The Brief

Miami-Dade Mayor Announces Leadership Shakeup Amid Fisher Island Fuel Depot Dispute

In response to a legal battle over the sale of a critical fuel depot, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has initiated significant leadership changes within the county's administration.

In a decisive move to address escalating tensions surrounding the proposed sale of a vital fuel depot at PortMiami, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has announced a significant shakeup in the county's leadership. The changes come in the wake of a lawsuit filed by residents of Fisher Island, a wealthy enclave, aiming to halt the sale of the fuel bunker, which they argue violates a prior agreement and threatens their community's interests. Effective immediately, Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales and PortMiami Director Hydi Webb have resigned from their positions. Their departures are seen as a direct response to the mounting controversy and legal challenges associated with the fuel depot's sale. The mayor's office has not provided specific details regarding the circumstances leading to their resignations, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. To fill the leadership void, Mayor Levine Cava has appointed Roy Coley, the Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer, as the new Deputy Mayor. In this expanded role, Coley will oversee several key county departments and facilities, including the airport and seaport, positioning him at the forefront of the county's strategic response to the crisis. Frederick Wong, previously the Deputy Port Director, has been elevated to serve as PortMiami's interim director, ensuring continuity in port operations during this transitional period. The legal dispute centers on the sale of the fuel bunker, a critical infrastructure component for cruise and cargo operations at PortMiami. Fisher Island residents contend that the sale violates a previous agreement requiring their consent for such transactions and argue that the county's threat of eminent domain is unconstitutional. A separate federal lawsuit is also progressing through the court system, further complicating the situation. Mayor Levine Cava addressed the leadership changes, stating, "Their leadership, integrity, and dedication have helped make our county stronger." She emphasized the importance of decisive action to navigate the complex legal and operational challenges posed by the dispute. The mayor's office has indicated that further personnel changes may be forthcoming as the situation develops. The shakeup has garnered mixed reactions from the community. Supporters of the mayor's decision argue that swift and bold leadership is necessary to protect the county's interests and uphold legal agreements. Critics, however, question the transparency of the decision-making process and the potential impact on county operations. As the legal battles continue, all eyes remain on Miami-Dade County's leadership to steer the community through this contentious period.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Miami-Dade mayor announces leadership shakeup amid Fisher Island fuel depot dispute — local10.com
"Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava statement on the passage of the County Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026" — Miami-Dade County
"Miami-Dade mayor's budget advances after gas tax retreat" — Miami Herald
"Miami-Dade launches task force to ‘STRIP’ red tape from procurement process" — Local 10 News
[YouTube] Charter Revision Commission Meeting — youtube.com
[YouTube] 04.15.2026 - Infrastructure, Innovation, and Technology Committee Meeting — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE6guvU4d6o — youtube.com
[YouTube] City Council Meeting April 14, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-s4QmyUToc — youtube.com
[YouTube] 03.17.2026 - Board of County Commissioners Meeting — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EUpjtvBL_8 — youtube.com
David Jolly at Miami-Dade County Town Hall Meeting 3-16-2026