Miami-Dade Seeks Everglades Protection for Alligator Alcatraz Site as Trump Approval Falls 10 Points
Updated
Updated · Florida Politics · Jun 26
Miami-Dade Seeks Everglades Protection for Alligator Alcatraz Site as Trump Approval Falls 10 Points
3 articles · Updated · Florida Politics · Jun 26
Summary
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is moving to permanently protect the county-owned Dade-Collier airport site after the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility closes, steering it toward Everglades conservation.
Her administration wants the land transferred to the National Park Service or Everglades restoration partners, blocking future detention, industrial or intensive commercial use in favor of habitat restoration and environmental protection.
Levine Cava said the remote property has limited aviation value, high maintenance costs and sits next to sensitive wetlands tied to the Central Everglades Restoration Plan.
The push follows months of criticism over harsh conditions, limited lawyer access, high costs and detainee safety at the facility, which opened during hurricane season under Gov. Ron DeSantis' emergency immigration powers.