have been responsive or not.
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APRIL 15, 2021
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NEWS
OAKLAND PARK
Art Walk in Wilton Manors Photo by J.R. Davis On Saturday, March 20, the beloved monthly Art Walk returned to Wilton Drive with a special masquerade-themed event. The event was hosted by the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, and sponsored by the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The event featured cocktails and music to complete the artsy vibe as patrons browsed among local vendors that offered everything from paintings and photography to handmade jewelry and decor. Pictured here is Charles Tracy with studio@withtheflowllc.com and their flower artwork. Be sure to attend Wilton Manors Art Walk this Saturday, April 17.
P
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PHOTOS
WILTON MANORS
Calusa Coffee Roasters. Photo via Facebook.
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When Luis Arteaga walked into Calusa Coffee Roasters on the morning of March 15, the first sign that something wasn’t quite right was a missing laptop. Then, he saw that the video cameras were unplugged from the wall. “At that point I realized something was wrong,” said Arteaga, the co-owner of the Oakland Park coffee shop. “I checked the till and the cash was missing from there.” Also missing was his personal laptop and some alcohol. He plugged the cameras back in and witnessed the man who broke into the shop that morning at 2:45 a.m. before he unplugged the security system. Arteaga called the police and the Broward Sheriff’s Office was on the scene. Between the electronics and cash from the register, Arteaga lost about $3,000. But luckily the community came through for Calusa — one customer
overheard that they would have a hard time roasting without the shop’s laptop, and he gifted the shop with one of his own the next day. They also received donations. “It only took us a few days to get us back roasting then about four more days to catch up with the roasting schedule,” Arteaga said. “It put us back a couple of days, a week.” Based on the video, law enforcement believes the man is 5’9’’ and possibly has a tattoo on his right wrist. They also think he may have broken in by using a broomstick to open the latch on the window and climb in by stepping on a chair. The same man allegedly burglarized another business in the area, but was unable to take anything. “If anyone recognizes the guy, contact BSO and let them know,” Arteaga said. “He could very easily do this to a home while someone is in the house and who knows what would happen then. It’s a very dangerous situation.”
Between the electronics and cash from the register, Arteaga lost about $3,000.
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Anyone with information on this case should contact BSO Oakland Park Det. Thomas Arce at 954-202-3115. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or at browardcrimestoppers.org.
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APRIL 15, 2021
NEWS
WILTON MANORS
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Campaign Handout! Former Wilton Manors Candidates Give Away Leftover Campaign Funds By John McDonald
Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve in Wilton Manors. Photo via Facebook.
Blooming Buds!
Orchids Coming to Richardson Park in Wilton Manors By Christiana Lilly Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve want to learn all about it are welcome to join in Wilton Manors is going to be beautified, them. They are also hosting a GoFundMe fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 to keep the thanks to local garden clubs. The Island City Orchid Project, a partnership Island City Orchid Project going. “Whoever wants to learn, they are welcome between the Equality Garden Club and Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society, has the lofty goal to come and volunteer and that is also the of planting and maintaining 1,000 orchids in idea, to teach people how to care for the orchids,” Rios said. the park this year. Both garden clubs have been “Many orchids are extinct active in the community. In in South Florida; people November, they spruced up keep stealing them from the the butterfly garden at Wilton trees,” said Mario Rios, the Manors Elementary School, chairman of the Island City which had fallen into disrepair Orchid Project committee during quarantine. Last and treasurer of the Equality summer, they also partnered Garden Club. “What we with the cities of Oakland Park want to do is once we install and Wilton Manors to turn their the orchids, they will start public parks organic. reproducing themselves and The Fort Lauderdale Orchid create a new colony.” Society has teamed up with The Wilton Manors Fairchild Botanical Gardens in City Commission passed a Miami to be a part of the Million resolution on March 23 to Orchid Project. Last summer, enter into a memorandum the club installed 100 orchids of understanding with both Chairman of the Island City in Stunson Park in Oakland garden clubs for the project. Orchid Project Park. They’ve also planted The 4.5-acre park boasts orchids at Broward Collegenature trails, natural habitat areas for local wildlife, and is home to the South Campus, Riverland Manors and Colee Hammock in Fort Lauderdale. Boy Scouts in Historical Manor Hours and Carriage House. The two clubs will be installing the plants Davie have also participated in the project. in late June or early July, and volunteers who
