Javier Baños
Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider
The Coral Gables Commission meeting on April 16, 2024, was anticipated to be highly contentious, especially with Mayor Vince Lago accusing three of his colleagues of leading a recall effort against him. This recall had recently progressed to the next review stage after accumulating sufficient signatures. Despite a lengthy agenda and expectations of discord, the commission managed to pass all items unanimously, a result so surprising that I had to confirm it twice.
The session began with a heated public discussion about the recall effort against Mayor Lago. Accusations flew freely in a tense atmosphere, but eventually, after some deliberation between the Mayor and Commissioner Fernandez, it was agreed to defer the discussion to a specified future date. In response to calls highlighting corruption, the Mayor also proposed a forensic audit of the city. However, this proposal did not seem to directly tackle the more pressing allegations of favoritism towards certain developers.
A significant flashpoint of the meeting involved Officer Chris Challenger, President of the Coral Gables Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7, Chief of Police James Hudak, and Mayor Lago. This was triggered by a discussion on police vacancies, which had been placed on the agenda by Commissioner Castro.
For context, the Police Union, under Officer Challenger’s leadership, has been engaged in renegotiating their contract with the city, which technically expired nearly a year ago. These contracts include provisions that maintain existing benefits and terms until a new agreement is reached. While the specifics can vary from one administration to another, they typically define essential aspects of employment such as wages, benefits, pension contributions, disability, disciplinary procedures, due process, and other minutiae. These details are critical for the recruitment and retention of police officers in Coral Gables. Over the past 12 months—though the exact dates were a point of contention—approximately 27 officers have departed, with an additional 10 positions remaining vacant due to planned budgetary expansions, for a total of 37 openings that remain unstaffed. This trend has raised significant concerns for public safety in the community, now overseen by a long-serving police officer, Manager Rojas, whose team is actively engaged in the contract negotiations.
In the midst of these discussions, the main protagonists—Ofc. Challenger, Chief Hudak, and Mayor Lago—exchanged blame for the department’s inability to retain officers. Chief Hudak, accused of fostering an autocratic environment and favoring external hires over internal promotions, reportedly belittled rank-and-file officers during a roll call that introduced new recruits. He allegedly suggested that these newcomers were replacements for any officer dissatisfied with his leadership, nearly provoking them to leave. However, the Chief vehemently denied these accusations and pointed his finger back at the Union for allegedly creating a hostile atmosphere filled with rumors undermining his authority, exemplified by a video on Instagram.
The Union further blamed the Mayor for the low morale pervading the department, a sentiment supported by a recent survey, and for denying requests for increased pensions and pay. Additionally, one controversial incident allegedly involved the Mayor covering up a DUI incident for one of his friends and contributors. Mayor Lago strongly refuted these claims, accusing Officer Challenger of poor moral character and attempting to intimidate him. Commissioner Castro, meanwhile, suggested that it was the Mayor who had been trying to intimidate both the Union and his colleagues.
The discussion consumed nearly 60 minutes of the commission’s time, in addition to a separate closed session that discussed union contract negotiations for another 45 minutes. This extensive debate laid bare the deep rifts among the parties, with none willing to accept responsibility for the ongoing officer attrition—a concern deeply felt by local residents. Commissioner Castro emphasized that officer compensation is central to this issue, which needs to be viewed in the context of strategic negotiation leverage. Nonetheless, the broader national trend of low unemployment and diminishing interest in law enforcement careers complicates efforts to recruit new officers. Coral Gables currently has eight candidates under various levels of review for hiring, with 16 others scheduled for interviews. The hiring process is stringent, involving multiple endurance, knowledge, health, and mental fitness tests, any of which could disqualify candidates.
The comparative lower compensation in Coral Gables has prompted many officers to seek better opportunities in neighboring cities and other county departments. Factors like housing costs and inflation were also highlighted as contributing factors. However, leadership within the department was identified as a major issue, with advancement opportunities being a key concern among the rank and file.
A poignant moment in the meeting occurred when Chief Hudak robustly defended his immediate staff and his efforts to restore the department to full strength. He emphasized his focus on the future of the department, which he said pointedly was represented by his senior staff seated behind him, indicating a possible disconnect with the broader workforce.
