Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo has been removed as the head of Bayfront Park Management Trust after a 3-2 vote by city commissioners. The decision follows allegations of misuse of funds, detailed in a whistleblower lawsuit, as reported by NBC Miami.
During the commissioner meeting, public comments called for changes in the management of Bayfront Park, a popular venue for concerts and community events. The control of this venue holds significant financial and political influence. Commissioner Miguel Gabela has been appointed to lead the trust moving forward.
Tension arose when Carollo proposed dismantling the trust and transferring its operations to the Parks and Recreation Department. Gabela, however, aimed to chart a different course for the park’s future, excluding Carollo from the leadership.
Carollo denies any wrongdoing and was served court documents related to the lawsuit a day before the vote, as noted by the Miami Herald. The lawsuit was filed by two former employees of the Bayfront Park Trust.
