Wilton Manors Gazette 10/18/17 by The Gazette

WMG Volume 4 • Issue 19 October 18, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

Ideas for City Grant Money Floated at Meeting Irma influences discussion By Michael d’Oliveira In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, city item to spend the grant on because multiple commissioners want Community Development items are more complicated when it comes to Block Grant [CDBG] funds to be spent on items successfully applying for money. Mayor Gary Resnick suggested the money that will help after the next hurricane hits might be used to improve drainage and reduce Wilton Manors. Every year, the city is awarded CDBG funds flooding. He also suggested a generator at Mickel Park to operate the free from the federal government. WiFi system that was recently The money is supposed to be installed there. The next park spent to improve areas that Mayor Gary to be wired for free WiFi will be have been designated as having Island City Park Preserve. blight. The Highlands, the Resnick Resnick said the city directs neighborhood which is north suggested the people to places with power and of Northeast 26 Street between WiFi after a storm, but the city Five Points and Northeast 6 money might be should have its own “solution” Avenue, and the area west of used to improve for residents to charge their Andrews Avenue qualify as drainage phones and connect to WiFi. areas that can benefit from the Commissioner Julie Carson said funding. and reduce she’d like the money spent on This year, the city has been flooding. solar lighting. awarded $65,000 to be spent Rather than a generator, in 2019. Once the commission Commissioner Tom Green has voted on how to spend the money, city staff will fill out the application. suggested smaller solar-powered seating The deadline to apply is in December. In kiosks, which contain electrical outlets, previous years, the grant funds have been would be a lower-cost way to provide power used for a parking lot next to Island City Park for residents who need to charge their smart Preserve, park fencing, park fitness stations, phones. DeJesus said it would be better to sidewalks, a drainage system, solar lighting, purchase those items with city funding. Using the money to replace lost trees on city property landscaping and street resurfacing. Todd DeJesus, special projects and grants was also suggested and DeJesus suggested using manager, said it’s easier if the city chooses one the Tree Trust grant program instead. WMG

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October 18, 2017

10.18.2017 •

Opinion

Build that wall! By Sal Torre

WMG October 18, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 19 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 / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira

Correspondents

John McDonald • James Oaksun

We hear the chanting. We hear the rhetoric. We are beginning to realize the need and the importance. We are beginning to understand that to do nothing is no longer an option. The problem is on the rise. The invaders are causing havoc and destruction. The chanting is growing louder and louder, Build the Wall, Build the Wall. No, I am not at a Trump rally along the Southeast border, I am sitting right here in Wilton Manors and wondering how our island paradise will deal with the growing problem of sea walls that surround our Island City. Area sea walls are under attack and without any programs at the county and state level, we will see the deterioration continue and will reach a crisis level in the near future. The need to build walls right here in Wilton Manors should be a major concern to all our residents. The problem has two main culprits, rising water levels and iguanas. Reports have been hitting the press about regional concerns due to climate change, with the need to raise our area sea walls by at least a foot in height. That’s one problem dealing with the tops of the walls, the other is devastating the bottoms. Iguanas, love them or hate them, are destroying sea walls throughout our area and their growing presence as an invasive species needs to be dealt with on a regional and state level. Here in our Island City, over 90 percent of the sea walls that surround the city are on private property and are the responsibility of the property owner. Unfortunately many property owners here in Wilton Manors and throughout the region lack the ability to deal with the need to raise the wall, to rebuild the walls from the destruction caused by iguanas, or to replace aging infrastructure. Senior citizens, residents on fixed incomes, those who never recovered from the financial collapse, and those left behind earning low wages in our two tiered national economy are just getting by as it is. My neighbors across the way, both senior citizens on a fixed income have approached me on numerous occasions asking if I knew of any assistance with the iguana problems they are dealing with. They know that the iguanas are destroying the sea wall on their property, along with their neighbors up and down the waterway. The only answer they get from their inquiries to government agencies is that they could hire a trapper for the iguanas, but make sure you deal with them humanly, and that the sea wall is the property owner’s responsibility. Not much help when you are dealing with just getting by each month, paying rising utility bills, insurance bills and so many other costs. Last year our Assistant City Manager, along with our Utilities Director,

