FLORIDA DIGEST - January 30, 2009

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

-Equality Florida - GLBT Candidates in SE Florida
Supporting Trailblazers and Champions
Equality Florida Action PAC only endorses candidates who meet a combination of our strategic criteria:
They must be Champions of LGBT equaligy.
They must be running strong in competitive races..
In particular, we support qualified, openly LGBT candidates who can bring a vital perspective and much-needed voice to the political debates that impact our lives.

-Dean Trantalis
Race: Mayor of Ft. Lauderdale
Dean received a 100% rating on Equality Florida's Candidate Questionnaire and is a longtime champion for equality. If elected, Dean would become the first openly LGBT mayor of a major metropolitan city in Florida. In 1995, Dean served as co-chair of Americans For Equality, which succeeded in adding sexual orientation to the Broward Human Rights Ordinance - Broward was the first county in the state to have such a law.
In January 1999, Dean co-wrote and led the successful passage of the Broward County domestic partnership law, which ensures the extension of spousal-like benefits, not just to county employees, but also to many citizens in Broward County. Dean has previously won a seat on the Fort Lauderdale City Council and is running strong in a crowded field of candidates to replace the notoriously anti-gay, current Mayor Naugle. Dean's longstanding record of success and commitment to LGBT equality makes him a champion worth backing.
http://www.deanformayor.com/

-Coleman Prewitt
Race: City Commission, Ft. Lauderdale, District 4
Coleman received a 100% rating on our candidate questionnaire and is endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. A seventh-generation Floridian, Coleman Prewitt is a partner in the law firm of Seidman, Prewitt, DiBellos & Lopez. When Mayor Jim Naugle received wide media coverage for disparaging gay people and opposing the Stonewall Library, a gay and lesbian archive to be housed in the library, Coleman helped organize protest rallies that protected Broward's image as a progressive community. He is also involved in the Dolphin Democrats, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida, Lambda Legal and the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange. The race for the open seat on the city commission includes three opponents. The two most competitive candidates are very conservative and carry the support of Mayor Naugle. Coleman has an excellent chance of winning but he needs our immediate support.
http://www.colemanprewitt.com/

-Julie Carson
Race: City Commission, Wilton Manors
Julie is the first lesbian member of the Wilton Manors City Commission.
Julie is active in the community as a board member of Congregation Etz Chaim and as a member of the Eastside Neighborhood Association. She received a 100% rating on our questionnaire and is endorsed by Mayor Resnick and has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO.
http://commissionercarson.net/

-Anne Sallee
Race: City Commission, Oakland Park, District 1
Anne has received a 100% rating on Equality Florida's candidate questionnaire. She is also endorsed by the Broward County AFL-CIO and the President of the LGBT Democratic Caucus. She is committed to preserving the diversity that is at the heart of Oakland Park and will be a strong ally for Equality.
http://www.electsallee2009.com/

-Anthony Niedwiecki
Race: City Commission, Oakland Park, District 4
Anthony has been an advocate for equality both as a law professor and as a
community activist. He has received a 100% rating on our questionnaire and is running a very strong campaign.
Anthony is a professor and administrator at the law center at Nove Southeastern University, where he directs and teaches Lawyering Skills & Values. He also teaches employment discrimination law, labor law and current constitutional issues in the law.
As a longtime community organizer, Anthony will be a powerful voice for Equality on the Oakland Park City Commission.
http://www.anthony09.com/


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-From Dean Trantalis for Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Campaign
Join Val Marmillion and Juan Pisani for an evening with Dean - Sunday - Feb
1 - 6pm to 8pm
2701 NE 17 Street
Ft. Lauderdale
www.deanformayor.com

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-ArtsUnited
We are looking for a few energetic souls to help with the Opening Reception of ArtExplosion on Saturday, February 7th from 6 to 9 PM. We could use some help taking tickets, passing out programs, bartending, food distribution, operating a dvd projector. Please let me know if you are interested in helping. thanks,
Chuck Williams
President
ArtsUnited, Inc.
954-530-2723
Artsunited1@aol.com


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Phelps 'protest' a phony publicity prank
Emails coax religious zealots into protesting theater
By JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Passions were inflamed and members of Broward's gay community braced themselves when word spread that Rev. Fred Phelps, head of the infamous anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church, was planning a protest at Rising Action Theatre's gay-themed production of "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told," on Jan. 16.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/1-29/news/localnews/5488.cfm

-Phelps protest aftermath: what happens next?
Is the story over for staged protest at SoFla theater?
By Dan Renzi
Members of Westboro were scheduled to protest Rising Action Theatre, here in Fort Lauderdale, for showing a production of the somewhat-blasphemous Paul Rudnick play, "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told." Phelps is the lovely chap behind www.godhatesfags.com, and who protests military funerals saying God kills soldiers to punish America for its embrace of the homosexual agenda. The Phelps protest was widely publicized around town, and the theater received a fair amount of publicity.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm#23742

