THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 25 DECEMBER 23, 2021
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WILTON MANORS
Racism Rears Its Ugly Head at Wilton Area Clubs By John Hayden People living in and around Wilton Manors like to believe that they live in a bubble of acceptance and tolerance. That perceived bubble has burst. Racist attacks against performers at local venues are serving notice that hate isn’t confined by city boundaries or sexual orientation. On Dec. 9, LeNora Jaye and Antonio Edwards, both of whom are Black, were finishing up their show at The Pub, when a customer went on a vile attack. Edwards described it on his Facebook page. “[We] had a great show and were finishing up with our last song which was a request from a customer in the audience. It was ‘Fire And Desire’ by Rick James and Teena Marie. A random patron walked up to the stage while we were performing and said to LeNora and I quote: ‘We are NOT N*gg*rs and we don’t like N*gg*r music!’” LeNora tells SFGN she was taken aback by the sheer aggressiveness of it. “The man comes to where I’m at on stage and starts screaming ‘Shut up! Shut up!’ He starts screaming ‘I am not an N, and I don’t listen to N-music.’” She said she went to confront him and get him out, but The Pub’s night manager and nearby patrons were already on it, escorting him out while telling him that’s not acceptable. The Pub’s Alex Sadeghi says the attacker was given a lifetime ban. “We don’t want anybody like [him] in The Pub.”
A short distance away, LeBoy is cracking down on verbal and demeaning behavior toward dancers of color. “It’s not just an incident here and there,” new manager Giovani Milani said. “I’ve seen customers make rude, racist remarks.” New owners Anthony J.V. Rufolo and Charles Horton took over this month and have a zero-tolerance policy for bad behavior. They are putting customers on notice: respect the dancers or get a lifetime ban from the club. Milani used to dance at the club, and feels empowered in his new role. “I’ve witnessed horrible things in the past, and never had the authority to do anything about them. Now that I do have the authority to do something about it, I’m not going to tolerate it.”
Racist attacks against performers at local venues are serving notice that hate isn’t confined by city boundaries or sexual orientation.
MORE COMMON THAN PEOPLE THINK
Many people are shocked to hear about these attacks. However, this type of behavior is not new to the performers themselves, although this is an extreme example. “There has never before been an overt display of bigotry in this manner,” LeNora said. “But there are microaggressions that occur at every show.” Microaggressions range from the type of musical requests to racially-tinged comments on her wardrobe. “It can be something as simple as I might wear a cap and someone says that looks ghetto.”
The Village Pub. Photo by Ed and Eddie, Flickr.
Edwards addressed this issue as well. “When we as people of color say Black Lives Matter, it is not some catch phrase. It is to say that we deserve the same respect and decent treatment as anyone else on the planet. It is not to say that only Black Lives Matter, it is to say that Black Lives Matter as well. Where else would this behavior be tolerated?” “We’re already exhausted from the daily microaggressions of racism that we have to deal with as performers of color in Wilton Manors,” LeNora said. “I’m tired. I’m tired of ignorance in every capacity. I’m tired.” NOT WELCOME While Wilton Manors may be considered “The Gayest Place On Earth,” people of color, including LeNora, say it’s not the most welcoming. “I’ve had Black people tell me they didn’t
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feel comfortable coming to any shows on Wilton Drive until you and Antonio started performing.” She said friends have left the area because they felt unwelcome and harassed. And it’s not just patrons. LeNora said there is a club (which she declined to name) that would play country music some nights to discourage people of color from coming in. “My experience in Wilton Manors is very unique. I am a straight woman of color. I am an LGBTQIA ally to the death.” But she said we can, and must do better. “This dream of cultivating inclusivity doesn’t match with the reality in Wilton Manors,” LeNora said. Edwards concurs. “It would be great to think that we as a gay community are so evolved, that racism doesn’t exist, but unfortunately it is all too common and prevalent to pretend it is not.”
