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Some are questioning Mayor Scott Newton's residency and his re-election eligibility.

- Kim Swan, Editor

Feature

Questions About WM Mayor’s Residency & Re-Election Eligibility

By John Hayden

Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton has lived in the city nearly his entire life, but the past 15 months have been nomadic, and some people are questioning his eligibility to run for office in the city.

Newton pushes back against those questions, saying, “Yes, my residence is in Wilton Manors, and you don’t have to sleep there every night. Where I choose to sleep is my own business.” 

Article IIIA, Section 3 of the City Charter says, “A mayoral candidate shall be domiciled in the city for six (6) months prior to qualifying for office.” Newton’s paperwork to “qualify” for the election was filed June 11. There are two questions: where was he “domiciled” on Dec. 11, 2023, and how is the word “domiciled” legally interpreted? 

Newton says his legal domicile on Dec. 11, 2023, was his longtime home at 1825 NE 27th Dr. However, he essentially moved out in March 2023, during the early stages of a divorce. The mayor said he still mows the lawn, pays taxes and tends to other matters relating to the upkeep, and that it qualifies as his domicile. 

However, on his election paperwork, he lists 48 NE 28th Ct. in Wilton Manors as his address. Newton says his girlfriend bought the property, and it is under renovation, and is staying at a rental in Wilton Manors until the house is livable. He does admit to spending some nights outside the city limits. 

Immediately after leaving the 27th Dr. house, he moved in with a friend outside the city for about three months. In the year since, Newton says he lived a couple of times with his sister, a Wilton Manors resident, and also with his girlfriend. 

At the time, his girlfriend had a home in Fort Lauderdale. Property records show she bought the 28th Ct. home in March 2024, shortly before selling the Fort Lauderdale property. The divorce has been contentious, and Newton confirms there is a deposition where he said he was “living” outside Wilton Manors. He says it was a poor choice of words, intended to get under the skin of his estranged wife. 

“There was a place I was staying, but I said ‘living.’” 

Now his political opponents and people affected by the breakup are asking if he meets the residency requirements. 

Newton says he asked the city attorney, Kerry Ezrol, if he met the standard and was told “yes.” Newton says Ezrol’s firm did not bill for the time involved.

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Weekly Events

TODAY: Bagels & Co. to Serve Free Coffee

A portion of sales from the rainbow bagels sold at Bagels & Co. in Wilton Manors during Pride Month in June will benefit The Pride Center at Equality Park and The Our Fund. Located at 1015 NE 26th St., the neighborhood café also will be serving free coffee from 7 to 10 a.m. on Pride Day, Friday, June 28.


SAT: Throwback Drag Brunch

Get ready to travel back in time and experience a fabulous Drag Brunch filled with nostalgia, glitz, and glamour at The Well.


SUN: Love and Clay: Couple's Pottery Class

Surprise your significant other with an unusual and creative activity for your date. Create a painted functional crockery item together.


July 20: Soul Harmony Retreat

Join Rev Skip Jennings for the "Soul Harmony Retreat: A One-Day Yoga, Meditation, and Empowerment Experience," a concentrated journey to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

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Executive Assistant -- Fort Lauderdale

DOTOLI Group is seeking an Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative, operational, and construction support. $60,000 - $70,000 a year.


Front Desk Receptionist -- Fort Lauderdale

Sanchez Fischer Levine is hiring a Front Desk Receptionist who will greet and welcome clients and visitors with a warm and friendly demeanor, answer incoming calls and direct them to the appropriate individual, and more. $18.33 - $22.08 an hour.

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It's in the Stars

InTarotGate by Dooney 


As June draws to a close, the Judgement card heralds the dawning of clarity, revealing hidden truths and overlooked facts that will bring much-needed resolution to a lingering situation. While you may confront challenging revelations, they will offer a sense of relief, enabling you to close one chapter with grace and prepare for a new one with diligence. This ending comes shrouded in fairness and it demands your acceptance that Justice will do what it takes to bring equilibrium and to assure that the outcome is the best possible for all involved. With this issue behind you and the newfound balance its resolution will offer you, you will feel empowered to finally launch a long-awaited plan with the sharp clarity and swift momentum of the Knight of Swords, wielding the newly-found truth as your tool to navigate and conquer the uncharted realms ahead. (Key numbers: 2, 4, 11, 20, 31). 


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