Developing story: Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, a former State Rep and Senator, is using his muscle with his pals in Tallahassee to get Gov. Ron DeSantis to approve “virtual meetings” so the city commission can discuss emergency measures to deal with the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
“Just [for] closings, shelter in place and those kind of discussions. Very limited agenda,” Diaz de la Portilla texted Ladra Wednesday morning. “If th
e governor issues an executive order. I have asked President Galvano to call him on our behalf.”
The Dean is buds with Senate President Bill Galvano, who swore ADLP in when he was elected in November.
“All Miami residents must see what their government is doing and why. The only objective is to keep our residents healthy and safe. Our most important responsibility,” Diaz de la Portilla texted. “All Miamians can watch online. So that all elected officials can participate in the sunshine.”
Read related: Miami-Dade Courts close after positive test, amid more COVID-19 shutdowns
City Attorney Victoria Mendez had already told reporters last week that she was working with the governor and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez to allow for some kind of remote meeting.
Ladra isn’t so sure it’s a good idea. A lot of shenanigans can happen with a government in the shadows. People can watch online, but that doesn’t mean they can participate.
“If there is a way for virtual public testimony, we will do that,” the commissioner added.
There is a way, Ladra told him, if there is someone who can Facebook live the meeting and commissioners can answer questions and give people a chance to make comments in writing. There are also conference calls, but Ladra thinks that may get out of hand 
very easily not just with the public but among the commissioners themselves.
Asked about it, City Manager Art Noriega, who is really getting a trial by fire, said the city “can’t currently do meetings virtually.” Key word: Currently. Told that the city attorney had said she was trying last week and that Ladra heard there was movement on it, Noriega texted back.
“Maybe she is, or possibly some of our elected officials,” he said. “I’ll check.”
Ladra suggested he start with his best pal and boss.
This story will be updated as more information is gathered.
Miami Commissioner tries Tallahassee pull to get virtual meetings approved added by Ladra on
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