Failed House candidate Rob Gonzalez is tapped for Miami-Dade District 11 seat

Failed House candidate Rob Gonzalez is tapped for Miami-Dade District 11 seat

He replaces Joe Martinez after public corruption arrest in August Two months after Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez was arrested on public corruption charges and subsequently suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the latter has appointed a temporary replacement: Personal injury lawyer Robert Gonzalez, who lost the House Republican primary in District 119 last August to Juan […]

Joe Martinez suspended hours before final budget hearing; no replacement

Joe Martinez suspended hours before final budget hearing; no replacement

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finally suspended Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez Tuesday, three whole weeks after he was arrested on public corruption charges for allegedly taking $15,000 in exchange for sponsoring legislation that would benefit the owners of a shopping center and grocery store. Martinez, who attended the first budget hearing and voted against it, did […]

Former fire chief is on the short list for Joe Martinez seat in Miami-Dade

Former fire chief is on the short list for Joe Martinez seat in Miami-Dade

Add former Miami-Dade Fire Chief and ex president of the International Association of Firefighters Al Cruz to the shortlist of District 11 residents who could be appointed to replace Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez, who is facing a public corruption trial. Gov. Ron DeSantis hasn’t yet suspended Martinez, who was charged with unlawful compensation for taking […]

Miami-Dade passes $10B budget w/ tiny tax ‘cut’ and shady ‘ambassadors’ fund

Miami-Dade passes $10B budget w/ tiny tax ‘cut’ and shady ‘ambassadors’ fund

About six hours after the first public hearing began Thursday, Miami-Dade Commissioners gave preliminary approval to the mayor’s $10 billion budget, which focuses on affordable housing, infrastructure and clean water while cutting the tax rate by 1%. “This year we will continue rebuilding our community and economy stronger than ever by prioritizing critical investments in […]

State attorney: Joe Martinez broke our trust for $15,000, help with bank loan

State attorney: Joe Martinez broke our trust for $15,000, help with bank loan

Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez spent five hours in jail Tuesday after he was charged with unlawful compensation for having sponsored legislation to change county code restrictions in exchange for $15,000. Legislation is going cheap these days! Martinez told reporters as he left that he could not talk about the arrest yet, but would speak — […]

Joe Martinez claims public corruption charge is really a political hatchet job

Joe Martinez claims public corruption charge is really a political hatchet job

Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez, who is scheduled to surrender himself Tuesday to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office on a public corruption charge, is the victim of a political attack, says his lawyer in a pair of statements that question the timing. After a five-year investigation, criminal charges will be filed against Martinez Tuesday, Miami-Dade State […]