Special Miami Beach Meeting Abruptly Canceled

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Mayor Philip Levine initially called a special meeting of the City Commission for Thursday to discuss the possibility of filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Michael Grieco. The meeting was abruptly canceled on Wednesday without explanation. The former mayoral candidate resigned his post on Tuesday and accepted a plea deal over an election fundraising offense.

See also Michael Grieco Resigns Seat, Takes Plea Deal On Election Offense

Prior to the cancellation, an informed city source told Patch that the remaining commissioners may be looking to fill the vacancy to avoid the possibility of being deadlocked between now and the time new members are seated.

"With only six members, we may not be able to pass votes on second reading, which would mean the next Commission would have to vote on issues that they never got to study," the source told Patch. "That could delay things until January or even push things back to square one."

The next Miami Beach Commission is set to take office on November 13 unless there is a run-off election, in which case new members would be seated on Nov. 28, according to Miami Beach officials.

One possible replacement for Grieco is Carolina Jones, who has been active in city park issues. Jones is well liked and would bring an LGBTQ perspective to discussions.

Photo courtesy city of Miami Beach