WMG Volume 3 • Issue 23 December 7, 2016
Wilton Manors Gazette
Community
Wilton Manors ‘Too Gay’? Some LGBT residents think so
Michael d’Oliveira It may not be a surprise to hear that some of the city’s straight residents might not be completely happy with Wilton Manors becoming known as a city with one of the nation’s highest concentration of LGBT residents. What may be a surprise is that some of the city’s LGBT residents think too much emphasis has been put on Wilton Manors’ relatively-recent demographic shift. One of them is former commission candidate Naomi Cobb. She brought the issue up at the Candidates Forum in September. In an interview with The Gazette, she talked more about her concerns. In addition to more non-LGBT residents, Cobb said she’d like to see a more ethnically-diverse city, even amongst the LGBT community which is mostly made up of white men. The city’s population of residents ages newborn to 17, dropped between 44 and 45 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the U.S. Census. In that same period, the ratio of male to female residents also shifted. The percentage of males went from 55 to 63 and the percentage of females went from 44 to 36. Cobb said that the recent incident of a gay hook-up advertisement being allowed, and then removed, on city-controlled advertising space was not helping cultivate an atmosphere of inclusivity. As a parent of two children who are now older, Cobb
said she understands you can’t always protect children from everything but the sexualized ads strike her as something that could have been avoided. In April, when the ads got a lot of attention, resident Michael Rajner also expressed concern for children who might see the ads. He said that the ads were putting a divide between LGBT and straight residents. Some straight residents spoke out on the issue of the Pride Flag, which has been raised permanently at Jaycee Park. Those who spoke against it said they felt it was unnecessary and divisive. At the time, the commission defended the flag as only being a symbol of the LGBT community. “No one would argue that a Martin Luther King Memorial is antiwhite,” said Vice Mayor Justin Flippen. Cobb added that the city needs to do more to appeal to families and collegeaged people. “What would a new college graduate want to come to Wilton Manors for?” Cobb asked. “What if you’re not part of the LGBT community? What is your pride in Wilton Manors if you’re not?” Her own children recently moved to Fort Lauderdale. “[They said] ‘there’s nothing here for us.’” Part of that, said Cobb, is due to a lack of affordable housing in the city. “For a lot of people, Wilton Manors has been priced out.” Mayor Gary Resnick defended the
city, saying it’s not the intent of officials to attract one type of resident over another. “We’re not dividing ourselves. We don’t want to control who comes to the city. It’s certainly not my intent. The more, the merrier.” He added that another idea for a city tagline, in addition to the official one, could be “Where Elton John could dance with Donald Trump.” Resident Chuck Poole said his straight friends aren’t all that upset over the gay issues but he feels like there’s too much focus on LGBT issues and causes. “I would say that we tend to be a little bit too much for gay things that are going on in the city.” He cited the transgender healthcare provision that was added recently by the city to the employee healthcare plan. “I don’t find that a particularly important thing.” He added that the aging population, lack of affordable
housing and the workforce community should be issues that get more attention by the city. But residents Sal Torre, president of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors, and Karl Lentzer, president of the Wilton Manors Business Association, don’t see the city as focusing too much on its LGBT identity. Torre cites the wide variety of non-LGBT events and program, including the Easter egg hunt, holiday lighting ceremony, and children’s Halloween event, as evidence the city offers plenty to LGBT and non-LGBT individuals and families. He also encouraged anyone who is concerned or worried to get involved. Lentzer thinks the perceived LGBT-slant just might be chalked up to LGBT residents becoming more a part of what goes on. “It’s more out in the open than it’s ever been. Maybe that’s what it is,” Lentzer said. WMG
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Community
Opinion
La Vie en Rose
Proposed Pride Center Housing Causes Some Concern
By Sal Torre
By Michael d’Oliveira
WMG December 7, 2016 • Volume 3 • Issue 23 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 Associate Editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Designer • Charles Pratt Web Master • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira
Correspondents
Natalya Jones • John McDonald • James Oaksun
This past week I found myself listening to music sung by Edith Pilaf and other Parisian chanteuses. At first I just thought it was accidental, just enjoying some music of the past. However, as the week went on and still I was listening, singing along, and humming tunes while working, I began to think that something else must be going on. After pondering the possible reasons, I realized that it was my way of channeling my disbelief and inability to deal with the reality of post- election America. The 1930s cabaret music of Paris and Berlin connected me to a time when an evil force suppressed the happy and gay life of enlightened cities throughout Europe. Today’s headlines have me feeling like we are living in a society occupied by a foreign force. Our wonderful country based on welcoming arms to all, celebrating our diversity, accepting of all religions to be free to worship, now seems like Paris during the Nazi occupation. As our President-elect surrounds himself with a cabinet consisting of right-wing fanatics, fellow billionaires, racists, and the likes of Rudy Giuliani, how can rational Americans begin to process such a reality? Perhaps that is why I especially keep singing the tune, “La Vie en Rose” over and over in my head. The words translate as “life tinted pink.” While thinking about getting though our harsh new reality, one might have to block out all the negative news and view the daily insanity through the lens of rose tinted glasses. Another tune comes to mind while writing this, the lyrics from a song in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Rose tint my world and keep me safe from the trouble and pain.” Unfortunately, the main character had to rely on drugs and lust to see life tinted pink, perhaps not the best choice for the rest of us living in the new Trump America. However,
