Wilton Manors Gazette: February 6, 2019 by The Gazette

wMG Volume 6 • Issue 3 February 6, 2019

Wilton Manors Gazette Facebook.coM/GroupS/wMGazette

wilton ManorS pd ShowS oFF pride with

new rainbow rider

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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OPINION

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due…

I have no hesitation calling out our local elected officials when they deserve to be raked over the coals for poor decisions. Equally so, I should be ready to offer words of praise when their actions stand out as honorable and deserving of admiration. This week I find myself pondering such praise for a Commissioner, who I would have preferred not to have won the election this past November, our former Mayor and newly elected City Commissioner Gary Resnick. For far too many years, a certain commercial property on Andrews Avenue has been a danger to the safety and welfare of residents, left abandoned, neglected and a major attraction for the area’s homeless population. Making matters worse, this property Wilton Manors City Commission. Photo via Facebook. stands as an entranceway to our fine city at the busy intersection of Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Blvd. This amount that allowed the city to file foreclosure in the school’s history. Commissioner Resnick made a very solid, well thought-out motion to cancerous deterioration is a blight for proceedings against the property. This wealthy family now looks for every have a lien reduction in line with the extent of the surrounding neighbors, our Andrews excuse under the sun, such as ill-served notice, neglect our community has had to suffer over Avenue community, and our entire city. The owner of this property is not health issues, and numerous other excuses in the years. Unfortunately, Commissioner Resnick was someone who has fallen on hard times, an attempt to explain why such problems have joined only by Commissioner Rolli, who equally or someone who has suffered from gone on for so long. This past week, their lien reduction request stated strong support for keeping the lien health issues or someone experiencing other extraneous circumstances that came before our City Commission. What makes reduction to a minimum. What passed was a could excuse the years of neglect that our this even more outrageous is that the family reduction of over 70 percent of fines owed to the suddenly snapped out of their city, not a bad night for the Warrington Family. city has had to endure. We can only hope that their prominent local state of confusion to hire a very On the contrary, the COMMISSIONER prominent local attorney to attorney was able to deliver something in return owners of this property, RESNICK FORCIBLY make the request that our City for such a huge reduction. Giving such a large the Warrington family, Commission approve reducing lien reduction and having the property continue are very wealthy, own POINTED OUT THE over $436,000 in accrued fines to sit there in its present condition does nothing multiple commercial YEARS OF NEGLECT to the measly, insulting amount for our city. properties along OF THIS PROPERTY The property owner has demonstrated of just a bit over $18,000. I Andrews Avenue, and LOCATED AT SUCH could only wish to get a similar no community interest what-so-ever in our care absolutely nothing reduction in bills that I need to wonderful city, and the lien reduction should about the effects of their A PROMINENT have been proportional to the amount of their pay at the end of the month. neglect on our neighbors ENTRANCEWAY INTO Here is where I give involvement and commitment over the years— or on the public safety of OUR WONDERFUL CITY. Commissioner Gary Resnick zilch—nada—nothing. our community. So, kudos to Commissioners Resnick and the praise he so righteously Code Enforcement and city staff have done their duty deserves. During the discussion, Commissioner Rolli. Thank you both for pointing out that identifying the issues with this property Resnick forcibly pointed out the years of neglect over the years. They have reached out of this property located at such a prominent commercial property owners must have a responsibility to maintain their properties, to to the owners, issued citations, sought entranceway into our wonderful city. He went on to state that this family should be support the surrounding communities, and ways to bring this property back from the neglected condition, and offered endless embarrassed over the state of their properties have a commitment to be a good neighbor. outreach to the wealthy family trust that here in Wilton Manors while at the same time Commission actions should not look to donating millions to have their family name undermine the work done by a pro-active, owns the property. Our city staff finally received the placed upon a building at the University of strong code enforcement policy. These policies protect the quality of life in our Island City and first formidable response from these Florida campus. In 2014, the Warrington family gave $75 are a major factor in what keeps life just better carpetbaggers only after code violation fines accrued to such a burdensome million to the university, the largest donation here. WMG

wMG

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.

