Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago is coming apart at the seams.
His latest public meltdown was caught on camera last week during a press conference called by Police Chief Ed Hudak about the two human trafficking incidents that were recently thwarted by the department within the City Beautiful’s borders. Hudak had just finished briefing the local media on the latest arrests Tuesday — the first incident was Jan. 17 — after a 911 call alerted police to a van with 26 mostly Chinese migrants, when Lago rushed up behind the press and started yelling, heckling the chief, royally pissed off that he wasn’t “invited” to the media event.
Except he was. Chief Hudak told everyone about the 2 p.m. press conference that same morning at the short and uneventful commission meeting. We’re all bored, but maybe L’Ego shouldn’t be spending so much commission time on his phone.
Commissioners Melissa Castro and Kirk Menendez, who is running for mayor against the incumbent, both went over after the meeting to support the chief, who provided details about the evidence found with the migrants, including documents and a handgun. He then thanked the media for being there.
Read related: Kirk Menendez runs for Coral Gables mayor against city bully Vince Lago
“Thank you, chief,” Lago snapped quickly. “Thank you, mayor,” the chief responded, a little surprised. Watch this video clip.
“I appreciate you, my brother,” Lago yelled. “Thank you for calling me. I appreciate it.” Then he directed himself to the press gathered.
“Hey, if anyone wants to hear from the mayor. I’m the mayor of Coral Gables. I wasn’t included in this,” Lago said, and you can hear the hurt in his voice. “If you’d like to hear from me, I’m here.”
Awwww. Pobrecito. He’s there if anyone wants to hear from him.
“Mayor, if you want to talk,” Hudak began, about to invite him to the podium. But Lago interrupted him.
“Thank you guys I appreciate it,” the mayor said. “It’s a shame that we dont offer the same courtesy to the mayor that we offer to to other colleagues.”
Key word: Colleagues. He’s calling Menendez and Castro his colleagues. That’s new.
Hudak’s face in the video is priceless. Other city employees looked mighty uncomfortable, too, as they shuffled around.
But, c’mon. These public outbursts are becoming more and more frequent.
“Boo hoo!” Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago melts down at police press event added by Ladra on
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I am running for Mayor to effect change, including, but not limited to:
1) Cut wasteful spending,
2) Eradicate Corruption,
3) Bring back CIVILITY, and
4) Put SERVICE back in Customer Service @ City Hall
Bringing Back The Gables!
Why would anyone want to vote for Vince Lago! and continue with this (CHANGLETERO). Let’s bring in peace and professionalism back to our city.
This is yet another example of the character, or lack thereof, held by this man. I would like to think that maybe he had too much pride to make a scene like that, but again, I am wrong. How much more of this will we put up with? When will we ever go back to having leaders that we can at least stomach, even if we do not agree with them. My two small children exhibit more character than this.
Is this a Lago or a Swamp ?
Classic hook line and sinker move by Hudak. His words about the press conference were carefully crafted and intentionally muddied. Hudak set the trap and Lago fell right in it. They both are destroying the city from the inside out.
What a petulant turd! Is he asleep at the Comission hearings or is he just an idiot? Probably both gathering from the stupidity of his performance.
You know the funny thing is? He got no questions and I don’t think anyone from the press gave a rats ass!
OK “Quien”. He was right there is front of the chief when he announced it in the commission meeting, plus he received an email. Stop covering for him. How much notice does he need? He’s a disgrace in more ways than one. He even supports and defends convicted felons like Jim Beard who coincidentally was hired based on a $30K national search. Plus he made the city pay homage to a deceased convicted felon who happened to be his mentor (August 2023).
As far as the pay raise, it was right there in the budget and not hidden as claimed. The Mayor and his sidekick decided to let it ride so they could come back and chastise them about it like they have been for months!! It’s getting old and worn out.
Adios, VInce. here’s your hat, dont let the door hit you in the ass.
How embarrassing! He is petulant and unprofessional. Kudos to Chief Hudak for not taking the bait. Lago wants to be a DeSantis and throwing Tantrums is part of the schtick. CG is better than this. Pay Attention and you can participate!
Where is the link to the video? It usually helps to include it when it’s a large part of the article.
The lies come out of Lago’s mouth like water from a tap. Hudak told the entire Commission he was doing a press conference at the end of the commission meeting. Lago can’t help himself. Nobody would believe it, but this time it was caught by local news. Incredible… The walls are closing in.
Vain Vince couldn’t cope with his failures to lead or listen. Anyone watching CG politics knows this guy is an empty shirt. He constantly cries about real men (firefighters) standing up to his faux bullying all the time. He’s a wimpy whiner who never stops playing the victim. Loser Lago has to go. I’ll take Kirk Menendez (or anyone else) for that matter!
… lago is a disgrace… lago needs to go… he misses hudaks invitation… and then blames hudak for it??? typical narcissist behavior… “he is the victim and others are at fault…” always… we need a true leader that is engaged… takes responsibility for his failings… and cares more for our residents than himself…
Busy people do not always notice emails.
If I were Chief Hudak, I would always contact Mayor’s assistant to inform as well as receive confirmation or not of his/her attendance.
Better to run more stories on how the KFC have cheated the City and its residents, with a pay increase for themselves and higher car allowances!!
We are fortunate to have a good police chief who ignores the nonsense