City of Wilton Manors Mourns Over the Orlando Massacre and Evaluates Upcoming Stonewall Festival

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Jun 13, 2016, 03:05 ET

WILTON MANORS, Fla., June 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the Orlando massacre, hearts were heavy yesterday in the City of Wilton Manors. The City's pride flag, which was permanently raised at Jaycee Park on May 24, 2016, was lowered to half-staff in honor of the reported 50 individuals who lost their lives and the 53 more who have been injured in the massacre. The United States and Florida State flags were also lowered to half-staff.

Mayor Gary Resnick and Wilton Manors City Commissioners encourage the community to ban together in wake of Orlando tragedy at the candlelight vigil held on Sunday June 12, 2016.

"Our community is deeply saddened by this deathly act of hatred and our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims, their friends and family members," said Mayor Resnick. "Now is a time for our community, and our neighboring communities to band together in unity."

In the wake of the Orlando massacre targeting the gay community, City officials have been evaluating plans for the City's 17^th Annual Stonewall Parade and Street Festival scheduled to take place Saturday, June 18, 2016.

"The situation is fluid, and evaluation is ongoing. Security and safety remains our top priority," said Mayor Resnick. "Throughout the planning process, the Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) and others have been working with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, and will continue to do so."

The Annual Stonewall Parade and Street Festival in Wilton Manors, that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, draws approximately 30,000 individuals from all across the country.

"The Wilton Manors Stonewall Festival is about one thing – equality," said Mayor Resnick. "In the wake of this massacre, we are reminded that our community must remain strong and promote equality for all. Wilton Manors is not just a physical address, we are the heart and soul of the LGBT community."

The Pride Center at Equality Park, in partnership with the City of Wilton Manors, held a public vigil on Sunday, June 12, 2016 to honor those whose lives were lost and those who were injured in the massacre. With more than 1,000 individuals in attendance, Mayor Gary Resnick, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. Representative Ted Deutch, Senator Chris Smith, Broward County Mayor Marty Kiar, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, and local clergy members provided heartfelt and uplifting remarks. In addition, live vocal performances were conducted by the Gay Men's Choir of South Florida.

"I thank our friends and colleagues at the Pride Center for putting this vigil together. I also want to thank the law enforcement agencies particularly the Wilton Manors Police Department and the Broward Sheriff's office for providing security during the event," said Mayor Resnick.

As a result of the 2010 US Census, the City of Wilton Manors was named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States. With a large percentage of the population identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Wilton Manors has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most progressive places to live, work and play for many years.

To connect with the City of Wilton Manors visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160613/378477

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors