wilton drive voice

Technology for Cultural Power, Visibility, and Safety

Born out of a local response to Florida’s HB 1423 (“Drag Ban”), this initiative began on Wilton Drive as a way to digitally protect, promote, and preserve LGBTQ+ culture. What started as a community need has grown into a dual-platform effort combining the City Vibes – Wilton Drive & FLL App with CultureDASH, forming a tech-driven model for economic empowerment, public safety, and cultural recognition.

Jude Belanger, founder of Wilton Drive Voice and the Heart Centered TECH Leadership Awards (HeartCenteredTECH.com), stands at the intersection of technology and social good. Through HCT, Jude worked side by side with Senator Ben Allen, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Assemblymember Richard Bloom to identify and celebrate tech leaders across the state of California who were using innovation to uplift communities and advance social impact.

Together, they issued official State Senate, Congressional, and Assembly Recognition Awards to 100+ honorees, spotlighting ethical innovation and community empowerment at a time when tech was often criticized for its disconnect from human needs. Jude’s statewide recognition campaign not only bridged Silicon Valley, Silicon Beach and civic leadership—it set a precedent for how tech can be used in service of people.

Before launching CultureDASH and the City Vibes – Wilton Drive App, Jude relocated from California to Fort Lauderdale during the COVID-19 pandemic to be with his family. He later moved to Wilton Manors, where he continued his public service on the Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board. In the years that followed, he became a vocal community lobbyist—advocating for LGBTQ+ business visibility and cultural resilience in response to Florida’s drag performance ban. That advocacy ultimately evolved into the Wilton Drive Voice 501(c)(3) tech initiative.

His work today reflects that same mission: turning visionary policy models—like the $20 million San Francisco Cultural Heritage Strategy—into scalable digital tools for cities seeking to protect culture, empower economies, and prioritize community safety.

Developed with support from the Businesses on the Drive and the Wilton Manors Police Department, the City Vibes – Wilton Drive App provides a mobile-first tool for discovering events, businesses, nightlife, and cultural landmarks—all intuitively organized with public safety in mind. Through GPS integration, users can locate certified Safe Place businesses, explore culturally significant spaces, and engage with real-time local content.

“As someone who values both community connection and user‑friendly innovation, I especially appreciate how simple the City Vibes - Wilton Drive & FLL App is to navigate local attractions and appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a safe haven locator. I’m especially proud that the app connects to a cultural sustainability initiative - CultureDASH.org.”
— Mayor Dean J. Trantalis, City of Fort Lauderdale 

The City of Wilton Manors participates in the nationally recognized Safe Place program, in partnership with law enforcement agencies. This initiative designates trusted locations—such as businesses, nonprofits, and public buildings—where individuals experiencing hate crimes or harassment can seek immediate support. Backed by the Wilton Manors Police Department, Safe Place locations are verified, mapped, and accessible directly through the City Vibes - Wilton Drive & FLL app, safe haven feature giving users a simple, GPS-enabled way to find safety when it matters most.

Inspired by the $20 million Cultural Heritage Strategy from San Francisco, CultureDASH.org was created as a lightweight, community-powered alternative that documents and uplifts culturally significant people, places, events, and organizations. Through public nominations, CultureDASH builds a living archive of local cultural impact—accessible, measurable, and openly visible.

Officially endorsed by the City of Wilton Manors and signed by its elected city commissioners, CultureDASH recognition awards provide storytelling infrastructure backed by real-time data in a living archive of those that influence cultural integrity. Cities and lawmakers can track engagement or depreciation through integrated metrics, ensuring culture is not only celebrated but also sustainably supported if needed.

Together, City Vibes – Wilton Drive & FLL App and CultureDASH.org offer a powerful blueprint for cities everywhere—bridging safety, culture, and economic inclusion through purpose-built technology.

LGBTQ+ Founded • Community Powered • City Aligned

 "WITHOUT CULTURE, THERE IS NO HUMANITY" – Albert Einstein