SFGN's Best Of 2019

find out inside who you picked as your favorites this year

f o t s e B 2019

Read and share online! sfgn.com/bestof2019

Best Bar Best Restaurant Best Drag Queen Best NEIGHBORHOOD Best Burger And More!

Best Of 2019

INTRO

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN’s 2019 Best Of

Best Of South Florida • 2019 2520 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

And the winners are...

I

n September we asked our readers to vote for their favorite restaurants, hangouts, and charities — from your favorite burgers and desserts to the Best Attorney, Business and Realtor. We received more than 9,000 votes in more than 100 categories. The contest was a two-step process. The nominees were chosen by you and the staff in August and then in September you voted on the top 5 in each category.

Each year we divide the contest up by county, giving our readers in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade, and Key West a chance to vote for their local favorites and to showcase LGBT friendly establishments outside of

Publisher • Norm Kent

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Broward County and the Wilton Manors area.

Remember folks these are your opinions — not ours. Don’t agree with the winners? Well then make sure to vote in next year’s contest.

Only those votes that came with valid email addresses were counted and duplicates were discarded.

Due the growth of the contest we’re no longer able to print all of the stories in the paper. Advertisers were given priority. But you can still read them online at SFGN.com/BestOf2019.

So without any further ado here are this year’s winners…

Editorial Art Director Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director Justin Musial Webmaster@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi tberardi@ufl.edu

Sales & Marketing Sales Manager Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com

— Jason Parsley

Senior Advertising Associate Clark Rogers Clark@sfgn.com Office Assistant Nick Adkins Distribution Services Rocky Bowell Sales Consultant Charles A. Reid

f o t Bes 2019

National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press Copyright © 2019 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Thanks to all of our contributors for this special issue...

Rick Karlin

Jesse Monteagudo

John McDonald

Kristen Grau

Sean McShee Denise Royal Damon Scott

John Porter Donald Cavanaugh

J.W. Arnold

Deon Jefferson

Justin Musial

Carina Mask

Photos via Facebook unless otherwise stated.

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Best Social Group Bes0t16of Bes0t17of Bes0t18of Bes0t19of 2

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BEARS OF SOUTH FLORIDA

SOCIAL GATHERINGS WITH A

CHARITABLE PURPOSE Pool Parties • Special Events Dinners • Theater • Movies Bowling • Excursions Stonewall Pride

JOIN US!

BOSFL.ORG TheBearsOfSouthFlorida Be2s0t19of

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

FOOD

broward county

Best Dessert & Coffee Shop Stork’s Bakery

6

time winner!

2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors

Sometimes the competition is not even a fair fight, such as in this category. How can any place else hope to win when Stork’s does desserts so perfectly?

“Storks is home to my favorite cake in all of the land. The chocolate decadence cake. It is an amazing chocolate flourless cake that is extremely rich and will satisfy any chocolate lovers dream,” one reviewer on Yelp writes.

No matter if you choose a hearty coffeecake, delicate layer cake or French pastry, it will be dome to perfection and served with the best coffee this side of heaven.

“Unable to decide between the chocolate chip scone and the sticky bun...naturally I got them both. Their scones aren’t just good, they are the best I’ve ever had! And I’ve tried

storksbakery.com 954-567-3220

many,” another reviewer on Yelp wrote. “The sticky bun made me want to get up and dance and sing.”

Storks has been a local Wilton Manors favorite since 1997. Those who think of it as “just a coffee shop” couldn’t be more wrong.

While Stork’s features 8 types of coffee each day, as well as a vast array of teas, smoothies, cappuccinos and lattes, served iced or hot, it also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items to eat in or take home.

The food has Mediterranean flair. Stork’s also has a very successful catering department.

Stork’s is also known for supporting several local non-profit organizations.

Stork's Bakery.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

- RK

Thank you SFGN READERS for voting Courtyard Cafe BEST DOWN HOME COOKING and BEST PLACE TO EAT AFTER MIDNIGHT

Best Ice/Gelato Wilton Creamery 2301 Wilton Dr # C4 Wilton Manors wiltoncreamery.com 954-565-1183 The beautiful loft space offers two levels as well as outdoor seating. The decor has an industrial-meets-50’s vibe.

All of the ice creams, gelato and sorbet are chef curated, with seasonal and rotating flavors of ice cream such as pecan praline dulce, sea salt caramel, sweet cinnamon, strong coffee, triple rum raisin, Snickers adjacent, Christopher loves chocolate, and its most popular flavor “He’s Not Worth It” (you really must try Shampoo when it’s available).

You won’t be disappointed by the wide variety of small batch artisanal offerings

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at our home-town favorite. There are dairy-free, sugar-free, vegan and even dog-friendly options.

The only thing they could do to be more accommodating is to serve it to me in bed (just a suggestion, guys).

- RK

Thank you

South Florida Gay News Readers

for voting Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa FORT LAUDERDALE’S BEST GAY GUESTHOUSE & SPA 2019 We are grateful to be part of South Florida’s Gay Community, hosting gay travelers from around the world since 1999.

954.564.7764 www.TheCabanasGuesthouse.com 2209 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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Best Of 2019

FOOD

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Best Kept Secret

Best Down Home Cooking & Place to Eat After Midnight

3

time winner!

Courtyard Cafe 2211 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors wiltonmanorscourtyardcafe.com 954-563-2499

Le Patio 2401 NE 11th Ave Wilton Manors LePatioWiltonManors.com (954) 530-4641 Can it still be a secret after sweeping the same category for so many years?

Apparently so!

The tiny dining spot with its romantic

“Le Patio is hidden away off of Wilton Dr. where if you aren’t looking, you would walk right past.”

- YElp Review 6

patio and French/Italian fusion fare chugs along like the little engine that could.

“When you visit Le Patio, you’re in for a treat. Experience its famous French onion soup, house made Lasagna, shepherd’s pie and any of its other mouthwatering dishes,” the business owners write on Yelp.

The escargot will win over even the most finicky eater.

Vero and Jean are renowned for their creative combinations of spices and sauces.

The warm and charming atmosphere will instantly relax you while they dote on you like two of your favorite aunts.

“The ambiance outside is really nice with all the greenery and very low lighting,” one Yelp reviewer said. Another added: “Le Patio is hidden away off of Wilton Dr. where if you aren’t looking, you would walk right past.

This makes it even more intriguing.”

Maybe that’s why it’s still Wilton Manors’ Best Kept Secret even after all of these years.

Weekly menu specials offer unique flavors and pairings, and the menu is vegetarian friendly.

Sometimes you just want a meal like Mom would have made, if she knew how to cook.

Courtyard dishes up classic diner fare you want two eggs over easy and a side of bacon? No problem. You want a meatloaf dinner with lumpy mashed potatoes?

They’ve got that too.

Just about anything you might get in Mom’s kitchen you can order at Courtyard.

Monday night is “Burger Madness” with free soda or iced teas with each burger,

- RK

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Just about anything you might get in Mom’s kitchen you can order at Courtyard.

and most of those burgers are priced less than $10, and that’s with a large amount of fries!

That’s about $5 less than you’ll pay for a similar burger elsewhere on the drive.

Other days features such enticements as 2 for 1 dinners, and package deals And you can get it late, after a night at the bars, Courtyard is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 24 hours on the weekend, until 3 in the morning Sunday.

“I was amazed at how delicious their breakfast was. I ordered the bacon egg and cheese sandwich, as well as the breakfast quesadilla. The quesadilla was huge and I could only eat half of it. The food was cooked to order, came out piping hot, and was delicious,” wrote one reviewer on Yelp. “The owner stood at the counter the entire time and was extremely attentive checking on all of us constantly as we ate.

You can really feel that they appreciate your business here, and you’re not just another customer.”

- RK

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Best Of 2019

BARS & CLUBS

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Best Bar, Theme night, Karaoke & Business Owner 5

time winner!

Hunters

2232 Wilton Dr Fort Lauderdale huntersftlauderdale.com 954-630-3556

Hunters conquered the nightlife scene again.

Hunter’s is a five-time champion in the “Best Bar” category. This year, the Fort Lauderdale nightclub took four awards: Best Bar, Best Karaoke, Best Theme Night and Best Business Owner.

“Hunters Wilton Manors was voted best bar because we have the best customers in the world,” said co-owner Mark Hunter. “If it weren’t for them we wouldn’t be Hunters Wilton Manors. Also, we have an amazing team at Hunters Wilton Manors and as the saying goes……it takes a village. I want to recognize my co-owner Patrick Volkert, our general manager Bruce Howe and our

This year Hunter’s was the presenting sponsor of the Wicked Manors Halloween block party.

Hunters.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Hunters.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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manager support team of Randy D’Agostino, Natasha Ribas and Kurtis Solomon. I also have to mention our stellar bar staff members. They are kind, efficient, friendly and are all great people. Electrum Branding is our new media company and they have been doing a great job in getting the word out. Thanks to all!”

Mark, an accomplished ballroom dancer, and Patrick, a systems engineer, were a couple for many years, owning nightclubs in Chicago and California. Now just business partners, the men bought Hunters in 2013, ordered a complete renovation and built its street cred by helping local non-profits and sponsoring recreational teams.

Mark travels back and forth from his Palm Springs club regularly. Hunter’s Palm Springs, located in the southern California desert, is highly regarded as well. SFGN readers also voted Mark as Best Business Owner in Broward County. The recognition comes as the nightclub installed new signage at its Fort Lauderdale location.

Mark has been in the bar business for 37 years. This year Hunter’s was the presenting sponsor of the Wicked Manors Halloween block party.

“There is no doubt that we should be supporting the community,” Mark told SFGN publisher Norm Kent on the Oct. 30 episode of The Norm Kent Show.

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Best Of 2019

Mark Hunter.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

THANK YOU SFGN READERS FOR VOTING

Wilton Creamery

Best Ice Cream & Gelato!

Mark said gay bars today are becoming more and more diverse and open to more lifestyles. What was once predominantly male occupied spaces has evolved in a gender fluid realm. Although there are many options for LGBT nightlife experiences in south Florida – particularly on Wilton Drive – Mark views the market as stable.

“I don’t look at the other businesses as competitors, I look at them as compliments,” Mark said. “The bigger the pie, the bigger the piece. The more thriving businesses that we have on Wilton Drive the healthier the business atmosphere will be.”

Hunter’s karaoke operation takes place on Monday and Tuesday nights. Sunday’s Tea Dance won for Best Theme Night. It’s a big night with DJ Richie Rich running sound.

The dance floor section of the club has it all.

Lights, fog, dancers, a big screen projector and music help to get your feet shuffling.

Climb the stairs to get a glimpse of those sweaty dancers from Sal’s Starlight Lounge.

The lounge is named after the late Studio 54 bartender Sal DeFalco, who helped Hunters open. A visit to the lounge during high tea is one way to fulfill Hunters’ promise of “Spirits Elevated.”

