04/30/20 V7iss8 by The Gazette

WMG Volume 7 • Issue 10 April 30, 2020

Wilton Manors Gazette FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE

COMMUNITY

Bona Italian Makes the Best of Bad Times Takeout and delivery aren’t enough for most restaurants to survive By Denise Royal Instead of serving food on plates, Bona Italian Restaurant is a Wilton Manors institution. It’s been a community restaurants are paying more for those favorite for years thanks in part to its ubiquitous plastic to-go boxes or Styrofoam containers. Consider this: pizza and homestyle Italian cuisine. The delicious food and attentive many restaurants make their profits service are enough to keep people from customers ordering wine and soda. flocking to its Wilton Drive location. But Servers earn money from tips. Those money-making elements others are drawn to Bona aren’t part of the take-out Italian because of the equation. many ways the restaurant While businesses generously gives back to were caught up in the the community. coronavirus tailspin, The restaurant supports Weinzimer jumped into a countless number of action to apply for a nonprofits and causes. bridge loan offered by the These days the community Governor Ron DeSantis’ is giving back to Bona administration. Italian. “I never heard back,” he “Our customers are said. He then submitted an amazing,” said owner Glen application for the federal Weinzimer. “People have Paycheck Protection been magnanimous. That’s Program (PPP). He was what keeps us going.” - Glen Weinzimer approved in mid-April. The restaurant’s staff OWNER OF BONA ITALIAN When we spoke at the end has pared down from 18 RESTAURANT of the month, he hadn’t to 8. In the blink of an eye, received the money. they were furloughed or It’s a perilous time for Bona Italian, even had their hours cut. They can apply for unemployment. But right now, hundreds as the restaurant remains open. It’s fallen of thousands of Floridians have applied behind in paying bills, including one food for assistance. Only a small fraction has vendor, who stopped selling to Bona. This is the first week that payroll won’t happen. received a payment. Instead of waiting tables, these days “There’s not enough money,” Weinzimer employees are taking phone orders and said. It’s a scenario playing out across South lots of them. This new business model is cutting into the restaurant industry’s Florida. Business owners are waiting on loans, support, and assistance, with no already razor-thin margins.

“OUR CUSTOMERS ARE AMAZING. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MAGNANIMOUS. THAT’S WHAT KEEPS US GOING.”

Glen Weinzimer, the owner of Bona Italian Restaurant. SFGN file photo.

idea when their companies can open, restaff, or return to work. It’s a waiting game, with no end in sight. “If the money shows up, I’ll pay rent, payroll, and utilities,” Weinzimer said. Amid this stressful time, Weinzimer is in no rush to open his dining room to the public. “I think the state reopening soon would be a horrible mistake,” he said. “I can’t imagine that we’re close to people eating in a restaurant.” And while so much is unknown, some things are for sure. For Bona, it’s the kindness

of others. That includes people buying food for first responders, having a meal delivered to a friend, and supporting a business that supports its community. Even on stressful days, Weinzimer remains optimistic. “I do think there’s a lot of good that will come out of this,” he said. “I think people will figure out their work/life balance. There will be improved relationships. I think this is a good opportunity for people to reassess their goals and work on a long-term life plan. That’s what I hope comes out of this.” WMG

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OPINION

GOOSE-STEPPING DOWN THE DRIVE

April 30, 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 10 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre  Photo and edit by Brendon Lies.

