Never mind the tropical depressions in the Atlantic. The perfect storm was brewing and spiraling out of control in Miami City Hall on Tuesday.
Amid the worst financial crisis in the city's history, drastic measures were met with even greater resistance as city commissioners discussed cutting salaries, health benefits and even pensions to union employees.
The commisison voted unanimously to go forward with the drastic cuts, a move that will likely touch off a legal firestorm that could drive the city tumbling further down the deep abyss of fiscal irresponsibility.
Commissioners said they have no choice.
Under the current proposal, 1,300 jobs will be lost. And no one will be spared. Cops and firefighters, who are used to being safe behind their shields from the budget ax, will be on the front line in front of the firing squad.
"We've all been trying to figure out how to balance the budget when 90 percent of the costs are people costs -- salaries, benefits and health care," City Manager Carlos Migoya told the hundreds of people that gathered to listen and be heard at the special commission meeting.
Many had attended after seeing a published report by NBC Miami that hinted Mayor Tomas Regalado was willing to break city union contracts to balance the $110 million hole in the budget.
Cops and firefighters have already said they will sue the city if they touch any of their negotiated contracts, but it never hurts to have it on the public record.
"I am speechless about this process that has almost certainly gone against Florida law," said Robert Suarez, president of the fire union.
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Many firefighters and police officers wore less than flattering shirts with slogans about the mayor and the commission.
Under the proposed expense-cutting plan, any employee making over $39,000 will see a salary cut, ranging from five percent to 13-percent.
Pension payouts would also change, for both employees and spouses. Now, the max payout will be $100,000 and spouses will only receive 10 years worth of benefits if a city employee dies.
