Check out our most-read stories from last year.
SMART Ride Ends, New Ride Gears Up
Over 20 years, The SMART Ride raised more than $16 million for HIV/AIDS agencies in Florida. In January 2023, Todd Delmay was introduced as the new executive director who would reinvigorate the ride for a new generation. By September, he took a job at SAVE and The SMART Ride announced the 2023 trip to Key West would be the last.
Now the beneficiary organizations, including Pridelines, Broward House, Compass are trying to create The Joy Ride. It would be the same weekend as the previous ride but managed directly by the Executive Directors of the groups. AH Monroe chose to fundraise on its own and isn't joining the others.
Craig Jungwirth Trail Goes Cold ... Again
Craig Jungwirth is accused of stalking a local Wilton Manors resident and harassing many more people, including the publisher of OutSFL. He has a long list of interactions with law enforcement but no felony convictions. Jungwirth was arrested in Okeechobee County but was released on bond before he could be transported back to Broward County.
He skipped his arraignment and the judge revoked his bond, meaning if he is caught, Jungwirth will remain in jail. In addition to looking for Jungwirth, investigators are still looking for more victims. Anyone with information should call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.
Craig Jungwirth. Photo courtesy of Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office.
Pride Fort Lauderdale Announces Then Promptly Cancels 2024 Events
After barely getting Pride of the Americas over the finish line in 2023, losing major sponsors and all of its board members, Pride Fort Lauderdale (PFL) announced a pride for February 2024. Just weeks later, it called off the parade and party near Fort Lauderdale Beach.
After originally announcing a Pride for Presidents’ Weekend 2025, their website now says it’s set for Feb. 7-9, but no specifics on any events are listed. OutSFL is told they have not obtained permits yet, and much needed support from city and county support organizations is shaky, at best. PFL also refused to return a donation for the ‘24 festival, and admitted they have no real cash on hand.
Mark Hunter Reveals His Cancer Fight
Mark Hunter is one of the most visible and philanthropic business owners on Wilton Drive. In the spirit of helping people, he chose to go public with his stage four diagnosis of prostate cancer. He also said the disease was spreading through his body.
He had several treatment options and urged people to stay on top of their own health, saying at the time, “As with most cancers, early detection is a key. I would encourage anyone that has a prostate to see your doctor and have it checked every year by way of a digital/rectal exam in concert with tests for your PSA levels.”
DeSantis Defeats
The past year has seen Gov. Ron DeSantis handed one defeat after another. His attack on drag entertainment was put on hold by a federal judge. His administration was also forced to clarify the intentionally-ambiguous “Don’t Say Gay” law. And, of course, his once bright presidential aspiration flamed out in spectacular fashion.
Now DeSantis is settling in for another two years as governor. If Sen. Marco Rubio or Sen. Rick Scott resign to be vice-president for Donald Trump, DeSantis says he won’t appoint himself, or his wife, to fill the open seat. He’s still taking shots at Florida’s LGBTQ community, making sure no bridges are lit up in rainbow colors for Pride.
