With Commissioner Ariel Fernandez absent from the July 1 meeting due to a medical issue, the Coral Gables City Commission voted 3–1 to direct the police department to initiate an investigation into allegations of “phishing” made against him in an anonymous blog post published last month.

The 4,362-word article, titled The Phisher King, appeared on Aesop’s Gables, an established pseudonymous blog generally viewed as sympathetic to Mayor Vince Lago. It alleges that Fernandez orchestrated political surveys sent to residents in previous years, used false names to obscure his connection, and “secretly track[ed] residents’ political opinions on matters pending before the commission.” The article further claims Fernandez misrepresented the matter during public meetings.

In political contexts, phishing refers to deceptive tactics used to impersonate public officials or government systems in order to gain access to confidential information, manipulate internal communications, or discredit opponents. These efforts often involve fraudulent emails or digital messages designed to appear legitimate.

Call for investigation

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson raised the issue near the end of the nearly 10-hour meeting.

“There have been allegations of wrongdoing against Commissioner Fernandez and it’s incumbent upon us to not just sit silently here and have this matter addressed in an appropriate manner,” Anderson said.

Initially, City Manager Peter Iglesias stated that the city typically conducts such investigations internally. City Attorney Cristina Suarez then clarified that in similar past cases, Coral Gables had used outside attorneys and investigators.

Mayor Lago, Anderson and Commissioner Richard Lara each said they had read the blog post and believed the claims warranted further inquiry.

“The facts are there, it’s very clear what happened, we were targeted by push polls. It’s very clear, the intent was to tarnish reputations,” said Lago, before launching into a broader critique of Fernandez, other media outlets—including Political Cortadito and the Gazette—and residents he accused of involvement in “pay for play” schemes.

“I thought about just leaving it there, but when I saw this article, and I saw the evidence, damning and the extent some are willing to go to ruin others – to me I think there has to be some sort of action,” he continued.

Dissent and caution

Commissioner Melissa Castro cast the lone vote against the motion, noting that she had not read the blog and questioning the nature of the accusations.

“I don’t know what the facts are, what is it that (Fernandez) did? What are we accusing him of exactly?” she asked.

Commissioner Lara responded: “I’m not accusing anyone of anything. I read an article with substantial and serious allegations.”

Earlier, Lara had said that residents had approached him seeking action and reflected on past unproven allegations made by former commissioners.

“In this instance, it’s very fresh, very serious, and appears to be a very well supported series of ethical, potential, alleged ethical breaches, misuse of public trust for personal and political gain. If Fernandez were here, he would want these allegations dispelled, not hidden – I would assume,” he said.

Police Chief Ed Hudak cautioned that the extensive commission discussion would likely lengthen the preliminary internal affairs review, which must now account for the public comments made. The police department will determine whether an independent agency should be brought in for a formal investigation.

Commissioner Fernandez issued a statement to the Gazette this week: “I look forward to the politically motivated investigation which will clear my name.”

In other July 1 Commission meeting news…

Resident Discount Parking Program extended

The commission voted 4–0 to extend the Resident Discount Parking Pilot Program through January 2026. Parking Director Monica Beltran said the program has over 1,400 registered tags and continues to receive positive feedback.

Launched in April, the program offers a 25 percent discount on parking at city-operated locations using the PayByPhone app, including the Minorca Garage.

“I have heard from so many people who used to avoid driving (into downtown) – they are so happy. This is one of the things we have done that people are very happy with,” said resident Maria Cruz.

Commission approves 20 full-time hires

Commissioners unanimously approved using $1.3 million from the Building Reserve Fund to fill 20 full-time positions. Roles include:

• Three assistant building directors
• One additional inspector for each trade: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building
• Plans reviewers for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical
• Four general building plans reviewers
• One structural engineer
• One senior plans reviewer
• One senior administrative analyst
• One quality control analyst
• Two plans coordinator assistants

Miracle Mile pavers to be removed

Commissioners agreed to remove pavers at Miracle Mile crosswalks. Sponsored by the mayor, the measure addresses maintenance costs and performance issues. Lago said the pavers cost the city $200,000 annually and are prone to damage under vehicle traffic.

Board of Architects decision upheld

The commission spent nearly an hour discussing a homeowner’s appeal of a Board of Architects decision. The homeowner sought approval for a mostly glass garage door at a property on Trionfo Street. Commissioners ultimately upheld the denial but agreed to waive the cost of reapplying if the homeowner modifies the design to include less glass.