The intersection of LGBTQ and the arts communities has been strong for decades. But combining the two also creates an easy target for criminals. Island City Stage was the victim of a vandal.

Their new landscaping was destroyed, along with planters at the neighboring Foundry/Plays of Wilton theater. Beyond that, surveillance video from a business across the street shows a person shutting off the water to the building and Bodytek Fitness.

Island City Stage’s Managing Director, Martin Childers, said, "We just had the new planters installed and anchored two weeks ago, and it was paid for by donors. As a non-profit, everything we do comes at a great cost and our community makes it possible. To see it destroyed in any way is disheartening. And if we were targeted in any way that’s a totally different story.”

Were they targeted? Wilton Manors police are investigating, but it appears so. LGBTQ owned and/or friendly businesses were the target. That section of Dixie Highway is becoming the next Wilton Drive and, during early evening hours, is an LGBTQ hotspot. This happened around 3 a.m. Dec. 12 and no one was around.

At a recent city commission, Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker reminded people of the “see something, say something” mantra. If you believe there may be suspicious activity, call the police. They will come by to check it out.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact WMPD at (954) 390-2150.