Latest news with #Carollo
Miami Herald
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Carollo calls $500K he spent to elect Rosado ‘worst political mistake' of his life
As he left the most recent Miami City Commission meeting this month, a seething Joe Carollo had harsh words for his new colleague, Ralph Rosado: 'You will never be a future mayor.' In less than a month, the longtime city commissioner went from bankrolling Rosado's campaign and celebrating his subsequent victory, to deeply regretting the sleepless nights and mountains of cash he spent to ensure Rosado would become the city's next District 4 commissioner. During the breakneck six-week special election, Carollo's political committee, Miami First, spent over a half-million dollars on Rosado's election. But according to Carollo, his help went far beyond mere financial assistance. In an interview with the Miami Herald, Carollo laid out his winning strategy that he said catapulted Rosado from trailing 25 percentage points behind opponent Jose Regalado to defeating Regalado with 55% of the vote last month. At the end, just 548 votes separated the two. That strategy entailed staying up until 2 or 3 a.m. creating campaign mailers, spending three days filming Rosado's 30-second campaign ad, and ultimately dragging the Regalado name through the mud to decimate any goodwill associated with one of South Florida's most prominent political families. A flurry of anti-Regalado attack mailers accused the former assistant building director of abusing animals and alleged that the Regalado family has ties to international drug traffickers. Rosado, who declined to be interviewed for this story, said in a written statement to the Herald that he ran a 'positive, issue-focused campaign.' Rosado said Carollo's 'insights were appreciated' but that 'ultimately, the decisions about our message, outreach and the contrasts we drew were made by our campaign, and we're proud of the way we connected with voters and executed our plan with integrity and focus.' Rosado's opponent sees it differently. 'It was character assassination,' Regalado told the Herald in a recent interview. 'It wasn't a positive campaign. It was one of the most negative campaigns I've ever seen in my life.' Carollo says he was heavily involved in Rosado's campaign and that Rosado was '100%' aware of what was taking place behind the scenes — including the anti-Regalado smear campaign. But now, weeks after Rosado's swearing-in, Carollo regrets those efforts. 'It's the worst political mistake that I've made in my life,' said Carollo, who was first elected to the Miami City Commission in 1979. His change of heart follows several City Commission votes by Rosado that Carollo took issue with. That includes Rosado's tiebreaker vote in favor of postponing the upcoming November election to 2026 — a measure backed by the mayor — as well as Rosado's vote to shutter the Bayfront Park Management Trust in January of next year. Carollo previously chaired the Trust, but he was ousted from the agency earlier this year, and it was turned over to his rival, Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela. Rosado now joins Gabela on Carollo's ever-evolving list of political adversaries — a roster that currently includes Commissioner Damian Pardo and Mayor Francis Suarez, whose political committee spent over $1 million on Rosado's election. 'I didn't expect anything with Ralph Rosado, with the exception of him coming here to be an honest commissioner,' Carollo said. 'I didn't expect him to come here to be a lap dog — another lap dog — for Mayor Suarez.' Carollo explains his winning strategy While Suarez outspent Carollo 2-to-1 in support of Rosado's campaign, Carollo maintains that his efforts, paired with help from his wife, Marjorie, are the real reason Rosado was victorious. 'It's not just the money. … It's the strategy,' Carollo said. He added: 'Bottom line is that if Mr. Rosado had not had an angel like Joe or Marjorie Carollo, he never, never, never would have gotten elected.' In a sit-down interview with the Herald, Carollo explained a two-prong strategy that he said paved the way for Rosado to defeat Regalado by less than 600 votes. Step one was to run a negative campaign not just against Regalado, but his whole family. Carollo said such a strategy was required in this particular situation, where there was less than two months to campaign and where Rosado was facing off against a member of one of South Florida's most powerful political families. Jose Regalado's father, Tomás Regalado, is a former Miami mayor and city commissioner and currently serves as the county's property appraiser; Jose Regalado's sister is Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. 