There are pioneers who build businesses, and then there are pioneers who build communities. John Castelli was one of those rare visionaries whose impact reached far beyond the walls of the clubs, restaurants, hotels, and businesses he helped create. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in LGBTQ history, but his legacy will continue to shape South Florida for generations to come.

“If strength is the goal, silence is the enemy.” 

On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee, hats in hand. The war in Iran has depleted key weapons stockpiles, reducing U.S. inventories of interceptor missiles and stealth cruise missiles to less than half and costing over $37 billion to date. To the naked eye, these costs reflect disastrous mismanagement of an unauthorized and escalating war.

Vacations provide us with unique opportunities to explore our interests, without worrying about our jobs or other obligations.