We seem to be entering a very dangerous time throughout our country. Last weekend’s demonstrations calling for an end to the public health shutdowns remind many of the unleashing of the Brown Shirts in German society back in the 1930s. Now I know the idea of goose-stepping booted young men marching down The Drive might be a pleasing thought for some. However the reality of those boots kicking down your door or smashing your teeth in is not a pleasant reality. Since Trump and his band of fascists took control of our government a few years ago, we have seen the demonization of immigrants, a rise in white supremacists, a tax giveaway to the wealthy 1%, false news, verbal attacks on anyone who questions their policies, and now an unleashing of “Trumpsters” across America demonstrating against scientific and public health policies that are saving thousands of American lives. These demonstrators draped themselves in Trump 2020 flags and banners, waved American flags, wore no face masks, and observed no social distancing as they shouted slogans mocking those who voiced a different opinion. What’s next, attacks on elected officials, smashing of windows, physical threats of citizens with a difference of opinion? Not so unimaginable in our society as we once thought. We all want to get back to work, go out and have a drink at our local bar and restaurant, have gatherings, enjoy travel and take a vacation. However we don’t want to feed a pandemic and have our neighbors, our families, our friends begin to fall ill and die because we couldn’t sacrifice a few more weeks of caution. Having all restrictions end tomorrow will do nothing for our economy if we start getting ill and death counts reach unimaginable levels. Trump and his cohorts want America back to work so that profits can once again begin to flow into their bulging pockets. These greedy peddlers, who have taken over the temple grounds, just want to get

WMG Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kimberly Swan

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back to exploiting the millions of now out-ofwork Americans, with no care for them, their families, and their lack of benefits, sick time, or low wages. Just look at Florida’s own Rick Scott, another recent false prophet of hard-working men and women. Many Floridians now in need of a helping hand and some assistance cannot even sign-in on the state’s website never mind actually collect some of the reemployment dollars owed to them by the state. Well, just thank good ole Ricky who deliberately left behind a broken, faulty and unfunded safety net for Floridians when he served as Governor for eight years. These soapbox orators proclaiming to care so much have shown nothing but disdain for the working families who make this country great. The fault lines in our society are definitely beginning to show. A privileged few who can self-isolate in one of their many homes, not caring about the rest of America where working two jobs, paycheck to paycheck, with no benefits, sick leave or safety net has become the new norm in the wealthiest

WHAT’S NEXT, ATTACKS ON ELECTED OFFICIALS, SMASHING OF WINDOWS, PHYSICAL THREATS OF CITIZENS WITH A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION?

country we call the U.S. We spend one fifth of our national GDP on healthcare, but yet the system is absolutely broken and unable to provide the basic level of service in our time of need. Don’t be so foolish as to listen to those “Communists” trying to sell you on such a crazy notion as universal health care or some type of single payer system that would just ruin the best health care system in the world. Oh no, don’t listen to Senator Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, those radical liberals only want to ruin our great society. The proof of our bankrupted and wasteful system, drained out by the likes of Trump and Rick Scott, are all around us. COVID-19 made the obvious just a bit clearer for many. As we get closer to Election Day and the re-election of Donald Trump, I have great fear for our county, our democracy and for our future. These desperate fascist will stop at nothing as they continue to consolidate their power. Be very afraid, be very vigilant, and do not be bullied by the Brown Shirts who have become more vocal and more brazen now that Trump has empowered and unleashed them in our cities, our towns and in our psyches. Democracy and the return of power to the hard-working citizens of this great nation out from the greedy hands of mega corporations and the wealthy 1% is the only way to keep life just better here. WMG

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A mural on Wilton Drive. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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April 30, 2020

