Florida Agenda

By Brad ‘Scoop’ Casey

Richard Gray, founder of the Royal Palms and member of the Broward County Tourist Development Authority, has resigned his position as marketing and promotions director for Pan Capital. He is also finishing his term with the Broward County Tourist Development Authority and will not seek his seat on the board again.

Pan Capital is a corporation of Swedish businessmen who have been gobbling up beach property at an unprecedented rate recently, purchasing the Schubert Resort, Orton Terrace, The Dunes, The Flamingo and Blue Dolphin guest accommodations. The group has also purchased a number of straight motels and hotels on the beach. Gray declined to discuss his resignation.

The news of Gray’s resignation has shocked members of Fort Lauderdale’s tourist industry. Gray was instrumental in developing Fort Lauderdale as a gay tourist destination worldwide. He joined tourist development authority in 1996 and persuaded the County to set aside $35,000 for marketing to the gay traveler. Last year’s budget for gay tourism was $500,000. He is also Vice President of the International Gay and Lesbian Tourist Association (IGLTA).

In 1991, Gray founded the Royal Palms Guest Accommodations that has won 5 Star Travel Awards numerous times over his 17 years of ownership. The Royal Palms set the standard for future upscale gay guest accommodations in South Florida.

At Pan Capital, Gray also acted as  consultant on properties to purchase and set the decor of remodeled properties.
Gray says he will spend time between Dallas, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale. “Fort Lauderdale is in my blood’, says Gray. “I will always want to be a part of Fort Lauderdale.”

Pompano Bill Roasted

It was a power house roast for lovable Pompano Bill at Boardwalk this past Monday night. Pompano was in the hot seat all night as roaster after roaster told Pompano Bill stories. Pompano was all smiles from the stage and loved every minute of it. From my perch, I spotted a number of movers and shakers. There was Sideline’s Laurie Whittiker and Jennifer Morales, Jerry Schultz of Mona’s, Toni Barone, Father Bill Collins, founder of Poverello, Father Joe Gallant, Jackson Padgett, Mark Negrete, Vincent Frato and Ron Woolery of Alibi, Eric Lawrence of LeatherWerks, real estate super star Robert MacNamera, Chuck Nichols of Tuesday’s Angels, Terry DeCarlo and Bill Huelsman of Broward House, The Manor’s Paul Hugo, Ramrod’s Steve Whitney, attorney and politico  Dean Trantalis, publishers Bobby Blair and Norman Kent, and exercise guru Brian Neal to name a few.

Entertainers Tiffany Arreagus, Nikki Adams and Miss Kitty performed and Russell from The Stable did a fabulous job as MC and keeping the night rolling.

Pompano Bill is probably our community’s most recognized face, and the entire evening was a love fest for our dear friend of 20 years.

Matty’s Planning 3rd Anniversary

Matty’s, the watering hole that’s taken Wilton Manors by storm, is in the final stages of planning for its 3rd anniversary on August 22. It promises to be a blowout as the club opens phase three of the operation. Also on that night, a battalion of hotties will battle it out on stage to see who will be chosen to participate in the 2012 Model Calendar. There also maybe an appearance of a golden girl. More on this later.

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

By Brad ‘Scoop’ Casey

One of South Florida’s most philanthropic businessmen is celebrating a birthday on Sunday, July 31. Jerry Schultz, owner of Mona’s Bar on East Sunrise Boulevard, by the tracks, is celebrating his 64th birthday and, at the same time, celebrating the bar’s 14th anniversary.

Mona’s is probably South Florida’s most eclectic bar, with the decor of the bar made up of church pews and other unusual odds and ends collected by Jerry at yard and garage sales. A visit to Mona’s is a trip.

Jerry Schultz has a BIG heart. Over 14 years, Jerry estimates the bar and its customers have raised at least $200,000 for local charities. Recently a retirement party for the late John ‘Mary’ Lyons raised $9,500.00. On July 4th weekend, over $7,500 was raised for the Pet Project, and an American Red Cross South Florida Disaster benefit collected $2,000. When Jerry and Mona’s get behind a benefit, it raises money. Mona’s customers are most generous.

