The city of Hialeah has allocated $13,050 from public funds to a political consulting firm that previously charged $171,000 to Mayor Bryan Calvo's campaign committee for sending mass text messages promoting events associated with the mayor, as reported by the Miami Herald on Wednesday.
The firm in question is Dark Horse Strategies and Consulting Inc., led by Emiliano Antunez, who served as the chief consultant for Calvo's 2025 campaign.
The political action committee "Let's Fix Hialeah" paid $171,000 for consulting services during that election, with the final payment made in January 2026, shortly after Calvo took office.
Three months later, the city began using taxpayer money to hire the same firm. Between April and July, Hialeah made four payments to Dark Horse Strategies for text message campaigns: 54,500 SMS for Earth Day cleanup ($4,425), 52,900 SMS for the Mayor's Cup Fan Fest during the World Cup ($4,100), 3,030 SMS for a community meeting ($500), and 51,000 SMS for the July 4th celebration ($4,025).
One of the messages was written in the first person: "I am excited to invite you and your family to the Mayor's Cup Fan Fest on Saturday, June 13 at Factory Town as we celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026."
The messages were sent to residents from a phone number not identified as belonging to the municipality.
City records also reveal three additional service orders to the firm: $1,880 in August and another $785 and $875 in September. Antunez confirmed to the Herald that Hialeah has already paid for the August services, though the city has not provided the receipts.
The total amount, including confirmed payments and additional orders, reaches $16,590, just $9,000 shy of the $25,000 threshold that requires City Council approval according to Hialeah's procurement rules.
Council members told the Herald they were completely unaware of these expenses when questioned by the newspaper.
This pattern stands in stark contrast to the promises Calvo made during his campaign, when the Miami Herald was investigating how former mayor Esteban Bovo spent over $45,000 in public funds for his farewell party. At the time, Calvo stated, "As mayor, I will ensure that every public dollar serves the public good, not the politician's ego."
This isn't the first instance where the youngest mayor in Hialeah's history faces scrutiny over the use of municipal resources. The city incurred over $59,100 in overtime payments to three officers on his personal security detail between January and July 2026, according to payroll records.
Antunez defended his approach to the Herald, asserting that text messages are "more effective" than radio or newspaper advertising because they reach the target audience directly, and he calculates his costs based on the number of residents reached.
No previous administration before Calvo's had paid political consultants to send mass text messages promoting community meetings or other mayoral activities, according to available records cited by the Miami Herald. Calvo, his spokesperson, and his chief of staff did not respond to the newspaper's requests for comment.
Questions about Hialeah's Use of Public Funds for Campaign Consulting
How much did Hialeah pay the consulting firm for text messages?
Hialeah paid the consulting firm $13,050 from public funds for sending mass text messages related to mayoral events.
Who led the consulting firm hired by Hialeah?
The consulting firm, Dark Horse Strategies and Consulting Inc., is led by Emiliano Antunez, who was the chief consultant for Bryan Calvo's campaign.
What was the response from Hialeah's City Council regarding the expenses?
Council members stated they were not aware of the expenses when questioned by the Miami Herald.