It is likely that the Union will secure a significant increase in officer pay, which could help address the immediate need for more staff once Coral Gables becomes a more financially attractive option for potential recruits. The Chief’s interim measures may also yield results, including the possible rehiring of recently retired officers for temporary roles. However, Mayor Lago’s apparent personal animosity towards the officers and their Union complicates the situation, likely perpetuating issues that will challenge the existing Commission and impact future budget discussions. These necessary increases in pay, while addressing current staffing needs, will also lead to significant long-term pension liabilities—an inevitable outcome given the city’s rapid vertical growth and the likely contentious budget seasons that lie ahead.
LAGO IS A BIG CROOK. READ MIAMI HEARLD AND MIAMI COMMUNITY NEWS: LAGO GOT ONE MILLION DOLLARS FROM A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER!!!!
Let’s all put something in perspective… Sooner or later the time comes for everyone. Landry, Shula, Belichick and all three of them we winners.. They had to go. Hudak has really done nothing in the PD. The copied and pasted resume is nothing but fluff. Everything listed a couple comments ago has been done by almost every major in the past 20 years.
Residents may know the name but they don’t truly know the Chief of Police. Chief Hudak has lost his rank and file. When that trust is broken it can’t be repaired, especially when there is so much history that he is who every officer thinks he is.. that guy.
Let move on. For everyone’s sake.
Chief Hudak’s past achievements are notable. But now they are nothing. Now, he has lost the support and trust of the long, blue line. He is no longer their leader. He must be replaced by a true leader.
Edward James Hudak, Jr. has a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. For the past 34 years he has worked through the ranks in every aspect of police work for the City of Coral Gables. He was appointed chief of police on Sept. 11, 2015 and currently leads a team of more than 310 and oversees a budget of more than $38 million.
Prior to his appointment as interim chief on Sept. 11, 2014, Chief Hudak served in multiple capacities as a Major over most of the operating divisions of the department. He was the Major of the Specialized Enforcement Division, a division responsible for marine patrol, motorcycle patrol, bike patrol and traffic homicide investigations. In this capacity, he was responsible for all large events held in the city, including the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at the Biltmore Golf Course with more than 25,000 attendees. For more than seven years, he served as the division commander for the Uniform Patrol Division, the largest within the department responsible for the direct day-to-day patrol of the city. Prior to that, he was commander of the Internal Affairs Section, leading the team responsible for investigating all complaints regarding police personnel misconduct and reviewing all policy questions. Using his telecommunications expertise, he established the department’s first forensic video unit.
Hudak has extensive experience in multiple aspects of law enforcement. He has led mass training exercises, focusing on coordination of multiple law enforcement agencies. He has worked in a myriad of roles including burglary investigations, auto-theft, narcotics, sexual battery and domestic violence, kidnapping, and has assisted in homicide investigations. For 18 years he was a hostage negotiator and was the commander of the SWAT team during his time as major of the Patrol Division. He has provided leadership to multiple dignitary protection details including the First Summit of the Americas and participated in multiple Super Bowl Host responsibilities.
A 2010 graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy executive leadership program, he was elected class resident of his session by the more than 200 law enforcement executive attendees. Hudak has worked as a consultant with the U.S. Department of Justice in the Early Identification and Intervention Systems throughout the country and was one of two instructors for the State of Florida. He is considered an expert witness on hostage situations and has lectured on the subject.
Chief Hudak has held numerous executive positions in professional organizations including President of the Fraternal Order of Police, President of Switchboard of Miami, a county wide crisis referral hotline, and Vice President of the Miami-Dade County Police Officer Assistance Trust. He has been honored multiple times throughout the years as Officer of the Month and in 1992 received the City of Coral Gables Fraternal Order of Police DeKorte Award for Officer of the Year for his extraordinary efforts on behalf and support of Coral Gables’ recovery following Hurricane Andrew.
Hudak obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Miami and is a member of Iron Arrow, the highest honor bestowed on any student or alumni of the University of Miami.
No Don Hill……it’s my taxes that pay for the city’s services for me and my family who reside here and that includes yours. And if you are a City of Coral Gables Employee it also includes your salary. Stop the word salad Don and stick to the FACTS and all the public references
To Don Hill:
Don’t forget to renew your ticket as a regular rider on the gravy train.
By the way, don’t you know it’s the message that counts, not the name of the messenger.
Looks like I hit a Nerve with my comment. I will stick with my opinion, the Avatar names are people looking to take over as Chief, or is Union leadership. Gonzo, is that your mental state? LOL. Gate Keeper, right out of “Ghostbusters” movie, lol. You should be proud and humble that the City is providing you with a means to support your family.