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OPINION
WILTON MANORS
All I want for Christmas…
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not alone, as many municipalities equally struggle to deal with inaction on the regional, state and federal level. No money to address a whole slew of issues that seem to be getting worse by the day, but plenty of money for the top 1%. Large corporations are equally to blame as profits soar, CEO pay increases, stock prices keep rising but the average worker’s pay has remained flat over the last 20 years. Corporations have been very busy buying out competitors and creating near monopolies for the services they provide. Cities such as Wilton Manors now have very little choice when it comes to bargaining with the likes of Waste Management for garbage and recycling programs. Waste Management can now dictate when they will pick-up trash, when they will pick up recycling, what can be recycled and what will be done with those items. The interest of residents is no longer part of the equation, because the current near monopoly here in Broward County by Waste Management leaves very
few choices for cities. Waste Management’s CEO last year had a compensation package of close to 12.5 million dollars annually. Wonder why their management is looking for ways to cut corners here in Wilton Manors and every other city, greed at the top and a monopoly on services that offer no other choice but for us to be bamboozled. For now, let’s embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the remaining days of the year. Spend time with family, friends, neighbors and have some good cheer! That is the beauty of the holiday season. Take a break from the problems swirling all around us and let the holiday joy offer hope as we celebrate with loved ones and move ahead to a new year. Unfortunately COVID concerns continue to darken celebratory spirits. We still need to be careful and concerned. Now is not the time to be complacent. We will one day move past this pandemic, move away from subsidizing the rich and powerful, and move away from labeling those seeking a better life as socialist and communist. I will leave my fellow Islanders with a Yuletide blessing: “May we all be filled with joy, love and harmony as we welcome the Yuletide spirit, allowing it to shine within and all around us throughout the year and to guide us in making life just better here.”
www.WMGAZETTE.com • 12.23.2021
December 23, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 25
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com
So, this Christmas, my letter to Santa simply asks for one thing, to make my Christmas wish come true, and that is a return to our democratic values.
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By Sal Torre I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need to make my wish come true, and that is a return to democracy here in our great United States. Unfortunately we continue to move further and further down the road toward an oligarchy of the rich and powerful, leaving behind remnants of our democracy. Republicans on the state level are gerrymandering voting districts to keep their old guard safely in power, while they disenfranchise millions of voters. Corporations are busy pumping millions of dollars into keeping their enormous wealth shielded from paying a fair share of the tax burden. Fear, lies, religion, and fake news keep millions of our fellow citizens blinded as our democracy fades further and further into the history books. America has become a country where 1% of the population now controls more wealth then the remaining 90% of working Americans. This my friends in not a democracy but an oligarchy, controlled by a few powerful individuals and large corporations. Mock me if you want, deny the truth, live in a fantasy, but this is our new reality. So, this Christmas, my letter to Santa simply asks for one thing, to make my Christmas wish come true, and that is a return to our democratic values. Those values are what made this country great and created a large middle class that prospered and provided a future for their children and a better life for all. Present day robber barons such as Jeff Bezos, Jamie Dimon, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates sell themselves as great American success stories. In reality, these individuals sap profits in the billions off the back of workers. To pay a worker a living wage of $15 per hour is a problem but don’t dare talk about a CEO’s compensation of $14,000 per hour. Blame those damn socialists, label progressives as communist, but keep the money, the tax breaks, the corporate subsidies rolling in for the rich and powerful. We see the inequality right here in our Island City. Homeless individuals on park benches or camped out behind commercial businesses, panhandlers at every intersection, affordable housing crisis for working families, a public health system totally overburdened and underfunded. Our city is
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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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COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
NEWS
OAKLAND PARK
Wilton Manors Receives Perfect ALDI Grocery Store Celebrates Score on Annual LGBT Equality List Grand Opening in Oakland Park By Jason Parsley
By Christiana Lilly
