Wilton Manors City Commissioners dealt with a lot of issues at their Nov. 26 meeting. The most visible result will be at one of the city’s parks.
Commissioners voted unanimously to give Island City Park Preserve new playground equipment. But that’s not the only change coming. There is a move to rename the park.
Mayor Scott Newton is leading the charge to rename it Stafford Park, to recognize Marcia and Tracy Stafford’s contributions to the city. She was Wilton’s first city clerk, later becoming a commissioner and using her home as City Hall. Her son, Tracy, was a commissioner, mayor, and state representative.
Some want to keep “Island City” in the name. Commissioner Mike Bracchi said, “We’re running out of parks to name [after] people. This would be the third park we’ve named in about four years.”
They agreed to rename it Stafford Park and Nature Preserve. It will come up for further public comment and a final vote at a future meeting.
STONEWALL SUCCESS
The city became a title sponsor for Stonewall Pride this year, giving $50,000 to make sure the festival, which was struggling financially after 2023’s event was nearly rained out and volunteers ditched their assignments.
The money came with strings attached, including a detailed financial report and transition to cashless entry.
While the technological investment for cashless was pricey, Stonewall Pride President Jeff Sterling said it was a success and gate revenue was up. The party also turned a profit of about $85,000, much of which has been given to the community in the form of grants.
Commissioners were generally pleased, but warn that due to budget issues, there’s a good chance they won’t be able to come in with a cash infusion for 2025’s party.
There was some good financial news. The budget planned for a 20% increase in health insurance costs. The current carrier came in asking for a nearly 30% increase.
That number was negotiated down to just at 20%. However, Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield came in with a competitive offer that will only require a 5% bump.
That will help ease the strain on an already stretched city budget.
The next city commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 10. This will be the final meeting for 2024.
