Pembroke Park Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs has filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to block a special town commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, which could result in his removal from office. His attorney, Michael Pizzi, described the move as an attempt by the town manager to carry out an “illegal political coup.”
Pizzi announced plans to hold a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday outside Pembroke Park Town Hall to discuss the lawsuit and the allegations against the town manager. The lawsuit, filed Monday in Broward County Circuit Court, claims the town manager scheduled the meeting with less than 72 hours’ notice and set it for 1 p.m. on a weekday while Jacobs is out of state working as a pilot.
“The timing was intended to limit public participation and prevent the mayor from responding to the allegations,” the complaint states. It argues that under Florida law and the town charter, only a circuit court judge can make a final determination about whether an elected official has forfeited office—and only after notice and a judicial hearing.
The legal filing relies on a January memorandum from the town attorney, which concluded that the town commission may hold a public hearing and consider evidence related to residency, but cannot issue a binding decision removing the mayor. Despite this, the complaint alleges the town manager obtained an additional legal opinion and proceeded to schedule the meeting without first seeking a court order.
Pizzi denied claims that Jacobs abandoned his residence or threatened the town manager, stating that the mayor maintains a Pembroke Park address and that his driver’s license, voter registration, and utility bills confirm residency in the town.
However, public records reviewed by Local 10 News indicate that Jacobs and his wife own a home in St. Lucie County, which receives a homestead and full disability tax exemption—both of which require claiming the property as a primary residence. The property was also purchased with a VA-backed loan, which mandates the owner certify it as their principal residence.
The lawsuit emphasizes that residency disputes are fact-intensive and should be resolved by a court rather than the town manager or commission. Jacobs is requesting an emergency temporary restraining order to prevent the town from declaring his office vacant at Tuesday’s meeting and is seeking a declaratory judgment confirming that the town lacks authority to remove him without a court order.
