For years, the rumors have persisted about the emotional and physical affair between Mayor Vince Lago and his now Chief of Staff of One Chelsea Granell, who used to be Chelsea Granell Lindsey before her divorce.
Ladra has ignored these rumors despite the fact that Granell has seemingly benefitted from the relationship with promotions and significant raises, while the mayor attacks his opponent for having voted to increase commission salaries fo the first time in decades. But now it has become campaign fodder as a public records request for a slew of public documents referring to communications between Lago, Granell and Lago’s wife, Olga Lago — including text messages, call logs or “any reports referencing confrontations between them” — is making its rounds with City Hall insiders.
The request is also for any “official or unofficial records, security logs, visitor logs, or documentation indicating Chelsea Granell’s presence at Mayor Lago’s home, any city records or internal communications discussing or acknowledging Chelsea Granell visiting Mayor Lago’s home for personal reasons, including interactions with his wife,” and “any surveillance footage, security reports, or other documentation related to Chelsea Granell’s presence at locations associated with Mayor Lago outside of normal work-related duties.”
Also requested are any emails or texts messages between Olga Lago and city staff regarding the alleged relationship, any Human Resources complaints or reports or documentation related to their alleged relationship, and any records of media inquiries or photographs, video recordings or phone records that reflect the relationship.
Read related: Kirk Menendez strikes back at Coral Gables Mayor ‘Lyin’ Vince Lago’
The requests sound like “Mike Fernandez” has first hand knowledge or knows someone with first hand knowledge of details.
This might sound like a well-timed, politically-motivated fishing expedition but it’s really a map of sorts to a real affair that may have caused the mayor to abuse his power and position. Ladra has spoken to several City Hall insiders, past and present, as well as two people close to the husband, David Lindsey, who used to work in the city’s public works department (his departure was for a better opportunity before he learned of the affair, sources say). They all say the affair was real and was what led to the divorce. It may have ended at one point and Granell tried to make amends with her estrange husband. That may have been around the same time of an alleged confrontation between her and the mayor’s wife and also her promotion to “chief of staff” — although there is no actual staff — which resulted in about a 10% raise.
In fact, since she started working for Lago, Granell’s pay increases through promotion, merit, cost of living or special compensation for her work as a “legislative manager advisor” (even though the city pays a professional lobbyist), has gone up several pay grades, which is what the mayor keeps hammering his opponent, Commissioner Kirk Menendez, for, after the latter voted with the majority in 2023 to increase their salaries from a laughable $36,488, which hadn’t increased in decades, to a less laughable but still funny $65,000.
Granell’s salary was $91,165 last year. In a job that Lago made up because it never existed before.
She also was one of the real estate agents, with Lago, who hung their license at Rosa Commercial Real Estate, the brokerage firm owned by former Hialeah Councilman Oscar de la Rosa, stepson of Hialeah Mayor Esteban “Stevie” Bovo, and that got a $640,000 commission for the sale of a Ponce de Leon building to Location Ventures and developer Rishi Kapoor, who we have since learned was paying Miami Mayor Francis Suarez at least $170,000 for “consulting” while seeking approvals for a development in Miami.
Read related: Brokerage firm cleans house after corruption arrests, drops Vince Lago
The sources closest to Granell also say that, as a real estate agent, she sold the house on Aledo street to Lago’s fundraiser, Brian Goldmeier — the one where he nailed the orchid to the tree — and that she has done freelance work for the company owned by Jesse Manzano, who is running Lago’s campaign and is heavily invested in his political future.
Lago never calls Ladra back or responds to texts. Granell got immediately defensive and dramatic after the first courtesy phone call to provide her the opportunity to comment. She said she knew nothing about the public records request — which would make her one of the last at City Hall to hear about it — and threatened to sue Ladra for defamation. After the call was disconnected and Ladra tried again, she said she was driving to the new public service building to file a police report about my “harassment.”
Goldmeier did not return a call. A recording on a call made to Jesse Manzano said Ladra’s number was blocked, but that I could leave a message anyway, so I did.
