Opa-Locka Facing Financial Collapse, Corruption & Complete Shutdown
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OPA-LOCKA (CBSMiami/AP) -- Amid an FBI investigation for corruption, authorities say the Miami suburb of Opa-locka is teetering toward financial collapse.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez asked Gov. Rick Scott in a letter this week to place the city of 16,000 people under state control.
The Miami Herald reports the letter warns that without state support Opa-locka's government faces complete shutdown.
State law allows the governor to step in when cities face financial emergencies, including a takeover of services. Opa-locka officials said at a meeting this week the city faces a $1.4 million shortfall plus millions in prior debts.
The letter comes as the FBI continues investigating corruption allegations against Opa-locka's mayor and several other top officials. Earlier this year agents raided city hall looking for evidence, but no arrests have been made.
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