The controversial and massive changes to Miami’s tree ordinance — which regulates the removal and pruning of trees — are seemingly unnecessary and, worse, directed by the development industry, which taints the legislation. Everyone knows that Commissioner Miguel Gabela, the dope they roped to sponsor this, is going to defer the vote at Thursday’s commission […]
The city commission meeting Thursday turned into a shouting match between commissioners Miguel “Mike” Gabela and Manolo Reyes basically because of the contentious fight on the self-serving lifetime pensions for electeds that Gabela has championed twice before changing his mind, also twice. Gabela said he stood by the principle of his idea, which was to […]
One lifeline: Mayor Francis Suarez could veto In Miami on Tuesday, city commissioners voted 3-2 to give themselves lifetime pensions after Commissioner Miguel Gabela went back on his word to put the question before voters in a referendum, which he said on an AM radio show in August. Commissioners Damian Pardo and Manolo Reyes voted […]
The first city of Miami budget hearing on Saturday was dominated by a plea from the community to increase police patrols, especially in the Downtown Miami area and marine officers on the Miami River. But the discussion on the dais was dominated by the growing tension between District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo and commissioners Miguel […]
If there was ever something that should go to a referendum for voter approval, it is pensions for our electeds. And Miami city commissioners should go to the ballot if they want to reward their behavior and “hard work” with lucrative lifetime retirement benefits. It’s not too late. The deadline for municipalities to submit a […]
This meeting has been cancelled due to weather. The agenda moves to a special meeting Tuesday. At first blush, it may seem like Thursday’s Miami City Commission meeting is a sleeper, especially compared to recent meetings. Nothing on LED billboards. Nothing on redistricting. But a closer look at the agenda reveals a bunch of items […]
City will seek action against existing sign at PAMM After hearing from more than 65 residents from all five city districts speak against the mega LED billboards on public land, and then taking a long break for lunch, Miami Commissioners voted Thursday 4-1 to rollback the ordinance that allows the mega signs in the downtown […]
Says liability, not lobbyist pal, swayed him The Miami City Commission will on Thursday again take up the proposed repeal of a 2023 ordinance that allows for giant LED billboards in public spaces downtown. And, despite the pleas of dozens of residents during at least four public hearings since January, it is poised to finally […]
‘Compromise’ amendment makes significant changes The bold ordinance that would effectively repeal the city of Miami’s new regulations that allow for those oversized, illuminated digital signs in public parks and spaces — which has been debated and deferred for more than three months — has basically been gutted. How did that happen? Well, the lobbyists, […]
Miami City Manager Art Noriega got a pass Thursday after he explained, to use the word loosely, his wife’s business dealings with the city, while City Attorney Victoria Mendez was removed of her position at the commission meeting on the spot. After commissioners voted 4-1 for Mendez to step down — she will still stay […]