When Coral Gables City Manager Amos Rojas took the job last year amid the controversy after the firing of Peter Iglesias, he said he would only want to do it for a year.
Time’s up.
Rojas sent a note to his staff shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday explaining that he would resign, effective Feb. 28.
“Dear Coral Gables Team Members,
On February 27, 2024, I had the privilege of being appointed as your City Manager. At that time, I made a commitment to remain with the city for one year. As the one-year mark approaches it is with a mix of pride and a heavy heart that I announce my decision to step down effective February 28, 2025. My tenure, though brief, will forever remain one of the highlights of my career. I will be stepping back into retirement and am looking forward to spending more time with my family.
Over the past year, I have been privileged to work alongside a remarkable team of dedicated public servants whose expertise, and passion are the foundation of our city’s success. Of all that we have achieved, I am proudest of the team we have built—a group of individuals whose commitment to excellence embodies the innovative spirit of Coral Gables. I have gained a greater understanding and respect for the work of municipal officials.
This decision was not an easy one but after much thought and reflection, I am confident it is the right step for me and my family. While my time here is ending, my belief in the future of Coral Gables remains steadfast.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the City Beautiful and to have played a small part in its continued growth and success. Thanks to all our team members for your support, collaboration, and dedication.
With Gratitude,
Amos”
Sources say that Rojas has suggested Assistant City Manager Albert Parjus step in as his replacement. But Ladra fully expects Mayor Vince Lago to, again, recommend an expensive national search.
It hasn’t been an easy year for Rojas, who has had to battle with the mayor since Day 1. Lago, who was also against the firing of Iglesias, did not agree with his appointment and continued to disparage him as unqualified throughout the entire year.
Read related: Coral Gables skips search, hires new city manager Amos Rojas on the spot
To be sure, the appointment wasn’t ideal. The commission named Rojas, a former U.S. Marshal and special agent at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, on the spot at a regular commission meeting, leading some to speculate that the Sunshine Law was violated. But that isn’t necessarily true. Just a symptom of the commission dynamics.
Commissioner Ariel Fernandez nominated Rojas — who he said approached him about the job — and Commissioners Melissa Castro and Kirk Menendez, who were both sick of the mayor’s theatrical antics, might have just felt it was a good fit. It was also after a previous attempt to name Miami International Airport Director Ralph Cutié was sabotaged by Mayor Lago. The three commissioners who voted for Rojas felt his law enforcement background would help with the corruption and favoritism that they felt was enveloping the city.
Did he do that? Ladra doesn’t think so.
Lago never accepted Rojas, criticized him every chance he got, and there was even a near scuffle in a conference room that was investigated by police. No cause for criminal charges were found, but that’s only because both Rojas and Parjus said that they didn’t really think the mayor was going to hit the manager, after all. I mean, who would?
Read related: Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago attacs colleagues, manager in citywide email
While L’Ego — who looked last year like he was using steroids — did throw off his jacket, throw it on the floor, roll up his sleeves and got into a fighting stance, investigators could not make a case that an actual threat had taken place.
But we never got a clear explanation of what the fight was about. Sources say it was about an Art in Public Places project that the mayor wanted to get approved without going through the right process.
Coral Gables City Manager Amos Rojas resigns, leaves next month after one year added by Ladra on
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