In an abrupt and controversial shift of municipal employment, Barbie Hernandez, the recently ousted Doral city manager accused of questionable actions, has been given a second chance by the city of Miami. According to an announcement by Miami City Manager Art Noriega, Hernandez will step into the role of assistant city manager of operations, wielding authority over multiple departments, including Code Enforcement, General Services Administration and Parks and Recreation.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding her firing in Doral, where a council member claimed she partook in a "conflict of interest" and "lack of integrity and judgment," Hernandez's new engagement with the city of Miami commenced swiftly. Critics, including a post on X by Because Miami, blasted the move as welcoming a new member into the "Miami Mafia," insinuating corrupt alliances within the city's management. Nonetheless, her experience seems to have been sufficient for Miami's Noriega, who has welcomed Hernandez with open arms.
#BREAKING: NEW MIAMI MAFIA MEMBER INITIATED!
— Because Miami (@BecauseMiami) March 20, 2024
Corrupt Miami city manager Art Noriega hires ex-Doral city manager Barbie Hernandez — after she was fired for “lack of integrity and judgment,” “conflict of interest,” misusing city funds to benefit her husband https://t.co/yh5QUEGRKx
Hernandez's appointment comes on the heels of turbulent events in Doral, where a 3-2 council vote led to her removal on January 31 amid allegations of using her position to favor her husband, a Miami-Dade School Board member, in his business ventures. However, Hernandez retains supporters, notably Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, and some community members have characterized her dismissal as unjust. "Several questionable decisions" were cited in her dismissal, although specifics have not been detailed publicly.
Upon her ouster, Hernandez maintained her innocence, with her husband, Danny Espino, suggesting that the council's actions were politically motivated, claiming the three councilmembers "put politics over our families," according to Local 10 News. In response to her new role, a spokesman for the city of Miami outlined her responsibilities, saying, "Mrs. Hernandez will oversee operations for the departments of Code Enforcement, General Services Administration, Human Services, Innovation and Technology, Parks and Recreation, and Solid Waste."
The city of Miami remains undeterred by the contention and, instead, highlights Hernandez's 21 years of government service, including a previous position as Miami’s parks and recreation director. The news of Hernandez's quick rebound to a significant administrative post in the nearby city will undoubtedly fuel ongoing conversations about the intertwining interests and ethics of public officials in the region.