successfully worked with State Senators and State Representatives to get funding for a sidewalk program in our neighborhoods. Unfortunately the program did not survive the veto power of our governor’s office. Perhaps this year our city staff and others should start to lobby our representatives in the upcoming legislative session to allocate funding that will assist property owners in dealing with these two growing problems. To deal with flooding issues and other related problems from rising sea levels, many communities are requesting that sea walls be raised up to an additional 12 inches. The cost of adding a cap on top of the existing seawall is about $10,000. However many seawalls due to age and deterioration will not be able to handle the cap and would have to be replaced all together at a much higher cost. Add to that the burden of the growing iguana menace, and things are not looking good for our residents along the waterways that define our island paradise. Not much help is on the horizon concerning the iguana population either. For many years most county and state officials looked at the iguanas as a pest in our gardens. Unfortunately these pests are destroying our seawalls at an alarming rate along with doing great harm to local plant life and more. The advice coming out of the state mainly deals with living with the growing menace and how to minimize the damage to your property. Nothing is being done to minimize the growing population as with other invasive species such as the python snake in the Everglades. With warmer winters and their ability to lay up to 70 eggs, this pest in our garden has become a major environmental problem that our state officials need to have a more aggressive action plan to deal with. Residents of our island city can call on their state representatives and request action be taken. We can also hope for a week long cold spell in the coming months. A few days of near freezing weather will do wonders for decreasing the iguana menace, and would temporarily trick us into thinking that global warming is just a hoax as the tweets from our President have stated. Back in the real world, residents of our Island City need to deal with the problems caused by climate change, but it cannot be done solely on the backs of individual property owners. We must demand regional and state-wide solutions to these growing problems and by doing so keep life just better here. WMG

The problem has two main culprits, rising water levels and iguanas.

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

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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 • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com 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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October 18, 2017

The Future Is Now By James Oaksun

Sometimes, the columns just write themselves. I walk around town, talk to people, read, think, and then I have to sit down and write them out. But the recent events we have all experienced, and about which I have written in the last couple columns, make this piece both inevitable and self propelled. As a Realtor-leader, I have a responsibility to change people’s lives for the better, and do what I can to make the world (or our corner of it, anyway) a better place. It’s not all about the quartz counter tops and the size of the master bathroom, after all. Here in South Florida, we are dealing with the after-effects of two major hurricanes. We took a hit from Irma which could have been worse but was plenty bad enough. And many of our family members, friends and fellow citizens remain in dire straits after Maria. Somehow I doubt that if a state like Iowa or Arkansas were decimated, 90 percent without electricity, potable water a rarity – that we would be hearing pronouncements from “High Places” about the Federal Government’s loss of patience. And everyone knows this. Humanitarian aid and relief must remain the top priority for some time, contrary to 45’s opinions. But like many of You-Know-Who’s tweetstorms, there is a kernel of truth. Yes that truth is surrounded and drowned out by copious amounts of baloney, but there is a question hiding in the muck, and it is the question I have been asking in the last couple columns: What can we do to mitigate risk in the future and ideally build a better society in the process?

It is not just a question for the Islands. It is salient here on the mainland also. Many have asked, for example – rightly, in my opinion – just why is it that in a hurricane prone region, the vast majority of the electric lines are not buried? Online petitions are circulating, politicians are opinionating. At least we have a window where people’s attention is focused (until the next season of Real Housewives, anyway). But while interest is piqued, let’s look at the bigger picture, here and in the Islands, and apply a bit of common sense and a lot of vision. Everyone knows it would cost a fortune to bury all the power lines in Florida. I have not found an estimate; however, the state of North Carolina (which is about 20 percent smaller than Florida) looked into this and determined that in their state it would cost about $40 billion (with a B) and take decades to accomplish. That this has not happened already, is such a catastrophic failure of leadership and vision that everybody who has been involved in state government over the last 20 years has some Serious Explaining to do. As the climate goes through a period of change, as sea levels rise, our quality of life here (as well as our property values) are placed into jeopardy. And, regardless of whether you are a Realtor, nobody got time for that! Yet amplifying a mistake with another mistake will not be a cure. We have a glorious opportunity here to look beyond the present circumstances and ask ourselves what kind of future we want to have. Instead of spending $50 billion or more to bury existing lines and perpetuate the current structure, why not spend those billions to leapfrog past today into the future – with distributed energy generation, vast increases in efficiency, and use of renewable sources like solar, wind and waves? Do you honestly expect the current power structure among

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October 18, 2017

Real Estate Geek

the Republicans (and yes, regrettably, even the Democrats) in Tallahassee – beholden to every special interest lobby imaginable – to be thinking this way? The same principle applies to Puerto Rico and the Islands. No, Mr. Trump, we should not be there forever. But let’s consider the opportunity beyond the crisis. I have called for the creation and capitalization of an Islands Corporation. Instead of restoring the status quo ante to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and other places, let’s turn them into shining cities on a hill, with the best infrastructure and new construction techniques – places where people will want to relocate to instead of flee from. Already Elon Musk of Tesla (and other ventures) is discussing this new future with the local government in Puerto Rico. More leaders must join him., It will take vision, optimism, political will, hard work and financial capital. Transformation is never easy, but we have to start somewhere. What leaders on the local, state and national level are willing to take a stand, and say the future is now? Do you really think Donald Trump and Rick Scott will be among them? WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

10.18.2017 •

Community

Business

Shop & Play Rescheduled Because of Irma

Public to Vote on Wayfinding Signs

By Michael d’Oliveira

Photo credit: Steven Shires.

Photos courtesy of Wilton Manors.

Commissioners will seek public input on the design choice for the city’s wayfinding sign program. At the Oct. 10 commission meeting, Todd Mayfield of Axia Creative, the firm hired to help the city with the program, estimated the signs would be installed in 12 to 18 weeks. But before that, he said a number of steps would have to be completed, including the city choosing a final design and finding a firm that wants to build and install the signs. About $86,000 has been budgeted by the city. The purpose of the wayfinding signs is to direct visitors to certain destinations, including business districts, parks, and government buildings. Places like The Pride Center and Art Gallery 21 will also be on the signs. Each sign will be under 15 feet

high and will include the city’s logo and tagline – “Life’s Just Better Here.” City commissioners said they will narrow down the number of designs and present multiple choices for members of the public to vote on. Commissioners will meet again at least once more to discuss the which designs will be offered up for a vote, but when that meeting will take place has not yet been announced. “I’d like to have more input from the community,” said Commissioner Scott Newton. He added that the design should be voted on but that the colors chosen should be left up to city officials because there are too many for people to feasibly vote on. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said that an online poll would be created when the city is ready to present the choices. Mayfield presented five designs, each with multiple variations, and commissioners received them with generally favorable comments. Mayfield said that the designs were uniquely created for Wilton Manors. “We try not to replicate what we’ve done in other communities.” “I do like the fact that these are noticeable,” said Commissioner Tom Green. “I do like the brightness,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. Wilton Drive business owner Nick Berry said he likes the proposed designs because they will catch people’s attention as they come into the city. “You’re going to wake up and see it.” Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said he hopes the process does not take “too much longer.” WMG

An event originally designed to help small to them, have signed-up and he expects as businesses deal with slumping summer sales many as 60 will have done so by the time of has been rescheduled and repurposed to help the event. The list of participating business those same businesses recoup some of the will be published by Hotspots the week of the event. sales they lost because of Hurricane Irma. In his presentation to commissioners at Shop & Play was originally supposed to be held on Wilton Drive Sept. 13 through 20 and their Oct. 10 meeting, Clark asked that the feature discounts provided by participating city make parking free on Wilton Drive and businesses. But when the storm had passed in the city lots for two hours on Saturday, and cleanup efforts began on Sept. 11, Wilton Oct. 28 – from 6 to 8 p.m. Commissioners approved Drive was still days away from his request. having power restored. “There’s a lot of businesses The new dates are hurting. It’s a great idea,” Wednesday, Oct. 25 to said Mayor Gary Resnick. Tuesday, Oct. 30. City Manager Leigh Ann “We understand the stresses Henderson praised Clark we’re all going through. The and the other organizers for concept is to bring people working with the city on the to The Drive. This is out of event rather than just asking necessity. They’ve lost two the city to do something for weeks of business,” said Peter - Gary Resnick them. Clark, publisher of Hotspots, Mayor Business owners can which has partnered with sign-up at the website to the Wilton Manors Business become a participant. Those Association, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber who do will receive a decal they can place of Commerce to put on the event. “Let’s bring in their storefront window to let customers some excitement back to The Drive . . . bring know they are participating. It’s up to each individual business owner to decide what The Drive alive.” Clark said Wilton Drive is more than just kind of discount they want to give. Only customers wearing Shop & Play its bars and restaurants. It's doctor’s offices, retail shops, professional offices, thrift stores, Wilton wristbands will be able to receive and more. Saturday, Oct. 14 marked the discounts, which can be obtained at ribbon cutting of the new Wilton Drive office participating businesses. WMG of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. “You name it, we have it,” said Clark. Visit shopplaywilton.com for He said 20 business owners, at no cost more information.

