By Jessica Graves

It’s been nearly 365 days since Don D’Arminio took office with a promise to ‘Get it Done’. With his inaugural year nearly complete, Wilton Manors’ newest city commissioner is busier than ever but enjoying every minute. “I’m loving it,” he says. 

D’Arminio is quick to give his campaign manager, Bene Clement-Smith as well as his spouse of 27 years, Marc Martorana, much of the credit for helping him win. Martorana was the one responsible for coining the catchy campaign slogan that dotted the Drive last November. “It’s really difficult for someone that’s not an incumbent to get elected,” says D’Arminio, “it was a challenge, but Marc and I work well together as a team.” 

“I gotta’ tell you”, interjects Martorana, “people remember that slogan to this day. They’ll see me and they’ll say, ‘Don Gets It Done’, because we did get it done and we’re continuing to get it done every day.” 

Not one to ever rest on his laurels, Martorana has maintained the couples’ fundraising initiatives while his other half serves the constituents. “I’ve also been very busy,” he says.

The long-time residents are known for hosting events for local non-profits. “We donate our home, our food, our bar, our help”, says Martorana, “We’ve raised thousands of dollars and it’s free to every organization we invite into our home.” 

The charitable duo has hosted nearly every non-profit including the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), Equality Florida, the National LGBTQ Task Force, Plays of Wilton, Island City Stage, OUTshine Film Festival, the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, the World AIDS Museum, The Pet Project, and SunServe. 

“Now until the end of the year, Don and I will be hosting five organizations at our home,” says Martorana while their rescue pup, Ollie, bestows wet kisses on his arm. “I went on to be the chair of Sunserve’s gala, and I believe I will be the chair again for the March 2024 Gala,” he adds enthusiastically.

“We have a great city that offers incredible services”, says D’Arminio, “and a lot of our LGBTQ community wants to be here.” Perhaps this is why developers are coming out in full force hoping to develop some of the outdated buildings on Andrews, which the rookie commissioner is all for. “Our city is in a different place today than it was twenty years ago,” says D’Arminio. “We no longer have to give away our city, the developers are coming to us wanting to build here.” 

But don’t expect D’Arminio to let dollar signs dictate his vote.  

“I want to make sure that our city is sustainable,” says D’Arminio, a retired tax professional. “As a former accountant, when I review the budget, I understand what I’m looking at.”  

D’Arminio whole-heartedly supports tourism and believes that building the first large-scale hotel in Wilton Manors will bring even more visitors–and tax dollars–to the city. “People tend to spend money where they’re staying, so a hotel will have a huge economic impact on Wilton Manors small businesses.”

For many, D’Arminio’s rookie status is a breath of fresh air. “I’ve never worked for the government so, I just come from a different mindset,” he says. “I’m everything but a career politician, it’s hard for me to even say I’m a politician”, he pauses then says thoughtfully, “I guess I am, but I’m a resident first and I’m here for the residents.”