Coral Gables commission beefs up security at first post ‘assault’ meeting

Coral Gables commission beefs up security at first post ‘assault’ meeting

Police union contract could finally be passed After a short but dramatic impasse, the contract for Coral Gables Police — who have been without a contract since October — will be discussed and, possibly, approved at the city commission meeting Tuesday. But the additional police presence will not be there for that. Sources told Political […]

Coral Gables FOP blasts police chief, mayor about 37 vacancies, low morale

Coral Gables FOP blasts police chief, mayor about 37 vacancies, low morale

Union releases web video critical of administration The Coral Gables Police Department is supposed to be a force 204 strong. But there are currently 37 vacancies as dozens of officers scatter to other departments for better wages and working conditions — creating a 20% shortage. In just the patrol division, the number shortage is 40%, […]

One thumbs up, one thumbs down after Coral Gables candidate forum

One thumbs up, one thumbs down after Coral Gables candidate forum

There were completely polar opposite reactions to the performance of two commission candidates after the first Coral Gables candidate forum last week. Former commissioner Ralph Cabrera, who spoke with authority and experience, got the endorsement of the Coral Gables Police union. Former interim city manager Carmen Olazabal lost a key supporter. “I walked out and […]

Coral Gables breaks ground on new public safety HQ — sans space for pseudo director

Coral Gables breaks ground on new public safety HQ — sans space for pseudo director

When fire department officials and police brass in Coral Gables first raised concerns about the new public safety building the city had designed without their input, they were told it was too late to make any significant changes. But there have been some minor interior adjustments made just recently after the forced resignation of embattled […]

Coral Gables spying major keeps her job, maxes pension

Coral Gables spying major keeps her job, maxes pension

Coral Gables Commissioners sided with the city manager instead of the police chief on Tuesday when they supported a “separation agreement” that allows a police major who spied on a resident at a public meeting last year to retire from the department with her full pension in November rather than be fired outright. And, in […]