Grow a pair and use your real name.
Regarding housing affordability for police officers and city staff, why not provide discounted rent, or vouchers, at the numerous City Owned Apt Buildings? Isn’t the Gables Grand, above Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on City land? What about the rental apartments that connect to the Shops at Merrick Park? Why not ask developers for a certain number of affordable housing units when doling out Mediterranean zoning bonuses? Why not help Lago annex only Little Gables and build housing specifically for City Staff, Police & Fire Fighters at the trailer park? Reserving units for the Firefighters, even Miami-Dade, would appease Lago’s MD Fire Union nemesis! With Police living in annexed Little Gables, the North Gables would be very safe! How about some of these special housing units at Pino’s Garden of the Lord Development? We need to start compromising.
I am always amazed at the number of pitiful “names” used on this forum. I repeat: if you believe your opinion is important and should matter… OWN IT
I’ve been involved with the City of Coral Gables since a 1997 home purchase and have resided here for the past 15 years. The complaints here against Hudak may be right or wrong i really dont know and am not choosing sides. But what i can tell you from personal experience is Coral Gables police & fire rescue has responded to me on several life or death matters resolving them correctly, quickly & professionally they are to praised for these efforts regardless of any internal problems that may exist. I believe officers need to be paid equally or higher than other local municipalities do, no questions asked.
What is happening in our city! Shame on the city leaders for not being competitive except for themselves. Commissioners, Mayor, Chief of police all got a raise yet the officers who worked everyday through COVID and come to our aid are not competitive in CORAL GABLES??? They can’t afford to live in our city but we try to pay them less during years of inflation- We need a clean sweep of our elected officials.
Just google…Curious Case of Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak or look on odysee regarding the common practices of our Chief of police.
Using retired officers to bridge the gap seems like a temporary band aid. Imagine you are a new officer wanting competitive salary and instead retired officers come in and get paid more. This is not the suggestion of a leader looking to solve the problem. Seems oddly insane.
ATTENTION DON HILL
You can post whatever you want here on this forum but all that is being posted by everyone else about the Chief of Police are FACTS piled on throughout the past few years of his poor leadership as Police Chief. OR are you actually the Chief himself hiding behind a keyboard under a fictional name because you won’t have to be a very disconnected person not to see or admit the real FACTS.
https://odysee.com/Curious-Case:d
This video was circulating at our garden club.
It is shocking that we do not offer our police officers competitive pay especially during a crisis; but then to fall short with the new contract offer. I am dumbfounded by our city officials.
We allot over 18% of our total revenue to capital improvement. Yes, I believe in historic preservation and improvement, however, there is a National police shortage. Our pending police contract offer is still below surrounding agencies. I am concerned that in 6 months we will no longer have a functioning police department in Coral Gables. Our City leaders are failing us but not addressing the issue. Pay must be competitive in a time of crisis. This is infuriating.
Coral Gables has had an increase in burglary in my neighborhood. When my good friend reached out to the Mayor and Chief he was treated with disrespect and denial. I once believe in Chief Hudak, but it has now become evident that he is dishonest and unethical. Qualities that a police chief should not have.
https://odysee.com/Unethical:0
How does this man still have a job?
@Gonzalo Sanabria…bro, why are you long-necking Jaime Edward Hudak? My man, you swallow him any deeper you might get to his knock knees. This is simple stuff, there has NEVER EVER been anyone, in human history, tough or prolific in success having knock knees. Eddie “NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL AT UM CUZ HE NEVER LETTERED AND HAS KNOCK KNEES” Hudak has knock knees. Knock knees equates to cat piss genetics. Fire the Liar (Hudak and Lago). 😎
I am a Coral Gables resident since 2010. I’m not sure how you can judge if the Chief is doing a good job or not, but I must say that I do notice less enforcement than when I first moved in. I remember moving here and seeing many police cars in my neighborhood. Now I’m not saying I feel unsafe, there is just less of a presence.
I have spoken to a couple of officers who were very nice, but have mentioned that internal issues have soured them. I hope the Police are treated fairly. We need our police.