Ladra hears the mayor is reeling from this public records request and has lashed out for the first time against fat chance opponent Michael Anthony Abbott, who, las malas lenguas say, is the one that made the request. Lago had been ignoring him before.
Abbott denies having made the public records request. “I haven’t made any public records requests about Lago,” Abbott, who is embroiled in a lawsuit against the city, told Political Cortadito. And it is very possible he is being scapegoated because he didn’t even know who Granell is. “Who?” he asked.
He also said the information on the text is from sealed records and would forward it to his attorney for a response.
The attack text is paid for by Miami-Dade Residents First, which, according to public records with the Florida Division of Elections, was created last September and has raised $230,000 — including $78K from Mayor Francis Suarez‘s Miami For Everyone PAC, and, through another PAC, at least $5,000 from attorney Ben Alvarez, who Lago was going to appoint to the code enforcement board and then backed off after complaints about his checkered past.
Most of that was spent through the last report through December, some of it to one of the campaign consultants working for Lago. We may not know how much was spent this first quarter of 2025 until the April 8 election is over.
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Tell me what politician has no skeletons?
This is completely false. Vince and Olga are good people. This is a shame to slander and promote hard working individuals for the benefit of others. This is the reason why good people don’t run for politics.
The only real issue with this Lago/Chelsea affair is that the money that has funded her salary/promotions/title is City money. That does concern the residents. Otherwise it’s a private affair between the 3 involved people, with the mayor in the middle. If Chelsea and the mayor weren’t city employees, it would be none of our business. But it is.
Thank you Michael for bringing this to my attention. I am trying to fix it by allowing more messages per page, but am having trouble. WordPress vexes me. I will seek help.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Love, Ladra
Here’s a major consequence of a Lago affair: to the extent an adulterer denies the adultery that denial exposes the denier to blackmail by someone who can prove it.
This was the real risk posed by the Clinton/Lewinsky affair and Trump’s various affairs. But, hey, Miami has no blackmailers so Vince “Shaft” Lago should be just fine!
Sincerely, Profumo
Lladra, unfortunately one cannot see older comments by clicking on the hyperlink “Older Comments.” I mentioned this in a prior comment some time ago. Is there any way to get it fixed? Is it something I am doing wrong? Thanks.
… lago is a disgrace to his family… not just to his city… he invented a position paying 100K+ for Chelsea… got her into the brokerage so she could make MORE money off deals with crooked developers… at a candidate forum he blamed his wife in PUBLIC for sending his kids to miami’s most affluent private school… instead of accepting responsibility himself… these are FACTS… the guy is trouble all day long… he does not belong in city hall…
This is astonishing! Wasting taxpayer dollars on a made up position as Chief of Staff so she can Chief herself? This is crazy! Lago must be stopped. He is a cheater in every way will do anything as long as it favors himself and his wallet.
Let’s be real: everyone knew about this affair from the start, especially back in 2021 when they were supposedly in Tallahassee ‘advocating for residents,’ but both of them vanished off the grid. It was no secret to anyone, including the Mayor’s wife, who even confronted them in the Mayor’s own home. For the past three years, she’s had a roller-coaster, love-hate relationship with Mayor Lago. The affair was the direct reason for her divorce, and if anyone doubts it, just call David Lindsay, her ex-husband and ask him yourself.
Mayor Lago rants about commissioner raises while quietly paying Chelsea over $105,000 for a position he invented just for her—one that reports only to him, unlike the other thousand city employees who correctly work under the city manager. It’s jaw-dropping hypocrisy and a slap in the face to every taxpayer demanding transparency. If this is the mayor’s idea of “accountability,” it’s long past time for him to face serious scrutiny for his blatant favoritism and misuse of public funds.
IDK, I think I would be dramatic too if a reporter called me about my sex life.
This actually makes sense. I have heard about this affair from many different people. Three of which are close to Lago. I also witnessed Lago make disrespectful and condescending comments to his wife on a few occasions. Cringeworthy comments. Regardless, Vince Lago is clearly a bully at work and at home. He is definitely not suited for office in my book.