“Many orchids are extinct in South Florida; people keep stealing them from the trees.” - Mario Rios
Final campaign reports reveal Wilton Manors candidates were philanthropic with their surplus funds. Mayoral candidate Julie Carson had nearly $9,000 leftover after the election. Carson distributed some of her remaining funds to the Pride Center, Equality Florida, Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, The Pet Project, City of Wilton Manors, Broward County Audubon Society, Broward Sierra Club, Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, Julian’s Fountain of Youth and Ruth’s List Florida. Carson’s Pride Center donation was $500 in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Her $250 donation to the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group was designated for the Sculpture Walk and $150 went to the city’s Justin Flippen Bridge Project. Scott Newton’s final campaign account report started with $4,768.40. Newton, who defeated Carson in a close election for mayor, donated $2,808.31 of his remaining funds to charitable organizations and schools — the largest amount was a $600 donation to Manor Lanes Youth Bowling. The mayor’s other beneficiaries were: Redland Dog Rescue of Homestead, Paw Patrol Dog Rescue of Miami, Wilton Manors Historical Society, Wilton Art, Inc., Wilton Manors Elementary, Wilton Manors Friends of the Library and Fort Lauderdale High School. Celebrity Chef Josie SmithMalave, who came in a distant third in the mayoral election, used her remaining funds of $413.99 to repay a campaign loan. In the commission race Mike Bracchi and Chris Caputo prevailed among the field six candidates. Bracchi’s campaign termination report shows he donated $627.31 to four charitable organizations — Wilton Manors Friends of the Library, Wilton Manors Historical Society, Wilton Manors Art Walk and the South Florida Audubon Society. Caputo donated $503.86 to charity, his
Photo via Adobe.
major beneficiary was the Smart Ride ($333.86). Doug Blevins, who came in third, donated $1,986 to the city’s Wilton Drive trees and street project. Juan Melecio donated $31.08 to the Pet Project. Joseph Sansone’s final campaign report shows no distributions. Jason Basilico has not filed his campaign termination report. Termination reports were due 75 days after the election. In his last campaign finance report, Basilico had a surplus of $2,390.69. The Gazette tried to reach the Basilico campaign but telephone messages were not returned. City Clerk Faith Lombardo said candidates must show how they dispersed surplus funds in their termination report, per state rules. Candidates can use any remaining money to pay staff, loans, debt, close offices, purchase thank you for advertising or donate to charities.
Carson’s Pride Center donation was $500 in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
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APRIL 15, 2021
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PHOTOS
WILTON MANORS
The Hearts Party A fundraiser benefiting the AIDS Walk
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Planning & Zoning Board Chair Speaks Out on Wilton Manors Issues
Photo byJ.R. Davis
By John McDonald
As the AIDS Walk approaches, take a look back at one of the creative fundraising efforts on behalf of the event. The Hearts Party, also hosted as a birthday celebration for Cory David (Mr. Eagle WM), was held on Feb. 20 at the Eagle Wilton Manors. Guests included Cody Elkin, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2016, and American Leatherman 2019 - 2020. Seen here is Mr. Eagle WM (right) with Starlet Skye, host of Sunday Service at The Eagle 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Commissioners are scheduled to appoint three members to the Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board at Tuesday evening’s regular commission meeting. The terms of board members Michael Siemer, Peter Flint and Tim Theisen expire on May 1. Of the three only Theisen, a senior instructor in the Florida Atlantic University Biological Sciences Department, is seeking reappointment. The city received applications from five other residents. The Planning & Zoning Board is composed of nine members — seven with voting privileges, one alternate and a staff liaison. It’s a volunteer, no pay job that has received much attention of late with potential changes to density regulations in the city’s comprehensive plan. In particular, the extension of the transit-oriented corridor into the eastside created considerable debate among residents and stakeholders. Along with appointing three members to the P&Z board, Wilton Manors Commissioners have unfinished business to discuss involving the adoption of text amendments to the comprehensive plan. The amendments increase the maximum density in the transitoriented corridors to 100 residential units per gross acre.