- JMD

2301 WILTON DRIVE

The dance floor section of the club has it all. Lights, fog, dancers, a big screen projector and music help to get your feet shuffling.

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954-565-1183 WILTONCREAMERY.COM

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Best Of 2019

BUSINESS

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Cabanas 2209 N.E. 26th Street Wilton Manors TheCabanasGuestHouse.com 954-565-2307

Best Guesthouse 5

time winner!

For the fifth year in a row, the Cabanas has won Best Guesthouse.

John Dorry the owner of Cabanas credits his success to having the friendliest staff, being in the most amazing location, and the having best men’s amenities in Wilton Manors.

The guesthouse’s close proximity to Wilton Manors makes it an ideal spot for vacationers. It’s a tropical setting with

Guests can relax in an allmale, clothing optional environment.

heated saltwater pools, 10-man hot tub, aromatherapy steam room, and canal access for kayakers and paddle-boarders.

Guests can relax in an all-male, clothing optional environment. Locals can purchase day passes and make appointments for massages or pedicures at the spa.

Tripadvisor awarded Cabanas its Certificate of Excellence in 2015.

There are 18 rooms ranging from one and two bedroom suites to standard rooms with queen and king size beds. Guests enjoy a continental breakfast, DVD library, secured off-street parking and high-speed internet access.

On holidays Cabanas goes all out with a full barbecue and DJ. Cabanas will be having a festive New Years’ Eve celebration Additionally the Cabanas Spa won for Best Spa. - JM

Best Pet Groomer Best Spa 6

Alan Aghazadian, Jodie Arrington and Josh Meneses.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

time winner!

2155 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors wiltonsmanor.com 754-223-4776

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Cabanas 2209 N.E. 26th Street Wilton Manors TheCabanasGuestHouse.com 954-565-2307

Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare, Resort and Spa

If consistency is an accurate marker of success, then Alan Aghazadian and Josh Meneses have it in spades.

The owners of Wilton’s Manor Doggie Day Care have won “Best Pet Groomer” for six years running.

“It’s truly an honor that we never take for granted,” Aghazadian said.

Add humbleness to their recipe of success.

“We honestly wouldn’t be where we are today if not for our amazing groomer, Jodie Arrington. She has worked tirelessly for over six years [and] brings her

5

time winner!

extensive knowledge in different breeds and all their specific needs for a healthy and great looking groom,” he said.

The business opened in Wilton Manors in 2011.

“As for our countless customers and friends that have all taken the time out to vote for us, we couldn’t be more grateful. We strive to be better than we were last year. Woof!” Aghazadian said.

- DS

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For the fifth year in a row, readers of SFGN awarded Best Spa to Cabanas Spa. Located in Wilton Manors, Cabanas Spa offers a wide array of packages and treatments from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures.

Chaz, a spa employee said “Cabanas Spa is your own get away from this busy world, and is a destination for those who need a break.”

They offer packages that bundle most treatments, and all spa treatments include an hour pass for the steam room, pools

and other amenities at Cabanas.

Carlos Rodriguez, the new owner of Cabanas Day Spa wanted to thank everyone recognizing the Spa as an important part of the community. He credits their success to having a staff that loves what they do. Cabanas Spa will continue to give the best service possible, and build relationships both near and far.

Next time you need a little you-time think of your local get away and make a reservation for the Cabanas Day Spa. - JM

broward county

Best Of 2019

Best Hair Salon

THREE Years In A Row!

Dick’s Service Station M

ORIGINAL

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3528 NE 12th Ave. Oakland Park dicks954.com 954-353-5507

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4

time winner!

Thank YOU SFGN readers for voting us Best Gift Store AND Best Business...

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Dick's Service Station.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

What do you get when you combine a gas station and hair? A trendy and hip full service barber shop and hair salon, or more specifically Dick’s Service Station in Oakland Park.

Those two concepts at first might not seem to go well together, but Dick’s pulls it together and makes it work.

“We wanted a place that could be comfortable for guys to come into,” said co-owner Christian Santiago. “Salons, feel uncomfortable, maybe too feminine or too fancy.”

Dick’s has won Best Hair Salon every

Much of the clientele is LGBT, a group the duo works to stay close with.

year since opening – this is their fourth award. In addition this year one of the barber’s Darren was voted in as Best Hair Stylist.

Santiago and his husband Eric McKnight started the business in 2016.

Their staff at the shop are a part of the “pit crew.” The designation is because the shop is modeled to look like an old fashioned 1950s vintage service station with antiques and artifacts from that era.

Services range from skin fades to coloring, waxing, body trimming, beard trimming and more. Much of the clientele is LGBT, a group the duo works to stay close with.

But for Santiago and McKnight it’s not just about hair. It’s also about community.

“We are extremely involved. We support a lot of different charities that are local and community based within Oakland Park and Wilton Manors,” Santiago said.

“We just want to thank community for their support. And for the community standing behind us and helping us make this a very successful shop.”

ALL in -New December Diamond Mermen! stock NOW -Largest Selection of Glass ornaments in state of Florida!

To the Moon

2205 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

(954) 564-2987

ToTheMoonMarketplace.com

- JEP

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Best Of 2019

Shopping

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Best Gift Store & Best Business To the Moon won in two categories: Best Gift Store and Best Business. When you first walk into the store, you notice that every square inch is filled with items. Most items measure less than three inches in height.

The large number of small items looks like a cleaning nightmare, but the owner, Antonio Dumas said, “It moves so fast that that it doesn’t really have time to get filthy. We turn merchandise very quickly.”

Dumas has an infectious enthusiasm for what he sells. He exclaimed, “There are so many wonderful products out there that I want to buy everything.

you’d be hard pressed to find any store as special and unique as this tucked away gift shop.

Best Adult Store & Best Clothing Store The Pride Factory won in two categories: the Best Adult Store and the Best Clothing Store.

Lori Deak, Vice President of the Pride Factory credited her friendly and helpful staff for their success. She said the staff “are there to support the customers and help them find what they want to buy.”

According to Deak, the Pride Factory strives for a niche market of unique quality goods. The store seeks out quality goods and “offers a wide variety in every department.” This depends on developing a relationship with customers. Deak said her customers are “always willing to provide input regarding the things they would like to see in our store.”

The adult store features a variety of adult toys and lube. It also has non-leather harnesses and lots of sexy underwear. The adult section does not hide behind a “leather curtain,” but is in an open, well-lit area in the back.

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Pride Factory

6

time winner!

850 NE 13th St Fort Lauderdale www.pridefactory.com 954-463-6600 The clothing store features beach and dance wear: shorts, tee-shirts, and tank tops. It has even more underwear. In addition, the store has, for lack of a better word, butch fanny packs. They also carry military style bags/briefcases.

SFGN File Photo.

- SMS

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5

time winner!

To The Moon 2205 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors tothemoonmarketplace.com 954-564-2987

I want people to see everything that I think is wonderful. My challenge is to make it fit to make it work keeping it all organized.” To The Moon caries over 20,000 different items in a 1,200 square foot space.

To The Moon has a very large and loyal customer base so its no wonder To The Moon also won Best Business. Plus you’d be hard pressed to find any store as special and unique as this tucked away gift shop.

About four months ago, someone burglarized the store. Dumas described the outpouring from the community as just amazing. The store had videos of the burglary. Their customers shared those videos. According to Dumas, they went viral.

That’s another measure of community support.

- SMS

Stonewall-Museum.org Stonewall National Museum & Archives

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or call Monique Force-Setlock at 754-206-3323.

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1201 NE 38TH ST OAKLAND PARK FL 33334 funkybuddhabrewery.com

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Best Of 2019

Best Group for Seniors 3

time winner!

8

time winner!

Bruce Williams, Active Aging Manager 954-463-9005; ext. 109

For the third year in a row, SFGN readers chose the Pride Center at Equality Park’s weekly “Coffee & Conversation” gettogethers as the best group for seniors.

Every Tuesday morning literally hundreds of seniors (mostly men) and their friends gather at the main hall of the Pride Center for coffee, tea, chocolate, bagels, pastries and each other’s company. Those who are present at C&C, many of whom are shut-ins the rest of the week, learn about their community from Bruce Williams, the Pride Center’s Active Aging Manager, other representatives from the Center, local activists and politicians, and hear a special report from the event’s sponsors, usually health related.

According to Bruce Williams, “human beings of all ages harbor a constant need for socialization and non-judgmental connection. In other gathering places there is often the fear of being too fat, too thin, too old, too tall, etc. At Coffee & Conversation, the only size that matters is the size of the donuts. Folks can relax, be themselves and simply enjoy being with

WomenInNetwork.com

Like advocating for women, with women?

Women In Network has been working tirelessly for 32 years to bring LBT women and their allies together to network, advocate, and educate.

“We are so honored to be chosen by SFGN’s readers as the Best Group for Women for the eighth time,” said Denise Spivak, President of Women in Network. “It is our mission to serve the LBT community of South Florida and to build a network that can be a benefit to everyone. We are proud of the work that WIN has done for over 30 years, and we’re excited to keep supporting South Florida’s LBT women, our partner agencies, and our allies.”

one another. By muting the microphone for the entire first hour, we have shifted the focus away from the presenters and to the attendees.”

Coffee & Conversation is part of the Pride Center’s continuing outreach to LGBT seniors, which now includes the Residences at Equality Park, an affordable senior housing community currently under construction.

“As the executive director of a large continuous care retirement for 25 years, I watched some 5,000 folks go through the final stages of their lives. The take away for me was that ‘a planned 2nd/50 years is an enhanced 2nd/50 years!’ Sadly, our society deals with aging issues primarily as a crisis arises. By having a different C&C sponsor each week, attendees are made aware of the plethora of community resources in our area. My goal is to bribe attendees with coffee and goodies and at the same time to have them walk away with at least one additional resource each week.”

- JM

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

Best Group For Women Women in Network

Coffee & Conversation Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 North Dixie Highway Wilton Manors FL Tuesdays 10-11:30 a.m.

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GROUPS

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According to the group’s website: “The WIN Community and Network is the cornerstone of our organization. WIN connects like-minded, career-driven women across multiple industries and generations.

Through various events and initiatives, we continue to expand our broad network and provide a community where women can turn to for support, guidance, and inspiration.”

- JEP

GROUPS

broward county

Best Of 2019

Best Social Group 5

Bears of South Florida

time winner!

bosfl.org

The Bears of South Florida (BOSFL), is consistently chosen as best social group. BOSFL raises funds by offering opportunities for social and fraternal interaction between its more than 1,800 members.

The club strives for diversity and acceptance of any person who wishes to join. Membership within the club consists of bears, cubs and those who wish to socialize with such people.

