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The residents of the Li’l Abner mobile home park in Sweetwater, are facing imminent eviction after a court rejected the appeal filed to halt the process.
The judicial decision has generated frustration and despair among the nearly 900 people - including some Cubans - who still live there.
Last Tuesday, the tenants received the final eviction notice and during the night they staged protests, crying out not to be forced to leave their homes. “I’m not leaving, I’m going to stay here until the end,” declared one of the affected individuals to Univisión.
A prolonged battle
Since November 2024, when it was announced that the park had been purchased by a development company, residents have been engaged in a legal battle to prevent their eviction. Although staggered financial compensation was offered—$14,000 until January, $7,000 until March, and $3,000 until April—those who remained beyond May 19, 2025, no longer received any assistance.
Many families rejected the offer, claiming that the amounts were insufficient to relocate in the expensive Miami market, and because many of their trailers are too old to be moved.
Around 200 families remained steadfast in the park, despite the increasing difficulties: thefts, vandalism, power outages, and the demolition of units without adhering to environmental safety standards.
Development vs. Displacement
The land, which once housed more than 5,000 people, will be transformed into a housing project for workers, featuring a community center, medical services, and recreational areas.
Its strategic location —near FIU, Miami Dade College, and shopping centers— makes it a coveted space for developers, in a county facing a severe affordable housing crisis.
For the families who still resist, eviction means not only losing a roof over their heads but also the disintegration of a community built over decades. As the bulldozers advance and the future of the area is redrawn, the residents experience immediate anguish: the fear of having nowhere to go in a South Florida that is becoming increasingly inaccessible for those with lower incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Eviction of the Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater
Why are the residents of the Li’l Abner mobile home park facing eviction?
Residents are facing eviction due to the purchase of the land by a development company, which plans to transform it into a housing project for workers. Although financial compensation was offered, many residents considered it insufficient and chose to stay, which led to the initiation of legal actions for their eviction.
What type of compensation was offered to the residents of Li’l Abner Park?
Residents were offered compensations of 14,000 dollars until January, 7,000 until March, and 3,000 until April. However, those who did not leave the park before May 19, 2025, received no financial assistance.
What is the impact of the eviction on the families of the mobile home park?
The eviction means the loss of homes and the disintegration of a community that has formed over decades. Many families are struggling to find new affordable housing in Miami, which amplifies the feeling of uprooting and the anxiety about an uncertain future.
What projects are planned for the land of the Li’l Abner mobile home park?
The development company plans to transform the park land into a housing project for workers, which will include a community center, medical services, and recreational areas. This transformation addresses the demand for affordable housing in a strategic area of Miami-Dade.
What is the current situation of the real estate market in Miami?
The real estate market in Miami is experiencing a surge in prices due to the influx of new high-income residents, making it harder for low-income families to access affordable housing. This situation has led to the displacement of many families who cannot compete with the rising rents.
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