Can elected officials interfere with city administration and disregard the rules meant to protect the public? A North Miami resident is taking that question to court.
On Monday, August 24, 2026, the lawsuit brought by resident and community advocate Eileen Bicaba against Councilmembers Mary Estimé-Irvin, Kassandra Timothe, and Pierre Frantz Charles is scheduled for trial.
The lawsuit originally alleged violations of Florida’s Sunshine Law, Section 19 of the North Miami City Charter, and the North Miami Citizens’ Bill of Rights, arising from the removal of former City Manager Rasha Cameau.
The Citizens’ Bill of Rights claim was dismissed before trial. The remaining case includes allegations under the Sunshine Law and Section 19 of North Miami Charter, which was expressly identified in paragraph 45 of the June 2024 complaint.
The Sunshine Law requires public business to be conducted openly. Section 19 of North Miami Charter prohibits councilmembers from directing or requesting the appointment or removal of employees under the city manager and restricts their interference in any way with city administration.
These protections matter to every resident. When elected officials interfere with personnel decisions, a “friends and family” culture can take hold—leaving employees afraid to speak and residents questioning whose interests their government serves.
Even getting to trial has been a fight.
On July 9, 2026, the defendants filed a motion for final summary judgment, seeking a ruling in their favor without a trial.
According to Bicaba, the judge had already warned that there was insufficient time to hear the motion before trial while respecting the plaintiff’s response deadlines. Nevertheless, the defense pressed for a hearing and proposed using August 24 to hear its motion instead of proceeding with the scheduled trial.
Bicaba recalls the judge emphasizing that the plaintiff had rights too and holding firm: the case would proceed to trial.
After more than two years of litigation, the case is heading to court for testimony and evidence. The defendants’ legal defense is funded by the City, while Bicaba has relied on personal funds and community support to pursue accountability.
Residents are encouraged to attend.
Trial begins: Monday, August 24, 2026
Judge: Hon. Beatrice Butchko Sanchez
Courtroom: 24D
Location: Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center
20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
Case number: 2024-010788-CA-01
The Charter belongs to the people. Silence protects the powerful. Participation protects the people.