He may be under arrest on bribery and money laundering charges. He may have lost an election. He may have lost his house to foreclosure. He may be served with divorce papers by his new wife.
But former Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla sure knows how to party.
People in Tallahassee for the annual Dade Days event were stunned to find a sign for an “after party” on the 17th floor of the Doubletree Hilton hosted by Diaz de la Portilla. The sign — and maybe the party — is paid for by Proven Leadership for Miami-Dade County, his political action committee, which now has his family’s mattress business address instead of his CPA’s address in Kendall.
Read related: Miami’s Alex Diaz de la Portilla arrested on corruption, pay-for-play park deal
“At least it’s on brand,” said one political consultant. “Wear orange.”
The sign says “Senator” Alex Diaz de la Portilla, though he hasn’t been a senator in a long time (2000-2010). The party is called “Eve on Adams,” because the hotel is on Adams street, as are many of the lobbyists and PACs in Tallahaseee.
The “incredible venue” on the 17th floor is a 7,500 square foot space — with a restaurant, lounge and outdoor patio overlooking downtown Tallahassee — was added to the hotel in 2018. The hotel’s owner, John Thomas “J.T.” Burnette, was part of an FBI investigation into dealings of the city/county Community Redevelopment Agency involving several projects — including the very hotel. Figures.
The governor’s mansion is about seven blocks away.
Gov. Ron DeSantis probably won’t show up. He suspended Diaz de la Portilla after the September arrest in connection with a pay-to-play giveaway of a city park to The Centner Academy, which funneled more than $245,000 into his PAC. Their lobbyist, Bill Riley, also paid for ADLP’s lengthy stays at the East Hotel in Brickell where they hosted the watch party for election results when Renier Diaz de la Portilla ran for judge.
Read related: Renier Diaz de la Portilla got immunity in corruption case vs brother Alex
Ladra can’t help but wonder if Riley, who was also arrested, is underwriting this party also.
Political Cortadito reached out to several people to see if they would send pictures, but none of them wanted to go. In fact, folks have been trying to avoid him at other events, like the giant paella.
One political operative called it a “Big House Bash,” and it makes sense that Diaz de la Portilla would want a big farewell party.
Charged with 12 felonies — including money laundering, conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery and three counts each of unlawful compensation and official misconduct — Diaz de la Portilla has his next hearing March 12.
wraparound party.
the big house bash
“Senator” Alex Diaz de la Portilla hosts after party in Tally for Dade Days event added by Ladra on
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