For the eighth year in a row, Wilton Manors lands on top of the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index annual report. “The City of Wilton Manors is proud to have received a perfect MEI score for 2021 — the 8th consecutive year of achieving a perfect score. Wilton Manors makes a great effort to ensure that our local laws, policies, and services are inclusive and supportive of our LGBTQ+ community that live and work here,” Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors Paul Rolli said. “I am so thankful that the Human Rights Campaign continues to recognize our leadership.” Cities receive points based on their laws, policies, benefits and services. Some of the areas scored include “Law Enforcement” and “Municipal Services,” and “Leadership on LGBTQ Equality.” This is the tenth annual municipal equality list HRC has compiled. Across the U.S. 110 cities earned perfect scores this year. Chris Caputo, who was elected to the city commission in 2020, is proud of the designation. “While we’re incredibly proud of the fact that the City of Wilton Manors has once again achieved a perfect score on the HRC Municipal Index, we’re hard at work ensuring that our City is doing absolutely everything possible to support our LGBTQ+ residents and businesses,” Caputo said. Several major LGBT organizations call Wilton Manors home including the Pride Center at Equality Park, SunServe and Latinos Salud. Overall 11 cities in Florida received perfect scores. Those in South Florida include Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Oakland Park, West Palm Beach and Wellington. Elsewhere in the state include Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Tallahassee. All of the ranked cities in South Florida improved their scores over last year, or their scores stayed the same. Digging deeper into the report shows that even among cities that achieved a perfect score there are potential areas for improvement. Beyond the 100 points available, there are an additional 22 “flex” points that work like bonuses. So for instance cities that provide services to the transgender community receive two flex points. Only
There’s a new grocery store in town, and residents of Oakland Park can now shop at the new ALDI grocery store, which celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 17. Located in the former Lucky’s Market on Oakland Park Boulevard, it is the 19th store in Broward County. “We’re always exploring opportunities in markets across the country. When it comes to choosing new store locations, we carefully consider several factors,” Chris Hewitt, Royal Palm Beach Division vice president for ALDI, said in an email statement. “Above all else, we look for convenient locations for our customers that can support a high traffic volume daily.” ALDI, which is German-owned, has more than 2,000 stores in 36 states and is known for its affordable prices. Ninety percent of the products sold are ALDI brands, keeping costs down. The store sells everything from fresh produce and seafood to cereal and snacks. The grocery store is a part of Oakland Park’s transformation. The old Kmart lot at Oakland
A couple walking through Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.
Wilton Manors in South Florida earned that bonus. However Wilton Manors did not receive any flex points for providing services to LGBT people experiencing homelessness. Caputo took note of this as well. “The HRC Municipal Index offers 22 possible ‘flex’ points that help municipalities achieve the perfect score of 100 points,” he said. “We earned 18 out of 22 possible flex points, so our focus now is reviewing opportunities to ensure we’re doing everything we can to truly live up to the vision we hold for our city as a municipal leader in the LGBTQ+ movement.” The other category where Wilton Manors did not receive additional points was for not providing “Single-Occupancy All-Gender Facilities.” More than 500 cities across the country were included in the report this year. Twentyonecities in Florida were included. “I am so proud to represent the residents of such a diverse and inclusive city,” said Wilton Manors Commissioner Mike Bracchi. “Wilton Manors was awarded a perfect 100 score and 18 bonus points for our highest ever raw score in the history of our ranking in the MEI.”
This is the tenth annual municipal equality list HRC has compiled. Across the U.S. 110 cities earned perfect scores this year.
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Photo via ALDI Corporate’s website.
Park Boulevard and Sixth Avenue is on its way to becoming a residential space with a Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store, which is expected to open in the next month. The city is also using bond funds to renovate and rebuild municipal buildings, including fire stations, the community center, library and more. The city has been hosting public meetings with the community for feedback on the future of Oakland Park’s downtown district.
NEWS
WILTON MANORS
Sun Sentinel Endorses Young Queer Candidate For House District 94 By John McDonald Elijah Manley picked up a key endorsement in the special election for Florida House District 94. The Sun Sentinel tapped Manley to fill the vacancy in the legislative district that covers parts of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Wilton Manors. The newspaper said the 22-year-old offers a “fresh face and a more well-rounded grasp of the issues.” “He has grown both as a person and as a candidate,” wrote the Sun Sentinel’s editorial board. This is Manley’s third attempt at public office and second campaign for the District 94 seat. He finished second to outgoing Representative Bobby DuBose in the 2020 Democratic primary. Manley said having the recommendation of Fort Lauderdale’s daily newspaper of record means a lot. “It’s one of the most coveted endorsements in politics,” Manley said, adding it came as a surprise. “I didn’t think I’d get it,” Manley added. In making his case to the Sun Sentinel, Manley said, “I am not beholden to lobbyists
DECEMBER 23, 2021
Elijah Manley. Photo via Facebook.
