The imminent closure of the Li’l Abner mobile home park, scheduled for May 19, 2025, has caused uncertainty and protests among the more than 900 families residing there, located in Sweetwater, Florida.
According to América TeVe, Mayor José "Pepe" Díaz, along with other local officials, kicked off efforts on Monday to alleviate the impact on residents, many of whom are low-income seniors.
The eviction notice surprised the residents of the park last week, raising increasing concern. “I spent everything I had here. Now I'm packing my things to see what I can do because I can't work,” said Madelis Zamora, a resident affected by the situation.
The tenants have requested more time to vacate their homes and an increase in the incentive offered by the landlords, which is currently set at $14,000 for those who move out before January 31.
Mayor Díaz announced in a statement that he met with the landowner, their representatives, and the Miami-Dade County Housing Director. During the meeting, it was agreed to include all residents who can demonstrate their residency in the park to receive assistance with relocation.
Furthermore, Díaz urged those affected to schedule appointments with the Mobile Home Park Office to assess their needs and explore tailored solutions.
On the other hand, according to Local 10, the commissioners of Sweetwater plan to hold their first meeting since the announcement of the closure, during which they will hear the concerns of residents.
In parallel, a new building of affordable apartments is being constructed on the edge of the park, although it is still unclear if it will be a viable solution for those currently facing eviction.
Mayor Díaz, along with the county mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, and other commissioners, are working to identify funds and resources to alleviate the situation of those affected.
However, records show that in 2022, Díaz sponsored a resolution that allocated more than half a million dollars to the developer of the new affordable housing project, raising questions about his prior knowledge of the sale of the land.
Meanwhile, residents continue to organize themselves to present their demands to the authorities. The primary concern remains finding a viable alternative for the elderly and low-income families in a housing market where rental costs are unaffordable for many. "We have looked around, and it doesn’t go lower than $2,300," lamented Zaira Sandoval, a resident.
The closure of the park poses a challenge for both residents and local authorities, who must find a balance between the rights of property owners and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
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