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Nursing Facility in Wilton Manors Identified as COVID-19 ‘Hot Spot’ in City By Jason Parsley New information released from the Florida Department of Health shows Manor Pines Convalescent Center at 1701 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors as being a hot spot for the coronavirus. The report shows 65 people at the nursing facility have tested positive for COVID-19. That number includes 39 residents and 26 staff members. Eleven residents who tested positive have been transferred out of the facility. Two have died. Ralph A. Marrinson, president of Marrinson Group, though does not believe these numbers are out of the ordinary. “It is not a high infection rate,” Marrinson said. “It’s an accurate infection rate, because we tested everybody.” Marrinson attributed the seemingly high Manor Pines Convalescent Center. number of cases at Manor Pines to the fact Photo courtesy of A Place for Mom, Inc. every staff member and resident has been tested. “Ninety percent have no symptoms,” he Manor Pines, which is licensed for 206 stressed. beds, has reported the largest number of cases Marrinson said other facilities may be only in Broward County and the second highest testing residents and staff members who number in South Florida. exhibit symptoms. “There are some nursing homes where While there have been numerous reports nearly all the staff has the virus,” Resnick said. of delays in testing, and a lack of testing, that “As in prisons, once the virus gets in a facility, hasn’t been the case for Marrinson and Manor it’s very hard to stop the spread.” Pines. Marrinson said the two “We found a lab and that had residents who tested positive an adequate amount of tests. for the virus and died, had other MARRINSON They’ve provided excellent chronic conditions. ATTRIBUTED THE service and we are thrilled with Marrinson said he’s them,” said Marrinson, whose “absolutely” proud of how SEEMINGLY HIGH company operates five seniorhis facility has handled the NUMBER OF CASES care homes in Florida. coronavirus crisis. Why did Marrinson decide to “The Health Department and AT MANOR PINES test everybody? other agencies have been here. TO THE FACT EVERY “Because I have to take care of They said everything is perfect. people,” he said. “How am I going STAFF MEMBER AND They have full confidence that to find out if we don’t test? Isn’t are doing everything correct,” RESIDENT HAS BEEN we that common sense?” he said. “When you try to do the TESTED. Marrinson said he will right things, for the right reasons, continue testing his residents things work out. We are all tired. and staff members. It’s been a long 4 to 6 weeks.” Wilton Manors City Commissioner Gary He noted it may be another 4 to 6 weeks Resnick noted many nursing homes are facing before things begin to go back to normal. similar situations throughout the country. “This is why we must stay home, practice “It is very sad that COVID-19 is devastating social distancing and not open up the state the elderly in nursing homes,” Resnick said. on an arbitrary date; it has to be based on “Unfortunately when nursing home staff and science,” Commissioner Resnick said. “ relatives who visit get sick, they may not even We’re not only protecting our own lives, know it, and spread the virus throughout we’re protecting those in nursing homes and nursing homes.” everyone else we may come across.” WMG

Wilton Manors Commissioner Paul Rolli is among the volunteers shown helping at Mills Park Pond. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Wilton Feeds City partners with neighbors to host food distributions By Jason Parsley People lined up for hours for a box of food closed car windows,” said Wilton Manors City at Mills Pond Park. The coronavirus has left Commissioner Julie Carson. “I am touched almost two million Floridians out of work by the many kindnesses of South Florida and and the state has moved at a snail’s pace grateful to be a part of the Wilton Manors processing claims. Meanwhile Feeding South community.” Combined the two events have provided Florida has seen a 600% increase in demand food to more than 2,100 cars. The for assistance. boxes included fresh vegetables, “No one should be starving meats, cheeses, and nonin this country,” said Wilton perishable items. Manors City Commission Gary According to a spokesperson Resnick. “The event provided for Feeding South Florida as of much needed food to persons April 17 the organization has seen in need. People lined up hours a 600% increase in demand since before the food drive was to begin the coronavirus pandemic began. and the line of vehicles double Already they’ve distributed over looped throughout the Park. We nine million pounds of food to ran out of food and had to turn more than 160,000 households people away.” throughout South Florida. Since Wilton Manors teamed up the crisis began they’ve added with its neighbors Oakland Park 130 food distributions on top of and Fort Lauderdale to partner - Julie Carson what they normally distribute with Feeding South Florida to host WILTON MANORS each week. two drive-thru food distribution COMMISSIONER “With the problems in events in April at Mills Pond Park providing stimulus checks and in Fort Lauderdale. “The emotional impact of this event unemployment assistance to individuals will always be with me – there were tears who need these, it is unfortunate that Florida shed by volunteers and recipients; notes of and the federal government cannot provide thanks displayed in car windows and words resources to feed families,” Resnick said. of ‘thank you’ mouthed from drivers behind WMG

“THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF THIS EVENT WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME – THERE WERE TEARS SHED BY VOLUNTEERS AND RECIPIENTS.”

