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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