Costumes, camp, and cash. That’s what it takes to make Wicked Manors one of South Florida’s most popular Halloween parties a success. While this year’s theme hasn’t been announced, organizers are getting a financial boost.

During the June 26 city commission meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 to spend $50,000 and make Wilton Manors a presenting sponsor. The event is produced by The Pride Center and serves as their major fundraiser.

Commissioner Don D’Arminio brought up a couple of concerns from last year’s event, including long lines and a lack of people available to answer questions. Pride Center COO Robert Boo said they are working on those issues, but do not have specific solutions in place yet.

Wicked Manors is Saturday, Oct. 31 along Wilton Drive.

Give & No Take

“I stand before you all today frustrated and mad and frankly pissed off.” It took just one sentence for State Rep. Daryl Campbell to relate how hard it is to be a South Florida Democrat in a Republican-dominated state.

Campbell, whose district includes Wilton Manors, came to give a recap of the legislative session. He touted bringing $1.28 million back to the district. While that is a lot of money, Campbell points out that Broward County and his district send more money to the state than it gets back.

“Tallahassee is not an easy place,” he said.

He also called for people to vote “no” on the property tax ballot measure, which will slash local budgets, making municipalities more dependent on the state and making them reinvent the budget process.

“This bill inherently cuts the city’s ability to run appropriately.”

She’s In the Zone

The city’s Planning and Zoning Board has a new member. Melody Moening was voted in as the board’s new alternate.

She has a deep background in development, and for the last six years has worked as a construction and permitting consultant.