Miami-Dade County leaders seek to block Cuban consulate

Miami mayor threatens to sue if Obama administration brings consulate to city

MIAMI ā€“ A group of Miami-area politicians is pushing to prevent Cuba from opening a consulate in the city, saying it would inflame passions among Cuban exiles and possibly pose a security risk.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo sponsored the proposed county resolution, which will be discussed during Wednesday's commission meeting.

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The language urges President Barack Obama's administration "to refrain from establishing a Cuban consulate in Miami-Dade County."

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said he would file a lawsuit to stop a consulate from opening in the city. Regalado was born in Cuba and his father was a political prisoner there for two decades.

In contrast, Tampa leaders have been calling for a Cuban consulate to open there. Tampa also has a large Cuban-American population.