'I could've ran just a straight campaign of being positive, and you could not have beaten these people in what really amounted to four weeks of advertising,' Carollo said. 'You could've done it in six months, maybe. But not in four weeks. Not [against] the Regalado name.' Of the $547,000 that Carollo's political committee, Miami First, spent on Rosado's election, the vast majority — over $420,000 — went to radio and television ads, according to campaign finance reports. Another $86,000 was spent on mailers and printing alone. 'You had to expose the negative of the Regalados, and you had to do it in a way that you give people the truth with the proof,' Carollo said. 'And that's how we did it: the truth with the proof.' (Regalado, meanwhile, has called Carollo's claims completely baseless.) District 4 residents were getting inundated with a sea of negative mailers, television and radio ads. But it couldn't only be negative, Carollo explained, because that would leave voters so disillusioned that they might skip the ballot box altogether. So the second step of his strategy involved offering voters a positive alternative to Regalado. Carollo went as far as offering Rosado almost a complete copy-paste of a mailer Carollo sent out in his own 2021 run for city commissioner, in which Carollo is holding up his grandson. In a visually similar mailer, Rosado is seen holding up his nephew. Carollo said he designed the mailer, although it says it was paid for by Rosado's campaign. Carollo also said that he and wife, Marjorie, spent a total of three full days filming Rosado's 30-second campaign video. That included one day of meeting and interacting with Rosado's family members off-camera, followed by two days of filming. Carollo told the Herald that he and Marjorie directed the video and were heavily involved in its production. That's different from what Rosado has stated publicly. He initially told political blogger Elaine de Valle that Carollo was not with him at Douglas Park filming a campaign video. When de Valle told Rosado that she had a video clip showing Carollo and his wife seemingly directing a shot, Rosado told her he would get back to her but never did, de Valle reported. When the Herald later asked Rosado to clarify the incident, he described something serendipitous, saying Carollo happened to be in the Douglas Park area while Rosado was filming, so he decided to swing by and offer some insights. But that's not true, Carollo said. 'Everything that was said there was written by my wife and myself. Everything,' he said of Rosado's 30-second ad. Mayor's involvement Carollo also described a coordinated effort between himself and Suarez to get Rosado elected. While Carollo would handle the negative campaigning, Suarez would focus on the positive side, Carollo said. Suarez's political committee, Miami for Everyone, spent $1.1 million on Rosado's election, according to campaign finance reports. That includes $900,000 that went directly to Rosado's PAC. Suarez declined to be interviewed for this story. In response to written questions, he denied Carollo's claim that there was a coordinated effort of any sort. 'I'm proud to have supported Ralph Rosado for Commissioner,' the mayor said. 'He ran on a clear, public platform and made his positions known throughout his campaign — including to your publication.' Suarez said Carollo's claims 'come at a very particular time, in light of the recent Commission votes that could impact his and his family's ability to continue making a living out of the city taxpayer's pockets.' 'For the past two and a half years, our office has had a positive working relationship with Commissioner Carollo's office,' Suarez continued. 'However, now Commissioner Carollo is throwing out baseless claims hoping something sticks — but you have to ask: why now, and not a year ago or two years ago? These are the same political tactics we've seen for years, and they're as transparent today as they have ever been.'