we still need to keep ourselves safe from the trouble ahead. So how do we see la vie en rose and live life constructively here in Wilton Manors as the nation around us turns drastically to a harsh reality? We must stay involved and committed to keeping our city the wonderful welcoming place for all. We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the abyss that will divide us. We are a city that works together, building a community for all. Those who think otherwise are just not capable to view neighbors without putting labels on them. Thankfully, such people are very much in the minority here in Wilton Manors, and we must work hard to keep it that way. Many amongst us might be influenced by the national tone of hatred, racism and division. We must be vigilant and keep that sweeping negativity outside our city’s borders. Wilton Manors has just reelected our Mayor and two incumbents to the City Commission. We have a strong city government that is ready to work for all residents. We must support their efforts, efforts that will bring about a new Wilton Drive, redevelopment of the Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park corridors, magnificent parks and recreational facilities, a much used municipal library, and so much more. All this is not just for LGBT residents, not just for seniors, not just for those with children, but for ALL residents to use and enjoy. Now more than ever, we must continue being an optimistic city full of hope and wonder. As we are faced with harsh realities never thought possible here in the United States of America, we must reject the hate, reject the insanity, and come together to rose tint our world here in this city we love. La vie en rose, seeing life through rose tinted glasses, will only make life just better here… WMG
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing
At a recent Central Area Neighborhood Association [CANA] meeting, some attendees expressed concern over planned affordable housing at The Pride Center on Dixie Highway. Paul Rolli, president of CANA, said concerns were mostly about how the project would impact traffic and city resources. “The standard concerns.” But he said it was too early for anyone to make an informed judgement. “It’s nothing that hasn’t been done already,” said Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center, about the 48-unit project. Boo estimates the project will break ground at the end of 2017. “We’ve got quite a ways to go.” Along with the new construction, the entrance to The Pride Center will be shifted a little further south. Boo said it would make exiting a little more safe because it will give drivers more time to react to vehicles coming around the curve on Dixie Highway. When finished, the development will also include an exercise area, recreation area, 11,000 square feet of meeting space and a computer lab. The second phase of the project will include an additional 75 to 80 residences. The federally-funded project will be open to anyone but Boo expects it will mostly be LGBT individuals who are interested in living there. “We can’t discriminate but we’re hopeful everyone is LGBT-friendly at the very least.” WMG
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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City Moves Forward With Parking Lot Construction
Business
By Michael d’Oliveira City officials are now accepting bid proposals to develop the empty lot at Northeast 23 Drive and Northeast 11 Avenue into a parking lot. The bid process was opened last week and interested firms have until Jan. 3 at 2:30 p.m. to submit a proposal. City officials estimate a paved lot will have 23 parking spaces available and could cost as much as $230,000 or more to develop. But the actual cost will depend on the winning bid. In 2015, Wilton Manors spent $447,000 to buy the empty lot. The commission purchased the lot to provide more parking to businesses and restaurants on Wilton Drive. Commissioners, except for Scott Newton, who voted against the purchase, acknowledged that the city was spending a lot of money but said parking was badly needed at the north end of Wilton Drive. In 2014, the city spent $788,000 to purchase and build a 42-space parking lot at Northeast 8 Terrace and Northeast 26 Street. The purchase and development of the small lots has kindled a debate about how the city should solve its parking problem on Wilton Drive. Some favor a garage at Hagen Park while others prefer the small lots located at different points near Wilton Drive. During the September Candidates Forum, former commission candidate Paul Rolli said that the small lots were disruptive to the neighborhoods.
Mayor Gary Resnick stated he was against building a garage at Hagen Park. In the past, the city has attempted unsuccessfully to partner with a developer to form a public/private partnership. The purpose was to build a commercial/residential development that includes a parking garage. Without a public/ private partnership, a garage at that location might not happen. Officials have not expressed interest in paying for the project with city money. Past public/private partnership proposals included letting the developer lease the land in exchange for incurring the costs to build. At the Candidates Forum, former mayoral candidate Boyd Corbin said he also wants a 300-space garage instead of multiple lots. He estimates that it would cost about $4.5 million. On social media, he said the small lots cost too much money for too few spots. According to News Channel 3, a recent 300-space garage in Memphis, Tennessee, cost about $5.2 million to build. It includes a hotel, apartments, and a movie theater. The true cost of a garage at Hagen Park would not be known though until a developer submitted a formal proposal. WMG A pre-bid meeting for the project will be held Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. in the Commission Chambers. The public is allowed to attend.
