Appellate court says Michael Pizzi should be Miami Lakes mayor

Third District Court of Appeal rules former mayor 'entitled to resume his duties'

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – An appellate court has sided with former Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi in his quest to get his old job back.

The Third District Court of Appeal ruled Friday that Pizzi "is entitled to resume his duties" as mayor immediately, in addition to receiving all back pay and benefits.

Pizzi was suspended by Gov. Rick Scott after he was charged with bribery and extortion in August 2013, but he was acquitted last year. Pizzi's attorneys contend that he should have been automatically reinstated, but attorneys for the town and current Mayor Wayne Slaton, who was elected during Pizzi's suspension, disagree.

The ruling states that Pizzi's "original term has not expired, and he is entitled, as a matter of Florida law, to resume his official duties as mayor until the conclusion of the term for which he was originally elected."

Pizzi's term ends in November 2016.

Slaton has said he has no intention of stepping aside.

"Michael Pizzi, under the Constitution, is the only mayor of the town of Miami Lakes," Pizzi said after Friday's ruling.

Attorneys for Miami Lakes and Slaton have requested an extension of the stay, which is set to expire April 30. The three-judge panel granted the motion, giving the town time to make its next move.

Pizzi said it would be "ridiculous and disingenuous" for Slaton and the town to continue to fight the ruling.

A spokeswoman for Miami Lakes said the town is reviewing the order and "will move forward from these proceedings."

"My attorneys will be reviewing the court's ruling and we will be deciding the most appropriate manner in which to proceed," Slaton said in a statement.

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