Michael Pizzi sues to be reinstated as Miami Lakes mayor

Former mayor wants Miami-Dade County judge to force reinstatement after acquittal

MIAMI – A former South Florida mayor cleared of federal corruption charges is suing to get his old job back.

Michael Pizzi insists in the lawsuit filed Tuesday that he should be reinstated as mayor of Miami Lakes to serve out the remainder of his term through November 2016.

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Pizzi sought to have Gov. Rick Scott end his suspension since he was acquitted of federal corruption charges in August. However, Scott refused to do so, saying voters elected a new mayor in a special election after Pizzi's arrest last year.

Under state statute, an elected official is supposed to be reinstated if he or she is cleared of the charges.

Last month, Scott lifted Pizzi's suspension after a majority of the Florida Supreme Court justices agreed with Pizzi. But Scott's order did not reinstate Pizzi as mayor.

Now Pizzi wants a Miami-Dade County judge to force his reinstatement.

Current Mayor Wayne Slaton has said he has no intention of stepping aside.

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