Miami commissioners agree to new voting map, ending legal saga
Miami city commissioners voted Thursday to adopt a new commission map, agreed upon as part of a settlement with civil rights groups after a federal judge ruled that elected officials unconstitutionally racially gerrymandered the previous districts.
This Week In South Florida: Billy Corben joins journalists to discuss Miami City Hall dysfunction
Anyone who thinks local government meetings are boring hasn’t been to one at City Hall in Miami. The latest spectacle of the dysfunction at a commission meeting was the ousting of Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez.
Judge dismisses Miami businessmen’s second suit against Carollo, city; case not over
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo touted a win Thursday in his battle against Little Havana businessmen Bill Fuller and Martin Pinilla, after federal judge dismissed an updated lawsuit filed by the two against Carollo and other city officials.
In stern rebuke, judge denies Joe Carollo’s request for new trial in $63M civil case
A federal judge didn’t mince words in denying Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo requests for a new trial and to reduce $63.5 million in damages against him after a civil jury found he used his position to violate the rights of two Little Havana businessmen last summer.
Want to buy Joe Carollo’s home? Forced auction now scheduled — unless he can stop it
U.S. Marshals have scheduled a public auction to sell off Joe Carollo’s Coconut Grove home in order to satisfy a portion of a $63.5 million civil verdict against the Miami city commissioner. Carollo expressed confidence Thursday that he would prevail in stopping it.
WATCH: Man shows up to Miami commission meeting to serve Joe Carollo with legal papers
A speaker approached the podium at Miami City Hall for Thursday’s commission meeting and addressed one member in particular: Joe Carollo. He wasn’t there to comment on an agenda item; instead, he let Carollo know that he was there to serve him with legal papers.
US Marshals show up at Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo’s home, beginning seizure process
U.S. Marshals visited Joe Carollo’s Coconut Grove home Friday afternoon and taped a notice to the front gate, starting the process of seizing the house in order to satisfy part of a massive legal judgement against the Miami city commissioner.
After suit seeking his ouster, Carollo likens businessmen to Al Capone, says he’s a ‘hostage’
Backdropped by a portrait of a rooster standing proudly in front of American and Cuban flags Wednesday, Joe Carollo compared two businessmen to a famed mobster and bemoaned the appeals process over the $63 million lawsuit he lost to the pair, likening himself to a “hostage.”
Joe Carollo says his Coconut Grove home is safe from seizure — but expert says maybe not
The Little Havana businessmen who won a $63 million civil verdict against Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo have their sights set on the longtime politician’s Coconut Grove home in an effort to recoup a portion of the judgment.
Joe Carollo jokes about order to seize assets: ‘They would have a right to some of my underwear’
In Joe Carollo’s first Miami City Commission meeting since a federal court ordered U.S. Marshals to start collecting on a $63 million legal judgement, the longtime elected official came out swinging against his critics.
New Miami redistricting suit: Rival says home was illegally drawn out to protect commissioner
As plaintiffs in a racial gerrymandering lawsuit try to take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, there was a new legal twist Monday in the ongoing saga over the fairness — or, as some argue, lack thereof — of Miami’s city commission district map.
Will new Miami electoral map force Carollo out? City’s redistricting battle not over
Fresh off the heels of a court order stating Miami city commissioners’ second try at redrawing their electoral map failed to remedy “unconstitutional” racial gerrymandering issues, there are now questions over whether an incumbent commissioner will have to move or relinquish his seat.
‘I think you’re a criminal’: Carollo gets earful at 1st commission meeting since $63M verdict
Joe Carollo didn’t park in his usual reserved spot at Miami City Hall and apparently got in using the back entrance, but all eyes were on the city commissioner as he sat on the dais Thursday, attending his first commission meeting since losing a multi-million dollar lawsuit the week prior.
Jury finds Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo liable in federal civil case, ordered to pay $63M
After a marathon civil trial, a federal jury in Fort Lauderdale found Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo liable in a civil case brought by two businessmen who accused him of retaliation — and they delivered a massive monetary verdict.
Amid testy cross-examination, businessman calls Carollo’s actions ‘demented’ in civil trial
As the trial stretched beyond the one-month mark, a juror sitting for the federal civil case against Joe Carollo had to call it quits Thursday, as one of the businessmen suing the Miami city commissioner spent another full day on the stand.
Carollo trial: Former staffer testifies commish, wife coerced false sex harassment claims
Stunning testimony continued Wednesday in the federal civil trial of Joe Carollo, with a former secretary telling jurors that the Miami city commissioner coerced her into making false sexual harassment allegations against two other former employees.