On Sunday, beginning at noon, Jerry and Mona’s celebrate birthdays together. There will be T-shirt giveaways and hundreds of gift certificates that will entitle the bearer to a $14 bar tab on his or her birthday. But more importantly, it will be a celebration of the life of a kind, gentle and generous man. Happy birthday, Jerry and to Mona’s bar.

Joseph Green Joins Sidelines

Sidelines bar announces that Joseph Green has joined its staff, and they could not have chosen a better person. Joe is a good friend. We worked together at the former  411 magazine and Express Gay News. Joe is savvy, smart and knowledgeable of the club business. Sidelines will definitely benefit from this appointment. Congrats Joe and I’ll see you soon.

We Roast Pompano Bill
We get a chance to see Pompano Bill walk on hot coals on Monday, August 1st, 8PM, at the Boardwalk as we gather to roast the old fart! Lol … I will be one of the roasters and I have 20 years of stories to tell. It will be a loving moment

as we gather to show our love for a good man.

Debate in  Key West
A heated debate is going on between Key West business people and residents over whether to pursue widening its main shipping channels to accommodate new and bigger cruise ships. Many residents feel Key West has lost its charm to the cruise ships that drop off tourist who buy a t-shirt, tour the island and then return to the ship for drinking, eating and sleeping, thus leaving no dollars to the local community. The city does get a port tax, however.

Hobnobbing
• Living Room’s Mark Lowe, scouting for space for a new cutting-edge Miami night club, seen partying all weekend at Twist, Score, Discotekka and Sugars …
• Florida Agenda’s Alex Vaughn dining at Padrino’s in North Miami and dancing the night away at the BOOM TOGA Party last weekend …
• Smarty Pants owners Fritz Ann and Mark Tyson enjoying the country-western sounds at Scandals …
• Paul Hyman, executive director of Pride Center at Equality Park, enjoying a smart designer coffee at Java Boyz …
• Multimedia Platforms, LLC Publisher Bobby Blair and friends cocktailing at Rosie’s  for the MyGayRadio.com Live Stream on Sundays…
• Ramrod boys Zak Enterline and Steve Whitney noshing at Tropics Restaurant & Lounge …
• George Kessinger seen in town this week …

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

Pan Capital is a corporation of Swedish businessmen who have been gobbling up property on Fort Lauderdale Beach the way a thirsty dog laps up water.  Hotelier Richard Gray, founder of the Royal Palms guest accommodations, is acting as spokesman for the group. He tells me that the Swedes feel the U.S. economy has bottomed out and property values are at their best in 20 years, thus the purchasing of Fort Lauderdale beach property at an unprecedented pace.

Gray has confirmed the purchase of the Schubert Resort and Orton Terrace by Pan Capital. Both deals were consummated at the end of June. The Schubert, owned by real estate giant Tony Dee, was purchased for $1.7 million and Orton Terrace, owned by Roger Handevidt, was purchased for $ 1 million. Both purchases were cash deals.

Over the last year or so, Pan Capital has purchased the Flamingo, the Dunes, Blue Dolphin, the Robbindale, the Royal Palms, Orton Terrace and Schubert Resorts. And that’ s ju

st for starters. The group has also purchased a large number of straight properties.

According to Gray, all of the gay accommodations purchased will remain catering to the gay traveler except the Blue Dolphin.
Gray has also told The Scoop that North Fort Lauderdale Beach is being developed into an area that will be called North Beach Village, a quaint area of cafés and boutique motels and hotels.

Orton Terrace will soon close and major renovations will get underway. The plan is to merge the Orton Terrace with the old Royal Palms into a hotel named the Hotel Lush Royale, an upscale hotel catering to the sophisticated gay traveler.

