Commentary / City Government

Abuse of Power in the City of Miami!

Update on electronic billboards proposed for Downtown parks. By Reverend Pedro Martinez.

In Miami when we hear an elected leader say, “I want to pass it and then we come back and deal with the whole PZAB (Planning Zoning Appeals Board) issue and how we’re going to change the law”, we would think this elected leader is from a dictatorial regime like: Cuba, Venezuela, China, Russia, North Korea or Iran. But these are the words of Commissioner of Miami Alex Diaz de la Portilla, as reported by Miami Today, October 20, 2022.

Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami, without Billboards that could be up to 10 stories high and 40 feet by 40 feet (1800 square feet). Photo, Niels Johansen for Downtown News.

The PZAB has been appointed to review these types of signs before the Commissioners can move forward to approve their Mega Billboards. BUT Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla has a solution — he wants to get the PZAB out of the way. I believe this is unethical and an abuse of political power. Any Commissioner that votes to pass this proposal is supporting an autocratic style of leadership which it is not the spirit of freedom and democracy we enjoy in the United States.

I was present in City Hall on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, as several PZAB members publicly voiced their aggravation, and affirmed the articles published in Miami Today. Since last Thursday, over 800 people have signed the petition opposing billboards in public parks.

Commissioners Joe Carollo and Alex Diaz de La Portilla are pursuing Billboards that could be up to 10 stories high and 40 feet by 40 feet (1800 square feet) in ALL City of Miami Parks and ALL City owned properties. Carollo’s proposal would be only in Bayfront, Maurice Ferré and Virginia Key parks.

Parks should be a “Garden of Eden”, to enjoy nature and relaxation, and not “Las Vegas Style Strips”. The way I see it, these Commissioners seek to transform our “Green Areas” into “Green Dollars”.

What can resident do?

I encourage all residents to express their opposition to billboards in public parks and areas not approved by the PZAB. Contact each Commissioner and the Mayor at the following emails:

Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla: **adelaportilla@miamigov.com Commissioner Joe Carollo: [jcarollo@miamigov.com](mailto:jcarollo@miamigov.com) Commissioner Manolo Reyes: [mreyes@miamigov.com](mailto:mreyes@miamigov.com) Commissioner Ken Russell: [krussell@miamigov.com](mailto:krussell@miamigov.com) Commissioner Christine King: [cking@miamigov.com](mailto:cking@miamigov.com) Mayor Francis Suarez: [fsuarez@miamigov.com](mailto:fsuarez@miamigov.com)**

Editorial Note

Downtown News is a community publication. One of our purposes is to keep residents informed about developments that affect them. Also, provide an outlet for residents to express their opinions. Views and opinions published under Commentary reflect the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Downtown News.

Reverend Pedro Martinez is a longtime Downtown resident.

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