11/5/14 v1i7
DESCRIPTION
Wilton Manors GazetteTRANSCRIPT
23 11.5.2014 // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //
November 5, 2014 Volume 1 • Issue 7
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
By Michael d’Oliveira
New Idea, Old Problem: Parking on Wilton Drive Commission moves forward on Wilton Drive Business Improvement District
1
With little money left for parking improvements along Wilton Drive, commissioners have approved another source of funding: property owners along the street.
On Oct. 28, commissioners unanimously voted to establish the Wilton Drive Business Improvement District [BID]. A second and final vote will most likely occur at the Nov. 11 meeting.
Under the BID, property owners along Wilton Drive would pay an increased millage rate under a special assessment. The exact details have not been finalized yet. “One of the things we have to determine is how the assessment is created,” said Randy Welker, economic development coordinator.
That additional money, perhaps as much as $100,000 per year, could be used for capital improvements, such as improved public parking, marketing to attract tourists and pedestrian improvements. Only retail and commercial properties would be assessed. City parks and facilities, including city hall, and condo/apartment units would be exempt. A BID was suggested for Andrews Avenue but officials say property owners there are not as enthusiastic about the idea as those on Wilton Drive.
Although parking is the biggest problem specific to businesses on Wilton Drive, it’s usually only a problem at night. Dominated by bars and restaurants, which create the greatest demand for parking at
Continued on page 3
Frenzy and Fun Froth at Freak Show FestivalHaunting Halloween Heralds in an Evening of Horror and Happiness
Photos by J. R. Davis Continued on page 4
24 // 11.5.2014 // SFGN.com // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews2
Three generations of Bill Cheek’s family have dined at the Old Florida Seafood House since it opened in 1977 – his father, himself and his son. He had hoped to take a fourth, his eight-year-old grandson, but the doors closed a couple weeks ago before he had his chance.
“That seafood was probably as good as it gets,” said Cheek, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania native who spends his winters in West Palm Beach. “That’s a shame.”
His grandson may still get to try Old Florida’s popular seafood platter though.
According to Lori Cobb, property manager for the shopping center, unofficially known as Manor Gates, where Old Florida is located, the current tenant is in negotiations to find a new tenant. If a deal is negotiated, she said the new tenant may
keep the Old Florida name and continue to serve the same fare. Cobb declined to provide any contact info for the current or possible tenant and The Gazette was unable to contact either party. One individual involved in the property, who declined to have their name printed, said the matter may possibly end up in court. “It’s a big mess.”
For the time being though, Cheek isn’t the only snow bird mourning the loss of Old Florida.
For over 30 years, Boots Dwyer and her husband always made Old Florida their first restaurant stop when they fly in from Chicago to spend the winter in South Florida. “Their seafood platter was always great. So were the stone crabs. I’m heartbroken.”
Some neighboring business owners, even restaurateurs, are also sad to see the 37-year-old seafood institution close its doors.
Richard Stetler, owner of The Best Cellar, a boutique wine shop and wine bar, said Old Florida helped bring him business ever since he moved into the shopping center. “It was definitely an institution. I’d have people who would make a whole night of it. They’d eat over there and they’d walk right over here. I’m not happy . . . Oh well, what can you do?”
Jim Mileto, owner of JM Designs, said he doesn’t expect a big blow but “every little bit helps . . . I miss seeing the people come at night.”
John Yang, manager at Lotus Chinese Kitchen, doesn’t expect to suffer or gain as a result of Old Florida’s closing. “We had different clientele. If they wanted Chinese, they’d come here. If they wanted seafood, they’d go there. But it’s a shame.” WMG
By Michael d’Oliveira
An Era Ends with Closing of Old Florida Seafood House Longtime restaurant may not be gone forever though
FOOD
25 11.5.2014 // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 3
November 5, 2014 • volume 1 • Issue 72520 N. DIxIe HIgHway • wIltoN maNors, Fl 33305
PHoNe: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
PublIsHer • Norm [email protected]
CHIeF exeCutIve oFFICer • Pier ANgelo guidugli
assoCIate PublIsHer • JAsoN [email protected]
Editorialart DIreCtor • BreNdoN lies
[email protected] oNlINe ProDuCer • deNNis Jozefowicz
CorrespondentsMichael d’Oliveira • christiana lilly • denise
rOyal • natalya JOnes • JOhn McdOnald
Staff Photographers J.r. davis • POMPanO Bill • steven shires
Sales & MarketingDIreCtor oF sales & marketINg • miKe trottier
sales maNager • JustiN [email protected]
aDvertIsINg sales assoCIate • edwiN [email protected]
sales assIstaNt • JAsoN [email protected]
DIstrIbutIoN servICes • Brian swinfOrd
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 [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.
Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
Associated Press
Continued From Page 1 - “New Idea, Old Problem: Parking on Wilton Drive”
night, officials have previously said they want to attract more daytime businesses.
Overseeing the BID would be a board of directors made up of five members – three property owners and two tenants. Members would be appointed to three-year terms. A non-voting member, a resident who lives near Wilton Drive, will also be appointed to the board as a liaison between the BID and the surrounding neighborhoods. The board would be selected by the commission and would need commission approval to incur any debt.
“You’re creating a separate government authority,” said City Attorney Kerry Ezrol.
Vice Mayor Julie Carson said it was important to have a non-voting member on the board because any improvements to Wilton Drive could have an impact on the surrounding area. Paul Rolli, Central Area Neighborhood Association president, urged commissioners to appoint someone from the CANA area as the non-voting member.
