The city of Miami is set to honor the late Commissioner Manolo Reyes with a posthumous designation and a newly named park as it gears up for a special election to fill the vacant District Four seat.
On April 24, the Miami City Commission will officially recognize Mr. Reyes as Mayor Emeritus and rename West End Park, located in the heart of District Four, in his honor. This tribute aims to commemorate Reyes’s substantial contributions to civic life and the community.
Commissioners convened for a special meeting on April 17, where they unanimously decided to hold the special election on June 3 to fill the vacated seat left by Reyes, who passed away on April 11 at the age of 80. The candidate qualifying period has already begun and will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 25.
Mr. Reyes, who was diagnosed with leukemia during his re-election campaign in September 2023, exhibited remarkable resilience by winning re-election in November with over 86% of the vote. His victory reflected the deep trust and respect he earned from the community since first being elected to represent District Four in 2017.
In deciding how to fill the vacancy, the commissioners considered two options allowed under city code: appointment or election. Ultimately, they opted for a special election, which they believe honors the democratic process and the legacy of the late commissioner.
City Clerk Todd Hannon announced the competitive qualifying period for candidates began on April 21 and runs until April 25. Early voting will likely take place from May 30 to June 1 if confirmed today by the commissioners.
The proposed early voting sites include the Shenandoah and West Flagler Branch libraries, historically used for District Four voting. Poll hours are slated to be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, leading up to the June 3 election.
When discussing the financial implications of the upcoming election, officials referenced the 2023 special election for District Two, estimating the costs to be similar. The previous election had an estimated cost of $289,210, with a final invoice of $176,657.
In addition to the election announcements, Mr. Reyes will be honored with two commemorative resolutions during the city commission meeting.
The first resolution designates him as Mayor Emeritus posthumously, recognizing his exceptional leadership and decades of service in public office. The resolution highlights that “Commissioner Reyes exemplified the leadership, public trust, and civic presence traditionally associated with the office of Mayor,” noting his role as a steady voice of reason for the city.
The second resolution focuses on the renaming of West End Park, located at 6030 SW Second St., to Manolo Reyes Park. Under Reyes’s guidance, the park underwent a $16.8 million renovation, which introduced a new pool, splash pad, walking trails, exercise equipment, and sports courts to the community.
The resolution regarding the park states, “Commissioner Manolo Reyes dedicated his life to public service, representing City of Miami Commission District 4 with integrity, accessibility, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.”
It concludes with a reflection that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants, underscoring a life devoted to public integrity and responsive governance.
image source from：https://www.miamitodaynews.com/breaking/miami-commissioners-honor-reyes-set-replacements-election/