Miami Herald
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Joe Carollo still has to pay $63.5 million after federal court denies his appeal
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo's attempt to overturn a $63.5 million verdict against him, or at least be given a retrial, has failed after a federal appeals court ruled against him Thursday. A three-judge panel submitted its 19-page opinion that shot down Carollo's claims of jury tampering and dismissed his request for the $63 million verdict to be remitted. Potentially, this marks the final ruling in a years-long legal battle between Carollo and Little Haiti businessmen William 'Bill' Fuller and Martin Pinilla. In 2023, a jury ruled the commissioner had carried out a vendetta by siccing Miami code enforcement and other city officials on their businesses. 'We are encouraged but not surprised by the U.S. Court of Appeals' clear rejection of Joe Carollo's baseless appeal,' Fuller and Pinilla said in a statement. 'This isn't just a legal victory—it's a win for every resident and business owner who believes in fairness, democracy, and the First Amendment.' Carollo first filed motions to lower the $63.5 million judgment and request a new trial in late June 2024, but was denied by U.S. District Court Judge Rodney Smith. He met the same fate from the U.S. Court of Appeals on Thursday. Carollo's legal team could not be reached for comment. No jury tampering found A large portion of Carollo's plea to the Court of Appeals revolved around his accusation the jury that saddled him with a $63.5 million payout had been tampered with. He claimed the judge in the 2023 case was given a note from a juror that said she'd been followed into a parking garage by Zach Bush, a business partner of Fuller and Pinilla. Immediately after, a jury inquiry was held by the court, with each juror questioned to determine if she had told her story to them and if it had affect their ability to remain impartial. The jury assured them they'd remain able to, and the trial ensued. The three-judge panel concluded the jury investigation into the alleged tampering was properly handled and, for that reason, dismissed Carollo's claim, the Thursday opinion read. As for the rest of Carollo's appeal, the court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over it and dismissed it, as his notice of appeal was improperly filed. 'The court's sharp questioning and the overwhelming evidence presented at trial reaffirm what we have maintained from day one: Carollo abused his public office to wage a relentless campaign of political retaliation against us simply because we supported his opponent,' Fuller and Pinilla said. 'We look forward to putting this chapter behind us and continuing our work to uplift Little Havana.'
Axios
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Accusations fly as Miami officials discuss the "weaponization" of government
A Miami city commission meeting organized to discuss the "weaponization of city government" ended in finger-pointing and shouting. The big picture: Feuding and political posturing among commissioners overshadowed the pleas of restaurant owners seeking reprieve from code enforcement raids that disrupt — or even shut down — their businesses during peak hours. Driving the news: The thrust of Friday's meeting was a list of accusations against Commissioner Joe Carollo, the veteran Miami politician seen as a candidate for Miami mayor, including claims that he is using code enforcement to go after a political opponent. "One person has set our city back many years," Commissioner Damian Pardo said at the meeting. Friction point: Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela accused Carollo of sending code enforcement to his private properties after Gabela spearheaded an audit of the city's Bayfront Park Management Trust. Gabela says the probe will uncover wrongdoing by Carollo, the former chairman of the Trust. Carollo — who has denied wrongdoing — told the city manager that there were "direct, in-your-face violations" at Gabela's properties. Zoom in: During the meeting, Carollo set up a PowerPoint presentation showing publicly accessible satellite images of Gabela's properties with boats and cars parked in the lot. Carollo also accused Gabela of threatening to fire the city manager if he sent code enforcement to the properties. Gabela denied the claim. "He thinks he can do whatever he wants in this city," Carollo said. Reality check: Carollo was hit with a $63.5 million legal judgment in 2023 after a jury found him liable for violating the free speech rights of the owners of the nightclub Ball & Chain. The jury found that Carollo pushed police and code enforcement to target their properties after they supported one of Carollo's political opponents. The city also agreed to pay $12.5 million to settle a related lawsuit. What they're saying: Gabela, who said he has no open code violations against him, alluded to the legal cases against Carollo but was instructed by the city's legal team to refrain from discussing details, citing active litigation. "This is 2.0 Ball & Chain, what they're doing to me," Gabela previously told Local 10. Gabela's wife recently addressed the commission to accuse Carollo of sending staff to watch her. Meanwhile, Carollo told Axios the city needs to reform its building and code enforcement departments to address concerns made by restaurant owners. "There's a lot of things that need to be reformed. But I don't control that. If I did, I guarantee you they would be done in a much more appropriate way." What's next: Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to elect a new commissioner in District 4 after the death of Manolo Reyes in April.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carollo Engineers launches "The ABCs of Water Reuse" to support public understanding of recycled water concepts
