OutClique Magazine July 2026

Fifty Years of Arts and Culture in Broward

2026/27 Season Announced

Unstoppable Music. Unforgettable Moments.

Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso leads South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 29th season in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West.

From the unmistakable first four notes of Beethoven’s epic Fifth to the exultant power of his monumental Ninth the choral masterpiece that erupts in the triumphant “Ode to Joy” finale—to Florence Price’s trailblazing Violin Concerto No. 1—these history-making works soar with heart and soul. The season opens with Shostakovich’s propulsive Symphony No. 12 and concludes with the beloved Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, one of the most treasured works in the Chinese symphonic repertoire and often called the “Romeo and Juliet of the East.”

Join us for a season that moves. That breathes. That is unstoppable.

Nov. 11 & 13 | Ft. Lauderdale & Miami Beach

Shostakovich | Symphony No. 12, “The Year 1917”

Tchaikovsky | Piano Concerto No. 1

Featuring Sheng Cai, piano

Higdon | “Cathedrals” from All Things Majestic

Dec. 5 & 6 | Ft. Lauderdale & Miami Shores

Handel’s Messiah* & Holiday Pops

Featuring the South Florida Symphony Chorus and special guest vocalists

Jan. 20 & 23 | Ft. Lauderdale & Key West

Beethoven | Symphony No. 5

Bottesini | Concerto for Double Bass No. 2

Featuring Nina Bernat, double bass

Esmail | Perhaps

Mozart | Overture to Don Giovanni

Feb. 9-13 | Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale & Key West

Barber | Adagio for Strings

Price | Violin Concerto No. 1

Featuring Melissa White, violin

Nielsen | Symphony No. 2, “The Four Temperaments”

Mar. 20-24 | Key West, Miami Beach & Ft. Lauderdale

Beethoven | Symphony No. 9 with Grand Opera Arias

Featuring the South Florida Symphony Chorus and dazzling guest vocalists

Apr. 14 | Ft. Lauderdale

Brahms | Symphony No. 4

Chen & He | Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto

Featuring Huifang Chen, violin

Beethoven | Overture to Coriolan

*Subscription Add-On. Dates and programming subject to change.

Steven O. Evans, PhD1 (Publisher and Editor in Chief)

Sach Advertising Group (Director of Graphic Design & Information Technology)

Megan Fitzgerald, Ph.D. (Sr Associate Editor; Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences)

Savannah Whaley (Senior Writer / PR & Editorial Consultant)

Charles Baran (Senior Writer & Editorial Consultant)

Jason Eakin (Director of Distribution)

Stephen Lang (Director of Photography and Editorial Consultant)

Trantalis & Associates (Legal Oversight)

Richter Trademarks, P.L. (Copyright and Legal Consultant)

Rivendell Media (National Advertising)

Writers: Tony Adams (Key West and Travel Expert); Josh Estrin (Travel); Fran Folic; John M. Hayden (Senior South Florida News Journalist); Rev Aaron Lauer; Fr. Rich Vitale; Bishop Rev. Durrell Watkins, DMin

Brand Ambassadors: Joe Akin, Doug Ames, Charles Baran, Arnie Cuarenta, Clayton de Oliveira, Luka Gotsiridze, Rafi Maldonado, Jorge Perez

Contact us (advertising, editorial ideas, feedback, join our email list, or questions) (954) 294-8560 (call, text, WhatsApp) | Info@OutClique.com

Circle of Love

at Sebastian Street Plaza

Hurricane Season Is Here Make Sure You Are Prepared

With the 2026 hurricane season underway, I encourage every Fort Lauderdale resident, business owner and visitor to take time now to prepare before a storm threatens our community.

In recent years, South Florida has experienced firsthand how quickly severe weather can impact our daily lives. Heavy rainfall, flooding, tropical systems and changing weather conditions have reinforced an important lesson: preparation matters. Hurricane season officially began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. While we cannot predict exactly what this season will bring, we can take steps now to protect our homes, families and neighborhoods.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has been preparing year-round. Our teams have inspected stormwater infrastructure, cleaned drains and waterways, tested pumps and generators, coordinated emergency response operations and reviewed plans to help keep the community informed and safe during severe weather events. But preparedness is a shared responsibility. Now is the time to review your hurricane plan, restock emergency supplies, confirm your insurance coverage and know whether you live in an evacuation zone. We also encourage residents to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertFTL and follow the City’s official communication channels for trusted updates before, during and after a storm.

To help residents prepare, the City will once again offer free pre-filled sandbags throughout hurricane season. The program will continue on the third Saturday and Sunday of every month through November, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sandbag distribution locations include Floyd Hull Stadium, George English Park, Holiday Park, Mills Pond Park and Riverland Park. Residents can also find preparedness resources, evacuation information and additional storm readiness tips at fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

By Mayor Dean Trantalis

Yours, Dean

All-Electric Three-Row Luxury

The All-New 2027 Lexus TZ

Lexus expands its electrified lineup for 2027 with the all-new Lexus TZ, the brand’s first three-row, allelectric, AWD SUV. Built on Lexus’ TNGA platform, it is designed to blend driving enjoyment with refined comfort, supporting diverse lifestyles while delivering exceptional luxury SUV dynamics. It features two lithium-ion battery options—76.96 kWh and 95.82 kWh—and employs an evolved DIRECT4 AWD system. An enhanced body structure ensures handling stability and a composed ride, while Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) offers advanced safety and convenience.

Connections That Empower Your Healthcare

Latinos Salud sets the bar for accessible testing, screening, PrEP, HIV care and other healthcare services. Their gay, bilingual medical providers speak your language and never shame you. Latinos Salud makes it easy to make appointments, or you can just walk in; they don’t charge co-pays; they have four locations in Broward and Miami Dade, and they’re open late nightly, as well as half days on Saturdays.

As the non-profit agency and its clinics continue to grow, OutClique magazine sat down with their two newest medical providers.

Matthew Zamora, MSN, APRN comes from a family rooted in healthcare, and even met his husband in the profession. Before completing his master’s degree in nursing, Matthew had worked as a registered nurse for five years in high-acuity hospital settings, specializing in neuro-cardiac and postsurgical care. He notes that “Today, I bring that same level of dedication—and heart—into my role in community health.”

Rogert Castro, MSN, APRN has worked in cardiac and oncology units from Miami to Washington, DC, including the challenging work in bone marrow and stem cell transplants. Across all these experiences, Rogert says that he “believes that listening, building trust, and treating people with dignity are just as important as any medication or procedure.”

OutClique: What made you choose Latinos Salud as the place you wanted to build your career and make a difference?

Matthew: As a proud gay Latino, I understand firsthand how important it is to feel seen, respected, and safe in healthcare spaces. Latinos Salud stood out to me long before I joined. I had followed their work for years and deeply admired their commitment to culturally competent, stigma-free care. Their mission aligned perfectly with both my personal values and professional goals. I wanted to be part of a team that not only treats patients, but truly empowers them—and that’s exactly what we do here every day.

Rogert: What stood out to me about Latinos Salud is its focus on dignity, prevention, education, and access to care. HIV and STI prevention are not just medical issues; they are public health priorities that impact individuals, families, and entire communities. Many people delay seeking care because of stigma, fear, or misinformation. At Latinos Salud, we have the opportunity to change that by creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and receiving care without judgment. Being able to help someone start PrEP, access HIV treatment, receive STI testing, or simply learn more about protecting their health is incredibly rewarding.

OutClique: Which of Latinos Salud’s locations do you work in? How would you describe the vibe or feel in this location?

Matthew: I work at the Miami Southwest location. The environment is welcoming, inclusive, and deeply community-driven. From the moment patients walk in, there’s a genuine sense of warmth and acceptance. It

doesn’t feel like a traditional clinical space—it feels safe, approachable, and human. That atmosphere plays a vital role in helping patients feel comfortable opening up about their health. Our team functions not just as colleagues, but as a family, and we strive to make every patient feel like they’re part of that as well.

