CAO Bakery, a well‑known Cuban‑American bakery in Pinecrest, became the center of a political controversy on Saturday when House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic congressional candidate Eliott Rodriguez visited the shop during Rodriguez’s campaign for Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
Backlash on social media
Shortly after the visit, several social‑media users posted criticism, accusing the bakery of aligning itself with socialism for allowing the two Democrats to enjoy pastelitos and cafecito on the premises. The criticism framed the event as a betrayal of a community built by refugees from socialist regimes.
Candidate’s response
Rodriguez pushed back, saying the attacks were an attempt by his political opponents to “destroy a small business” using “social media goons.” He emphasized that the bakery had simply invited two non‑socialists for a casual meeting and that the backlash was unfair in today’s tough economic climate.
Bakery’s stance
Bakery owner Yvette Rodriguez Cao told NBC6 that hosting the event did not constitute an endorsement of any candidate. She reiterated the shop’s commitment to “support freedom” and declared that the business is “against communism.” The statement was posted on the bakery’s social‑media pages shortly after the controversy erupted.
Republican counter‑attack
Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, who also represents the 27th District and is Rodriguez’s opponent, posted a photo of herself at Vicky Bakery, another family‑owned shop. In her statement, Salazar criticized Rodriguez for bringing Jeffries to a Cuban bakery, describing the visit as an insult to a community of survivors of socialism. She accused Rodriguez and his allies of turning the bakery into a “political prop” and questioned whether he truly understands the community he hopes to represent.
Further escalation
Rodriguez responded with a video that highlighted Salazar’s past as a television journalist, including footage of her interactions with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The video showed Rodriguez attempting to question Castro before a bodyguard intervened.
Local business impact
The incident underscores how local businesses can become flashpoints in partisan battles, especially in neighborhoods with strong cultural ties to anti‑socialist sentiment. Both CAO Bakery and Vicky Bakery issued statements denouncing socialism, aiming to reassure customers that their doors remain open to all, regardless of political affiliation.
Community reaction
Residents of Pinecrest and the broader Miami area expressed a range of opinions. Some defended the bakery’s right to host any lawful gathering, while others echoed the criticism, emphasizing the importance of rejecting socialist ideology in a community shaped by refugees from such regimes.
Looking ahead
The controversy is likely to remain a talking point in the upcoming congressional race, with both parties using the incident to rally their bases. For local business owners, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between community engagement and the potential for partisan fallout.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