and special interests, and that gives me the ability to evaluate issues and make decisions on behalf of our district.” The election is Jan. 11 and vote-by-mail is already underway. Manley is one of four candidates competing. All are Democrats but voting is open to anyone registered in the District regardless of party affiliation. If Manley wins it would be quite a comeback for the young queer candidate of color who has risen from homelessness and extreme poverty to lead a new generation of community activists in deep blue Broward County. 12 . 23. 20 21 •
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COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Manors Commission Tackles Paid Parental Leave, New Garbage Contract and Defunding Police Debate By John McDonald
Wilton Manors is proceeding with a bold policy to offer employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Commissioners approved the policy during the unfinished business portion of Dec. 14’s commission meeting. Employees will be provided with 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth or placement of a child. “I think this is an opportunity where we could really lead where our federal and state policies have not,” said Commissioner Mike Bracchi. “We learned from the pandemic that cities are really the front lines to helping people and I think this is a great benefit.” Employees must have at least one year of service to be eligible for the new policy and agree to work 12 weeks after the leave expires. Presently, if an employee gives birth, adopts a child or participates in a foster home program, the employee is eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Other notes from the Dec. 14 meeting include: Ron Falk and Claudia Castillo announced the winners of the third annual Justin Flippen Manatee Contest. The activity, dedicated to the memory of the late mayor, is for students at Wilton Manors Elementary School and Somerset Academy. This year’s contest received 602 entries and raised more than $10,000. The winning manatee cutouts are on display at Castillo’s art gallery on Wilton Drive. The commission finalized amendments to the unified land development regulations. Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore said the changes set height limits for planned unit development at five stories, not to exceed 60 feet. A proposal to extend its contract with Waste Management passed on first reading. Rates under the contract’s new terms will increase 3.6%, said City Manager Leigh
Ann Henderson. Recycling pick-up will consolidate into one day, on Wednesdays, city-wide. Weekend garbage collection will be eliminated, allowing for drivers to have weekends off. Under the new contract, the total residential monthly rate for solid waste and recycling is $22.77 per unit. Wicked Manors 2021 was a financial success, said Roger Roa, Pride Center Development director. Roa said his organization was very happy with the results from the Halloween-themedstreet festival and noted the event recruited a new sponsor, El Dorado Furniture, which previously had never sponsored an LGBT event in its 24-year history. The Pride Center and city split $5,268.20 in parking revenue from the event. Overall, Wicked Manors produced $179,862.60 in total revenue. Roa said nine organizations will share the $12,823.68 collected for entry fees. The Pride Center paid Wilton Manors $28,719.74 to host the event. Commissioners approved the adoption of a pilot program for resident parking. For a $60 annual fee, residents are given parking privileges in any city lot after 6 p.m. The pilot program generated $2,350 with 47 permits sold. During public comments, two people complained about the city’s lawsuit against the state of Florida regarding H.B. 1, dubbed the “anti-riot” law. Wilton Manors joined with several other South Florida municipalities to oppose the law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April. “Why would our city join up with cities like Lauderhill, Miramar and Tallahassee to name a few to fight Gov. Ron DeSantis who wants to prevent them from defunding the police budget?” asked Julian Isaacs, a 36-year
Employees must have at least one year of service to be eligible for the new policy and agree to work 12 weeks after the leave expires.
Inside Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo credit: Carina Mask.
resident of Wilton Manors. “That’s a very good thing. The governor is trying to prevent them from making law enforcement in the state of Florida weaker!” City Attorney Kerry Ezrol said there are two technical reasons for the city joining in the lawsuit. The first reason is a technical violation of the single subject rule under the Florida Constitution and the second reason is a technical violation of the Florida Constitution Separation of Powers. “Fundamentally, the biggest concern expressed by the city commission is the intrusion of the governor into the home rule authority of the city commission when it comes to budgeting overall,” Ezrol said. “The city has not removed any funding from the police department. There has not been any discussion that I’m aware of as far as the prior
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year’s budget to remove funding from the police department or otherwise reduce the level of service for this community.” Isaacs’ son, Jamian, accused Vice Mayor Paul Rolli of plotting with “ill-intentioned, radical left-wing interest groups” to challenge DeSantis. Isaacs said he was “shocked and disgusted” by the commission’s actions, especially considering Mayor Scott Newton has two sons who are law enforcement officers. “You should know better,” Jamian chided Newton from the podium. “None one of us has said a word about defunding the police,” Newton said after hearing the father and son out. The meeting lasted one hour and eight minutes. The next regular commission meeting is Jan. 11.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WILTON MANORS
