The Gazette 2/25/21 V8iss5 by The Gazette

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Wilton Manors & Oakland Park FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

Wilton Manors Code Rewrite Workshop Covers Pot, Dog Bites, Distance, and More By John McDonald Marijuana, dangerous dogs, massage alcoholic beverages must be located 1,000 feet parlors, vacation rentals, swales, bicycles and away from a church or school. Caputo also floated decriminalizing many more subjects were discussed at the marijuana. Assistant Police Chief Gary Blocker latest Wilton Manors code workshop. For more than three hours on a Thursday pushed back on that suggestion, stating evening, commissioners and officials discussed marijuana is illegal on the state and federal rewording the city code. As it stands currently, level. Currently, people caught with 20 grams the code is more than 450 pages and has yet to or less of marijuana are issued a civil citation. “I do believe it is still pass first reading at a commission beneficial to keep this on the meeting. books,” Blocker said. There are 21 chapters to the city Some of the Commissioner Mike code. Those chapters are general Bracchi asked to see data provisions, administration, highlights of from the city’s civil citation alcoholic beverages, animals, the workshop program. Blocker said buildings and building regulations, residents with medical emergency management, fire included marijuana prescriptions can alarm systems, fire prevention and Commissioner have citations voided. protection, impact fees, licensesElsewhere, commissioners permits and business regulations, Chris Caputo recommended scrapping the miscellaneous offenses, questioning city’s $2 bicycle registration nuisances, personnel, planning fee, removing a two-gender and development, police, solid distance bathroom requirement for waste, streets, sidewalks and other requirements massage parlors and getting public places, taxation, traffic rid of a sworn affidavit and vehicles, utilities and noise between churches requirement for noise control. and bars. complaints. Some of the highlights of the Ducks, coyotes and foxes workshop included Commissioner were added to the list of Chris Caputo questioning distance wild animals that are prohibited to feed. City requirements between churches and bars. “We have to be careful flipping these Attorney Kerry Ezrol noted dogs are all equal around,” said Commissioner Gary Resnick. under the law. “You can’t regulate dogs based on breed,” “Our local authority is preempted by state Ezrol said. “One bite and the dog is declared statutes.” Roberta Moore, Community Development a dangerous dog.” Mayor Scott Newton expressed a desire to Services director, said any business selling

Commissioner Paul Rolli. Credit: Carina Mask.

shorten the length of time the city allows for water accounts to be disconnected. Presently, the city allows a three-month period before shutting off delinquent accounts. Newton also pushed for charges on those who steal water from the city. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said Wilton Manors is in the process of identifying vacation rentals that advertise regularly and have those come in for compliance. Caputo admitted he operates an Airbnb and questioned the length of time an owner had to reside on property to

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be considered homesteaded. Vice Mayor Paul Rolli noted snowbirds like to migrate every six months from their homes up north. Rolli also proposed not allowing concrete or asphalt swales in the future for environmental reasons. “Permeable surfaces return water to the ground,” Rolli said. “Many older homes have paved or asphalt swales and they add to flooding of the streets.” Much of the code discussion is likely to continue at Tuesday evening’s regularly scheduled commission meeting.

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OPINION

WILTON MANORS

All Politics May Not Be Local The phrase coined by the late House Speaker Tip O’Neill that, “All politics are local,” seems not to be the case here in the great State of Florida. The Florida Legislature has over the years stripped away local government controls over certain issues and looks to continue the practice with current bills being considered this legislative session. Good ole Tip wasn’t the only wise gentleman to believe in the power of local government and local support, early thinkers on the birth of our democracy also held such beliefs. The French scholar Alexis de Tocqueville, who in 1835 wrote his study “Democracy in America,” stated that at the core of this new experiment was local government. “Local assemblies of citizens constitute the strength of a free nation. A nation may establish a system of free government, but without the spirit of municipal institutions it cannot have the spirit of liberty.” Alexis goes further, stating that “municipal independence is therefore a natural consequence of the principle of sovereignty of the people in the United States.” Powerful words to justify having municipalities and local government control known as Home Rule. Who knows best when it comes to local issues in our single-family neighborhoods, our communities, our Island City? The precious power of Home Rule allows us to form a local government that can enact ordinances, codes and resolutions and that allows us to create and protect the community in which we live, work and play. Unfortunately this past week at our City Commission meeting, we had a local elected official vote against local rule. Sounds a bit crazy but that is exactly what Commissioner Chris Caputo did. Thankfully our four other local elected officials sitting on the dais had clearer heads in a 4 to 1 vote. The resolution voted on was a clear Home Rule issue, urging state lawmakers to defeat the latest attempt to further strip away local control and local jurisdiction. Unfortunately Commissioner Caputo felt a need to confuse the issue and make it into a platform to state his undying support of short-term vacation rentals throughout our Island City. Commissioner Resnick attempted to throw Commissioner Caputo a lifeline and reel him

