By Coral Gables Gazette staff

A majority of respondents in a new Gazette poll say they strongly disapprove of Vince Lago’s performance as mayor of Coral Gables, offering an early measure of public dissatisfaction just over 100 days into his third term.

The online survey, conducted in collaboration with Crowdsignal from August 11 to 18, asked a single question: “Do you approve or disapprove of how Vince Lago is handling his job as mayor of Coral Gables?” A total of 344 readers participated. While the results are not scientific, they reflect sharp divisions following a contentious election season.

Of those who responded, 53 percent said they “strongly disapprove” of Lago’s performance. Thirty-three percent said they “strongly approve.” Nine percent said they “disapprove somewhat,” 4 percent “approve somewhat,” and less than 1 percent expressed no opinion.

Voices of dissent

Much of the criticism focused on development and preservation. Several respondents objected to the replacement of historic windows at City Hall, approved despite opposition from preservationists. One described the decision as emblematic of a mayor who “shows no respect for residents or historians.”

Another pointed to a new building between Le Jeune and Salzedo, saying it would block sunlight for smaller neighbors and had been allowed to move forward despite community objections. A third respondent wrote that continued rezoning and the use of green space for high-rise apartments “threatens the very concept and vision of Merrick for Coral Gables.”

Traffic, congestion, and the loss of green space surfaced repeatedly. “For years the citizens of Coral Gables have said ‘no more construction’ and it seems to increase every time we complain,” one participant said. Another wrote that ongoing projects were “ruining our city” and asked whether Lago, who has a professional background in construction, was too closely aligned with builders.

Several framed their concerns in historical terms, invoking city founder George Merrick. One participant argued that Merrick himself had been a relentless developer and that growth was consistent with his vision. Others disagreed, saying Merrick had emphasized beauty and livability rather than towers and congestion. “Building beautiful homes with landscaping that respects green spaces and the light of the sun is what he meant,” one resident wrote.

Questions of influence

Some respondents focused less on individual projects and more on questions of influence. A number of comments raised concerns about campaign funding from developers and political action committees. One participant cited changes to city code that had benefited a Miracle Mile wine bar and said the mayor’s relationships with supporters blurred the line between city policy and private business. Another accused the administration of being “transactional,” saying leaders should support all residents, not only those with political ties.

Criticism of tone also surfaced. Several respondents described Lago as combative, using words such as “bully” and “conceited.” One said he “treats anyone who doesn’t agree with him with disdain and anger, instead of listening and serving his constituents.” Another characterized him as “a mayor who acts like a child.”

Supportive views

Some feedback was positive. A small number of participants praised Lago’s push for development. “I voted for Lago and would do it again,” one respondent wrote, adding that they viewed construction as “progress” consistent with Merrick’s original ambitions.

Others urged perspective, pointing to actions by other commissioners in recent years, including support for raises and car allowances. One participant noted that while criticism of Lago was intense, there had been less attention when other members of the commission controlled a majority.

Still, those perspectives were in the minority. The discussion was dominated by opposition to Lago’s development agenda and frustration with the pace of construction.

Wider concerns

Some respondents connected their dissatisfaction with broader quality-of-life issues. Several described worsening traffic, noise, and congestion, particularly during rush hours. “Losing the ‘beautiful’ in City Beautiful,” one wrote. Others raised concerns about crime, saying there was inadequate police presence and that robberies were occurring in broad daylight.

Economic anxieties appeared as well. One participant pointed to vacancies along Miracle Mile, likening it to the aftermath of a pandemic, and argued that new development was “punishing businesses” as well as residents.

Divided response

The poll illustrates a striking polarization. More than half of respondents expressed strong disapproval, a third voiced strong approval, and only a small fraction occupied the middle ground. Few appeared undecided.

The Gazette’s poll is non-scientific and reflects only the views of readers who chose to participate. Still, the results underscore the degree of division over Lago’s leadership just over 100 days into his third term.