FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The action wasn't expected to start until 4 p.m. on Tuesday -- that's when a news conference called by UNITE Fort Lauderdale was set to begin.

But words were exchanged earlier in the afternoon outside City Hall when Mayor Jim Naugle held a mini news conference of his own.

Naugle used the opportunity to apologize -- not for the comments about homosexuals that have angered the city's gay community, but rather for not acting sooner on what he calls the homosexual problem plaguing a Fort Lauderdale public restroom.

"I want to apologize to the children and the parents of our community for not being aware of the problem," said Naugle.

Naugle said he was sorry he didn't know that a Broward park was listed on a Web site called Cruising.

And he said he was sorry he didn't know health department statistics showed Broward County leading the nation in the new cases of AIDS.

"I don't think in the name of being inclusive or tolerant any of us in the community should tolerate this," said Naugle.

That did not sit well with members of UNITE Fort Lauderdale, the group calling for the mayor's resignation, saying he is insulting to the gay community.

When pressed by members of the "Flush Naugle" coalition about his "anti-gay" comments, Naugle left the podium and proceeded up the steps of City Hall.

"You should be ashamed," they chanted.

UNITE spokesman Waymon Hudson then took to the podium, reminding those present why it was important for them to attend the organization's scheduled protest and call for Naugle to step down.

"He continues to stick his foot in his mouth and he is his own worst enemy," Hudson told Local 10.

"So the best thing he can do is keep making statements like he made today. It again shows his ignorance and shows that he is is so out of touch with our city," said Hudson.

The city's vice mayor, Carlton Moore, on the other hand, elicited cheers rather than boos.

"We must unite against all hatred," said Moore.

Across the street was a much smaller group in support of Naugle.

Some carried signs that said "Godly Citizens Agree With Mayor Naugle."

The group was led by the controversial Rev. O'Neal Dozier, who most recently opposed a mosque in Pompano Beach.

"The homosexual lifestyle is very, very devious. And to be honest with you, It's an abomination in the sight of God," Dozier told Local 10.

Naugle, who has two years left on his final term as mayor, has repeatedly said he will not leave office, but UNITE Fort Lauderdale is urging the city commission to launch censure proceedings against Naugle to have him removed from office.

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