FLORIDA: Fort Lauderdale Cop Suspended After Abusing Homeless Man

Via the Miami Herald:

A Fort Lauderdale police officer was “relieved of duty with pay” Monday afternoon after a video surfaced on YouTube showing the officer pushing and slapping a homeless man at a Broward bus terminal, Fort Lauderdale police confirmed Monday night. The video, posted by chitownchico87able, shows the officer — being identified by WSVN-7 as Victor Ramirez — throwing the man, identified by police as Bruce Laclair, to the ground. The officer can be seen sporting bright blue gloves and holding Laclair’s arm before throwing him to the ground. “Relax. I am telling you right now what’s going to happen,” he said as Laclair, wearing gray sweats, sat on the ground. “I’m escorting you out right now. You are not going to go pee. You are not supposed to be here.” The officer tells him to get up and then he can be seen slapping him in the face. Laclair falls over. “I’m not fucking around with you. Don’t fucking touch me,” he said. “Put your hands behind your back.” The incident unfolded Monday at the Broward Central Bus Terminal off Broward Boulevard and Andrews Avenue Monday.

If not for the YouTube user, nobody would know about it.

FLORIDA: City Of Fort Lauderdale Hosts Mass Sunrise Wedding For 100 Couples

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau this morning hosted a sunrise wedding ceremony for over 100 same-sex couples. The nuptials had been slated to take place on the beach, but a torrential rainstorm moved the festivities across the street to the cosponsoring W Hotel, where the staff was standing by and already set up. Lance Bass, whose own wedding airs tonight on E!, was on hand as the event's "Ambassador Of Love." Photos above are by our own Father Tony, who has posted a lovely Flickr slideshow. Click over and enjoy all the happy, beautiful married Floridians.

VIDEO: Couples Marry In Fort Lauderdale

Wedding Bells Ring Across Florida

Hundreds of couples are lined up across Florida at the county clerks' offices that have kindly opened their doors tonight. Weddings will continues until the wee hours of morning.

FLORIDA: City Of Fort Lauderdale Plans Beach Wedding For 100 Gay Couples

Via the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel:

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau plans to invite at least 100 couples from around the country and around the world to marry oceanside in a common ceremony sometime this winter, said Nicki Grossman, president of the Broward County tourism group in an interview. The 100 number also will honor Broward's 100th birthday celebration now underway. "We're going to pull out all the stops, just like a proud father does when their child marries," said Grossman, calling gay travelers "a very loyal and important part of our destination." The wedding extravaganza is just the first of many gay-marriage activities planned in Broward, a pioneer in promoting gay tourism. In 2013, more than 1.3 million LGBT travelers visited Broward and spent about $1.5 billion, accounting for about 10 percent of tourism in the county, Grossman said. And that counts only those who came on LGBT tours, attended gay events, responded to gay ads or in some way, self-identified as LGBT. "We believe that there are considerably more LGBT travelers than that" in Broward, Grossman said.

A date for the event has not yet been announced.

FORT LAUDERDALE: 90 Year-Old Defies New Law By Feeding Homeless In Park

After gaining national scorn for its new law against feeding homeless people, Fort Lauderdale police yesterday declined to rearrest a 90-year-old anti-poverty activist for defying the law by again distributing meals in a public park. Via the Associated Press:

Despite being charged with violating a new law by feeding the homeless in South Florida, 90-year-old Arnold Abbott said he's not deterred and even went back out to serve more food at a public park. The faceoff in Fort Lauderdale over the ordinance restricting public feeding of the homeless has pitted those with compassionate aims against residents and businesses trying to protect their neighborhoods. Abbott, affectionately known as "Chef Arnold," and two South Florida ministers were charged last weekend as they handed out food. They were accused of breaking the ordinance and each faces up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. "One of the police officers said, 'Drop that plate right now,' as if I were carrying a weapon," Abbott said. But on Wednesday night, Abbott and others served a four-course meal by the beach as police filmed from a distance and a crowd of nearly 100 mostly homeless and volunteers cheered their arrival. "God bless you, Arnold!" some shouted. Others from the church carried signs in support of Abbott, saying the ordinance was violating their right to love thy neighbor.

The Democratic mayor of Fort Lauderdale defends the arrests in the first clip below from CBN. The second clip shows the first round of arrests.