Rogert: I work at Latinos Salud in Miami Beach, a city that is incredibly diverse, vibrant, and full of energy. Because many of our patients speak Spanish, being able to communicate in their preferred language helps establish trust and allows us to provide more personalized care.

What makes our Miami Beach location special is the strong sense of community. Patients often tell us they appreciate being treated as individuals rather than just another appointment. We take the time to listen, educate, and build relationships. That connection helps people feel more confident about their healthcare decisions and encourages them to stay engaged in their care. It is rewarding to be part of a team that prioritizes compassion, prevention, and empowerment every day.

OutClique: Getting healthcare can be intimidating. Whether community members are looking to get on PrEP, or they need HIV care or STD treatment, or have other concerns, many are nervous about being judged. How do you relate to your patients?

Matthew: I meet patients where they are, without assumptions. Many people come in feeling anxious, especially when discussing sexual health or HIV prevention. I focus on building trust through open, judgment-free conversations. I remind them that they are not alone, and that my role is to support—not judge—their decisions and experiences.

Rogert: I remind patients that my role is not to judge them but to help them make informed decisions about their health. Whether someone is seeking PrEP, HIV treatment, STI testing, or general healthcare advice, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Open communication is essential. When patients feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns, we can work together to develop a plan that meets their needs.

I also believe in education. Many fears come from uncertainty or misinformation. By providing accurate information and answering questions honestly, we can help reduce anxiety and empower patients to take control of their health.

OutClique: What are some of the most common questions your patients ask you?

Matthew: A lot of patients ask about PrEP—how it works, side effects, and whether it’s right for them. Others have questions about STI symptoms, testing frequency, or new prevention strategies like DoxyPEP. I also get questions about HIV treatment and what living with HIV looks like today. Many are relieved to learn how effective and manageable prevention and treatment options have become.

Rogert: For patients living with HIV, common questions focus on treatment, medication adherence, and longterm health. Many want reassurance that they can live full, healthy lives while managing HIV. I explain that with modern antiretroviral therapy, many people achieve an undetectable viral load and can maintain excellent health for decades.

Ultimately, most patients are looking for trustworthy information and reassurance. My goal is to provide clear answers, reduce fear and confusion, and help patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

OutClique: What message would you share with the South Florida community?

Matthew: Your health is something to be proactive about, not afraid of. Getting tested, asking questions, and exploring prevention options are all acts of self-respect— not something to feel ashamed of.

We have the tools today to prevent and effectively treat HIV and STIs, but access starts with taking that first step. You deserve care that is respectful, informed, and judgmentfree—and that’s exactly what we strive to provide every day.

Men’s Health Matters

Across the United States, men are more likely to delay routine medical care and preventive screenings, even though they face higher risks for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, and other chronic conditions. Men also live an average of five years less than women.

The good news? Small changes can make a major difference.

Simple Wellness Habits That Matter

You do not need to completely reinvent your life overnight. It is about building sustainable habits that improve longterm health.

A few important areas include:

● Scheduling an annual physical

● Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol

● Exercising regularly, even with simple daily walks

● Strength training to maintain muscle and mobility

● Improving sleep habits

● Eating more whole foods and fewer processed foods

● Managing stress in healthier ways

● Talking openly about mental health

● Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco use

Even small improvements add up over time.

MENTAL HEALTH IS PART OF MEN’S HEALTH

One of the biggest shifts happening nationally is greater awareness around men’s mental health. Stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression often go untreated because many men feel pressure to stay silent or “handle it alone.”

But emotional health affects everything from relationships and parenting, to work performance, sleep, energy, and physical health.

CAN Community Health Launches Healx Solutions to Expand Access in Specialty Therapy Services

CAN Community Health, the nation’s leading resource in comprehensive health services, today announced a new business entity dedicated to helping health systems, hospitals, physician practices, and specialty clinics unlock the full potential of high-cost specialty therapies while improving patient access, operational efficiency, and longterm sustainability.

Healx Solutions launches to support healthcare organizations navigating the growing complexity of specialty medications, infusion therapies, pharmacy

integration, and regulatory requirements, backed by a strategic partnership between CAN Community Health and Atlas Management Group. The company’s approach centers on four core service areas:

● Buy & Bill Program Management

● Infusion Services

● 340B Program Administration

● In-House Pharmacy Services

Together, these services are designed to close the gap

between patients and the life-changing therapies they need by creating more integrated, financially sustainable, and patient-centered care models.

“Healx Solutions was founded on the same belief that has always driven our work at CAN Community Health, that operational excellence and mission-driven care are not in conflict, they are inseparable,” said Rishi Patel, PharmD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, at CAN Community Health. “The expertise our team has developed over the years positions us uniquely to help other healthcare organizations thrive while expanding access to critical therapies for the patients who depend on them.”

With decades of combined experience across specialty pharmacy operations, public health, patient access programs, infusion management, and healthcare administration. Healx Solutions aims to serve as a strategic partner for organizations seeking scalable and sustainable healthcare delivery models.

The launch of Healx Solutions reflects CAN Community Health’s broader vision to advance innovation in healthcare while supporting providers facing increasing financial pressures, workforce demands, and patient care complexities.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, organizations need partners who understand both the operational realities and the human impact of specialty care,” said Hemali Joshi, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, at CAN Community Health. “Healx Solutions brings together deep expertise, strategic insight, and mission-focused approach to help healthcare organizations strengthen services, improve patient outcomes, and create lasting impact.”

Healx Solutions will begin partnering with healthcare organizations nationwide, offering customized strategies and operational support tailored to each organization’s unique needs and patient populations.

Miami Beach Pride

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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The New Luxury IS LONGEVITY

For years, wellness was often treated as something reactive: address a concern, correct a symptom, or restore what time had changed. Today, a more forward-thinking philosophy is emerging, one centered not simply on adding years to life, but on supporting strength, vitality, confidence, and quality of life throughout those years.

This is the promise of longevity medicine.

Longevity is not a single treatment or a quick fix. It is a highly personalized approach that looks at how the body ages and identifies opportunities to support healthier function over time. The goal is to help patients feel more energized, recover more effectively, maintain lean muscle, support cognitive and metabolic health, and continue looking as vibrant as they feel.

This evolving approach at Genesis Health Institute brings together advanced diagnostics, individualized medical guidance, regenerative therapies, and aesthetics under one comprehensive philosophy.

Among the most exciting areas of longevity medicine are peptides and exosomes. Peptides are naturally occurring chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules within the body. Depending on a patient’s individual needs, carefully selected peptide protocols may be used to support recovery, body composition, sleep, energy, and healthy aging.

Exosomes are another emerging area of regenerative science. These microscopic messengers help facilitate communication between cells and are increasingly being explored for their potential role in tissue support, rejuvenation, and recovery. In aesthetic applications, exosome-based treatments may be incorporated into personalized plans designed to support healthier-looking skin and complement other regenerative procedures.

The most meaningful results, however, come from looking at the whole person. Hormonal balance, nutrition, sleep, inflammation, muscle health, skin quality, and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected. A true longevity plan recognizes those connections rather than treating each concern in isolation.

Aging is inevitable. How we experience it may be far more adaptable than we once believed.

The future of medicine is about living longer. It is about remaining strong, engaged, confident, and fully present for life ahead.

Call Genesis Health Institute at 954-561-3175 or scan the QR code to learn more.

It’s Friday Night! Time For Group Therapy!