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THE GAZETTE REACHED OUT TO PLANNING & ZONING BOARD CHAIR RICHARD SAFATY FOR HIS THOUGHTS ON THE BOARD’S MISSION. 1. What can the planning & zoning board do to increase revenue for the city? The Planning and Zoning Board has recently reviewed the permitted business use table and has made recommendations to the city commission to better ensure we are supporting local economic growth. 2. There seems to be some contradictions in arguments from those opposed to any code changes. Those opposed to increased density want to keep a small-town feel, but don’t added bicycle lanes, setbacks and landscaping projects help accomplish this small-town environment as opposed to four-lane fast moving roads? Yes, adding bicycle lanes, setbacks and landscaping projects all help accomplish the goal of maintaining Wilton Manors’ small-town feel.
and
Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board Chair Richard Safaty. Photo via Facebook.
3. What does city code say about homelessness, tent camping, shelters and pods? Where are they allowed in Wilton Manors? The city’s code doesn’t address tent camping, shelters and pods and therefore they are not permitted. 4. Are you in favor of a train station in the city? Do you think it would increase crime? The P&Z board will review any application that comes before us and at that time we will be able to make an informed decision. 5. Why did you choose to live in Wilton Manors and decide to serve on the P&Z board? Owning and operating a small business on Wilton Drive since 2008, I fell in love with the city and the people we served. Moving to the city in 2013 as a full-time homeowner was a natural progression. I have always enjoyed being active in my community. My business experience and attention to detail has made the P&Z board a good fit for me to give back to the city I love. 6. I spoke to a Coral Gables resident recently who had some unflattering comments about the architecture in Wilton Manors. How can the city improve its architecture? Wilton Manors is not a planned community — it is colorful and vibrant, a mini-urban oasis that is unique in its allowances when it comes to architecture style and preferences.
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• 4 .15.2021
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APRIL 15, 2021
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors To Address Powerline Road Safety Concerns Photo at Bayside Marketplace
By Chris Caputo
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The entire audit process should be starting At Tuesday’s city commission meeting, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) soon and take approximately two months provided an update about various traffic and to complete. After the two-month audit traffic safety concerns to the city commission. period, a presentation will be made at a One very important issue that must be city commission meeting outlining a plan addressed in the City of Wilton Manors is for improving road safety conditions along vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist safety along Powerline Road. As a city commissioner, I Powerline Road. am interested in hearing from Wilton Manors will be anyone who has concerns about working with FDOT and In addition to Powerline Road or suggestions the City of Fort Lauderdale how to make it safer. If to perform a “road audit.” being a recognized on you email me at ccaputo@ During this road audit, accident “hot wiltonmanors.com, I will ensure residents, engineers, and city your comments are shared with representatives will literally spot,” there is FDOT staff during the road walk Powerline Road to an obvious need audit process. discuss issues facing those I look forward to improving that travel along the road via to address the road/pedestrian safety along bike, car, bus or on foot. One Powerline Road and other streets key focus of this road audit is inappropriate use in our city. After addressing the to gather input from residents of bicycle lanes. unsafe conditions on Powerline, who live near or frequently I hope we can begin to address utilize Powerline. NE 26th Street, which has In addition to being a recognized accident “hot spot,” there is an serious issues with its sidewalks that pose a obvious need to address the inappropriate use safety risks for our residents, especially those of bicycle lanes. Motorists and commercial with disabilities. WMG vehicles frequently treat bicycle lanes like turning lanes or parking spots — posing a — Chris Caputo great safety risk to those residents who cycle WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER on Powerline.
