At almost 92-years-young, Pompano Bill discusses the joys of life, his crushes, and how he made—and continues to make—a unique contribution to South Florida’s LGBT community
Where did you grow up? I’m still working on that. However, I grew up in Norway, Michigan, which is in the upper peninsula of the state. How long have you lived in South Florida? Full-time? Since 1987. Which, at 91 years-of-age, is not long enough. Why did you move here? It was easy to leave La La Land. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live very close to gay Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? I like most of the community. I like the weather, too. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I’m old, you know, so I don’t really go out at night. I used to love the Sunday tea dance at the old Sea Monster. Where do you hang out in South Florida now, and why? I like Rosie’s because the service is consistent. I have lunch there about three or four times a week. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m not famous, but I do enjoy being “known.” I became adept at “profiling” people. I was the first one around here who took headshots of people, and I named them—with the first name only—in the caption. I also made sure that seniors got published, too. I focused on the entire community, not just the bare-chested crowd.
ADVERSTISMENT
What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I don’t recall. And I don’t have time for Facebook. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? The Late Show, with Stephen Colbert—he’s “real.” And then I go to bed. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? “Place” has many meanings. However, I enjoyed visiting people along the California coast, my four trips to Italy, and the two gay cruises that I took. How do you most enjoy spending your time? That’s a difficult question. I enjoy spending time with people who I like. What celebrity would you like to sleep with? Only one?! Currently, John Krasinski. What two historical figures would be your ideal parents? I can’t think of any. Most have skeletons in their closets. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Abraham Lincoln. The “why” is obvious.
Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d go forward, to 2020. I’m hoping… really hoping. What would your last meal be? Hopefully, not before an execution. Lasagna and a salad would be nice. What do you worry about? The country… the world… the planet. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Baaaaaa! Who do you depend on? As few people as possible. But every morning, my good friends John and Michael—who I’ve known for over forty years—call me at 9:30 to make sure that I’m not room temperature. I also don’t drive anymore. If I go somewhere, it has to be Driving Miss Daisy. Who are you closest with? Good friends, first. You can choose your friends. Family is second. What would your autobiography be called? Things in my Head. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not having one lifelong person to love. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. It’s still a secret. You might be a blabbermouth.
Pompano Bill’s weekly column, “Outlook,” can be seen in Hotspots Magazine.