FLORIDA DIGEST - March 17, 2009

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

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

-Let all serve equally
March 17, 2009
There should not be a difference of nationalities or whether they are different in being single, married or gay. If anyone wants to be involved in the service, there should not be any differences among each other. I feel that anyone who wants to be in the service, they must be qualified to serve, as many want to be able to learn for their education as well. I know of some young fellows who want to serve for the good of America.
Theresa Hobmeier, Tamarac
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-brmail631pnmar17,0,4755600.story


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

-2009 Miami Latin Gay Film Festival unveils program line-up
News release from the Miami Latin Gay Film Festival: The Miami Latin Gay Film Festival has unveiled the line-up of the best Latin Gay and Lesbian films from around the world that will be featured during the 4 day event from April 16 to 19. The announcement was made today by Executive Director Jim Dobson with Festival Director Ellen Wedner.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/

-More than 40 join Sidelines team at Florida AIDS Walk in Fort Lauderdale
News release from Sidelines Sports Bar: Over forty (40) members of Team Sidelines crossed the finish line on Sunday, March 15, 2009 demonstrating their commitment to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by completing the 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) walk through the heart of downtown, Fort Lauderdale for the Florida AIDS Walk. The picture-perfect day began at Huizenga Plaza where thousands of walkers and volunteers gathered to hear the sweet, melodic music of the Gay Men's Chorus, words of gratitude from community leaders and the much awaited special guest appearance of actor, Blair Underwood, making his second appearance at the Florida AIDS Walk.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/

-Compass grand opening celebrates public-private partnership and Pridefest kickoff
On Friday March 20th, 2009 at 5:30pm, Compass, the Gay and Lesbian Community
Center of Palm Beach County, will hold a grand opening celebration at its new location on 201 North Dixie Highway in Lake Worth, FL, formerly the Palm Beach County Mid-County Senior Citizens Center. The event will highlight the successful completion of the first phase of Compass' Landmark & Legacy Campaign.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/


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

-Tallahassee rally urges lifting of gay adoption ban
BY DAVID DECAMP
Gay rights advocates hope Hollywood can step in where Florida political muscle struggled. Flanked by the nephew of Harvey Milk -- the first openly gay city official in California, who was slain in 1978 -- lawmakers and advocates pushed for changes to laws during a rally Monday outside the Capitol. Among other things, the changes would allow gays to adopt children. ''I think that the fact of the matter is, it's really disheartening that we have one of the largest, most important, critical states in the country that still doesn't have a fully inclusive, nondiscrimination law [for gay and transgender people],'' said Broward County resident Stuart Milk.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/953511.html

-The calendar for March 17
SKATE 8 P.M.
Intoxiskate, the weekly gay-friendly skate party, celebrates St. Patrick's Day with beer pong, skating games, drink specials and $2 skate rental. Gold Coast Roller Rink, 2604 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-523-6783.

DRINK 5 p.m.
JohnMartin's Restaurant and Irish Pub hosts its annual St. Patrick's Day street party showcasing bands like Paddy Kelligan, Brooks Reid and the Sonickats. 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-445-3777. Send events to areyes@MiamiHerald.com.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/people/story/953489.html

-Advocacy groups to test their luck with Florida lawmakers
BY STEVE BOUSQUET
TALLAHASSEE -- On a day traditionally devoted to wearing green, grass-roots advocates all across the political spectrum will try their luck influencing decisions by Florida legislators. The 60-day legislative session at the Capitol in Tallahassee is a continuous forum for advocacy of all kinds, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/953878.html


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Anthony Niedwiecki to be sworn in - Oakland Park
Please join us as I get sworn in to the Oakland Park City Commission this Wednesday March 18th! This would not have been possible without all of the support from friends, family, and residents, so your presence will make this occasion truly special. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., and the ceremony should occur sometime between 7 and 7:30. It will take place at Oakland Park City Hall, 3650 NE 12th Avenue. There will be cake and punch after the ceremony, and then we will have a champagne toast at Oakland Park Main Street, which is located at 3407 N. Dixie Hwy (in the Squires shopping center across from City Hall). In addition to becoming a commissioner, my birthday is on March 18th, so come celebrate both occasions with us this Wednesday! Thanks again to everyone who made this possible!
Anthony Niedwiecki
Commissioner-Elect of Oakland Park, Seat 4
www.Anthony09.com


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

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

-Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle leaves office today
Public weighs in on Naugle's 24 years in office.
By Brittany Wallman
Tomorrow, he'll be a colorful piece of Fort Lauderdale history, as Mayor Jack Seiler's predecessor. James Thomas Naugle had a role in city leadership for 24 years, a quarter of the life of Fort Lauderdale.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbgoodbye0317sbmar17,0,6994227.story

-Broward schools weigh policy to have bullets, shells classified as weapons
By Kathy Bushouse
A box of bullets or shotgun shells brought onto Broward County school grounds would be considered weapons if the School Board approves a recommended change to the district's student code of conduct.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/schools/sfl-flbbullet0317sbmar17,0,4276225.story


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