-Gay-bash suspect caught: Arrest ends weeks of turmoil for victim
By JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Fort Lauderdale activist and video artist Stephen Velky can rest a little easier these days. Tuesday morning police arrested the 21-year-old man who allegedly bashed Velky Jan. 6. Police arrested Damian Nicholaus Serrano three weeks after Serrano allegedly attacked Velky in the front yard of Velky's home in Riverland. Serrano, who lives just two blocks away from Velky, was charged with aggravated battery and violating probation on a previous drug arrest. Police picked up Serrano at the county probation office.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/1-29/news/localnews/5490.cfm

-Election tests gay clout
Nine openly gay candidates up for election in Broward cities
By JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle 's public statements against the gay community will be his legacy in the GLBT community. But the ire he wrought among gay residents has sparked and unprecedented number gay and lesbian-and qualified-candidates to run for office in Broward County.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/1-29/news/localnews/5489.cfm


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Events schedule | ArtExplosion '09 Feb. 7-21

ArtsUnited presents ArtExplosion 2009
February 7-21, 2009

Saturday, February 7, 2009, 6:00-9:00 PM
ArtExplosion Visual Arts Exhibit
Opening Reception
Presented by ArtsUnited, Inc.
Exhibit Runs February 2 - February 27, 2009
ArtServe Gallery
1350 East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
$10 Admission

Sunday, February 8, 2009, 2PM & 7:00 PM
Dixie's Tupperware Party
Presented by Off Broadway in Broward
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Amaturo Theatre
201 SW 5th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
$25/35
954.462.0222
www.browardcenter.org

Monday, February 9, 2009, 8:00 PM
Richard Cortez
Performing Live
in conjunction with
an exhibit by artist
Sergio Coya
Radio-Active Records
1930B East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission

Monday, February 9, 9:00 PM
Full Moon Party hosted by Nikki Adams
featuring performances of a cosmic nature
Georgie's Alibi
2266 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Free Admission
(954) 565-2526
www.georgiesalibi.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 7:00 PM
"A Night of Broadway"
hosted by Diva
Presented by Lips
One night show to benefit ArtsUnited
1421 East Oakland Park Blvd.
Oakland Park, FL 33304
$30 Admission includes dinner, show, and drink
(954) 567-0987
www.lipsusa.com

Tuesday, February 10 7:00 PM
Jeff Hess
presented by
Bill's Mustang Lounge
Repeats 2/14, 2/17/ 2/21
2209 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL
Free Admission
(954) 567-5978
www.billsfillingstation.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 8:00 PM
Lily Tomlin
presented by
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Dreyfoos Hall
701 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tickets $20/$55
(561) 832-7469
www.kravis.org

Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 PM
Rubin Gonzalez
presented by
Bill's Mustang Lounge
Repeats 2/12, 2/18, 2/19
2209 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL
Free Admission
(954) 567.5978
www.billsfillingstation.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:00 PM
An Evening with Author K.G. MacGregor
Presented by Stonewall Library & Archive
1300 East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
(954) 763-8565
www.stonewall-library.org

Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00 PM
Matthew Glass in "The Slap & Tickle Show"
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

Friday, February 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Black & White Exhibition Opening Reception
Presented by Broward Art Guild
Exhibit runs Feb. 9- March 6
Juried exhibition of artworks comprised of Black,
White and shades of Grey only.
Cargo Furniture
2301 NE 26th Street
Fort Lauderdale
Free Admission
(954) 305-1854
www.browardartguild.org

Friday, February 13, 2009, 8:00 PM
Say You Love Satan
Florida Premiere presented by
Rising Action Theatre
Play runs thru March 15, 2009
840 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Admission $30
(954) 561-2225
www.risingactiontheatre.com

Friday, February 13, 2009 through Sunday, February 15, 2009
Black Gay Pride presents:

Friday, February 13, 2009, 6:30-8:30 PM
Black Gay Pride Poetry Slam
ArtServe Gallery
1350 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission

Sunday, February 15, 2009, 4:00-7:00 PM
The Lovers & Friends Show
Presented by Black Gay Pride South Florida
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
$10 Admission, seating is limited.
(954) 763-8565

Saturday, February 15, 2009, 10:00 PM
Black Gay Pride Dance
details to follow

Sunday, February 16, 2009
TBD

Friday, February 13, 2009 thru Tuesday February 17, 2009
Stonewall Library & Archives presents Quba:
Festival of Queer Cuban Arts

