Temple Terrace Mayor Resigns Amid Controversy

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — In a memo addressed to the Temple Terrace City Council, city staff and residents dated March 17 and delivered to City Hall Friday afternoon, Mel Jurado announced her resignation as mayor effective May 7, saying her future career path is taking her in another direction.

Effective immediately, Vice Mayor Andy Ross has assumed the responsibilities of mayor.

“After strong consideration, I have decided to resign as mayor of the City of Temple Terrace, effective date May 7, 2020. After focusing on the future path I want my life to take, and reviewing my responsibilities as mayor, I have decided that continuing to serve as mayor is not conducive to the direction I’ve decided to go.

After discussions with city staff, it has been decided that I will have a diminished role in representing the city as mayor through this transition. Due to prior guidance and collaborative efforts, I feel that my leaving will in no way impact the direction of the city.

I thank all of those who have made the city’s work environment as productive as it has become. I treasure the time I have spent working with staff and council; and the goals we did set and accomplish. To those citizens and friends who elected and supported me to serve as mayor of the city, I cannot thank you enough for providing this opportunity. Together, much has been accomplished and I’m very proud to have been a part of it.
Regards,
Mel Jurado

Elected in 2017, controversy has surrounded Jurado since the 2018 revelation that she received her doctorate degree in psychology from LaSalle University, a diploma mill in Mandeville, Louisiana, that was closed down by the FBI in 1996.

Jurado received her "degree" just before the operation was shut down.

On her biography posted on the city's website following her election, Jurado purported to be a psychologist and used the title "Dr." in front of her name.

When the Florida Department of Health discovered she was not a licensed health professional, it fined her $813 and ordered Jurado to quit referring to herself as a psychologist.

Jurado, who was up for re-election in November, was also facing possible sanctions from the Florida Commission on Ethics.