Here is our Membership Application

Having been asked for Membership Applications by a number of people, we are placing a link to it online.

The Membership Application is our brochure detailing the various levels of membership and support.  We have levels of support for individuals, families, and businesses and you can choose how you would like to be involved with our future.

With your Membership for the year of 2011, you will get information of what we are doing for Wilton Manors, where we are going in the future, and you will be able to tell us directly what you would like to see Wilton Manors become.

Why not consider becoming a member of Wilton Manors Main Street?

You can join us immediately through this link to our website or you can look at our brochure here for your more information.

Our Next Main Street Board Meeting is January 21, 2011

Wilton Manors Main Street will be holding its next board meeting on January 12, 2011, at 6:30pm in the Wilton Manors City Commission Chambers at City Hall.  This will be a meeting where our members will be discussing our goals and our strategies for the next year, and electing our new board of directors.  While everyone is welcome to attend, to vote for the board or be considered for it, you must be a current member.  To become a member for 2011, please click here.

New members will be accepted and will have a chance to help us select the board members for the year, and will have a voice in our future.  Membership is paid in an annual basis and will give you the opportunity to be included in any events that are held through 2011.

Now you can follow us on our facebook group.  Just click here.

We are looking forward to seeing you on January 12th at 630pm.  See you then!

Happy Holidays From Wilton Manors Main Street

From All Of Us at Wilton Manors Main Street to all of you out there, we want to extend our most heartfelt thanks for your support in 2010, and look forward to seeing you in 2011.

This year we have moved into our new location at 2164 Wilton Drive at the Gables Wilton Park, have participated in many celebrations, and have been involved in creating the Two Lane Initiative. 

We welcome you to see our new office, and invite you to become involved with Main Street as we plan for an exciting 2011.

See you next year and thank you again for your support!

Michael Rocheford's Art Exhibition at Main Street Friday Night 7-10PM

Come to the Island City Art Walk on Friday night and see artist Michael Rocheford's exhibition.  Mr. Rocheford's art is very contemporary and evocative of the abstract and modern masters of our day.

You can visit us at Wilton Manors Main Street at 2164 Wilton Drive Friday night from 7PM to 10PM to have an opportunity to witness these works yourself.  We will be showing them during the Island City Art Walk along with all of the galleries and businesses and you will have a chance to see a great variety of works from Modern Art to Jewelry and everything in between.

See you there!

Island City Art Walk and Santa's Enchanted Evening this Friday

This Friday you have two events to go to both starting at 7PM.

If you are looking for some sophisticated entertainment, starting at 7PM and going on until 10PM, the monthly Island City Art Walk welcomes you.  On Wilton Drive, you will get a chance to walk into all your favorite shops and browse the galleries for just the right piece to complete your collection.  In many of the galleries and shops complementary light refreshments will be served.

Wilton Manors Main Street offices will be open and you can stop in and say hello to us too.

Also, starting at 7pm at Wilton Manors Elementary School, there is Santa's Enchanted Evening. Bring your Kids to meet Santa to the Elementary School for this Family Friendly Event.   The kids will get to see Santa and their friends until 9PM.

Activities include: Recreation Volunteers "Toy Walk", Photos with Santa (bring your own camera), Cookie Decorating, Food, and 12 TONS OF SNOW!  Activities are for children 12 years old and younger.  For more information please contact the Leisure Services Department at 954-390-2130.

Santa's Enchanted Evening is sponsored by Taste of the Island, Inc.

However you would like to spend your night, at one or both of the events, Wilton Manors and Wilton Drive welcomes you with excitement and open arms!

The Market Bazaar for the Holidays is today

From 8am until 2pm at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, today we have the Market Bazaar at Wilton Drive and NE 6th Ave in Wilton Manors.

You will have a chance to walk the parking lot with your friends and neighbors, and perhaps find just the right gift for someone for the holidays.  The Market Bazaar is a yard sale as well as the opportunity to get some new items.

While at the Market Bazaar you can stop into Java Boys for coffee and dessert, Humpys for pizza, or a walk through The Alibi.  You'll be right in the heart of Wilton Manors' central business district so have a walk through and visit some of the nearby businesses.  The To the Moon Marketplace is sure to have just that special item to fill your sweet tooth and if you don't find that gift at the bazaar, I'm sure you'll be able to find a one of a kind present there!

Last month, the Market Bazaar had the Pie Eating Contest which was great fun.  You never know what will happen at the Market Bazaar at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors!

Parking is available at the Shoppes (limited), on Wilton Drive, or the other option is to use the city lot at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive.

Wilton Manors Yard Sale this weekend

There's another Yard Sale at Wilton Manors City Hall and Hagen Park this weekend.

You will have a chance to meet your neighbors, go through their things and perhaps bring home a treasure of your own. 

This is the monthly event that is hosted by the City and is going to be run this Saturday, December 9th, 2010 from 8AM to 2PM.

You never know who or what you will find there!  Hope to see you at the Yard Sale.

Hagen Park
2020 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL, 33305

Expanded parking on premises and on Wilton Drive.

Tonight's the night for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

A reminder, if you're looking for something to do tonight, the Tree Lighting Ceremony is happening tonight.

You can come join us tonight at 630pm for the annual Wilton Manors holiday tree lighting ceremony.  It's going to be held at Jaycee Park across from the parking lot at City Hall.  The address is 2020 Wilton Drive for this Family Friendly event.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony - Thursday December 2, 2010

If you are looking for something to do next Thursday night, come to the Drive and the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.

The City of Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department will be presenting the traditional lighting of the Christmas Tree, The Menorah, and the Kinara as well as live choral performances. 

Last year's ceremony was a wonderful time for everyone, a time to come down to the drive and meet your neighbors.

6:30PM, Thursday December 2nd, 2010 at Jaycee park on Wilton Drive.

For further information, call Wilton Manors Leisure Services department at 954-390-2130.

You can also click the picture, for more information.