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April 30, 2020

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POLITICS

City Commission Divided Over Changes to City Charter Carson ‘stunned’ and ‘blindsided’ by vote By Sallie James The novel coronavirus claimed an unlikely victim on Tuesday: Commissioners scuttled a year’s worth of recommendations by the city’s Charter Review Board, citing finances and complexities related to reopening the city. Most city facilities have been closed since mid-March due to COVID-19. The nixed charter changes addressed term limits, forfeiture of office and obsolete charter language. “I don’t think it would be responsible for us as a city government to invest more time and money in this charter review process,” said Commissioner Paul Rolli, who suggested placing charter revisions on the 2022 ballot instead. “That is why I recommended it be postponed.” Rolli and Commissioner Gary Resnick

voted against the charter revisions. Commissioner Julie Carson and Vice Mayor Tom Green voted in favor. Because the city has been operating without a mayor since the Feb. 25 death of Justin Flippen, a 3-1 voted is required for a measure to pass. The failed vote made it impossible to get the proposed charter changes on the Nov. 3 ballot because ballot items have to be submitted to the Supervisor of Elections by June 8. Rolli said the city will take it up at another time in the future. But Charter Review Board members were skeptical. “It’s going to be shelved. There is an expression, ‘If you want to see something die, send it to a committee.’ This commission has talked a lot over the years about term limits, but when given the opportunity, they did nothing,” said

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to determine what the high points were. And then to have Commissioners Rolli and Resnick not give it the credence it deserved.” Resnick said it would cost the city about $3,000 per charter change to place the items on the ballot. He said the city would also not have time to educate voters on what each proposed change would address. “This is not an appropriate time for us to be spending a lot of time on this,” Resnick said during Tuesday’s meeting. He said the city should focus on the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic because none of the proposed charter changes are pressing. “I’m not going to support putting any of these questions on the ballot at this time. And it’s not political,” Resnick said. WMG

Courtyard Cafe Staff to Give Out 500 Meals Saturday

Wilton Manors City Hall. Credit: Carina Mask.

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Charter Review Board Chair Michael Rajner. “They just wanted to kill the thing.” Rajner said the 5-member volunteer board held 11 meetings, met monthly with the city manager to follow up and prepare the agenda, and participated in a wide range of outreach activities to educate the public over the past year. He submitted a final 222-page report on the advisory board’s findings, which included public comments. The endeavor cost the city nearly $27,000 in legal fees. “COVID became a convenient excuse,” Rajner said. “Regardless of what happened, government continues.” Green said he was shocked by the “no” vote. “I’m afraid it’s going to amount to nothing x reasons,” Green said. for political Charter Review Board member Doug Blevins said the Commission’s actions were disappointing. “We don’t know what the future is going to bring. We are delaying something that has already been worked on diligently by appointees,” said Blevins, who also serves as vice chair of the Wilton Drive Improvement District. “I’m disappointed but I understand they have to make some difficult decisions. Who is to say we are not going to be under these virtual meetings for another year.” Commissioner Julie Carson expected the proposals for term limits and language cleanup to pass with flying colors. “I was completely stunned, I was blindsided. I really thought this report was perfectly laid out in a way that made it easy for the Commission

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Photo via Courtyard Cafe, Facebook.

The staff of Courtyard Cafe is sponsoring a food giveaway on Saturday from noon till they run out. “I was very proud of my staff when they came to me to do this,” said Shawn Bombard, owner of the iconic restaurant on Wilton Drive. They will be serving 500 free meals, which consist of chicken cacciatore with rice. Walk in customers will be able to go into the front doors and exit through the back. Customers in cars can drive up to the back entrance to pick up. Any cost overruns Bombard promised to cover. “I just want to say thank you to the community for your support,” he said. “We’ve had an overwhelming amount of people that have come to Courtyard Cafe to eat our food.” WMG

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April 30, 2020