There is no political agenda for the group, its focus is to encourage friendships, a positive attitude and camaraderie both within the

group and in the community. Its goal is equal acceptance within the group regardless of any physical characteristic.

“Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space for the Bear community of South Florida to socialize and engage in fundraising activities to benefit local LGBTQ organizations,” said Kevin Daft, President of BOSFL. “We’re an active group, sponsoring events like pool parties, bowling nights, theater and cultural events, movies, ‘meet-ups’ at local establishments, dinners, ‘Scare a Bear’ at Enigma Haunt, trips to Miami and Flamingo Gardens,

‘Bear-aoke’ nights and more.”

But it’s not just about fun though.

It’s also about giving back to the community.

“We’ve had a lot of fun in 2019 and have raised a lot of money; we anticipate awarding grants totaling $12,000 to six local nonprofits at our holiday dinner in December,” Daft said. “This really is a very friendly and fun group of guys.

If you’re looking to make some new friends through a variety of different social events, join us!”

- RK

The Bears of South Florida.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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Best Of 2019

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Best Group for Youth & Trans Sunserve 2312 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors sunserve.org 954-764-5150

SunServe is known for its social services groups so it’s no wonder they took home awards for Best Group for LGBT youth and Best Group for the Trans community.

For LGBT youth, winding up homeless or in foster care because of unsupportive parents is a very real possibility. But in Fort Lauderdale, there’s a home for that population: SunServe.

Bertran estimated SunServe sees at least 250 youth per year utilizing their services.

SunServe is a social services center for LGBT people of all ages with locations in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors. One of their specialties is serving marginalized youth and the economically disadvantaged.

Director of Youth Services Tori Bertran said the basic life skills that SunServe teaches like cooking, opening bank accounts and doing laundry makes them different from most other LGBT youth organizations.

“Our social events always keep people engaged,” Betran said. Some of those events are game and movie nights, roller blading, and youth proms.

Along with basic life coaching, SunServe also hosts therapy, peer groups, and support groups including this year’s Best Group for Trans — Safe “T” Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Group that meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Bertran estimated SunServe sees at least 250 youth per year utilizing their services.

With little exceptions, youth resources are free.

- KG

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Best Of 2019

PEOPLE

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Best Local DJ

Best Trans Advocate

Richie Rich Hunters 2232 Wilton Dr Fort Lauderdale huntersftlauderdale.com 954-630-3556

Misty Eyez

facebook.com/ImaMistyEyezFan Photo courtesy of Misty Eyez.

Richie Rich won in the best local DJ category. Rich deejays for several local bars. Their packed dance floors, and parking lots testify to his skills. He has worked as a deejay since the late 70s.

A good deejay knows how to read a dance floor to understand its mood and beat. They know what to put on next to take that mood and beat to the next level.

They have to do this in a matter of minutes.

It’s a unique skill set. A good deejay like Richie Rich learns how to “connect with

crowd and please them with the music they like to dance to.”

Rich finds his biggest challenge in “trying to please everyone as people have different tastes.” Rich, however, loves a challenge.

Some of his fans travel long distances to hear Richie Rich deejay. Rich knows his fans are loyal and he gives back with his skill in the deejay booth.

- SMS

Best Barista Misty Eyez works as an educator and case manager at SunServe. What started as a part-time role has blossomed into a full-time professional passion. Misty’s responsibilities and aspirations continue to grow.

“Knowledge is power and we’re sharing as much knowledge as we can with as many people.”

- Misty Eyez SunServe

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“We’re doing more trainings with police officers and medical establishment students,” she said. “Knowledge is power and we’re sharing as much knowledge as we can with as many people. Our department is growing as well. We just hired two new case managers. I’m super excited just to see the potential that our department has and we’re already brainstorming and expanding our minds to see the new and outrageous things that we can do.”

Misty is going back to school and hopes to earn her master’s degree in social work on her way to one day becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

“I just love what I’m doing so much,” she said.

What she’s doing is assisting trans people in many different ways. “It’s clientled wrap around case management,” she explained. “If you come in here and tells us you need help with something, we’re going to help you with it.”

- DR

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

Daniel @ Storks

Daniel at Stork's.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Stork’s Bakery 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors storksbakery.com 954-567-3220 Daniel at Storks won in the Best Barista category. Daniel credits his success to developing relationships with his customers. His success involves both knowing both the business and his customers.

He stressed listening to the customer to learn what they want. That way, he can provide them with the best possible service.

Daniel said “It’s about patience, listening, and understanding.” It will make the customer happy and the business grow. Daniel feels that when dealing with

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people, everything is about relating to each other.

When customers have special needs, it can present a challenge. Daniel works with the them to come up with something not on the standard menu.

Daniel likes it when customers are direct and “tell him what they like.” He also likes it when they show gratitude. He likes it when, as a customer is leaving, they say “Daniel, thank you, The sandwich was great.”

It doesn’t always involve money.

- SMS

broward county

Best Of 2019

Best Hairstylist Darren Dick’s Service Station 3528 NE 12th Ave. Oakland Park 954-353-5507 Dicks954.com

Darren at Dick's Service Station.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

While Darren may have won the award for Best Hairstylist he considers himself a “Hairlusionist.”

“I take what you have and make it look its best,” he said on his webpage. He added to SFGN, “I work really hard at listening to what the customer’s wants are and executing it.”

Darren has been its Dick’s since the business started in 2016.

“Darren is a great guy. We consulted with him on the business from the very

“He goes the extra mile inside and outside the shop with various charity events.”

- Christian Santiago Co-owner of Dick’s Service Station

beginning,”said Christian Santiago, coowner of Dick’s. “He always goes above and beyond. He has a very strong loyal following of customers. He goes the extra mile inside and outside the shop with various charity events.”

For Darren it’s not all about the hair though — it’s about community.

“The whole intention for us is just pay it forward it,” he said. He points to one program of theirs called the Heaven Cent program. Their prices are set at the .99 cent level so they can collect pennies each quarter and donate the proceeds to a different charity such as the Pet Project, Humane Society and Poverello. Dick’s then matches the donation.

Santiago said Darren is true joy to work with.

“He is, in a very good way, the center of attention,” Santiago said. “He really makes the shop a pleasure for all of the crew pit members and customers. He just has a very fun personality.”

It’s clear Darren loves his job.

“I’m just the luckiest guy in town,” he said. “I can’t say that enough.”

As for his win this year?

“I’ve been on the list every year so I felt like Susan Lucci,” Darren said chuckling.

- JEP

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Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

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Best Bartender (Guy) Frank at DrYnk Bar & Lounge DrYnk Bar & Lounge 2255 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors drynkftl.com 954-530-1800 DrYnk bartender Frank Ciliberti has won for the first time in this category.

This isn’t a side gig; he considers bartending his true craft, with 32 years of experience under his belt.

Ciliberti credits much of his success at DrYnk to the fresh ingredients and wide variety of spirits and liquors that are available at his fingertips.

But to understand why he was tops in the very competitive category, let’s go to the social media comments. (There are lots of exclamation points).

“Frank made my birthday extra special when one of my friends took me out for an afternoon celebration. He is always ‘on’ and when we ask for a suggestion for a new

Best Massage Therapist Roberto Nocifora grandresort.net

drink, he always has one on hand. His personality and drinkmaking abilities makes him a great bartender!”

“Frank is beyond compare! Serving up the best in cocktails, banter and sarcasm ... Absolute perfection!”

“Frank was amazing. This guy has a great personality, energetic as can be and makes a mean ass cocktail.”

- DS

Best Local TV Personality Roberto Nocifora knows how to touch a man.

That’s probably why he won this year’s award for Best Massage Therapist. “l really do love what I do for work, and it shows in my touch. Energy is everything,” Roberto explained.

“On my own I do a range of modalities. I custom massages to a client’s needs.”

Roberto specializes in everything from deep tissue and body scrubs to a light Swedish massage.

Roberto works at the Grand Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale. This year the resort was nominated for Best Guesthouse and Best Spa. He’s been in the massage business for over 20 years and his clients range in age from 21 to 104.

Craig Stevens WSVN

The anchorman for WSVN, Craig Stevens, is a longtime South Florida newsman.

“Very professional, very polished,” said one Miami Beach gay activist. “He’s been the AIDS Walk Master of Ceremonies before…has definitely paid his dues.”

In his career Stevens, has covered an array remarkable events, notably the 1995 bombing of a federal building in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. -- to this day the largest act of homegrown terrorism. He was on hand in Havana, Cuba as the Obama administration raised Old Glory for the first time since 1961 and has reported on Papal visits, the Versace murder and the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

He’s had fun too – leading Pride parades, AIDS walks and hosting fundraisers for the Harvey Milk Foundation and Pride Center.

At WSVN, a Fox affiliate, Stevens co-anchors the nightly news. He also teaches in an adjunct role for the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

Stevens grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. He started his

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- JEP

journalism career in the mail room at NBC News and soon found himself working the assignment desk during the 1988 Presidential election.

A bachelor, Stevens, 50, lives in Miami with his loyal pooch Parker.

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

- JMD

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Roberto specializes in everything from deep tissue and body scrubs to a light Swedish massage.

PEOPLE

broward county

Best Of 2019

Best Drag Queen

Best Realtor

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Jimmy Cunningham

time winner!

Daisy Deadpetals Wilton Manors

RE/MAX Experience License #: 3220201 1103 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors 954-303-7380 Realtors are a special bunch – they memorize square footage, lot size, closing costs, amortization … you get the idea. Oh, and they are basically available to their clients seven days a week.

So we salute Jimmy Cunningham of RE/ MAX Experience in Wilton Manors for taking top billing in the category this year.

He’s won before, which makes it even more remarkable.

He’s a ridiculously nice guy, too.

“I have always believed in giving back to the community that I love and that has been so supportive,” Cunningham said.

“To that end, my partner and I contribute and participate in over 10 local charities and community organizations and regularly support, advertise and support those causes.”

Those groups include the Pride Center, Equality Florida, Island City Stage, Latinos Salud, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Lambda Legal and the Pet Project.

“I believe the top level of achievement is giving,” he said.

- DS

For Daisy Deadpetals is good to be the queen. 2019 marks her fifth consecutive win in the Best Drag Queen category.

Success has not gone to her head. She’s as sweet and humble as ever.

“I’m so grateful for this honor,” she said.

“It’s so wonderful to hear.”

Thanks to her wardrobe, attitude, and hilarity that is equally intelligent and silly, Daisy Deadpetals is the picture of drag queenly perfection. Blondes may have more fun, but audience members watching Daisy have the most fun.

Daisy’s done every look and done them well. (Madonna is a favorite!) And let’s face it, she looks great in just about everything and the highest of heels don’t get in the way of her dance moves.

Submitted photo.

Daisy knows how to work a crowd, and her staying power is a testament to all of her skills. When she’s not performing, Daisy stays busy writing. Her day job is working as a writer for Helix Studios and 8teenboy.

