© 2024 WLRN
MIAMI | SOUTH FLORIDA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tributes Paid To Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen After His Sudden Death Shocks Community

Justin Flippen
City of Wilton Manors
The city of Wilton Manors on Wednesday paid tribute to late Mayor Justin Flippen, who died suddenly Tuesday night of a brain aneurysm at 41.

This story has been updated with new details at 7:25 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28. 

 

People in Broward and beyond are mourning the sudden loss of Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen, who died of a brain aneurysm Tuesday evening at age 41.

 

The City of Wilton Manors announced details Friday evening for a Celebration of Life to honor Flippen. 

The event will take place Friday, March 6 at The Venue Fort Lauderdale, located on Wilton Drive, from 6 - 8 p.m.

The city's announcement stated in part: "In lieu of sending flowers or gifts, Mayor Justin Flippen’s family respectfully asks for donations to be made to the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund at Our Fund or United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale. The Justin Flippen Memorial has been established through Our Fund to provide support for Florida LGBT+ students aspiring to enter public service and pursuing a degree in political science or a related field."

Parking will be limited and the city is encouraging people who want to come and pay their respects, to use ride sharing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The Broward County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed Mayor Justin Flippen’s cause of death was a brain aneurysm and the manner of death was natural,” Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell said Wednesday.

 

Flippen was a Broward County native who had a history of political engagement and LGBTQ activism. He was elected a Wilton Manors city commissioner in 2008 and mayor in 2018. 

 

Last October, Flippen shared his National Coming Out Day story on social media:

 

"I have been fortunate. Fortunate to live in a progressive community of which I am a born and bred native. So I feel a deep sense of connection to my home. I know not everyone’s journey to a place of acceptance is the same, but Wilton Manors allowed me to live authentically and feel valued as an equal not as someone with a lesser status than others," Flippen wrote.

 

Social media tributes are pouring in from across Florida and the United States. Friends and constituents have tweeted photos, memories and tributes.

 

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis: 

 

 

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen: 

 

Former Broward County Commissioner and current Republican state Rep. Chip LaMarca: 

 

 

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried: 

 

From Washington D.C., South Florida Congressman Ted Deutch: 

 

 

 

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend, Indiana:

 

 

 

On Christmas Eve two months ago, Flippen appeared on a live TV broadcast called "It's Happening Out," wearing a Santa's cap and discussing Wilton Manor's contributions to the community.

 

 

Flippen's legacy of LGBT leadership and support is left behind in his messages to the community, including his Coming Out Day Facebook post from last October: 

 

"To those struggling with coming out, I would say, “Find the courage to live authentically, and find a community that accepts and doesn’t reject you for who you are. Whether you are surrounded by the family you were born into or the family and friends you choose for yourself, you deserve to be happy and surrounded by those who support you."

 

 

WLRN depends on donors to remain South Florida’s leading nonprofit, most trusted source of news and information. Support our mission by giving monthly as a sustaining member of Friends of WLRN or make a one-time donation of your choice. Thank you. Click here to give.

Caitie Muñoz, formerly Switalski, leads the WLRN Newsroom as Director of Daily News & Original Live Programming. Previously she reported on news and stories concerning quality of life in Broward County and its municipalities for WLRN News.
More On This Topic