Florida

Wilton Manors Swears in First All LGBTQ City Commission in Florida History

What to Know

  • Wilton Manors officially swore in the first all LGBTQ city commission in the history of the state of Florida.
  • Scott Newton, the last straight member of the commission, lost his re-election bid after finishing third in a four-candidate race.

History was made Tuesday night when the city of Wilton Manors officially swore in the first all LGBTQ city commission in the history of the state of Florida.

Commissioner Justin Flippen was elected mayor and the outgoing mayor, Gary Resnick and newcomer Paul Rolli won commission seats. Two other commissioners — Julie Carson and Tom Green — are in the middle of their current terms on the board.

Scott Newton, the last straight member of the commission, lost his re-election bid after finishing third in a four-candidate race to fill two spots.

Palm Springs, California is the only other city in the United States with an all LGBTQ commission.

The city, where rainbow flags are prevalent, has become a tourist destination in the LGBT community. The city's website declares "Life's Just Better Here." Numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels and shops catering to the LGBT community are located through the city, which is a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean.

In Wilton Manors, the average age is 51 and 92 percent of the residents graduated from high school while a little under half have college degrees, according to U.S. Census figures. Just under two-thirds of the residents are male. About 80 percent of the residents are white and 15 percent are black.

In the days before the election, Victory Fund, which works to increase the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elected officials, urged Wilton Manors residents to make history with their votes.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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