Goodbye, Joe: Miami’s Carollo slinks away early and at midnight, but why?

Joe Carollo slipped out of Miami City Hall at 11:59 p.m. Thursday night — and Miami let out a long, exhausted sigh.
End of an era? Por favor. It’s the end of a nightmare. A 40–year Carollo political dynasty, gone like a thief in the night, with El Loco Joe choosing to resign before his successor is even sworn in.
The ever-polemic city commissioner turned in his resignation Thursday, effective at exactly one minute before midnight — which is probably the most dramatic thing he’s done in years that didn’t involve a lawsuit, a meltdown, or screaming at someone from the dais. This is the same Joe Carollo who has spent decades picking fights, making enemies, calling ambulances for imaginary emergencies, and turning City Hall into a circus where he was always the main clown.
And now? Poof. He’s gone.
Read related: Carollo dynasty crumbles in Miami as newbie Rolando Escalona takes D3 seat
Of course, this is Miami, so nothing is ever simple. Why the early resignation? Why leave on Dec. 12 when Rolando Escalona — the political newcomer who crushed brother Frank Carollo in the runoff Tuesday — won’t be sworn in until Dec. 17 at the earliest? The Clerk still has to certify the results. There was absolutely nothing forcing Joe out the door Thursday night.
So everybody is left wondering… and speculating. And Ladra, of course, has collected these theories and now lays them out for you to consider. Please feel free to add any theories of your own in the comments:
#1: More legal issues
Carollo is always entangled in civil litigation. Remember the $63.5 million judgment from the Little Havana business owners he weaponized code enforcement against? You know, the one that made national news and showcased his particular brand of revenge politics? Is he resigning now to avoid some looming legal development? Did his attorneys whisper, “Better to be an ex-commissioner before the next shoe drops”?
Read related: Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo loses appeal on $63.5 million jury award
#2: He didn’t want to face the music
It’s amazing enough that Joe Carollo dared to show his face at the last commission meeting of the year Thursday (more on that later), but anybody who expects him to keep doing his job after Frankie’s embarrassing, decisive loss — with staffers whispering and lobbyists pretending not to smirk — doesn’t know Joe. Our beloved former mayor and twice-elected, newly-repudiated commissioner has one weakness: He cares deeply about how he thinks people see him. Leaving Thursday night spares him a week of uncomfortable reality.
#3: One last power move
Leaving in the dead of night is pure Joe. It’s dramatic. It’s theatrical. And it gives him one last chance to control the narrative — or at least pretend he is. Why wait around while Escalona’s win is certified, Frank licks his wounds, and the entire city celebrates the end of Carollo World? Leaving early is his version of dignity. (I know. Ladra laughed too.)
#4: Bypassing term limits
Could he be trying to set up a comeback? Voters in November passed lifetime term limits which would prevent him from running for commissioner again. Unless maybe he didn’t serve an entire term. Like if he left a week early. It’s not beyond Crazy Joe to have thought of this.
#5: Something we don’t know yet
This is Miami. There is always something we don’t know yet. A dropped ethics complaint? A sealed settlement? An FBI interview? A backroom deal? A new gig or radio show? An impending charge?
Things that make you go hmmm: It’s quite possible that, like other city employees, Carollo’s pension and other retirement benefits would be suspended if he were to be charged before he is officially out. And then cancelled if he were to be found guilty. And we know that there was an investigation into his use of the funds as chairman of the Bayfront Park Management Trust. That continues even though he’s no longer in office.
There doesn’t even have to be a real charge coming. Just the possibility of one is enough to make him dodge the risk and secure his future at Shangri-La.
Read related: Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo loses Bayfront Park Trust to Miguel Gabela
On the other hand, there’s that old rumor about him being an informant. Could his resignation be a condition of that?
Either way, Thursday night was not just Joe leaving his office keys on the desk. It was the official collapse of the Carollo dynasty. Frank tried to inherit the throne and voters slammed the door so hard the shock waves are still echoing on Flagler. Escalona’s win wasn’t just a political upset. It was a repudiation — a loud, clear ya basta from District 3. And Miami’s long Carollo chapter has come to an end.
For the first time in nearly half a century, there will be no Carollo on the Miami Commission. Joe leaves with his legacy tarnished, his lawsuits still alive, his enemies plentiful, and his dreams of kingmaking crushed by a 34-year-old newcomer.
But his timing? His reasons? Oh, that remains to be seen.
And if Joe thinks resigning at 11:59 p.m. will stop the chisme mill, he really doesn’t know Miami at all.

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The post Goodbye, Joe: Miami’s Carollo slinks away early and at midnight, but why? appeared first on Political Cortadito.

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