The Florida Commission on Ethics considered a complaint against Republican Miami Mayor Francis Xavier Suarez which alleged he got VIP tickets to Formula 1’s race in Miami from a billionaire.
The Commission found no probable cause was found on three allegations related to events
Mayor Suarez attended during the Miami Grand Prix. The Miami Mayor was quick to celebrate.
“Today’s bipartisan and unanimous exoneration provides irrefutable proof that the vicious and politically motivated attacks on Mayor Suarez’s character are completely inaccurate and without merit,” the office of Mayor Francis X. Suarez said in a statement. “This malicious complaint was made by a Democratic activist with no evidence besides inaccurate news stories published in the Miami Herald and represents a significant reprimand of their reporting. Instead of letting this political matter distract him, Mayor Suarez remains committed to the people of Miami where his leadership has helped produce the lowest unemployment, lowest taxes, and lowest homicide rates in recent Miami history.”
According to the Florida Commission on Ethics, the allegations were that Suarez solicited or accepted something of value based upon an understanding that he would be influenced in his official capacity, accepted prohibited gifts from a vendor, lobbyist, or the principal lobbyist of the City, and that he failed to disclose reportable gifts in excess of $100 on a Form 9, Quarterly Gift Disclosure.
The Republican Miami Mayor had said he repaid the $14,000 for the Grand Prix tickets.
