Florida Agenda

By Dale Madison

Once upon a time, there was a legendary little watering hole near Sears Town called Lester’s Bar (it had first been called SyLa’s, after the original owners, but it underwent a name change in 1949). Around 1990, the landmark lounge was purchased by a customer, John Hitchcock (who was a big fan of the joint’s freshly-made hamburgers). Re-christening it the Cubby Hole, Hitchcock was the steward of the heritage establishment for 15 years before deciding to put it on the market.

Enter Teri Galardi and Gary Edmiston. “We looked at large clubs in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Oakland Park,” recalls Edmiston. “We heard about Cubby Hole, so we stopped in to have a drink and check the place out. We really liked it, and so we put the wheels in motion, and next thing you know Teri bought the place.”

There was a lot to attract Galardi and Edmiston to the location. “We really liked the ‘friendly, local watering hole.’ We wanted the bar to be laid back, comfortable feel,” explains Edmiston. He acknowledges there were concerns when they first over. “Local drug dealers were hanging out in the back alley. Teri started going to city council meetings, and we spoke to the local police about more patrols. We also installed more security cameras.” Eventually, the bad element got the message that they weren’t welcome.

Despite those changes for the better, some things have stayed exactly same— including the bar’s reputation for great food (including the burgers that helped “give birth” to it). “Our burger is 1/3-pound of fresh ground sirloin,” Edmiston justifiably brags. “I personally go out and purchase the sirloin every day. Every Friday is hot dog day, so many times I will make a Sloppy Joe sauce to go on the dogs. We really try to show our customers that they are number one to us,” he adds.

“We also have the longest happy hour in town. Seven days a week and customers can use their [free drink] chips anytime. Our philosophy is you should be able to use that chip when you want to use it,” says Edmiston.

Edmiston’s emphasis on service and quality date back to his days in uniform, military and culinary. “In 1975, I left the United States Air Force and joined Big Boy Restaurants. I was a manager for years,” he remembers. “I then went to work for a private club in Las Vegas, and then became Assistant Executive Chef at Vegas World Casino.” In Las Vegas, Edmiston began his professional association with Galardi.X

“I went to work for Teri at the Back Door Club, which was one of the largest gay clubs in Vegas. It was typical for us to have 500 patrons on any given night. Then Teri and I found Cubby Hole, and this has been home for me for the past three years,” says Edmiston. “I’ve had one day off in that time,” he adds with a smile, “but this has been a labor of love, so it makes it worthwhile.”

The Cubby Hole Bar is located at 823 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit thecubbyhole.com, and tell Gary and his staff that you read about them in Guy Magazine.

Robert Darrow’s official title is “New Internet Sales,” but you will typically find him in Lipton Toyota’s newly-remodeled showroom, located at 1700 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. “One of the things that impressed me when I started is that 80 percent of all Toyotas sold in the past 20 years are still on the road. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of this worldwide brand. And Lipton is one of the top five Toyota dealers in the United States,” says Darrow. “There is a reason that Toyota is number one,” Darrow explains. “The Camry is number one in the U.S., and the Corolla is number one worldwide, with over 4 million units per year.”

Closer to home, Darrow says, “One thing that I have to say about Lipton Toyota is they are reaching out to the LGBT community, and they are sensitive to our issues.”

In addition, “Toyota has a special nationwide program called ‘Celebrating Volunteers,’ which has a goal of maintaining our natural, cultural, and historical sites. All of the teams at every location across the country are encouraged to participate.”

The master salesman, and Chicago native, says that his odyssey from the Land of Lincoln to the Land of Lipton wasn’t a straight line. “I had a solid career in real estate in Chicago, and then, of course, the market collapsed,” he recalls. “My partner, Steve, had an offer on South Beach—he’s a property manager for a 700-unit complex—and we both loved to be near the ocean.” (This may help explain his Facebook-posted motto: “I’d rather be sailing.”)

“We were tired of cold and snow, and so we located a home, and packed up last April 11—and here we are,” he adds. “I first took a position with Keller-Williams real estate in Fort Lauderdale, and then one day I received a phone call from a head hunter. I took a drive to Lipton Toyota, and I was taken around the entire facility. I was very impressed, and when they made me an offer, I accepted. ‘Sales’ is ‘sales,’” says Darrow, “whether you are selling cars, appliances, or whatever. If you have a passion for sales, you can sell ice to Native Alaskans, it just doesn’t matter,” he offers, while noting that the sales cycle in car sales is much quicker than it is in real estate.