Associated Press

Mickel Park is full of fun for the family! Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

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February 6, 2019

REAL ESTATE

A Long-Range Pricing Forecast? Last time, I looked at whether recent trends in prices could indicate future price trends. We saw that, in general, an established trend will persist for another nine to 12 months unless “something” happens. This time, let’s look at prices over the very long term and see if there are any interesting points of inflection worth investigating further. I took the Federal Housing Finance Administration data I used last time and smoothed the bumps out with a rolling four-quarter average. I also adjusted for overall price inflation. We want to look at real price changes, not ones caused by changes in money’s purchasing power. The first chart looks at the period from 1977 through 2000. Believe it or not, inflation-adjusted prices were actually trending gradually down the whole time! By the time the absolute low was hit in 1997, real prices had decreased by 21 percent – roughly one percent per year. (Although the prices paid for homes more than doubled in that period, consumer prices more than tripled. So the inflation adjusted change was negative.) Now look at chart two, covering 1995 to the present. As I said above, we got our first inflection

point during 1997. Prices started moving upward briskly – first at a trot and then at a sprint. By the time that sprint – also known as “the bubble” – ended in late 2006, inflation-adjusted real estate prices had increased by 143 percent. On a compound annual basis, that’s 10 percent per year. From that obvious inflection point, a precipitous decline ensued. By its end in early 2012, inflationadjusted prices had dropped by 53 percent – nearly erasing the entire 1997-2006 gain. And then, from that inflection point, another uptrend that continues to this day. Prices in real terms are up by 58 percent – 8 percent compounded annually. So, while it is not quite a sprint, it is definitely diﬀerent from the 1977-1997 experience. What caused the three inflection points we have had in the last 20 years? Will prices just go flat again like 1977-97, or might another inflection point and correction be at hand? Tune in next time. WMG James Oaksun, Florida’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is Broker-Owner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

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February 6, 2019

2.06.2019 •

EDITORIAL

Planners Strike Out at the Plaza Renovation Design Plan Gets an “F” for Failure Photo credit: Justin Musial.

If Brenda Snipes can be removed from her constitutionally elected oﬃce for incompetence, then the persons responsible for planning the construction on Wilton Drive can be tarred and feathered. Who in the room has not heard the popular Americanism, “I am from the government, and I am here to help you.” With friends like that, who needs enemies? Let’s deal with reality. Whoever or whatever orchestrated this reconstruction plan should be fired, or at least sent on an indefinite vacation. It is one thing to ask businesses to bear with you during construction to build a better tomorrow. It is quite another to strip them bare in the process so there is no tomorrow. First, we readily acknowledge that the remaking of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors and plaza is a good thing. However, it is an overdue undertaking oﬀ to a very bad start. Years down the road, a more pedestrianfriendly drive will enhance businesses while making life more livable for all our residents. We applaud the initiative. Now let’s hope the businesses still there are alive to appreciate it when the project is completed. Unfortunately, for everyone from the tenant businesses to the alcoholics standing

on the corner asking for loose change, the reconstruction has created a financial nightmare. It is hard to have a Bloody Mary when you must get blood on your body to reach one. The state’s answer to the businesses strangled with the reconstruction plan has been to post small blue and white signs along the drive reading, “Businesses Still Open.” Oh, really? Well, not for long, thanks to your piss-poor planning. Despite the state’s embarrassing outreach and lame notice, ingress and egress to the plaza is strangled. You reasonably should be asking, “how did this happen?” There are no justifiable excuses. Kids with an Etch a Sketch pad could have planned better. At SFGN, we are newspaper publishers, not design architects. We could lay out what the state could have done better during this transition. That is a task better left to city planning and zoning oﬃcials, meeting in conjunction with the state. Even our distribution network has been incredibly compromised by the lack of planning. We had ten red news boxes on the drive that have all had to be removed during the reconstruction process. Our reward for retaining some boxes, thereby salvaging a few spots where you could still find and reach the paper was to

