Hi everyone! Together, we have made it to 15K petition signer.. what a strong community! Make sure to check out the links provided for related news articles and video recordings!
Here’s the latest news:
Protest and gatherings were organized inside Virginia Key North Point Park on Saturday, yards away from the proposed site of the pilot program. Over hundreds of recreational enthusiast and advocates gathered to show their support of not only Virginia Key North Point Park but express that the houseless deserve better! Two days (08/08) after the gatherings to voice concerns, City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Commissioner Joe Carollo held a press conference stating that the approved pilot program will be put on hold for six months.
“We don’t want to be in the business of doing tiny homes, getting involved with the homeless,” Carollo said. “But if the county doesn’t want to live up to the responsibility, then we have no choice to move on this.”
Watch the press conference on Facebook Live
*PLEASE BE AWARE COMMISSIONERS HAVE TO VOTE WHETHER TO DELAY THIS IN SEPTEMBER. NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED*
This is a small victory. It is not over. In less than six months, residents of the City of Miami will be losing one of the two 'no' votes. Commissioner Ken Russell is running for congress and will have to resign. His position will be filled by someone that the City of Miami Commission appoints. There is a storm brewing, and we must prepare for what there is to come.
Continue contacting your elected officials! Ask them to table this plan and ask them to support existing organizations that are helping the houseless. Ask your elected officials to protect your green spaces. Ask them to codify protections for Virginia Key North Point Park.
Related articles:
1. From the Islander News: After community backlash, Miami puts the brakes on Virginia Key homeless encampment proposalMiami Herald: Miami’s plan to build tiny homes on Biscayne Bay island for homeless put on hold
2. The Daily Beast: Miami Is Tearing Itself Apart Over Bonkers Plan to Move Homeless to Island
3. Local10News - Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo discusses focus on homeless during TWISF appearance
4. Miami Herald: Miami’s plan to build tiny homes on Biscayne Bay island for homeless put on hold
Contact your Representatives
Contact City of Miami Commissioners and tell them why you oppose this.
Mayor Francis Suarez
Instagram: (@francissuarez)
fsuarez@miamigov.com
305-250-5300
District #1 Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Instagram: (@alexdlpmia)
adiazdelaportilla@miamigov.com
305-250-5430
District #2 Ken Russell
Instagram: (@kenrussellmiami)
krussell@miamigov.com
305-250-5333
District #3 Joe Carollo
Instagram: (@joecarollonow)
jcarollo@miamigov.com
305-960-4650
District #4 Manolo Reyes
Instagram: (@manolo4miami)
mreyes@miamigov.com
305-250-5420
District #5 Christine King
Instagram: (@iamchristineking)
district5@miamigov.com
305-250-5390
City Manager Arthur Noriega
anoriega@miamigov.com
305-250-5400