Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz hospitalized on birthday

Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz hospitalized on birthday
  • Sumo

Miami-Dade Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz got a hospital bed for his birthday Tuedsay. And, no, it wasn’t that he got sick from Monday’s committee of the whole meeting.

Diaz was admitted Tuesday morning for a “severe back injury,” a staffer said, adding that he was still recovering Wednesday.

“On behalf of Commissioner Diaz, we want to thank you for your birthday wishes,” someone replied for him on facebook after Ladra posted a Happy Felicidades on his page.

“Unfortunately, Commissioner Diaz has not been able to respond because he was admitted to the hospital yesterday morning and he is currently recovering from a severe back injury. Our staff has advised him of your well wishes and he is extremely appreciative.”

Ladra hopes he is also extremely sedated.

Reached at his hospital bed at Baptist Hospital in Kendall, Diaz told Ladra he was getting pain medication for what doctors believed was a herniated disc. He had also had x-rays and an MRI and everything else under the sun.

Diaz said he may have injured his back riding 50 miles on his bike Sunday.

“I think it was the 50 miles I did on the bike Sunday,” Diaz said, adding that he has to reach the target of 170 pounds by November for the Liga Contra el Cancer’s Dolphin Challenge fundraiser.

“I opened my mouth before I should have and now I’m stuck with it,” he said, half jokingly, I am sure.

But, still, Ladra ended the short chat there anyway because he is on happy pills and it would be unethical for me to take advantage of that. Damn!

Diaz said he did not know how long he would be in the hospital. He may have to miss tomorrow’s commission meeting with the labor unions.

Get well soon, Commissioner Diaz. There’s so much happening and lots we need to talk about when you’re more conscious and alert.