Residents at the Li’l Abner mobile home park in Sweetwater are facing an imminent eviction and have made two primary demands to the property's owner: an extension on their move-out deadline and an increase in the financial compensation being offered. “We’re asking for more time to leave and more money. Supposedly, an organization will take this to court, and the court will decide. At least something is being done,” said José Alfredo García, a leader within the community, speaking to America Tevé.
Located at Northwest 112th Avenue and Second Terrace in Sweetwater, Miami-Dade County, the community finds itself overwhelmed with anxiety after receiving eviction notices that set May 19, 2025, as the deadline to vacate.
More than 900 families call this area home, now slated for closure, forcing thousands to seek housing solutions and support from local authorities. The landowner has offered an incentive of up to $14,000 for those who vacate by January 31, 2025. However, many residents argue this amount is insufficient and are demanding better terms, such as a waiver of the $1,180 monthly rent they must continue to pay until they leave.
Heart-Wrenching Stories from the Affected
The most vulnerable include elderly individuals and low-income families uncertain about their future living arrangements once the closure is finalized. “This news devastated me because I spent everything I had here, and now I’m gathering my things to see what I can do because I can’t work,” shared Madelis Zamora, a resident of the park, in an interview with the media outlet.
“I’m not against selling it; this is private property, and we’re in a capitalist system, but look at the timeline. If they had at least given us a reprieve... like, don’t pay rent and instead of moving in January, extend it to February. I’m running,” added José Veiga, another affected neighbor. His wife, María Ángeles Veiga, chimed in, “At least in May when they plan to close, let us live without paying and still give us the $14,000 they plan to offer. That's all we wanted at the very least.”
For elderly resident Zaira Sandoval, housing options outside the park are unaffordable. “We’ve been looking over the phone, and nothing is less than $2,300; there was one for $1,800, but it was just one room, and my pension is very small,” she explained.
The announcement of the closure has sparked continuous protests around the area by displaced neighbors who insist they have nowhere else to go.
Mayor José “Pepe” Díaz's Role
Amid growing concerns, Sweetwater Mayor José “Pepe” Díaz has held meetings with the park owner and local officials. “We met with the owner of the Li’l Abner mobile home park, their representatives, and the director of Miami-Dade County Housing to better understand the process and explore all possible avenues to assist during this difficult transition,” Díaz stated.
“During this initial meeting, the park owner agreed to include all residents who can demonstrate their residency in the mobile home park,” he added. The mayor urged those affected to contact the Mobile Home Park Office to schedule appointments to identify their specific needs, emphasizing the importance of these meetings to understand individual circumstances and how they might assist with relocation.
Díaz assured that he is working with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine-Cava and other officials to find funds and resources to alleviate the situation for those impacted, within legal parameters. However, questions have arisen about Díaz's involvement in the affordable housing project being developed at the park's site.
County documents reveal that when Díaz was a Miami-Dade commissioner in 2022, he sponsored a resolution to allocate over half a million dollars to the developer of the project. Although the mayor has claimed to be unaware of the pending sale of the park, this detail has generated criticism among residents.
The future of Li’l Abner remains uncertain, but the organization and resolve of the residents may prove crucial in ensuring their voices are heard.