Pembroke Park Mayor Files Emergency Lawsuit Over Alleged 'Illegal Coup'

Attorney claims town manager is trying to unlawfully remove mayor from office

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Pembroke Park Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs has filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to block a special town commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday that could result in his removal from office. Jacobs' attorney, Michael Pizzi, alleges the town manager is orchestrating an "illegal political coup" and lacks the authority to remove the mayor without a court order.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles within local government, where elected officials and appointed administrators can clash over the limits of their respective authorities. The outcome could set an important precedent for how residency disputes and potential removals of mayors are handled in Florida.

The details

Jacobs' lawsuit alleges the town manager scheduled the special commission meeting with less than 72 hours' notice and set it for a weekday when the mayor is out of state working as a pilot, in an attempt to limit public participation and prevent Jacobs from responding. The complaint argues the town manager lacks the legal authority to remove the mayor or declare his office vacant without first seeking a court order, as required under Florida law and the town charter.

  • The special town commission meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Jacobs' attorney plans to hold a news conference at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday to discuss the lawsuit and allegations.

The players

Geoffrey Jacobs

The mayor of Pembroke Park, Florida, who has filed an emergency lawsuit to block a special town commission meeting that could result in his removal from office.

Michael Pizzi

The attorney representing Mayor Jacobs, who has publicly accused the town manager of orchestrating an "illegal political coup" to remove the mayor.

Pembroke Park Town Manager

The town manager who scheduled the special commission meeting and is alleged to be attempting to unlawfully remove the mayor from office.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to grant Jacobs' request for an emergency temporary restraining order to prevent the town from taking any action to remove him from office at the special commission meeting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing power struggles and disputes over the limits of authority between elected officials and appointed administrators in local government, with the outcome potentially setting an important precedent for how residency-related removals of mayors are handled in Florida.