Dariel Fernandez gives county hall $26 million gift
While Miami-Dade is drowning in debt and digging under the couch cushions looking for a staggering $402 million to close Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s budget gap, blaming the constitutional offices for a big chunk of the shortage — one of those offices is swimming in a big $9.6 billion infinity pool.
Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez sent out a very polished “we’re doing great” memo late last month, reminding everyone that his constitutionally independent shop is funded by state-set fees and a 2% commission on collections — not the county’s strapped general fund. Translation: Our lights stay on even if your budget’s bleeding red ink.
And Fernandez is apparently offering to provide $26 million to plug the hole in the Miami-Dade budget, even though he has earlier said that county should have planned for the constitutional offices, which were approved by voters in 2018.
Read related: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava defends new budget, service cuts
Let the numbers sink in: The same county that collects nearly $10 billion from residents and businesses is somehow $402 million in the hole, hiking bus fares and park fees and cutting services like meals to the elderly. The Tax Collector’s office, which handles property taxes, fees, and other revenue streams, has never looked richer. But the county budget — which funds public services, infrastructure and community programs — is bleeding red.
It’s a tale of two ledgers.
How does that happen? What kind of math is this? And more importantly — where’s the money going?
The almost $10 billion in collected taxes are then distribute not only to the county, municipalities and school board, but also all the special taxing districts and agencies, like The Children’s Trust.
“We are not a branch of County government,” Fernandez said in a statement. “We are a constitutionally independent office at the local level.” His budget was submitted Aug. 1 directly to the Florida Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Oversight (PTO) program for independent review.
Fernandez — a rare government official because he isn’t crying poor — stressed that independence matters, because it keeps him focused on service, not politics. Ladra will stop now to give time to the open laughter. Okay, are we done? Because in Miami-Dade, politics is like glitter: You can’t keep it out of anything.
And while the county could have been bracing for him to keep the full 2% commission, as the state allows, Fernandez says he’s giving back more than 61% of it this year, plus waiving it completely for municipalities and the unincorporated county. It amounts to nearly $40 million back into local coffers. Fernandez even bragged about $15 million in interest earnings sent to taxing authorities.
Read related: New Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez launches new license desk
The tax collector, one of five new constitutional offices approved by voters in 2018, has taken over and expanded the Department of Motor Vehicles services in Miami-Dade — new offices, kiosks at Publix, Saturday hours, reduced waits. Fernandez has painted a picture of an efficient, modern, cash-moving machine. He says the office has already collected and distributed $9.6 billion in just 200 days, with more than $10 billion projected next year.
Fernandez has repeatedly explained that the office is supposed to be self-sufficient. “The State of Florida did not just assign us new responsibilities. It clearly defined how we are to fund them,” he said in a statement. “We operate using the fees we generate through services and the limited commissions we are authorized to retain from tax collections, as outlined in state law.
“We are a self-sustaining model that not only covers our costs but also distributes billions to local governments. Importantly, we do not have a surplus. Each year, we start at zero” Fernandez said. “Every dollar we manage belongs to the public, and we treat it that way. We are not here to build bureaucracy. We are here to build trust and return value to Miami-Dade residents.”
In that vein, we assume, Fernandez and Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez announced this week that they found $26 million in the tax collector’s coffers — $20 million in accelerated funds (out of the $78 million estimated due to the county in October 2026, so that’s just postponing the shortfall) and $6 million from what they anticipate as this year’s surplus — that can be transferred to the county’s general fund.
“My top priorities are clear: protecting the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County, keeping our finances in order, and making sure that our residents, especially the most vulnerable, have access to vital public services they need to thrive in our community,” Rodriguez wrote in a memo dated Aug. 11 and titled “Proposed Path for Partial Restoration of Budget Cuts – Framework for a Path Forward.”
“Crafting a balanced budget in today’s economy means making hard choices, thinking strategically, and a commitment to financial stewardship,” Rodriguez wrote, taking credit for “extensive negotiations and conversations” with Fernandez to make this $26 million windfall happen. “I remain steadfast in my responsibility to lead with purpose and ensure that every public dollar is spent wisely and transparently.”
Rodriguez, who has encouraged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to send his state DOGE squad to Miami-Dade, has said he plans to use these new-found funds for cultural arts funding, community organizations, parks and the reserve funds.
“Setting aside nearly one-third of these funds to build County reserves demonstrates long-term planning and discipline, an essential protection for taxpayers against future economic volatility,” he wrote in his memo. “I further recommend that a healthy portion of all future revenue returned by the county’s tax collector be allocated toward the continued strengthening of our reserves.”
Yeah, that’s a nice plan. But can we feed people first? The current budget slashes subsidized meals for the elderly.
Read related: Facing $400M budget shortfall, Miami-Dade cuts senior meals, lifeguards, more
“Equally important is the partial restoration of funding to community organizations, parks, and cultural programs. These services are not merely amenities,” Rodriguez said. “They are lifelines that uplift our neighborhoods, strengthen our community, and preserve the unique cultural fabric of Miami-Dade.”
Again, súper good ideas — when the county is flush. Right now, the current budget would shut down two senior activity centers. Maybe keeping those open should come before we fund any festivals.
This promises to be an exciting point of discussion at the Aug. 20 meeting of the whole, where commissioners will go through the. budget with a microscope and an Exacto knife to find efficiencies and restore some of the programs and services cut.
There will also be two public hearings next month (Sept. 4 and Sept. 18) for public input where commissioners can make final changes before the 2025-26 budget gets final approval. The fiscal year starts Oct. 1.
More information on the Miami-Dade 2025-26 budget can be found on the county’s website here.
Miami–Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez did not set aside any of his $6 million surplus to help support Political Cortadito’s mission, monitor our local electeds and public officials. That’s why Ladra depends on readers like you to help keep the Fresh Colada brewing with a contribution to grassroots, government watchdog reporting. Thank you for your support!
The post Miami-Dade’s billion-dollar disconnect: Tax collector flush, county in the red appeared first on Political Cortadito.