By Charles Baran

I’m a big believer in therapy. All kinds of therapy. There’s physical therapy for that Achilles’ tendon you ripped last New Year’s Eve twirling on the dance floor in Key West. The one-on-one therapy to work through those pesky situations with your meddling sister-in-law. And, of course, there’s my favorite, retail therapy, when only a fabulous pair of Gucci loafers from Town Center Mall will brighten the day. But hold on folks. There’s a brand-new kind of therapy in town. Every Friday night, starting at 6:30, the parking lot in front of Hunters is packed toe-to-toe with a friendly and welcoming crowd decked out in bright red, green and blue T-shirts and tanks, everyone mingling, bonding, making plans and laughing. It’s…Group Therapy! And it’s taken off faster than the Artemis II.

The organizer, brainchild, and man-behind-the-curtain of this weekly event is Wilton Manors’ resident David Weber, one of the nicest people you can ever hope to meet. Back in January 2023, David never imagined that calling his idea “group therapy” would blossom into a major Wilton Manors social event. How did it start? It all began very simply. With photos.

“I’m always taking pictures. People call me the historian. When we’d go out, I’d take pictures of all my friends and post them on Facebook. The next day, I’d look at them and it made me so happy. I started to call it my ‘group therapy.’ Then it started to grow. Every week more and more people showed up. Early in 2025, a lesbian

couple saw the photos on Facebook and made these wristbands that said, ‘Group Therapy.’ Then I met Chris Lopez, who is in the fashion industry and now one of my closest friends, who was blown away by the Friday night events. He designed our stylish red, green and blue T-shirts. Every week, “Group Therapy” gets bigger. There’s no membership fee or requirement to join. Well, the only thing we ask from anyone who attends is that they keep it positive. No talk of politics allowed! I guess you could say that our one requirement is ‘to just be a good person.’”

On a recent Friday night, I hung out with the crowd and met many friends, some old and some new. I asked several members of the group why they enjoy coming to these Friday night socials. As I observed the good time everyone was having, the testimonials did not surprise me.

“Because we see almost every great friend we have in town! It’s like Facebook but live!” – Dennis

“I love Group Therapy! I started coming here when I was going through chemotherapy for breast cancer and everyone welcomed me and took care of me when I could barely stand up.” – Les

“It gives me a sense of community and belonging! I see friendly faces and I feel welcome.” – Andy

Group Therapy is not just confined to the parking lot in front of Hunters. So far, David has organized two movie nights; a special pre-screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 back in May, and, more recently, a night out to see Stop! That! Train! They’ve even gone bowling at Manor Lanes. And, thanks to a bit of networking on David’s part, a branch of Group Therapy is starting up in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with brand new T-shirts designed by Chris Lopez that are bold, bright and beautiful. The new designs are available for the Wilton Manors group as well. Visit the Chris Lopez Store on Facebook for styles and colors.

While more events are being planned and new ideas are taking root, David is enjoying every minute of Group Therapy’s success. Currently, there’s a Facebook Group

that you can request to join, and soon a website will be up and running.

In the meantime, David is overjoyed that people of all types, from different backgrounds, have a place to go on Friday nights and unwind, share a drink, and laugh.

“Life is short. Special times with friends are so important. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is welcome at Group Therapy. It’s non-judgmental and supportive. All we ask is that you keep it positive and be a good person!”

I don’t know about you, but I’ll be going back. Good energy is just what we need these days.

Travel

2026

7/5 - 7/15 | Greek Isles, Turkey & Croatia Cruise

Atlantis Events

7/15 - 7/24 | Venice to Barcelona Cruise

Atlantis Events

8/6 - 8/15 | Total Eclipse Med Cruise: Barcelona

VACAYA

8/30-9/8 | Prague & Danube River Cruise

Brand g

9/18 - 9/26 | Big Gay Cruise

Royal Caribbean - Adventure of the Seas | Port Canaveral, FL

10/5 - 10/14 | Splendors of Morocco

Source Journeys

10/7 - 10/19 | Mekong River Cruise: Vietnam & Cambodia

Brand g

10/17 - 10/25 | Luxury Galapagos Cruise

Source Journeys

10/17 -10/27 | Mystical & Modern Japan

Source Journeys

10/25 - 11/1 | Mexico Resort: Puerto Vallarta

VACAYA

10/31 - 11/5 | Big Gay Cruise

Royal Caribbean - Liberty of the Seas | Galveston, TX

11/7 - 11/14 | San Diego to Mexico Cruise

Atlantis Events

11/14 | Star Princess Gay Cruise

Port Everglades

11/14 - 11/19 | Big Gay Cruise: Miami, FL

Big Gay Cruise | Virgin Voyage - Scarlet Lady

11/22 - 11/29 | Thanksgiving Caribbean Cruise

Atlantis Events

11/22 - 11/30 | Chile & Easter Island Adventure

VACAYA

12/26 - 1/2 | New Years Mexico City

Source Journeys

12/28 - 1/7 | Madagascar & Seychelles Cruise

VACAYA

2027

1/16 - 1/25 | Treasures of Egypt

Source Journeys

2/6 - 2/16 | Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand

Source Journeys

2/14 - 2/21 | Caribbean Cruise: Celebrity Beyond

VACAYA

3/7 - 3/14 | Epic Caribbean Cruise: Allure of the Seas

Atlantis Events

3/22 - 4/2 | Egypt River Cruise & Land Tour

Brand g

3/27 - 4/3 | Southern Caribbean Cruise: San Juan

Atlantis Events

3/28 - 4/7 | Arabian Nights Cruise: Red Sea

VACAYA

5/8 - 5/17 | Legends of Ireland

Source Journeys

6/8 - 6/15 | Castles of the Rhine River Cruise

Brand g

9/11 - 9/19 | Luxury Galapagos Cruise

Source Journeys

9/28 - 10/6 | Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

Brand g

10/6 - 10/18 | Mekong River Jewel Cruise

Brand g

10/11 - 10/18 | Dreams of Tahiti Cruise

Source Journeys

11/14 - 11/27 | Antarctica Expedition Cruise

VACAYA

New Underwater Sculpture Joins Shipwreck Park in Pompano Beach

Astriking new addition joined the vibrant underwater landscape off the coast of Pompano Beach. Reef Rider, a life-sized public art sculpture by artist Andrew (Drew) Shook of Velvet Anvil, was submerged and permanently installed in the City’s renowned underwater sculpture dive garden, and attached to the iconic Lady Luck as part of the City's Shipwreck Park's underwater art exhibition.

This highly anticipated installation enhances Pompano Beach’s unique underwater museum experience, transforming Reef Rider from a land-based artwork into a living part of the ocean environment. The sculpture rests among thriving marine habitats, offering divers and marine life alike an imaginative and interactive new landmark within the existing collection.

The sculpture was installed on Lady Luck, a 324-foot tanker intentionally sunk in 2016 approximately 1.5 miles offshore. As the centerpiece of Shipwreck Park, Lady Luck anchors one of Florida’s most accessible and celebrated artificial reef systems, surrounded by numerous wrecks teeming with marine biodiversity. The addition of Reef Rider continues the park’s mission of blending public art with environmental stewardship.

Created by North Carolina-based artist Andrew Shook, Reef Rider embodies a sense of wonder, depicting the playful possibility of riding a seahorse. Inspired by marine environments and the spirit of childhood imagination, the sculpture also serves a deeper purpose: to raise awareness about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting delicate marine ecosystems.

Reef Rider springs from a deep love for the ocean and the captivating wonder of childhood. It brings to life the whimsical dream of riding a seahorse, a fantasy shared by young and old. The sculpture's design echoes the timeless charm of wooden puzzles, now realized in an awe-inspiring, life-sized form. Given the prevalence of seahorses in our region, Pompano Beach is thrilled to welcome this unique aquatic ambassador.

Content

EUROPE

Spain in 3 Acts

Barcelona, Mallorca, and Menorca: the perfect Mediterranean escape for living with style, freedom, and intensity.