February 25, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 5 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor • John McDonald

Correspondents

Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com

Photo via PxHere.

back in to voting on the basic topic of are you for Home Rule or against Home Rule, unfortunately Commissioner Caputo made his answer quite clear by voting against the resolution. Some might chalk it up to inexperience but do not be fooled Islanders, Commissioner Caputo made it very clear that he will defend and protect short-term vacation rental business owners here in the Island City even if it means voting against preserving and protecting our right to Home Rule in the great State of Florida. Chris might want to take a moment and learn from good ole Tip, who knew how to win reelections, yes, all politics are local. Shortterm renters do not live and vote in our city, nor do the majority of short-term vacation home owners. However, those who do vote are the ones who live next to or down the block from short-term vacation rentals and whose lives and communities are disrupted every few days. Commissioner Resnick was correct in

Short-term renters do not live and vote in our city, nor do the majority of short-term vacation home owners.

sounding the warning bells of the dangers of losing what little control municipalities have left to control short-term rentals in our singlefamily neighborhoods. He is correct in saying that residents are beginning to move out and that property values will decrease as more vacation rentals move in. I am all for having a Bed & Breakfast district, a boutique hotel in the Arts & Entertainment District, and the rights of property owners to rent out their property on a monthly or yearly basis. I am not in favor of turning our singlefamily neighborhoods into roadside motels with frequent check-ins and check-outs all hours of the day and night. Nor am I in favor of losing control over my right to live in a community that has a say in the basic quality of life that makes life so enjoyable here in our Island City. Thankfully Alexis saw the beauty and wonder of our great democracy and of local Home Rule. Hopefully our state legislatures will see the same and defeat the current bills in the legislature. Commissioner Caputo unfortunately thinks otherwise, but there lies another beauty of our democracy, the 4 to 1 vote clearly states the overwhelming vote of the majority to govern. Protecting and preserving our wonderful neighborhoods here in our Island City is what makes life just better here….

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 2 . 25.2021

GAZETTE Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre

THE

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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. MEMBER

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Jaco Pastorius Park in Oakland Park. Photo via the city of Oakland Park, Facebook.

CRIME

WILTON MANORS

THE GAZETTE

ANNOUNCEMENT

Introducing ‘The Gazette’ By The Gazette Staff

Henry Vidal. SFGN file photo.

5 Years Later

BSO is tight-lipped over Henry Vidal’s murder investigation

The Wilton Manors Gazette is no more. Recently we made the decision to rebrand our twice monthly supplement as The Gazette: Serving Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. What’s that mean? Well, instead of just covering the City of Wilton Manors we have now started covering the City of Oakland Park as well. That doesn’t mean less news from Wilton, it just means more local news each week. We’ve hired Christiana Lilly as the News Editor for Oakland Park. Lilly has worked for SFGN for many years in various roles, freelance writer, calendar editor, and most recently Social Media Director. John McDonald will continue to serve as news editor for Wilton Manors.

Christiana Lilly. Photo via Twitter.

Join us on Facebook here: Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette.

