MIAMI (AP) — The Florida Supreme Court has given Gov. Rick Scott a mid-October deadline to explain why he won’t lift the suspension of a South Florida mayor acquitted of federal corruption charges.
Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi is insisting he should get his job back after he was found not guilty. Scott has refused, pointing out that Miami Lakes voters elected a replacement mayor after Pizzi was indicted.
The Supreme Court issued a brief order Monday setting an Oct. 14 date for Scott to explain why Pizzi’s petition seeking the mayor’s post should not be granted. The court was careful to add that the Republican governor isn’t required to reinstate Pizzi.
A jury in August cleared Pizzi of seven corruption-related charges brought after an undercover FBI investigation into questionable city grant applications.
