With inspiration from renowned 19th century architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Kennedy drafted the plans for the creation of Miami's Bicentennial Park, which would open in 1976.
[2] In 1973, Kennedy became engulfed in a bribery controversy, alongside political insider Frank Martin, Mina Davidson, Temperance Wright, and judges Jack Turner and Murray Goodman.
As early as 1971, the Dade County Sheriff's Office and the Miami Police Department secretly began investigating Martin, who was known to have influence with local officials.
Caught on tape by police wiretaps at a Miami truck stop, Kennedy and the others were all arrested for conspiracy to commit bribery.
Upon his arrest and subsequent indictment, Florida Governor Reuben Askew suspended Kennedy's tenure as mayor and temporarily replaced him with Maurice Ferré on April 11, 1973.
After leaving office, Kennedy resumed his law career and maintained an active presence in Dade County politics.