Voters across South Florida head to the polls Tuesday for commissioners, mayors, congressional seats, a new governor and several ballot measures. Miami New Times has singled out what it calls the 10 most unusual races, and many involve paid social media campaigns, lawsuits or criminal allegations.
In Coral Gables, Mayor Vince Lago is seeking a fourth and final consecutive term against Jackson Rip Holmes and Laureano Cancio. Commissioner Melissa Castro, who is challenging Lago’s allies in her own race, has asked for an investigation into whether Lago improperly used his position with a construction firm hired by the University of Miami. New Times reported that it linked Lago to social media attacks on Castro.
In Aventura, mayoral candidate Alberto Zaltzberg says he would bring artificial intelligence into “all processes” at city hall. He is running against incumbent Howard Weinberg.
In Davie, two Town Council District 3 candidates face unusual problems. The Broward Sheriff’s Office is investigating Toula Amanna over a Facebook post urging Deerfield Beach residents to “pick up guns.” Separately, charges were filed against Jordan Nelson, who is accused of crashing his pickup into a guardrail and power line in Davie with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.
Statewide, the list also covers Amendment 3, a property tax measure, and the Florida Senate race between Democrat Angie Nixon and Republican Ashley Moody. Nixon’s campaign faced threats posted by a former congressional candidate, according to the report.
New Times also reported that political committees tied to Miami’s Referendum 3 paid influencers and a firm called Big Tuesday Media to promote a yes vote. Several of the influencers declined to answer questions or called the outlet fake news.
