Miami-Dade Mayor Faces Growing Recall Push Amid Infrastructure Complaints

A group of frustrated Miami-Dade residents is pushing to remove Mayor Daniella Levine Cava from office, citing worsening local conditions and a lack of responsiveness. Leading the effort is community activist Mercy Perez, who points to deteriorating roads, persistent flooding, issues at the airport and animal shelter, and concerns from local teachers. “The potholes get bigger every day… it’s very sad what is going on in Miami,” Perez said.

Former mayoral candidate Alex Otaola, who lost to Levine Cava, has joined the recall movement. The mayor’s political advisor Christian Ulvert dismissed the effort as a “sham” led by a “failed perennial candidate.”

If successful, the recall would mirror the 2011 ouster of Mayor Carlos Alvarez, who was removed after backing hundreds of millions in public money for the construction of loanDepot Park.

County Commissioner Rene Garcia acknowledged hearing of the recall effort and confirmed his own concerns about transparency in park funding, noting delays in obtaining information.

Organizers must collect signatures from 4% of Miami-Dade’s registered voters — roughly 61,000 signatures. If achieved, a recall election must be held within 90 days, asking a single question: whether Levine Cava should remain in office.

Because the supervisor of elections is now an elected position, county commissioners had to update the county code this week to ensure recall procedures remain valid.