11/5/14 v1i7 by The Gazette

Volume 1 • Issue 7

November 5, 2014

New Idea, Old Problem: Parking on Wilton Drive

Commission moves forward on Wilton Drive Business Improvement District By Michael d’Oliveira With little money left for parking improvements along Wilton Drive, commissioners have approved another source of funding: property owners along the street. On Oct. 28, commissioners unanimously voted to establish the Wilton Drive Business Improvement District [BID]. A second and final vote will most likely occur at the Nov. 11 meeting. Under the BID, property owners along Wilton Drive would pay an increased millage rate under a special assessment. The exact details have not been finalized yet. “One of the things we have to determine is how the assessment is created,” said Randy Welker, economic development coordinator.

That additional money, perhaps as much as $100,000 per year, could be used for capital improvements, such as improved public parking, marketing to attract tourists and pedestrian improvements. Only retail and commercial properties would be assessed. City parks and facilities, including city hall, and condo/apartment units would be exempt. A BID was suggested for Andrews Avenue but officials say property owners there are not as enthusiastic about the idea as those on Wilton Drive. Although parking is the biggest problem specific to businesses on Wilton Drive, it’s usually only a problem at night. Dominated by bars and restaurants, which create the greatest demand for parking at

Continued on page 3

Frenzy and Fun Froth at Freak Show Festival Haunting Halloween Heralds in an Evening of Horror and Happiness Photos by J. R. Davis

Continued on page 4

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

11.5.2014 //23

FOOD

An Era Ends with Closing of Old Florida Seafood House

Longtime restaurant may not be gone forever though By Michael d’Oliveira

Three generations of Bill Cheek’s family have dined at the Old Florida Seafood House since it opened in 1977 – his father, himself and his son. He had hoped to take a fourth, his eight-year-old grandson, but the doors closed a couple weeks ago before he had his chance. “That seafood was probably as good as it gets,” said Cheek, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania native who spends his winters in West Palm Beach. “That’s a shame.” His grandson may still get to try Old Florida’s popular seafood platter though. According to Lori Cobb, property manager for the shopping center, unofficially known as Manor Gates, where Old Florida is located, the current tenant is in negotiations to find a new tenant. If a deal is negotiated, she said the new tenant may

// 11.5.2014

// SFGN.com //

keep the Old Florida name and continue to serve the same fare. Cobb declined to provide any contact info for the current or possible tenant and The Gazette was unable to contact either party. One individual involved in the property, who declined to have their name printed, said the matter may possibly end up in court. “It’s a big mess.” For the time being though, Cheek isn’t the only snow bird mourning the loss of Old Florida. For over 30 years, Boots Dwyer and her husband always made Old Florida their first restaurant stop when they fly in from Chicago to spend the winter in South Florida. “Their seafood platter was always great. So were the stone crabs. I’m heartbroken.” Some neighboring business owners, even restaurateurs, are also sad to see the 37-year-old seafood institution close its doors.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Richard Stetler, owner of The Best Cellar, a boutique wine shop and wine bar, said Old Florida helped bring him business ever since he moved into the shopping center. “It was definitely an institution. I’d have people who would make a whole night of it. They’d eat over there and they’d walk right over here. I’m not happy . . . Oh well, what can you do?” Jim Mileto, owner of JM Designs, said he doesn’t expect a big blow but “every little bit helps . . . I miss seeing the people come at night.” John Yang, manager at Lotus Chinese Kitchen, doesn’t expect to suffer or gain as a result of Old Florida’s closing. “We had different clientele. If they wanted Chinese, they’d come here. If they wanted seafood, they’d go there. But it’s a shame.” WMG

Continued From Page 1 -

“New Idea, Old Problem: Parking on Wilton Drive” November 5, 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 7 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Associate publisher • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.com

Correspondents

Michael d’Oliveira • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Natalya Jones • John McDonald

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Jason Gonzales jason.gonzales@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Brian Swinford 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.

Associated Press

night, officials have previously said they want to attract more daytime businesses. Overseeing the BID would be a board of directors made up of five members – three property owners and two tenants. Members would be appointed to three-year terms. A non-voting member, a resident who lives near Wilton Drive, will also be appointed to the board as a liaison between the BID and the surrounding neighborhoods. The board would be selected by the commission and would need commission approval to incur any debt. “You’re creating a separate government authority,” said City Attorney Kerry Ezrol. Vice Mayor Julie Carson said it was important to have a non-voting member on the board because any improvements to Wilton Drive could have an impact on the surrounding area. Paul Rolli, Central Area Neighborhood Association president, urged commissioners to appoint someone from the CANA area as the non-voting member. Once activated, the BID board would be subject to Florida’s Sunshine Law. Meetings would have to be held and open to the public. According to Ezrol, the board would not be able to make its first assessment until 2016. Commissioners discussed limiting the assessment rate the BID board could pass, but City Manager Joseph Gallegos advised against it. “Why would you want to limit what [property owners] want to do? It’s like shooting yourself in the foot.” In December 2011, the commission approved borrowing $1.1 million specifically for parking near or on Wilton Drive. Most of it, $788,000, was spent on the 42-space parking lot at Northeast 8 Terrace and Northeast 26 Street. The original estimate for the parking lot was $650,000. City staff said the costs increased after their initial estimate. City commissioners defended the purchase and development of the lot as necessary because the private sector has not created enough parking to meet the demand of local businesses. WMG

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

11.5.2014 //25

PEOPLE

Wicked Manors Freak Show Crawls its Way Onto The Drive Party-goers gather from all over South Florida to celebrate the most wicked night of the year Photos by J.R. Davis

// 11.5.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

EVENTS

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

11.5.2014 //27

Photos By David Replogle Humans of Wilton Manors is an attempt at capturing the exhaustive, diverse community of Wilton Manors. The project was inspired by Humans of New York, a Facebook page, which uses photographs and quotes to provide strangers with a view of the daily life of people in New York. Humans of Wilton Manors is posted at Facebook.com/ SouthFloridaGayNews every day at noon or check out SFGN.com/HOWM to see them all. WMG What was the first concert you went to? “REO Speedwagon, back in Trinidad, oh my god that was so long ago.”

What was the turning point in your life? “It was getting married because it was something I never thought possible and November 4th will be 1 year! But we’ve been together for 18.”

// 11.5.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Where is the farthest place from home you have ever traveled to? “Amsterdam Holland, about 2 years ago and it was a lot of fun.”

What is an Item off your bucket-list? “As a Lesbian, I would kiss Ben Roethlisberger #7 Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

What is the number one thing you wanted growing up? “A Barbie Doll.”

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

11.5.2014 //29

November 1 2

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Square Dancing

Preschool Story time Zumba Fitness

Wilton Manors Green Market

16 Historical Society Meeting Wilton Manors Green Market

23 Wilton Manors Green Market

17 Preschool Story time Zumba Fitness

Preschool Story time Zumba Fitness

Wilton Manors Green Market

Dog Obedience Class Nov. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 6:30 p.m. at Hagen Park (Basketball Court) All Breeds Welcome Beginners Obedience Class. Registration at 6:30 p.m., class begins at 7:30 p.m. Rally Obedience Class - Skill Building, Drill Class - Class starts at 8 p.m. $5 per class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Nov. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 7 p.m. — 9 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center

Zumba Fitness

11 18 25

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Square Dancing

19 Island City Book Club Brains and Balance Past 60 Zumba Fitness Family Storytime

City Commission Meeting Zumba Fitness

Dance with Dan & Jack, where every class is a special event! This program includes great middle eastern music, featuring the latest/best choreography and songs that will lift your spirit and touch your heart. Friends of the Library Book Sale Nov. 8, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hagen Park The Friends of the Library will erect their Book Tent at the City Yard Sale. You will find used books, CDs, audio books, DVDs, and videos in exchange for a small donation. Top sellers range from books on tape to children’s DVDs, from cookbooks to gardening manuals. All donations benefit the Library. The Friends will also take your donations of books and audio and video materials at the Book Tent, or you may drop them off at the Library, at 500 NE 26th Street. Square Dancing Nov. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 7 p.m. – 9:30

Brains and Balance Past 60 Zumba Fitness Family Storytime

p.m. at Island City Park Preserve The South Florida Mustangs is the first GLBT International Square Dance Club organized in 1980. Positively no previous experience required. We’ll teach you the ropes beginning with an allemande left and a dosi-do. All you need is a desire to have fun. Questions? Feel free to call Ken 305-3431710; Randy 305-458-1649; Tom or Chris 954-525-8365. Dance fee only $5. Visit Caller4u.com. Wilton Manors Green Market Nov. 8, 9 & 15, 16 & 22, 23 & 29, 30 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International

Friends of the Library Book Sale Wilton Manors Green Market

14 21

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Square Dancing

Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363. Preschool Story time Nov. 10, 17, and 24 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children. Zumba Fitness Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve

15 Wilton Manors Green Market

22 Wilton Manors Green Market

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Join the Party! City Commission Meeting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Chambers (Nov. 11 meeting cancelled) 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Brains and Balance Past 60 Nov. 12, 19 & 26 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hagen Park Brains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and

Wilton Manors Green Market

physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity. Family Storytime Nov. 12, 19 & 26 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library Island City Book Club Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library The Island City Book Club gathers at the library on the third Wednesday of each month. Reading selections include current and classic novels as well as popular nonfiction. All are welcome to join and help select our next book! Historical Society Meeting Nov. 16, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 30

// 11.5.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews