This story was updated Friday, May 3 to reflect the decision of the Canvassing Board.
Miami Lakers chose attorney Bryan Morera to fill Seat 6 on the Miami Lakes Town Council.
In the runoff election on April 30, Morera received 1,177 votes, or 56.51% of ballots cast to Esther Colon’s 906 votes, or 43.49%, according to official results reported by the Miami-Dade County Elections Department.
Voter turnout was very low, with just 10.41% of 20,045 registered voters, or 2,086 people going to the polls.
Morera wanted to address his comments to the voters.
“Thank you so much for entrusting me with the duties of a councilman,” Morera said that night. “It was a short but tough race. I thank the voters deeply. Now the real work begins.”
Attempts to reach Colon for comment were not successful. On Facebook, she posted on April 30, "Hi Miami Lakers, I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards my family, friends, and residents who showed immense trust and support during my election. I am thankful to have such wonderful people in my life. Also, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the hardworking individuals who put their time and effort into making this election successful. Your unwavering dedication is truly appreciated, and I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done."
There are currently 10 residential, commercial and road projects happening in town.
Colon, 70, had campaigned against development; municipal borrowing without residents’ voting on infrastructure improvements such as Optimist Park that has shared ownership, and budgeting that might result in a surplus every spring.
Morera, 32, said the town council was too passive in fighting limestone mining that residents blame for property damage and faulted elected officials for not addressing basic infrastructure issues such as broken sidewalks and potholes.
The candidates agreed during an April 25 forum that voters are apathetic and don’t show up for municipal elections because they aren’t being heard. Both alleged that property code violations are selectively enforced.
If campaign cash made a difference, Morera raised more: $28,600 to Colon’s $11,500, the candidates reported.
The Miami Lakes Canvassing Board -- Mayor Manny Cid, Miami Lakes Town Clerk and Miami Lakes Supervisor of Elections Gina Inguanzo and 11th Circuit Court Jacqueline Woodward – were present at the county elections offices in Doral and will meet again on May 3 to certify the runoff race results.
The runoff became necessary after the April 9 special election.
That night, turnout again was low, with just 10.52% of eligible voters casting ballots.
None of the five candidates won more than 50%, prompting the April 30 race.
Morera will fulfill the term until Nov. 2026 that was vacated by former Vice Mayor Carlos Alvarez. Citing work and family commitments, Alvarez resigned during a council meeting in Nov. 2023.
The board certified the results on May 3 as official, and Morera is scheduled to be sworn in on May 14 before the next town council meeting, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall, 6601 Main St.