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Community
Citizens Police Academy
Around Town Check out what’s happening
By Michael d’Oliveira
Kiwanis Food Drive
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors, an organization that helps low income children and families, is partnering with city officials to collect food for the holiday season. Donations of food can be dropped off inside bins located at City Hall and the Hagen Park Community Center. Items wanted are breakfast cereals, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, canned meats, tuna fish, canned fruit, applesauce and vegetables, pasta, rice, spaghettios and beefaroni. The Kiwanis Club asks donors to refrain from giving items in glass containers. WMG
Holiday Lighting Ceremony Wilton Manors’ annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Jaycee Park. The Menorah, Kinara, and Christmas Tree will all be lighted and there will be music. The event is free. WMG
The Wilton Manors Citizens Police Academy is now taking applications. The program is a 10-week training program held Thursdays from Jan. 26 to March 30. Participants learn about code compliance, drug enforcement, K9, detective bureau, special investigations, accident investigations, road patrol, and more. There will also be “ride along” with police officer opportunities. The program is designed to give residents a better understanding of how the police department works and to foster a better
relationship between residents and their police. Applicants must be 18 and either live in the city or own a business. Nonresidents can apply if space is available. For more information, call 954-390-2162. WMG
New Vice Mayor Justin Flippen was chosen as the new vice mayor of Wilton Manors by his fellow commissioners on Nov. 22, shortly after Mayor Gary Resnick, Commissioner Julie Carson and Commissioner Tom Green were sworn-in for their new terms. The vice mayor is mostly a ceremonial position, filling in for the mayor at meetings and events when he can’t attend. WMG
Power Washing Wilton Drive
The Wilton Drive Improvement District Board, as part of its efforts to improve the city’s main thoroughfare, has funded a power-washing service to clean the sidewalks. The work will be done from midnight to 8 a.m. until mid-December. The Wilton Drive Improvement District was formed to help improve Wilton Drive and is funded by a special tax on property owners. The money can only be used to benefit Wilton Drive. WMG
Arts
Local Author Working on Her Next Murder Mystery
Laura Burke. sbpra.net
By Michael d’Oliveira When people tell Laura Burke that they can’t do their jobs because they can’t put her books down, that’s when she knows she’s done her job as an author – to write something entertaining. “It’s a good feeling. It makes me feel really good,” said Burke, who has lived in Wilton Manors for the past 20 years. Originally from Chicago, Burke lived in Costa Rica for two years before moving here. Over the last six years, she’s written eight novels, most of which are murder mysteries “with a little romance thrown in,” including four in the Masson Murder Mystery Series. Her next novel, “Alone,” is expected to be finished in January. It’s the story of a group of doctors being murdered in various cities across the country. The first takes place in Miami. “The murderer is following them to certain seminars and bumping them off.” But Burke’s experience with mysteries isn’t confined to books. Along with being a nurse for 20 years, Burke was also a private investigator for 30 years. “We handled quite a few different things, from husbands
and wives cheating to people who just disappeared to kidnappings. I think that kind of inspired me more in my writing than anything. That gave me a lot of material,” Burke said. “You’d be surprised at how many unsolved cold cases there are in the U.S. and Europe.” Her first attempt at writing was 25 years ago but she gave up. “I just put [the unfinished novel] in the closet. And then, about six years ago, I happened to run across the papers and I said I’m going to finish this book.” After finding her draft again, and with some encouragement from her husband, she finished it and published her first novel – “If Walls Could Scream.” But her favorite is “Black Orchid.” “I love orchids for one thing, but it was really a unique book. It has so many turns and twists but it still flows very easy.” Burke calls it a classic mystery novel. “It’s a mystery right until the very end.” But her method for writing is anything but what some of the classic authors employ. With the television on, “I have a recliner sofa and I sit
on one end with my feet up and my laptop in my lap, and I write.” Her characters, she adds, speak to her. They tell her what to write. “Everything just flows freely. My characters have a life, have a voice. I never know where it’s going to go.” WMG
Burke’s novels are available at the Wilton Manors Library or online at Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Amazon and goodreads.com.
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Arts
Old Hollywood and Jazz on display during “The Drowsy Chaperone” By Michael d’Oliveira The glamour of old Hollywood and the ascendance of Jazz will be put on display when the Fort Lauderdale High School Stageplayers put on the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.” “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a musical created in the 90s about a fan of old 1920s Broadway, a character known as “Man In Chair,” who plays old records as characters and sets come to life behind him. It’s the school’s first main production of the year. Chris Panella, who plays “Man In Chair,” has been doing theater since the sixth grade. “I like the maturity of the play. It’s a very mature musical and it’s something we’ve never done before. It’s like a show within a show. I’m kind of the narrator.” Quinn plays “George,” the best man of the groom. “The play is incredibly funny. It’s really, really, witty.” Beyond the wit and humor, Swearingen loves that the musical is a period piece. “So, the fact that its set in the 1920s is a huge plus for me.” He loves the glamour
of the Art Deco scene and the combination of the musical being set during the rise of Hollywood and the Jazz age. “Gershwin is one of my favorite composers . . . Something about that whole era, it just screams extravagance.” Chrystina Catsicas, theater director, is happy to see her cast and crew enjoying themselves. “They’re actually having a great time. They love it.” “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be shown on Dec. 9, 15 and 16 in the school auditorium. All three shows are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. WMG
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