Pie Eating at the Market Bazaar Pictures

In case you missed it, the Market Bazaar was there yesterday.  There will be another one in a month, but I did manage to get some pictures.

Steve and Nikki Rose, the owners of Java Boys are the hosts of the Market Bazaar.  You can join them at Java Boys and let them know how much you enjoyed the Market Bazaar.

The Market Bazaar has plenty of booths full of things for you to look at.  There was a wide selection of odds and ends and treasures from afar.

One of the treasures that you can find is a forever friend.  The group Abandoned Pet Rescue was here with some adoptable friends for life.  954-728-9010 is Abandoned Pet Rescue's number and they're waiting for you to meet the next love of your life.

In case you missed it, there was a Pie Eating Contest!  Fun for all, participants and those of us who watched them have their pies.

When the contest wound down, they allowed the contestants to stop using a spoon and bury themselves in the pumpkin pies.

The Winner was Cole, who is in the Blue Shirt.  Cole works at the Alibi as one of the staff.  They stopped the contest at that point because of rain, but Cole was clearly ahead.

Stop in and Say Hello At Friday's Artwalk

Wilton Manors Main Street will be open during the Art Walk on Friday Night.

Tomorrow, Friday, November 19th, 2010 from 7PM to 10PM there will be an opportunity for everyone to go to the Drive and experience the Art Walk. Many of the businesses on the Drive will open their doors for everyone to come in and see the Art Displays.

We will be there too, open at our offices at 2164 Wilton Drive serving light refreshments.  You can look around, see the art on display and we will also be selling Wilton Manors Main Street T Shirts and Polo Shirts. 

Stop in and say hi and find out more about what we do, visit with us, and see the art on display.

We'll be there, waiting for you!

The next Island City Art Walk is Friday, November 19th 2010 at 7PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Ellen Charapko
Island City, Inc. (Island City Art Walk)
PressOn@bellsouth.net or info@islandcityartwalk.com
http: www.islandcityartwalk.com Ph: 954.547.9014



Announcing our 5th Island City Art Walk Season!
A Collaboration of Fine Art and Business
Friday, November 19th, 7 – 10 pm

Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors is the place to be on the evening of Friday, November 19, 2010. The Drive will be bustling with people. Local artists will offer a variety of original works: paintings, photography and sculpture. Stroll along The Drive or ride the free trolley along and discover the eclectic businesses of one of the coolest towns in South Florida: Wilton Manors. Plan to have dinner in one of Wilton Manor’s fine restaurants before, or after the Art Walk.

Mary Ellen Charapko, of the Ellen Charapko Gallery, is the founder and organizer of the grassroots, mile long, Island City Art Walk. This “private party function” began in December 2006. The Island City Art Walk business sponsors continue to help raise cultural awareness in Broward County and have contributed to economic growth in Wilton Manors. Charapko and the sponsoring businesses on Wilton Drive are solid “supporters of the arts.” Come and join us for an easy-going, fun evening on The Drive!
The Island City Art Walk is a 3rd Friday night of the month free, art function, from November through April. The public is invited.
This is the first Island City Art Walk for the 2010-2011 Season! Please join us.
For more information go to www.islandcityartwalk.com, or call 954.547.9014.

Wilton Manors is situated between Sunrise Blvd. and Oakland Park Blvd. East of I-95 and West of Federal Highway. Please see Directions/Map Page for further information: http://www.islandcityartwalk.com/directions.html


Island City, Inc . Dennis Dean Galleries . Ellen Charapko Gallery Gallery XO . Art Frenzie . Naked Grape Wine Bar . The Manor
George Ryan Gift Gallery . To The Moon Marketplace
Shades of The Past . Chic Optique . Copy This . Humpy’s Pizza
Wilton Manors Main Street . Crema d’Roma . Freedom Travel
Urban Dwell . Sozo Sushi Bar . 78 Degrees Spa . Georgie’s Alibi Island City Traders . Island City Eyecare . DaVinci Realty Group World Treasures . Gigi & Gavin’s Gourmet Chocolate
White Glove Antiques . Eastside Property Management

Finally we thank the City Workers for their help on Wicked Weekend 2010

Finally, thanking everyone involved with Wicked Weekend 2010 would not be complete without thanking some of the people at the City of Wilton Manors. Without everyone's help, we could not have made this a success.


To the WMPD, Fire Department and EMT’s and the employees of the City of Wilton Manors – we cannot begin to thank you enough. We know that our plans changed frequently and drastically throughout this process and you all worked with us. There are far too many to name individually, but each of you deserve applause for the herculean efforts made to get everything permitted, organized, compliant with code and then to keep us all safe this weekend. Words cannot begin to express our appreciation.


Many thanks to Patrick Cann and Chris Cooper, Ernie Sanz and Roger Caraballo at Leisure Services – you guys are truly indispensable.


Melissa Cole, you are amazing and thank you so much for your constant guidance through the cumbersome permit process. Wilton Manors Main Street is in your debt. Chuck Howard & Captain Ed Costello, please thank every officer for their efforts this weekend to keep us safe – your guys stepped up during the ‘lean’ year and it will not be forgotten during better times.


Finally, Wilton Manors Main Street wants to thank the Wilton Manors City Commission and the Mayor for extending the bar hours to 4:00 am to help our sponsors, the bars of Wilton Drive.


To anyone we have missed, thank you and know that it’s not a lack of gratitude.

Wicked Weekend 2010 Volunteers, we thank you

From the marketing director of Wilton Manors Main Street, Krishan Manners, this thank you goes out to all of our volunteers. You are the people who made Wicked Weekend 2010 possible. I'm posting this here pretty much “verbatim” and I'll just say since my own name is in this posting, Krishan you're welcome. You're an amazing person to have the privilege to work with on Main Street. I share your awe about the many volunteers here in Wilton Manors. Without the volunteers in this little city – absolutely nothing will happen!