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Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera officially resigned his county seat Monday and was then sworn in as the U.S.’s new ambassador to Panama in a packed commission chambers. The next day, Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez announced the creation of a web portal for residents of District 6 to express intros and submit the necessary documentation to be considered as a potential appointment, which means he could be leaning toward that route rather than having a special election (more on that later).
The Miami-born Cabrera — a Florida International University graduate — thanked his family, friends, the employees of Miami-Dade, his District 6 team and his colleagues for their support, partnership and encouragement since he was elected in 2022. The chambers was packed.
“It’s not even a budget meeting,” Cabrera said as he took the podium right after he was sworn in by Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel, where he swore to defend the constitution of the United States. “I’m not sure if you’re here because you like me or because you can’t wait for me to leave,” he joked.
It was probably a little of both.
Cabrera, who served as Florida state director for both the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign in 2020, thanked President Donald Trump and Congress for their trust and said he was committed to the president’s “purpose of restoring strength, respect and purpose to America’s role on the world stage.” He also said he would guided by the question Secretary of State Marco Rubio has as a criteria on foreign policy: “Does this policy make America safer, stronger and more prosperous?”
Read related: Kevin Cabrera tapped as Panama ambassador; so who will replace him?
“That’s a question that will guide me daily,” Cabrera said. “I also carry with me the values I upheld during my time in local government — accessibility, accountability and a focus on getting things done. Those values were not just talking points. They were the foundation  of our work.”
He mentioned some of the things he was proud of — opening district offices and establishing mobile office hours, resurfacing streets, traffic calming measures, securing millions to combat crime, modernizing traffic signals and more — since he was elected in 2022.
‘Though I may be serving abroad, Miami-Dade County will always be home,” Cabrera said, before the crowd erupted in cheers and applause as he walked over and hugged his mom.
Rodriguez, who introduced him, said the diplomatic appointment “of one of our own to such a vital position is a point of pride for our entire community” and lauded Cabrera, his friend, for what he had accomplished in such a short time.
“Serving others is his calling. He listens, sometimes,” Rodriguez said to laughter. “He has earned this moment through years of tireless dedication and I have every confidence he will approach this next chapter with the same integrity and strength that brought him here to this county commission.
“A lifelong public servant, a thoughtful leader and a true bridge builder, Kevin brings not only deep experience to this role, but also a genuine commitment to diplomacy,  rooted in respect, partnership and purpose,” Rodriguez added.
Read related: Who has the best hair? Miami-Dade’s Anthony Rodriguez or Kevin Cabrera
The U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment of Cabrera — made in December when Trump praised Cabrera’s service regional experience. “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin,” — last week.
Nine days earlier, Cabrera had time to cut the ribbon on the newly enhanced Brothers to the Rescue Memorial Park at 2420 SW 72nd Ave., which is one of the region’s most popular recreational spaces for baseball and softball, with new ADA-compliant bleachers and walkways, updated fountains and new lights and security fencing, among other enhancements. It was named in honor of individuals who risked their lives — and four of them were shot down and killed over international waters by the Cuban government in 1996 — to help Cuban-American rafters survive the crossing of the Florida Straits.
Cabrera, who was born to Cuban exiles, pitched a ball right over home plate to the delight of what looks like hundreds of kids on a county video posted on Facebook.

