City of Miami

Residents of a Brickell apartment complex expressed deep frustration over an influx of short-term renters who allegedly converted many units into Airbnb spots, leading to building chaos and increased costs. The City of Miami intervened, ordering all illegal short-term rentals to cease immediately due to significant life safety concerns regarding the building’s approvals for fire and disability requirements. This action followed complaints that many unit owners were using various methods to operate unpermitted lodging.

Miami city commissioners settled a decades-old lawsuit with Joe Carollo over a frozen pension program for $770,000. The city also faces another legal battle with Carollo over unpaid legal fees from a case where he was found liable for violating the First Amendment rights of two businessmen who own the Ball & Chain bar.

Residents in Miami met with officials to address safety concerns following a May 19 stabbing that left a woman partially blinded. The community meeting, organized by Brickell Downtown Miami, included discussions about increasing police presence and mental health resources. Attendees honored Cassius Bythewood, who intervened to save the victim, Caitlin Dydzuhn, while Miami Commissioner Vicki Lopez and Police Chief Manuel Morales emphasized collaborative efforts to improve safety.

Maximo Vasquez Jr., a Miami firefighter, has been arrested for domestic violence charges including assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, and false imprisonment. This is his second arrest in under a year, following an August confrontation with Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies during a 911 call about a missing wife.