The question is not which destination to choose between Barcelona, Mallorca, and Menorca. The real question is: in what order should you experience them?

Individually, each one is unforgettable. But together — and in the right sequence — they become a complete journey: from urban energy to Mediterranean beaches where time seems to slow down.

It’s the kind of trip that begins among architecture, cocktails and vibrant nights in Barcelona… and ends days later in a turquoise-water cove in Menorca, with the rare feeling of having truly rested.

First Act — Barcelona

Everything starts with intensity. Second Act — Mallorca

After the urban intensity, Mallorca changes the pace without losing the glamour. Here, renting a car is essential. Third Act — Menorca

Menorca brings the journey to the perfect ending.

Ciutadella is the ideal base for the final days: stone streets, sunset wine and impossibly blue water.

You don’t return home exhausted. You return renewed.

How to plan the route

Ideal sequence: Barcelona → Mallorca → Menorca

Duration: 10 to 14 days

Best time to visit: May, June, September, and October

Some trips simply fill your calendar. Others stay with you long after you return home.

Dining and Nightlife

WEEKLY EVENTS

7/9 | Leather & Feathers Kickoff

Flockfest | Eagle Bar Wilton Manors

7/10 | Flamingo Friday

Flockfest | Hunters Nightclub

Saturdays | Megamix Saturdays: Natasha & Brian

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar / 6:30 PM

Saturdays | Diva on Demand w/ Jennifer McClain

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar / 7 PM

Sunays | Showtune Sundays

The Pub on the Drive

Mondays | Jockstrap Night

Eagle Wilton Manors / CODE Bar

Tuesdays | CODE Tuesday: Happy Hour All Night

Eagle Wilton Manors

Tuesdays | The Groove Session w/ LeNora Jaye

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar / 7:30 PM

Tuesdays | Drag Bingo w/ London Adour

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar / 10 PM

Tuesdays | Happy Hour All Night

Eagle Wilton Manors

Wednesdays | Underwear & Singlet Night

Eagle Wilton Manors / CODE Bar

Wednesdays | Pitch Please! w/ Natasha Ricketts

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar / 7 PM

Wednesdays | Strip for a Tip: Get Paid to Dance

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar / 11:30 PM

Wednesdays | Leather & Fetish Night

Eagle Wilton Manors / CODE Bar

Thursdays | Harness & Fetish Night

Eagle Wilton Manors / 9 PM

Thursdays | EDM Night w/ DJERMO

Eagle Wilton Manors

Thursdays | Big Cigar Night (7 PM)

Eagle Wilton Manors / Smoking Lounge

Bears of South Florida

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

Flowers And Memories Bloom Together at Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar

By Martina Valdovinos, Nova Southeastern University

Before Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar became our go-to coffee spot, it was simply the place where my boyfriend and I were planning on meeting for the first time.

On July 2, 2024, what was supposed to be a casual coffee date turned into four hours of conversation. The coffee was excellent, the service felt effortless and welcoming, and the sun cast the kind of golden light that makes everything look like part of a movie. Little did I know that the small outdoor table where we sat would become the beginning of a long relationship.

Since then, Ann’s has become our place for quick coffees on the run, little stops whenever life feels too fast and anniversary dates. What I learned over time is that for many people in Fort Lauderdale, Ann’s has been that kind of place for much longer.

A Fort Lauderdale Staple: 50 Years of History

Ann’s celebrates 50 years in 2026, although the café came later. Owner Taylor Fuentes said her grandmother Ann opened the original business in 1976 as a greenhouse located in Hollywood, FL with $500 and a 10th grade education. Over time, the business expanded into a florist shop, Ann’s Greenhouse & Florist, and, in

1992, the family opened the current Las Olas location.

The Evolution of a Local Favorite About 10 years ago, the family added what Fuentes described as “just a little café” where customers could grab a coffee while walking around the shop. At first, she said they expected to sell only “2 or 3 coffees a shift,” but the concept “kind of took on a mind of its own” and grew from there. Two years later came a wine and beer bar, followed by a full liquor bar, transforming Ann’s into the layered experience it is today.

What began as a flower shop evolved into something harder to define and more memorable because of it.

“It’s unlike anything you have ever seen,” Fuentes said.

For me, Ann’s will always be the place where something important began. After speaking with Fuentes, it became clear that my story is only one among many. For 50 years, Ann’s has been part of marked milestones, celebrations and ordinary moments that later become cherished memories. What began as a greenhouse has grown into a space that has quietly shaped the lives of generations in South Florida.

Martina Valdovinos is a student reporter in NSU’s feature writing course taught by Dr. Megan Fitzgerald in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

July Proves South Floridians Are Weird & Wonderful

By John Hayden

South Floridians are weird. The month of July proves it, coming in with a bang (July 4) and going out with a bang (start of peak hurricane season). Everything in between is weird, eschewed by the rest of the world while lovingly (and sometimes reluctantly) embraced by us.

It’s not the heat, it’s also the humidity

Some people consider talking about the weather as the most banal of small talk. But for South Floridians the topic is the hot, sweltering sun upon which we revolve. The average high is about 90 degrees with 73 percent humidity, giving us a heat index of a balmy 108 F. The Atlantic is hot (85 F), our pools are hot (mine’s sitting at 90 F), and even iguanas are wearing sunscreen.

And we love it!

Phoenix and Las Vegas see highs topping 110 F for weeks on end. Residents will proudly tell you their heat is superior to ours because it’s a dry heat. They’re full of hot air. If we want “dry” heat we can set our ovens to 400F and keep opening the oven door.

We love our hot, moist air. We sleep better, don’t catch summer colds, and save tons on moisturizing products. As a bonus: we also get to use the word “moist,” which for some reason makes people uncomfortable.

Then there are the afternoon storms. If someone asks “Do you think it will rain today,” the answer is always yes. We go from an unrelenting sun to thick dark clouds and heavy rains, then back to unrelenting sun in only about 20 minutes. Tourists find it freaky, we see it as a way to know the work day is almost done.

Quit Bugging Me

True South Floridians don’t get bugged by bugs, which is good. Some of our insects are large enough to get work as extras in alien and horror movies. We give them cute and classy names.

Palmetto bugs are just roaches that hit the gym and nosee-ums are essentially coastal mosquitos on steroids. But it’s hard to get mad at ‘em because they’ve got adorable names. Uninitiated tourists tend to disagree.

So why do we put up with it? The easy explanation is uncrowded beaches and great drink and dining deals. That’s nice, but way too basic.

The true answer is that we’ve created a culture. Anyone can tell which season it is if there’s snow on the ground, orange and red leaves on trees, or fresh sprouts on plants. Our culture has taught us skills, like being able to determine relative humidity within two points and, if it’s after 3 p.m., spotting the nearest awnings to run under.

Others can go to P-town or Saugatuck for mild summers in the woods. We bond over the heat while drinking $5 cocktails during brief storms. We turn small talk about the weather into a science.

I’ll be the first to admit it’s not for everybody.

About two-thirds of Floridians were born elsewhere. This is the place we’ve chosen. These are the friends we’ve chosen. This is the chaos we’ve chosen.

We embrace those choices, one sweaty July day at a time.

Interfaith Service

at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale

Legends Awards

OC 48

Oliver Chen's Birthday Benefit Bash

JULY 2026

DECEMBER 2026

CommuniTEA Dance

at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

July is Liberation Month. In my spiritual tradition, “salvation” is the word used for “liberation” or “healing.” We are saved (healed, liberated) “from loneliness, despair, and degradation” by our engagement with our spiritual values and insights; that is, we are freed from loneliness, despair, and degradation by the power of spirituality.

In July we see Canada Day, U.S. Independence Day, Bastille Day, and Nelson Mandela International Day. Each represents justice, freedom, and hope.

