MIAMI, FL — In the latest escalation of Miami’s political infighting, Commissioner Miguel Gabela is accusing Commissioner Joe Carollo’s office of launching a retaliatory campaign in response to Gabela’s recent revelations of financial misconduct tied to the Bayfront Park Management Trust.
In a pointed statement released on Wednesday, Commissioner Gabela alleged that recent code enforcement complaints filed by Carollo’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Bill Ortiz, were politically motivated acts of retribution. “These baseless and frivolous complaints are a transparent attempt at political retribution,” said Gabela, who currently chairs the Bayfront Park Management Trust. “It’s a distraction—an effort to shift attention from serious financial misconduct that took place under Commissioner Carollo’s leadership.”
Earlier this week, Gabela publicly detailed what he called a “disturbing pattern of financial abuse” during Carollo’s seven-year tenure as chair of the Trust. Among the most serious allegations: a $1 million no-bid contract for an art installation approved without public oversight; the use of park funds for political events in Little Havana; and over $150,000 in payments to media outlets that allegedly offered favorable coverage of Carollo.
“These aren’t just questionable decisions—they represent a total failure in fiduciary responsibility,” Gabela said. He confirmed that the findings have been referred to the Miami-Dade County Inspector General and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for further investigation.
Rather than addressing the substance of the allegations, Gabela argues that Carollo has responded with political attacks and abuse of government power. “This is a blatant attempt to suppress scrutiny and punish oversight,” he said. “He’s trying to weaponize city resources to target those who hold him accountable.”
The accusations come as Carollo continues to face legal troubles on multiple fronts, including a high-profile federal civil rights lawsuit over alleged retaliation against a business owner who supported a political opponent. A former city inspector has testified that they were told to “just find something” during code enforcement sweeps of the business.
Gabela also pointed to past incidents where journalists and political critics of Carollo reported sudden spikes in anonymous code complaints and inspections, suggesting a broader pattern of using city departments to retaliate against dissent.
“This is not how democracy works,” Gabela said. “These are the tactics of authoritarian regimes—using fear and intimidation to silence anyone who dares to challenge the status quo. It’s the kind of abuse we see in Cuba, Venezuela, and Russia.”
In closing, Gabela delivered a direct message to residents. “My properties aren’t on trial—Carollo’s actions are,” he said. “This is about public funds, public trust, and whether our city is governed by integrity or intimidation.”
Despite what he calls “desperate smokescreens,” Gabela said he will not back down. “Miami deserves better. I will continue to fight for transparency and to protect your tax dollars from corruption.”
