Former Wynwood BID Interim Director Charged with Theft

Florentino Diaz accused of grand theft and organized fraud while leading the business improvement district.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled financial document, the harsh lighting and dramatic framing creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the allegations of financial wrongdoing.The harsh lighting and dramatic close-up of this financial document conceptually illustrate the serious allegations of financial misconduct within the Wynwood Business Improvement District.Today in Miami

The former interim executive director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District in Miami, Florida has been arrested and charged with grand theft and organized fraud, according to authorities. Florentino Diaz, age 45, was taken into custody on Tuesday as part of an investigation led by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and Miami Police Department.

Why it matters

The Wynwood neighborhood is a major arts and entertainment district in Miami, and the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) plays a key role in managing and promoting the area. Allegations of financial misconduct by a former BID leader could undermine public trust in the organization and raise concerns about oversight and accountability.

The details

Details of Diaz's alleged crimes were not immediately available, but the charges of grand theft and organized fraud suggest he is accused of misappropriating funds or engaging in other financial wrongdoing while serving as the interim executive director of the Wynwood BID. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales are expected to provide more information about the case at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.

  • Florentino Diaz was arrested on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • The news conference by the State Attorney and Police Chief is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

The players

Florentino Diaz

The former interim executive director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District in Miami, Florida who has been charged with grand theft and organized fraud.

Katherine Fernandez Rundle

The Miami-Dade State Attorney who is expected to provide more details about the case against Florentino Diaz at a news conference.

Manuel Morales

The Miami Police Chief who is expected to provide more details about the case against Florentino Diaz at a news conference.

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What’s next

The Miami-Dade State Attorney and Miami Police Chief are expected to hold a news conference on Tuesday afternoon to provide more information about the charges against Florentino Diaz and the investigation.

The takeaway

This case raises concerns about financial oversight and accountability within the Wynwood Business Improvement District, an organization that plays a crucial role in managing and promoting one of Miami's most vibrant neighborhoods. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the BID's operations and public trust in the district's leadership.