Chief Hudak is a dignified, top notch experienced law enforcement officer whose entire career has been in The City Of Coral Gables plus he’s accesible and has always had an open mind to fine tune any old or new ideas to improve our safety and quality of life To not just me it’s a true blessing Chief Hudak never jumped jumped ship to accept many other well paid and highly promising job offers. Thank You Chief Hudak for your excellent service and professionalism
Anne is right. We’ve lost our way. Law and Order was a priority. We even had a Police Chief Mayor for many years. Public Schools will soon be receiving funding from Speeding Cameras in school zones; don’t know why we don’t have similar cameras LENIENTLY ticketing drivers 15 mph over the limit on our residential streets. We’d generate lots of revenue for our police or other departments. This topic has been brought to the attention of both the Mayor & Police Chief. Don’t know why the Police don’t pull over downtown drivers with cellphones in hand. Guess the telecom lobby rules! Don’t know why Uber & Lyft drivers are allowed to turn on their blinkers and stand in the middle of Miracle Mile. Why can’t they drop off people in the many valet parking lanes/ spots? Guess the ride share and valet parking lobbies rule!
Follow the Chief’s previous suggestion and hire Mike Norvell to run the Coral Gables Police Transfer Portal!😂
I remember when people entering the Gables drove slower, following speed limits. Now I understand why it doesn’t happen anymore. There is a skeleton police presence, traffic enforcement is a free for all! Hope this changes soon!
Dear Don. Saying that a Chief that has a felony arrest, has been under investigation by the feds for forging documents to fly on planes armed, gets paid under the table by UM, goes to a bikini pool party in his city car for a photo op in uniform (which would get any of his officer’s fired), most recently interfering in a criminal investigation of a peepee predator friend of his, is what any police department wants is hilariously a Miami-Dade way of thinking. That was the funny comment of the day.
So far, everyone commenting on this article is hiding behind a fake avatar. Seems likely that they are either jealous that he is Chief, or a pissed off Union Member.
Ed Hudak is what any Police Department would want as a Chief. Started off as a recruit. Worked his way up in the Department. Continued with his education while working. Volunteers in Community Organizations. Treats the citizens and employees with respect.The Department has grown and changed for the better with the community under his leadership.
Maybe everyone should think where this Department would be under the leadership of James Skinner.
A Chief with a criminal past who is involved in scandal after scandal just like his boss? Low morale, hiring of retired, want to do nothing police officers? Promotes incompetent officers to leadership positions because they are his friends? What is wrong with you Gables residents? YOU are paying for this! The cops HATE coming to work and are doing absolutely nothing pro-active as they wait for the next call to handle abuela’s barking dog complaint. I blame the Gables residents that are not flooding calls to the City Manager demanding to fire this clown!
By saying “[i]n response to calls highlighting corruption, the Mayor…proposed a forensic audit of the city…[but that] directly tackle…more pressing allegations of favoritism towards certain developers,” Gables Insider has moved the goal line. No one alleging “corruption” has alleged anything specific. Now that we have a report showing minimal abuse of city-issued purchasing and credit cards, and a proposal that a “forensic audit” be conducted, Gables Insider alleges this does not “directly tackle…allegations of favoritism towards certain developers.” Gables Insider now has to change things up because it swung and missed the first pitch.
Rather than just a forensic audit, the city should hire a law firm to investigate actual, specific allegations of “corruption.” Organizations do this all the time, and it could include forensic audits, interviewing witnesses, etc. Those alleging “corruption” must state exactly what they allege so the investigators know what to investigate. If you think the mayor corruptly “favors certain developers” or commissioners corruptly use their positions to get perks from local businesses, state your claim specifically so the law firm can investigate. We’ll get a final report that either supports or refutes some or all of the claims.
This is the only way to put all of this nonsense behind us and get the city back on track.
Hudak needs to be fired. First infraction, making political calls against candidates during the last election. Those calls were made at the request of Mayor Lago to favor his candidates and hurt the opposing candidate, Ariel Fernandez. Remember, the threat was, “if Ariel wins I will quit.” Getting involved in the political process in no place for a police chief.
Infraction number two, 37 vacancies with a real possibility of reaching 50 as this negotiation process continues to stall. Record vacancies speaks volumes on the lack of leadership, distrust and an indicator of what is going on in the dept.
Infraction number three, University of Miami police escort accident. Hudak covering up an officer involved accident to save his job is absolutely deplorable. That alone should get him fired. That was NOT A TRAINING EXERCISE. Someone got seriously hurt and hospitalized, maybe even ended someone’s career. Internal coverups by a police chief are not good, to say the least.