The car answer man has some suggestions for people considering a new—or “preloved”— automobile purchase. “Come out Tuesday through Thursday, because those are less busy days, and you will get much more individual attention. Treat the salesperson as a source of information—we have so many specialized programs to help people get into a car and drive away,” he offers.

Robert Darrow

Like the cars he sells, Darrow comes fully loaded with great advice on leasing and buying, and invites you to take advantage of his expertise and experience. To set an appointment, call Robert Darrow at Lipton Toyota at 954-446-9001, and tell him you read about him in Agenda Newspaper.

By DALE MADISON

Ken Hill resembles nothing so much as a proud father as he surveys the progress that contractors have made on his soon-to-open Infinity Lounge (2184 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, in the Gables Wilton Park condominium), which he plans to unveil soon. Considering that he just signed the lease in June is a tribute to that progress. “The City of Wilton Manors has been superlative,” Hill says. “They have worked with us so graciously. I know I have heard stories about how difficult they can be, but they have just been amazing for me to work with.” His praise extends to the contractor he chose. “Believe me, you have to be very selective—but they have just been here when they say they are going to be, and have been phenomenal,” he adds.

Hill has applied that selectiveness to every facet of the build-out, not least in the décor and environment he plans to invoke. “I picked the deep blue color for the walls, as I feel it’s very relaxing—to almost a ‘Zen’ type of feeling,” he says. “The Tiffany turquoise blue adds another great accent color.” He describes the painstaking detail, including an upholstered banquette and chandeliers. “I think we’re going to have one great upscale place,” Hill predicts, paternal pride in evidence.

Of the service and libations, Hill calls to mind “Martinis and old fashioned drinks. It’s going to not be your regular bar.” He describes the upscale, casual-formal vision for Infinity Lounge: “I wanted something that people would want to dress up for to go out—somewhere that you would want to put on a pressed shirt and nice slacks, or—if you’re a lady—a dress or skirt,” he chuckles at the Gayborhood irony. “Sorry I just had to say that.” Hill also plans outside, alfresco seating.

“There are enough eateries along the Drive that do a great job—I want to provide great drinks, and great music, and an environment that other locations don’t offer,” he explains. “I am trying to target a different segment of the market,” Hill adds. “I want my own niche, and I want to add to the Drive. To me, that’s what makes our community as great as it is, let’s ‘add to,’ and not take away from.”

Hill plans to open Infinity Lounge within the next few weeks. “I am hoping within two weeks, but as we all know, it depends on the final Certificate of Occupancy.”

For more information, visit infinityloungefl.com, or facebook.com/infinityloungefl.

By Dale Madison

For Ken Keechl, public service is more than one of the highest callings: It runs in his veins. Keechl served on the Broward County Commission from 2006 until 2010, and was the first openly-gay official elected to that governing body. In 2009, he was named Broward County’s Vice Mayor, and the following year, he became Broward County Mayor, at the time the highest-ranking, openly-gay official in the United States.

Gay, straight, left, or right, Keechl says that politics is about people. “Even though in the commission you are elected on a non-partisan basis, I am a Democrat, but am very proud that I have a number of members of the Grand Old Party who have stuck with me, and have even gotten out and campaigned for me.” That loyalty was earned by his commitment to staying on top of what matters to his constituents. “I have always focused on the issues.”

He says that he is proud of many accomplishments during his time on the county commission, noting in particular his hard work “to protect the environment,” and his opposition to unfettered growth by developers. While Broward County Mayor, Keechl says that he worked hard with fellow commissioners to cut waste in the budget, and helped reduce the county budget from $3.7 billion to $3.3 billion.

“My personal political philosophy as an elected official: ‘If you are not at the table, you are not part of the meal,’” Keechl says. “As someone who is elected, you have to participate, you can’t just look on.” Although Keechl is proud of the political and community partnerships he forged across the broad spectrum of Broward County’s landscape, he says he never forgets the people whose voice in large measure he represents.

“When I got on the commission, one of the first questions I asked was, ‘Do we offer domestic partnership benefits to our county employees?’ At the time, we didn’t.” “I started a search, and I was able to find a company that could offer them at a reasonable rate,” Keechl recalls. “In 2007, I asked the same question regarding benefits for transgender individuals, and was able to get an amendment to add those brothers and sisters to the availability for coverage.”