A-to-Z visual resource designed to help utilities build community support for sustainable water solutions WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carollo Engineers, a leading North American water engineering and consulting firm, today announced the launch of "The ABCs of Water Reuse," an educational resource specifically designed to demystify water reuse concepts for non-technical audiences. The book addresses the growing need for clear communication about water reuse as communities across North America seek alternative supply options amid increasing water availability challenges. Using an A-to-Z format, the resource transforms complex water engineering principles into straightforward language that bridges the gap between water professionals and the broader community. "Water reuse is essential for our future, but its success hinges on public understanding and acceptance," said Carollo Communications Director and Vice President Diana Leonard, who led the book's development. "We created 'The ABCs of Water Reuse' after recognizing the common challenge of communicating these concepts in layman's terms. This book transforms technical information into visually engaging, easy-to-understand content, helping utilities build the public trust needed for successful water reuse programs." Each of the 26 highlighted water reuse components features striking graphics and custom illustrations that use relatable metaphors to explain complex engineering concepts. The vibrant visual approach makes technical information approachable while maintaining scientific accuracy, ensuring it serves as both an educational tool and a conversation starter at public events. Following a soft launch earlier this year, "The ABCs of Water Reuse" has generated tremendous interest from water agencies far and wide. Utilities from California to Florida and as far as Australia have ordered copies to use in community outreach programs, board meetings, and educational initiatives. "Water reuse is an intuitive concept, but it involves technical aspects that can be challenging to explain to the public," said WateReuse Association Interim Executive Director Brian Biesemeyer. "This book offers both the language and the visuals that elected officials and utility staff need to build community confidence in these critical projects. I expect this book to become an essential resource for communities working to advance the public acceptance of water recycling." Available in print and digital formats, "The ABCs of Water Reuse" can be ordered through print-on-demand services or downloaded online. The digital version enables easy integration into websites, presentations, and social media campaigns. The resource is designed for multiple applications, including public meetings, facility tours, school programs, and as an educational resource for elected officials who need to explain water reuse fundamentals to constituents. For more information or to order copies, visit or contact media@ About Carollo Engineers For over 90 years, Carollo Engineers has provided a full range of innovative planning, design, and construction management services to address the water needs of municipalities, public agencies, private developers, and industrial clients. Carollo develops robust water management strategies that leverage collaboration, provide multi-benefit solutions, and achieve sustainability and resilience. Carollo has over 1,500 employees located across North America. To learn more about how Carollo is "Working Wonders With Water®" call (800) 523-5826 or visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Carollo Engineers Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo cleared in public corruption investigation
Prosecutors in the Broward State Attorney's Office have cleared Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo of criminal wrongdoing following a yearslong investigation into accusations that he stalked a Little Havana businessman and threatened a former police chief. In a closeout memo Monday, Julio Gonzalez, who heads Broward's Public Corruption Unit, said the state 'cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Carollo's actions rose to a criminal offense as it pertains to his dealings with' Ball & Chain owner Bill Fuller and Art Acevedo, the former Miami police chief. Gonzalez wrote that the matter can be referred back to the city of Miami for a possible administrative investigation. Broward County sometimes investigates public corruption matters out of Miami-Dade County because of conflicts of interest. Fuller previously won in a federal civil lawsuit against Carollo, with a jury awarding him and businessman Martin Pinilla $63.5 million. Jurors found that Carollo weaponized police and code enforcement officers in retaliation against Fuller and Pinilla after they supported his 2017 election opponent. Acevedo, meanwhile, filed a lawsuit in 2022 against Carollo and two other commissioners who voted to fire him in 2021, accusing the defendants of violating his First Amendment rights and illegally retaliating against him for 'speaking out against corruption and abuse of power by the City of Miami Commission.' That lawsuit is ongoing. The positive news for Carollo lands the same week as a campaign fundraiser that Miami First, the political committee tied to the commissioner, is hosting to raise money for his potential mayoral campaign. Carollo said Tuesday that he has not decided if he's running for mayor, saying that other people organized the event. The commissioner faced scrutiny for the timing of the fundraiser, which was scheduled on the same day as the memorial services for Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who died last week. Reached for comment, Carollo acknowledged that the timing wasn't ideal but said it wasn't intentional. 'This is something that had been planned way before,' Carollo said. 'It's not in my control to cancel something that others have done, and this has got nothing to do with Manolo.' 'I wish it would've been on another day, but that's the day that it fell on,' he added.