Help Us Find the OUT NOW! Next BIG THING! Those of you who keep an eye on city commission business know that the Wilton Manors City Commission approved an update to the city’s strategic plan earlier this year. There are six equally critical goals in the plan, and one of them is economic development. What exactly does economic development mean to us? It’s how we make Wilton Manors a place where retailers, developers and other businesses want to relocate, and where existing businesses want to stay. As a city commissioner, I want to do everything in my power to encourage economic growth and thoughtful redevelopment. With the leadership of the city commission and the consensus of our residents, comprehensive zoning and land use changes have just been adopted to help foster strategic redevelopment and attract much needed private investment along many of our major commercial corridors. I am very grateful for everyone who took the time to participate to make that process a successful one. While the city has had success with the revitalization of Wilton Drive as a premier entertainment destination, I must acknowledge that we still have a lot of work to do together in our other commercial districts, i.e., along the avenue. Most of the retail in the city is clustered in one district and it is largely occupied by one industry sector. For our city to remain regionally competitive and economically diverse, we have to strengthen our other major commercial corridors and position ourselves as a best-in-class business and tourist destination. With the support of a grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the city has embarked on a strategic process to help define the unique character and identity of each of its districts and develop a marketing and branding strategy to foster private investment and business attraction. The project will focus on conducting a market assessment and land use analysis, gathering input from community stakeholders, analyzing industry sectors, identifying potential development opportunities, and recommending strategies to drive economic activity on Andrews Avenue, Dixie Highway, Oakland Park Boulevard, Wilton Drive, and 26th Street. Remember, it’s not just about identifying what businesses we’d like to see, but what businesses would want to be where
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Wilton Drive. Photo credit: Carina Mask. Vol. 10
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we would like to see them! Last week, I met with the consultants from Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) to share my thoughts on how we can develop a strong and reliable identity for each commercial corridor. I shared many of the ideas and concerns residents and businesses have shared with me. More of your input is absolutely needed. The city will be hosting a project kickoff meeting on January 18, 2022 at 7 p.m. at Hagen Park to provide update on the project, gather your input, and answer your questions. I encourage everyone to come out and provide feedback as we envision our Island City for the next decades. This is an important chance to be heard, so I urge you to be there, and to invite a friend. If you are unable to attend, I encourage you to share your ideas, questions and concerns with me via email at ccaputo@wiltonmanors. com or by emailing Kim Allonce, our city’s Economic Development Manager at kallonce@wiltonmanors.com.
— Chris Caputo
WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER
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HOUSE FL IPPING
LGBT REAL ESTATE HOUSE-FLIPPING, REDECORATING, AND MORE
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WILTON MANORS
Taller & Greener Wilton Manors Mayor Lays Out Vision For A New Term By John Hayden
Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton still has 11 months left on his current term, but is asking voters to give him two additional years. He announced his reelection campaign on Facebook, saying the city is making great strides and wants to continue helping lead the way. Now he is talking with SFGN about what he hopes to accomplish with a new term. His priorities include improving the water, growing the city, and making it easier to build eco-friendly “green” buildings. DRINK UP Many in the city complain about the water. Newton says Wilton Manors tests the water at more than a dozen sites every week. He says the water is safe, and the issue is more on aesthetics. “I get it. There’s a difference between drinkable and ‘lookable’ and ‘smellable.’ It’s tough to tell residents that yellow water is easy to drink. It’s fine when you put it in a cup, you don’t see it much. But you put it in a bathtub and it changes color.” Newton says he wants to work with the city of Fort Lauderdale to improve water quality, in addition to making Wilton’s sewer system interact better with surrounding cities. He says Wilton began implementing a masterplan for utility upgrades earlier this year. A TALL ORDER
money for something to get done. So what we did is we took some of the criteria that they have, and they have to meet those to build the building. Now it doesn’t cost them [up to] $200,000 more just to have a little plaque on the wall.” One exception to height limits is the city’s property at and around City Hall on Wilton Drive. He says a boutique hotel or other venture could go on, what some consider, the most prime, underdeveloped land in South Florida. He stressed that he doesn’t have all the answers but believes listening to everyone, something workable can be approved. For now, that doesn’t include City Hall, which is less than 15 years old. But that could change, and Newton admits he’s never been a fan of the current location. “I didn’t want City Hall to be where it is. I thought it was too much prime land to do that. I’d like to see it on Dixie Highway where our Public Works Department is. There’s plenty of room there to put City Hall.”
Newton says he wants to work with the city of Fort Lauderdale to improve water quality, in addition to making Wilton’s sewer system interact better with surrounding cities.
