By BRAD “SCOOP”CASEY

Even though the recent Stonewall Street Festival is considered a success,  drawing upwards to 25 to 30 thousand people, there is some grumblings from local businesses along Wilton Drive who had their views from the street blocked by booths and, thus, a loss in revenue.

There are also complaints about outdoor tents that were ordered taken down by overzealous code enforcement officers at businesses who had applied for tent permits weeks before the event as a formality, only to find out on festival day no permits had been issued. Furious business owners say they will take their complaints to the next city commission meeting.
From my perch, it looked like a well orchestrated event. My only minor complaint was there were long gaps in the parade between entries, thus dragging out the parade. Other than that I loved it.

Johnny’s Miami Opens, Draws Power Crowd

The VIP/Press opening of Johnny’s Miami, last Wednesday night, brought out the power crowd. A beaming Sean David, AJ Cross, and Uncle Al greeted hundreds of people who jammed into Miami’s first all-gay male dancer’s club in years and located in Miami’s Entertainment District. From my perch, I spotted a many movers and shakers, such as Johnny Moses, founder of Johnny’s, looking great, Mark Lowe and Christian Leonard of the trendy Living Room, Paul Hugo and Brett Tanenbaum of the famed Manor, a bubbly Victor Zepka of Boardwalk, publishers Norm Kent, Peter Clark and Scott Holland… Entertainer Nikki Adams, Mark Magazine and Florida Agenda’s Cliff Dunn, financier Richard Giorgi, well-known interior design specialist Michael Beemish,
real  estate wizard Pat Burnside, Dr. Edward Ferdon and we could go on. DJ Miik was spin master. Sean David has
a winner on his hands and we wish only success to this hard working  entrepreneur.

Miami Is Alive

I was in the Northeast section of Miami twice last week.  It’s been several years since my last visit, even though I was born and raised in the Magic City. I was impressed with what I saw. A thriving area, I say. I spent a couple of hours in the Miami Design Center and the surrounding area with good friend Bruce Bogan of Copy This. I didn’t see a For Rent sign anywhere in the design center, and saw valet service at a Target! I was amazed and have decided I want to spend a week in Miami and visit old stomping grounds in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana and maybe a drive over to Key Biscayne. I can’t wait.
On the way home from the Johnny’s party, my companions, Richard Giorgi and Dr. Edward Ferdon, and I stopped for dinner at  SOYKA, a large neat bistro, on Miami’s Eastside. Delicious food, wonderful atmosphere, great service; I can’t wait to go back.

OOPS!
A New Times Goof
Last week, I mentioned that New Times neglected to have a Best Gay Bar in their Best of Broward/Palm Beach but they did and for reasons unknown neglected to publish it. The winner was Georgie’s Alibi. Congrats, ALIBI!

Anniversaring
Copy This celebrated its 4th anniversary over Stonewall Weekend. My friend Bruce Bogan threw an open house and invitees were treated to a feast provided by The Wine Cellar. Copy This is the printer of Wilton Manors. Congrats, Bruce!

Thanks for picking us up this week and remember: To have a friend, you must first be a friend.

If you have a “scoop” for Brad Casey, please e-mail your information to BradC@jumponmarkslist.com