What is the fate of popular Coral Gables blog now that its editor has been elected?
Following his election to the Coral Gables City Commission last month, Ariel Fernandez has stepped down as editor of the popular watchdog blog and newsletter, “Gables Insider.”
“Since our founding, our mission has always been to keep this publication free from political influence and focused on factual reporting of the actions taken by our government,” Fernandez wrote in an open letter. “To be faithful to this mission, today, I am stepping down as Editor of Gables Insider and ceasing all reporting.”
Fernandez told the Miami Herald that several people have expressed interest in taking over the role, and that he might choose a successor within the next several weeks. For now, the outlet is on a hiatus.
Fernandez said he is planning to start another newsletter called “Commission Insider.” He does not plan to automatically transition the approximately 30,000 “Gables Insider” subscribers to the new newsletter, but will instead start from scratch. Commissioners Kirk Menendez and Rhonda Anderson, who are halfway through their four-year terms, also have newsletters that residents can subscribe to.
Last month, Fernandez won against Alex Bucelo in the race for City Commission Group V. Melissa Castro won against Ivette Arango O’Doski in the Group IV race. Both the losing candidates, Bucelo and O’Doski, had been endorsed by Mayor Vince Lago, as well as Anderson and Menendez.
Fernandez and Castro were sworn in on Friday. The pair are hosting a resident town hall from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. next Monday at the police and fire headquarters. Their first official City Commission meeting will take place the following day, May 9.
This story was originally published May 1, 2023 at 12:12 PM.
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