Wilton Manors is famously known for only having low-rise buildings. The commission has changed zoning for parts of the city and increased residential density limits. Caps on six-floor buildings can be extended to eight if they are certified as green. That is an expensive proposition, and can be cost prohibitive. Mayor Newton wants to lower that cost. “I don’t like that people have to pay more
BRING DIXIE HIGHWAY INTO THE DRIVE’S PROSPERITY
He believes moving to City Hall would speed up development. “I think that would draw more business on to Dixie Highway because more people would be going there. You’re expanding your downtown.” The stretch just down from Five Points is already home to several small theaters and a burgeoning arts district. Newton said he wants future developers to continue that trend. “I’m hoping whoever comes in and buys some of that property that they incorporate those, because they are part of the culture of our city, the heartbeat of our city. Without that we lose some of our identity of who we really are.” Of course, more businesses and taller buildings means more traffic, with many of Wilton’s main thoroughfares already only one
Scott Newton. Photo via Facebook.
lane in each direction. Newton said that’s part of the price of growth. “Traffic’s everywhere. I get it on both sides. It’s difficult down here. We’re not New York City where we have a bus going by every 30 seconds. If you want me to keep taxes as low as we can, that means there has to be growth. It’s a balancing act. We’re not trying to be Fort Lauderdale and build 30-story buildings. The highest we’ll go is eight.” ONE LAST RUN Whatever long-term solutions eventually happen, Mayor Newton won’t be in office when they’re completed. “I’m running for reelection and then I’m going to pass that on to someone else.”
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He wants to use one more term to keep continuity on the city commission and position Wilton Manors for the future. “I’ve helped bring our commission together and we’re all working together. I want to continue to make sure it’s easy for residents to understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. That will make the city of Wilton Manors a better place.” The election is scheduled for November 8, 2022, with early voting running from Oct. 24 through Nov. 6. The election is more than 10 months away, but Newton says now just feels right to begin his final campaign. “I think I’m doing a good job, and I’ve been hearing from constituents that think I’m doing a good job, so I decided to put my name out there for reelection. I enjoy helping people, I enjoy my city.”
THE WILTON BAZAAR
The Perfect Market to Support Small Businesses By Kim Swan Interested in meeting people while supporting local small businesses? Then the Wilton Bazaar is the perfect market for you. The Bazaar began Dec. 9 and will continue throughout the year every Thursday from 5-10 p.m. It features 20 booths selling jewelry, clothing, and pet products, according to Living in Oakland Park. It’s located in the City Hall parking lot at 2020 Wilton Drive. The Bazaar offers a great opportunity to promote businesses and not-for-profit organizations such as animal rescues to “demonstrate their hard work and showcase the animals in need of loving homes.” The event was created by James LaMorte, who has been in business for over 30 years. He pitched the idea of running a weeknight market after moving to Wilton Manors, and thus the Wilton Bazaar was born.
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ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER
BONA CELEBRATES 5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
WHY DID YOU START IT? It is important to be part of a community, especially one like Wilton Manors where people can feel safe to be who they are. It has always been in our DNA to give back, and it was natural for us to want to find a way to not just take from our patrons but to support the issues that are important to all of us.
HOW DID BONA SURVIVE COVID? IS BUSINESS BACK TO NORMAL? Thanks to a very supportive community and some federal funding we made it through the pandemic so far.
WHAT ARE SOME NON-PROFITS YOU’VE SUPPORTED? We have supported these and other organizations in the past 4 ½ years: Broward House, Equality Florida, Gay Men’s Chorus, and more. WHAT ARE SOME MENU ITEMS SOMEONE ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE WHEN THEY EAT AT BONA?
FRIDAY FEAST OF SEVEN FISHES An Italian Christmas tradition, Casa Calabria is laying out the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Enjoy seven homestyle Italian fishes served in the quaint family-style dining room, oceanfront balcony, or piano bar from 5-10 p.m.
SATURDAY GIRLS NIGHT OUT Ladies can have fun at Hamburger Mary’s Drag Queen Brunch from 7-10 p.m.
MANORS MARKET A weekly artisan/prepared food market located in the City Hall parking lot. Great local fresh bread, art and unique finds from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
By Kim Swan That’s a tough one, there are so many favorites our guests love, on top of the list is our Chicken Cyriac, which is blackened chicken over pasta with garlic cream and fresh toasted almonds on top.