“There’s a lot of businesses hurting. It’s a great idea.”

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October18, 2017

Community Event

Wicked Manors Returns Flash mob resurrected for annual event; still time to sign up By Michael d’Oliveira

LIFT A CHILD

Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

YOU LOVE

WITHOUT

THE HIP PAIN

After an absence at last year’s Wicked Manors, the flash mob will return for this year’s Halloween festivities. The organizers of Wicked Manors, The Pride Center, are looking for volunteers for the event – Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 7 to 11 p.m. Wilton Drive, from Five Points to Northeast 21 Court, will be closed from 1 p.m. on Halloween and reopened at 2 a.m. on Nov. 1. Roger Roa, Pride Center’s director of development, joked that people should take Wednesday off to recover. This year’s theme is Heroicons, a combination of heroes and icons. The event is free and open to the public. Those who want to become part of the flash mob must attend at least two of the three remaining rehearsals at

YOU HATE

The Pride Center – Oct. 22 and 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., and Oct. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own costume for the performances, which will take place at all three locations – Progress Bar, Hunters, and the HITS 97.3 stage. To sign-up, visit wickedmanors.org/contact-us/flashmob. There will also be four costume contests, including one for children. Along with the contests and entertainment, there will be designated three clusters of event bar areas and Wilton Drive restaurants and bars will be open for the event. “It’s the largest Halloween event in the Southeast United States,” Roa said. About 20,000 people are expected to attend.

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Parking

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Parking will cost $10 on the day of the event and will be available starting at 5:01 p.m. at Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy.; Northeast 26 Street, between Northeast 13 Avenue and Northeast 15 Avenue; and Fort Lauderdale High School [pending], 1600 NE 4 Ave.; Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive; Richardson Park, 1937 Wilton Drive; Northeast 8 Terrace and Northeast 26 Street. Parking will be available at the Municipal Complex, 2100 N. Dixie Hwy., starting at 7 p.m.

Visit wickedmanors.org for more information.

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October 18, 2017

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Taste of the Island tickets on sale Tickets for Taste of the Island are on sale online and in Wilton Manors at the Hagen Park Community Center, the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library, and Sterling Accounting. Taste of the Island is an annual event where local bars and restaurants provide food and beverage samples. Tickets are $30 before Nov. 1 and $35 after. The number of tickets is limited. The event is on Monday, Nov. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors, the Wilton Manors Historical Society, Wilton Manors Development Alliance, and the Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department. Visit tasteoftheisland.org to buy tickets or for more information. WMG

Prescription Drug Take Back The Wilton Manors Police Department will observe National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by asking residents to donate expired or unnecessary prescription medication. Unused medication is sometimes abused by individuals, and flushing pills down the toilet has been shown to negatively impact drinking water quality and the environment. To prevent both of those outcomes, police ask that medication be donated so it can be properly destroyed. Police will be collecting prescriptions on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive. WMG

Neighborhood Block Party Wilton Manors’ second Neighborhood Block Party will be held on Monday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Richard C. Sullivan Library, 500 NE 26 St. Games, activities, refreshments, tables, and chairs will be provided. Those who attend are asked to bring food to share with others. The idea for having block parties came from Mayor Gary Resnick who said that he wanted to encourage people to reduce their social media usage in favor of more face to face contact. WMG

City spends $903,000 to replace water pipes At their meeting on Oct. 10, commissioners approved $903,498 to pay Murphy Pipeline Contractors to replace two water lines under Wilton Drive and Northeast 21 Street. The lines will be replaced with a method called pipe bursting, whereby new pipe is threaded through the old pipe. It removes the need to dig long trenches. Wilton Manors piggy-backed off an existing contract the City of Altamonte Springs has with Murphy Pipeline Contractors. “This is incredibly important to our infrastructure. Yes, we do pay attention to our infrastructure,” said Commissioner Julie Carson.. WMG

Art Gallery 21 new hours Wilton Manors’ Art Gallery 21, located in the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors, 600 NE 21 Ct., has new hours of operation – Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit artgallery21.org for more information.. WMG

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