Winners and losers in Miami Beach election, runoff races

Winners and losers in Miami Beach election, runoff races

The three winning candidates are not the only victors in Tuesday’s heated election in Miami Beach. There are a whole slew of people, organizations, firms and special interests who also won alongside the city’s newest commissioners, all newcomers to the dais — Attorney Michael Grieco, retired banker Joy Malakoff and Tallahassee wife Micky Steinberg. Ladra […]

Matti Bower, Jorge Exposito out in Miami Beach runoff

Matti Bower, Jorge Exposito out in Miami Beach runoff

Final results are in and the incumbents in the Miami Beach runoff are out. Challenging candidates Michael Grieco and Joy Malakoff increased their early lead in absentee ballots and early voting to beat Commissioner Jorge Exposito and Mayor Matti Bower in their respective runoffs quite handily. Well, with a wider margin than the newly elected […]

Early voting and ABs in Miami Beach have incumbents losing

Early voting and ABs in Miami Beach have incumbents losing

If the trends continue, both incumbents in the Miami Beach elections may be spending their last days at City Hall next week. According to the Miami-Dade Elections Department, and with only absentee ballots and early voting counted, both Michael Grieco and Joy Malakoff are winning their respective races against Commissioner Jorge Exposito and Mayor Matti […]

Miami Beach decision looms as Levine slate threatens

Miami Beach decision looms as Levine slate threatens

It’s been quiet on this blog for days as Ladra has been busy biting her nails about the outcome of today’s Miami Beach elections. Runoffs in three council races have never been so important. Why? Because the right candidate can help maintain checks and balances in the city by the sea for the next couple […]

Philip Levine gets candidate to swap backing in Beach race

Philip Levine gets candidate to swap backing in Beach race

An also ran candidate who had pledged his support to Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower in her runoff for a commission seat pulled a surprise switcheroo and endorsed her opponent, instead. And he admittedly did it so he could gain favor with the new mayor elect, Philip Levine. Oh, and because he knows Levine is […]

New Miami Fire station named for Mayor Carlos Gimenez

New Miami Fire station named for Mayor Carlos Gimenez

The newest City of Miami Fire station on Northwest 79th Street will be dedicated Saturday and named in honor of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez — yeah, the same guy who wanted to drastically slash county fire-rescue services earlier this year. Really? Really? Ladra is not the only one scratching her head. The decision is […]

Doral dominos continue to fall after scandal, no Miss USA

Doral dominos continue to fall after scandal, no Miss USA

Doral seems to be spiraling downward with a constant barrage of blows in the wake of scandalous accusations and an escalating feud between the mayor and the city manager. In the past few weeks, Mayor Luigi Boria has lost two assistants, the city has come under investigation for ethics and possible criminal violations, a group […]

Philip Levine team leaves slate mate in the cold

Philip Levine team leaves slate mate in the cold

Miami Beach Mayor Elect Philip Levine is having a little shindig on Friday for his slate mates — it’s called a “friendraiser,” though, because I think it is past the deadline for reporting campaign contributions. But not everyone is included. The event posted on facebook Wednesday is for commission candidates Michael Greico and Joy Malakoff, […]

Hialeah ‘naming rights’ law aimed squarely at Raul Martinez

Hialeah ‘naming rights’ law aimed squarely at Raul Martinez

In his first real official act as the newly re-elected mayor of Hialeah — well, the second act, after the little childish banner towing plane snub — Carlos “Castro” Hernandez will promote a new city ordinance at tonight’s meeting that will prohibit naming city properties after a living person. But make no bones about it […]

Joe Garcia’s new chief will be union leader Caitlin Fishman

Joe Garcia’s new chief will be union leader Caitlin Fishman

The woman that is soon to be named the new chief of staff for Congressman Joe Garcia is SEIU Florida State Council Director Caitlin Fishman, who is also daughter of one of New York City’s biggest union bosses. Caitlin Fishman will begin her new job the first week of December. But her name has been […]