Check out what’s happening

Around Town Wilton Manors Used Book Fair Hosted by the Friends of the Wilton Manors Library Saturday, Feb. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indoors at the Hagen Park Community Center Located behind City Hall at 2020 Wilton Drive • Large selection of fiction, non-fiction, videos and music CD’s for adults and children • Offered for a small donation • Free Parking • All proceeds benefit the Wilton Manors Public Library

For additional information call 954-566-9019 32

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have the city’s code enforcement inspectors issue us a citation and impose a $150 fine. You gotta be kidding. Still, what is happening to us is nothing compared to what the businesses are going through. Clearly, the re-design plan for businesses and residents was not thought out carefully enough. You have a right to be critical. It could have been done better. As a result, businesses in the shoppes are hurting. Down the road, places like the new Burgers and Beers, along with Smoke and Vape next door to them are currently obstructed, and nearly inaccessible. It did not have to be that way. Temporary parking could have been arranged. This is a good time for customers and consumers to support businesses on the drive. Besides, there is nothing like a great burger while vaping. Anyway, do what you can to support our neighbors today, even if it means negotiating a few military style barricades and blockades. They won’t be there much longer. Donald Trump is having them moved to our southern border. Finally, don’t be afraid to criticize the state. Administrators and planners could and should have done a better job. Don’t blame us. We are the news media; just the legless guys who teach running. We can find a little bad in the best of things. Have a great day, and don’t forget to send your comments to editor@sfgn.com. WMG

February 6, 2019

Boomerang’s Thrift Store to Leave Wilton Drive

BUSINESS

“I really like this neighborhood but it feels like it’s losing some of its charm because it’s a revolving door”

High rents, short-term leases, parking Also moving with Boomerang’s is the Good problems and construction are all reasons Luck Cat Cafe, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) that why Matt LaMariana is moving his popular has placed more than 125 homeless cats in thrift store to nearby Oakland Park in March. forever homes since it opened in June 2016. “They were looking to develop the property LaMariana provides space so the nonprofit and they couldn’t guarantee us has a venue for adoptions. any more than a six months The store opened in 2011 “I DON’T THINK extension. That is what and has developed a loyal IT’S THE RIGHT FIT happens with gentrification,” following. said LaMariana, president of Fort Lauderdale resident FOR THE ARTS AND the Animal Rescue Fund 501(3) Rudolph Robinson, 66, said ENTERTAINMENT (c) which operates Boomerang’s it’s the best place around to DISTRICT. I’M GLAD thrift store. “The amount of buy quality used shoes. He rent is definitely part of it as said he will follow the store THEY FOUND A well. Every dollar we spend is to wherever it relocates and MORE APPROPRIATE less money we can give to the continue to shop there. LOCATION FOR THEIR rescues. We definitely like to “I can’t find a better place. keep our overhead down.” The stuﬀ they have is good VERY IMPORTANT LaMariana has donated quality and their prices are PURPOSE.” more than $500,000 to rescue reasonable,” said Robinson, groups over the years to give who bought clothes, shoes, - Don d’Arminio VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE homeless animals a second a toaster and a coﬀee maker CITY’S PLANNING AND chance. (The money is raised on this day. “I wouldn’t go ZONING BOARD by the thrift store he operates.) anywhere else, especially when His store at 2365 Wilton Drive will move it comes to shoes.” about a mile away to 3454 N. Andrews Avenue. A huge parking lot with plenty of spaces The new store will be bigger, more upscale is something LaMariana says he is hoping and have lots of free parking. will increase his store’s appeal, once it moves. He is constantly chasing motorists from his current parking lot because parking in Wilton Manors is scarce and drivers park in his lot and leave for other businesses. “I won’t have to worry about chasing down people and towing cars for people who aren’t there and spend the day shopping all over Wilton Manors,” LaMariana said. He is also glad to be leaving the downtown Wilton Manors construction behind. A much-anticipated project to narrow Northeast Fourth Avenue/Wilton Drive from Sunrise Boulevard to Northeast 26th Street to two-lanes began in August and has moved into the city’s downtown area, causing parking issues. The goal of the project is to make the city’s downtown more pedestrian-friendly. The Florida Department of Transportation project will include 7-foot-wide bicycle lanes, widen sidewalks, upgrade pedestrian signals and modify pedestrian curb ramps

