Ballot referendum is "unclear," residents seeking removal say

With one week to go before the August primary and early voting already underway , a group of Miami residents are seeking to remove a referendum from the ballot.

State of play: In a lawsuit filed Sunday and reported by the Miami Herald , six residents are challenging a ballot question regarding the installation of an outdoor gym at Maurice A. Ferré Park.

• The question asks voters if the city shall "keep already installed outdoor gym equipment" at the park "to enhance recreational facilities and promote community health and fitness."
• The residents argue in their suit the question is "unclear and misleading to voters" and fails to comply with Florida Election Code.

Catch up quick: The park gym was established under the Bayfront Park Management Trust, which is chaired by embattled City Commissioner Joe Carollo .

• In November, though, the city's Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board reversed the approval of the gym, pointing to the project's improper permitting, among other things, per the Herald .
• Following the reversal, the city commission decided at Carollo's request to hold a referendum.

The other side: Carollo told the Herald the ballot question is clear and appropriate processes were followed.

Bottom line: A spokesperson for the Elections Department told the Herald the agency will review the complaint and "proceed accordingly" once the lawsuit is received.