LGBTQ South Florida

‘Openly single’: Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine clears up relationship status


Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine addresses the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Jan. 26, at Jungle Island. Chamber President Steve Adkins looks on.
Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine addresses the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Jan. 26, at Jungle Island. Chamber President Steve Adkins looks on. Miami Herald Staff

On a recent trip to Tallahassee, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine was joined by Scott Robins, his longtime collaborator on real estate projects. There was some confusion, though, when Levine said to a prominent politico in the state capital: “Let me introduce you to my partner.”

Recalling the story in front of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Levine said he received a surprised look from the politician, whom Levine declined to name but said was “very well-known” and spoke with a deep Southern accent. Robins told Levine afterwards that he had made it sound like the two straight men were a couple.

“I’m not the openly gay mayor of Miami Beach,” Levine said to laughter from the chamber crowd. “I’m the the openly single mayor of Miami Beach.”

@doug_hanks

This story was originally published January 27, 2015 at 5:30 PM with the headline "‘Openly single’: Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine clears up relationship status."

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