It’s interesting to note that his father, Dr. Lago, is nothing like his son. He is the nicest, most genuine man you’ll ever meet. I wonder what happened?
[…] Story continues […]
This is a bunch of BS! I know Vince and Olga personally. This is the farthest from any truth.
This is an all time low and disgusts me.
Hasta cuando esta gente va a seguir estafando .
To anyone that says this blog ruins lives that may be true. But in this case Lago and this young lady ruined a marriage. Not only that, he gave her raises and promotions while having an illicit affair. Thou shalt not sleep with your city employee and give her raises on taxpayer dime.
People’s personal life should not become the only arbiter in choosing. However, it is up to every citizen to use good judgement in choosing the candidate best suited for the position merit wise.
A candidate that lies, has a skewed personality, uses the platform only a means to enrich himself/herself against the wishes of its constituents, should be divulged !
Maybe Coral Gables should set the example and introduce plebiscites (as they do in Switzerland with great success) to allow its residents to decide instead of the non functional representative government overtaken by special interests.
i couldn’t care less about the alleged affair, however, the generous pay bumps to his “chief of staff” is incredibly funny considering how much his campaign hinges on criticizing the commissioners that gave themselves a “raise.” lago is pathetic.
Your “publication” destroys lives. Please, stop inciting the fire. We don’t need additional stressors. Political Cortadito is formally deleted off my inbox.
You and your friends are truly desperate. I have received your email 3 times and now on Newsbreak makes it 4 times in less than 24 hours.
Why are you being so vicious in trying to destroy Our Mayor
Also destroying innocent people, defamation of character. Never thought you would stoop so low. From opponents anything is possible. Please stop these kind of attacks without merit. Really sad to see all this un civil behavior, one week before election.
God save our City.
Dear Bob and all, my apologies for the multiple emails.
The settings on the email distribution platform are scheduled to send at different times but ONLY when there are new posts. This is a new thing, not intentional. I don’t know what happened.
I will call tech support to see how it can be fixed. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Love, Ladra
Scurrilous “reporting”. All hearsay. No facts from the source widely understood to be biased against Mayor Lago.
Running this crap three times in less that 24 hours suggests you’re desperate for the upcoming election.
@Liarliarpantsonfire Let’s address these claims one by one with clarity and fairness:
1. “Chelsea and Mayor Lago’s wife have dogs in this fight” – That assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Neither of them are elected officials, nor are they seeking the spotlight or political capital. In fact, both have intentionally remained outside of the public fray, despite being unfairly dragged into it. Being the subject of rumors doesn’t equate to having a “dog in the fight”—it makes them targets, not participants.
2. “Mayor Lago is a bully—how do we know he hasn’t bullied Chelsea into this?” – This is a dangerous and baseless claim. Chelsea is a well-respected professional with a proven track record of service to the City. Suggesting she’s been “bullied” into anything is not only unfounded but deeply insulting to her integrity and strength. It’s an unfair attempt to diminish a woman’s agency while pretending to defend her.
3. On the campaign ad – Political ads are unfortunately part of any election cycle.
4. “Ladra isn’t destroying reputations” – When gossip and personal innuendo are printed without conclusive evidence, it’s not “reporting”—it’s character assassination. Spreading personal rumors that haven’t been substantiated causes real harm to real people. Repeating a rumor doesn’t make it FACT!
5. On compensation – Comparing her pay to part-time commissioners is apples to oranges. I recall she worked for numerous elected officials throughout her being at the city for over 10 years and earned her title and pay increases on MERIT. Wasn’t she nominated for employee of the year by her fellow co-workers??
6. “Only someone not paying attention would defend Mayor Lago” – That’s an unfair and dismissive generalization. Many people pay close attention, attend meetings, and read public documents—and they still support Mayor Lago’s record of fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, and public service. Disagreement is part of democracy, but it should never devolve into personal attacks, rumors, or disrespect.