By Tim Martin Vidal was a popular bartender at B Bar Another year has passed, and all remains on Wilton Drive, which has since closed quiet in the case of Henry Vidal. Vidal, a 32-year-old bartender, was found and is now The Eagle. Police thought they dead in his Wilton Manors apartment in were responding to a medical call that early May 2015, and police have not reached out morning, but instead found Vidal dead in his apartment. His death was to family or friends since last ruled a homicide in June January. 2015. At the time, Vidal’s death was In online remembrances ruled a homicide. Two years ago, at the time of his death, SFGN reported that police said friends and family members Vidal died of a spleen injury and remember Vidal as warm, that he simply could have fallen. unique, sincere, kind and Police have not responded to genuine. Postings from say the case remains open. his longtime friend, Evan SFGN reached out to Broward Linette, continue off an on Sheriff’s Office Det. Mike since Vidal’s death almost Roque, but a phone call was seven years ago. not returned and an email sent “How can I, or anyone, to him bounced back. SFGN ever forget such a great also reached out BSO Senior person,” said Linette, of Fort Public Information Officer Lauderdale. “He is still much Keyla Concepcion. No one has loved. A friend, a lover, a responded to SFGN’s request for brother, a friend to many. information. Fort Lauderdale Too many great memories to “The last I heard from Det. celebrate.” Roque was January of last year, Labarta refuses to give up. when I inquired about forensic “Grieving the death of a child is endless, results,” said Vidal’s mother, Caridad “Cary” Labarta, of Pembroke Pines. “He responded just like the love we feel for them,” she said. “It by saying all forensic evidence had been doesn’t go away; we become stronger. As long analyzed and submitted to the laboratory. as his case is open, I have hopes that someday we will find the person.” There have been no new developments.”

“He is still much loved. A friend, a lover, a brother, a friend to many. Too many great memories to celebrate.” - Evan Linette

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THE GAZETTE

COMMUNITY

Have You Joined the The Gazette’s Facebook Group? By The Gazette Staff A couple of years ago The Gazette launched a Facebook group to keep readers up to date with the latest happenings and news in the city and to distinguish itself from its parent company, South Florida Gay News. “What started out as a supplement to SFGN has really taken on a life of its own. Because of that we felt the Gazette needed a voice of its own, separate and apart from SFGN,” said Norm Kent, Publisher of SFGN. “We realize there is a community here in Wilton Manors and Oakland Park that does not necessarily want all of SFGN’s news from around South Florida and the world, so the Gazette will focus on just hyper local news.” By targeting just the Wilton Manors and Oakland Park community SFGN’s staff will be able to highlight even more relevant news,

stories and events geared towards locals. More importantly the Facebook group gives those who live in and care about Wilton Manors a voice in their community.

Visit Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette to join the discussion. The Gazette welcomes feedback for its new community initiative. Email Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com with comments, suggestions, etc.

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

2 . 25. 20 21 •

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

GUEST COLUMN

WILTON MANORS

New Police Chief Named in Wilton Manors By John McDonald Wilton Manors selected its new police chief at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting. In a unanimous vote, commissioners elevated Assistant Police Chief Gary Blocker to the Police Chief position. Blocker thanked the police department for continuing to hit the streets in service of the Island City. “I look forward to serving our community alongside you as your chief in alliance with our core values of service, courage and above all else impeccable integrity,” Blocker said. “Every day each and every one of us shall strive to report for duty with a goal of serving our city better than we did the day before. Simply put this is all I will ever ask of you.” City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson recommended Blocker for the position, highlighting his two decades of service in law enforcement, including the last four years as assistant chief and his specialized training as a graduate of the invitation-only FBI national academy. Blocker, Henderson said, has the “character and professionalism required to lead a top-tier police department.” “Assistant Chief Blocker’s vision for the future of the department is built upon innovation, transparency and building trust with our community. He’s committed to continuing and growing recruitment practices that foster a diverse and inclusive workforce reflective of the community we serve,” said Henderson. “Importantly, he will work to equip our officers with the training, tools and technology to carry out their work proficiently, respectfully and safely.” Blocker assumes his new role April 2. He replaces Paul O’Connell who is retiring after a 44-year career in law enforcement. O’Connell has been the Wilton Manors Police Chief since 2011. Commissioner Gary Resnick said Blocker will be the seventh police chief he’s served with and commended his response time. Resnick also noted the city did a full background check on Blocker to avoid a “Tony situation” — a subtle jab at the current woes of Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony. “Gary has been probably the most responsive member of our police department that I’ve had the privilege of working with,” Resnick said. “He’s really shown his commitment to the city of Wilton Manors and the residents of the city.” The police department has an annual operating budget of $6,568,112, including

The new bridge design. Photo courtesy of Chris Caputo.