to meet ADA requirements. The project also includes road upgrades, pedestrian lighting, installation of new drainage structures and an upgrade of the existing drainage system. LaMariana said Florida is too hot to be “pedestrian-friendly” during the day and doesn’t believe some of the improvements are necessary. The construction outside his store is also hurting business, he said. “It’s 100 degrees in the summer. Everyone drives everywhere,” he said. “There is no pedestrian traﬃc.” Don d’Arminio, vice chairman of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, said the thrift store is better suited to another location. “I don’t think it’s the right fit for the Arts and Entertainment District. I’m glad they found a more appropriate location for their very important purpose,” d’Arminio said. Tony LoGrande, chairman of the Wilton Drive Improvement District and a retail branding strategist, echoed d’Arminio’s sentiments. “We are sorry to see a business close on the Drive, however charity shops are traditionally … on fringe locations, not on main streets,”

LoGrande said. “I think this has to do with any main street type area that is attracting higher rents and more complicated terms of business - including less parking because it’s a walkable district. Those don’t usually appeal to transitional businesses such as a charity shop.” Bars, restaurants and clothing stores with higher business profitability are the type of businesses that generally need to be on pedestrian-oriented streets. “[Boomerang’s] is a great addition to the Drive and they certainly play a wonderful role within the community but it is a factor of retail,” LoGrande said. William Fleming, 36, a Chicagoan who visits Wilton Manors about six times a year, said the changing number of businesses on the Drive is noticeable. “I really like this neighborhood but it feels like it’s losing some of its charm because it’s a revolving door,” Fleming said as he shopped at Boomerang’s on a recent Sunday. “I’m only here six times a year and I notice it. This is one of the few places I go because you can get parking.” WMG

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February 6, 2019

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COMMUNITY

Wilton Manors PD Shows Off Pride with

New Rainbow Rider Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Police in the second gayest city in America have gussied up a squad car with the colors of the rainbow in support of the community they protect. “I don’t think there is any better way to show this is genuine public recognition by a municipality,” said five-year city resident Matt Dreger of the colorful cruiser. “This isn’t just a flag up on a pole somebody won’t see unless they are in the park or if someone points it out. I think it really shows the heart of the community.” The city rolled out the rainbow rider in anticipation of Fort Lauderdale’s upcoming Pride Fort Lauderdale festival, Feb. 22-24, and Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Pride Street Festival on June 15, said Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell. “It’s pride in our community and it’s diversity. It’s pride in our Police Department,” O’Connell said. “We can do our job a whole lot better as long as we have a partnership with degrees in a different direction. Now police the community. That car is an illustration of are flying our flag. What else could it do but that partnership.” make you happy?” The rainbow wrap, designed by a city The Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, employee, includes rainbows on both sides of marked the birth of an international gay the car and the words “Policing with Pride” on rights movement, spurred on by violent the hood and rear window. The word “Pride,” confrontations between police and gay rights in rainbow colors, appears on the vehicle’s activists. trunk and doors. The vehicle will be used for Wilton Manors police decked out the special events. cruiser in early January well ahead of the two In a city where residents elected their first upcoming events so they couldn’t be shamed all-gay City Commission like they were last year when in November 2018, a police another city thought of it car with rainbow swoops is just “I DON’T THINK first. another visible embrace of the local “Fort Lauderdale skunked THERE IS ANY demographics. us last year,” O’Connell BETTER WAY TO Wilton Manors has the second confessed. “They had one of SHOW THIS IS highest rate of same sex couples in their cars wrapped for our the United States and the first highest GENUINE PUBLIC Stonewall parade last year. rate of any city in Florida, according We are trying to one-up RECOGNITION to UCLA’s Williams Institute. The them.” BY A city has 125 gay couples per 1,000 The festive decor will MUNICIPALITY.” compared to San Francisco, which come off after the June event. has 30, the Institute said. “It’s a wrap. Easy on, easy - Matt Dreger Dreger, a member of the CITY RESIDENT off,” O’Connell said. The city Stonewall parade committee, said spent about $1,000 on the the rainbow cruiser will be a show decals, he said. stopper when it rolls down the Stonewall “The few dollars that were spent are festival parade route in June. significantly outweighed by the popular “I think the crowd will roar,” Dreger impact,” O’Connell added. “It’s a great predicted. “Considering Stonewall started illustration of our Police Department from police harassment, we have come 180 reflecting the community it serves.” WMG

