PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Pembroke Park Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs has filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to block a special town commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon that could result in his removal from office, as his attorney publicly accuses the town manager of orchestrating what he describes as an illegal political coup.
Jacobs’ attorney, Michael Pizzi, announced he will hold a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday outside Pembroke Park Town Hall, where he plans to discuss the lawsuit and allegations that the town manager is attempting to unlawfully remove the mayor based on what Pizzi describes as false claims that Jacobs abandoned his residence and moved to St. Lucie County.
The lawsuit, filed late Monday in Broward County Circuit Court, alleges the town manager scheduled a special commission meeting with less than 72 hours’ notice and set it for 1 p.m. on a weekday while Jacobs is out of state working as a pilot.
The complaint alleges the timing was intended to limit public participation and prevent the mayor from responding to the allegations.
According to the complaint, the town manager lacks the legal authority to remove the mayor or declare his office vacant without first seeking a court order.
Pizzi argues that under Florida law and the town charter, only a circuit court judge can make a final determination regarding whether an elected official has forfeited office, and only after notice and a judicial hearing.
The lawsuit relies heavily on a written legal opinion issued in January by the town’s attorney. That memorandum concluded the town commission may hold a public hearing and consider evidence related to residency, but does not have authority to make a binding decision removing the mayor.
The opinion states that any final determination must be made by a Broward County circuit court judge through a declaratory action.
Despite that opinion, the complaint alleges the town manager obtained an additional legal opinion and proceeded to schedule the special meeting without first filing any action in circuit court.
Pizzi contends the town manager exceeded his authority by recommending that the mayor’s office be declared forfeited.
In the lawsuit and a press release announcing the court filing, Pizzi denies allegations that Jacobs abandoned his residence or threatened the town manager, calling those claims false.
The complaint states that Jacobs maintains a Pembroke Park address and that his driver’s license, voter registration, and utility bills reflect residency in the town.
However, the lawsuit does not address other residency-related issues that have been raised publicly.
Local 10 News reviewed property and tax records from St. Lucie County showing that Jacobs and his wife own a home there and receive a homestead tax exemption. Records also show the property is receiving a full disability exemption, both of which require the homeowner to claim the property as a primary residence.
In addition, records show the St. Lucie County home was purchased with a VA-backed loan, a federal program that requires borrowers to certify they intend to occupy the property as their principal residence.
Those exemptions and loan requirements are not discussed in the complaint or in the press release issued by Jacobs’ attorney.
Instead, the legal filing argues that residency disputes are fact intensive and must be resolved by a court, not by a town manager or a commission acting on its own.
The lawsuit cites Florida court decisions recognizing that elected officials have a protected property interest in their office and may not be removed without due process.
Jacobs is asking the court to issue an emergency temporary restraining order, preventing the town from taking any action at Tuesday’s special meeting to declare his office vacant or forfeited. He is also seeking a declaratory judgment stating that the Town of Pembroke Park lacks authority to remove him without a court order.
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