A fire at the mobile home park Li’l Abner, located in the city of Sweetwater, Florida, has heightened concerns among residents who are still present, awaiting a court resolution regarding the evictions scheduled for May. The affected home was unoccupied and without electricity or water supply at the time of the incident.
According to América TeVé, the fire occurred on Sunday afternoon and completely destroyed a trailer that had been evicted last December. For the former owner of the affected home, Marta Pulido, the news was devastating. "We were just watching the news and I recognized it immediately. I said: ‘but that's our trailer’," Pulido stated.
Her husband, Roberto Pulido, reported that the lack of security has turned the park into a hotspot for vandalism and illegal occupations. "They are engaging in banditry with the trailers. I went to the offices and reported it, but they do nothing," he lamented.
Residents like Gudelia Platt also expressed alarm, stating that homeless individuals and thieves have broken into vacant homes. "When everyone left, they locked up the houses, but now we see them open," Platt told América TeVé.
For her part, Josefina Rodríguez, another affected resident, reported to Telemundo 51 that the lack of safety measures in the park has turned it into a hazardous place. "There are no reasons for this to have caught fire because there is no electricity in either of the two trailers," she stated.
Complaints against the park owner
The lawyer David Winker, who represents around 250 families still in the mobile home park, told Telemundo 51 that the deterioration and insecurity are a direct consequence of the owner’s neglect, CREI Holdings. "We don’t know what has happened, but we suspect there were illegal occupants inside," Winker stated.
The attorney announced that he will file a motion requesting the judge for relief on the rental checks for the affected residents. So far, the management company representing CREI Holdings has not released any statements regarding the fire.
The background of the eviction and the struggle of the residents
The mobile home park Li’l Abner is scheduled to close permanently in May 2025, affecting more than 900 families. The eviction has sparked protests and requests for protection from local authorities, who have offered financial incentives of up to 14,000 dollars for those who move before the deadline.
The mayor of Sweetwater, José “Pepe” Díaz stated last November that the city council was connecting families with social housing programs and rent subsidies, but residents have described these solutions as inadequate.
The value of the land, located in a strategic area of Miami-Dade, has attracted the interest of developers who plan to build modern housing and community spaces on the site. However, displaced residents have reported that they have been excluded from relocation plans and are facing an increasingly inaccessible rental market.
Fire raises concerns about safety
The report from Local 10 News indicates that the fire has heightened fears among the residents who still remain in the park, as they report an increase in crime and the proliferation of illegal occupants.
"There are many people from outside, people who don’t have homes, thieves," declared Gudelia Blatt to Local 10 News, while Roberto Pulido claimed that there was evidence of illegal occupations before the fire. "They broke a large window and entered, opening everything," he reported.
Despite the constant complaints from residents, local authorities have not issued citations against CREI Holdings, as they are waiting to work with the developers to resolve the issues instead of imposing penalties, according to Local 10 News.
Uncertain future for residents
As the date for the final eviction approaches, the residents remaining at Li’l Abner continue to await responses from the authorities and the park's owners. In the absence of security guarantees, many have begun to reinforce their homes with chains and locks to prevent intruders from entering.
The upcoming May 19 is the deadline for residents to leave the park, but uncertainty about their future and the lack of concrete answers continue to generate unrest within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the fire and evacuation at the Li'l Abner mobile home park
What caused the fire in the Li'l Abner mobile home park?
The fire occurred in an empty trailer with no electricity or water supply, raising suspicions that it may have been set by illegal occupants. Residents have pointed out the lack of security in the park as a significant issue.
What measures are being taken regarding insecurity in the mobile home park?
Residents have reported a lack of security and the presence of illegal occupants. So far, local authorities have not issued citations against the owner, CREI Holdings, and they are expected to focus on finding solutions rather than imposing sanctions.
Why is the Li'l Abner mobile home park closing?
The closure of the park is due to a urban development plan aimed at modernizing the area with new housing, medical facilities, and a community center. This plan has sparked controversy due to the strategic value of the land and the displacement of over 900 families.
What compensation is offered to the residents of the park?
The park management has offered an incentive of $14,000 to those who vacate the property before January 31, 2025. However, many residents feel that this amount is insufficient to cover relocation expenses in a costly and competitive rental market.
What role do local authorities play in this situation?
The mayor of Sweetwater, José "Pepe" Díaz, has expressed concern and has held meetings with the park owner and representatives to explore avenues for assistance. Despite these efforts, criticism has emerged regarding his role in the situation, particularly due to his previous involvement in the development of new projects in the area.
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