A stalemate is broken at Miami Beach City Hall with commissioners and the mayor agreeing voters should decide who will replace the late Commissioner Mark Samuelian on the dais.
Mayor Dan Gelber admits both appointment and a quick election are imperfect solutions, "but far worse than either of those options is for us to go off the cliff and simply say we're going to have no one in the seat for 16 months. That is basically an absurd outcome."
Commissioner David Richardson claims he's received threats in recent days over his support of an appointment over a November election with a December runoff.
A unanimous vote is now expected on Monday to finalize the election.
Residents can formally declare their candidacy the following day with the qualifying period between August 22 and 25th.
Miami Beach commissioners have also given their initial approval - allowing voters in November to weigh in on a two tower hotel and condo complex proposal separated by a garden - to replace the historic Deauville Beach Resort.
It's a project developed by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
He's brought in world renowned architect Frank Gehry to come up with the plans.
Ross grew up in the area and Gehry spent time as a child at the Deauville.
They both say they want to refurbish the blighted neighborhood and will work with the residents to come up with a agreed upon plan.