SURFSIDE, Fla. – Newly-elected Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said the law firm acting as the town’s attorneys is bowing out.
In a letter, attorneys Lillian Arango and Tony Recio announced that their firm, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, will no longer represent the town in its legal dealings.
“I expected they would quit,” Burkett said ahead of a special commission meeting to discuss the matter Monday night.
The resignation comes after voters put Burkett, who previously served as the town’s mayor, back in office, ousting now-former Mayor Shlomo Danzinger in a rematch; voters also elected a slate of commissioners who aligned themselves with Burkett.
Local 10 News was at Surfside Town Hall earlier this month when residents lashed out against the previous commission and mayor over the arrest of local activist Joshua Epstein.
After the alleged incident, Epstein was cuffed on accusations of pushing then-Vice Mayor Jeff Rose at a candidate’s forum.
There are some who have called for the ouster of Surfside Police Chief Antonio Marciante over the arrest.
Local 10 News asked Burkett if he plans to replace Marciante.
“Is he also gone?” Local 10 News reporter Christian De La Rosa asked.
“I think you can expect to see some pretty significant changes,” Burkett replied.
The arrest controversy erupted as the video made the rounds on social media.
Even though the clip does not show the alleged battery, Marciante told Local 10 News he had evidence, stressing the arrest was warranted.
Marciante also shared a video of a separate encounter with Epstein, saying it showed the suspect pretending to be pushed by an officer.
Epstein’s mother, former Commissioner Eliana Salzhauer, said he was just trying to get out of the way.
Local 10 News asked Marciante for comment Monday and he said he has yet to speak with his new boss.
Firm resignation letter: