10/22/14 V1i6 by The Gazette

Volume 1 • Issue 6

October 22, 2014

Wilton Manors to Crack Down on Panhandlers

City cites safety concerns; Mayor claims it’s not a “homeless issue” By Michael d’Oliveira In a move to ban panhandling at certain intersections in Wilton Manors, supporters cite safety while opponents say the homeless will be negatively impacted. On Oct. 14, commissioners voted 4-1, Vice Mayor Julie Carson dissenting, to approve an ordinance that would prohibit panhandling, selling and solicitation in the roadway within 200 ft. of any intersection on Wilton Drive, Dixie Highway, Northeast 26 Street, Oakland Park Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Northeast 6 Street and Powerline Road. A final vote will be held on Oct. 28. Police Chief Paul O’Connell proposed the ordinance in March as a way to deal with the increase in panhandlers that arrived in the city after Oakland Park passed its ban on panhandling in 2012.

Michael Rajner, resident and local activist, said criminalizing panhandling was not the right solution. “We need to look differently at how we address the homeless issue.” He suggested a community forum be held. “This is not a homeless issue,” Mayor Gary Resnick said. “This is a public safety issue.” Residents in favor of the ordinance also insisted it was not about targeting the homeless. “There’s no easy answer . . . do at least something,” said resident Jake Valentine. Commander Gary Blocker said the ordinance is designed to improve pedestrian safety. According to police, there were 59 pedestrianrelated accidents in the city between 2009 and 2013. Of those, four resulted in deaths. At least one

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‘Find a Memory’ at Retro Video Old time video store offers customers nostalgia By Michael d’Oliveira When William Elliott sees a Redbox at the local Publix, he doesn’t see convenience. He sees the “death of originality” – a step down from the days when human interaction was a part of every movie rental. That’s what makes Elliott such a big fan of Retro Video in Wilton Manors. “It’s like going to a swap meet. [When you get a movie from a machine], chances are you’re not going to find strange and unique things. Some of this stuff never made the jump to DVD.”

Opened in March by Tim Abbott, Retro Video rents and sells Blue-rays, DVDs, VHS, laser discs and Betamax tapes along with movie and television memorabilia and t-shirts. Abbott likes to think of renting or buying from his store as “finding a memory.” He even stocks popcorn, candy and soda to enjoy with each flick. “I try to create an experience that’s fun . . . whether they buy or rent. I try to carry things people are going to see and say ‘wow.’” As a former Blockbuster employee during the early

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FOOD

Taste of the Island Returns to Serve up Local Fare Fried Oreos just one of the many dishes to be served By Michael d’Oliveira

Photos by J.R. Davis

Those looking to lose a little weight should probably stay away from this year’s Taste of the Island, especially Nick Berry’s table. Berry, co-owner of Courtyard Café and Rumors Bar and Grill, will be serving fried Oreos. As Berry has said before, his restaurant, Courtyard Café, is not a place for dieters. But it is a place for comfort food items like fried Oreos. Taste of the Island, now in its ninth year, is a non-profit event where local

bars and restaurants come together to serve attendees. The event will be held on Monday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Park and Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive. Silent auction items will be also be available. DJ Rose will provide music. “Taste of the Island has grown over the years to become a signature annual event in Wilton Manors. The event reﬂects the diversity and uniqueness of our Island City,” said Richard Perez,

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door and can be purchased at tasteoftheisland.org or at the following locations: Wilton Manors City Hall, 2020 Wilton Drive; Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive; Wilton Manors Library, 500 NE 26 Street; Wilton Manors Development Alliance, 2435 N. Dixie Hwy.; Barton & Miller Cleaners, 2600 N.

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vice president of Taste of the Island. “Around 1,000 patrons are expected to attend this year’s three-hour event which also raises funds for an amazing array of organizations that are dedicated to improve the quality of life we want to enjoy here.” Local organizations, including the Wilton Manors Historical Society and Friends of the Library, will receive a portion of the funds raised. WMG

Dixie Hwy.; Barton & Miller Cleaners, 2331 NE 26 St., Fort Lauderdale. Event parking will be available at city hall and the library. A free shuttle will provide event transportation to and from those locations.

