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This Friday, Cuban-American Manolo Reyes, commissioner of District 4 of the city, passed away in Miami at the age of 80.
Her death, confirmed by her family through an emotional statement on social media, marks the end of a life dedicated to public service.
"With deep sadness, we announce the passing of the City of Miami Commissioner for District 4, Manolo Reyes," stated the Instagram message, without providing further details about the circumstances of his death.
However, El Nuevo Herald reported earlier this week that Reyes was hospitalized after a setback in his health, which had been weakened by a long battle against cancer in recent years.
According to Martí Noticias, he was a respected figure in public service and an emblematic member of the Cuban-American community who dedicated himself to serving Miami, first as a teacher and then as a commissioner.
Manolo Reyes was elected for the first time as commissioner of District 4 in Miami in November 2017, receiving 57% of the votes, after several unsuccessful attempts in previous elections.
His victory was followed by an uncontested reelection in 2019, which confirmed the admiration and support of the voters from Flagami and Coral Way, the areas he represented.
Originally from Victoria de las Tunas, in eastern Cuba, he emigrated to the United States in 1959 with his family, fleeing the regime of Fidel Castro.
He graduated in Economics from the University of Florida in Gainesville and settled in Miami, where he lived for over five decades and dedicated himself to improving the lives of his neighbors.
He was married to Selva "Chacha" Reyes, with whom he shared nearly 50 years of life, and he is survived by his two adult children and three grandchildren.
According to Diario de las Américas, throughout his career he was known for his focus on improving the quality of life for residents and his strong opposition to corruption, and his commitment to the community was evident in his daily work.
"Its motto has always been clear: 'Work for the people, respond to the interests and needs of the voters,'" the text recalls.
The mayor of Miami, Francis Suárez, expressed his sorrow over the loss of his colleague and friend, stating that "his warmth, laughter, and unwavering dedication to our community will never be forgotten."
"I had the privilege of serving alongside him for almost eight years. We competed in a contest, but our campaign always focused on ideas, not personal attacks. He was going to run in the upcoming mayoral elections. Manolo would be a formidable mayor, I am sure of that, due to his background, his character, and his dedication to the community," he added.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar also expressed her condolences, describing Reyes as "an exemplary public servant who dedicated his life to the development and progress of our community."
For his part, former mayor Tomás Regalado proposed to pay tribute to Reyes with a funeral procession that would pass by the town hall, a symbolic homage to someone who was part of the city's governance.
"I was very hurt to hear about his relapse and the suffering he endured in his final days," he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Manolo Reyes and His Legacy in Miami
Who was Manolo Reyes and what was his role in Miami?
Manolo Reyes was a city commissioner for Miami who represented District 4 from 2017. His public career was marked by perseverance, commitment, and a dedication to serving the community. During his tenure, he worked diligently to improve the quality of life for the residents of Flagami and Coral Way, earning the respect and affection of many Miami citizens.
What impact did the death of Manolo Reyes have on the Miami community?
The death of Manolo Reyes prompted a wave of condolences and tributes in Miami. Residents and local leaders expressed their sadness over the loss of a public servant admired for his dedication and warmth. Mayor Francis Suárez emphasized that his commitment to the community will never be forgotten. His legacy will endure in the memories of those who worked alongside him and in those he served.
What was the cause of Manolo Reyes' death?
Although the official statement did not reveal the cause of his death, it was reported that Manolo Reyes had been hospitalized after dealing with several health issues in recent years, including cancer. His relapse in health was the reason for his recent hospitalization, which had raised concerns among his close circle.
What was Manolo Reyes' political legacy in the city of Miami?
The legacy of Manolo Reyes in Miami is characterized by his tireless dedication to public service, particularly in representing District 4. He was elected with 57% of the votes in 2017 and was re-elected unopposed in 2019. His focus was always on the well-being of the community, and his leadership was recognized for its warmth and commitment. The city of Miami remembers his laughter, dedication, and the positive impact he made.
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