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Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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February 6, 2019

PHOTOS

Wilton Manors

Book Club Meeting ON JAN. 16, THE WILTON MANORS BOOK CLUB HELD A TALK FOR "EROTIC STORIES FOR PUNJABI WIDOWS," A NOVEL BY BALLI KAUR JASWAL.

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February 6, 2019

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BUSINESS

MANORS FIRES BACK Bashes Lawsuit by Defunct Nightclub, BALLZ A month ago, nightclub owner Sean David four months straight,” and that “nearly every made news by filing a lawsuit against the customer complained to David the business city of Wilton Manors, accusing its staff of was being harassed.” sabotaging his efforts to open a bar in the Castrataro summarized the police activity island city, back in January of 2017. as a complete sham, and a mere pretext to David filed claims accusing the city of “intimidate and drive away customers for the permitting staff and law enforcement to sole purpose of forcing the plaintiff to close intimidate and harass him his business.” personally, with the purposeful Castrataro remarked intent of ruining his business that the city incorrectly plan. The bar closed after only concluded David would open three months of operation. up a strip club, due to his past The 12-page lawsuit, filed ownership of the Boardwalk, by attorney George Castrataro, then Johnny’s, and present accused the city generally, proprietorship of Le Boy, each and community development featuring male dancers. director Roberta Moore “Ironically,” Castrataro particularly, of intentionally stated, “the city got it wrong chilling David’s First all along. David wanted to Amendment rights. diversify his holdings and open Castrataro claimed the city up a sports bar.” repeatedly threatened and Finally, the complaint said warned David the city “that the the city was depriving David - George Castrataro city does not want a male go-go of use of his property, without LAWYER bar on Wilton Drive,” and “it due process of law, and asked would get shut down.” for damages and attorney’s The complaint read that the city “barged fees. into the club with law enforcement on a Well, the city’s attorneys do not exactly nightly basis.” agree, to say the least. The suit further alleges that “the Representing the City of Wilton Manors, relentless nightly harassment continued for attorney Christopher Stearns fired back a steaming 15-page motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming it was specious, without legal merit, and “fails to state a single valid claim upon which relief can be granted.” Citing dozens of legal precedents and prior judicial rulings in his memorandum of law, Stearns claimed the plaintiff was not denied “fundamental rights” or “equal protection of the law.” Stearns noted the standards for arguing “invidious discrimination” required meeting a legal threshold that the “plaintiff did not meet.” Going out of his way to put the response in bold print, Stearns rebuffed Castrataro by arguing that his lawsuit was “devoid of ANY allegations of fact that the city of Wilton Manors engages in a custom of violating residents’ first, fourth, or fourteenth amendment rights.” George Castrataro.

“IRONICALLY, THE CITY GOT IT WRONG ALL ALONG. DAVID WANTED TO DIVERSIFY HIS HOLDINGS AND OPEN UP A SPORTS BAR.”

BALLZ Bar, before it was shut down. Photo via Yelp.

The city’s reply said that since “No facts were alleged, no due process claim can stand,” suggesting the court should on its own throw out the lawsuit. The city also attacked the claim that its actions were retaliatory, or that David’s First Amendment rights were inhibited in any way by the conduct of any city oﬃcial or employee. Their reply takes the position that nothing they did in response to the club’s opening was “an adverse action prohibited by the First Amendment.”

The city of Wilton Manors also stated that David’s claim failed to show his business was treated any diﬀerently than any other business similarly planning an opening, and that there was no discrimination against him, along with the fact that his complaint is absent a single aﬃdavit or document showing otherwise. Stearns raised procedural claims as well, arguing that if David has any remedy at all, he would have to make his claims in state court first, since the city’s actions are properly reviewable there. WMG

Editor’s Note: The motion to dismiss is now under judicial review by United States District Judge William Dimitrouleas, assigned randomly to hear this cause of action. He can set it for a hearing or rule on his own. If the motion to dismiss is granted, the plaintiff is generally given an opportunity to amend or better articulate its claims. If the motion is denied, the defendant is ordered to file an answer to the claims.

