Miami Beach city manager resigns

Jorge Gonzalez sets resignation for May 2013

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Miami Beach City Manager Jorge Gonzalez submitted a letter of resignation Tuesday to Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and the City Commission.

READ: Resignation letter

Gonzalez's letter said his resignation is in effect May 10, 2013.

"I am extremely fortunate and proud to have been able to manage and grow one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world -- in a place I call home!" Gonzalez said in his resignation letter. "There comes a point, however, when it is time to move on and allow others a similar opportunity. After a great deal of thought and personal introspection, I have concluded that it is time to resign my position as City Manager, effective May 10, 2013."

Miami Beach residents had been calling for Gonzalez's resignation after a group of city employees, including compliance officers, was arrested and charged with a bribery scheme at a South Beach night club.

Some activists wanted Gonzalez, who has been city manager for 12 years, to be held accountable, even though he had no knowledge of the alleged shakedown. Gonzalez said he was blindsided by the arrests of seven city employees accused of taking $25,000 in bribes from the owner of a night club. The club manager was actually an undercover FBI agent.

Now, Gonzalez, with the help of a pricey consultant, has come up with a five-point plan to root out corruption in city government.

The question now is whether the Miami Beach Commission will allow Gonzalez to stay on the job for another year before he leaves.

The Commission will take up the issue Wednesday afternoon.