You can catch Daisy Deadpetals entertaining performances at The Manor of Fridays, Lips on Saturdays, Camelot in West Palm Beach on Sundays, and once a month at The Pub for Show Girls.

- DR

Proud to be named

BEST

NEIGHBORHOOD OF 2019

by South Florida Gay News 30+ Bars & Restaurants • 40+ Festivals & Events • 12 Art Galleries & 2 Museums • 20+ Boutiques & More!

(954) 390-2130 | wiltonmanors.com | Be2s0t19of

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Local Politician, Activist and Attorney Dean Trantalis Mayor of Fort Lauderdale Attorney trantalislaw.com

He must be doing something right.

For the second straight year, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis has been voted “Best Local Politician” by SFGN readers. This year he’s also been voted Best Activist and Best Attorney.

Trantalis has proved in short order to be deft on the issues that matter to Fort Lauderdale residents. He is notably, but not annoyingly, visible and accessible – and constituents find him very relatable.

The ridiculously youthful 66-year-old is intimately involved with matters that affect the LGBT community.

He was the first openly gay Fort Lauderdale city commissioner in 2003 and his landslide mayoral election in 2018 made him the first openly gay Fort Lauderdale mayor.

Photo via the City of Fort Lauderdale.

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SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

Trantalis also helped lead efforts toward samesex marriages in Florida and the passage of Broward’s domestic partnership law.

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Trantalis immediately began work on infrastructure issues, and expertly handled communications regarding the crippling Fort Lauderdale water main break last summer.

He’s also tackled the complex issues of development and homelessness and others that emerged, like how the city should handle the arrival of scooters to sidewalks and streets.

And he manages to be a nice guy through it all.

But he’s not just a politician, he’s also a noted local attorney as well.

If you’ve ever been to Wilton Manors, you’ve likely seen the towering neon red letters: “Trantalis & Assoc.” at 2301 Wilton Drive.

Law and politics have been intertwined for much of his life – starting with a political science degree at Boston University in 1975 and a law degree from Stetson University College of Law in Deland in 1979.

Trantalis has practiced law in Broward County since 1982.

Being a lawyer has helped him become an activist for the LGBT community as well.

A taste of the issues he’s worked on include Broward’s efforts to pass a human rights ordinance; defeating a petition drive to enact a law that would have prevented enacting gay rights laws; and the defeat of a petition drive to overturn Broward’s human rights ordinance.

Trantalis also helped lead efforts toward same-sex marriages in Florida and the passage of Broward’s domestic partnership law.

Today, his firm primarily tackles real estate, wills and trusts, probating estates, bankruptcy, business brokering and landlord/tenant relationships.

- DS

PEOPLE

broward county

Best Straight Ally Debbie Wasserman Schultz U.S. Congress

A longtime supporter of LGBT rights, Wasserman Schultz was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004. She currently represents U.S. congressional district 23 (Broward & Miami-Dade) in Washington, D.C. “I am deeply humbled to receive this award, which means so much to me as an ally,” Wasserman Schultz said in a prepared statement. “While I’m encouraged that our nation has made tremendous progress with LGBT rights in recent years, the Trump administration and many state legislatures have made attacking LGBT folks – and especially transgender folks – one of their priorities.”

She continued: “The LGBT community continues to face everyday violence and discrimination that no American should ever face,” Wasserman Schultz continued. “That is why we need to pass legislation like the Equality Act now. I am proud to stand at your side in this fight to make the United States a more just and equal nation, and I will never waver when it comes to defending LGBT rights wherever they are threatened.”

Born in New York, Wasserman Schultz is a University of Florida graduate and married mother of three. In addition to her support for LGBT rights, Wasserman Schultz, 53, is an active member of the National Jewish Democratic Council and Planned Parenthood.

- JM

Best Of 2019

BEST SERVER CHARLIE D. Alibi

Charlie De La Cruz (Charlie D.), who serves dinners on the patio at the Alibi, is a quiet, modest person and possibly the best server that you will ever meet.

Part of the wait staff at the Alibi since 2007, Charlie describes the job as “60 percent job description (to serve meals and beverage) and the other 40 percent as the guest connection: to let the guests forget about their day for an hour and enjoy the food, music and laughs at the AlibiMonkey Bar.” Though grateful for the honor, Charlie is quick to acknowledge “my management team, supervisors and bar owners who keep all of our team motivated.”

Among Charlie’s talents is knowing what each guest wants and needs. If you are a regular, Charlie knows how you want your burger cooked and what brand of beer you drink.

Charlie’s guests know and appreciate this.

To Ron Farago, “Charlie is the best waiter because he

Submitted photo.

knows that I am a Chocoholic who loves his chocolate cake, with fudge frosting.” To Bobby Pavlick, “it’s a pleasure dining with Charlie at the Alibi Monkey Bar. He always remembers your drink or the way you like your food ordered. Charlie’s service is always with a smile and Charlie will go out of the way to make everyone feel at home. The Alibi Monkey Bar with Charlie is like a home away from home!”

- JM

BEST BARTENDER (FEMALE) BROOKE F.

Submitted photo.

Alibi

Brooke F. was hired by the Alibi as a bartender in 2011 and currently works happy hours at the Alibi’s patio bar.

Brooke says her “everyday mission is to prepare beverages for our bar patrons, while interacting with the customers, taking their orders, and serving them their requested drinks. My top priority is to assess and remember our patron’s needs and preferences so that they feel welcomed, appreciated, and special, all at the same time. To me, bartending at the Alibi doesn’t feel like a job because, for the most part, I feel as though I am serving my friends and family.”

Folks who remember the Alibi from the old days will be surprised to see a woman tending bar at the Alibi, traditionally a “men’s bar.” Brooke does not see it that way.

“The Alibi welcomes everybody: gay, straight, bisexual, trans, drag queens, etc.”

To our Ms. Brooke, working as a woman at the Alibi “is AMAZING because they let me be me behind the bar, which is very rare to come by.”

To Alibi regulars, Brooke F. is a friend, not just a bartender. In the words of Alibi regular Juan, “I only come

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here for that girl (Brooke). Every time I see her I get a smile.”

To Bobby Pavlick, “Brooke is the Alibi’s CocktailMixologist Supreme. You never wait long for a cocktail, great conversation and of course her fabulous hair. She’s the Queen of the Alibi Monkey Bar Patio Bar. Name your drink and she will make it with a smile.”

- JM

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

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BEST MUSEUM

Best Spiritual Center 7

Dr. Robert Griffin (left) and Durrell Watkins.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

time winner!

Sunshine Cathedral

3

time winner!

1480 SW 9th Ave. Fort Lauderdale SunshineCathedral.org 954-462-2004 God is good. And where better to form a connection with him than at Sunshine Cathedral, SFGN’s winner for Best Spiritual Center.

Welcoming is the overwhelming vibe one gets at the Sunshine Cathedral. This church is known for spreading love, acceptance, peace, and joy. That must be they’ve been voted 7 times as Best Spiritual Center.

Affiliated with Metropolitan Community Churches, Sunshine Cathedral is known for embracing diversity. Its primary constituency consists of same-gender loving and gender non-conforming people and their allies.

Durrell Watkins and his husband, Dr. Robert Griffin, lead Sunshine Cathedral’s ministry. Griffin, a U.S. Navy veteran, serves as executive minister. As noted in Watkins’ biography by SFGN in one of it’s Out 50 issue’s, Sunshine Cathedral is a “vibrant, thriving, progressive congregation that features blended worship, liberal theology, biblical exposition (likely in new ways that many aren’t used to) and a lot of unapologetic fun.”

Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

- SFGN Staff

Best Annual Event Wicked Manors

wickedmanors.org SFGN File Photo.

If you weren’t there, why weren’t you? Our readers said it was the top option.

More than 30,000 people descended on Wilton Drive this Halloween for Wicked Manors – voted best Annual Event.

Roger Roa of the host Pride Center said it was the largest weekday event attendance so far.

“The event was a resounding success, and our community was able to gather for a safe, inclusive evening that was filled with celebration and incredible costumes,” he said.

More than 120 Pride Center volunteers,

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board members, staff, community organizations and sponsors pitched in to pull it off.

Attendees loved the entertainment stages and more costume eye candy than a brain can process.

Readers say this event is top notch for variety, diversity, safety and fun.

“Wicked Manors 2020 will be another for the record books — a full moon and a Saturday night will align for a Halloween celebration like no other,” Roa said.

2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Open Thurs-Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. stonewall-museum.org 954-530-9337

Hunter O'Hanian, Executive Director.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

For the third year in a row, SFGN readers chose the Stonewall National Museum and Archives the Best Museum in Broward County, one that promotes “understanding through preserving and sharing the proud culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their significant role in American society.”

According to Hunter O’Hanian, Stonewall’s newly-appointed Executive Director, “as the gay community has matured and found its voice over the past 50 or so years, people realize the importance of what they and others have endured. Of course, we all know that the struggle is not over. But people like that fact that our history is being preserved

“...people like that fact that our history is being preserved to prove we were here and help guide future generations.”

- Hunter O’Hanian Stonewall Executive Director

- DS

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

STONEWALL NATIONAL MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

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to prove we were here and help guide future generations.”

“Over the past year, the SNMA has mounted some amazing exhibitions in Wilton Manors; they have lent objects to some significant LGBTQ themed exhibitions in other cities; run a very successful educational program aimed at helping queer kids nationwide; and enhanced our library and archival holdings.”

The Museum’s most recent exhibit, “PULP: Erotic Paperbacks in Gay Male Culture,” celebrated gay male pulp fiction, “a key element in the evolution of a diverse gay male identity and self-expression in the United States.”

Like physique magazines, gay pulps played an important role in LGBT culture of the 20th Century.

What are the Stonewall Museum’s plans for the future? To O’Hanian, “we need to secure our organizational operations and broaden our reach in South Florida. We are one of the major cultural organizations here and we need to do a better job engaging residents and visitors. We need to be sure everyone feels welcome. I will be spending at lot of time getting our house in order, raising resources, diversity and inclusion and letting people know we are here. It seems like a lot of work, but it is all doable.”

- JM

LOCAL NAME. GLOBAL COVERAGE.

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNE WS.COM

BROWARD HOUSE THANKS YOU FOR CHOOSING US AS

SFGN’S BEST HIV/AIDS NON-PROFIT OF 2019 HOUSING

COUNSELING SUPPORT

Your Care Guides at Broward House CASE MANAGEMENT

WE ARE YOUR

[ ] ALLY G U IDE ADVOCATE SU PP ORT LISTE N E R

MEDICAL CARE

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PEOPLE

WE HAVE YOUR PATH TO HEALTH

WE FOUND OUR

[

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HOPE HE ALTH VALU E STRE NGTH PATH

PEOPLE

Group Client Photo placeholder

Broward House Success

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

browardhouse.org | 954-568-7373 2800 N. Andrews Ave. Wilton Manors, FL 33311 HIV Primary Care | PrEP | Mental Health | Support Services Be2s0t19of

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

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Best Neighborhood Central Wilton Manors wiltonmanors.com

This is SFGN’s first time offering up Best Neighborhood, which goes to Central Wilton Manors. It makes sense since this area includes the Drive so who wouldn’t

we presume it will only get hotter once Wilton Drive has been narrowed.

want to live in the heart of the gayborhood?