Let’s keep the focus on facts, public service, and the issues that actually affect residents like us. Personal attacks and gossip do nothing but elevate those with personal agendas and discredit hardworking, good people.
Let’s make the City Beautiful and not a cesspool of gossip…
More of the TRI CITIES DIRT ,Miami, Coral gables & Hialeah . Is It CORRUPTION?
More corruption. Vince Lago and his gang of thieves.
Public Servants are those that prioritize service over profit. Clearly not the case here.
I was very disheartened reading this story. I heard the rumors for quite some time. The increases and chief of staff to none is also concerning.
Victor Rodriguez…” to bully women like Chelsea and Mayor Lago’s wife—women who do not seek the spotlight and have no dog in this fight”…seriously???
1. Sounds like Chelsea and Mayor Lago’s wife both have dogs in this fight.
2. Mayor Lago is a bully…residents only have to watch the commission meetings to see that. How do we know he hasn’t bullied Chelsea into this situation?
3. The attack ad on Michael Abbott is another example of Lago’s bullying. There was no need for that. Better to spend his campaign money on real threats to his mayoral seat.
4. Ladra isn’t destroying anyone’s reputation. Lago has already done that. I’ve heard rumors of this affair for quite some time. Ladra is reporting on it, and based on what has been written, it’s not baseless rumors or innuendo.
5. Money is the motivator. Isn’t it always when it comes down to dirty dealings? Lago has relentlessly hammered Kirk on the commissioners’ well-deserved raises, but his assistant/Chief of Staff Chelsea makes a pretty penny! Much more than the commissioners or even the mayor!
6. How can anyone defend Mayor Lago and his actions??? Only someone who isn’t really paying attention!
Shame, shame, shame
Both mayor Lago and ms granell are above reproach. Ms granell is an outstanding public servant who has dedicated her professional life to the service of Coral Gables
Best part of this article: “Olga Lago” is an anagram. That’s awesome.
That aside, Gary Hart famously told the media to follow him around and that they wouldn’t find anything. Well, they did, Donna Rice was interviewed in “Playboy,” and “Monkey Business” likely became a top boat name. We expect leaders to be better than us. If Lago is having an affair, it says a lot about his character and whether he always has residents’ best interests in mind. I feel bad for this young woman, who may be our Monica Lewinsky, sans the blue dress. But it is a problem if she climbed the org. chart through virtues other than merit.
Why attack Ladra for what he did? What about the raises and promotion that he provided with city dollars? What about his claims of transparency, decency and integrity? He should drop out now and maybe he can fix his marriage. Bye Vinnie.
Why do people attack the messenger? Lago did it and doesn’t deny it. The victim is his family and us.
PRAISE GOD!
THANK YOU FOR EXPOSING LAGO’S LIES!
The 3 entities who ended Coral Gables as a safe place to raise children — from birth to age 18 — free or urbanization and the crime that comes with it, are:
1. Citizens United corrupted-by-bribes 2010US Supreme Court case.
2. Former Mayor Raul Valdez-Fauli
3. Lying Vince Lago.
Sincerely,
Jackson Rip Holmes
Right when I was commending you about the DDA reporting, you give me a reason to take these blogs with a grain of salt as once again it is for an agenda. This was politically motivated, and YOU KNEW that Lago’s Town Hall was just 15 mins away from starting before this e-newsletter went out. You gave them NO time for any recourse or PR, especially when you SLANDER a PUBLIC SERVANT! No shame. Wow.
And as if Chelsea would have any sort of “affair” with Lago. Really…? REALLY?!
On February 8, 2024, I filed a civil rights lawsuit against Coral Gables Police Department and two police officers for a 2020 reported noise complaint—a civil matter (my playing music before noise ordinance took effect that night).
The incident left me a bloody and battered mess on March 24, 2020, the night my home was invaded, without warrant or reason, and I was viciously beaten by officers from the CGPD Crime Syndicate, requiring an emergency visit to Jackson Memorial Hospital where I received sutures and was arrested on trumped-up allegations.
