Miami Beach Building Director Fired; Indictment Expected

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Miami Beach fired its building director in recent days and city officials said they expect Mariano Fernandez to face criminal charges. Fernandez had worked for the city since May of 2013. His termination letter stated that the city manager lost confidence in his ability to meet "standards of integrity." Published reports said Fernandez was being investigated for allegedly trading favors to a South Beach hotel for free or heavily discounted stays outside the United States.

"When you were appointed in May 2013 as my building director, we had extensive discussions about my expectations in this regard," wrote City Manager Jimmy Morales in the termination letter to Fernandez. "Clearly recent events have seriously eroded any confidence I have in your ability to meet the standards of integrity that I have set for all employees of the city and especially for my management team."

Fernandez would be the second Miami Beach official to face legal issues in recent months. In October, then Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco resigned his seat and entered a plea deal over a misdemeanor election crime.

Morales, who was also appointed in 2013, told Fernandez that he had "worked tirelessly" to promote a culture of high ethical standards in Miami Beach. The termination letter was dated Nov. 9.

"As you know when I was first notified of pending legal issues regarding your professional conduct in August, I placed you on suspension without pay," Morales said. "Today I was notified that you will be indicted on criminal charges."

Photo by Paul Scicchitano