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“Wilton Manors to Crack Down on Panhandlers” October 22, 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 6 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

Andrea Richard • Donald Cavanaugh • Steve Bower Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee

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

of the deaths was not related to panhandling, a tourist who died in a hit-and-run when he tried to cross Wilton Drive in 2009. Blocker said 93 percent of all accidents occurred on the streets included in the ordinance. Non-pedestrian accidents from 2009 to 2013 amounted to 2,300. Oakland Park Boulevard had the most accidents with 834. Andrews Avenue was second with 600. Northeast 26 Street was third with 448 and Wilton Drive was fourth with 342. Blocker said a 30-day educational period would be initiated before the police started issuing citations. Carson criticized the numbers, saying that it is unknown exactly how many of the accidents were related to panhandling. She called the ordinance and expressed concern over its potential cost. “It’s going to be exorbitant,” Carson said. If the city prosecutes someone who breaks

the law it would be responsible for funding that person’s defense. Officials are unable to provide an estimate of what that would cost. Not doing something could also cost a lot of money. Resnick said the city could be sued if an accident occurs and one of the individuals involved takes the city to court for not taking action. There’s also legal precedent for cities banning panhandling in the street. In 2013, U.S. District Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum ruled that the City of Pembroke Pines ordinance that banned panhandling in the street was constitutional. The Homeless Voice had sued the city claiming it was violating its First Amendment right. Rosenbaum ruled in favor of the city because the law did not prohibit The Homeless Voice from exercising its First Amendment rights in other areas. WMG

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

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OPINION

Your Newest Family Member is Waiting For You The Humane Society of Broward County is open during renovations By Cherie Wachter Vice President of Marketing The Humane Society of Broward County

Fiona

If you like big kitties, stop by the Humane Society of Broward County and meet Rambo (ID# 464315). This 4 year young fellow is 21 pounds of love. Sadly he was given up because his family had no time for him. Rambo lived with other pets, including a bird and he likes people of all ages. Can he be part of your family? Apple (ID# 462427) and Fiona (ID# 462426) are gorgeous female Siberian huskies who are looking for a home where they can go together. This four and six year old duo came to the shelter as strays and their family has not come looking for them. The girls love to run and play ball and will do best with an active family. Do you have room in your home and heart for these two beauties?

Apple

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All pets are spayed or neutered before going home. In addition they receive preliminary vaccinations, a microchip, heartworm test for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia test for cats, a limited 10 day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospital, a bag of Purina ONE food and more. For more information call the shelter today at 954-989-3977. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, just a block west of I-95. Renovations are in progress and the shelter remains open seven days a week and opens daily at 10 a.m. To see who else needs a home visit www.HumaneBroward. com WMG

Rambo

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EVENTS

“‘Find a Memory’ at Retro Video”

Aloha! Hula Classes Offered

90s, Retro Video allows Abbott to once again share his passion for movies with customers. “I love talking to people.” As for the possibility of sharing the same fate as Blockbuster, Abbott thinks enough time has passed. “It’s been gone long enough so people miss it. You’d be surprised how many people rent VHS.” Although he carries a lot of the same new releases as Redbox and Netflix, Abbott’s main advantage is carrying movies that even the local big box stores don’t have. “Even if it’s a really popular one, like Ben-Hur, it can be hard to find [at other stores] sometimes.” Renting from retro Video is also slightly cheaper than Redbox. Abbott charges customers $1 for a two-day DVD rental, 50 cents for a two-day VHS rental and $2 for a two-day Blue-ray rental. Those who rent on Saturday can return their items on Tuesday without being charged the extra day. WMG

Twice a Week at Hagen Park Community Center By Natalya Jones

Wilton Manors residents can now experience a taste of Hawaii thanks to weekly hula classes at the Hagen Park Community Center. Beginners can shimmy their hips during classes on Monday night while those with a little more experience can dance on Tuesdays. Both classes will be hosted by Kua’aina Pa Hula O Hawaii, South Florida’s School of Hawaiian Dance & Arts, for participants ages 16 and older. The purpose of these classes is to continue and preserve Hawaiian culture. This will be accomplished through both traditional (“Kahiko”) and modern (“Auana”) styles. In addition, there will be enrichment workshops as well as lessons with Hawaiian language, otherwise known as Olelo Hawai’i. The instructor of the class is Kona Garcia. “I’ve been dancing my entire life and was taught by great grandmother when I was 3 years old,” said Garcia. So how long would that be? A whopping 26 years, to be exact. “I originally am from Hawaii and opened groups in California, Texas and now in South Florida,” Garcia said. “It’s a big journey of sharing the Hawaiian