Love Always Wins in Wilton Manors Wilton Manors Honors Justin Flippen With New Public Street Art

Assistant Police Chief Gary Blocker. Photo via the Wilton Manors Police Dept.

wages and benefits. There are 51 employees in the department with three reporting directly to the chief. The police chief’s salary range is $105,183 to $156,744. The police department’s budget is 34.9% of the city’s overall operating budget, according to Pennie Zuercher, city finance director. Henderson said Blocker will focus on community engagement strategies that foster relationships between WMPD and residents, neighborhoods associations, the business community and local service organizations. Commissioners approved Blocker’s hiring before hearing from the public. Only one person spoke against Blocker during the public comments portion of the meeting. Craig Jungwirth said Blocker “issued numerous defamatory statements against me.” “Please don’t continue with the disastrous practices that Chief O’Connell instituted in totally mishandling my case,” Jungwirth said. In 2016, Jungwirth was arrested and charged with making threatening Facebook posts against the LGBT community in Wilton Manors. Ultimately, federal investigators were not able to link the threats to any of the 59 Facebook profiles Jungwirth had access to. Prosecutors are barred from proceeding with a case where they do not believe they can prove the allegations in court. Beyond that Jungwirth has had many run-ins with the law over the years and has been accused by multiple people of harassment.

By Chris Caputo This past week, we remembered the late be amiss if I didn’t mention that this project Mayor Justin Flippen. He was affectionately would not have come to fruition without the referred to as “the Peoples’ Mayor,” a title efforts of Todd De Jesus and Claudia Castillo. Not only is this project an expression of he undoubtedly deserved. Justin was both a Justin’s values and vibe, but friend and a mentor to me. I it’s also a great continuation of can personally attest that he our city’s growing commitment was a passionate public servant Not only is to public art. As your City who always wanted the greatest this project an Commissioner, I am committed good for his community and to finding creative ways to always had integrity and love in expression of express the Justin’s legacy his heart. Our city was lucky to Justin’s values — and the legacy of many have him. He passed entirely too great though leaders in our young at the age of 41. and vibe, but community — through public This week, the City of it’s also a great art. Wilton Manors announced As a body of elected officials, significant progress on a continuation of our City Commission does not project that Justin Flippen was our city’s growing agree on everything. On more personally responsible and than one occasion in the last passionate for. That project commitment to week, I found myself in the is the painting of the bridge, public art. dissenting vote. Projects like entering Wilton Manors from this one are a strong reminder the South along Wilton Drive, that we are one community, we with the “Love Wins” message. Our city has begun the month-long process of share a strong immutable set of core values, and cleaning and painting the bridge. The “Love we don’t all have to agree to love one another. Thank you, Justin, for the legacy you have Wins” expression reflects my values as a City Commissioner as well as our values as a left behind you and the indelible impact you community. I cannot think of a higher honor made on our community. WMG to Justin Flippen’s efforts as our Mayor than the message this bridge will communicate to — Chris Caputo residents and visitors entering our city. I would WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

A Tribute to Mayor Justin Flippen By Julie Carson

Former Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen died of a brain aneurysm while en route to his City Commission meeting February 25, 2020. He was 41. SFGN asked Julie Carson, his friend and fellow commissioner to write a tribute. Only 10 months have passed since the death of my friend Justin Flippen, and the pain is still very real. I often ask for the strength to live as Justin lived — authentically, bold and loud, quiet and tender, doing justice, and walking humbly as he did throughout the journey of his life. Justin was a man of integrity with clear goodness of conscience. He was someone who could just as easily bow his head in prayer in the sanctuary of his Church or under the umbrella of trees in a favorite National Park. He was a “thumbs up” kinda guy who shared words of encouragement, bear hugs, telephone calls, and a deep love and respect for family and friends. Justin was a consensus builder, a gatherer, and a man of deep faith whose commitment to Tikkun Olam or healing the world through daily acts of kindness, which was an obligation he took seriously. His passion for public service was contagious. As mayor, Justin could be a bit pedantic. He was fond of all words that end in -ate — articulate, matriculate, subrogate, mitigate, propagate, stipulate, litigate, populate, irrigate. We shared a love for writing, good sentence structure, proper grammar and correct punctuation. From the dais, we had a measure of competition among us — who could find the misspelled word in 400 pages of Commission Agenda Backup? Was there a comma fault on page 10, third line, after the fifth word? Is it effect or affect? His efforts were not to be difficult, but rather, to ensure the record was correct, clear and accurate. Just like he lived his life. We shared common goals about the importance of including children and their families in the richness of life in Wilton Manors. I am especially grateful for his initiative in creating the Harvey Milk Book Reading which demonstrated his love for children, education and weaving the fabric of equality into the lives of our youngest residents. Justin took his principal of investment a step further when he initiated the “I Led the Pledge” program so youth could get a first-hand civics lesson by leading the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance and learning about city government. Another pillar of his work was his launch of Women’s History Month where the mayor and each commissioner have the opportunity