The un-sung hero’s of all of this – our volunteers – who gave up their personal time, money – and didn’t flinch when I asked for even more of their efforts – I thank each of you.

Doug Blevins for your endless creativity and energy, contagious enthusiasm and knowledge of the logistics to make this all happen. Your insistence that this event happen is the only reason it did, and I’m very well aware that you thank everyone and are often left out of the mix, so from me, thank you.

Thanks to Bill Woeppel and Kevin Knorr for all of your blogging, managing our Facebook and social media; to Kevin Knorr for his knowledge of all things electronic and putting up with our calls to him during his “real” job with inane problems which are generally of our own making. Thank you for asking the tough questions, like “Did you turn it off and back on?” and “Is it plugged in?” and, more importantly, for showing up in person (or saying, “I’ll get Bill to come help.” You and Bill are amazing, kind, witty and wonderful – thank you.

(Aww, you're welcome! - Bill)

To Fred Reissner, who at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday morning didn’t say, “I can’t lift another cone or barricade” and just kept on going all night. Thank you Fred – you inspire us all with your quiet ways. The finest eloquence is that which gets things done, and you embody that, Fred.

To David and Celeste Ellich, who managed three of our parking lots Saturday night enabling us to be on the Drive rather than parking cars, innumerable thanks.

To M.E. DePalma and Skip, for helping with the shuttles.

To Doug McClave, whose contributions are endless. You rarely say, “No” to anything we ask of you. You are the consummate volunteer and you have my gratitude.

Chuck Poole, our Treasurer who constantly asked, “Are we on budget?” and did helpful things like print out budgets and make giant, red circles on them if we were over. Because of your oversight, we’re still here to do more good for the community.

Tom Tabor, you have a wealth of experience and great ideas, many of which went into the event this year and even more that are being saved for future events. We look forward to putting them all to good use and can’t say thank you enough for your support and guidance.

Olivier Turina and Tommy Bednar, the two of you are an argument for proponents of cloning – if only we had another 20 people just like you! You always give so generously of your time and work so hard on every Main Street project, without ever asking for anything in return. Thank you both so much.

Steve Zollo, when we called for volunteers at the 11th hour, you dropped everything and showed up, ready to work. Thank you, Steve.

Joe Angelo, for securing the parking lot at Covenant Presbyterian, we are in your debt. Thank you for all of your effort.

To Diane Cline, for your steadfast offers of any help needed and your wonderful sense of reason throughout.

Thanks to Cary Hackett, of Flamingo Palms Landscaping for the use of his truck, enabling us to put out cones and barricades to make the drive safe.

To our supporters in the Business Community, Thank you

From Wilton Manors Main Street to the Businesses of Wilton Manors, we thank you for your support for Wicked Weekend 2010.

You all did an amazing job and showed what can happen when we work together as a community. Everyone benefits and the Drive continues to be THE place to go in the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area for Halloween, and beyond. From Main Street’s perspective, we simply could not have produced this event without the participation and financial support of each of you. On behalf of WMMS – and the community – thank you. When we pull in people to the Drive, we all win and that’s the community effort you each make daily.

Beginning with our sponsors – Marty, Jennifer and Laurie at Sidelines Sports Bar, Paul and Brett at The Manor, Jackson, Mark, Ron and Vince at Alibi and Bill’s, Carol at New Moon, John and Cliff of Rosie’s, Craig and Chris of Boom and Matt of Matty’s.

To our press partners who got the word out – thank you. Mark Haines of Mark Magazine, www.jumponmarkslist.com , and Florida Agenda – thank you for all of your generosity, your amazing team and your seemingly limitless support. Ken Fritz, your media rep went so far above and beyond the call of duty with this event and is truly a tribute to your publications – thank you, Ken.

Scott Holland at Hotspots, who gave us ads weekly even though our budget was depleted because he wanted to support the event and the community; you have our respect, admiration and gratitude. Thank you Scott.

Cliff Dunn at SFGN, thank you for your constant communication, editorial support, ads and insights.

Maria at SHE, thank you for making our budget stretch so well to reach your audience and we look forward to meeting you in person.

Steven Bacher and Rebecca Dittmar at New Times – you are awesome!  Again, you stretched our budget and reach as far as possible and your editorial support was phenomenally helpful to getting the correct info out to the community.

Jessica Arseneau at Sun-Sentinel – thank you for your patience when we said, “We only have 72 cents left in our budget – what can you do for us?” You came up with creative ideas and your support and insights are greatly appreciated.  Lisa Huriash at Sun Sentinel, thank you too for your wonderful article.

Bruce Bogan at Copy This – you have our undying gratitude for not grimacing EVERY time you see us, because you know I’m going to ask you to do something for nothing and at the last minute. Your support is so appreciated, it really is heartfelt.

Thank you all from all of us at Wilton Manors Main Street

Wicked Weekend's Festivities on the Drive all in one easy place

If you are looking for a quick place to see the weekend's festivities, I have the link for you.

Surf over to http://www.wickedweekend2010.com and have a look around.

If you don't have access to the magazines you find in the bars, you can find the same advertisements there.

There is something different happening each night starting tonight lasting through Sunday Night.   Parking is available at Hagen Park, but since the Drive will be narrowed to one lane each way, it will go fast.   More details are on the web page.

You can also park at the Fort Lauderdale High School, Equality Park and the Old Sun Trust building on 26th St.  The our shuttle is available to get you where you want to go.

Halloween Spooktacular

This one is for the kids and the little kid in all of us.  The Rec Volunteers are having a good old fashioned halloween party this Friday Evening.  

The announcement that we have here is directly from the source.   So Friday night, gather up your kids, put on your costumes, and enjoy some family fun!  

Any questions, you can reach the president of the Rec Volunteers directly by email at celestefsr@aol.com

 Halloween Spooktacular

Wilton Manors Elementary School

2401 NE 3rd Avenue

Friday, October 29th

6:00 - 9:00PM

Free goody bags for all youth!  Costume contest, games, arts & crafts, concession stand, hay ride pictures with the great pumpkin, entertainment and much more!!

