Coral Gables Commissioner Melissa Castro has accused Mayor Vince Lago of verbally attacking and bullying her during the El Carnaval de Barranquilla festival on April 26. The altercation, which took place at Ponce Circle Park, has led to an investigation by the Coral Gables Police Department.

In a letter sent to Police Chief Ed Hudak, Castro detailed how Lago allegedly called her “bad news,” a “venomous snake,” and “classless,” adding that “nobody knew who [she] was.” Castro claims the exchange occurred in front of numerous witnesses, including dignitaries, members of the media, city employees and her young son, and that Lago’s refusal to share the stage with her, despite both being invited to participate, was part of an ongoing campaign of harassment.

“His behavior was not only abusive but also a blatant attempt to bully and intimidate me into quitting,” Castro wrote. She explained that the mayor’s actions caused her great distress, leading her to leave the event in tears, a rare occurrence for the commissioner. Castro also shared a video of herself crying alongside her 7-year-old son, where they both referenced the mayor’s behavior.

No Comment from Mayor Lago

The Gazette reached out to Mayor Lago for comment, but he did not respond to requests for a statement. The Coral Gables Police Department, when contacted, confirmed they were aware of the incident but offered no additional details, stating that the investigation was ongoing. “The Police Department was contacted over the weekend by Commissioner Castro about the alleged incident, and a police report was written,” said Sergeant Michelle Christensen. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Witnesses and Allegations

Castro named several individuals she claims witnessed the event, including the city’s Economic Development Director Belkis Perez, and International Business Development Coordinator Leticia Perez. However, Castro expressed skepticism about whether they would “speak up given the mayor’s known vindictive nature.” Castro also mentioned the Colombian Consul and radio personalities from La Poderosa as witnesses, though their testimony has not been confirmed.

The incident occurred less than 24 hours after the official induction ceremony for the new Coral Gables City Commission. The ceremony marked a fresh start for the commission with Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, and Commissioner Richard Lara taking their oaths of office.

Preceding Remarks and Tensions

Just a day before the alleged incident, both Lago and Castro made conciliatory remarks after a two-year period of political tension. Castro expressed hope for a more unified commission, saying, “These past two years have been rocky, but I’m sure that moving forward we will find civility, peace, and harmony.” Lago, in his speech, said, “I extend my hand to all my colleagues on the city commission and invite them to join me in truly and faithfully putting residents first.”

However, Lago also took aim at his political opponents, saying, “Personal attacks, falsehoods, and intimidation orchestrated by my opponents and those formidable forces with whom they found common cause.” Castro believes that Lago’s rhetoric, combined with his behavior, is indicative of a larger pattern of mistreatment.

A Call for Action

Castro stated that she does not plan to bring the incident up at the next scheduled commission meeting on May 6, but she remains determined to hold the mayor accountable. “He cannot keep doing this to women,” she said. “I’ve put up with a lot, but this one I can’t—not when it is done in front of my son.”

In addition to the ongoing investigation, Castro mentioned discussing the possibility of filing a restraining order against Lago with Police Chief Hudak, although the chief explained that a judge would have to hear evidence in order for one to be issued. She expressed confidence in the Coral Gables police to handle the matter impartially, despite the involvement of the city’s highest elected official.

“I request immediate measures to ensure my safety at future public events and that the mayor be held accountable for his actions,” Castro wrote in her letter. “This kind of behavior cannot continue.”

Castro also reiterated her concerns about the mayor’s behavior escalating into physical violence. “I feel that if he catches me alone at a moment, with no one else around, he would definitely do something to me,” she said. “If he went this far in public, in front of dignitaries, what would he do if they were not around?”