Miami Lakes Schedules Special Election To Replace Mayor Pizzi
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The town of Miami Lakes plans to hold a special election on October 1 to elect a new mayor. Miami Lakes has been without a full-time mayor since Michael Pizzi was arrested by the FBI in a federal corruption sting operation.
Pizzi, along with Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño were arrested August 6 and charged with conspiracy to commit extortion. Both made their initial court appearances the same day and were given bond.
Two lobbyists were also arrested by the FBI for their alleged role in the sting operation.
Pizzi was in his second term as mayor of Miami Lakes at the time of his arrest and has worked as a Miami Lakes councilman and at a criminal defense firm in Miami before being elected mayor for the first time in 2008.
Pizzi allegedly received $5,000 in cash kickbacks for the Miami Lakes grant deal and an additional $1,000 cash and $750 in campaign contributions for a deal in Medley, according to the FBI.
Miami Lakes Vice-Mayor Ceasar Mestre took over as Mayor until the special election. The special election will be held October 1st.
