FLORIDA DIGEST - February 06, 2009

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

ArtsUnited
http://artsunitedonline.org/

-ArtExplosion 2009 Opens Saturday Night
February 7 - 6-9pm
ArtsUnited opens it annual gay and lesbian visual and performing arts festival ArtExplosion on Saturday, February 7, at ArtServe, 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The ArtExplosion Visual Arts Exhibit is the largest juried art exhibit from the gay and lesbian community in the Southeast United States. Over 100 original works of art will be on display in the JM Family Enterprises Gallery from February 2 through 27, 2009. The Opening Night Reception features performances by local entertainers, short films and performance art, a one night only Erotic Art Exhibit, the New Moon Wine Bar, The Kai Vodka Martini Bar, food from Stork's and Gourmet Vittles and music by DJ Johnny D. The Opening Night Reception is February 7, 2009 from 6-9 PM. Admission to the Opening Reception is $10.00 and is open to the public. Admission to the exhibition is free at all other times.
FOR A COMPLET LIST OF ALL EVENTS:
http://artexplosiononline.org/welcome.html


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

-For Dania Beach City Commission
Two Broward cities hold primaries Tuesday, Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale. You would be hard-pressed to find a more collegial group of candidates than the seven vying for three seats on the Dania Beach City Commission. Many know each other from civic work -- serving on committees, etc., and, in two cases, having served or are serving on the commission now.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/886715.html


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

-Meet your gay and lesbian politicians
Historic number of candidates make bids in city elections
On Tuesday Broward voters will go to the polls in several municipal elections. This election cycle includes nine openly gay candidates who are vying for public office in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, and Oakland Park (March 10), the strongest gay showing in Broward history
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/2-5/news/localnews/5518.cfm

-Pedestrian killed on Wilton Drive
Speed limits lowered to increase safety
As a measure to reduce pedestrians being hit by cars along Wilton Drive, the speed limit along the city's major downtown road has been reduced from 35 to 30 m.p.h. The new speed limit went into effect on January 28, 2009, although the reduced speed did not prevent the drive's first fatality of the year.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/2-5/news/localnews/5508.cfm

-OUT on a limb
Fledgling organization must re-think purpose among state organizations On Jan. 24, 2009, OUT-"Organizations United Together," an effort to create a statewide federation of local GLBT and allied organizations-held in Orlando what had been billed as an organizational meeting, but more closely resembled a pre-scripted, choreographed program trying to head toward a predetermined outcome (albeit getting derailed along the way).
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/2-5/view/editorial/5513.cfm


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Sunshine Cathedral
1480 SW 9th Ave | Fort Lauderdale

-John McNeill Lecture
On Monday, February 9th, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, John McNeill, PhD will offer a lecture on his latest book, Sex As God Intended. The lecture will be in the McNeill / Chiarelli Library (Pink Room). Please join us for what will be a great evening of insight from a prominent Queer theologian.
http://sunshinecathedral.org/


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Out Traveler Florida Miami Launch Party 2/7/09
Come celebrate the official launch of the hottest travel book on the market, Out Traveler Florida. Get your book signed by Fort Lauderdale author Paul Rubio and watch some fabulous drag. Books will be available on amazon.com as well as local bookstores and at the door for purchase. Just remember books serve as your entrance ticket and Press copies delivered beforehand. This all kicks off at Halo Lounge Miami Beach from 8 PM to 10 PM.


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Dean Trantalis For Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Campaign

