The Gazette 5/18/23 V10iss9

GAZETTE

WILTON MANORS

HUNT SLONEM’S ‘THUNDERBUNNY’ LANDS IN WILTON MANORS

By Christiana Lilly

Standing at nearly 14 feet tall and covered with 6,500 pieces of bright blue glass, a new Instagrammable moment has made its way to the Island City.

Hunt Slonem’s “Thunderbunny” is on loan from New River Fine Art in Fort Lauderdale and will reside at Justin Flippen Park for the next year.

“This sculpture, born from an early mosaic piece I created for a West Palm Beach building, has been years in the making, with its Floridian origins lending it a profound connection,” Slonem said in a statement. “I’m thrilled by the perfect fit my work finds in Florida, and the sheer ecstasy I feel knowing it will grace Wilton Manors in monumental scale.”

Lisa Burgess, president and founder of New River Fine Art, explained that “Thunderbunny” first made its way down to South Florida for the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art fair in 2022. When she discovered that it wasn’t immediately needed by the artist until Spring 2024, she asked Slonem if he would agree to loan it to Wilton Manors. The world renowned artist enthusiastically agreed, and after the OK from the Wilton Manors City Commission, New River Fine Art and Art Gallery 21 helped put up funds to support the display.

“I was very excited because I couldn’t think

of a better place for it to go,” Burgess said.

She explained that the main thoroughfare at Five Points would give “Thunderbunny” great visibility, and she was also impressed with the city’s efforts to expand its public art. Around town, one can partake in the Sculpture Walk, including melting popsicles, oversized orange slices, candy hearts, and countless other pieces to enjoy.

Slonem is an American artist known for his paintings of butterflies, bunnies and tropical birds; his work has been on display in more than 250 museum exhibitions as well as 60 permanent collections, including the lauded Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

“I just smile every time I look at it,” Burgess said of Thunderbunny. “We want it to bring culture, happiness and joy to anybody who sees it. That’s one of the purposes of public art.”

And with a concrete pad now in place at the park, she hopes it opens opportunities for more public art to be on display there.

An official unveiling ceremony for “Thunderbunny” is planned for the future; a date has not yet been announced. In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to take a photo with “Thunderbunny” and include the hashtag #thunderbunnyWiltonManors when sharing on social media.

Photo by Carina Mask.

WILTON MANORS DISCUSSES GROWING SAFETY CONCERNS

By John Hayden

With state sanctioned oppression and rising vigilante threats, the definition of what constitutes safety and a safe environment is in flux for the LGBT community.

On May 8, HotSpots! held HotTopics!: Town Hall What Is Safety? at Island City

Rogers asked if the survey collected data such as racial demographics. Blocker said it did not, but acknowledged it was a good idea and would consider it when the survey goes out again in this autumn.

Stage.

Jasmine Rogers and Jameer Baptiste moderated the panel of community servants and activists. They include Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo, Assistant Police Chief Darren Broadsky, Police Chief Gary Blocker, Carvelle Estriplet, a trans woman and business owner, World AIDS Museum Executive Director Terry Dyer, and Equality Florida field manager Mary EakinsDurand.

All shared their experiences interacting in and around Greater Wilton Manors. Each had a unique perspective and story to share. Dyer talked about being attacked while walking home from The Drive. The incident left him shaken.

The packed house listened to each story

and statistic, then submitted their questions in written form.

Baptiste and Rogers kept the forum moving, while also stopping at key points to ask follow up questions. At one point, Chief Blocker was discussing the quality-of-life survey the city puts out to gauge feelings about WMPD.

Rogers asked if the survey collected data such as racial demographics. Blocker said it did not, but acknowledged it was a good idea and would consider it when the survey goes out again in this autumn.

After several topics, action points were noted and benchmarks for success were discussed.

You can watch the entire forum online at hotspotsmagazine.com.

May 18, 2023 • Volume 10 • Issue 10

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher/Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher•Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com

Assistant to the Editor • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Editorial Graphic Designers

Julie Palmer•Kyle Willis•Craig Tuggle artwork@sfgn.com

Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor •John Hayden john.jmhcreative@gmail.com

Correspondents

Sal Torre • James Oaksun • John McDonald

Staff Photographers J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. nlgja logo 6

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Wilton Drive.

Photo by Carina Mask.

WILTON MANORS WRESTLES WITH BUNNY BOOM

By John Hayden

Rabbit sightings in Jenada Isle are becoming more frequent by the day. It’s believed the recent bunny boom began with a few domesticated rabbits being abandoned or released a couple of months ago. As City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said, “Bunnies are gonna do what bunnies do,” and they have.

Estimates in early May show about 60 are roaming the neighborhood and the problem is, literally, growing every day. City commissioners have discussed the issue at a couple of meetings. Since initial cost projections are low enough to come from discretionary spending without needing specific allocation from the commission, responsibility for dealing with the problem was delegated to Henderson.

It leaves her in a no-win situation.

Unlike pythons or iguanas (which are deemed “wild”), the rabbits are considered domesticated and can’t be hunted. A trapping

firm is being brought in to humanely trap them. But since it’s highly unlikely homes will be able to be found for all the rabbits, there’s a good chance some will need to be euthanized.

