Coral Gables commissioner blasts harassment, threats, surveillance

Coral Gables Commissioner Ariel Fernandez says there has been a targeted campaign of harassment and threats against him and two other city commissioners almost since he and Commissioner Melissa Castro were elected against two candidates that were endorsed and supported by Mayor Vince Lago. He called it “thuggery” and “mafia tactics.”
Slashed tires, public confrontations, online harassment and threats, stalking.
These events culminated on Tuesday when Fernandez spotted someone following him and police identified the man as a private investigator who used to be a Coral Gables sergeant until he retired in 2014. Police say he wouldn’t say who hired him.
Hang on. Let that sink in. There’s a private investigator tailing a commissioner in Coral Gables and police cannot find out who is doing it? This could be someone who is looking to hurt the commissioner for a vote he took. It could be someone who wants to pressure him to vote some way in the future. It’s a danger to the commissioner and the family and the cops couldn’t do more?
Fernandez says that he believes he has been followed for months.
In February, someone stalked Fernandez at the Belen Jesuit School Tombola event, posting photos with disparaging remarks.
“Imagine spending a Saturday evening with your wife and 9-year-old son at your former high school’s fair — laughing, making memories, just enjoying a peaceful night as a family. Hours later, photos surface on social media proving that someone had been watching you — following your family,” Fernandez said at a press conference Wednesday about “security threats.” With his wife, Monica, standing next to him, he also provided a google drive link to all the images and police reports documenting the threats.
“Imagine stepping out for dinner on Miracle Mile with friends, only to return to find your car’s tires slashed,” he said, referring to an incident that occurred with Commissioner Kirk Menendez‘s wife.
“Imagine taking your 7-year-old son to a restaurant and being physically attacked by someone with a political agenda,” he said, referring to a loud, physical confrontation that the mother of a former city commissioner aligned with Mayor Vince Lago had with Commissioner Castro in Key Biscayne.
“Unfortunately, this is not fiction — this is the reality that Commissioner Kirk Menendez, Commissioner Melissa Castro, and I have been forced to live over the past two years., Fernandez said. “When you take public office, you know there will be sacrifices. You expect criticism, tough conversations, and public scrutiny. But no one prepares you for the fear, the stalking, or the threats — not just against you, but against your family.
“Since taking office in 2023, the attacks on me, Commissioner Castro, Commissioner Menendez, and our families have not only continued — they’ve escalated.” And he listed some of the disturbing incidents.

November 17, 2023: A photo of Commissioner Fernandez’s vehicle, including his license plate, was posted online, which may be a violation of state law. Ladra is pretty sure the photo was taken by and the social media handle was used by Lago buddy and real estate agent Manny Chamizo, who recently was sentenced to probation in a stalking case (more on that later).
January 8, 2024: Commissioner Menendez’s wife’s tires were slashed right outside their home.
February 13, 2024: Due to a credible death threat, the three commissioners had to be escorted by police into City Hall for a commission meeting.
August 31, 2024: Commissioner Castro was physically assaulted and verbally accosted at a restaurant outside the city, in front of her seven-year-old son.
October 8, 2024: Fernandez received what he called “a chilling threat” on social media from an individual, stating: “Cya soon face to face.”
November 16, 2024: While having lunch with my wife and son, a drone hovered overhead, surveilling us before flying away when I attempted to photograph it.
December 15, 2024: Commissioner Castro’s tires were slashed in a city parking garage. The only other similar incident in months? Commissioner Menendez’s car.
February 1, 2025: Fernandez and his family were stalked and photographed at the Belen Tombola. The photos were later posted online by someone using the name “JustinRite” on social media.
February 22, 2025: Commissioner Castro’s car was vandalized while parked on a Coral Gables street

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