"Jeff Sterling: Guardian of the Island Cities and Unsung Hero of the LGBTQ+ Community"

(Photo Credit: DJ Gary.  Jeff Sterling, CEO of HOTSPOTS Magazine (Pictured Left) with Jameer Baptise, Events Coordinator of HOTSPOTS Magazine)

Monday, January 27, 2025 - Wilton Manors, Florida by DJ Gary of SONIK VIBE™ and Playidy™.  (Photo Credit: DJ Gary of SONIK VIBE)

While having a nightcap at one of my "think tanks", EAGLE WILTON MANORS, an iconic establishment in the City of Wilton Manors, FL, I was inspired to complete a Feature Article titled, "Jeff Sterling: Guardian of the Island Cities and Unsing Hero of the LGBTQ+ Community", a well deserving article that was on my plate for several months.  

As such, after being served my nightcap by Charlie Warner of EAGLE WILTON MANORS, we completed our task about Jeff Sterling , CEO of HOTSPOTS Magazine and Sterling Accounting, a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in South Florida -dubbed by SONIK VIBE™ as the “Guardian of The Island Cities of Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors and STONEWALL PRIDE.” Jeff Sterling has worked tirelessly to preserve and elevate the unique cultural identity of Wilton Manors, often called the “Island City.” As the publisher of HOTspots Magazine and the owner of Sterling Accounting, Jeff’s influence extends far beyond the pages of his publication. He is a driving force behind one of the most significant LGBTQ+ events in the State of Florida: STONEWALL PRIDE.


Jeff Sterling: The Man Behind the Vision

(Photo Credit: DJ Gary.  Jeff Sterling, CEO of HOTSPOTS Magazine with Wilton Manors Police Department)

I had the privilege of sharing an evening with Jeff Sterling over a few draft beers at the iconic DrYnK Bar and Lounge on Wilton Drive. What struck me most during our conversation wasn’t just his brilliance—although his intellect and business acumen are extraordinary—but his passion for preserving Wilton Manors as a safe haven and mecca for the LGBTQ+ community.

Jeff emphasized a profound truth: the Island City thrives because of its inclusive and harmonious mix of both heterosexual and same-sex couples working together to foster a shared community. “If we don’t continue to nurture this unity,” Jeff warned, “the LGBTQ+ community could very well uproot and move elsewhere.” This statement reflects his deep understanding of the delicate balance that sustains Wilton Manors’ reputation as a cultural and social epicenter.

Wilton Manors Police Department's PRIDE Patrol Vehicle
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

HOTspots Magazine and Sterling Accounting
Jeff Sterling’s brilliance is evident in the dual roles he juggles seamlessly. As the publisher of HOTspots Magazine, Jeff has made it his mission to spotlight issues, events, and voices that matter to the LGBTQ+ community. Under his leadership, HOTspots Magazine has become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ media in Florida, offering a platform for advocacy, celebration, and connection.

In addition to his work with HOTspots, Jeff is the founder of Sterling Accounting, a trusted resource for individuals and businesses seeking financial guidance. Headquartered alongside HOTspots Magazine on North Dixie Highway, the firm is known for its reliability and expertise, attracting a diverse clientele that values Jeff’s sharp financial acumen.

The Honorable Mayor Scott Newton, Mayor, City of Wilton Manors, Florida
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

Police Chief Gary Blocker, City of Wilton Manors, Florida
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

The Heart and Soul Behind STONEWALL PRIDE
Over the past several years, Jeff Sterling has dedicated himself to ensuring the success of STONEWALL PRIDE, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the State of Florida. The event, which attracts upwards of 50,000 attendees, is a testament to Jeff’s relentless determination and commitment to the community.

The logistics behind STONEWALL PRIDE are staggering, with costs often exceeding ONE MILLION ($1,000,000.00) dollars.  Yet Jeff shoulders the responsibility with grace, often working into the early hours of the morning to ensure every detail is perfect. Whether he’s assembling, disassembling, moving, stacking, or coordinating materials, Jeff’s hands-on approach is nothing short of inspiring.

Despite the physical toll and sleepless nights, Jeff continues to lead by example. His ability to bring together vendors, sponsors, volunteers, First Responders, and city leaders—such as Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis—demonstrates his unparalleled leadership and dedication to the community.

The Honorable Mayor Dean Trantalis (Right), Mayor, City of Fort Lauderderdale, Florida
Pictured with Fort Lauderdale Police Officer
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

Police Chief William Shultz, Fort Lauderdale Police Department
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony (Right) Pictured with Commrade
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

Best Photo of STONEWALL PRIDE - Representing Latinos Salute, Wilton Manors, Fliorida
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

The Honorable Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Shultz
25th Congressional District The United States House of Representatives
(Photo Credit: DJ Gary)

A Call to Action: A Well Deserved
"Thank You, Jeff!"
The continued success of STONEWALL PRIDE relies on the support of vendors, sponsors, volunteers and the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group (WMEG).  If you want to be part of this iconic event, visit HOTspots Magazine to learn more about sponsorship and vendor opportunities for STONEWALL PRIDE 2025 Wilton Manors.

It’s not every day that we encounter individuals like Jeff Sterling—unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make monumental events like STONEWALL PRIDE a reality. So, the next time you see Jeff Sterling, take a moment to give him a thumbs-up and say, “Thank you, Jeff.” It’s a small gesture of gratitude for a man whose efforts have left an indelible mark on the Island City and beyond.

For more information about HOTspots Magazine and STONEWALL PRIDE, visit www.hotspotsmagazine.com.

(This editorial was in the making for several months by DJ Gary and was completed with the assistance of OpenAI.com - one of the artificial intelligence engines that power DJ Gary's GenieTok.com that will open registration to the public soon.)

DJ Gary

DJ Gary

  • 6 episodes


Read My Story About the Genesis of SONIK VIBE


Article Composed by 
DJ Gary of SONIK VIBE™ and Playidy™ with assistance and creative from Wikipedia using OpenAIs GPT-4, similar to that used by GenieTok™ under current development by CyberONIXS.com, Inc.)



Muhammad Ali, Jr. and DJ Gary
Initial Spokesperson for
AMERICAN EPISODES
The Natural Born Son of Legendary
World Championship Boxer
Muhammad Ali

Streaming Licensed Music in Your Business is Good Business.

Join 40 Million
Subscribers Who Trust
SiriusXM® Music for Business
Try SiriusXM® Music for Business FREE for 30-Days


Consider Giving This Holiday Season to

A MUSIC VIDEO TRIBUTE

Honoring a Fallen American Hero
Seminole-Tribe Reservation Fire Chief Don Petrellio


Captured In Reeltime on The Rooftop of The Guitar Hotel
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida

AMERICAN EPISODES

A Documentary Highlighting
The Human Touch of First Responders & Unsung Heroes