Keechl says that building relationships is the hallmark to being an effective and connected representative of his constituents’ concerns. “I didn’t run for the office to close doors, I ran for office to open doors,” he adds. Keechl is pleased with the direction that Broward County has taken, and thinks that he can add a voice of experience, energy, and compassion to the policy discussion.

“I am very excited about how this commission has embraced the progressive agenda,” he notes. “Four years ago, I left the law firm [Kopelowitz Ostrow, Ferguson, Weiselberg—oh, and Keechl] to run for office. I barely lost, so I returned to law practice doing mostly pro-bono work.” Redistricting of the commission seats places a large LGBT population in the newly-drawn District 7. As Keechl explains, “Every ten years, the county redraws the districts, and beginning last year, the calls started coming in to me,” he laughs.

“‘We miss you on the commission,’ people would tell me, so after looking at the new district I decided to throw my hat in the ring.” He describes the political landscape. “Originally I was one of four candidates, along with Charlotte Rodstrom, Tim Ryan, and Evan Jenne. Jenne dropped out of the race.”

The once-and-(he hopes)-future commissioner has an eye on the election, and beyond, noting the challenges of local politics and policy. “I am really looking forward to returning to the county commission. It sometimes is a real challenge, but is one of the most rewarding adventures when you know that you are making a difference, not just for today, but for the future.”

By Dale Madison

It is hard to believe that it’s been six years since Laurie Whittaker and her partner of 18 years, Jennifer Morales, took over the space once occupied by the defunct Club Circuit on Wilton Drive.  Even more difficult to believe is how they reformed the failed dance club into Sidelines—one of the most popular sports bars in all of South Florida, and into a nationally-known LGBT destination spot.

“Once Circuit closed, we contacted the owner of the property, because we wanted to make a plan [to occupy the space],” says Morales, who in addition to being Whittaker’s significant other, is the marketing guru behind the club.

“We wanted a State of the Art sports bar,” Whittaker added. “Something like no one else would have. We also knew that we were going to be involved in the LGBT community. We were not just going to sit here to serve drinks—we really wanted to serve the community.” That has translated over the course of six years to close to $500,000 that the pair and Sidelines have donated back into the local community.

Those dollars have been poured into local charities and service organizations, including the Florida AIDS Walk, the Smart Ride, The Poverello Thrift Store and Food Bank, Tuesday’s Angels, and many other causes. “The community becomes your family and, frankly, you have to take care of your family,” says Whittaker.

Morales, who, as previously noted, tackles the job of promoting and marketing the concept bar to the outside world, says that her and Whittaker’s efforts have paid off with respect to branding and name recognition. “We’ve been featured on ‘Deco Drive,’ and we’ve had local news anchor Adam Kuperstein, who had a great time,” Morales brags. “We’ve been featured on the Bloomberg Business Report, too. We’ve been very blessed with great press,” she adds.

Whittaker is equally proud of the House that Time and Patience Built. “Do you realize that when we opened, there were only six LGBT sports bars in the country? Now there are more than 30,” she notes proudly. “We sort of set a standard for part of the industry.”

That standard includes providing lots to do for the bars valued patrons, including 16 widescreen televisions, three pool tables, darts, and other amusement activities that keep guests having fun and coming back. Add entertaining bartenders to the mix, and you have a formula for success.

Morales and Whittaker note that it isn’t just LGBT patrons who come to Sidelines to enjoy a “gay old time.” “We have one group of Green Bay Packers supporters whose mix is roughly 70 percent straight,” says Morales. “They come in for every Packers game, and they have a blast. Fred Belgie heads this group—and they pack the place”—but what would you expect from Packers fans? The bar also reaches out to other local groups, as well as to those who are “just visiting.”

“This year during ‘Fleet Week,’ we had at least 12 men in uniform come in, and they commented ‘What a great place,’” Whittaker reports. “Of course, they all took turns showing how butch they were at the boxing machine, which has become one of our most popular amusements,” she notes.

Morales says that hospitality is the key to Sidelines’ warm, friendly, and convivial vibe. “All we really want at the end of the day is for people to come in, relax, talk with each other,” she offers, adding with a smile, “and of course it’s always nice to turn a little profit so that we can continue to support our community.”

By Dale Madison

Although much of gay life revolves around the appreciation of—some might call it a Cult of—youth and beauty, at least one LGBT community organization believes that “maturity matters,” and they put their money where their mouths are, to back that up. A Celebration of Friends (ACOF), founded in 2001, has raised over $144,000, and they have donated it back to the LGBT community: that speaks volumes about the organization.

“Our funds have been distributed to Tuesday’s Angels, the Pride Center at Equality Park, and Buzzy’s Boys,” says Tom Spence, the ex-Marine Founder and President of ACOF. “Being a 501(c) 4 organization, we always donate a percentage of our funds back into the community,” adds Spence, who sports the sobriquet, and is known to friends as “Tomcat.”

In 2002, Spence and a few dedicated friends held the first ACOF “Celebration” in New Orleans, where 100 supporters turned out, and raised over $1,000 to support Buzzy’s Boys, a non-profit that assists children who are hospitalized from complications of HIV/AIDS. In 2003, ACOF held its annual meeting in Fort Lauderdale, where it’s been held—with the exception of one year, during which it was held in Miami—ever since.

“A Celebration of Friends 2012” will be held June 21 to 24, at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton, during the weekend of the Stonewall Street Festival and Parade. As the organization moves into its second decade, Spence & Co. have big plans for its members, as well as for the organization’s posterity.

“We are currently working on Habitat of Friends,” says Spence. “Our good friend, Chuck Nichols [of Tuesday’s Angels] has been working with us to establish this retirement community for seniors. It is something that has long been needed,” he adds. Spence grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi—“not an environment that is easy to grow up in,” he admits. “I was one of the ones who started Prime Timers, and Sage,” remembers Spence.

“When I say ‘seniors,’ I don’t mean that all of the members are senior citizens. We have a number of members who just prefer the company of gentlemen who are a little more mature. Being a former Marine, along with [late partner, Bill Elder] the Colonel, I founded A Celebration of Friends.

As you know, the older you get, you get farther from the mainstream, and it’s more difficult to ‘fit in’,” he explains. “We have now expanded into Europe, with chapters in France, and other locations with lots of new members. We look at it as all one family,” says Spence, who adds that ACOF has a special place in its organizational heart for Greater Fort Lauderdale, which the group refers to as the “Palm Springs of the East Coast.”

Spence and his fellow board members feel a sense of duty to their organization’s past, as well as to the future of the LGBT community. They are especially grateful to those who have stepped up in support of their aims through the years. “This is our eleventh year, and we are still going strong,” Spence notes with optimism.

“Tony Dee and Charlie Mielke of Tropics restaurant have been such strong supporters and sponsors of the event over the years—even going back to Chardee’s days.” Among the building blocks for a stronger organization, Spence and ACOF have added free HIV testing as an additional service to members.

Kicking off their second decade, the future looks bright for these mature gay activists, and the men who admire them. For more information, visit www.celebrationoffriends.org.

When you sit down with Keith Blackburn, the President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), you know you are facing someone who is on a mission. That mission—one that Blackburn has defined for himself and for the Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors area—is to create the world’s go-to tourism destination. His own personal experience as a business and community leader in South Florida has helped shape his expertise and his brief as a leading promoter of gay international tourism to Greater Fort Lauderdale.

In 2005, Blackburn opened Mary’s Resort near downtown Fort Lauderdale, a guest house catering to a specific LGBT clientele. When he opened Mary’s, Hurricane Wilma had recently wreaked havoc in parts of Broward County, and Blackburn’s new resort was without power for six weeks. One of the first key relationships Blackburn would forge would be with Roger Handevidt, at that time the owner of the Orton Terrace guest house and the energizing force behind the Rainbow Carpet Lodging and Hospitality Association (RCLHA), an organization that promoted gay tourism to South Florida, and which would become the Rainbow Alliance.

“Roger was one of those who promoted everyone in this community,” Blackburn offers in praise, adding, “He has been a great influence.” After having his “boots on the ground” for a while, Blackburn says that he and other interested business owners and community leaders saw an opportunity to promote Greater Fort Lauderdale and its “gay village,” Wilton Manors, to the wider international gay and lesbian community.

Partnering with other, like-minded movers and doers in the LGBT business community, they floated the idea of establishing a more permanent organizational structure to promote the area to tourists and to coordinate efforts with allied agencies and organizations. “I saw that there was a great potential, and I also looked at other business professionals who operate in the area,” recalls Blackburn.

“We teamed up, and really felt a need to build a ‘Gay Chamber of Commerce,’ and that is what we have built.” The organization that grew from that dream, GFLGLCC, was formed in 2011, as a 501 c (6) non-profit, with a mission to “promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community, and to serve as “an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality.”