“I’m excited to be here at Brothers to the Rescue Park in District 6, one of the few baseball parks in Miami-Dade,” he said, thanking staff for their work and crediting residents and the baseball league associations for bringing him concerns.
“And here you see government in action.”
Wait a minute. Doesn’t he have to pack? What does one pack to go to Panama to be the U.S. Ambassador, anyway?
“Guayaberas and suits,” Cabrera, who is leaving at the end of the month, texted Ladra after telling her that he couldn’t do interviews without coordinating through the embassy. Oooh, lah, lah.
Read related: Does Miami need another airport? Commissioner Kevin Cabrera asks
Cabrera has also gotten a ton of congratulations he has to answer with digital thank you notes. Or his mom will get pissed.
“Congratulations to my dear friend @KMCabreraFL on being confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to Panama,” Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart exclaimed on his social media. “Kevin is a true patriot and dedicated public servant committed the cause of freedom in our region, and with a clear understanding of putting America’s interests first.
“The United States and Panama share a strong, strategic partnership rooted in democratic values. As a key player in combatting mass migration, narcotrafficking, and authoritarian regimes, Panama is vital to regional stability. There is no one better suited to advance our national security interests and strengthen this critical alliance.”
It’s interesting that nobody — not Rodriguez, not Cabrera, not Diaz-Balart — said anything about taking over the Panama Canal.
It was also missing from Cabrera’s online video message, which was also posted last week.
“Serving as your Miami-Dade Commissioner has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together because every project, every initiate and every step we took was about one thing serving you the people of Miami-Dade County,” Cabrera said in the recorded video.
“We prioritized the safety of or streets and neighborhoods, installing traffic calming devices and lowering the speed limit to 25 mph indoor neighborhoods and your parks, while resurfacing over 60 miles of roadway and repairing countless potholes,” he said. “As chair of the Miami International Airport committee, we’ve made investments of $9 billion to modernize our airport. These upgrades will improve infatsructiure elevate the travel experience and help ensure our airport remains a world class gateway for this region.
“And through it all we’ve stayed close to the people, solving thousands of constituent services and hosting mobile office hours and town halls bringing our government directly to you.
“Now, as I prepare to serve our ratio as the us ambassador to Panama, I will carry with me these values that guided us every step of this journey — accessibility, accountability and results,” Cabrera said. “Miami-Dade County wil alwasmys be home.
“It’s been an incredible journey. Our work made a difference, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
The post Miami-Dade’s Kevin Cabrera leaves for Panama, county gets set to appoint appeared first on Political Cortadito.