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Facebook Groups on the Rise for Wilton Manors Residents By John Hayden From population to land size, Wilton Manors is a very small city. But there is an outsized amount of love, concern, and passion for the island enclave. It’s no secret that social media lets people amplify small concerns and have a voice in big issues usually left to government and corporate leaders. Wilton Manors residents and fans are no exception. On Facebook alone, quick search finds nearly a dozen pages dedicated to all things Wilton. And the focus of the pages is as diverse as the issues facing the city. You can find one focusing on nightlife, one filled with rightwing political views, then click on one that focuses on the inner-workings and minutiae of city hall. The numbers of followers range from a few hundred to a few thousand. One thing they all have in common is that group members (many pages are public but some are private requiring admin approval) want to be a part of their community. “What’s
While those pages look at what’s happening out and about, Wilton Community News Group keeps an eye on what’s afoot inside city hall. Kareem Awadalla is an international journalist, and tells SFGN he created the page out of a need for transparency after moving here in 2018. “I applied to volunteer for 10 local city committees. I was rejected for all of them,” he says. “That’s when I said to myself ‘I am a journalist by trade, I should produce a news report about local issues.’”
CHANGE IS CONSTANT
Over time, the type of people who follow a page change. But the pages can adapt, or, even have spinoffs. Rivera believes the everchanging population of the area keeps fresh ideas coming. “We have people that, of course, live here, but [also those] looking to move been here, or just arrived and have amazing about been told about my group and SEE THE NEED come to us for a good source of Facebook groups info. We have members from Each one is inspired and ... has been Europe, the islands, and all driven by someone seeing a parts of the United States.” need to be addressed. One of connecting to the Despite being a news only the most popular pages, with thousands of other site, Awadalla says his members nearly 8,000 members, is residents who are very active. “Now they are simply titled Wilton Manors. sending me leads to stories Geo Bustamante started the aren’t a part of they want me to cover. One page before Facebook groups that ‘inner circle’ story has led to many additional were really “a thing.” interviews and stories about “I started the page way of residents.” issues important to the back when Facebook groups community.” weren’t as popular,” he told Of course, not all input is SFGN. “I thought that Wilton Wilton Manors City Commissioner positive. Sometimes posters will Manors needed a place where try to hijack the conversation everyone could come together or the page’s mission. Bustamante says it and share their activities and businesses.” Mark Rivera is the admin for What’s happened to him. “A few years into managing Happening On the Drive. He and a friend this group, we actually got slammed with started running a page focusing solely on the trolls. They trashed the group, bullied people, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, but says his vision and caused a lot of people to leave.” Rivera says admins must be vigilant. “What expanded. “I wanted to expand to everyone on what we I strived [for] was to dedicate my time to really all call The Drive. Yes, there were publications be that moderator ... To change the direction, that did this as well, but the internet was a or delete, or block any member that was not following the group rules.” faster way to get the word out.”
- Chris Caputo
The Wilton Community News Group Facebook page. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.
POLITICS UNUSUAL Politics are everywhere on social media, and these pages are no exception. Wilton Manors Issues and Concerns (Residents) has a picture of a Wilton Manors sign at the top, but posts consist mainly of right-wing memes that focus more on national issues than immediate concerns to Wilton or South Florida. As a response, a similarly named page was created: Wilton Manors Residents Issues and Concerns. There we found ads for local businesses, posts on upcoming events, and videos on news relating to South Florida’s LGBT community. Awadalla strives to keep his page politically neutral. “I am very happy with how the Wilton Community News Group is shaping up to become a place for healthy political debate. I always end my reports with ‘what do you think?’” Local politicians see these pages and use them to open a direct line of communication to constituents. Wilton Manors City
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Commissioner Chris Caputo is a prolific poster. He tells SFGN there are about 150 important citizens always giving input, but social media lets many more get involved. “What’s been amazing about Facebook groups ... has been connecting to the thousands of other residents who aren’t a part of that ‘inner circle’ of residents.”
PRIDE & PASSION The outsized amount of attention paid to Wilton Manors isn’t just nice, the admins we spoke to say it’s necessary. “Unlike other small cities, a lot actually happens here,” Bustamante says. “That’s why having multiple groups is necessary to meet everyone’s likes and dislikes.” Rivera agrees. “We really have a great group ... I get messages all the time thanking me for having the group, and keeping up with it, and also engaging the members to help each other. I’m really proud of what we have and everyone enjoys the group.”