In the latest development since Palm Bay City Councilman Pete Filiberto was arrested for DUI and felony drugs charges for crack cocaine, Representative Fine instructs him to dig in.
With increasing calls for Filiberto to resign, Fine has told him to not make a statement, and to not resign. With the number of angry citizens who are likely to show up to tomorrow’s council meeting, Fine also advised him not to show up in order to minimize the remarks or put him in a position to have to respond.
Because of the charges he faces, Florida law allows for the Governor to suspend him from office as the prosecution goes forward. A conviction would result in an automatic removal from office. However, the suspension is up to the Governor’s discretion.
Fine has assured Filiberto that he can convince Governor DeSantis to not suspend him from office so that he can remain on the council for as long as the charges are still pending. This prevents the council from being able to appoint someone to fill the position in his place.