Coral Gables Commissioner Melissa Castro says she is consulting legal counsel after what she calls false personal attacks on social media. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, she accused Mayor Vince Lago of using political funds to pay for the campaign against her as she seeks reelection.
Castro pointed to reporting by Political Cortadito that linked Lago’s political action committees to more than $65,000 in spending since September with Big Tuesday Media. New Times has previously tied the same company to paid social media posts supporting Referendum 3, which would transfer about 27.6 acres of public waterfront on Virginia Key to a private equity firm. The land includes Rickenbacker Marina.
Lago, who faces voters Nov. 3, has also liked posts from others that use insulting names for Castro, according to New Times. Castro did not respond to requests for comment. Lago did not respond to an emailed request, and influencer Linda Catalina did not reply before publication.
Castro said critics are free to challenge her votes and policies, but she called the personal allegations a line that should not be crossed. Her reelection race will test how much of the campaign plays out online as voters head to the polls.