-Let's work together to change the face of history!
Dear Volunteers, Donors and Supporters of all kinds:
With only 9 days until the February 10th election, we still haven't talked to as many people as we will need to win this election. We need your help! Together, we can make Dean Trantalis the next Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, changing the face of the future, but only if we all put in a little something extra... time. I know that we've asked for time before and you graciously gave it. Over 100 of you showed up to our volunteer rally last month and a number of you have taken part in trainings since then, giving freely of your time. Now, we need just a little more. This Saturday, February 7, 2009, we want to reach out to 10,000 voters and speak with them, either in person or over the phone. Up until now, we've had a great effort and reached out to many people, but we're still well short of our goal. The only thing that can help us reach that goal is you, each and every one of you invidually. Everyone from Dean to me to our event coordinator to our office manager will take part in a massive effort beginning at 12:30 pm. We're putting teams of canvassers on the street and phone bankers on the phones to reach as many people in one day as possible. 200 volunteers will allow us to reach the numbers we need in one day. It may seem like a lot, but with me there we only need 199 more, with Dean there we only need 198 more, with you there we only need 197 more, and with every single person who shows up we get that much closer, but it will take all of you. Please come to campaign headquarters at 12:30 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2009, bring a friend, and when you respond to this email to let us know that you'll be there, sign up to help us at the polls on election day. We're still about 100 volunteers short for morning, lunch and afternoon shifts.
Chip Clapp - Volunteer Coordinator
Dean Trantalis for Mayor Campaign
volunteer@deanformayor.com
(954) 701-2902 cell
http://deanformayor.com/


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From Howard Elfman for Ft. Lauderdale City Commission - District 2

-HOWARD ELFMAN'S ON THE VERGE OF AN UPSET IN DISTRICT 2
Fort Lauderdale - With just days to go, Howard Elfman's campaign for the Fort Lauderdale Commission in District 2 is on a roll. I can feel it, and I know you can too! My campaign is on the verge of an upset in the Fort Lauderdale District 2 Commission race. We've been working hard, reaching out to voters in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one. I've had hundreds of conversations with District 2 residents who want a new direction and new leadership in our city. What's funny is how many voters tell me the same thing, in virtually the same language: "We need change, now!" They live everywhere in District 2, they're business people and students, homemakers and retirees. They know the incumbent, they know our other opponent, and they see our campaign as providing the right mix of experience, vision and hope for our future. We've got a few surprises in store for this final weekend before the election. But if I told you, it would spoil the surprise! I'll be at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center's (GLCC) flea market on Saturday morning to meet voters and begin our weekend canvassing. (I am a Founder at the GLCC and used to sit on the board, so it's always like going home to me.) We could use your help at the polls on Tuesday, and we've love a yard sign on your lawn! Call campaign headquarters at 954/727-3614 to volunteer. For more information log on to www.ElectHowardElfman.com or visit the Elect Howard Elfman group on Facebook.
www.ElectHowardElfman.com


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From Steve Glassman for Ft. Lauderdale City Commission - District 2

-No one has had more hard-working volunteers than this campaign and on Tuesday, February 10, we are all coming together to watch the results pour in! On Tuesday, after working all day at the polls and on the phones, please plan on meeting at 8:00 pm. to celebrate a job well done. Our campaign has been focused, uplifting, positive, and full of good people that care deeply about the future of our city. You helped us with your votes and support; now let us relax and have a good time. - Please join us!
Where: Pelican Grand Beach Resort
2000 North Ocean Blvd. (A1A between Oakland and Sunrise)
Complimentary Parking - (must mention the group)
10th Floor - Everglades Room
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 8:oo pm
RSVP: call 954-638-8461 or e-mail: steve@voteglassman.com by Monday,
February 9th.
http://www.voteglassman.com/


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

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

-The Miami Herald recommends
FOR FORT LAUDERDALE COMMISSION, DISTRICT 4
Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson ably served this southeastern Fort Lauderdale district, never forgetting her start as a grass-roots activist in civic-association work. Seeking to replace Ms. Hutchinson are Jim Lewis, 51, an attorney; Coleman Prewitt, 41, an attorney; Romney Rogers, 55, also an attorney, and George Trodella, 62, a small-business owner and former hotelier.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/890536.html

-The Miami Herald recommends
FOR FORT LAUDERDALE COMMISSION, DISTRICT 3
After two decades on the City Commission, Carlton Moore resigned Nov. 4 upon losing a County Commission race to incumbent John Rodstrom by 149 votes. The commission appointed retired public-school educator Magdalene Lewis to finish his term.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/890544.html


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