Memorial services for the popular public servant Tuesday, Wednesday
After a battle against cancer, Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes — who lived his lifelong dream when he was elected in 2017 — died after being hospitalized late last week, hours after several speakers at the commission meeting Thursday where he was absent, sent him and his family thoughts and prayers.
Reyes had been attending the past few commission meetings remote while fighting off a cold that apparently turned into pneumonia. He was admitted on Friday night and ended up in the intensive care unit before passing. There will be a public viewing Tuesday and Wednesday at Caballero Rivero Westchester, 8200 Bird Road, and a mass at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2987 W. Flagler St.
On Thursday, the city commission will have a special meeting to discuss the filling of the vacancy created — because everyone knows it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible to fill the hole Reyes leaves in the community.
There are two options. The city commission could decide on a special election. Or it could make an appointment and put the seat on the November ballot with the mayoral and other commission races (Districts 3 and 5), which is more likely since the election is less than seven months away.
“Prospective appointees,” as the city clerk’s office calls them, need to complete a Vacancy Affidavit of Appointment, State of Florida Candidate Oath and a Form 1 2024 Statement of Financial Interests at the meeting. These forms can be reviewed online at https://miami.gov/cityclerk or in person at the Office of the City Clerk located at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Dr.
Ladra expects potential candidates to include Ralph Rosado and Denise Galvez Turros, who likely would have run if Reyes had run for mayor. Venture capitalist Rafael “Ralph” Cabrera, president-elect of the Latin Builders Association and the apparent heir apparent, might not qualify if he hasn’t lived in the district for at least a year.
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Someone might eventually sit in the chair on the dais that formerly belonged to Commissioner Reyes, who was a beloved community leader, especially in his district but also citywide. But they’re going to be hard pressed to replace him.
Reyes was known for constituent services, which he said was the most important part of his job, which he honestly took seriously as a public servant. He called it a devotion. After he was elected on his fifth or sixth try in 2017 with 57% of the vote, he was unopposed in 2019 and 2023. Either nobody dared to run against him or nobody wanted to.
He may have been wrong sometimes. Like when he formed part of the three amigos, siding with Commissioner Joe Carollo and former Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla on things like sponsoring a measure to limit recalls, firing former Police Chief Art Acevedo and supporting ADLP’s return to the chairmanship of the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency after his aide was caught running errands and drinking and driving on city time.
But Reyes was on the right side of most issues.
Reyes was the sole consistent vote against the Miami Freedom Park project. He only voted in favor of the most recent amendment to the agreement that returns $10 million meant or citywide parks to the developers for the on-site 58-acre park that is part of their real estate complex. He said it was to respect voters’ wishes. But he was an outspoken critic of the whole giveaway from the beginning.
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He was also the first to suggest that the city hire an outside auditing firm to conduct a forensic audit of all the Community Redevelopment Agencies and any board where electeds are chair — like the Bayfront Park Management Trust, which recently came under scrutiny for misspending and corruption allegations by two former employees in a whistleblower lawsuit.
It’s like Reyes was psychic. Or experienced. Or just plan observant.
Reyes was also the one to champion the change from auditor general to inspector general, with subpoena power to investigate corruption citywide, which was passed by almost 80% of the voters last August..
And, in 2022, Reyes changed his position about redistricting after many Coconut Grove residents spoke out against being divided into separate districts, and told the city’s consultants to return the part that had been drawn into District 4 back into District 2. So, basically, he listened to the people. Reyes had a tendency to do that.
More recently, Reyes was the deciding vote on removing Carollo from the chairmanship of the Bayfront Trust. And he was the loudest voice against the lifetime pensions that Commissioner Miguel Gabela wanted to provide himself and his colleagues. Just like he was against it in 2019 when former commissioner Keon Hardemon, who has moved on to the county, tried to get pensions passed. He said he was elected without a pension and voters didn’t put him there to give himself one. He got us.
Whatever small faults Reyes may have had — he was gullible, and could hold a grudge with the best of ’em — it’s still that kind of selflessness that truly defined Reyes’ time in public service. In fact, Ladra is certain that there should be a street named after Reyes soon. Or maybe a building for seniors would be better.
Read related: Finally! Manolo Reyes looks real good in Miami Commission race
He was sort of a role model for other electeds. The Miami Herald recently disclosed that commission candidates would often cite Reyes as the type of commissioner they would want to be.
Sure, the commission can try to replace Reyes this week. Voters might hope to find someone like him. Good luck with that.
His family released the following statement:
With profound sadness we announce the passing of City Commissioner Manolo Reyes.
Manolo cherished his family, especially his three grandsons. He loved his many, many friends all across our great communities. He yearned for a free and democratic Cuba. And he was a proud and enthusiastic Florida Gator.
His generous heart especially belonged to the residents of District 4 and all others living throughout his beloved City. Serving as a City Commissioner was Manolo’s great, lifelong dream fulfilled. He energetically served his City with passion, honor and integrity every day.
When he was diagnosed with cancer some time ago, Manolo did not let his illness define him; instead, he became even more committed to accomplishing the goals he had established for himself and his City staff, beginning with his
election in 2017. Manolo’s ear always was attuned to “the little guy,” the least among us, and he met with and counseled constituents up until only a few days before his recent hospitalization.
Manolo faced his health challenges in much the same manner he faced his political campaigns: With plain-spoken leadership, with great personal courage, and with an unwavering determination to win. In the end, Manolo’s life of unquestioned character, high moral purpose and commitment to public service delivered his greatest victory of all: He won the reward of reuniting with his Lord in Heaven, resting in eternal glory and peace.
When asked recently how he wished to be remembered, Manolo humbly said: “As a man who fulfilled his solemn duties, to his family and to his community; as a man whose word was his bond, and upon whose handshake could be relied, and who never had a corrupt thought in his entire life.”
Manolo is survived by his wife of 56 years, Chacha Reyes; daughter Meily and husband Antonio Rios; son Manny and wife Adriana Pereira-Reyes; grandsons, Maximo, Matthew and Daniel; sisters Mayda Rodriguez and Merle Reyes; his adored nieces and their husbands and extended family; many beloved friends and his exceptional City staff that were his District 4 family.
He was preceded in death by his sister Maika Reyes, his mother Eduviges Ortiz, and his hero, role model and political inspiration, his father Ernesto “Payes” Reyes.
Miami Commission will meet to try to replace Manolo Reyes, who died at 80 added by Ladra on
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