Once activated, the BID board would be subject to Florida’s Sunshine Law. Meetings would have to be held and open to the public. According to Ezrol, the board would not be able to make its first assessment until 2016.
Commissioners discussed limiting the assessment rate the BID board could pass, but City Manager Joseph Gallegos advised against it. “Why would you want to limit what [property owners] want to do? It’s like shooting yourself in the foot.”
In December 2011, the commission approved borrowing $1.1 million specifically for parking near or on Wilton Drive. Most of it, $788,000, was spent on the 42-space parking lot at Northeast 8 Terrace and Northeast 26 Street. The original estimate for the parking lot was $650,000. City staff said the costs increased after their initial estimate. City commissioners defended the purchase and development of the lot as necessary because the private sector has not created enough parking to meet the demand of local businesses. WMG
26 // 11.5.2014 // SFGN.com // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews
Wicked Manors Freak Show Crawls its Way Onto The DriveParty-goers gather from all over South Florida to celebrate
the most wicked night of the yearPhotos by J.R. Davis
PEOPLE
4
27 11.5.2014 // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //
EVENTS
5
28 // 11.5.2014 // SFGN.com // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews6
6
What was the first concert you went to?“REO Speedwagon, back in Trinidad, oh my god that was so long ago.”
What was the turning point in your life?“It was getting married because it was something I never thought possible and November 4th will be 1 year! But we’ve been together for 18.”
Photos By David Replogle
Humans of Wilton Manors is an attempt at capturing the exhaustive, diverse community of Wilton Manors.
The project was inspired by Humans of New York, a Facebook page, which uses photographs and quotes to provide strangers with a view of the daily life of people in New York.
Humans of Wilton Manors is posted at Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews every day at noon or check out SFGN.com/HOWM to see them all. WMG
29 11.5.2014 // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7
What is an Item off your bucket-list?“As a Lesbian, I would kiss Ben Roethlisberger #7 Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Where is the farthest place from home you have ever traveled to?“Amsterdam Holland, about 2 years ago and it was a lot of fun.”
What is the number one thing you wanted growing up?“A Barbie Doll.”
#7
30 // 11.5.2014 // SFGN.com // soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Dog Obedience ClassNov. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 6:30 p.m. at Hagen Park (Basketball Court)All Breeds Welcome Beginners Obedience Class. Registration at 6:30 p.m., class begins at 7:30 p.m. Rally Obedience Class - Skill Building, Drill Class - Class starts at 8 p.m. $5 per classBeginner Israeli Dance ClassNov. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 7 p.m. — 9 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center
Dance with Dan & Jack, where every class is a special event! This program includes great middle eastern music, featuring the latest/best choreography and songs that will lift your spirit and touch your heart.Friends of the Library Book SaleNov. 8, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hagen Park The Friends of the Library will erect their Book Tent at the City Yard Sale. You will find used books, CDs, audio books, DVDs, and videos in exchange for a small donation. Top sellers range from books on tape to children’s DVDs, from cookbooks to gardening manuals. All donations benefit the Library. The Friends will also take your donations of books and audio and video materials at the Book Tent, or you may drop them off at the Library, at 500 NE 26th Street.Square DancingNov. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 7 p.m. – 9:30
p.m. at Island City Park PreserveThe South Florida Mustangs is the first GLBT International Square Dance Club organized in 1980. Positively no previous experience required. We’ll teach you the ropes beginning with an allemande left and a do-si-do. All you need is a desire to have fun. Questions? Feel free to call Ken 305-343-1710; Randy 305-458-1649; Tom or Chris 954-525-8365. Dance fee only $5. Visit Caller4u.com. Wilton Manors Green MarketNov. 8, 9 & 15, 16 & 22, 23 & 29, 30 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen ParkWilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International
Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.Preschool Story timeNov. 10, 17, and 24 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at Richard C. Sullivan Public LibraryFor ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children.Zumba FitnessNov. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve
Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Join the Party!City Commission Meeting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Chambers (Nov. 11 meeting cancelled) 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305Brains and Balance Past 60Nov. 12, 19 & 26 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hagen ParkBrains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and
physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity.Family StorytimeNov. 12, 19 & 26 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library Island City Book ClubNov. 19, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public LibraryThe Island City Book Club gathers at the library on the third Wednesday of each month. Reading selections include current and classic novels as well as popular nonfiction. All are welcome to join and help select our next book!Historical Society MeetingNov. 16, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers
8
NOVEMBER
Dog Obedience ClassBeginner Israeli Dance ClassSquare Dancing
Dog Obedience ClassBeginner Israeli Dance ClassSquare Dancing
Dog Obedience ClassBeginner Israeli Dance ClassSquare Dancing
Dog Obedience ClassBeginner Israeli Dance ClassSquare Dancing
Friends of the Library Book SaleWilton Manors Green Market
Wilton Manors Green Market
Wilton Manors Green Market
Wilton Manors Green Market
Historical Society MeetingWilton Manors Green Market
Wilton Manors Green Market
Preschool Story timeZumba Fitness
Preschool Story timeZumba Fitness
Preschool Story timeZumba Fitness
Zumba Fitness
Zumba Fitness
City Commission MeetingZumba Fitness
Brains and Balance Past 60Zumba FitnessFamily Storytime
Island City Book ClubBrains and Balance Past 60Zumba FitnessFamily Storytime
Brains and Balance Past 60Zumba FitnessFamily Storytime
Wilton Manors Green Market
1
8
15
22
29
7
14
21
28
6
13
20
27
5
12
19
26
4
11
18
25
3
10
17
24
2
9
16
23
30
Wilton Manors Green Market