Carl Zablotny sold his magazine, The Wire, last week in a planned move that took almost two years to complete. He sold it to a friend of Thomas Barker's (who will take over the executive editor position); no immediate change in format is at hand, but it will come.

I met Carl shortly after he purchased the paper ten years ago; I drummed up some advertising revenue and we quickly determined that we would be close friends. Our meeting spot, The 11th Street Diner, was the epicenter of gossip and action then. The Diner is across the street from police headquarters and was the gathering spot every day of gays, drags, police, and politicians (the Diner's lawyer was the mayor--such a small town). Carl and I hatched plots, planned photos, and helped work on the race of the previous mayor, David Dermer. We also plotted the demise of commissioners we regarded as dangerous. I spent my finest hours plotting with Carl.

For two years he has planned what he has just about completed: his move from South Beach to Puerto Vallarta. He purchased a dance club there and is about to realize that dream of club owner (God help him). In the meantime, The Wire was sold to a friend of of Thomas Barker's and Thomas now will assume the duty of putting that paper out.

It's been a wondrous time here with Carl; like all of us, he's had his moments of craziness, but that is what runs this town. I'll miss him and his lecturing ideas on everything that a handful of drinks brings out in an intelligent person. Leopoldo, myself, and Carl had a farewell brunch at our favorite Lincoln Road bistro, da Leo; three omelets and five bottles of champagne later made us happy to have been as close as we have been for the last decade.

Like many politicians whom have dined on rubber chicken during public events, Carl never hesitated to enjoy a free meal--even if had a tail.

I was able to get two, local celebrity party boys to submit themselves to Carl's lusty desires on his birthday. It was the least I could do.

Sometimes, Carl had to be put in his place by an internationally recognized artist.

And, there were some times where he had to "squeeze" into a photo.

Even through the craziness of the past year, you are always "top drawer" with me, Carl.