Halfway through a Stand Your Ground Hearing, the case was abandoned—i.e., nolle prossed—by state prosecutors. The arrest affidavit allegations have been completely debunked, proven false.
I’ve written about this on my campaign’s website at:
https://sosgables.com/home
Also attached the dispatch audio and the Stand Your Ground Hearing Transcript tapes.
Both of the arrests were based on Coral Gables police misconduct and were nolle processed. The 2020 arrest in particular, was followed by emails in the state attorneys office explaining there was not a good faith basis to proceed. One more example of Coral Gables targeting Abbott for his complaints and request for an investigation of the police department.
Chelsea may be smart, honest and hardworking…and this would have been a labor lawyer’s big bucks case if she had claimed she was coerced by her boss. But she didn’t.
It’s not a personal matter when it has to do with a married elected official and a married city employee who have wheeled and dealed with city property and made big commissions off of the deals.
Actions have consequences, as I frequently remind my kids. Spin it whatever way you want…this damage is caused by Vince and Chelsea. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
This article is an absolute disgrace. It’s one thing to scrutinize elected officials—that comes with the territory. To drag women like Chelsea through the mud, someone who has nothing to do with the political games being played, is beyond shameful. This is not journalism—it’s a targeted, baseless attack meant to humiliate and harm.
Chelsea is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly for the city. I know her personally, and like so many others, I can vouch for her professionalism, integrity, and heart. The fact that her name is being used as collateral damage in a malicious smear campaign is disgusting.
Shame on you for weaponizing your platform to bully women like Chelsea and Mayor Lago’s wife—women who do not seek the spotlight and have no dog in this fight. Their reputations, families, and lives are not yours to destroy. This kind of slander is vile, and readers should not stay silent while you tear down good people for headlines.
Shame on you! Lago private life is his & his wife. Have mercy on his two daughters. How dirty can you & KFC can get? Shameful!!!!!
Miami and Coral Gables have far too many sleazy refuge elected officials. How do these
crooks keep getting elected?
Constant battle for many men between the little head and the one above shoulders.
Also, not uncommon for men of power to be attractive to ladies.
Who knows & don’t ask our current POTUS?
Wow, Ladra really missed the mark on this one. It’s shameful to dive into someone’s personal affairs—true or not—especially when it has nothing to do with their professional contributions. I have met and worked with Chelsea on various occasions and can say without hesitation that she’s one of the hardest-working, smart, honest and most professional people I’ve ever met but most of all she is kind hearted. From what I know is that she’s won competitive city grants, spearheaded major projects, and made a real impact in this community. Let’s not destroy people’s reputations and lives over baseless gossip and rumors. This article has no real substance—just shameful noise.
Yikes…bet the Mayor is holding his head in his hands again, like he does when he hears something at the commission meetings he doesn’t like.
He’ll say it’s all a lie. Because apparently everyone lies except him. The police union, the firefighters union, the other commissioners (except for Rhonda) are all lying, according to Vince. He’s lied (excuse me, twisted the truth) about Kirk, and attacked Michael Abbott unnecessarily.
There are things that can be overlooked, but lying isn’t one of them. Come clean, Vince.
Can’t wait to hear what the public record requests turn up.
Maybe he should withdraw from the race now!
This is totally disgusting and very low of anyone involved in this, people know the damage and humiliation that these rumors will cause to TWO families, and for what??? To try and bring down an elected official so someone else can rise?, well if that does happen whomever is behind this better be SQUEAKY CLEAN. Just saying.
This is getting to be like the Trump administration, where just when you think things can’t possibly go lower they go lower.
This filth left me, a mere reader, feeling unclean. I can only imagine the quantity of antiseptic needed by the writer.
Chef’s kiss for the “courtesy calls” to the supposed vis-à-vis. And for yet again bringing up the shoddy pay hike only to dismiss it.
Congratulations on bringing yellow journalism into the 21st century.
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