Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Wednesday, December 1, 1976, page 1 (of 27)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
Waiting for consultant SM city manager declines comment on FOP resolution
By EDWIN KNIGHT Staff Writer South Miami City Manager Jack Present said this week that he didn't want to comment and certainly wouldn't act on a resolution passed by the South Miami Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police calling for the resignation of Police Chief Sal Vizzini. The city manager preferred to withhold comment until an outside consultant comes to South Miami, thoroughly investigates the police department and makes his report to the city. "At this time," said the city manager, "we are in the process of choosing the consulting firm, and I hope to be able to announce my choice at the city council's Dec. 7 meeting." The vote by the FOP is the latest in a running fued between the FOP and Police Chief Vizzini and is being led by several former South Miami police officers who were fired for various reasons. The firings, they claim, are due partly to their FOP activities. On Nov. 20, a group of FOP members met to vote on the resolution calling for Chief Vizzini's resignation. They accused Vizzini of bugging private conversations in the police department and of violating the civil rights of South Miami policemen by prohibiting them from going to City Hall to complain about department regulations and activities. Although FOP leadership claims that a two-thirds majority of those voting is needed to pass a resolution, FOP officers decline to give the exact number of members who were present at the meeting to vote. The Times/Guide learned that only 12 officers were at the meeting, but this figure was discounted by former Officer Lou Terminello, who attended the meeting and is leading the move for the chief's ouster. "I can tell you that there were considerably more See FOP, Page 2
Times | Guide
Serving The City Beautiful Since 1926 4627 Ponce de Leon Boulevard . Coral Gables Florida 33146 Florida's Best Suburban Newspaper . Phone 666-7881 40 Pages Vol. 50 No. 97 December 1, 1976 ** 10 Cents
Gables cop found guilty on 2 charges
By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer The Coral Gables Trial Board voted Monday night to fire police officer Lawrence Carastro, after he was found guilty of two accusations involving a minor female. After meeting on three separate occasions and listening to more than 12 hours of testimony, the members of the Trial Board voted 4-1 to fire Carastro. The 25-year-old police officer was found guilty of two of the four charges originally brought against him. He was accused of being naked with a minor female in the presence of other people in his apartment sometime during the July 4 weekend; and of encouraging a 15-year-old girl to drink alcohol and being with her in a place selling alcoholic drinks. Because the 15-year-old minor in question did not appear before the Trial Board, Douglas Williams, attorney for the fired policeman, questioned the propriety of the proceedings. "I have very serious doubts in my mind of the propriety of the whole proceeding and if my client appeals the decision, that will be the basis of the appeal," Williams said. "I don't feel the proceedings were consistent with anything resembling due process of law," said Williams, adding that the people of Coral Gables got what they wanted since they elected the Trial Board members themselves. Two of the members of the Trial Board are elected by the city commission, two are elected by the employes of the city and the fifth member is appointed by the other four. On Nov. 17, the city dropped all charges of alleged sexual misconduct against Det. James Rossey because the same 15-year-old girl involved in the Carastro case was See GIRLFRIEND, Page 34
Everybody loves a parade
Just about everybody turned out for the annual Coral Gables Jaycees' Welcome Santa Parade, held last Saturday. On the left, Gables resident Dr. Robert V. Edwards delights the crowd with organ music and below, guess who all the kiddies are waving at - Santa, of course. More parade pictures on page 6. Photos by FRANK TURSI
More than 100 Christmas stockings entered in contest
By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer Picking the winners of The Coral Gables Times/Guide Christmas Stocking Contest was a difficult task. The response from our readers was so great, that the judges had to choose the winning entries from among more than 100 colorful stockings received. Although we wish to especially congratulate the winners, The Times/Guide would like to thank each and every one of you who entered the contest. Even if your stocking didn't win one of our prizes, you can be sure that it will bring a special joy to the needy child who receives it at Christmas time. Stockings we received were done in everything from vinyl to felt, and decorated with trimmings that ranged from lace to angel hair. First place in the "Most Decorative" category went to Mrs. Emily B. Ward of 2908 Alhambra Cir.. Her red holiday stocking was trimmed in white and laced with jingle bells. The entry by Mrs. Chary Garcia of 500 Maderia Ave., came in second place in the decorative category. The green felt stocking was decorated with holiday appliques and trimmed in white lace. Mrs. Ruth Page of 10290 SW 179th St. won third See RAGGEDY, Page 4