03/30/2023
Updated!
**Warning: He’s back!!!**
Dr. Joseph Gambino, a former Trustee Candidate and advisor to the team that challenged Freeport Mayor Kennedy in 2021 and an alleged advisor to the opposition in 2025, has a controversial history that raises significant concerns for community members. Known for his repeated candidacies for various political offices without success, Gambino was arrested in Florida for shooting at a house, an incident linked to a stray dog. Following this, he was sentenced on June 5, 2023, to two years of felony probation, which he reportedly sought to manipulate for an early release.
Gambino is active on social media, particularly the Freeport Village and School Politics page, where he leverages a loan he controls with the page's owner. He has information that is negative to him deleted, and he likes to block those who tell the truth and act as though they don’t respond to him as he writes to thin air. He has been known to create multiple fake profiles—such as "Joe Gambino," "Christian Diaz," "Good Citizen," and “Mark Leder” that interact with one another, raising concerns about authenticity and transparency in online discourse.
A fervent supporter of former President Trump, Gambino often employs derogatory language towards women (labeling them “nasty and dirty.”) and disseminates misinformation. He dismisses factual corrections as "fake news," particularly when confronted with the truth. His legal actions against Mayor Kennedy and the Village of Freeport have either been dismissed or withdrawn, indicating a pattern of using litigation primarily for publicity and political maneuvering. He likes to say audits are not conducted of Village finances when he and the candidates he supports know that independent audits are performed yearly.
Additionally, Gambino's reputation as a slumlord has led to legal troubles, including accusations of overcrowding tenants in his Freeport office, which resulted in a guilty plea for his company after a search warrant was served upon him and his company. Remember, it’s all public information.
In summary, Dr. Joseph Gambino has a troubling track record of manipulation in social media and legal contexts. He often leverages falsehoods for self-promotion. Community members should remain vigilant and skeptical of his claims and activities.
A man who ran Lee County Commission District 5 seat during the last election has been arrested and is accused of shooting at a stray dog from his car.