Costume contest 6:15 - 8:30pm immediately followed by

 our famous Recreation Volunteers Giant Cake Walk!

 

We are looking for donations of baked goods and/or contributions to purchase on your behalf.  Checks payable to Recreation Volunteers can be picked up or dropped off at Hagen Park.  Please bring baked goods, homemade or store bought, directly to WMES on Friday anytime between 4-8pm.  Also need volunteers to assist with this event.  Please email if any questions.  Thanks!

 

Celeste Ellich - President
Stephen Zollo - Vice President
Diane LaVault - Treasurer
Kathy Dunkel - Secretary

Tonight is Taste of the Island

Tonight is the night - Taste of the Island!

The locals wait for this all year and we get some folks that plan their vacations around this. You can get tickets at the door for $35 or advance tickets may still be available at select locations around town. Tonight at Richardson Historic Park from 6pm to 9pm. Your chance to sample the best food on and near Wilton Manors!

The website has all the information including pictures from last years' participants.  This is a rain or shine event, and will be held out under the tents that have popped up over the weekend. You can explore the grounds of the park while there and see the work that has been done by Wilton Manors Leisure Services.

Come spend an evening with your neighbors here in Wilton Manors, and have a chance to sample that restaurant you have always wanted to try. 

Tonight from 6PM to 9PM
Richardson Historic Park
1937 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL, 33305

Entry fee includes all food and beverage Tastes. 
$30  Advance Sale Tickets are available October 1 through 5:00 pm October 25, 2010 at all locations.  Tickets at the door are $35. 

Advance sale tickets are available at:
City Hall,  524 NE 241st Court, Wilton Manors
Hagen Park, 2200 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
RCS Library, 500 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors
Barton & Miller, 2600 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors

Taste Of The Island Tickets are Still Available

If you are thinking about getting tickets for the Taste of the Island, you still have some time!

We still have some tickets and you will get a chance to sample some of the best food in the city and the surrounding area. Monday October 25 2010, 6pm to 9pm!

If you don't know what Taste of the Island is all about, you can surf their page.  Its a party for everyone in Wilton Manors, and everyone who would like to live in Wilton Manors.   We'll have entertainment and it is fun for the whole family. 

The particulars of "The Taste" as the folks here call it is that we get a long list of local restaurants together and give them a challenge to bring their best, bring your A Game and make up some food for everyone to sample!  You can rub shoulders with the locals and the wannabe locals, the City Officials and Volunteers and listen to them tell stories about each other.  It really is a great small town atmosphere... with FOOD!  Last year we had roving bands and live entertainment and this year will be no different. 

Every year this is held around this time and you're lucky enough to be able to have it on Monday October 25th, 2010.  We are holding it at Richardson Historical Park on Wilton Drive with nearby Hagen Park available for your parking needs!

Yes!  You CAN Park in Wilton Manors!  We just added around 100 parking spaces which will be available for you that night!

Entry fee includes all food and beverage Tastes.
$30  Advance Sale Tickets are available October 1 through 5:00 pm October 25, 2010 at all locations.  Tickets at the door are $35.

Advance sale tickets are available at:
City Hall,  524 NE 241st Court, Wilton Manors
Hagen Park, 2200 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
RCS Library, 500 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors
Barton & Miller, 2600 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors

Children's Art Project from the Artist

Kevin Kichar is the artist responsible for the initial concept of what he calls “THREE ISLAND PLAZA”,  we know it as Jaycee Park.  This is the little triangle park of land across the street from City Hall.  This is his description of the phases of the project in his own words.  The picture is the Artists Rendering of the final park.

Wilton Manors Main Street Public Art Project 

The concept for the Main Street Children’s art project is to create a mini plaza within the southern tip of Jaycee Park. Three Island Plaza was envisioned to display the past present and future of Wilton manors in three mosaic tiles sculptures. 

The design for the Postcard sculpture is to replicate the original 1925 poster used to sell land in Wilton Manors in a large scale format on a cement block wall, seven feet long by five and a half feet high. The cement block will be covered with the tile mosaic. 

The Benches are designed to be canvases for mosaics depicting animals, plants and sea life of the area representing our present. The lower riser or leg of the benches will be layered with the tile works. 

The “Clasped Hands” is a retaining wall around an oasis of palm trees and native plantings. The front face is the canvas for tile mosaics of natural colored stones. This element of the design is the future, how we work together to build a community.

The final element of the plaza will be a brick pavers floor approx. 410 sq ft. connecting the three sculptures. The center square of the floor will be patterned with the words of our sponsors. Lighting will be added to up light the Postcard and Clasped Hands mosaic.

Kevin Kichar

What is the big postcard sitting in the middle of Wilton Drive?

When visiting our city, right in the middle of Wilton Drive, you may want to see a Post Card that you can't send home to the family.  This would be the Children's Art Project at the Jaycee Park across from Hagen Park in Wilton Manors.

The first phase of the park, the Post Card, has been completed and this depicts the towers that used to grace the Five Points intersection at the North End of Wilton Drive.  The Towers were an entry point to the city and signified that you were entering someplace special.  The Post Card was a copy of one that was used by the Wilton Manors Historical Society for their publications for a while now, and the partnership between Wilton Manors Main Street and the Historical Society, is a natural one for the improvement of the little park.

You can see more about this including a link to a video explaining more on our Facebook Group wall...

Or a direct link to the video explaining it all and more.

Eat Your Way Across the Island

It’s time for the 5th annual “Taste of the Island” in Wilton Manors! As a co-sponsor of the event, we at Wilton Manors Main Street wants to encourage everyone to come out and experience the wide range of cuisines available from our local restaurants.  It’s a great way to enjoy food from your favorite restaurant (and to possibly find a few new favorites)!