Residents want the problem eliminated, but shrink at the thought of them being killed.

A Facebook page dedicated to Jenada Isle posted, “Save the Bunnies! These domesticated bunnies deserve the chance for a happy life as a companion pet, instead of being dumped on the street, trapped and killed. Please help the Bunnies in any way you can.” It went on to give links to animal rescue and adoption information. There are also several links to videos of the Jenada Isle Bunnies being adorable.

Nearby communities are worried that they won’t remain Jenada Isle Bunnies. They reproduce so rapidly it’s a sure thing that the population will soon spread beyond the

so. This article reflects the latest information possible from social media and discussions at

Photo by Carina Mask.

picturesque enclave. SFGN and Henderson both tried to connect several times but were unable to do

City Commission.

COMMISSIONER: DRAG QUEENS ALLOWED AT STONEWALL PRIDE

NEW OWNERS AT COURTYARD CAFÉ

By John Hayden

It has been a busy week clarifying the facts about Stonewall and drag. I understand, in retrospect, how the recent amendment was interpreted by members of our community as a ban on drag. I hope this letter clearly states my position and the facts.

WMEG, the event producer, handles the selection of entertainment and performances. Let me be clear: drag queens are allowed at Stonewall and we have not told WMEG that drag queens are prohibited from being a part of the event. We’ve not asked WMEG to set an age requirement for entry, either. We’re an inclusive city, and all are welcome at our cultural celebration.

At the recent commission meeting, I personally called for people to show up in drag and stated that I planned to be there in drag. To that end, I do not personally believe that the type of drag performances we’ve come to expect at Stonewall Pride are illegal. I believe our cultural expression of drag is inherently artistic and politically valuable. Look for me at Stonewall: I will be in the parade in drag as “Lady Vote” and am working hard on a performance that I don’t believe is illegal. The governor may not agree with me, but that’s a protracted legal battle I’m comfortable taking on for myself.

On the other hand, I am not comfortable with city employees losing their jobs at the whim of the Governor. The same law prohibits city employees from issuing a permit where a prohibited performance occurs. City employees are amazing public

servants who are asked to put aside their personal beliefs and uphold state and federal laws. It is our job as elected officials to take on political battles. I believe shielding city employees from being political targets is also one of my responsibilities as a leader. I won’t put city employees’ jobs at risk by positioning them to be held liable over different interpretations of the law.

All of our event permits have always (and will always) say the permit holder agrees to comply with all laws. Since the original permit was signed prior to this legislation becoming law, our city attorney advised us that it would be necessary for Stonewall to sign the amendment. I believe this was a prudent decision to protect city employees from loss of employment.

I do not regret protecting city staff from this political fight and I hope my appearance in the Stonewall Parade as “Lady Vote” sends a clear message that I don’t believe that drag is illegal as it of clear artistic and political value. I do regret that we didn’t provide more background into our reasoning for approving the amendment, but I hope my statements here make my position very clear. If the governor’s opinion of what is legal differs from mine, I am prepared to fight that battle on behalf of our community. I hope you’ll stand with me – and forgive me if my makeup is a hot mess.

— CHRIS CAPUTO, WILTON MANORS COMMISSIONER

Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café is now, more accurately, just Courtyard Café.

The Wilton Drive staple has been bought out. Shawn went on social media to announce the news, writing, “As of April 26, Courtyard Café is under new ownership. I would like to thank the community for 15 years of love and support. I hope that you continue to support them as you have supported me over the years!”

Very few people knew the restaurant was up for sale or that new owners were coming in. The day after the news was announced, SFGN spoke with Branden Vidal, one of the new owners.

“There’s always some uncertainty when there’s a change in ownership. Our intent is not to make a sudden change.”

Vidal, as well as coowners Javier Valdez and Deiler Beltran, have worked in the South Florida LGBT community for years and are all LGBT themselves.

“We have many years of experience in the Miami and Wilton Manors areas,” Vidal said.

The new owners have a fresh vibe that some say is needed on an increasingly staid

Drive. Others may be concerned it’s Miami moving in. Vidal says that’s not the case.

“We don’t intend to bring that Miami vibe. Wilton Manors is a community that has its own hip energy to it. We want to continue that energy.”

Though they’re new to ownership on The Drive, they are very familiar with the neighborhood. Major developments are coming to the city, and the next one could be right across the street at Shoppes of Wilton Manors (aka Alibi Plaza).

Many worry the development could be the beginning of the end of Wilton’s status as an LGBT community. The new owners say that can’t happen.

“Any plan that’s gonna positively affect the community, and continue to support the LGBT community for many years to come, that’s something we’ll be on board with.”

That all comes from their respect for what’s been built here.

“We’re all for what the community wants as long as it continues to keep that LGBT legacy and not chase it off.”

Courtyard Cafe. Photo via Facebook.

“There’s always some uncertainty when there’s a change in ownership. Our intent is not to make a sudden change.”

- Branden Vidal NEW CO-OWNER

Stonewall Pride 2019. Photo by JR Davis.