The history of social progress is inextricably linked to the tension between faith and justice. Across movements— from the abolition of slavery to labor reform to the struggles for racial equality, women’s suffrage, and marriage equality—religion has acted as a profound, if paradoxical, influence. It has served simultaneously as a moral anchor for progress and a theological shield for the status quo.

In the 19th-century abolitionist movement, religion provided the essential vocabulary for dissent. Quakers and Northern evangelicals, grounded in the belief that enslavement constituted a profound spiritual transgression, transformed abolition from a political dispute into a moral crusade. By affirming human dignity, they framed their cause as an essential expression of divine love. This model of “prophetic agitation” became the blueprint for subsequent movements.

Malady or Medicine

By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

of civil law, but as the inevitable realization of spiritual truth.

However, the influence of religion was never monolithic. While some activists in the suffragette movement employed biblical metaphors to justify gender equality, others faced fierce opposition from religious traditionalists who cited patriarchal interpretations of scripture to enforce subordination. The same can be said of the work for women’s bodily autonomy. This dichotomy of approaches to religion led to feminist leaders like Bible scholar Phyllis Trible retrieving and reevaluating women’s stories from history to critique patriarchal attitudes and deconstruct the theological rhetoric used by those who opposed women’s equality.

Similarly, the struggle for marriage equality highlights the split between those who view inclusion as an expression of divine love and those who view tradition as inviolable.

Ultimately, the role of religion in social change is defined by how it is wielded. When used to demand justice, faith provides the rhetorical leverage necessary to challenge entrenched power. When used to maintain hierarchy, it functions as an instrument of control. These movements reveal that the most significant transformations often occur when religion is actively engaged and reimagined.

The American civil rights struggle relied on the historically Black church as its institutional bedrock. Sanctuary, resources, and the spiritual narrative of the Exodus—the journey from bondage to freedom—empowered leaders of the movement to frame racial justice not merely as a matter

For those of us who consider ourselves to be spiritual seekers, we have the choice to allow our sacred texts and traditions to be used to silence, oppress, and manipulate people, or to insist that they be used in ways that heal, liberate, and promote compassion.

Religion can be a malady or a medicine depending on our use of it.

I have to tell you something.

America the Complicated Why the Promise Is Still Worth Believing In

By Fr. Rich Vitale

I had been looking forward to America's 250th birthday for most of my life.

Ever since hearing stories about the Bicentennial in 1976, I imagined what the Semiquincentennial might feel like. The fireworks, the celebrations, the reflection, and the simple joy of celebrating the country I love.

Unfortunately, for many people, the celebration has arrived and it feels spoiled, like milk left out on the porch on a hot summer day.

What should have been a moment of national pride has become tangled up in hyperpartisanship, political grievance, culture war theatrics, and a version of Christianity that often seems more interested in power than humility.

For many LGBTQ+ Americans, that creates a particular kind of whiplash.

reciting a pledge that included “liberty and justice for all.” LGBTQ+ people know the history of police raids, AIDS, Anita Bryant, Prop 8, codified discrimination, and exclusion.

The idea that everything was fine until our current political moment arrived can only be spoken from a place of extraordinary privilege.

America has always been a contest between those who would narrow belonging and those who would expand it. That struggle is not an interruption of the American story. It is the story.

The symbols have not changed. The feelings attached to them have.

When people have watched faith used to question their dignity, the language of "Christian America" does not land neutrally. When people have watched patriotism wrapped around policies that make their lives smaller, the flag can begin to feel less like a symbol of freedom and more like a warning sign.

That does something to a person.

But the American story has never been a perfect one.

Enslaved people heard soaring language about liberty while living in chains. Indigenous communities experienced Manifest Destiny very differently than it appears in many history books. Black Americans endured Jim Crow while

That is why I find myself approaching America's 250th birthday differently than I expected.

The question is no longer whether America deserves celebration.

The question is whether the promise is still worth believing in.

I believe it is.

Not because progress is guaranteed. History offers no such assurances.

But because generation after generation of ordinary people have pushed this country closer to its ideals.

Christian nationalism does not own Christianity.

The loudest voices do not own patriotism.

And I am not ready to surrender either the flag or the future to people who would make them smaller than they were meant to be.

Getting Schooled in Equality

By Savannah Whaley

“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river and we need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in," said writer, composer and humanitarian Robert Spencer Knotts quoting South African bishop and theologian Desmond Tutu.

As founder and president of The Humanity Project®, Knotts creates and directs programs that go into public, private and charter elementary schools promoting the nearly 21-year-old non-profit organization’s motto, “Equality For Each, Respect For All!” In reaching young students, he hopes to change their attitudes and behavior before middle school where bullying most occurs.

“We go in and try to change a school,” Knotts explained. “We believe that LGBTQ students can be helped best by creating an environment where students in school— those who may be questioning, those who are LGBT, as well as students who are not—have a sense of their own value.”

Knotts has infused his own research and philosophy into the programs. Identity failure, a term he coined and details in his book Beyond Me: Dissecting Ego to Find the Innate Love at Humanity's Core, refers to the fact that we tend to seek validation from others and when that doesn’t occur we begin to doubt ourselves. To combat that, he teaches students about his approach called “shared value” in which focusing on self-worth and helping others feel equal and respected will benefit everyone.

“We can't say enough good things about The Our Fund Foundation,” Knotts stressed. “They have been in our corner for many years now. They've been instrumental in helping us to develop, expand, and get the program out there. When it comes to these programs for kids and the programs that are particularly targeting being helpful

The Humanity Project adds Respect to schools’ three R’s

to the LGBTQ population, without them we wouldn't be able to do them, or at least not the way we do.”

One of the programs Our Fund supports is the Humanity Club, in which the Humanity Project works with school administrators and counselors to identify students who can create materials and activities that send a positive message to their peers and create an environment that is respectful to the LGBTQ population.

“We identify those student leaders and then work with them for months, or in some cases even years,” Knotts said. “They help us modify the program in ways that they feel will connect with their peers or even come up with new ideas.”

These activities range from fifth-grade students mentoring secondand third-grade students to arts-based projects such as posters and creating a humanity garden.

“Kids create a garden in the school that then becomes a focal point for kids to be able to go and seek solace if they're upset or just relax or enjoy the beauty of the garden,” Knotts explained. “It always carries very specific messages through signs and things about equality and the value of every person. They almost always create either a video or original music. We've actually done a number of original videos that are then shown throughout the school class by class.”

Videos also feature prominently in Antibullying Through The Arts, another program supported by Our Fund.

“We began that with big assemblies, which was pre-pandemic,” Knotts recalled. “That has morphed into working more with videos and we have our own YouTube channel. We get schools to use our videos and share them, and that way our reach expands.”

By offering these programs to young children, the Humanity Project aims to reach those future members of the LGBTQA+ community who either are not aware of their feelings or who don’t have a welcoming home environment.

“We always have our kids repeat the words, ‘I am somebody,’ which comes from the civil rights movement,” Knotts said. “We have them understand that it's only people who feel like nobody who treat others that way. Those who really feel like they are somebody of value always treat others that way. It just flows naturally. That's our real core value.”

TheHumanityProject.com

The Art of Community

Like many of you, I learned as a child to play with my hands to the rhyme, “Here’s the church and here’s the steeple. Open the doors and see all the people.”

The Humanity Project is teaching youngsters more meaningful fingerplay to the chant, “Bullying hurts everyone in schools and it takes everyone to stop it.” As shown on its YouTube channel, one hand makes a bullying fist as the other open hand waves its happy fingers. These fingers, or students, come together to engulf the fist until the fingers of both hands joyfully intertwine.

In this series, we focus on the Our Fund Foundation grantees that are truly hands on in our community doing vital work. We invite you to extend your hands in service by supporting an organization that speaks to your passion with your time, talents and donations.