Organizations Get Pride Money

Seven Broward County organizations have received grants from Pride South Florida, the promoters of Pride Fest held in March in Oakland Park. A total of $7,000 was split evenly ($1,000 each) to the following organizations: Names Project AIDS Memorial Project, Church of the Holy Spirit, Red Hispana Florida, Gilda’s Club South Florida, Lambda’s Men’s Brotherhood, South Florida Wind Ensemble and LP Productions.

Joel Slotnick, secretary/treasurer, said attendance and revenue were lower than expected at this year’s two-day event. Pride South Florida has also changed its name to Pride Fest 2012.

Short Takes

• Congrats to our friends at SCORE on South Beach who just celebrated its 13th anniversary.
• South Beach
promoter Edison Farrow throwing a “House’ party at a real private home on Sunday, July 24th beginning at 4PM. There is no cover and the home is located at 221 N.E. 17 Street in Miami. Enjoy the pool, booze and great music.
• The 4th annual Summerfest being held on South Beach from July 22- July 24. Parties at Score and Lords Hotel.

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

July 4th weekend saw the premier of MyGayRadio.com, a dance music website that is broadcast from South Florida. Over the long 4th, MyGayRadio broadcast the music played at Living Room, The Manor, Rosie’s and the Gay Tea Cruise.

The response to the music station was extremely positive, with thousands of visitors tuning in from all over the country and Europe.

Click Play on the player Here!

The station streams live music 24 hours a day with a softer tone during the day and a higher energy level in the evening.

MyGayRadio.com is the brainchild of Multimedia Platforms, LLC Publisher Bobby Blair and Aiden Solis, who have been working on this project for two years.

MyGayRadio.Com will be broadcasting weekly from various clubs in South Florida. Any club wishing to participate is urged to e-mail Bobby Blair at Bobby@bobbyblair.com.

The ‘Quiet’ Dog Days of Summer Are Here

Nothing new but the dog days of summer have arrived. Hot, humid, rainy afternoons. It occurs every year. Us locals are used to it and bide our time in our gardens, BBQ weekends, a few happy hours during the week and maybe a soiree into the evening on a weekend. Welcome to summer in South Florida. July 4th weekend in South Florida saw a relaxed three-day weekend. There were lots of outdoor events. Beaches from Miami to West Palm Beach were blanket to blanket. Our guest accommodations were busy. From what I could see, most of our entertainment venues were busy, as well as eating out spots. Our next threeday weekend comes in September for Labor Day.

Short Takes

• We understand that two, well heeled, businessmen are after a well established business on Wilton Drive! It’s turned into a bidding war between the two giants who don’t like to lose. The establishment in question is selling property and business…
• The Wine Cellar on Oakland Park Boulevard has closed. The popular restaurant that featured German cuisine was under the ownership of Billy Sands, who also operates the Diner by the Sea in Lauderdale by the Sea. Sands said he closed the restaurant in order to take the summer off, but will reopen The Wine Cellar at a new location come Fall.
• Sean David beaming over customer response to the recently opened Johnny’s Miami in Miami’s upcoming entertainment district. “We are doing extremely well, one of the best things I’ve done,” he says.
• The Oakland Park City Commissioner, Jed Shank, is getting some heat from the gay community for his vote against a City Proclamation honoring Gay Pride week, concurrent with the recent Stonewall Street Festival. The proclamation passed on a vote of 4 to 1. Shank said he supports Broward’s gay community, but voted against the proclamation because the commissioners did not, also, offer a proclamation honoring Father’s Day. Why he didn’t offer a proclamation for Father’s Day is the big question.

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

By Brad ‘Scoop’ Casey

Royal Palms Grand Opening

The new Royal Palms Resort celebrated its grand opening last Saturday, and what a party bash it was. Congrats to Lord Richard Gray and his staff for putting together a fabulous get-together. The property, which is located on Breakers Avenue, was shining with spectacular floral designs by Bobby Kyser of Pedals Panache. The showstoppers of the day were the fully nude male models that positioned themselves on floats in the two pools. At first I thought they were mannequins, but after studying them for 30 minutes saw movements and realized they were very real, live people.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing and conversing with longtime friend Jay Lynch, known to most of you as columnist Mrs. Beasley. It had been several years since we had seen each other. Jay looked great and was in good spirits.