And we presume it will only get hotter once Wilton Drive has been narrowed.

“The Central Area Neighborhood Association has it all! Not only delicious restaurants and lively bars, but 3 parks (Hagen, Island City, and Richardson) along with a museum, art galleries, and intimate theaters,” said Adrienne Foland, a local real estate agent and Vice President of the Wilton Manors Historical Society. “Plus you can walk everywhere! I have lived here for 16 years and loved every weekend of it.”

- JEP

Best Fundraiser

Best HIV/AIDS Non-Profit

3

Broward House

time winner!

Smart Ride

BrowardHouse.org

TheSmartRide.org

The true story of ‘Queer As Folks’ Liberty Ride may have been taken from this year’s best fundraiser.

Glen Weinzimer was inspired to create a fundraiser that truly gave back 100 percent of it’s proceeds back to Florida, after seeing a similar fundraising bike ride put most of its proceeds to “expenses.”

The Smart Ride gives 100 percent of what it makes back to Florida’s HIV community. Weinzimer explained that they do this by working with their community partners, and having amazing sponsors such as Gilead, CAN Community Health, and Merck.

Every dollar raised, goes back to Florida!

Smart Ride’s annual, two day, 165 mile, Miami-Key West Ride is now in it’s 16th year and has raised over $11 million to assist HIV related non-profits.

Weinzimer’s favorite part of making this

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happen is seeing everyone come together as a community, with no judgment in order to support one another. Doing this helps the community and keeps alive the memories of friends who have died of AIDS related complications.

- JM

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

Seven Florida counties recently received $490,000 in funding for HIV/ AIDS prevention services. But one organization in Fort Lauderdale has been aiding the community long before that: Broward House.

Broward House offers case management, testing and educational events surrounding HIV. The organization also partners with CAN Community Health, a nonprofit clinic group that has over 30 locations around Florida.

South Florida has some of the highest HIV rates in the country, SFGN has previously reported — including Broward County. The organization participates in events all throughout the year to fundraise and spread awareness. They participate in these, and more: • The SMART Ride, an annual bike ride from Miami to Key West that raises money for HIV prevention organizations like Broward House

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• World AIDS Day vigil and remembrance walk • Dining Out For Life, a day where purchases from select restaurants go toward local prevention services

Broward House originated as a housing organization that provided medicine, food and mental health services for those who need it — and they still offer housing services with all those benefits.

But now, they’ve expanded to provide extensive HIV services with the help of CAN Community Health. Those services include case management, peer support and on-site pharmacies. They also include PrEP, STI and Hep C testing.

- KG

broward county

Best Of 2019

Best Production Company Slow Burn Theatre SlowBurnTheatre.org

Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s 10-year rise has been exactly that—a slow, calculated burn.

The company’s founders, Patrick Fitzwater and Matthew Korinko, started small in a high school auditorium in West Boca Raton, tackling critically-acclaimed, but commercially unsuccessful musicals.

The awards started coming and with them, the exciting opportunity to move to the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale as a resident company four years ago. That was a risky decision for the plucky company, but it paid off.

Audiences are regularly treated to high

quality, large cast Broadway musicals, but the spirit of that hopeful start-up in a modest school auditorium is never lost in the glitz and glamour of the performing arts center.

Last season, the company took top honors at the Carbonell Awards for a high energy production of “Memphis” and the 2019-20 10th anniversary season is already off to a big start with productions of “Shrek the Musical” and “A Christmas Story.”

- JWA

YOU THANKTIN G US!

FOR NOMINA

PRIDEFACTORY.COM Be2s0t19of

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Best Of 2019

OTHER

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Best Non-Profit &Support group 8

time winner!

Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 North Dixie Highway Wilton Manors pridecenterflorida.org 954-463-9005

For the eighth year in a row, SFGN readers chose the Pride Center at Equality Park to be Broward County’s Best Non-profit organization. Led by Chief Executive Officer Robert Boo and a fine staff of professionals and volunteers, the Pride Center continues to fulfill its mission: to “provide a welcoming, safe space – an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.”

In 2019 the Pride Center made headlines as the site of the Residences at Equality Park, now under construction. Boo describes the Residences as “the first senior affordable and supportive housing with culturally proficient support programs for the LGBTQ+

“As the needs of the community change, the Pride Center’s programs and services will evolve.”

- Robert Boo

Photo credit: Brendon Lies.

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SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

Chief Executive Officer of The Pride Center

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community. This has been a seven year long process to get to this point.”

The Residences, along with the Center’s senior programs, “will give residents a permanent, safe space to live and support services they need to age in place.” The Residences are part of a trend of senior housing communities built in conjunction with LGBTQ centers, including those in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago and Philadelphia.

But there’s more to the Pride Center than senior housing, of course.

According to Boo, “we continue to look for gaps in service to our community. We strive not to duplicate a program or service that is already being provided by culturally proficient sister organizations. As the needs of the community change, the Pride Center’s programs and services will evolve.

We continuously hear from the community, and it was also identified in our Master Plan process with the community, that they are looking for cultural, entertainment and educational activities with the Pride Center.

We are planning for the future to meet that request and provide those opportunities on our campus.”

Besides taking home the top prize for nonprofit the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the Pride Center won for Best Support Group.

The success of those meetings can no doubt lend itself to the Pride Center’s open and diverse environment. Meetings are held regularly. Call the Center for times.

- JM

broward county

Best Of 2019

Best Art Gallery & Best Artist Claudia castillo Claudia castillo art Studio 2215 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors claudiacastilloartstudio.com 954-274-7047

Claudia Castillo won in the Best Artist category. Her studio, the “Castillo Art Studio,” won In the Best Art Gallery categories. She said she likes “being an artist and enjoys meeting and welcoming people to my studio in Wilton Manors.”

Her art boutique welcomes everyone.

Once there, they can browse its selection of artwork, gifts, and jewelry.

Castillo finds sharing her art to be very rewarding. She appreciates it when people connect with the emotions that inspired her art. Her customers give her love, warmth, and energy. When people place her art in their homes and businesses, she

feels honored. Her biggest regret is lacking the time to “explore, develop, and paint” all that inspires her.

On her website, she describes her process as being emotionally inspired by nature. She depicted the outcome as “instinctive and spontaneous: simply colors and forms.” Her art includes bracelets, paintings, and sculptures.

In a YouTube video, she portrayed her art as expressionist, emotional, and spontaneous. She “tries to bring joy and happiness to this world.”

- SMS

Her biggest regret is lacking the time to “explore, develop, and paint” all that inspires her.

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE

SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Read our Spirituality Section to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION

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Best Of 2019

READER’S CHOICE

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Best Cleaning Company Butlers in the Manor ButlersInTheManor.com

Few things are better than coming home to an immaculate house, especially when someone else cleans it. That’s part of what makes Butlers in the Manor so successful.

Launched in 2011, Butlers in the Manor provides professional residential cleanings.

The company uses a detailed checklist to ensure homes are thoroughly cleaned.

Butlers in the Manor owner Andrew Durning recently started offering free cleanings to cancer patients and their caregivers.

“I lost my husband of 20 years to cancer,” Durning said. “I know firsthand what the struggle is to keep everything under control. The importance of a clean

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SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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environment when battling cancer is what drew me to Cleaning For A Reason.”

For more information about this service visit CleaningForaReason.org/.

Helping others is how Butlers in the Manor does business.

“We want to give back to our community,” Durning said. “We donate to the Stonewall Gala and a couple of churches in the area.

You kind of feel good that you’re doing something really good.”

The company serves Wilton Manors and its surrounding towns including Oakland Park, Victoria Park and Poinsettia Heights.

- DR

These advertisers won awards from the national LGBT media association for their ad campaogns.

Best Live Theater

Best Small Business Campaign

& Outstanding Local lgbt outreach

Broward Center

Nabu

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201 SW 5th Ave Fort Lauderdale browardcenter.org 954-462-0222

3485 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale nabuamericanfusionbuffet.com

time winner!

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) remains the cultural center of Fort Lauderdale. With a range of performances including Hamilton, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables to the Hip Hop Nutcracker, Trisha Yearwood, and much more, this is the place to see top entertainment in Broward County.

“The Broward Center does an amazing job of bringing incredible shows to our area,” says theatergoer Jessica Barnes. “From the sound system to the knowledgeable ushers, BCPA is my favorite destination for experiencing live performances.”

If you go, you should know that shows typically start on time and parking is convenient. There are plenty of places to dine in the area if you want to grab a bite before a show.

Best Of 2019

If you are a sushi lover NABU is the place for you.

There’s a wide variety of sushi sashimi and nigiri. The rolls are fresh.

The hibachi station offers options galore, including a cornucopia of seafood, abundant quantities of perfectly cooked crab legs (at dinner), oysters, cooked shrimp and two kinds of ceviche.

The cooked bar also offers all the Asian classics, Chinese, Japanese and even some Thai options. The choices range from pepper beef, grilled fish, gyoza, shrimp tempura, all offered by the previous management.

The NABU team has also added chicken curry, Japanese eggplant and sautéed long-beans. Soup options include miso, hot and sour and won ton among others.

In addition to the spinach with sesame seeds marinated in a soy-mirin blend, also known as gomae, salad options include

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The Parker Playhouse, located in Holiday Park at 707 N.E. Eighth Street in Fort Lauderdale, is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information and a list of upcoming events and performances, visit BrowardCenter.org.

seaweed, cucumber and Caesar salads.

For those into desserts Asian restaurants are usually a disappointment.

Almond and fortune cookies in Chinese restaurants and red bean paste based treats in Japanese. NABU instead offers a wider variety, although most are more familiar to western palates: cheesecake, pecan pie, assorted pastries and an ice cream case featuring five western flavors, as well as green tea.

For the price (weekday lunch is $12.95, dinner is $21.95; weekend lunch $13.95, dinner is $23.95) and variety, NABU can’t be beat.

The restaurant is very LGBT friendly and a supporter of the community.

- SFGN Staff

- DR

Outstanding International LGBT Support Wells Fargo’s support for the LGBT community has been unwavering for more than three decades. The company has scored a perfect 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for each of the last 14 years.

The financial institution’s pioneering efforts have helped model the definition of inclusivity and acceptance in the workplace.

