Beach Director Axed Over Expensive Brazilian Bash
Beach director spent nearly $600,000 on beach party after being budgeted $150,000
By TODD WRIGHT
Updated 3:00 PM EST, Wed, Nov 4, 2009
Gil Martinez knows how to throw a party. Unfortunately for him, his flare for the extravagant has landed him on the unemployment line.
The now former Hollywood Beach redevelopment director was kicked out of City Hall on Wednesday after going four times over budget on the city's "Brazil at the Beach" festival in March, according to the Miami Herald.
Martinez was supposed to spend $150,000 or less because the city was strapped for cash. But who can throw a party on such a tight budget. To truly live up to the Brazilian standard, everyone knows you need to spend at least $600,000. Brazil is the home to Carnival and the 2016 Olympic Games host after all.
So instead of $400,000 in tax payer dollars to help the city out of a financial pinch, Martinez decided there's no better way to forget about your financial troubles than a good party.
Martinez said a rain out on one of the festival days caused the expenses to sky rocket, along with added security for the thousands of people who attended the event.
Well city commissioners were none too pleased after getting the bill and didn't take long to come to a decision. They voted 5-2 to tell Martinez to take a hike.
Maybe now, Martinez can take a trip to Rio and experience a real Brazilian bash, if he can afford it.
First Published: Nov 4, 2009 2:43 PM EST
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