School excursion to Wilton Manors Bar and Grill draws criticism – NBC 6 South Florida

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A field trip from an elementary school to a popular Wilton Manors bar and grill sparks controversy, leading to a state investigation and reported death threats against a school board member.

The outcry began when Sarah Leonardi, a member of the Broward County Public Schools Board of Trustees, posted photos on social media from the Wilton Manors Elementary School field trip to Rosie’s Bar and Grill on Wednesday.

I was SO honored to be invited to chaperone the @WiltonManorsES school trip to The Incredible Rosie’s! The students and I had a fun walk and learned a lot about our community! Many thanks to @RosiesBnG for organizing this special excursion every year! pic.twitter.com/A3rpMbyUJP

– School Board Member Sarah Leonardi (@bcpsleonardi) October 27, 2021

The LGBTQ-owned restaurant is known for its racy menu, but the chaperones, including the mayor of Wilton Manors, said special kid-friendly menus were used for the field trip.

Broward County public school officials said the trip was part of teaching students about neighborhood safety, community helpers and the importance of being a member of the community.

“The bar and restaurant were not open to the general public while the students were inside. When the business opened, the students moved to a separate, outdoor area to order and eat their meals. “the district said in a statement. “They learn the types of jobs involved in operating a restaurant, how to pay for their meals, and how to tip for the service they receive.”

Nonetheless, Leonardi said she had received fanatic comments and death threats since posting photos from the trip.

“Unfortunately, I have recently been attacked with fanatic comments and death threats. My friends, family and my church have also been targeted,” Leonardi said in a statement. “These attacks have no place in our society. The threats have been passed on to the proper authorities, and I will continue to work hard to engage with my community, spread positivity, and represent my district on the school board.”

A Florida Department of Education investigator was on his way to the school to investigate on Friday, the Sun Sentinel reported.

Earlier on Friday, a group of about a dozen parents and former teachers were outside the school to show their support for the principal and the restaurant.

“This is absolutely nothing controversial, it is an educational experience with a part of the community that supports our local school, and frankly I am very upset that it is receiving this type of attention,” said the supporter. David Comras.

Rosie’s has been organizing the field trip for about a decade.

“It’s terribly sad that it blows up this way. It’s taking such a beautiful event and putting ugly labels and stereotypes on it and it’s very disturbing, ”said Rosie’s owner John Zieba.

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