Mitchell Bloom the Branch Manager is also on the Board of Poverello and very active in the community.

His mission and the mission of Wells Fargo is summarized below: • Customer service and advice. After listening to and understanding our customers and their financial goals, we want to provide exceptional service and guidance to help them succeed financially.

• Team member engagement.

Our team members are our most valuable resource. We want to be the employer of choice — a place where people feel included, valued, and supported; everyone is respected; and we work as a team.

• Innovation. Through innovative thinking, industry-leading technology, and a willingness to test and learn, we create lasting value for customers — and increased efficiency for our operations.

• Risk management.

While working to set the global standard in managing all forms of risk, we want to serve customers’ needs and protect their assets, information, and privacy.

• Corporate citizenship. We make a positive contribution to communities through philanthropy, advancing diversity and inclusion, creating

Wells Fargo 2525 N DIXIE HWY WILTON MANORS 954-233-0468 economic opportunity, and promoting environmental sustainability.

• Shareholder value. We want to deliver long-term value for shareholders through a balanced business model, strong risk discipline, efficient execution, and a world-class team.

• Explore a journal of how we help customers succeed, help communities thrive, and live our vision, values, and goals every day

- SFGN Staff

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Best Of 2019

Best Straight Bar

Best Vegan

Best Fine Dining

Best Bar for Lesbians

Flip Flops Dockside Eatery

Milk Money Bar & Kitchen 815 NE 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale

Kaluz

3300 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Sound Bar Wilton Manors

Best Restaurant and Burger

Best Hot Dog

Best Bar for Bears & Best Leather Bar

Best Pizza

3051 NE 32nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Rosie’s Bar & Grill

Hot Dog Heaven

SoundBar-Wilton.com

2449 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors

101 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Ramrod

Bona Italian Pizza

Best Fried Chicken

Best Thrift Store

Best Sports Team

Best New Restaurant

Publix

Out of the closet

The Pub Riptide

Tropics Grille

2633 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors

outofthecloset.org

Best Sports League South Florida Armature Athletic Association SFAAAsoftball.com

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more winners

broward county

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

bonaitalian.com

facebook.com/RiptideSoftballFLL

Best Business Group Wilton Manors Business Association facebook.com/ wiltonmanorsbusinessassociation

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2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors

Best Place to Workout Crunch

3500 N Andrews Ave, Oakland Park

Best Of 2019

broward county

1470 AM

95.3 FM

Best Bar Staff

Best Musician & Local Celebrity

Scandals Saloon

Jennifer McClain

3073 NE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Artist, musician

Afternoon Drive... local and LIVE. Call-in line: 888-565-1470

2-4 P.M. MONDAY - FRIDAY

See past shows on youtube at

Best Chef

bit.ly/2OzWjlI

Josie Smith-Malave

Live streaming • wwnnradio.com

Bubbles

OUT NOW!!

ON A RED RACK NEAR YOU

Best Drink and Best Happy Hour

Best Ethnic Food

DrYnk Bar & Lounge

Ethos

Smokey Old Fashioned

S O U T H

F L O R I D A

G A Y

MENT

ARTS & ENTERTAIN

N E W S

Vol. 8 Issue 4 • September - October 2019

W E I V PRE

2055 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors

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Y OMED C M O FR D ..

TER. RTAINE A E H NTE TO T

To read about these winners, visit

EE

SFGN.com/BestOF2019

ALL READ IT ONLINE AT THEMIRRORMAG.COM

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EED

Y

N OU

B TO

PICTURED: ANDY COHEN AND ANDERSON COOPER. PHOTO VIA TWITTER.

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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Best Of 2019

Miami-dade County

Miami-dade county

Best Bar, Best Business, Best Kept Secret & Best Activist Hôtel Gaythering 1409 Lincoln Rd Miami Beach Gaythering.com

How can the same place be the Best Bar and Best Business and still be a secret? Your guess is as good as ours, but Hôtel Gathering somehow pulled it off winning 6 Best Of awards — Best Bar, Best Business, Best Kept Secret, plus three of its staff won for Best Drag Queen, Best Bartender and Best Activist.

Hôtel Gaythering is nestled at the end of Lincoln Road in a quiet residential neighborhood in Miami Beach.

This eclectic gathering spot is a boutique hotel, bar and men’s sauna. It’s an adults only playground for locals and visitors alike. The bar is the anchor of activity at this thriving Miami Beach hotel. Each day is programmed with themed nights and activities to keep the fun flowing. With spacious rooms, an onsite clothing optional sauna and a free shuttle to the famous Haulover nude beach, it is unsurprising that Hôtel Gaythering continues to be a premiere hotel destination for LGBT vacation goers visiting Miami Beach.

“Hôtel Gaythering is a special place to our patrons and especially to me. I like to call our bar/hotel our community center because, it is a safe space where you can come to be yourself and just enjoy the company of others,” said Zach R., winner of the Best Bartender award. “It’s also pretty neat to watch how our hotel guests blend in with our locals and by the end of their stay, built strong friendships and relationships that last a lifetime.”

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The Hôtel Gaythering has a space for every kind of patron.

Whether you’re there for Trivia Wednesday’s or enjoying a day pass to the clothing optional Sauna, this friendly and inviting boutique Hotel provides a safe space for LGBT locals and travelers to enjoy some fun in the sun.

The bar brings to Miami Beach the comfortability of a local small-town gay bar. Void of the thundering sounds of Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive, this cozy watering hole provides an environment for more than just gyrating glittersoaked bodies. There is always something to do like karaoke, boozie bingo, and Bear’s & Hare’s each week.

“We have theme nights almost every night, community outreach events, access to free and private STI screenings, and much more, so there is always something to do,” Zach said.

Maybe you will connect with love of your life or maybe you’ll connect with the love of your night, either way you’re sure to enjoy your time at the Hôtel Gaythering and all of its wonders.

In addition owner Alex Guerra won for Best Activist. He’s also the founder the annual art show, Art Gaysel, a five day event that runs during Art Basel, the international art fair that takes place in Miami Beach every year.

- JP

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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Miami-dade County

broward county

Best Drag Queen & Best Theme Night

Best Of 2019

Best Bartender

Blamie Forret

Zach R.

Hôtel Gaythering

HÔtel Gaythering 1409 Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach 786-284-1176 Gaythering.com

Blamie Forret might be new to the drag scene, but she sure has already made a splash and quite a name for herself.

“I still can’t believe I was nominated and won these awards with only doing drag for a year,” she said. “I have to give so many thanks to Rome Frost, Alex Guerra, the staff at Gaythering, and all the people that come to my Bingo night/events and support me.”

Blamie had quite the resume before becoming a drag queen.

“I’ve worked about 47 different jobs,” she said. “I’ve been a dog trainer, soccer coach, account executive, waiter, and pool boy. I currently work full time at Gaythering doing the front desk, weekend supervisor, and various other things here.”

But she’s always had an inner queen inside and said she’s always wanted to do

“Because of the unique ‘comedy queen’ I have grown to be, it has become a huge success.”

- Blamie Forret Drag Queen

drag as long as she can remember.

“I played around with makeup and watched hundreds of YouTube videos to teach myself how to do makeup,” she said.

But it wasn’t until she saw a job posting to drive a shuttle at Hôtel Gaythering that her drag career took off.

“Other bars and clubs in Miami told me ‘you don’t wanna do drag, don’t bother,’” she said. “Gaythering was the only place that didn’t automatically shut me down.

So in the application I said ‘hey you want an amateur drag queen as well as a shuttle driver?”

They said yes — obviously.

Blamie also won for her weekly drag bingo, Blamie’s Boozie Bingo, for Best Theme Night at Hôtel Gaythering.

She said doesn’t focus on “death drops” and “splits” to impress people at the bar.

Instead she said, “I spend hours hosting, talking to people, getting to know each individual at an event, cracking jokes, and after events I go out with the people I met, which creates a very intimate, unique, and fun experience.”

Her drag bingo night was suggested to her by the hotel’s owner, Alex Guerra. It started just 8 months ago.

“Because of the unique ‘comedy queen’ I have grown to be, it has become a huge success,” Blamie said. “Almost every night is packed.”

Make sure you catch Blamie on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. for drag bingo at Hôtel Gaythering.

- JEP

For 4 and half years Zach has been serving up drinks (and facial expressions) for locals at the Hôtel Gaythering in Miami Beach.

This year he wins SFGN’s award for Best Bartender.

“I truly give 100 percent when I am behind the bar and care about consistency, quality and efficiency. Every time you come to get a drink from me it should and will taste the same as the last,” Zach said. “I will also add, my facial expressions while interacting with guests can be quite entertaining from what I have been told.”

Zach loves bartending. For him it’s not all about the drink though.

“Bartending for me is not only about the craft alone but about the relationships you build with your guests and coworkers,” he said.

“I love the flexibility it gives me to travel the world and it allows me to share these experiences with my patrons.”

If you happen to catch Zach bartending make sure you order an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

“I always tell my guests who are trying one of my cocktails for the first time that the key to getting a good Old Fashioned is to order from an Old Fashioned drinker,” Zach said.

For Zach the Gaythering isn’t just a job it’s truly a home away from home.

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“It’s a special place to our patrons and especially to me,” he said. “On nights I am not working you will probably see me here anyways catching up with friends or just interacting with our guests.”

Make sure you stop by the Gaythering Wednesdays through Saturdays to catch Zach working. The hotel offers happy hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every single day with daily drink specials that run all night long.

- JEP

“Bartending for me is not only about the craft alone but about the relationships you build with your guests and coworkers.”

- Zach R.

Hôtel Gaythering

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

Miami-dade County

Miami-dade county

Best DJ

Best Artist/ Musician

DJ Hottpants

facebook.com/djhottpantsmiami

Photo courtesy of DJ Hottpants.

Credit: RadSkillz.

Robbie Elias

Instagram: @RobbieEliasOfficial Singer song writer Robbie Elias has built an impressive Grammy Award winning career within the music industry as an emerging singer song writer and backup vocalist for some of the biggest names in Latin Pop music.

Throughout a now robust and growing career, Robbie has pulled from his Latin roots but says his sound has evolved over the years into a blend of many genres’ representative of the cultural melting pot he grew up in as South Florida native.

Born in Miami to a Cuban guitarist/ songwriter father and a professional vocalist mother, Robbie said he has always been fortunate to have supportive parents.

Whether it was the dreams he pursued or the gender of his heart’s attraction, his parents were always front row as his number one fans.

As a proud gay artist, Robbie said he hopes his representation in the Latin Pop industry will inspire young fans to “take the risk and reach for their dream, no matter how big.” Currently on tour with Puerto Rican super star Daddy Yankee, Robbie’s professional life continues to climb to new heights.

With new music on the way and a busy touring schedule ahead, Robbie has cemented his place in Latin Pop Music for years to come.