Participating restaurants include:

Aruba Beach Café
Bid Dog Station
Blue Martini
Bravo Ristorante
Candela Café
Cat Fish Dewey’s
Cookies by Design
Courtyard Café
Crema D’Roma
Dakota Catering Company
Edible Arrangements
Fort Lauderdale Grill
Galanga Thai Kitchen
Georgie’s Alibi
Gold Coast Coffee
Humpy’s Pizza
Juiceblendz
Kelly’s Landing
Lola’s on Harrison
Maracas Mexican Bar & Grill
Mugs Sports Grill
Naked Grape Wine Bar
O’Verde Nutrition/Mollie’s Muffins
Premier Beverage/Bacardi
Parrot Lounge
Red’s Bar & Package
Rosie’s Bar & Grill
Southport Raw Bar
Sublime Restaurant & Bar
SW Catering
The Deck Bar & Grill
The Jib Room
The Melting Pot
The Painted Pickle
Totally Bananas
Village Grille
Westside Association of Wilton Manors
   

Taste of the Island is being held on Monday, October 25th at Richardson Park.  For more information and tickets, please visit www.tasteoftheisland.org.   We hope you will come and enjoy an evening of food and wine in the Island City!

Would you like to be a Member?

Wilton Manors Main Street is in the planning phase for many events to be held in the city over the next year.  These events will happen in various locations, including Hagen and Richardson Parks, on or near Wilton Drive, and we could use your expertise! Everyone has something they’re good at, and we need all sorts of skills, talent and labor to continue to bring successful events to Wilton Manors.  If you would like a voice in these future events, we welcome your input.  

We are a member-based volunteer organization, so donations of time, expertise - and yes, monetary donations, too – are of great help to us. This will give you a chance to help us make the parties thrive and you will be able to see the “behind the scenes goings on” here on the Drive in the middle of a major event.  We need volunteers to do things like assembling tents, taking tickets, planning, fundraising and so forth.   We are also looking for folks who would be interested in becoming members, whether just to help out or to have an active voice in the planning of all that we’re trying to accomplish to make Wilton Drive the arts and entertainment destination for the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. 

If you would like to be a part of Wilton Manors history, you can contact us at Main Street

Wilton Manors Main Street
2164 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL, 33305

You can email info@wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org with any questions.

A link to our membership application is here and can also be found on our web page http://www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org

You can join us today and meet up with some truly fascinating people!

WICKED WEEKEND 2010 TO BE HELD October 28th -31st

WICKED WEEKEND 2010 TO BE HELD October 28th -31st

September 29th, 2010
(Wilton Manors, FL) - Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc., in conjunction with an Events Council consisting of representatives from all nine of the bars along Wilton Drive, is delighted to announce an expanded series of Halloween events this year. Beginning Thursday, October 28th through Sunday, October 31st, the bars along Wilton Drive will be hosting various events each day under the unified nautical theme of “FantaSea Island.”

“We’re anticipating this year to be larger and better than ever,” said Doug Blevins, President of Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc.  “However, we also want to make the public aware of some changes, in particular that Wilton Drive will be open to traffic this year. We are working closely with the city and the bars on the drive to make certain that the events are both safe and successful.”

Anticipating the largest crowd on Saturday night, additional parking with on-site security will be provided at Fort Lauderdale High School, Equality Park, the city parking lot on Dixie Highway, the parking lot by City Hall and behind the Sun Trust Bank, with complimentary shuttle service to and from the drive.

More convenience facilities and security to assist the City of Wilton Manors will be provided, co-sponsored by Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc. and all participating bar members, Rosie’s Bar & Grill, New Moon, Matty’s on the Drive, The Manor, Bill’s, Alibi, Boom, Sidelines Sports Bar and Tropics.

Wilton Manors Main Street is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information on Wilton Manors Main Street, visit www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org or contact Doug Blevins.

We use Copy This for our Printing Needs

While we at Wilton Manors Main Street try to stick to businesses on Wilton Drive to perform our work, the lucky coincidence is that Copy This excellent, and directly across the street.

Bruce Bogen, the owner of Copy This has been extremely flexible in assisting us in all of our printing needs.   He is the owner of the company, and also a prior Business Of The Quarter award winner.  This was with good reason.  Bruce and his staff of helpful workers will perform full color and black and white copying needs for you as well as more traditional printing on many different formats, and work with you to achieve the same standards of excellence that we have grown to expect over the time that we have been there.

Our flyers and the banners that we use are both made by Copy This.  We have used them to produce large format vinyl banners, standard flyers on copier paper for our membership applications, and have produced business cards for Wilton Manors Main Street.   All of which have been produced quickly and expertly by his staff.

The shop is at
2157 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, Fl, 33305

You can reach Bruce at his shop at 954-563-7181 during normal business hours.

Crema D'Roma Restaurant, New to Wilton Manors

Are you hungry?   Would you like to try some Italian Specialties, prepared authentically with the highest quality ingredients?  Don't feel like hopping a flight to Tuscany?

At the Grand Opening, Wilton Manors Main Street was lucky enough to have this food and more from Crema D'Roma.  If you haven't made it to the restaurant, we highly recommend that you visit one of our friends and neighbors.

Rom Marchisotto the owner of Crema D'Roma, will be happy to treat you to some amazing food.  There are some lighter fare such as salads, premium coffees and fresh Gelati for dessert if you are looking for something quite different.   Rom is shown here with Tom Tabor from Wilton Manors Main Street, and Mary Nolan from Gables Residential. 

If Rom suggests something special, go with it, his choice in ingredients are impeccable and his creations are amazing!

Crema D'Roma
2150 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL, 33305
954-916-7242

Wilton Drive Pedestrian Tragedy, Victims Family Speaks Out

One of the reasons why Wilton Manors Main Street is here is to help those who live, work and play here have a safer city.

There was an accident that happened that killed Louie Sarris a while back, and we all paused to think what can be done to make this sort of thing much less likely in the future.  We all agreed that Wilton Drive should be slowed down from the then 35MPH to the current 30MPH speed limit.  Whether that saved lives, we can only hope.