Blackburn says that the task of GFLGLCC is too big for any one person or organization, and to this end, he and his board members, along with active partners in the local business market, have built close ties to other groups, including the Miami Beach Gay Pride, the Fort Lauderdale International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), in order to better get the message out about the beauty and fun of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

“We have affiliate chambers [of commerce] throughout the country,” says Blackburn, who notes just how much the gay tourism dollar means to the area’s economy. “Nearly 28 percent of travel in South Florida has been related to the LGBT community—that’s huge,” says Blackburn.

“I just came back from Berlin with the IGLTA, and am getting ready to go to Orlando Gay Days in June,” an event he predicts will be “the biggest ever.” Blackburn and his fellow chamber members have high hopes for the organization they have built and its plans for the future, including stronger ties to other like-minded organizations. For more information about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, visit gogayfortlauderdale.com.

By Dale Madison

Stephen Fallon, the Executive Director of Latinos Salud, knows his way around an HIV/AIDS service organization, having worked in that niche of the non-profit industry since 1995. In 2000, he began working with gay and minority-based agencies and clinics that wanted to expand their HIV prevention and support services. “I’ve met some great people, helping agencies in 40 states through my consultancy,” says Fallon.

Fallon, a Broward County native, recounts that he was made aware in 2008 of a sudden gap in HIV prevention service for gay Latinos. (Fallon reminds us, too, that the Greater Fort Lauderdale area now ranks second in the nation in its rate of both new HIV infections and new AIDS diagnoses: “I can’t think of a better place to devote my energies in the HIV field.”) He says that Latinos Salud’s mission is to “provide client-centered, culturally competent health education and integrated preventive health services to Broward County’s Latino residents in order to reduce the burden of communicable diseases.”

The non-profit has a range of programs it offers to clients, all of which focus on HIV: prevention workshops, counseling for both HIVnegative Latino men and for persons living with HIV/AIDS. They have also recently added HIV rapid testing. Says Fallon: “Latinos Salud has a unique model for all of our services. We don’t preach, lecture, or tell our visitors to take a number. Instead, all of our services take place in a communitybuilding context.”

The organization focuses on individual needs, rather than taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach. “We have networking dinners that teach Latino guys to become leaders,” says Fallon. “We help guys one-on-one if they want to develop their resumes, practice interviewing skills, or plan their next steps in a relationship. We also host fun events at the agency and off-site, where young guys find support and take pride in pulling an event together.”

Fallon and his team conduct educational sessions and meetings to reach their target audience. “Our SOMOS program offers a monthly workshop that covers everything from dating vs. hooking up, to the mechanics of safer sex, to special monthly themes of interest to Latino guys, ages 18 to 30,” says Fallon.

“Our JUNTOS Popular Opinion Leader program offers a foursession leadership development series each month, that empowers Latino guys 25 to 44 to create solutions in their community, all while having a great time.” To familiarize the Latino community with its work, Latinos Salud has a number of upcoming events open to the public, including a barbecue on April 28 at their 2330 Wilton Drive office, which will be open to Latino guys age 18 to 30. On May 12, the group will host a community leaders’ reunion event, open to Latinos and others.

And on May 18, Fallon invites the community to their pre-AIDS Walk launch party, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and prizes. In spite of economic challenges, and a dwindling federal budget to support many worthwhile programs, the lights are on late at Latinos Salud’s office, with staff onsite Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and sometimes later. “Any Latino gay guy can come in,” Fallon says.

“You don’t have to have an appointment, or even a clear idea of what you want to do here. You’re welcome to use our guest computers, our Wi-Fi, and visit.” Fallon says that despite an apparent focus on a narrow segment, the work of Latinos Salud (which means “Healthy Latinos” in Spanish) has a far-reaching impact.

“Latino guys are part of your community: one-in-five Broward residents is Latino, even if your friends do not speak to you in Spanish.” For more information, visit latinossalud.org.

By DALE MADISON

Long a fixture on Wilton Drive, Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café has been known for years as a great place for breakfast and lunch, or a late-night, post-weekend-bar-crawl snack. The story goes well beyond that. When was the last time—especially in South Florida—that you heard of a business deal being made over a handshake?

When owners Nick Berry and Shawn Bombard first discussed the idea of purchasing the venerable restaurant from former owners Norman and Judy, Bombard recalls “I wanted to buy a cleaning business and a laundromat, but Nick had other ideas. Bombard, who had a professional restaurant background, had been looking for a change. “It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the food business, but I thought perhaps it was time for a change,” he remarked over iced tea.