Hotelier Richard Gray, who is spearheading the purchase of many beach properties, gave partygoers a tip that the beach is being developed into a quaint area to be called North Beach Village that will be pedestrian friendly and made up of small café’s, boutique motels and hotels. The investment group that Gray is working with has already purchased a dozen properties in the area.

Short Takes

Why are employees of a restaurant on the Drive complaining about not being paid … It will be announced soon that the owner of a popular Wilton Manors establishment will be taking a BIG position with a Fortune 500 company … Is a new sports bar coming to the Drive in the Fall … Where is Joe Angelo … Why are Broward County Sheriff ’s deputies hanging around Wilton Manors … ? Alibi has new flooring … Congrats to Java Boys owners Steve and Nicki Rose, who are proud grandparents … Congrats to Kevin Hopper, who is now publisher of a slick monthly publication in Denver called JUMP!

Picture #1

My good friend John Manzi sent me this picture that he took at New York City’s Gay Pride. John was one of over 500,000 people who attended the historic event right after the New York State legislative body OK’d gay marriage. New York State governor Andrew Cuomo was the hero of the day for his heroic efforts in getting the legislation passed. Parade participants and thousands of spectators carried signs thanking the governor, who marched in the parade along with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Picture #2

Popeye, an American Bulldog, visits To The Moon owner Antonio Dumas (right) and William who, along with others, saved the animal from certain death. On a scorching afternoon, Popeye – on a leash – was being dragged down Wilton Drive by a man on a bicycle. The dog suffered heat stroke and passed out in front of the gift/candy shop. An alert Antonio Dumas brought the dog into the store, cooled it down and called the Ft. Lauderdale Fire and Rescue, who arrived and administered first aid and rushed the dog to an animal hospital where it fully recovered. Popeye dropped by To The Moon to say THANKYOU! By the way, Antonio raised over $500 from customers to help pay medical bills.

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

By Brad ‘Scoop’ Casey

New Times has come out with its yearly Best of Broward/Palm Beach awards and four gay owned businesses have made the list.

Congrats to Le Patio, that little cozy restaurant off Wilton Drive at 11th Avenue who won the Best Restaurant in Which to Close the Deal award. Small, cozy and cool, Le Patio is slowly making a name for itself, one customer at a time. Proud owners, Chef Vero and partner Jean, have worked very hard to make this restaurant a success.

Best Bloody Mary award went to Rosie’s Bar & Grill. Rosie’s needs no description and continues to pack them in every day. We like their frozen Strawberry Margaritas, thank you, and especially on weekends. Congrats to Cliff and John for making our community proud.

Antonio Dumas’ To the Moon took the Best Gift Shop award and we agree. If you can’t find something in this store, then stop shopping, ‘cause you won’t find it. This is Wilton Drive’s most unusual, eclectic business. If you haven’t gone in, do so – you will enjoy! Congrats, Antonio!

LIPS continues to dazzle South Florida. They won the Best Drag Show category. New Times describes LIPS this way: “Hips will swivel, pelvises will thrust, lines will be crossed, wigs will be thrown across the room, dollar bills will be wedged into bustiers and you will go home with glitter in your hair, frozen cosmos churning in your blood, and a smile on your face.” Congrats to GM Mitch and the girls.

Footnote: What we found unusual in this year’s New Times Best of Awards Broward/Palm Beach, they neglected to have a Best Gay Bar award! Hmmmm …

Community Turns Out

The retirement party for Mona’s John ‘Mary’ Lyons was awesome and heartwarming. Hundreds and hundreds of well-wishers gathered at Mona’s on Saturday, the 11th, to send John into retirement after at least 20 years serving thirsty customers at some of Fort Lauderdale’s busiest bars … can we say the infamous 825, Bus Stop, Haymarket and, finally, 12 years at Mona’s.

John was recently diagnosed with bone and lung cancer … damn it.

Jerry Schultz, one of Fort Lauderdale’s great people, wanted to help John, not only spiritually, but financially, as well.

Thus, the retirement party and John’s friends heard the call.

From my perch I spotted many movers and shakers, like Joe McCallion and Jim Rapherty, former owners of 825, Scandals owners Lloyd and Ken, real estate guru Larry Rowe, famed attorney Arthur Smith, my good friend Rich LoPrimo of Hotspots!, Mike Terrazzi, master mixologist from Tropic’s Restaurant and Lounge and that handsome man from Monkey Business, Gus Sanchez, helped raise money for the raffle. David Snyder of the classic Marlin Beach Hotel was also there, as were so many, many good people of Fort Lauderdale – the ones who paved the way for the rest of us.

It was a pleasure and honor to help a friend.

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

By BRAD “SCOOP” CASEY

Java Boys is celebrating its Third anniversary under the ownership of Steve & Nicki Rose. Seldom has a heterosexual couple been so embraced by the gay community as this dynamic duo, who have been in the forefront in helping to promote causes close to the hearts of the gay community.

Located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Java Boys is an oasis for many who like a clean, comfortable, folksy place where the owners banter with the customers and vice versa, unlike the larger chain coffee houses that want you in and out.

Nicki is affectionately known as the Unofficial Mayor of the Drive. She fields questions from customers and visitors concerning local government, local events and consoles grieving customers who have had a spat with their partner or lost a loved one.

Steve opens the store at 7AM and immediately takes orders for the breakfast special that he created, the Java Scrambler; scrambled egg and Canadian bacon with cheese on a bagel, croissant, or English muffin ($3.95 – includes coffee). “We serve at least 100 Java Scramblers a week,” says Steve and chuckles when he says, “We’re giving McDonald’s a run for their money.”

Java Boys is a busy place and popular with the laptop boys and business people who drop in with their notebooks, iPads, etc., to internet cruise, finish business reports and proposals, or put the finishing touch on a job resume over a tasty Latte. Java Boys offers free Wi-Fi and connects with cable news to keep customers up to date on the news of the day. They have also added sandwiches for the lunch crowd.

While all of the major coffee houses have had dramatic increases in prices, Java Boys is holding the line on its prices.

Major outlets such as Starbucks have dramatically increased coffee prices. Steve and Nicki are struggling to hold down prices despite hefty increases in wholesale coffee. “We cater to a local clientele and we understand the state of the economy and we are doing our best not to pass on the price increases to our customers.” says Steve.

Reviews on Java Boys are extremely favorable. Writes Joel from Texas, “It’s just a grass roots kinda community coffee shop with a friendly Wilton Manor flair.” And Marcus of Wilton Manors says, “Great coffee and some nice little pastries, desserts and a lot of good conversation.” I believe that Joel and Marcus have described Java Boys to a T. We wish Steve and Nicki continued success with OUR little coffee shop!

Stonewall Street Festival

It’s going to be interesting to see the outcome of this year’s Stonewall Street Festival this Sunday in Wilton Manors. Hours of the event have been changed to 4PM to 9PM with a twilight parade, with the new hours bypassing the real heat of the day. This year’s event is being produced by the PR firm of Wedner & Friends of Miami, and they are adding some new twists to this year’s festival. Some big sponsors are involved with this year’s Stonewall, such as Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, Wachovia Bank to name just a few. We wish Wedner & Friends only success with this year’s Stonewall.

