Stonewall Street Festival 2005

Fort Lauderdale, the new #1 gay destination in the United States, welcomes you to our wonderfully diverse city. Whether you're becoming a new resident, or just visiting us, we hope to have all the information you need, and to make you feel like part of the family. This non-traditional welcome center is here for you, to give you the ins-and-outs of Broward County that others can't (or won't) tell you, as well as all the other information you come to expect.

Looking for lodging, shopping, or other business? Click Here to browse the current Business Directory Listings.

Current Information:
Please note: This information is just a guide to make your stay/transition here as trouble-free and enjoyable as possible. By no means is it meant to "preach the gospel", or scare you off. It's all a matter of common sense and safety, regardless of what you heard, or have read on the web.

Entrapment Sting: It's being reported that Fort Lauderdale Police are "entrapping" gay men in the "Searstown"/Cubby Hole area.  If someone tries to randomly pick you up on the streets in this area, or if you see a good looking man just hanging on the street by himself, don't do it. Don't even talk to them.  A couple lawsuits are pending on this issue.

Wilton Drive Speed Traps: As of recent, speed traps and police presence has increased on Wilton Drive to catch drunk drivers and such. On the week ends, traffic cones are placed in the street at major bar gathering places to slow traffic for pedestrians. Please use caution when driving on Wilton Drive, they do not fool around. Take advantage of the "Park and Party" promotions of local bars that offer multi-bar shuttle service, or when available, use the Wilton Manors Free Shuttle.

Crime Alerts: There are no crime alerts at this time. Though we are a major gay destination, and that we have a high gay population, crime still does still happen against our community, as anywhere else in the country. Use common sense!

Park Cruising: Don't do it! After the fall out of Fort Lauderdale outgoing mayor's idiocracy of robotic toilets, there has been a witch hunt for public sex by gay men. (And yes, we all know, straight people do it too!) Most parks have video surveillance or undercover police presence. Instead, try the numerous bars known for cruising, or the bath houses.

New Resident Information
Important numbers and websites you should familiarize yourself with.