FORT LAUDERDALE: City Criminalizes Feeding The Homeless, Citations Issued

Via Fort Lauderdale's Sun-Sentinel:

Uniformed police shut down an effort to provide lunch to scores of homeless in Stranahan Park on Sunday, enforcing a law passed recently that puts new limits on outdoor feeding sites. At least three people were cited for violating the new ordinance, including two members of the clergy and a 90-year-old advocate who has handed out food to the homeless for more than 20 years. Arnold Abbott, who heads the group Love Thy Neighbor, said he had served only three or four of about 300 meals he had prepared when police ordered him to stop. Abbott, the Rev. Mark Sims, of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church in Coral Springs, and the Rev. Dwayne Black, pastor of The Sanctuary Church in Fort Lauderdale, were each cited for willfully violating a city ordinance. Police issued them notices to appear in court, where they could be asked to explain their actions. The ordinance, approved by the city commission Oct. 22, is one of several recent efforts by officials to crack down on the city's burgeoning downtown homeless population.

The law was signed by the city's Democratic mayor. (Tipped by JMG reader Joel)

Local Haters Have The Florida Super-Sadz

"In yet another incident of judicial corruption and lawlessness in South Florida over the last 18 days, today, Broward County Circuit Judge Dale Cohen overthrew Florida’s voter-approved Constitution and denied Floridians their fundamental voter rights. Millions of Americans died fighting in battlefields around the world to defend the constitutional rights Judge Cohen has denied Floridians todays. He has violated his Oath of Office and the Code Judicial Conduct. This is a racist ruling that destroys public confidence in the judiciary and inflicts irreparable harm to respect for the Rule of Law. Cohen’s lawless decision to overthrow Florida’s Constitution, violate constitutional separation of powers, and deny fundamental voter rights is in brazen contempt to the legally binding precedent established by the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. vs. Windsor. In so doing, Mr. Cohen has also offended basic human decency, violated his Oath of Office, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and the Florida Bar Canons of Ethics. Cohen has forfeited his legacy and his right to remain on the bench." - Sara Espinoza, of the Florida Democratic League, which bills itself as the state's "largest Hispanic-led Democratic voters' organization."

RELATED: The Liberty Counsel was denied in their bids to represent the so-called Florida Democratic League in two same-sex marriage cases. The actual Florida Democratic Party is threatening to sue Espinoza's group for misrepresenting themselves as part of their organization.

FORT LAUDERDALE: Convention Bureau Endorses Overturn of Marriage Ban

Via press release:

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau today announced its unconditional support for the overturning of bans on same-sex marriage in Florida. Florida’s prohibition of same-sex marriages, including a ban on recognizing same-sex marriage performed in states where it is legal, may be repealed this year pending the outcome of two separate lawsuits currently before state and federal courts. Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau President, Nicki E. Grossman, said “after years of seeking equal rights for the LGBT community in Florida, it is the right time to do the right thing and allow same sex marriage throughout the state.”

With the highest number of same-sex couples in the country, and as one of the top LGBT vacation destinations in the world, Greater Fort Lauderdale has long been a pioneering advocate of the LGBT community in Florida.“The rainbow flag flies loud and proud in Broward County and we can’t wait to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage with couples from all walks of life and from all over the country,” Ms. Grossman said. The destination’s open and welcoming relationship with transgender, lesbian, gay, and bi-sexual residents, tourists and businesses, has been gratifying with a resulting record-breaking 1.3 million LGBT visitors in 2013.

Marriage hearings have already been held in the cases brought against Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Summary judgments were requested in both cases. The cities of Orlando and Miami Beach have also issued resolutions endorsing the overturn of the ban.

Fort Lauderdale Commission To Vote On Resolution Endorsing Same-Sex MarriageUPDATE: Resolution Passes By 3-2 Vote

The vote is tonight. Via the Broward-Palm Beach New Times:

A Fort Lauderdale measure asking commissioners to openly support marriage equality and gay rights is in danger of not having enough votes to pass Tuesday. The measure, sponsored by openly gay Commissioner Dean Trantalis, is nonbinding. However, it would speak loudly for city officials to openly support marriage equality -- particularly officials who serve a city densely populated by the LGBT community. Still, with the vote happening at 6 p.m. at Fort Lauderdale City Hall, gay activists are looking at the real possibility that the resolution won't get the votes. Michael Rajner, a gay rights activist, sent out an email predicting that the resolution will go down in a 3-2 defeat.

From the editorial board of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel:

It is obviously non-binding, but at least shows that the city — which has a sizeable LGBT population — is supporting equal marriage rights for all. The resolution also urges Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to enact a law that would provide for marriage equality in Florida, which has banned same-sex marriage. The resolution deserves consideration and passage. In an area with a large gay population, and markets itself as a gay-friendly tourist destination, passing this resolution would send the right message of tolerance. Polls show the public supports same-sex marriage rights. It is time for Fort Lauderdale to be heard and to position itself on the right side of history.

If you can get to Fort Lauderdale City Hall by 6PM tonight, please consider doing so.

UPDATE: The resolution passed by a 3-2 vote.

Fort Lauderdale Commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of a marriage-equality resolution Tuesday, urging Gov. Rick Scott and the state Legislature to take action to legalize same-sex marriage. "If we're truly going to be an All-America city, we have to be a city for all Americans," said Commissioner Dean Trantalis, who proposed the resolution. Most speakers addressing the commission supported the resolution. Many had been forced to marry out of state or were planning weddings out of state because of Florida's ban. "We deserve this dignity," resident Chad Thilborger said. Only a couple of speakers opposed the resolution.

Afternoon View - Gaysha Sushi

Directly across from Wilton Manors' all-gay strip mall and next door to the popular bear bar is Gaysha Sushi, whose menu includes the Wilton Rainbow Roll.

Morning View

There's a small marina for jillionaires right across the drawbridge from Father Tony's building.

Morning View

Afternoon View

From Father Tony's balcony.

Morning View - Fort Lauderdale Beach

I'm in Florida for the next couple of weeks for my annual holiday visit with friends and family.  I hear there's a big snow storm about to hit New York City. What a pity.

Quote Of The Day - Danita Kilcullen

"We must fight with all we have. We must put pressure on the House like has never been seen before. I'll be damned if I will ever be forced to hire someone with orange hair, body/neck/face covered with tattoos, multiple piercings, or a man in a dress... or for that matter, a demonstrative effeminate male or purposeful butch-looking female. The Log Cabins are the same lobbyist organization that has all but taken over [Broward Republican Executive Committee]; and besides that, we have someone on the Board of BREC who is using her position to openly put pressure on some BREC members to stand for same-sex marriage. This is the same group who, based on nothing other than his recent stand for gay marriage, supports Chris Christie and who publicly worked against Cuccinelli for his stand for traditional marriage. Keep in mind, this is a thug organization with only their own 'special interests' in play." - Danita Kilcullen, co-founder of Tea Party Fort Lauderdale.

FLORIDA: World AIDS Museum Dedicated In Wilton Manors, Magic Johnson Attends

The dedication for the World AIDS Museum took place in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Wilton Manors yesterday. Father Tony Adams took the above photo and he sends us this email:

I just went to the dedication of the fledgling World AIDS Museum in Wilton Manors. Magic Johnson was the special guest. He donated a jersey. He said that today is the 22nd anniversary of his coming out as HIV+. Steve Stagon, the founder, said that the museum will increase awareness and decrease the stigma of HIV/AIDS. A board member who came out as gay to his parents and got tested for HIV said that Magic Johnson inspired him to do it. He also made the point that the 9/11 museum honors the 3000 who died because of the attack, and the Holocaust museum honors the 6 million who died because of the Holocaust, but there have been 26 million deaths worldwide because of HIV/AIDS. There is much justification for this museum. This museum will have an education center to provide treatment and prevention information.

You can donate to support the museum here.

Press Release Of The Day

From the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau:

It’s not the size of the city that matters, with Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Wilton Manors beating worldwide competition to be named “Gayborhood of the Year” in the 2013 ManAboutWorld Editors’ Choice Awards. At the same time, the destination was recently cited to be the city with the highest concentration of same-sex couple households by the U.S. Census, edging out traditional frontrunner San Francisco and recent newcomer Seattle.  In the beating heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the vibrant community of Wilton Manors, known as “Island City” due to the winding waterways that flow through the city, was praised by ManAboutWorld as a “triumph over assimilation.” Wilton Manors continues to evolve and features the largest Pride Center and a soon to open World Aids Museum and Educational Center, the only museum dedicated to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

"Triumph over assimilation." That's an...interesting way to put it. The press release goes to list a couple of dozen gay bars and restaurants in Wilton Manors.

Fort Lauderdale Tops Gay Couples Data

Via Huffington Post:

Recently released data from the U.S. Census revealed which cities have the highest concentration of same-sex couple households in the country. The surprisingly frontrunner? Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where same-sex couples make up a whopping 2.8 percent of total households. The Florida beach town has long been a destination for the vacationing LGBT community and is home to 19 gay resorts. The real jaw-dropper, however, comes with a switch-up between two much larger cities. With 2.5 percent same-sex households, San Francisco came in a narrow third (third!) to Seattle, where gay households are suddenly booming. The city leaped from an estimated 1.7 percent of households in 2011 to 2.6 percent in recent data, nudging San Francisco from its cherished gay pedestal.

I suspect that many of those Fort Lauderdale couples actually live in Wilton Manors. Here's the top ten: Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Portland (ME), Somerville (MA), Oakland, Providence, Washington DC, Warwick (RI).

Afternoon View - Fort Lauderdale Beach

I'm back in town for a quick lunch with Father Tony before heading back to Gotham.  I never tire of his view.