We further believe that the Two Lane Initiative will slow traffic further to make Wilton Manors a place to Drive To, not Drive Through.  When completed, this will have the effect of making the Drive a safer place for those of us who get out of our cars and walk to enjoy our city.

I invite you to pause and think about Louie Sarris who died in that event.  May he be the last.  Here is a video featuring his family remembering him.

Main Street Grand Opening and Membership Drive

This is a copy of an email sent to our friends and supporters.  It also is currently on the Wilton Manors Main Street Page at www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org.  We invite you to come by for a visit and find out more!

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Business Owners:

On Thursday, September 16th, Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc. held the official grand opening of our new office at 2164 Wilton Drive in the Gables Wilton Park Development.

More than 200 guests enjoyed a fun-filled evening complete with entertainment, fine food, wine and the cool air conditioning of our refreshing new office. The new Main Street office is the latest addition to the Gables Wilton Park commercial and retail space. The office is being graciously sponsored by our premiere corporate sponsor, the Gables Corporation. The stunning interior design, furnishings, artwork and accessories are compliments of premiere sponsor, Island City Traders of Wilton Drive and their parent company Retro Interiors. Crema D' Roma provided scrumptious appetizers and the Naked Grape offered complimentary fine wines. Panache Style, formerly Petals Panache owner Bobby Kyser provided gorgeous flower arrangements with exceptional artistic flair.  A huge thank you to all of our sponsors.

Main Street's new office is just another example of the community support and enthusiasm that is being generated by the hard work of the Main Street Board and volunteers.  As a non-profit organization, Wilton Manors Main Street is a member of the national Main Street organization. Like so many other cities, Main Street is the vital town center and the hub of arts, entertainment, dining and culture. Wilton Drive is experiencing a renaissance and Main Street is working to make sure the town center continues to improve. Main Street has introduced a Two Lane Safety, Parking and Beautification initiative and the city is moving forward with a task force to study and find ways to implement the proposed initiative.

The grand opening of our new office also kicks off our 2011 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE. Our Main Street organization is a member based organization and as such, relies on donations, fundraisers, grants and membership dues to maintain operations and programs so that we can give back to the community. WMMS needs you! We hope that you will take a look at our membership brochure on the home page of our website where you can join on-line by clicking on the "Donate Now" link or print it off and mail to our office. Donations and membership dollars are also tax deductible and we provide you with a letter of thanks indicating your support and amount.

Wilton Manors Main Street is your community service organization and we are here to improve and promote Wilton Drive and the Arts and Entertainment district. Our office is always open to the public and we invite you to come by and visit. We have a large screen LED Television that was graciously donated by Wilton Manors resident, Doug Candler. The screen constantly displays information and provides passers by with a glimpse of what WMMS is about. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, input and concerns and we are always looking for volunteers to help with future events and help staff our beautiful new office. We look forward to seeing you on the Drive, so please become a member and stop by and say hello.

Please visit our website at www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org and join us on facebook -Wilton Manors Main Street. Photos of our Grand Opening are also available on these sites.

Sincerely,

Doug Blevins
President
Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc

Before and After Pictures of our New Office

Recently I have received some pictures of our new offices.  Before and after we fitted the place out.

This particular picture is just as you stepped in the front door, before anything was done.   We were fortunate to get this prime space from the Gables Residential and we had our work cut out for us!

Here is the same view, but after we had finished with it.  The furnishings are by Island City Traders.  The painting crew was led by Doug Mc Clave.  Doug had done some excellent and professional work.  The space now has a smooth coat of paint over the Cement ceilings and the exposed pipes are covered neatly with a pleasant cream color.

This was truly a community effort for an office to serve the community.

We Thank Island City Traders

Wilton Manors Main Street wants to extend a warm Thank You to Island City Traders. 

You can find Island City Traders' Showroom at

2450 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Fl, 33305
Phone 954-537-5330

The Secretary Desk and the furnishings that you see in the picture are all supplied by Island City Traders.  The artwork on the wall is from them.  The picture on the easel is that of our artists' representation of Wilton Drive after the Two Lane Initiative is complete. 

Island City Traders' has supplied Wilton Manors Main Street with the front office furnishings so that we may complete our work helping the City grow and present a cutting edge look for all who come to visit.

This Conference table is also supplied by Island City Traders.  It is glass and chrome and surrounded by these five chairs, that are wrapped in butter soft white leather.  The sixth chair is at the secretary desk.

For larger groups and more casual meetings, Island City Traders has this Sectional Sofa and Coffee Table grouping.  The quality of the furnishings and the cutting edge style is apparent when you see them first hand.



To contact Island City Traders, you can find them on the web at
   http://www.islandcitytraders.com,
On Facebook at this link to their group
  http://www.facebook.com/IslandCityTraders,
Or at their showroom where you can see all they have to offer first hand at:
  2450 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Fl, 33305
  Phone 954-537-5330

Market Bazaar at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors today

If you are looking for something interesting to do today, one suggestion is to head over to the Drive.  There's always something going on there, but today you can rub shoulders with your neighbors while looking for treasures and knick knacks.  Usually there are some food vendors and you can get some fresh produce - their bell peppers are usually amazing.  Every month it seems to grow a little larger and since the weather is cooling and is pleasant today, the crowd will be bigger still.

Today from 9am until 2pm at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, there will be the monthly Market Bazaar flea market.  This is headed by Wilton Manors Main Street business of the quarter recipient Nikki and Steve Rose from their iconic coffee shop Java Boys.  If you make it there, stop in and say hi to Nikki and Steve, they'll treat you like family and let them know we sent you.  Their Facebook page has some pictures from the shop, so if you can't manage to get in for some Joe and a bit of a snack, you can see the place here.

This is a monthly scheduled event that has all sorts of new and used items, and has rapidly become one of the things that locals look forward to.   It is a great way to meet your neighbors, get some coffee or visit some of the other shops at the center, and be a part of your community.

The address is 2030 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305

Wilton Manors Main Street Ribbon Cutting Pictures Indoors

We are fortunate to have a lot of supporters at Wilton Manors Main Street.  There are people from all walks of life, and in this picture you can see some of them.

Visible are Mr and Mrs Joseph Gallegos.  Joseph or "Mr G" as he is known to everyone in the City of Wilton Manors government, is the City Manager of Wilton Manors.

We can also see M.E. DePalma of DePalma Enterprises, toward the back of the frame.  She's standing there in a pink dress having a discussion.

Both people I count myself fortunate as knowing and having been able to work with on various levels both within Wilton Manors Main Street and outside.  The City is much richer having them here.

This is a view of the office during the party.  It is so full of people, that the furnishings from Island City Traders are not visible.  I was able to take this shot by holding the camera well overhead so that you can see the crowd.

In this picture are many people who should be mentioned, and quite a few that I will miss.  In the foreground are Brett Nein, Project Manager and Board Member for Wilton Manors Main Street, Mrs and Mrs Joseph Gallegos from the City of Wilton Manors, and quite a few of our friends and supporters.

Here is a Writer's Eye view of the goings on.  Way in the back is David Kovac and toward the front is Skip Mackey of DePalma Enterprises.

Krishan Manners, Wilton Manors Main Street's Marketing Director is in the crowd speaking with Celeste Ellich who is a local Realtor.   Our best wishes extend toward both.

A very successful event! 

Main Street's Ribbon Cutting Event and Pictures

Last night, Wilton Manors Main Street had a Ribbon Cutting Event for the new offices at 2164 Wilton Drive.  We were able to welcome our friends and neighbors and thank our benefactors who all made this possible.

The food was wonderful, and supplied by the new restaurant, Crema d'Roma at 2150 Wilton Drive, at the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 21st Ct.

It was a chance to show off our furnishings from Island City Traders, at 2450 Wilton Drive.

It was a chance to see everyone there in a relaxed setting who are committed to making the City a better place for All of us to live in.

At the Ribbon Cutting were
David Kovacs
Diane Cline Vice President of Wilton Manors Main Street
Florida State Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed
Joseph Gallegos Wilton Manors City Manager
Fr. John Joseph Reid of New Divine Mercy Church
Tom Tabor Wilton Manors Main Street Board Member and head of the Two Lane Initiative Committee

Here we are all celebrating the official opening of our new offices.

You are welcome to stop by and have a talk with us.  We're looking for volunteers and members to help us make Wilton Manors and the Drive a better place to live, work and play!

Pictures At A Commission - Alibi Business of the Quarter

Here is a higher quality picture of the Business of the Quarter award ceremony with the City Commission.

In the picture from Right to Left are

In the front row
Vice Mayor Justin Flippen,
Owners of The Alibi Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete
Mayor of the City of Wilton Manors Gary Resnick

In the back row
City Commissioner Tom Green
City Commissioner Scott Newton
City Commissioner Ted Galatis

Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete with the City Commission

Backup Picture Courtesy of Mike D'Oliveria and The Pelican, his picture came out much better than ours.  The Pelican is a great news source for local Wilton Manors (And Adjacent Areas), we highly recommend them as an entertaining weekly reader.

Business of the Quarter Presented to The Alibi

Last night at the City Commission meeting, Sept. 14, 2010, Wilton Manors Main Street President Doug Blevins had the distinct pleasure of presenting the owners of The Alibi, Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete the Business of the Quarter Award.

Pictured here from Left to Right are:
Jackson Padgett, co-owner of The Alibi,
Mark Negrete, co-owner of The Alibi,
and Doug Blevins, Wilton Manors Main Street President.

Pictured here holding the award are


Jackson Padgett, co-owner of The Alibi,
Mark Negrete, co-owner of The Alibi,
Doug Blevins, Wilton Manors Main Street President,
and Kevin Knorr, Wilton Manors Main Street Board Member.

On receiving the award, Jackson Padgett spoke on how he felt about owning such a local icon.  Mr Padgett said that he will be continuing the tradition of Public Service by being involved in the same activities and public spirited programs that have always been synonymous with the name Alibi in the future. 

We of Wilton Manors Main Street Salute the Business of the Quarter, The Alibi's owners Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete

Honoring Jackson and Mark of Alibi as Business of the Quarter

Tonight we invite you to join us at the Commission Meeting where we will present a plaque honoring Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete as the Wilton Manors Main Street Business of the Quarter.  Jackson and Mark are the new owners of the Alibi on Wilton Drive and Bill's Filling Station, just across the street.

Recently, the restaurant at Alibi won top honors as the Best Burger in Broward as chosen by the Sun-Sentinel Newspaper in Fort Lauderdale.  If you have ever gone to the restaurant you experienced first hand the quality of the food there, and now Alibi is drawing people from outside of their traditional markets to experience their food and the excitement that Wilton Manors and the Drive have to offer.  You can read the Sun-Sentinel article here.

The presentation will be at the Commission Chambers in City Hall, tonight at 7PM.  The address is 2020 Wilton Drive, at Hagen Park.

Wilton Drive Tiger II Grant Initiative Status

At the meeting last week, we learned that the Tiger II grant initiative has been submitted to the Federal Government. 

While this doesn't mean that we have gotten the grant, it does mean that we will get a chance to proceed to the next level.   The Two Lane initiative is a great plan with something for all, and with your support we will be able to have the kind of Wilton Drive that we all want.  The grant will allow us to complete the Two Lane Initiative faster and include more features that we all can use.

Wilton Manors Main Street is working toward turning the current raceway down the middle of town in the Wilton Drive to a pedestrian friendly oasis that has adequate parking for the businesses that will thrive there.  It won't happen overnight, but we feel that we've got a strong plan that will produce the kind of place we all can be proud of.

Welcome to our New Office

Welcome to our new office space.  