Friday, February 13, 2009, 6:30-8:30 PM
Q-uba; Festival of Queer Cuban Arts
Artist Hildana Ciser,
and Photographer Alex Heria
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

Saturday, February 14, 2009, 2:00 PM
Q-uba: Festival of Queer Cuban Arts
Poet Richard Blanco
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

Saturday, February 14, 2009, 7:00 PM
Q-uba: Festival of Queer Cuban Arts
Strawberrys and Chocolate, (Cuba 1994)
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

Sunday, February 15, 2009, 2:00 PM
Q-uba: Festival of Queer Cuban Arts
Novelist Johnny Diaz
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

Monday, February 16, 2009, 7:00 PM
Q-uba: Festival of Queer Cuban Arts
Photography Historian Ramiro Fernandez
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 6:30 PM
Inside the Songwriter's Studio with: Desmond Child
In conjunction with Quba
Presented by Stonewall Library & Archive
Broward Main Library Auditorium
100 S. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org
www.broward.org

Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 6:30 PM
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 7:00 PM
Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival presents:
Between Love and Goodbye, Florida Premiere
Cinema Paradiso
503 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$9 General/ $5 FLIFF
954 525-FILM
www.fliff.com

Saturday, February 14, 7:00 PM
Jennifer McClain's Night For Lovers
Presented by Georgie's Alibi
Repeats a 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Manchester Room
2266 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Free Admission
(954) 565.2526
www.georgiesalibi.com

Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 8:00 PM
"Broken Sky"
Presented by
Pride Night at the Playhouse
Lake Worth Playhouse
713 Lake Ave.
Lake Worth, FL 33460
$8 General/ $5 Film Society
Limited Seating Available
(561) 586-6410
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/53408

Thursday, February 19, 2009, 5:00-8:00 PM
ArtExplosion Night at the Museum of Art
with Music by Cindy Curtis & Company
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
One East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Free Admission
(954) 525-5500
www.moafl.org

Thursday, February 19, 2009 8:00 PM
Simply Barbra Salutes the Oscars
Presented by Rising Action Theatre
Show runs thru March 15, 2009
Thu. 8:00 PM, Fri. & Sat. 9:30 PM, Sun. 7:00 PM
840 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Admission $30
(954) 561-2225
www.risingactiontheatre.com

Friday, February 20, 2009, 7:00 PM
Island City ArtWalk
Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL
Free Admission
www.islandcityartwalk.com

Friday, February 20, 2009 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Official Dance Party of ArtExplosion '09
at Living Room Nightclub
with DJ Oren Nizri and DJ Maximus 3000
Living Room Nightclub
300 SW 1st Ave. Upper Loft Level
Las Olas Riverfront,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission if you mention ArtExplosion
www.livingroomnightclub.com

Saturday, February 21, 2009 7:30 PM
ArtExplosion Finale featuring Lea Delaria
with Scott Ryan and Musical Guest Levi Kreis
Presented by ArtsUnited, Inc.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Amaturo Theatre
201 SW 5th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
$30/45
954.462.0222
www.browardcenter.org


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~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Nude beaches good for economy, Broward legislators told
Advocate says Haulover Beach outdraws Marlins, Dolphins
By Anthony Man | Political Writer
A nude beaches advocate presented Broward legislators with some revealing figures Thursday. They're good for Florida's economy, said Richard Mason, of the South Florida Free Beaches and the Florida Naturist Association, who asked Broward's state lawmakers to oppose any legislation that would force nude beaches to close.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbnude0130sbjan30,0,3394389.story

-Invest in Florida's kids, or finance their failure
By Roy Miller
For some 35 years, I have served as a member of the advocacy team that led many successful reform efforts for Florida's children. Our Healthy Start and children's health insurance programs became national models in providing preventive care and access to doctors and nurses without resorting to emergency rooms for routine care.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-children30forumpnjan30,0,1184693.story


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-State Farm looks to leave -- and to stay
OUR OPINION: Don't allow companies to cherry-pick lucrative policies Ever since Hurricane Andrew battered South Florida, property-insurance companies have demanded more from customers in Florida while giving less in return. Now that state regulators have denied State Farm Insurance an untimely rate request for a whopping 47 percent hike, the company has decided to get out of the property-insurance business in Florida, leaving customers with 1.2 million policies in the lurch.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/879317.html


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Florida gets C-minus on teacher reviews
Libby Quaid
Most states, including Florida, are not doing what it takes to keep good teachers and remove bad ones, a national study found.
Florida, though, is doing better than most. Although grading out at C-minus, Florida still ranked among the top 15 states in the study released Thursday by the National Council on Teacher Quality. Only Iowa and New Mexico require any evidence that public school teachers are effective before granting them tenure.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-teacher-reviews-012909,0,4068076.story


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