To the Editor:
Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago picked this fight with the police and firefighters that we didn’t ask for and didn’t want it. But he’s left us no choice.
For years, we’ve done our jobs without politics. Firefighters and police officers show up, every day, for the people of Coral Gables. We run toward danger. We protect homes and families.
Lago called us “the fox guarding the henhouse.” Let’s be honest—nobody’s buying that. The real fox is sitting in the mayor’s office, making deals with developers while public safety takes a back seat.
We didn’t want to be in the middle of this. But when he lies to the public, when he downplays the truth, and when he goes after the people who risk their lives for this city—he forces our hand.
Here’s the truth:
The mayor ignored us when we raised red flags about safety.
He looked the other way while overdevelopment changed the face of Coral Gables.
Lago says he’s protecting quality of life. But ask any long-time resident if this still feels like the Coral Gables they knew and loved.
The mayor campaigns for another term like he cares but when it’s over, it’s business as usual—and everyone, including him, knows it.
We challenged the mayor, and he tried to tear us down. Now Commissioner Kirk Menendez stands up to Lago — and the mayor’s doing the same to him.
That’s how Lago operates —anyone who stands up to him and tells the truth, he tried to smear. Firefighters, police officers, and now one of his colleagues.
But the people of Coral Gables are paying attention. And they’re not backing down.
It’s time for leadership, not intimidation. Vote Kirk Menendez. He’s standing up for what’s right—and we’re standing with him.
David Perez
President, Coral Gables Professional Firefighters
Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff
Originally established in 1996 and relaunched as a digital publication in February 2025, the Coral Gables Gazette is an independent local news organization dedicated to factual, objective and accountable community journalism. Our newsroom reports on the people, policies, institutions and events shaping Coral Gables, Florida, providing residents with timely, informative coverage of the issues affecting their community. Our reporting includes City Hall, local government, municipal elections, public spending, real estate development, business, education, arts and culture, and neighborhood affairs throughout the City Beautiful. We follow City Commission decisions, examine public records and report on the businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to Coral Gables. We believe informed residents are essential to a healthy, engaged community. Stories published under the Coral Gables Gazette News Staff byline are prepared or compiled by the publication's editorial team. We strive for accuracy, fairness, transparency and clear distinctions between news reporting, opinion and advertising. Readers are encouraged to submit news tips, corrections, editorial inquiries and story suggestions through our Contact page and learn more about our standards through our Editorial Policy.
Lago is a corrupt, ego driven, politician. He’s all about power and authority. He sold us out for his personal gain. Lago’s bully style is better fit for third world politics. He’s and his cronies should be Fired!