2164 Wilton Drive,

Wilton Manors, FL, 33305

You will find someone there "during Business hours" during the week and by appointment.  Just up the corner from Crema d'Roma in the ground floor of the Gables Wilton Manors apartment complex.

If you stop in you can find out about the status of our plans and can talk to us about how we can help improve Wilton Manors.  We also want to hear about your thoughts on how things are.  We are here to help.  We are your friends and neighbors.  We want to be your partners in a better Wilton Manors.

South Florida East Coast Corridor Study on 9-22

Coming soon, on September 22nd at 330-530pm or from 6-8pm, there will be a meeting at Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park.  The meeting will discuss the second phase of the Proposed Florida East Coast Mass Transit line.

We at Wilton Manors Main Street hope to see you there.  This will be discussing the proposal to get a rapid transit line where the people live - on the FEC tracks near Dixie Highway.  The proposal will pass through Wilton Manors and we hope to have an station near Five Points at the East end of our Central Business District, anchoring Wilton Drive.  If completed, you will have light rail access to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Downtown Miami all from your back yard. 

It is your chance to have your feelings and thoughts heard!

Holiday Park at the Social Center off of Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. 

You can read more and see the other locations in the picture below.  Click to see it larger.

PENDING DEAL BETWEEN WILTON MANORS AND GABLES COULD BE A WINNING TRIPLE PLAY

PENDING DEAL BETWEEN WILTON MANORS AND GABLES COULD BE A WINNING TRIPLE PLAY

In a special meeting last Wednesday night, Wilton Manors City Commission unanimously approved a motion to move forward with a preliminary $10 Million Dollar Federal Grant Application known as TIGER II. The Grant, which is part of a Federal Stimulus Grant program, will award a total of $600 Million dollars The minimum grant award will be $10 Million dollars per applicant and higher awards can be requested under the terms of the application. Wilton Manors hopes to be one of those chosen few.

This grant could be the source of funding needed for the Wilton Drive Safety, Parking and Beautification project presented by Wilton Manors Main Street, in addition to other projects that will help create a more sustainable Wilton Manors. 

The Tiger II Grant requires a dedicated match of $2.5 Million dollars in order to qualify for the Grant and with economic budget restraints; the City of Wilton Manors needs a pinch hitter. That may be possible with the help of private developer Gables Residential Real Estate, who has already provided the city with a successful residential complex that is so popular, it now boasts a three-month waiting list of potential tenants.

Tom Tabor and Doug Blevins as private sector development consultants and Main Street Volunteers were approached by Gables Residential to explore the possibility of a public-private partnership to provide for a parking garage, residential and retail development on the old city hall site. Gables had previously submitted a plan for a similar project on the site about two years ago, but the plan was rejected by the Commission and deemed incompatible with the needs of the community.

Simultaneously, the Tiger II Grant was announced and was identified as a possible funding source for the improvements on Wilton Drive. The plan will include a comprehensive master plan to address the needs of transit, economic, safety, housing and environmental components for Wilton Drive and the surrounding Arts and Entertainment Corridor.

With the requirement of the $2.5 million match for the Tiger II Grant, Tom Tabor was able to structure a preliminary proposal for the city and Gables that would insure a pledge for the $2.5 Million needed to move forward with the preliminary Grant submission.

A collaboration of Gables, Pasquale and Kuritzky Architects, Five Points Development Services including Architect James Hollingsworth, helped develop a community-friendly design alternative to the previously submitted plan. With special consideration of the Main Street Design Guidelines and references to the historical context of the city, the combined team developed a new proposal that was presented at the meeting. The response to the new design plan was overwhelmingly positive from the commission and the public attendees.

The Tiger II Grant would also allow options for at least one or two more parking structures and would address the future needs of a possible passenger railway station in Wilton Manors and enhancements along the Dixie Highway corridor.

The revised Gables design includes a new Island City Plaza which would replace the old city hall site at the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 21^stCourt. The new design includes a public gathering and event area, parking garage and the addition of 120 new residential units adjacent to the new city hall. In addition, Gables pledged the matching funds of $2.5 Million dollars for the Tiger II Grant, if the project is approved. The city attorney will be drafting a letter of intent from the city to Gables regarding the agreement.

Once an agreement is reached between the city and Gables, the real work begins. The grant process will require a capital expenditure outlay of an estimated $75,000 and those funds must be secured in the next ten days in order to hire and contract the required experts needed complete the Grant. Wilton Manors Main Street will be working diligently to raise the funds needed to make this grant a reality. We will need the support of major donors to help facilitate the TIGER II. The final grant deadline is August 23, 2010. This is truly a “call to action” and we need your support. Experienced grant writers and those interested in helping may contact Tom Tabor at Ttabor@wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org or call 954-681-4710.

Wilton Manors is even more poised to be the shining star of South Florida. While the battle may be an uphill climb, with the support of the city, county, state and our friends in Washington, we may go from the little train that could, to the big train that did!

Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc.

We announce the groundbreaking of our offices

Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc., WMMS, announces the “groundbreaking” of its new offices on the Drive during Sunday’s Stonewall Festivities in the new Gables Wilton Park Building at 2164 Wilton Drive. 

On Sunday, June 20, 2010, WMMS President Doug Blevins, Vice President Diane Cline, and Board Members hosted an informal reception and tour of the new space which included a display of the proposed improvements planned for the Drive which include added parking spaces, wider sidewalks, and more landscaping.  The Grand Opening of the new offices and showroom are scheduled for later this summer.
 

 

Krishan Manners
Cary Hackett
Sam Henson
Nikki Rose 

Ross Guedry 

Tom Tabor 

Doug Blevins

Diane Cline, President of the Wilton Manors Historical Society
Doug Blevins, President –Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc.
Fred Reissner, Secretary – Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc.
Paul Kuta, Wilton Manors Historical Society

Wilton Manors Main Street, Inc. is a member based, non-profit organization established in 2004, to promote arts and cultural activities, improve the quality of life, and assist with community improvements and development in Wilton Manors.