“Now 10 years later, here I am still at it. Funny, some things as we go through life just don’t change.”

For years, Bombard had been the selfdescribed “caustic and loud” waiter whom everyone requested to be sat in his station, just for a chance to be insulted and yelled at. It was just a tradition that longtime patrons had come to expect and, frankly, for this writer, Sunday just wasn’t the same without biscuits and gravy—and Shawn asking “Is that enough for you fatty?”—always with a laugh. (Those days of biscuits and gravy are long gone: now it’s black coffee and fruit salad.)

The Comfort Food Kings Berry and Bombard also participate in the community that patronizes them.

Full disclosure: when I worked for a local non-profit, Shawn called and offered a special dinner menu with 10% of the sales donated to the organization. The business pair has also supported numerous other local organizations, and they do so during their busiest nights. For Bombard and Berry, giving back is serious business.

Bombard says that he would like to see more boutiques and similar businesses make their way to Wilton Drive. “I miss the retail stores,” he offers. “It seems that the Drive has been just focusing on bars and restaurants. I really preferred when we had a good mix of retail and food and bars.” As for other changes on the Drive: “Honestly, the meters have hurt all of the businesses. I know the city needs revenue, but it has hurt.”

The growth of business at Courtyard Café’s flagship location (they have a satellite at The Depot bar in Fort Lauderdale and also own and operate Gelato Station, just down the Drive) from 60 meals (“covers” in the business) a day when Berry and Bombard purchased the restaurant to 120 covers today, and from 150 sold on Saturday and Sunday to 300, is a Drive success story worth reflecting upon in leaner times. “Here is the bottom line,” says Bombard. “Good food, good prices, get ‘em in, get ‘em out, but never let them feel neglected. It’s all about customer service.”

By DALE MADISON

Brad Casey has been a name synonymous with the publication business in South Florida for over 20 years. Having started out with his deep, dulcet voice on AM radio (yes, it was in the Stone Age) Casey quickly rose to the top of his game in broadcast.

Then a new offer came along that made him think of a career change. Hot Shots, yes Hot Shots, publisher Jason Bell approached Casey and offered him the position of Sales Manager for the new publication.

“At that time, there were maybe 4 gay bars in the city and several gay friendly establishments and that was about it” recounts Casey.

“I took on the position as it was something new, I mean, sales is sales whether it’s cars, real estate or advertising.

I did well. But after about a year and a half, I decided if I am going to do this, why not do it for me?” Casey says. His first publication was Scoop, which started out as just a one page, mimeographed newsletter. “I had some content on the first page writing basically about what was going on in the bars in town.

On the flip side, I printed business card size ads which most I ran for free. Then the paper began to really catch on. In the beginning, Jason Bell was printing the Scoop for me. The first time I went in to get the paper printed I asked Jason, “How much is this gonna cost me?”

“I don’t know,” said Bell. “How much do you have on you?

“$52.00,” I said.

“Then it’s going to cost you $52.00.” That’s the way things were done in those days.

Scoop was born at that moment. “Everything was going great and I started getting requests from bars in Miami, so, I then started Scoop Magazine. I found a graphic artist by the name of Bill Huelsman, who many of you probably know is the other half to Terry DeCarlo, public relations director at Broward House, to help with the creation of ads.

In 2 years, I went from just a newsletter to an 8 ½ x 11” full color, glossy publication. Our first edition was only 32 pages and we kept growing. I kept it local, and gossipy.

I remember recruiting Pompano Bill for photos and I remember another young (at the time) entrepreneur by the name of Dale Madison who started writing a column called “Pinkies Up” that dealt with local events. Along with others such as Interior Designer, Joe Gallant and Mrs. Beasley, we grew the publication,” Brad beams.

Then, according to Casey, the economy began to turn. One of his Miami Sales reps named Tony Lambreau teamed up with photographer Jose Antonio to start a new magazine named Outlook, taking advertisers from his list of clients.

That’s when Casey received an offer “I couldn’t refuse” from his former employer, Jason Bell, now of HotSpots! Magazine. “I was offered the chance to stay on for a while which I did, and then finally decided it was time to move on,” states Casey.

“It has been a wonderful 40 years here in the South Florida media. I will say this, “You have not heard the last of Brad Casey.”