Stonewall Notes

Former Ft. Lauderdale entertainer Ricki Lee performs at Matty’s Pride weekend. The Shoppes of Wilton Manors are throwing a two day block party beginning on Saturday and running through Sunday. A Taste of NYC at Living Room Our very own Mark Lowe of the Living Room is the subject of a reality cable show pilot that has been taping at the trendy Living Room nightclub. The program will center on the hectic life of a club owner/designer. Bravo is reportedly interested in taking on the project. This Friday night, famed New York spin master Jaliz Z will tantalize the LR with a bit of the New York City sound. Gelato Martini Closes We were saddened to learn of the closing of Gelato Martini on Wilton Drive. Owner Gee was involved in an accident recently that left him physically unable to continue with the business. We wish Gee a speedy recovery and success in future endeavors. Thank You To everyone who turned out for John ‘Mary’ Lyons “retirement” party at Mona’s Saturday. It was heartwarming to see the love and respect given to John, who has spent most of his adult life serving up drink concoctions at many of our watering holes. And a BIG hug to Mona’s owner Jerry Schultz, who continues to amaze us with his generosity. 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

By BRAD “SCOOP” CASEY

One of Fort Lauderdale’s veteran mixologists is retiring. John Lyons, who has held court at Mona’s Bar on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale for the last 12 years, is retiring due to health problems. Mona’s owner, Jerry Schultz, is throwing a “let’s send John on his merry little way” retirement party this Saturday, June 11, from Noon till 4pm.

It’s somewhat of a “FUNraiser” for the veteran, who was recently diagnosed with bone and lung cancer. There will be a cookout on the patio beginning at 3pm and light entertainment during the afternoon. A jar will be set up on the pool table for those who wish to throw in a “retirement” gift.

John Lyons has spent most of his adult life serving up favorite beverages to thirsty customers at former watering holes such as Bus Stop, Everglades, 825 and the Haymarket. Thousands of people know him as John ‘Mary’ Lyons, and know his friendly manner. He has been a positive fixture at Mona’s, discussing the day’s events and just being a friend. So, put it on your calendar: This Saturday, Noon till 4PM at Mona’s. John will be there around 2pm.

Enough is Enough

Many Miami Beach residents have had it with the annual Hip Hop Memorial Day weekend

bash. They are getting tired of the crime and overcrowded conditions the event brings. This past Memorial Day weekend saw an influx of crime on South Beach that rivaled a war zone with shootings, killings and uncontrolled crowds. Many South Beach residents left the island for the weekend and it’s costing the City of Miami Beach a bundle for added police presence, including off-duty police from other jurisdictions. Expect fireworks from residents and some businesses, which were almost destroyed, at the next Miami Beach city commission meetings.

Shorttakes

The new Royal Palms Resort Memorial Day Weekend Sunday T pool party was such a success they will be having it once a month with the next TDance on Sunday, The Memorial Day weekend pool party drew a jammed crowd of 500 sun worshippers who paid $5 to get in. The next pool T-Dance will be held on Sunday, June 26. The resort has two pools, a bar and small café.

• The Memorial Day Weekend Tea Cruise was a fabulous success with a sold out boat. Cruise promoter Peter Burke is ecstatic over the fun time that was had by partygoers.

• The 16th anniversary party for the monthly Fetish Party’s was held at The Manor over the Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of people were bused to the Manor from the host hotel, the Sheraton, for the private party. The Manor went all out for the party and the Fetish Party people were happy.

• Mark Lowe of Living Room is extremely happy now that the property that houses the Living Room and other establishment has been sold. Mark says he can now get a long-term lease and dispel rumors that the Living Room is closing.

• The Ramrod has booked famed DJ Lydia Prim for Saturday night, June 18th, Stonewall weekend. Her appearance draws hundreds of dance-music lovers. • Former Fort Lauderdale resident and entertainer Ricki Lee has been booked for performances at Matty’s on the Drive for the Stonewall Street Festival next weekend.

• The Rodeo Bar & Grill on Wilton Drive has opened for lunch. Diners love the food and presentation. The restaurant, also offers beer and wine and will open for dinners very shortly.

• Final permits have been issued and construction has resumed on the Bier Garden and Sushi Rock, both to be located on Wilton Drive. That’s it for this week. Thanks for picking us up 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