Last but not least, infraction number four. Assisting a former UM football coach avoid criminal prosecution for a lewd and lascivious act. NINETEEN text messages have been produced between Hudak and the former UM Coach, Gattis, with instructions from Hudak on how to proceed. (See links below) This infraction is digusting, goes against every principle of law enforcement and betrays the badge. For this alone he should be fired IMMEDIATELY. Ask the UM janitorial cleaning lady how she feels about “The City Beautiful” covering this up. Absolutely disgusting. Hudak is the father of two girls. What if the shoe were on the other foot? No excuses. He took and oath to serve and protect. He failed and betrayed the badge.
It’s time for Hudak to depart. Four infractions, the last being extremely troubling is enough reason for termination.
https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/coral-gables/article285690871.html
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/12/20/maryland-football-josh-gattis-police-investigation/
This is a no brainer. History shows over and over again when a leader has lost the support and trust of the people on the front line, the leader must go. Lago and Hudak are finished.
… the police chief must go… he presides over a low morale department… and his solution is one) waste tax payer money on excessive overtime… two) hire already retired officers!!!??? he is clearly disconnected from the rank and file… he was only hired because of lago anyways… he was not the best candidate… but lago rammed him through with lies on high crime… and by creating a circus in the commission…. time that lago lie and mistake is finally corrected…
The chief is incompetent! His ego and an air of infallibility are not suitable to the city beautiful.
It’s time for a change.
While it’s understandable that the Police Officers need betterment in pay and pensions, etc., it is also evident that the current leadership has to be overhauled and refreshed with a new Police Chief. We have seen these issues before between the Officers and a Chief who has failed unify the department and as recently brought into light, lacks moral due his his questionable criminal past and investigation obstruction surrounding the case of a UM Football Coaching staff among several other negative and embarrassing conduct. More money and better benefits for the Officers alone will only put another costly bandaid on the problem. A new leader and fresh start is also needed.
Our strongest department within Coral Gables should be the Police Department. Instead it is a disgrace, run by the incompetent police Chief Hudak. Worse is that he is supported by our another incompetent, Mayor Lago. I do not care what excuse these two horrible leaders give us, there is absolutely NO EXCUSE to have almost 40 vacant slots open for police officers. There is NO excuse that a contract should take 1 year. You have the money with all this overbuilding that has added a tremendous amount to our tax base. Give them a huge raise with benefits. You work for us and you need to do what is best for us. This just shows how pathetic the leadership of this City has gotten. We are heading into hurricane season and with a major disaster, we need our police force full and ready to support the safety of our City and residents. Hudak has worn out his welcome here in the City and it is time that he goes. This is a beautiful City with some of the best residents in the County. There is no reason for this except that the leadership of the police department has created a toxic environment. Lago can protect Hudak all he wants but if he does, it just adds another reason to why we need to get rid of the Mayor.
“People don’t leave companies, they leave managers.” Imagine being a high tax paying resident of Coral Gables and the Chief of Police offers a resolution to hire old, lazy, tired, and non-motivated retirees to police Coral Gables. HAHAHAHAHA!! This is what you get when you have a clown as chief and an utterly incompetent staff he hand-picked. 40 young and highly motivated officers left in 2 years to be stars elsewhere. Fire Dildo-Stepper Clown Hudak and Soy Boy Beta Male Lago. That is all. Carry on. 🙂
I’ve lived in Coral Gables for over 35 years. I’ve seen the rapid development and growth in the downtown area, along with the US1 corridor. I’ve also been disgusted with the inner politics of the mayor and chief. I have spoken to several employees, both civilian and police. Each time, I have gotten the same answer from each person. Not only are the police officers severely under paid, the civilians within the police department and other city positions are also underpaid. What’s the common denominator here people? Open your eyes!!!!! Vince Lago and his crony Ed Hudak. They have single handily torn the city down. Look at Ed Hudak’s back round. Enough said. Lies about playing football. Arrested for felony battery in Ft Lauderdale. Worked his way up the ranks by lying and getting people to turn their backs on each other, very similar to what’s going on now within the department. And then he stands up in front of the commission and lies or defers everything to his staff cause 1- he doesn’t know, and 2- he can always come back and say “I didn’t say that”. It’s time for residents, business owners, and police personnel to stand up to the “bully”. The Bully needs to go along with the clown Vinny.
Also- who sits on the other side of the table and negotiates against the same people he bullies. Ed does.