PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — A Local 10 News investigation is now triggering formal action that could remove Pembroke Park Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs from office.
Town commissioners are scheduled to hold a special commission meeting Tuesday at 1 p.m. to consider whether Jacobs has forfeited his office by failing to maintain residency within the town, as required by the Pembroke Park Charter.
According to the published agenda, commissioners will vote on a motion to declare that Jacobs forfeited his office due to failure to maintain residency in the town pursuant to the town charter. The motion also calls for Jacobs’ commission seat to be declared vacant. The item is sponsored by Clerk Commissioner Bill Hodgkins.
The meeting follows a months-long Local 10 News investigation that uncovered evidence raising serious questions about where Jacobs actually lives.
Local 10 obtained records showing Jacobs has claimed homestead and other residency-related tax exemptions on a home in St. Lucie County while serving as mayor of Pembroke Park. Under the town charter, elected officials are required to live within town limits.
Local 10’s reporting also found that Jacobs is registered to vote in Broward County, which similarly requires permanent residency within the county. The revelation raises further questions about whether Jacobs meets the legal requirements to serve as mayor and commissioner in Pembroke Park.
As a result of the investigation, the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office has confirmed it is reviewing the exemptions tied to Jacobs’ property. Property appraisers have the authority to revoke exemptions and seek repayment of improperly claimed tax benefits if a property owner is found not to qualify.
The fallout from the investigation has extended beyond tax questions. Town officials have cited the Local 10 findings as the basis for reviewing Jacobs’ eligibility to remain in office. Section 9 of the Pembroke Park charter states that an elected official automatically forfeits their office if they cease to be a resident of the town.
If the commission approves the motion on Tuesday, Jacobs would be removed from office and his seat formally declared vacant. The town would then be required to follow charter procedures to fill the vacancy.
Jacobs has previously denied wrongdoing and has not publicly conceded that he failed to meet residency requirements.
In a statement, Jacobs’ attorney, Michael Pizzi, said his client “has not forfeited his office and he maintains his residency in Pembroke Park.”
He continued, “The Special Call meeting tomorrow is illegal and based on a ‘second opinion’ by an attorney not properly hired or authorized to render legal (advice) to the City and in direct contrast to an opinion issued by the City Attorney.
“The Town has now had weeks to bring this issue before a Judge and Mayor Jacobs looks forward to prevailing when these issues are brought before a fair and tribunal. He also looks forward to seeking damages against all those (who) have slandered him with false accusations. Finally, many of these accusations surfaced after he brought to light what he believes to be misconduct by the City Manager who improperly opinion-shopped at (taxpayer) expenses.”
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