The vegetation pushing into the Wilton Manors sidewalk. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Lazy Lake Resident Refuses to Cut Overgrown Vegetation Issued Citation By John McDonald

Justin Flippen. Photo via Facebook.

to appoint a woman of significance to honor during the month of March. In 2020, in tribute to Justin, my honoree was his mother, Stephanie Flippen. These are just a few of the ways that Justin worked to welcome all into the fold of the Wilton Manors family. Over the years, Justin and I had developed a powerful friendship that brought me great joy. As a colleague, I had the pleasure of being by his side and working collaboratively on policies and ordinances that brought stability, structure and fiscal health to the Island City. I invite you to take a moment to remember that most of our important and meaningful memories, those impactful times in our lives happen in the space, in the pause, in the recess and in the stillness that exist between the fast pace of the world in which we live and the time we spend in the company of those, like Justin, who make our lives richer. Today, Justin’s memory is flourishing and his legacy is strong. The “Pledge” program continues, artistic sculptures and stunning murals are being installed on Wilton Drive, an ordinance to increase height and density in the Transit Oriented Corridors has passed first reading, plans for a hotel are underway, and soon the Mayor Justin Flippen Park will be dedicated! May the memory of the People’s Mayor, Justin Flippen, be a blessing.

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Kamm had until Feb. 22 to cut, trim and Wilton Manors and a Lazy Lake resident are remove overgrowth encroaching the sidewalk having a little quarrel over a sidewalk. At the Jan. 26 Wilton Manors Commission and obstructing views of approaching traffic. Damaris Lugo, assistant director of the meeting, City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson gave an update on the property line with a Environmental Protection and Growth Management Dept. at the Lazy Lake resident. Broward County Building “Their fence and vegetation Code Services Division, said a have been pushing into daily penalty of $50 to $500 Wilton Manors’ sidewalk can be imposed by a special on Northeast 21st Court,” magistrate if the violations are Henderson said. “The city not corrected by Feb. 22. has been able to trim the tree However, Kamm believes branches and foliage that that the citation of his sidewalk encroaches on the sidewalk. is actually a part of a larger That vegetation has been problem, of Wilton Manors pushing a chain link fence wanting to annex Lazy Lake. into the sidewalk impeding “We’re a landlocked island, pedestrian traffic.” surrounded, and I’m a gay HIVIncorporated in 1953, the positive man who simply got in Village of Lazy Lake is the the way of their land grab, and smallest municipality in - Leigh Ann Henderson I’ve paid a price far more dear Broward County, surrounded Wilton Manors City Manager than anyone should ever have entirely by the City of Wilton to,” Kamm wrote in an email to Manors. SFGN. The property in question Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Paul Rolli said regarding the sidewalk issue is owned by Oliver Kamm, 48, a retired art dealer. On Jan. 29, he knows of no imminent plans to annex Lazy Kamm was issued a code violation by Broward Lake. “There’s been years of talk that Lazy Lake County for sidewalk encroachment for a chain link fence and trees. The county described wants to be annexed to Wilton,” Rolli said. Kamm insists he won’t back down, and has the violation as unkempt groundcovers and no plans to correct the violations. landscaping on property and/or swale.

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

“That vegetation has been pushing a chain link fence into the sidewalk impeding pedestrian traffic.”