Broward Commissioner Keechl to install Dolphin Democrats officers and board

News release:

Fort Lauderdale -- Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl will swear in new officers and directors of the Dolphin Democrats, Florida’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) political organization, at tonight’s monthly meeting. Keechl, Broward County’s first openly-gay Commissioner, is the club’s past president. After swearing in officers Keechl will provide the membership with an update on county government.

Tonight’s meeting will be held at 7:30 PM at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) at 1717 N. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

The Dolphins have enjoyed a long tradition of political activism by their presidents, officers, and members. Former Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor and Commissioner Dean Trantalis, Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus President Michael Albetta, as well as Keechl have each served as head of the Dolphin Democrats. Tonight, Justin Flippen, a longtime Democratic activist, Wilton Manors resident, and aide to County Vice Mayor Stacy Ritter, will take the reins as president.

“It’s an honor to have Commissioner Keechl install our new officers and directors,” Flippen said. “He provided our club with great leadership, and in many ways has set a standard of excellence to which the leadership of our club ought to strive. Ken first appointed me to the board of the Dolphin Democrats while he was president, and it’s a privilege to now have him swear me in as club president.”

Also being sworn in at the meeting will be Vice President Adriane Reesey, Treasurer Bill Vayens, Secretary Waymon Hudson, and Directors Ted Adcock, Michael Albetta, Robert Bernhardt, Julie Bruno, Ronald Catena, Edie Hambright, Mark LaFontaine, Ron Mills, Dick Rogers, Tom Runyan, Adam Sanders, Gloria Stein, and Barbara Stuart.