culture with people open to learn. They aren’t the only ones learning [laughs]. I learn something every time I teach, too.” When asked what benefits hula dancing provides, Garcia replied, “You use your entire body. You have to coordinate your feet, your hips, your hands and your eyes when you’re dancing. You use every part of your body. It definitely helps with coordination and grace. It’s a good workout. Everyone is pretty sore after an hour workout… it’s definitely a disciplined art and requires a lot focus and coordination.” The school’s name Kua’aina Pa Hula O Hawaii translates to “country side hula studio of Hawai’i,” and appropriately so. Founded by Aunty Polita Johnson in Kea’au Hawaii, the popular Hawaiian dance was taught by Johnson for over 50 years in Big Island, O’ahu and Sacramento, California. In September 2012, Kua’aina Pa Hula O Hawaii was created in South Florida and is now directed by Johnson’s great grandson, who is Garcia. The school consists of about 30 members and strives to keep Hawaiian stories, traditions, songs, language and dances alive and well. WMG

Retro Video, located at 2420 N. Dixie Hwy., is open Tuesdays through Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m. and closed Mondays. Rentals can be made with a credit card or cash. Those who pay with cash must leave a refundable $25 deposit. Call 248-259-7779.

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ELECTIONS

Wilton Manors Election a Free-For-All Seven candidates vying for two commission seats By John McDonald In Wilton Manors, it is democracy in its purest form. Seven candidates are vying for two seats on the city commission and three candidates are seeking the mayor’s office. The Island City has a population of just over 12,000 inside of 1.9 square miles. It is home to beautifully remodeled houses, restaurants, shops, parks and one of the hottest gay nightlife scenes in South Florida. Mayor Gary Resnick, 54, is attempting to hold off two challengers in November’s election. He has served as mayor since 2008 and was a commissioner for 10 years prior. The mayor has collected a slew of major association endorsements from police and firefighters unions to realtors and equality groups. “I’m always going to make sure our neighborhoods are our first priority,” Resnick said. “Wilton Manors is a wonderful community. We are leaders nationwide.” Challengers Doug Blevins and Boyd Corbin are perhaps best known for their roles in the city’s Halloween block party, Wicked Manors. Blevins, 56, a realtor and home designer served as director of the Wilton Manors Main Street program and helped organize the Halloween party which has grown into one of the most popular South Florida social events. “Having produced events in Wilton Manors, one of my goals is to continue to

Gary Resnick

Candidate for Mayor

Scott Newton

Candidate for Comissioner

Doug Blevins

Candidate for Mayor

Ted Galatis

Candidate for Comissioner

Boyd Corbin

Candidate for Mayor

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make the city more beautiful and safe,” Blevins said. Blevins noted that his support is at the ground level. “Ninety percent of my contributions are from real people,” he said. Meanwhile, Corbin, 46, is awaiting trial on felony charges of attacking a drag performer at the 2012 Halloween party. Corbin was dressed as a member of the Ku Klux Klan during his altercation with the Dame Edna performer. He has pushed forth a platform of taking the city’s parking meter contract in-house and adding surveillance cameras to Colohatchee Park. Meanwhile, in the commission race, there are two incumbents: Scott Newton and Ted Galatis. Newton, 57, has received the endorsement of Equality Florida, the largest state-wide organization dedicated to securing equal rights for the LGBT community. He is a 30-year business owner, Broward County native and has served as Wilton Manors Mayor from 2004-2008. Newton describes his campaign as “grass roots.” “We are moving forward and making sure Wilton Manors is an innovative place to live,” he said. Newton said he is interested in adding more bicycle paths and proudly noted the city did not fire one employee during the economic downturn.

ELECTIONS

Ted Galatis, 60, has served on the commission since 2002. A native of Broward County native, Galatis made national headlines when he admitted to using the N-word during a road rage incident in June. Galatis, an attorney, apologized for the incident and continues to serve as the chair of the Broward County Human Rights Board. “It was the worst thing that has happened in my life,” Galatis said. “I am not that kind of person.” Galatis said property values are on the rise in Wilton Manors and people can trust his leadership, adding “I can build a consensus on the commission.” Five candidates are also seeking a commission post. They are: Sal Torre, Lillie Harris, Justin Flippen, Naomi Ruth Parker and Christopher Warnig. Flippen, 36, is campaigning on his 16 years of public service at the federal, state and local levels. He says he has a “connectedness” to Wilton Manors that goes back to his youth. “I grew up here and I am fully invested in this city’s future,” Flippen said. An attorney, who currently serves as Tourism Project Manager for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Flippen said he has a “tool box” to bring with him to get the job done, adding “I am not at odds with any of the other commissioners or candidates.” Parker, 61, has raised a family in Wilton

Manors and is proud to see it become a city her children can come home to. “The residents here are so diverse, much more than when I moved here 20 years ago.” As a gay black woman, Parker said the city has a lot to offer and she will work hard to continue to strengthen its schools, library system and social services. “You can count on me as a good neighbor,” Parker said. Torre, 52, is a food service supervisor in Broward County and wears many hats in Wilton Manors. He serves as president of the Westside Neighborhood Association, one of three neighborhood associations in the city and is a member of the Wilton Manors budget advisory committee. This is Torre’s second attempt at a commission seat. He placed third in 2012. “I’m very optimistic,” Torre said. “My campaign team is out walking the neighborhoods and getting the message out.” Harris is a former Miami police officer with 25 years law enforcement experience. She said she understands the mayor’s role and is focused on green friendly business. Warnig, a security guard at George’s Alibi on Wilton Drive, could not be reached for comment. Early voting in Wilton Manors began Monday at City Hall. Polls open at 9 a.m. The general election is Nov. 4. WMG

Justin Flippen

Candidate for Comissioner

Sal Torre

Candidate for Comissioner

Naomi Ruth Parker

Candidate for Comissioner

Lillie Harris

Candidate for Comissioner

Christopher Warnig Candidate for Comissioner

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October

Wilton Manors Green Market

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Friends of the Library Square Dancing

Wilton Manors Green Market

Happy Hour with Trixie Hula Dance Class Zumba Fitness

City Commission Meeting

Wilton Manors Green Market

Happy Hour with Trixie Hula Dance Class Zumba Fitness

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Friends of the Library Square Dancing

Wilton Manors Green Market

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

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Square Dancing Historical Society Meeting

Wilton Manors Green Market

Hula Dance Class Zumba Fitness

Brains and Balance Past 60 Family Storytime

Wilton Manors Green Market

Early Voting

Halloween Spooktackular Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Square Dancing Early Voting

Wilton Manors Green Market

Happy Hour with Trixie Hula Dance Class Zumba Fitness

City Commission Meeting Hula Dance Class Zumba Fitness

Family Storytime

Dog Obedience Class Beginner Israeli Dance Class Square Dancing

Early Voting

Dog Obedience Class Oct. 23 & 30 from 6:30 p.m. at Hagen Park (Basketball Court) Beginner Israeli Dance Class Oct. 23 & 30 from 7 p.m. — 9 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center Square Dancing Oct. 23 & 30 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve Wilton Manors Green Market Oct. 25 & 26 from 9 a.m. – 2

p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park Happy Hour with Trixie (Meditation & Aromatherapy) Oct. 27 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Women’s Club Hula Dance Class Oct. 27 at 28 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center Preschool Story time October 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

500 NE 26th St. For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children. Zumba Fitness Oct. 27 & 29 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve City Commission Meeting *at Hagen Park* October 28 at 7 p.m. at Hagen Park 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Family Storytime

Oct. 29 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library Early Voting for General Election Oct. 22-31 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers Halloween Spooktackular October 23, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Wilton Manors Elementary School The City of Wilton Manors Leisure Services

Early Voting

Wicked Manors

Department will present it’s annual HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR For children and adults of all ages Thursday, October 23, 2014 6:00pm-9:00pm at Wilton Manors Elementary School 2401 NE 3rd Avenue Wilton Manors, Florida. MORE INFO call 954390-2130 Wicked Manors October 31, 7 p.m. on Wilton Drive Our Dragtastic Emcee, Miss

Misty Eyez returns to the Mainstage alongside with some of South Florida’s FIERCEST DRAG QUEENS. Enter one of our EIGHT COSTUME CONTESTS with cash prizes! Trick or Treat On The Drive starts at 5:00 with a Kids Costume Contest at 7:00 and a Pet Costume Contest at 7:30! (NOTE: Wilton Drive will be closed to traffic from 1:00 PM on Friday, October 31 until 3:00 AM on Saturday, November 1)

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