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February 6, 2019

PHOTOS

Wilton Manors

Friends of the Library THE WILTON MANORS FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY HELD THEIR INTERACTIVE SEA & ME EVENT ON JAN. 31 AT THE RICHARD C . SULLIVAN PUBLIC LIBRARY OF WILTON MANORS.

Benjamin Little.

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February 6, 2019

2.06.2019 •

PHOTOS

Concert Series at Mickel Park ON JAN. 18, THE CARIBBEAN CHILLERS, A JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE BAND, BROUGHT A SMOOTH VIBE FOR RESIDENTS OF WILTON MANORS TO WARM UP WITH DURING THE "COOLEST" DAYS OF WINTER.

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February 6, 2019

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February 6, 2019

2.06.2019 •

COMMUNITY

Accident or Murder? Four years later Henry Vidal’s death remains unsolved

Henry Vidal.

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Four years ago a popular local bartender, Information Officer Keyla Concepcion, the Henry Vidal, was found dead in his Wilton BSO said it will not release any information Manors apartment. His death was ruled a on the case at this time. When pressed that homicide. But now Vidal’s mother has said a a detective has spoken at length to Vidal’s detective told her investigators are no longer mother, Concepcion said information coming certain of that conclusion — instead it may from the mother was fine. Vidal’s body was discovered by a cohave been an accident. Vidal’s mother, Caridad “Cary” Labarta, worker in May 2015. His death was ruled a 63, of Pembroke Pines, said Det. Mike Roque homicide after the medical examiner released of the Broward Sheriff’s Office told her details of the autopsy to authorities. Vidal authorities are no longer certain Vidal, 32, was employed at the now closed B Bar on Wilton Drive. Prior to that, Vidal was murdered. bartended at the Alibi. But homicide hasn’t been “I THINK THE “I believe there is more to ruled out yet. the story,” said Vidal’s former Labarta said the detective PERSON GOT partner, Evan Linette of Fort told her that Vidal died of a SCARED AND Lauderdale. “I have reached out spleen injury and that he could several times to offer assistance. have fallen. Labarta also said LEFT HENRY If authorities can keep pushing Roque told her a second person’s TO DIE. THAT’S and dig deeper, continue to ask DNA was discovered inside the WHAT I WANT questions, get the community apartment, but no match could involved, maybe there is a light be found in any database. TO BELIEVE.” at the end of the tunnel.” “They are still investigating,” - Caridad "Cary" Linette and Labarta remain Labarta said. She noted that Labarta close and speak often. Both are she’s been in contact with VIDAL’S MOTHER left wondering what happened. Roque, the lead detective, a few “This is something I think times in the last year. “This is hard. I want to know what about every day. Every day,” said Linette, who happened,” Labarta said. “I think the person spurred by this incident stepped away from got scared and left Henry to die. That’s what I bar managing to take a job as a behavioral health technician at American Addiction want to believe.” Police had said previously that they were Centers. “Henry was my world. His death led looking for a person of interest, but Labarta me to a career change that I absolutely love.” Labarta is grateful for a community that said that Roque has told her no one has been cares. contacted or interviewed. “I want to thank them,” she said. “The “They don’t have any suspects,” Labarta community has supported me through said. While the investigation remains “active this difficult time. I’m just hoping to have and ongoing,” according to BSO Senior Public closure.” WMG

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February 6, 2019

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2.06.2019 •

KENT’S CORNER

Henry Vidal’s Death

Lives Again Henry Vidal.

