Dade Dems, GOP join to fight child sex trafficking

Dade Dems, GOP join to fight child sex trafficking

They have plenty of time the rest of the year to fight over the governor’s race and Congressional District 26. But, this month, local Democrat and Republican leaders will join forces on behalf of “one of our community’s most vulnerable populations” — victims of child sex trafficking. Not a sign of Armageddon. “This shows that Democrats […]

What’s really driving threatened ouster of Doral city attorney?

What’s really driving threatened ouster of Doral city attorney?

Doral’s recent war between the mayor and the city manager — and it’s resulting and multiple criminal investigations — were almost a faint memory when another chapter of political intrigue opened in the small city on the western edge of the county. Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz’s surprise attempt to fire City Attorney John Herin last week failed to get […]

Jackson Health union compromise on 5% could set example

Jackson Health union compromise on 5% could set example

In another sign that it can be done, that the so-called healthcare “emergency” isn’t real, Jackson Health System has reached a possible compromise agreement with the public hospital’s two  labor unions to phase out the famous and forced 5% “group healthcare” contribution that has been the cause of so much hand-wringing at County Hall. Watch […]

Miami-Dade: Five things you didn’t know about the 5%

Miami-Dade: Five things you didn’t know about the 5%

There has been much misinformation and downright hysteria about the 5% “group health care contribution” that Miami-Dade employees want to stop giving as per their contract.  But very little in the way of basic truth. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos “Not So Golden Boy” Gimenez doesn’t want us to understand the whole picture. That’s why he goes […]

Carlos Gimenez a liar? Or the mayor who cried wolf?

Carlos Gimenez a liar? Or the mayor who cried wolf?

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez was painted as a liar last week at the impasse hearing. And commissioners who are likely to revisit this matter after he vetoes their 8-5 decision last week to restore the employee’s 5 % group healthcare contribution — not a pay raise, as he’s been cynically calling it on Spanish-language […]

Pedro Garcia files for his old job to replace Carlos Lopez Cantera

Pedro Garcia files for his old job to replace Carlos Lopez Cantera

Well, that was fast. Former Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia was the first one out the gate to file documents that show he will run for the job he was ousted from by the new PropApp Carlos “C-Lo” Lopez-Cantera, who was tapped last week by Gov. Rick Scott to become Lieutenant Governor. Garcia lost to […]

Political Pics of the Week: Politicians love a parade, Pitbull

Political Pics of the Week: Politicians love a parade, Pitbull

A lot of our local electeds went to the Three Kings Parade last Sunday in Little Havana and several of them posted photos of themselves with each other. Nobody was more snapshot happy than Doral Councilwoman Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, who took photos with Sen. Rene Garcia, City Manager and former Miami Mayor Joe Carollo, former […]

Justice? Punks get the book thrown, VIPs get the other cheek

Justice? Punks get the book thrown, VIPs get the other cheek

Ladra wants to be happy about it. Believe me. But it seems like the scales of justice are a little off, here. The U.S. Attorney’s office announced today that a former Miami-Dade Public Works employee had pleaded guilty to a charge of bribery after an FBI investigation found that he was taking $13,000 in kickbacks — […]

New Fire Rescue recruits among those Carlos Gimenez had cut

New Fire Rescue recruits among those Carlos Gimenez had cut

From the chopping block to the firetruck: Forty new firefighter paramedics who were slated for the unemployment line last year during budget talks that threatened to shut down rescue units — will instead join the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue force after they celebrate their graduation this afternoon. Recruit Class #124 underwent 10 weeks of “intense” training, […]

Miami-Dade publicity stunt: Emilio Estefan to be ‘sworn’ in

Miami-Dade publicity stunt: Emilio Estefan to be ‘sworn’ in

From the Feel Good News file down at the Stephen P. Clark Center: Music mogul Emilio Estefan will be sworn in tomorrow as the first Special Ambassador representing Miami-Dade County. County commissioners approved an ordinance in December establishing a Special Ambassador program and nominating Estefan as the first to serve in this mostly ceremonial position. […]