Judge denies Carollo attorneys’ mistrial request after claiming business partner followed juror
Attorneys for Joe Carollo unsuccessfully asked for a mistrial Tuesday in the federal civil case against the Miami city commissioner, claiming a business partner of the men suing him followed and spoke to a juror.
Local Black leaders feel ‘disrespected’ after Miami commission removes every member of Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
With questions rising about the future of historic Virginia Key after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez refused to veto the city’s takeover of the board of trustees, many Black local leaders are now angered by the decision.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: August 7, 2022
On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg are joined by North Miami Councilwoman Mary Estime-Irvin, Congressional candidates Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormack, Dale Holness and State Rep. Anika Omphroy, and Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo.
Miami commissioners accept city manager’s recommendation to terminate Chief Art Acevedo
Chief Art Acevedo’s suspension turned into termination of employment on Thursday night at Miami City Hall after a 6-month tenure as a designated outsider who had been tasked with reforming the Miami Police Department’s culture.
Mayor Suarez: Police Chief Acevedo has to go after ‘war with city’s elected leadership’
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who went to Houston to bring in Art Acevedo for a fresh perspective, said Tuesday that the police chief is too much of an outsider and he supports the city manager’s decision to remove him after just six months.
While campaigning for reelection, Carollo goes back to his shrewd old ways
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo wanted all the attention on him during a special meeting Friday at City Hall. Those who know him say he has had the tendency to throw tantrums from behind the dais when an election is approaching — and this year isn’t any different.
Entrepreneurs file lawsuit blaming city for $28M in losses in Little Havana
The entrepreneurs behind the former Ball & Chain and Taquerias El Mexicano in Miami’s Little Havana filed a 66-page lawsuit against the city alleging Commissioner Joe Carrollo’s campaign of harassment cost them $28 million in losses.
After Ball & Chain quarrels, chief alleges some commissioners issued arbitrary list to target businesses
Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo is not the only one who has ever accused Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo of harassment. Bill Fuller, the co-founder and managing principal of Miami-based commercial real estate agency Barlington Group, and Carollo have had an ongoing feud for years.
Miami officials say outdoor venue, sanitation stations will help keep people safe during ‘Down With the Chains’ event
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Commissioner Joe Carollo held a news conference Friday to announce new details regarding the Call for Freedom of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua event.
Commissioner: ‘You make me want to vomit’ as Miami meeting gets personal
MIAMI, Fla. – There have been some nasty showdowns at Miami City Hall, but the verbal brawl at the Miami Commission meeting on Thursday is one for the record books. It was when Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo went on the attack blasting his one time friend and ally Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla. The fierce debate was over Jenny Nillo, a longtime friend, supporter and worker for Diaz de la Portilla. “There is nothing here that’s criminal,” de la Portilla fired back. that you do not deserve to hold public office.”The bromance is over between Carollo and Diaz de la Portilla.
Miami commissioners spar, then take action over no-show employee
MIAMI – City of Miami commissioners sparred Thursday night over allegations that a city employee planted in her role by a commissioner 11 months ago has never shown up to work. “No one in the Omni CRA would see Jenny Nillo, that’s the problem,” District 3 Commissioner Joe Carollo said in the meeting. No, no, no, that is a lie,” Diaz de la Portilla responded. Ad“What is a lie is that no one has seen Jenny Nillo. But you don’t know that,” Diaz de la Portilla said.
Cuban Americans move to try to influence Biden’s new U.S.-Cuba policy
MIAMI – Amid the anticipation of President Joe Biden’s new Cuba policy, a group that represents South Florida’s community of Cuban exiles met on Wednesday to discuss a proposal at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami’s Coral Way. “We need and we want, we demand a free Cuba,” Gimenez said. The group is asking Biden’s administration to avoid mirroring former President Barack Obama’s policies and to keep Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Andres Fanjul and Eduardo G. Mestre, of Evercore, are among the members of the Cuba Study Group’s board. Related link: Cuba Study Group’s vision for U.S.-Cuba relations in the Biden era (32 pages)FACEBOOK LIVE (English and Spanish used interchangeably)
South Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, but not much change in supply
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The vaccine rollout continues across Florida, but appointments because of supply are still hard to come by. Still, it was a busy weekend at vaccine sites in South Florida and there was also plenty of conversation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and the issues the state and local hospitals face in getting the vaccine. Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez (R-Florida) appeared on Local 10′s Sunday news program, “This Week in South Florida,” to discuss issues of access and supply for Floridians over 65. Local 10 co-host of “This Week In South Florida” asked Nuñez about President Joe Biden’s plan to have a “more federal centralized system” when it comes to vaccine distribution. “Because health and access to health care is a fundamental right.”ALSO SEESecond vaccine appointments: Here’s what you need to knowBefore you go for first dose, print forms here and fill them out
School employees and military veterans among those receiving COVID-19 vaccine over the weekend
Both Broward and Miami-Dade began vaccinating eligible school employees, meaning those ages 65 and over, against the novel coronavirus. The school district partnered with the Department of Health in Broward County to make it happen. Teachers and school staff were not the only ones receiving the first round of the vaccine this weekend. “They are the most at-risk.”As supply and access for the general public over 65 remains an issue, Florida Lt. Gov. Each week we get informed what our (vaccine) allocation will be.”On Sunday the Miami-Dade County branch of the NAACP called for a comprehensive and equitable approach to distributing the vaccine.