It has been three and a half years since something, say something” need to do more 32-year-old Henry Vidal, a local bartender, to practice what they preach. was found dead in his Northeast 20th street What if their silence today contributes to a apartment, overlooking the Dairy Queen on second killing tomorrow? Wilton Drive. The steps a police department is taking to Manors police responded to a medical call, capture a killer should not be a state secret, but it seemed suspicious. BSO followed up but a news bulletin for your local paper. And if first, the medical examiner next. nothing is or has been done, then we ought to Police investigators responded, cordoning damn well know. oﬀ the area with the very stark and visible Henry’s tragic loss swamped social media. yellow and black crime scene tape we have Initially, BSO would only call it a “death all sadly come to know too well. Detectives investigation.” Nevertheless, online voices began questioning neighbors, co-workers, were shouting all too soon it was a homicide. and friends. Twenty-four hours later, the medical And then we were all told Henry had examiner would agree. been murdered. Each year since, SFGN has Henry was born in 1982. He would have reported that the case was unsolved. As the been 36 in 2018, just before Christmas. This case got colder and colder, it young gay man from Hialeah meant a killer was still on the had grown up to study at the BSO HAS A LEGAL loose, longer and longer. Harrington School of Design Henry’s stunning death in Chicago. He had two OBLIGATION AND shook up the heart and sisters, a host of friends, and PUBLIC DUTY TO soul of the Wilton Manors a life of dreams interrupted, gay community. He was apparently by a killer. Now ROUTINELY UPDATE a handsome and popular BSO is not so sure. AND REPORT TO individual, had been a pourer As reported in our paper at the Alibi, and a friend to this week, SFGN has learned A COMMUNITY many. You can only imagine that Henry’s mother has been ABOUT THEIR what it did to his mom and told by BSO his death may be ONGOING family. reclassified. The authorities In the Island City that are now suggesting there is no INVESTIGATIONS. we celebrate every June on killer to be found; that there the Drive, in an apartment never was. But the only thing complex so many of us have visited, a good we know for sure is that we don’t know for looking young man, in the prime of his life, sure. had been murdered. I wanted the killer caught. At the time, police had at least a little reason Two years ago, the Wilton Manors chief to be concerned. Henry and a former partner of police acknowledged to SFGN that Henry’s were involved in a very minor domestic death became a “cold case pretty quickly.” incident two months before his death that As with most ongoing investigations, set oﬀ a false alarm. It was a relationship that though, BSO refused to comment. Give me a soured, but resolved itself without further break. What are they really protecting? Could incident. There were some other disturbing it be their own neglect? The answer is yes, alerts in his apartment. Nothing came of the possibly. leads. So here is my opinion. I am fed up and Don’t be fooled by hearing Henry’s passing beyond disgusted when law enforcement was natural, not noxious. Our community can agencies plead they have to remain silent as a still be a dangerous place. Elderly gay men cover and an excuse to conceal that they may have been run over on the drive. Partners have dropped the ball on a particular case. have been murdered in their home adjacent to BSO has a legal obligation and public duty our most popular night clubs. Talented young to routinely update and report to a community men have overdosed, too many, too soon. about their ongoing investigations. Life is precious, but pernicious. It can The right to know is a two way street. be stolen away in a minute. Too often, it is. Those who preach that we should “see Henry’s life and passing was a dream denied.

Make yours a reality reached. Bad things happen to good people, whether we are in Wilton or Washington, Miami or Minnesota. Chance and fate make no appointments. Things just happen. They do. So it goes. So it goes. We can survive 18 months of chemotherapy today, step outside and get hit by a car tomorrow. That is the nature of life and death. When the man upstairs calls your name, there is no busy signal, no overtime, no video replay. Life is here. It’s now. It’s special. Every day is your Super Bowl. Cherish each inning. Go for the touchdown while you can. Don’t wait for the fourth quarter. Take your shot now. The future can be twenty minutes or

twenty years. The days are long, but life is short. Take the time to realize that ALL time is fleeting. There is no overtime. When you get to 70, you have seen too many Henrys. Try not to complicate things. Life will give you enough problems on its own without you adding to them. Follow the earnest advice of Rudyard Kipling in his spectacular poem, “If.” Give the unforgiving minute “sixty seconds’ worth of distance run.” All roses have thorns, but they are beautiful still. It’s a jubilant and joyous journey. Make sure you run your race well. Just bring some athlete’s foot cream along the way. The things that are intimately most personal are universally most common. WMG

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