His name may be DJ Hottpants but he’s more than willing to take his music into the cold — this year he traveled to Alaska to DJ at Anchorage Pride.

“It was my first visit to Alaska,” he said. “I had such a fantastic time this past year. I was honored to DJ at Miami Beach Pride, and Wynwood Pride.”

You can catch Hottpants at Gramps in Wynwood every Thursday night for

- JP

Double Stubble.

“Being active in the queer community and helping connect people to the amazing non-profits and other organizations doing great work in South Florida is such a gift,” he said. “Most of all, thanks for shaking your booty with me... in front of, or behind, the decks.”

- JEP

Best Non-Profit and Best Annual Event Miami Beach Pride miamibeachpride.com

Miami Beach Pride is a show stopping annual social event of the South Florida LGBT community. Each year the festival welcomes droves of travelers and locals to the sun and sand filled beaches to enjoy the now nine-day festival of fun and celebration.

Kicked off with a Pride Flag raising ceremony, the parade and festival have continued to grow, including 90-plus parade contingencies, 30-plus floats and over 3,000 participants. With the expansion of the festival from a week-long event to a nine-day celebration, Miami Beach Pride 2020 is slated to be an even larger and more vibrant event than before.

Saturday and Sunday feature two stages with world-class DJs, entertainers, and

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celebrity entertainers along with 125-plus vendor booths, food and cocktail options.

The festival also includes the Pridelines Youth District and Safe Zone, Lambda Living Lounge, BB&T Food Pavilion, “The Garden of Eve” Women’s tent, and many family friendly activities.

Now in its twelfth year, the hugely successful event has grown from 15,000 attendees in 2009, to a staggering 145,000 people.

It all began in 2008, spearheaded by then Mayor of Miami Beach, Matti Bower as an initiative of the Miami Beach Gay Business Development Council. This annual event has earned the distinction of “Top 100 Events of the Year” for the fifth year in a

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

row by BizBash Magazine.

The organization also recently named a new Executive Director, Rich Walczak.

“Miami Beach Pride breaks attendance records every year,” said, Bruce Horwich, chairman of the board. “As our community grows and becomes more diverse, it’s our duty to develop programming celebrating

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all facets of our LGBTQ+ community here in Miami Beach and beyond. Rich Walczak brings the LGBTQ+ and international event management experience we need to achieve our goals in providing more inclusive and educational programming.”

- JP

Best Of 2019

MIAMI-DADE

more winners Best Burger

Best Restaurant

BurgerFi

R House

BurgerFI.com

RhouseWynwood.com

Best Activity For Tourist Palace Drag Brunch PalaceSouthBeach.com

Best Pizza

Best Live Theater

Steve’s Pizza

Villain Theater

StevesPizzas.net

VillainTheater.com

Be2s0t19of To read about these winners, visit

SFGN.com/BestOF2019 Be2s0t19of

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

PALM BEACH County

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Best Bar, Business & Theme Night (Karaoke) With 35 years of continuous operation, H.G. Rooster’s is the oldest gay bar in Palm Beach County. A short distance from I-95 there’s easy access from north and south. The bar is well maintained and the staff is always welcoming at any time Sunday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 3 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Happy Hour runs every day from 3 to 9 and features $2.50 wells and domestics.

“There are entertainments every night from Monday Bingo to Throwback Thursday and all the nights between,” said Manager David Kazen.

This includes this year’s Best Theme Night, Rooster’s Sunday Night Karaoke with Jeremy. It’s been on Sunday nights for about 20 years and runs from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Off Key Karaoke Inc. runs the show. It’s owned by Jared Scott. Jeremy works for the company. “It’s always been a winner,” said Kazen. “That’s why it’s run for so long.

It has relaxed vibe with some pretty amazing singers, locals and others touring at near by playhouses.”

This is the 6th year Rooster has won the Best of Bar. It also won for Best Business and Best of Theme Night.

Additionally long time bartender Phillip won for this year’s Best Bartender.

H. G. Rooster’s 823 Belvedere Rd West Palm Beach 561-832-9119 “The Roosters family is thrilled to receive so much recognition and love from all of our customers and the Palm Beach County community. Our staff and our customers are the heart and soul of our business. This year we celebrated our 35th anniversary and we look forward to being with and being part of the community for many years to come,” added owner AJ Wasson. “A special shout out to our bartender Phillip on his best bartender win, and to our Sunday night karaoke crew.

Sunday night karaoke has been a part of Roosters for 25 plus years.”

Submitted photo.

- DC

Best Neighborhood

Best Restaurant & Burger Howleys Restaurant

6

Northwood Village

time winner!

northwoodvillage.com

4700 S Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach This is the sixth time Howley’s has won Best Restaurant.

It is also the first year the restaurant took the award for Best Burger. While observing landmark dates, it should be noted that the restaurant celebrated 69 years since it was first opened by Patrick Howley in August, 1950.

Finally, fifteen years ago, the Subculture Group restored and updated the restaurant with inside and outside seating and a diner countertop with high stools for those inclined to enjoy the nostalgia of watching a short order cook prepare a number of dishes according to Howley’s original marketing pitch, “Cooked in

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sight… So it must be right.”

“We have an eclectic menu,” said Nicole Nichols, manager. “We try to offer something for everyone so you can have meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan meals.

We also have a full bar and a variety of other beverages and desserts.”

The Howley Burger is half a pound of pure ground beef grilled to your taste and topped with “anything” on the menu, according to Nichols.

- DC

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

According to Palm Beach Illustrated, the West Palm Beach gem, Northwood Village is reminiscent of northern California or bohemian European capitals, where walking is encouraged and boutique doors are open and inviting. They also describe it as a place where hipsters, fashionistas, foodies, and designers gather.

“Northwood has a variety of small shops, restaurants, and art galleries that allow visitors and locals to enjoy a night out while also being located in a quiet historic neighborhood,” said Ernie Gonzalez Center Operations Director for Compass and Northwood resident. “It’s a nice blend of old fashioned and modern which makes it accessible to all.”

Some of the more notable businesses include Leo’s Crab Shack, Melanies’ Thrift and Things, Jai Bella Boutique Hair Salon,

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and The Youth Concept Gallery. One of the biggest events hosted in Northwood is the annual Northwoodstock. In addition to winning Best Neighborhood, NWV has also been voted one of the top 10 best instagrammable places in Palm Beach County.

- DCJ

PALM BEACH County

Best Nonprofit Compass Community Center

Best Activist

6

time winner!

5

time winner!

201 North Dixie Lake Worth Beach CompassGLCC.com According to the website, Compass’ mission is “To engage, empower and enrich the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and those impacted by HIV and AIDS.” “That’s what we do,” said Julie Seaver, Executive Director. “We’ve expanded the board with new members eager to increase our ability to fulfill our mission.”

Some of the steps Seaver has taken to extend Compass’ services since she was hired last year include: hiring three bilingual staff members to better serve our expanding diverse populations; supporting a monthly

Best Of 2019

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Julie Seaver Compass 201 N Dixie Hwy Lake Worth Beach

coffee clatch to encourage LGBT seniors to make use of Compass’ facilities; and developing a program for trans children ages 3 to 12 and their families called Authentically YOUth. Seaver has 25 staff members supported by hundreds of volunteers. She increases the Center’s reach further by opening the facilities to LGBT organizations who then call Compass home. This is the sixth year Compass has won this award.

- DC

Best Drag Queen Melissa St. John

Submitted photo.

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H.G. Rooster’s 823 Belvedere Rd. West Palm Beach RoostersWPB.com 561-832-9119 When thinking of drag queens in West Palm Beach, Melissa St. John is always top of mind.

This is the sixth consecutive year SFGN readers named her Best Drag Queen!

Her reaction was sincere, “Who-Hoo! #BreakingRecords!” But it’s how she does it that’s important.

Melissa St. John’s trailblazing influence extends way beyond the stage. She is the official host of Palm Beach County’s PrideFest, she’s the entertainment director at Rooster’s, and she is affectionately known as the First Lady of the Palm Beaches. Glamour combined with wit is Melissa St. John’s signature.

She is both a thoroughly entertaining performer and a fantastic host. Melissa draws crowds in with her expressive

time winner!

performances. No matter whom she’s working with, Melissa’s personality simultaneously stands out and complements others.

Around South Florida, Melissa is known as much for philanthropy as she is for performing. Throughout her career, she’s helped those in need by raising money for organizations that help fighting hunger, HIV/AIDS, and other issues that affect the LGBT community.

Melissa performs in the upcoming Divas Holiday Party on Dec. 6 at the Lake Worth Playhouse.

Twenty years ago, Julie Seaver found Compass and Forrest Shearin’s weekly coming out group while she searched for help in understanding what was happening in her life.

She started attending the coming out group regularly and soon became a volunteer at the agency. Subsequently, she was hired to work on development and fund raising for the Center.

She held a number of positions and in 2018 she became interim executive director and then full time executive director.

“I used to think that being an activist meant you had to be angry all the time but have come to know so many activists who go calmly about their work helping others with love and passion,” Seaver said. “I am honored to receive this award and gladly share it with all the activists who help make Palm Beach a safer place for all.”

- DC

- DR

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“I used to think that being an activist meant you had to be angry all the time but have come to know so many activists who go calmly about their work helping others with love and passion.”

- Julie Seaver

Executive Director of Compass

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

PALM BEACH County

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Best Bartender

Best Politician 4

Phillip Parks

time winner!

Rep. Lois Frankel

Rooster’s 823 Belvedere Rd West Palm Beach

frankel.house.gov

Rep Lois Frankel has held a number of elected positions during her long career in politics. She is currently representing Florida residents in the 21st District of the U.S. House of Representatives.

She is a proud original cosponsor of the Equality Act. When she was in Palm Beach at the beginning of October, she made it a point to visit Compass’ Coffee Clatch for senior LGBT people mingling with the group of around 50 people.

She sent the following, “I’m honored to be recognized by your readers. It is truly a privilege to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and fight for equality for all in the United States Congress, especially

during a time when so many wish to take us backwards.”

This is the 4th time Rep. Frankel has won the Best Palm Beach Politician.

- DC

Want to meet the Best Bartender in Palm Beach County? Stop by Roosters on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 p.m. to closing and shake hands with Phillip Parks, a Louisiana native who joined Roosters eight years ago having moved to South Florida some 16 years prior.

Roosters is involved in a number of nonprofit fundraising projects and Parks said he likes working on them. In fact, he rode in the last four Smart Rides – the 165 mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West to raise funds for HIV/AIDS organizations.

He admits hat he is taking a “me break” this year. He will attend the event but not participate on a bike. Parks is 41 and not married although he is in a relationship.

He loves working at Rooster’s.

Best Social Group Their twice weekly tunning events can take many different routes through downtown West Palm Beach and across the Intracoastal to Palm Beach Island.