THURSDAY WELCOME TO PARADISE Come fly with Pam Ann as she takes you back to a time when flying meant style, class and glamor at Hunters from 7:30-9 p.m.
SUNDAY
Check out our interview with Glen Weinzimer of Bona Italian Restaurant WHAT IS GIVE BACK MONDAYS? Give Back Mondays is a charity night at Bona Italian Restaurant and Aperitivo Lounge. We give back 10% of all dine-in and take-out dinners to different not for profits.
CALENDAR
ON THE HORIZON DEC. 30: WILTON BAZAAR A weekly night market in the heart of Wilton Manors every Thursday from 5-10 p.m.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Both Glen & Mark produce the SMART Ride a 2-day, 165-mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West that raises funds to assist AIDS Service Organizations to meet their needs of helping those infected, affected or at risk for HIV/AIDS. This event is unique because of its 100% guarantee that all funds raised by the participants of the SMART Ride go to the ASO’s.
Tell us about upcoming events we should know about!
Glen Weinzimer. Photo via Facebook.
THE NEWSLETTER YOU NEED NEED. WILTON MANORS NEWS... RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. From events to local announcements, fun facts and so much more, the Islander is everything you need to wake up ready for a beautiful day in the Island City.
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NEWS
OAKLAND PARK
OPINION
WILTON MANORS
Brief Ruminations About An Omicron Christmas By Norm Kent
Oakland Park. Photo via the City of Oakland Park, Facebook.
Finally! Oakland Park Scores 100 on Annual Equality Index By Jason Parsley
Photo via Pixabay.
After years of just missing the mark and our intentional mission of inclusivity of coming oh so close, Oakland Park finally all people and more particularly, for this got a 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s recognition, our families and friends of the LGBTQ+ community,” Carn said. “Oakland Municipal Equality Index annual report. Park champions equality “Oakland Park embraces and continually seeks to be and celebrates the rich a more welcoming city to diversity of its staff, its everyone who lives here, citizenry and its visitors works here, and plays here.” from far and near,” said Next door Wilton Manors Mayor Michael E. Carn. received a perfect score as In 2017 the city received well — for the eighth year in a 99, then the following two a row. years a 97. Last year they Cities receive points just missed the mark again based on their laws, policies, with a 99. benefits and services. Some “While we are quite of the areas scored include proud of the rise in the score “Law Enforcement” and to a 99, we will continue to “Municipal Services,” and find every way possible to “Leadership on LGBTQ receive a perfect score of Equality.” 100 by next year,” Oakland This is the tenth annual Park City Commissioner municipal equality list HRC Matthew Sparks said last Mayor of Oakland Park has compiled. More than year. 500 cities across the country Well it appears the city found the way forward as Sparks said they were included in the report this year with 110 receiving perfect scores. Twenty-onecities would. “We are extremely proud that the Human in Florida were included with 11 receiving Rights Campaign Foundation recognized perfect scores.
“Oakland Park embraces and celebrates the rich diversity of its staff, its citizenry and its visitors from far and near.” - Michael E. Carn
One column a week is normally enough for me right now, but I am adding a second prophylactic one. Pay attention. I saw dozens of people unmasked and drinking gathered at the Gym Bar for a party at Sunday afternoon during brunch. We cannot do this anymore. For what it’s worth, 12 hours earlier, there were no emergency room beds available at Holy Cross Hospital and no monoclonal antibodies available due to the spread of the Omicron virus. Not the most comforting way to deal with a medical emergency. I am in and out of cancer centers and medical offices daily. The professionals there are deeply alarmed. Science has not yet synthesized and statistically computed the breadth of this ever-so-transmissible spread. Omicron is spreading like wildfire in a dry
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forest. Unvaccinated and immunologically compromised gay people must take precautions now to prevent getting sick tomorrow. I saw the Alibi has canceled its holiday party. So should you impose safeguards on your holiday gatherings. Beware of the storm by ensuring for your own safety. My sympathies to the Gay Men’s Chorus, having had to cancel Sunday’s Hard Rock Concert. They do so much for so many. Please do what you can to help by supporting them financially any way you can. A day will come when we are past all this. Maya Angelou once wrote, “There is no storm that does not run out of rain.” Become Dorothy. It does not take much to be a dreamer. All you do is close your eyes, and make a wish for a better tomorrow. But wear a mask.
I saw the Alibi has canceled its holiday party. So should you impose safeguards on your holiday gatherings.