David Jobin The Our Fund Foundation President & CEO

The Community Foundation of Broward Celebrates its Spring 2026 Arts Showcase

By Ashlyn Galindo

The Community Foundation of Broward hosted its Spring 2026 Arts Showcase: A Season in Full Bloom on April 17, 2026. Broward County nonprofits, which received grants from the Community Foundation of Broward, took the stage to show where the power of funding meets the magic of creativity. From captivating performances to engaging presentations, guests witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of these projects on the community.

The Foundation welcomed representatives from more than 18 leading arts organizations, alongside board members, donors, staff families, and the families of featured artists. Featured presenters included Brevo Theatre, Girls Choir of South Florida, New City Players, ArtServe represented by Tai Chi practitioner Lori Kerrigan, WEG Films, Avenue of the Arts in partnership with Twenty6North Productions, and Art Prevails Project with Darius Daughtry. Each brought a unique and powerful perspective to the showcase.

The program featured a diverse showcase of artistic expression, including a participatory song and meditation by The Girls Choir of South Florida; a dance performance from The Color Purple by Brevo Theatre; New City Players Inc.’s “Art & Hope,” a playful and immersive theatrical piece exploring friendship and renewal; a Tai Chi presentation by ArtServe; an exploration of the South Florida feature film The Old Man and the Parrot by WEG Films, a surrealist comedy starring Cuban actor Ruben Rabasa that premiered at Slamdance and the Miami Film Festival; a discussion on murals and community impact by Avenue of the Arts; insights from recent community “Listening Sessions” presented by the Cultural Foundation of Broward; and a reflective poetry reading by the Art Prevails Project.

In an effort to expand, elevate and sustain a vibrant arts community and increase exposure of unique historical

and cultural experiences to all residents, one of the Foundation’s six grantmaking focus areas is art and culture. Each year, the Foundation funds $3M for the arts. Over the past year, through the Foundation’s support of the arts, more than 166,000 individuals experienced museums and historic attractions, 65,000 community members engaged in arts festivals, exhibitions, and performances, and 9,500 participants, from students to seniors, took part in arts training and arts-based educational programs.

Since 2016, the Community Foundation of Broward has invested $3.9M in more than 98 different projects that have engaged more than 100,000+ residents in arts experiences sprinkled throughout 70% of Broward cities.

“We are proud to support such talented, passionate individuals who are leading with love and transforming our community through art and culture,” said Community Foundation of Broward, President/CEO Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson. “These gatherings are about more than presenting art; they’re about bringing people

together. By creating space for connection, we spark new collaborations, expand artistic expression, and strengthen the arts community across Broward County.”

“Opportunities like this are incredibly meaningful for us—not only to share our work, but to connect with the community and fellow creatives who are equally passionate about the arts,” said Zaylin Yates, founding managing director of Brevo Theatre. “We deeply appreciate the Community Foundation’s support and the care that went into curating such a dynamic event.”

Presently, the Foundation shepherds 590 charitable funds. Over the past 40 years, it has provided nearly $215 million in support of student achievement, the arts, career readiness, seniors in need, environmental resilience, health care, mental health, affordable housing, disaster relief, nonprofit empowerment and much more. All grants are made possible by the dedicated fundholders who partner with the Foundation to create charitable funds to fuel their philanthropy.

Lambda Legal

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Revolution Live Keeping South Florida’s Music Scene Lively

By Natalia Vega, Nova Southeastern University

As the doors to Revolution Live open, the good energy can be felt as soon as you step inside. Posters are adjusted, wristbands sorted, and final details checked as the line outside begins to build. For Jade Levy, ticketing and marketing manager, it is all part of making sure the night starts with great vibes.

“If you're sitting out in the line for an hour waiting to get in for a show, it's probably going to start your experience off kind of bad,” Levy said. “So, it's kind of just making sure everything runs smoothly for the venue side but also for the fan experience.”

Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Revolution Live has become a staple in South Florida’s music scene since 2004, offering a space where both emerging and established artists take the stage. With a general admission, standing-room layout and a multi-level design, the venue prioritizes immersion over comfort, but that is exactly the point.

“It kind of forces you to be up and on your feet and moving,” said Levy. “You're not sitting down just kind of vibing to the music. You're up, you're dancing, you're singing along. You’ve got your hands in the air; it's like a different vibe.”

Revolution Live occupies a unique position in the region’s music atmosphere. Larger amphitheaters tend to book major touring acts, while smaller bars and local venues highlight independent performers. Revolution Live sits in between, creating space for artists in transition, for those building momentum or for reconnecting with fans in a more intimate setting.

“There's nowhere for up-and-coming people to perform and that's where we are,” said Levy. “Chappell Roan was

here before she made it. Post Malone, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Teddy Swims, Leon Thomas, it's like they wouldn't have had a place to perform if it wasn't for our size venue.”

Celebrating more than 20 years of operation, the space has long been embedded in South Florida’s cultural memory.

“If I didn't work here, I'd be in the crowd a couple times... but it is nice to kind of be able to relax on the side of the stage and almost look back and be like ‘Oh man,’” said Levy. “Kid Jade would be so proud of me right now. You know, like, I'm standing here watching my favorite band.”

That sense of familiarity also plays a role in attracting artists to the region, where touring schedules often stop in cities like Orlando or Tampa instead.

“Just coming in and belting it out to your favorite band from when you were 13,” said Levy. “It's therapeutic in its own way.”

Broward County Cultural Division Celebrates 50 Years Of Arts

Funding And Support

By Charles Baran

One of the joys of living in South Florida is having a plethora of vibrant arts organizations. We have everything right in our own backyard, from innovative theater to superb concert programming filling our halls with classical masterpieces and improvisational jazz. On top of all that we have dozens of experimental and fine art galleries that feature artists of all types; painters, photographers, and sculptors. Underpinning all this creativity is an exemplary organization that has served the arts and cultural community since 1976, the Broward County Cultural Division. In simple terms, the Broward County Cultural Division, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, plays a necessary role in ensuring that the multitude of county-wide arts organizations, and many individual artists, remain financially solvent and strong.

For the past seven years, director Phillip Dunlap has done an outstanding job leading this valuable community resource through everything from budget cuts to a global pandemic. Dunlap is no stranger to the arts. In fact, he’s spent his entire life either in front of an audience as a musician or behind the scenes advocating for the valued arts programming we enjoy season after season. I recently spoke with this passionate community-focused leader about the highlights and future of goals of this stalwart organization.

Charles Baran: Where are you from originally?

Phillip Dunlap: I came here seven years ago from St. Louis, Missouri. I was the Director of Education and Community Engagement for Jazz St. Louis. My position at the Broward County Cultural Division has gotten me into the other side of things, the side that deals with the policy that impacts the organizations I worked at and awards grants that previously I was applying for. And of course, the Florida weather doesn't hurt either!

Charles Baran: What are the big changes that have taken place during the seven years you’ve served as director?

Phillip Dunlap: Well, a couple of the things we've been trying to do is be a strong leader in the community, the broader Broward community, whether it's the residents, or the businesses. I do think the community sees the strong leadership coming from the division. And that's where our 50th anniversary comes in, serving as a rallying point to celebrate the past 50 years but also looking toward the future.

Charles Baran: Broward County is pretty big. Do you find that the arts and cultural organizations are condensed into this pocket of Fort Lauderdale?

Phillip Dunlap: We cover the entire county. We not only think regionally as in throughout the county itself, but wider. I just had a meeting today with the South Florida Cultural Consortium, which is a partnership between Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Martin and Monroe Counties. As local arts agencies, we think collectively. But, at the Broward County Cultural Division, we really try to provide our services throughout the entire county. There are 31 cities in Broward County and each city is different. Some cities have a lot of arts and culture and in some cities it's much more under the surface. There might not be a performing arts center in a certain Broward County city, but that doesn't mean there aren't artists that live there. And that doesn't mean that there aren't people

living in that city that value arts and culture. So, we really have to think about how we reach everybody, whether it’s Margate or Miramar or Fort Lauderdale.