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Every Monday and Thursday night at 8 p.m., Night Runners meets up at Howard Park at 1302 Parker Avenue (Parker & Okeechobee at the parking lot next to the basketball courts).

Night Runners was founded as a MeetUp group on Dec. 1, 2016 and has grown to more than 500 members over the intervening 3 years organizing 232 events as of mid-November 2019.

Their twice weekly tunning events can take many different routes through downtown West Palm Beach and across the Intracoastal to Palm Beach Island.

One of the members posted the following: “A great welcoming group. I always have a lot of fun running with them. The course varies but it’s always interesting and very scenic.”

Although everyone is welcome, the group has a queer flavor with many of its members from the local LGBT community.

This is the first time Night Runners has won a Best Of. - DC

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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“The customers, staff and management make it a pleasure to come to work,” he said.

- DC

Night Runners 1302 Parker Avenue West Palm Beach MeetUp.com/Night-Runners-WPB

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Best Of 2019

Best Gallery

3

time winner!

The Box Gallery 811 Belvedere Rd West Palm Beach theboxgallery.info For the second year in a row The Box Gallery has won Best Gallery in Palm Beach County. The Box Gallery has become one of the premier galleries in West Palm Beach, not to mention, it’s only been established for three years.

Their exhibitions have proven to be informative, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Although Rolando Chang Barrero is an openly gay artist, he works tirelessly to make sure his gallery is all inclusive.

This past March gallery owner Rolando Chang Barrero contributed to Palm Beach Pride in a memorable way. He created panels in recognition of influential LGBT advocates in the community, like Melissa St.John and Andy Amoroso, just to name a few.

“Im very proud to lead the way for arts advocacy and community development,” said Chang Barrero, gallery curator and owner.

“The gallery has become the place where to view and engage in deeper dialogue about trends and directions of the contemporary art scene. Our success has been due to our spirit of community embracing everyone from our furry friends and radical fairies to the academics and affluent.

- DCJ

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Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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DAY WITH (OUT) ART

THE BOX GALLERY

Best Of 2019

VISUAL AIDS

811 BELVEDERE ROAD WPB

COMPASS AT THE BOX GALLERY DECEMBER 1, 2019 | 3-9 PM

GET TESTED FOR HIV AND FIND OUT ABOUT PREP!

THE BOX GALLERY

H.G. ROOSTERS

811 BELVEDERE ROAD | WEST PALM BEACH

WWW.THEBOXGALLERY.INFO

#knowyourstatus

Get tested. Get PrEP. Get treatment.

PALM BEACH

more winners Best Kept Secret

Best Straight Bar

The Book Cellar

801 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach

Foster’s, Respectibles, and Revelry West Palm Beach

Best Theater Lake Worth Playhouse 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth

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At Midway Specialty Care Center we are “InSAME a world where I DAY could be anything, I chose a todos.

Come as you are.

PrEP able to“Bienvenidos start almost everyone on same day to be kind.

I became a medical assistant so We speak Spanish, Portuguese, and that I can play aand part inwithout caring for people.

PrEP, those with insurance.

At Midway Specialty Care Center we are English to provide comprehensive HIV Health and happiness are noton privileges, able to start same day care andalmost PrEP toeveryone our community.” they are a human right. ” PrEP, those with and without insurance.

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2500 NE 15th Ave | Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Best of SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019 2019

Be2s0t19of To read about these winners, visit

SFGN.com/BestOF2019

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSLETTER

Join us in celebrating 10 years of illuminating the lives and loves of our LGBT community Benefitting

January 15, 2020 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

1333 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS

Dress: Business Casual Awards Presentation: 7 p.m.

Hosted by Grieco Ford of Fort Lauderdale

Music by VJ Cliff R.

Free Entry • Ticketed Event • Free Parking Silent Auction • 50/50 Raffle • Food • Entertainment Reserve Anniversary Party Tickets Online: bit.ly/2Q0hZbq Be2s0t19of

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019 3

time winner!

KEY WEST

KEY WEST

Best Bar Aqua 711 Duval St Key West AquaKeyWest.com 305-294-0555

Aqua has won Best Bar and much of that, if not all, seems owed to the popularity of its drag shows.

This is the third time Aqua has won for Best Bar. Aqua holds two inside bars for watching the drag shows and occasional karaoke, then there is the Side Bar, which features the latest dance music and videos, and an outside bar in the back for the more quiet cocktails.

In other words, there is always a perfect space for just your mood.

“The owners and staff at Aqua are excited to be recognized as Key West’s premier club. Throughout the complex we have nightly drag shows at Aqua and the best dance club atmosphere and DJs in the Keys at Sidebar,” said Kimball Ingram, owner of Aqua. “We love everyone because we believe the best nights are inclusive

Best Drag Queen

Submitted photo.

Maya Montana Aqua Nightclub

nights. Thank you to everyone who has visited and who voted for us!”

Aqua’s drag ensemble is made up of six performers, known as the Aquanettes.

There’s a nightly performance, usually featuring three Aquanettes at a time.

Aqua describes it as “fun, raucous and a quintessential part of Key West life.”

One yelp reviewer writes “Amazing night here. High quality, professional show, great costumes and music, all around fabulous time!”

- NA

For 25 years Maya Montana has been entertaining crowds with her drag performances. And she’s not slowing down any time soon!

She is thrilled to have been name this year’s Best Drag Queen in Key West.

“I am so humbled and grateful that people think I’m deserving of this honor.

I’ve been doing this art form of female impersonation for 25 years and I genuinely love what I do and I will continue to do my best to entertain people and work as hard as possible to deserve this great honor,” she said.

You can Maya at Aqua Nightclub in Key West. The bar has shows 7 nights a week.

“Thank you once again for all of those that voted for me,” she said. “Me love you long time!”

- JEP

Best Activist & Bartender Ryan Acker Bourbon Street Pub

In Key West Ryan Acker is known as the “King of Fundraising” and he attributes that to him being named as Best Activist.

This year he also named King of Fantasy Fest because of his fundraising abilities.

All of those who were nominated for that title raised a total of $130,000.

“I really like everything that I do. I orchestrate these things.

But it takes the people in the community to make these things happen.

It’s really a team effort all of the way around. I appreciate everyone voted for me. It’s cool.”

Ryan also won for Best Bartender,

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which surprised him.

“I don’t think it was because of my bartending,” he said. “I just have a huge following. People like to be involved with the various things I do. We are a tight knit community here in Key West.”

He’s worked at the Bourbon Street Pub full time for the past two years.

His specialty? Peanut Butter and Jelly shots, which consists of raspberry Stoli, amaretto, Frangelico, and cranberry juice.

“People love them,” he said.

People love them, but they also love him.

- JEP

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

Submitted photo.

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Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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Best Of 2019

KEY WEST

KEY WEST

Best Annual Event Key West comes alive as a veritable playground during this raucous festival of debauchery for the LGBT community.

Fantasy Fest fantasyfest.com

No annual event pushes the boundaries of creativity or freedom of expression quite like Fantasy Fest, the annual Halloween spectacular held each year in Key West.

Fantasy Fest goers revel in the opportunity to share their over the top costumes while enjoying the dazzling parade and street side parties along Duval Street. With tributes to musical icons, skimpy costumes and a parade of no shame artistic and personal expression, this is the most thrilling Halloween experience of the year.

Key West comes alive as a veritable playground during this raucous festival of debauchery for the LGBT community.

Guest Houses throughout Key West

host parties for every kink and culture, ensuring festival goers will enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

Florida Keys tourism officials say Fantasy Fest brings approximately $30 million in revenues to the island chain each year with festival goers enjoying the many local business and clothing optional guest houses.

Harness your inner Gatsby and prepare to enjoy another epic Halloween celebration when Fantasy Fest kicks off its 40th Anniversary celebration with its theme “Roaring 20-20’s and Future Fictions” from Oct. 16-25, 2020.

- JP

3

Best NonProfit

time winner!

AH Monroe AHmonroe.org

Three decades ago, a group of Key West locals gathered on a back porch to pool their limited resources to confront their shared frustration at the growing loss of life in their community to HIV/AIDS. With hope and very little resources, five founding board members set out to create an agency on the island that could help make a difference in the lives of their neighbors, friends and loved ones who were traversing the dark early years of the AIDS crisis.

In those trying times, Key West became a natural landing space for those suffering from the disease. Many of whom whose diagnosis had ostracized them from their families, communities and occupations.

AIDS Help (now A.H. Monroe County, Inc.) began with a simple shared mission, “to help people in their community live to see another day.” In the years that followed, A.H. would grow to become more than a helping

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SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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hand in the darkest of times.

Over its thirty-year span, A.H. has served over three thousand clients and continues to be an anchor of hope for the Key West community.

The Agency hosts a wide variety of charitable work; including case management services, affordable housing, counseling, testing, educational outreach and more.

Their mission of helping people see another day has evolved into a variety of support services which continue to help neighbors, friends and loved ones living with HIV in the Key West community lead long full lives.

- JP

S AV E T H E D AT E , B E C O M E A PA R T O F

LGBT HISTORY!

ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT ON SATURDAY, NOV. 30 DA N C IN G • JO GGI N G • L AU GH IN G • SLE E PIN G • S WIMMIN G • TANNIN G • S IN G IN G

Send SFGN your EVERY DAY PHOTO and

celebrate with us

in capturing one day in the life of LGBT South Floridians.

Submit photos taken on Nov. 30 to Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com. Please include the time that the photo was taken, complete names of all people, city you live in and a short description of what’s taking place.

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Best Of 2019

KEY WEST

more winners Best Pizza

Best Key Lime Pie Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe KeyLimeShop.com

Mr. Z’s Pizza

501 Southard St. at Duval, Key West

Best Restaurant Santiago’s Bodega 207 Petronia St., Key West

Best Kept Secret & Best Burger Moondog Cafe Key West

Best Activity for Tourists Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

823 Whitehead St, Key West

1316 Duval Street, Key West

Be2s0t19of To read about these winners, visit

SFGN.com/BestOF2019 50

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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Nite Club Law

Join us on Friday Nov 22 from 6-9 p.m. for our

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2412 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 954-990-4698 BOYDSMADISONAVE.COM

Fall 2019 • Best Of LGBT South Florida // SFGN.COM

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HIVcare.org

Rebekka, AHF Client

AHF HEALTHCARE CENTERS

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KINDER (SOUTH MIAMI) 3661 S MIAMI AVE, STE 806 (786) 497-4000

MIAMI (JACKSON NORTH) 100 NW 170TH ST, STE 208 (305) 405-0045

OAKLAND PARK 1164 E OAKLAND PARK BLVD, 3RD FL (954) 561-6900

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DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE 700 SE 3RD AVE, STE 301 (954) 767-0887

SFGN.COM // Best Of LGBT South Florida • Fall 2019

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