Miami’s enforcement of pandemic curfew starts again this weekend
MIAMI – Miami’s midnight curfew is back this weekend in an effort to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic, so celebrating New Year’s Eve in the city this year could mean having to plan ahead for a sleepover. Police officers will be enforcing Miami-Dade County’s midnight to 6 a.m. curfew more aggressively in Miami. Ron DeSantis’ suspension of fines and penalties order has been limiting the city’s punitive measures on violations of coronavirus safety measures since late September. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has said officers can issue citations and the county can collect the fines and penalties later. Miami officials released a statement on Thursday night saying businesses and individuals are subject to “enforcement actions.”
Questions arise after Little Havana protestors were detained, then released following call from mayor and visit from commissioner
At one point, things got rowdy and City of Miami police made several arrests. Those people were then subsequently released after a city commissioner arrived, and that is causing quite a stir. “(Miami Commissioner) Joe Carollo showed up, entered a restricted area, apparently it’s all caught on video. Talk about corruption.”In response to those comments, Commissioner Carollo had strong words for the man making those allegations. Mayor Suarez said he spoke with the Chief of Police, but that the department independently made the decision to release those in custody.
In the city of Miami, could working from home be breaking the law?
MIAMI, Fla. Someone anonymously complained to the city about attorney David Winker who has pending cases against the City of Miami. Winker has several pending lawsuits filed against the City of Miami on cases spanning developer setback rules enforcement to a petition to recall Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo and ongoing court battles. On Friday, Winker said someone posted a notice on his door with four of the six code violations related to working from home. Since March 1, 2020 the City of Miami has issued 24 violations to people running business out of their homes without the required permits. and are working remotely during the pandemic, they do NOT need to worry, stated Miami City Attorney Victoria Mendez.
Miami Commission approves funding for small businesses
COCONUT GROVE, Fla. – The economic impact of COVID-19 took center stage during Thursday morning’s City of Miami Commission meeting. Small Business Emergency Loan Program ($600,000)Job retention is a loan criteria with the goal of funding helping small business owners keep their current low- to moderate- income employees during the crisis. Great conversation with @certremblylaw of @TremblyLawFirm about his work helping small business owners #Survive and then plan to 👇 #Recover + #Thrive. Miami DDA launched a Small Business Task Force of local professional volunteers made up of attorneys and CPAs to help downtown business owners navigate the loan process. If you would like the one-on-one support from a member of the Miami DDA Small Business Task Force email LoanAssistance@miamidda.com to request help.
Ultra Music Festival expected to be postponed amid coronavirus concerns
This year, organizers were expecting EDM fans from more than 100 countries to invade the park March 20-22. Officials in Miami looking into postponing Ultra Music Festival as coronavirus fears growUMF organizers also decided to cancel this week’s annual Abu Dhabi event. The decisions will also be affecting EDM music stars David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Marshmello, The Chainsmokers and many more. Michelle Pagnanon was demanding that Ultra Music Festival give EDM fans the option to get a refund. Guests attend Ultra Music Festival 2016 on March 18, 2016 in Miami, Florida.
City of Miami mayor, commissioner spar at City Hall
MIAMI – Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s former communications director is charged with several felonies, including computer pornography and promoting sexual performance by a child. Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo addresses City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez during a commission meeting at City Hall. Thursday’s commission meeting was the first since the arrest of the mayor’s former communications director, Rene Pedrosa. Political committee “Take Back Our City” is working to collect more than 1,500 signatures to recall Carollo, whom they accuse of abusing his power, breaking promises and lying. “You’re already trying to recall me,” Carollo told the mayor.
Miami police captain, city manager hot topics of city commission meeting
MIAMI – There's been plenty of City Hall drama in Miami following the sudden resignation of the city manager. Local 10 News reporter Terrell Forney attended Thursday’s city commission meeting as both topics were discussed. Ortiz came under fire after telling commissioners at a recent meeting that he identifies himself as a black male. Carollo also asked at Thursday’s meeting where City Manager Emilio Gonzalez has been. Gonzalez recently resigned following accusations from Carollo that the city manager abused his power by doctoring documents to get a work permit on his home.