Charles Baran: Let’s talk about public artwork, putting beautiful objects and statues in public parks around the county. That falls under your jurisdiction as well, right?

Phillip Dunlap: Correct. Yes, we have a public art program, and actually, the Broward County Cultural Division, as we know it today, was really started out of a public art program created in 1976. Around that time nationally, there was a big push to create these programs with a percentage of budgets for public art.

Charles Baran: There's a statue that I love in Wilton Manners, it's that big bunny…

Phillip Dunlap: The Thunder Bunny!

Charles Baran: Was that something that fell under your domain, getting that fabulous statue put there?

Phillip Dunlap: Not really, but long story short, the artist, Hunt Slonem is represented by New River Fine Art, which is down on Las Olas, and they had reached out to us about whether we had any interest in putting it anywhere. We didn't really have anywhere to put it, from a county standpoint, but we thought, oh, this would look good in

Wilton Manors. So, we connected them with the city. And the city worked and coordinated with the art gallery and then got the statue on loan. Then 10 days later, someone unfortunately drove a car into it. Now the city owns it. But what that really started was it set the stage for working with cities on creating public art programs. Wilton Manors was the second city that we worked with in Broward County to help devise and craft a public art ordinance. We did their public art master plan, which brought the community together and sort of looked at what are the community values with regard to art and culture and what's their vision for public art in Wilton Manors. That was the jumping off point. We've also worked with Dania Beach and soon we'll be working with the city of Hollywood on their public art master plan.

Charles Baran: Under your tenure as director what are you the proudest of?

Phillip Dunlap: There were a couple of things early on. I got here just about a year before COVID, and during COVID, we were successful in securing about $3,000,000 in emergency support funding for the cultural sector. That was a big accomplishment. Another thing that we did during COVID was a complete overhaul of our grant making programs. We really retooled the process, took a bureaucratic system and streamlined it. And we did it in

a way that didn’t create more work that disincentivized participation. I'm really proud of that process.

Charles Baran: We have a lot of artists coming into Broward County every month. People are relocating here, artists of all types, photographers, painters. Many will read this article and will be interested in applying for a grant. What is the process?

Phillip Dunlap: We announce and release all of the grant deadlines and all the updated processes each year. The information can be found on our website, Broward. org/Arts/Funding. For organizations, the deadlines are typically in the February time frame. The application goes

to a review panel that's made up of art experts throughout the county. Panel members could be artists, people that work for arts organizations or it could be people that serve on boards of arts organizations. They read and score the applications. The next step is making a recommendation to the cultural council, and then, ultimately, the county administrator. Those that are approved become part of our annual budget. The artist grants have shorter deadlines. Those deadlines go throughout our fiscal years. So instead of having to apply a year in advance and then go through our budget process, we start with a chunk of money and run what we call “application cycles” until we run out of money. This allows for an artist to not have to navigate a deadline a year in advance. We know that artists, the nature of the work that they do, do not necessarily plan out a year in advance. We try to be equitable in our processes. We do application workshops that people can sign up for to learn about the process. I have a great grants team, Janet Ellison and Siri Larkins who are available via phone or email. If anyone has any questions, they can call and ask questions and learn about the process.

Charles Baran: Is there anything specifically you'd like to tell us about that's coming up in the Broward County Arts and Culture scene in the next couple months?

Phillip Dunlap: We're publishing a coffee table book celebrating 50 years of public art!

Charles Baran: Oh, fabulous.

Phillip Dunlap: It’s a retrospective, a history of the program and how public art has evolved in Broward County over the past 50 years. On September 24 at the Broward Center, we'll be hosting a panel discussion and book launch. Then on October 4, also at the Broward Center we’ll have our second annual “Arts Launch Broward,” which is our official kickoff to the arts season. Many of the county’s arts organizations and artists will have tables throughout the Broward Center. The public is invited to spend the day and learn about all the great things that are happening.

We will do pop-up performances in different parts of the Broward Center, so you can hear some great music and talk directly to the artists and arts organizations.

Charles Baran: How big is the Cultural Division? How many people are working there?

Phillip Dunlap: We have 16 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. We also have a 24-member advisory council. And we also have a Public Art & Design committee. We're located on the 6th floor of the Broward Main Library downtown.

Charles Baran: What would you like to leave our readers with about the impact that the Broward County Cultural Division is making on the community?

Phillip Dunlap: How we are working to reposition arts and culture in Broward County. What the public sees and enjoys from our cultural sector are the performances, the activations, the artistic interventions. They're seeing the end product of a lot of work. There is an entire ecosystem that supports the artists in our cultural organizations; stagehands, security guards, fundraisers, accountants, executive directors, box office staff, and ushers. When we see the end product, we get caught up in how it makes us feel, the spectacle of it. But we can't lose sight of everything underneath of it that makes that work. There's not generally an argument that we need to fund roads or bridges or water lines or those types of things. But when it comes to arts and culture, a lot of times we call it a luxury. The bottom line is, when a disaster hits and when communities change, what really helps communities recover are our shared rituals; our music, our dance, our arts and culture. It's that collective action of those things that hold us together. And that's infrastructure. It’s civic scaffolding. We really have to think about arts and culture in that way, as infrastructure, not as a luxury, but

something that really holds us together as a community. That's what we're focused on. If we really want to create a sustainable cultural community, we have to look at the physical infrastructure that supports artists and cultural organizations and allows them to exist and do what they do.

Charles Baran: Thank you, Phil, for your time. It’s been great speaking with you.

Phillip Dunlap: Thank you, Charles!

Arts & Culture

JULY 2026 AUGUST

SEPTEMBER 2026

9/25 - 10/18 | Weather Girl

Coral Springs Center for the Arts 26 | BENISE: 25 Years of Passion

26 | Michael Lives Forever: Rodrigo Teaser

The Plaza Live | Orlando, FL

27 | BENISE: 25 Years of Passion

The Moss Center

27 | Michael Lives Forever: Rodrigo Teaser

Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker | Ft Lauderdale, FL

28 | Lab Playwright & Actor Incubator

New City Players | LauderAle Brewery

29 - 10/4 | Buena Vista Social Club™

Broadway in Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

29 - 10/18 | Hamilton

Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

OCTOBER 2026

1-25 | Who Killed Joan Crawford

Island City Stage

10-25 | Come From Away

Slow Burn Theatre | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

13 - 18 | Buena Vista Social Club™

Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

15 | Serenade to Music

Seraphic Fire | St. Sophia Greek Orthodox / Miami

NOVEMBER 2026

Musicians

/

11/20 - 12/20 | True Art

19 - 21 | Lucia di Lammermoor Wick Theatre 11/19-12/20 | Oliver! GableStage

20 | Kristin Key: The Ca-Caw Tour

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

20 | Blue Notes

Seraphic Fire | St. Philip's Episcopal / Coral Gables

21 | Blue Notes

Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal / Ft. Lauderdale

22 | Blue Notes

Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal / Boca Raton

24 | Disney Worlds Collide Tour

Amerant Bank Arena | Sunrise, FL

25 | Disney Worlds Collide Tour

Kia Center | Orlando

27 - 29 | The Bodyguard

Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

28 | Disney Worlds Collide Tour

Benchmark International Arena | Tampa

DECEMBER

1-2 | Mystic Pizza

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Sarasota, FL

1-6 | Death Becomes Her

Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

1 - 6 | A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Broadway in Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

1-13 | Hamilton

Broadway in Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

5 | A Merry Motown Christmas

Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

JANUARY 2027

6-31 | Wicked

Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

12-17 | The Great Gatsby

Broadway in Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

14 | One for All

Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian / Naples

1/14-2/14 | Grey Gardens

Island City Stage

15 | One for All

Seraphic Fire | St. Philip's Episcopal / Coral Gables

15-16 | Naked Magicians

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Sarasota, FL

1/15-2/20 | Upcoming Winter Premiere

Ronnie Larsen Presents | The Foundry

16 | One for All

Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal / Ft. Lauderdale

17 | Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA

The Moss Center

17 | One for All

Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal / Boca Raton

17, 19 | On the Water: A Classical Homage to America's Venice

Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

20 | Beethoven's Fifth & Bottesini

South Florida Symphony Orchestra | The Parker

23 | Beethoven's Fifth & Bottesini

South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Tennessee William Theatre

23 | Bobby Jo Valentine in Concert

Elliott Hall | UCC Fort Lauderdale

1/30-2/1 | Don Giovanni

Florida Grand Opera | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

26-31 | The Sound of Music

Broadway in Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

FEBRUARY 2027

2 - 14 | Mamma Mia!

Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

9 | Florence Price's Violin Concerto No. 1

South Florida Symphony Orchestra | New World Center

9 - 14 | The Sound of Music

Broadway in Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

MARCH 2027

| American Poets

Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian / Naples

Seraphic Fire | St. Philip's Episcopal / Coral Gables 19 | American Poets

South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Tennessee William Theatre 20 | Beethoven's Ninth & Grand Opera Arias

20 | American Poets

Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal / Ft. Lauderdale

The Parker 21 | TUSK: Fleetwood Mac Tribute

21 | American Poets

Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal / Boca Raton

South Florida Symphony Orchestra | New World Center 23 | Beethoven's Ninth & Grand Opera Arias

24 | Beethoven's Ninth & Grand Opera Arias

South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

3/30-4/4 | BOOP!® The Musical

Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

3/30 - 4/4 | Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Broadway in Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

APRIL

6-18 | Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

6 - 11 | BOOP!® The Musical

Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

1-7 | Misa Criolla

Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian / Naples

9 | Misa Criolla

Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal / Boca Raton

9-11 | Jersey Boys

Broadway in Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

10 | Misa Criolla

Seraphic Fire | St. Philip's Episcopal / Coral Gables

10-25 | Dear Evan Hansen

Slow Burn Theater | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Come As You Are Lantera Prom

“Eureka Day” is a Comic Discovery

By Savannah Whaley

Just as schools start back into session, Island City Stage goes to the head of the class as it presents Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector, the 2025 Tony Award® winner for Best Revival of a Play and what the New York Times called “a hilarious poison-pen satire of educational wokeism.”

“It is an explosive finale to a season that has been an especially strong one in terms of storytelling,” said Andy Rogow, the artistic director of Island City Stage who will also direct the production. “I had been trying to obtain the license to produce Eureka Day for five years. When it finally became available due, in part, to the generosity of GableStage, I grabbed and scheduled it at the earliest possible date I could.”

The comedy is set in the Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California that seems to have replaced the three “R’s” of reading, writing and arithmetic with three “P’s: parenting, progressiveness and privilege. It opens with a meeting of the school’s executive with its newest member, Carina. Lesbian, Black and co-parent of a special needs son, she is joining the board as they discuss updating the school’s inclusivity policies. They are soon thrown into a crisis as a mumps outbreak threatens students’ health and parents’ values.

“I have always leaned into plays that feature LGBTQ+ characters in which their sexuality isn't central to the play's story,” Rogow said. “The lesbian character in Eureka Day is simply part of a larger community that wears its diversity and inclusion on its sleeve, but when faced with hard choices, the inclusivity of this community is profoundly tested.”

In its review of the 2024 Broadway production, The New York Times reported, “Eureka Day asks us to consider that people speak and believe as they do for real reasons, and that even differing profoundly, they may achieve good things together… In short, we are asked to credit fully the humanity of those with whom we disagree.”

“Its message could not be more pertinent for the LGBTQ+ community,” Rogow stressed. “Though we proudly and loudly proclaim our inclusiveness, we are not always so welcoming when we are asked to sacrifice long-held beliefs, spaces or rituals.”

That’s not to say the play proclaims its message from a soap box, more like a whoopie cushion. The Chicago SunTimes declared it, “a clever, crafty and profoundly funny comedy” that is “exactly what we need now: a vehicle for laughing at our own society’s predicament.”

Eureka Day closes Island City Stage’s acclaimed 14th season that challenged the company’s resources and exceeded audience expectations.

“This past season has been an especially rewarding one as we have broken through self-imposed barriers to present works we weren't sure that we could,” Rogow said. “The musical Ruthless required a change of scenery that hadn't been possible for us before and The Little Foxes was the largest-cast play we have ever produced. Both of them were enormous hits, with mostly sold out performances. Many of our patrons felt that our production of Everything Beautiful Happens at Night was one of the most emotionally moving plays we have ever produced. Light Switch is centering on a gay, autistic young man as a romantic protagonist - another first for us.”

The 2026-27 season begins in October and features: a signature camp revival with Who Killed Joan Crawford?; the nostalgic Broadway musical Grey Gardens; the world premiere of Pegged, a biting political satire; an off-Broadway study in murderous mayhem with Messy White Gays; and the classic, yet timely, The Lion in Winter

The company has come a long way and more than lived up to its promise as one of the area’s best since it was honored as the Silver Palm Award for Best New Theatre in 2012.

“Most of the credit for our success must be given to the artists who generously share their talents with us,” Rogow praised. “[They are] amazing actors, directors, designers and crew members who are always challenging themselves to be the best they can be.”

is the hilarious 2025 Tony Award® winner

Eureka

OUTshine film festival

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

South Florida Symphony Orchestra Brings Cool Sounds to Summer Nights

South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO’s) popular Summer with the Symphony chamber music series returns to bring cool sounds to sultry summer nights in July! Enjoy inviting intimate candlelit concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at the Sanctuary of the Arts in Coral Gables and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale. Both concerts include special meet-and-greet receptions with the musicians postperformance.

“We’re delighted to keep the music flowing year-round through our Summer with the Symphony chamber series, which allows listeners to experience the beauty of classical music in an up-close and personal way,” said Jacqueline Lorber, president and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. “Set in candlelit, picturesque atmospheres, this program pairs cherished masterworks with elegant discoveries, offering a rich and intimate concert experience. Whether it’s date night, a night out with friends, or family time, we’re proud to be part of South Florida’s vibrant summer cultural landscape.”

Audiences are in for a treat with a “Sweet Serenade.” Dohnányi’s tender Serenade for String Trio and Dvořák’s spirited Piano Quartet No. 2, Op. 87 unfolds with exquisite lyricism and heartfelt expression, creating a joyous finale. Performing these luscious compositions will be musicians

Huifang Chen (violin), Brando Wu (viola), Claudio Jaffe (cello), and Catherine Lan (piano).

From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA to performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres.

SFSO’s Summer with the Symphony 2026 chamber music concert series is presented under the artistic direction of Sebrina María Alfonso, music director of South Florida Symphony Orchestra and curated by SFSO pianist Catherine Lan. It is presented with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Lenore Nolan Ryan World Class Catering & Cooking School, OutClique (Media Sponsor), Robert Smith, and The Windfall Fund.

General admission tickets for the programs are $40. Limited student tickets are $20 (50% Off). Tickets are available to purchase by calling (954) 522-8445 or by visiting southfloridasymphony.org/summer-with-the-symphony.

For additional information, visit southfloridasymphony.org/summer-with-the-symphony call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.

Celebrating the 79th Annual Tony Awards at Gray Box Theater

Take PRIDE! 2026

at Galleria Fort Lauderdale

STATEWIDE REACH

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