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For all their talk about not wanting to “kick the can” down the road, Miami-Dade commissioners are really good at it. Last week, the commission once again postponed making a decision on the long-term solution to the county’s solid waste disposal needs — which became an urgent issue after the waste-to-energy facility in Doral burned down about two years ago.
And their lack of action has led state legislators to, once again, put their grubby little hands on our local issues with proposed laws that would create a buffer zone for any new solid waste facility — potentially limiting the county’s options.
State Sen. Bryan Avila this week introduced a bill that would prohibit local governments and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from issuing construction permits for new solid waste disposal or waste-to-energy facilities within a half mile of residential properties, commercial properties or schools.
So, basically, anywhere?
Read related: Miami-Dade garbage incinerator talks look more like a stinky dumpster fire
“After extensive input from my residents in NW Miami-Dade County, I am proud to have filed SB 1008 (Waste Incineration) this morning,” Avila posted on his social media Monday. “This bill will prohibit a local government from issuing a construction permit for a new solid waste disposal facility that uses an ash-producing incinerator or for a waste-to-energy facility if the proposed location of the facility is within a one-half mile radius of any residential property, commercial property, or school.”
Specifically, the bill adds new restrictions “that explicitly prevent the issuance of construction permits for ash-producing incinerator facilities or waste-to-energy facilities near populated or educational areas,” according to the Bill Tracker 50 website. The bill is set to take effect on July 1.
Well, what do you know? That’s when the commission will take it up again. They voted last week to direct Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to come back in 120 days with a report — or more like an analysis with side-by-side comparison — giving them some time to digest the options before meeting in July to make a decision.
Maybe. If they don’t play kick the can again. Which, Ladra would not bet against. No matter how many assurances we got from Chairman Anthony Rodriguez.
Several commissioners, notably Oliver Gilbert and Danielle Cohen Higgins, could not imagine what new information the administration might bring. Cohen Higgins suggested letting the private sector pick a site and make an unsolicited proposal. Gilbert kept pushing Doral and wondered what happened to the proposition that the city pay a special tax (read: extortion fee) so that the incinerator would not be rebuilt there.
Read related: To keep a new Miami-Dade garbage incinerator away, get ready to pay
Commissioner Raquel Regalado said that there had been several decisions made already, like transporting our trash on trains to central Florida landfills, which she said we got at a “locked in” price for the next 10 years.
Commissioner Eileen Higgins is “less hopeful we’ll get clear and incise information,” as she said at the meeting last week. “Every time they write a memo it contradicts the memo they wrote before.”
And the administration has gone around and around on this. First they like Doral for a location to rebuild, it’s the cheapest and fastest option. Then they pivoted to the western property near the Everglades and Miramar. Then they pivoted to landfills.
It’s no wonder state legislators want to take it out of the local yokels’ hands.
Wait, aren’t Rodriguez and Avila pals? A head’s up might have been nice.
Avila’s is not the only bill trying to take the decision out of the county commission’s hands. State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez introduced a bill last week that would prohibit a local government entity from applying for or approving a permit for certain waste facilities — include “solid waste facilities, municipal solid waste-to-energy facilities, pyrolysis facilities, solid waste disposal facilities, and incinerators” — within two miles of the Everglades Protection Area, the Everglades Construction Project, or any water storage or conveyance structures” related to certain water management projects.
This bill, which preempts local regulations on this matter, giving the state exclusive authority to manage such permitting, would also take effect July 1.
Like Commissioner Marlien Bastien said at last week’s meeting: “This all sounds like deja vu again.”
The post As Miami-Dade stalls again on incinerator, state legislators take it on appeared first on Political Cortadito.

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The KFHA will host a community meeting Tuesday

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The most interesting thing that happened at the Miami-Dade County Commission meeting Tuesday — besides a little fight over a tiny parcel of vacant land in Palmetto Bay (more on that later) — was the debate over who has the better head of hair: Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez or Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera.

“The guy who buys gel by the ton is talking about the guy who buys hair dye by the ton,” said Chairman Oliver Gilbert, about Cabrera and Rodriguez, respectively.

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Second place bidder almost gets ‘consolation prize’

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