The impending closure of the Li'l Abner Mobile Home Park, set for May 19, 2025, has sparked anxiety and protests among the more than 900 families residing there in Sweetwater, Florida. According to América TeVe, Mayor José "Pepe" Díaz, along with other local officials, began initiatives this Monday aimed at alleviating the impact on residents, many of whom are elderly with limited incomes.
The eviction notice took park residents by surprise last week, heightening their concerns. "I spent everything I had here. Now I'm gathering my things to see what I can do because I can't work," said Madelis Zamora, an affected resident, to the media outlet.
Tenants have requested more time to leave their homes and a higher incentive from the owners, which currently stands at $14,000 for those who vacate before January 31. Mayor Díaz announced in a statement that he met with the property owner, representatives, and the director of Miami-Dade County Housing. During the meeting, it was agreed to include all residents who can prove their residency in the park to receive relocation assistance.
Local Leaders Engage with Community Concerns
Díaz has urged those impacted to schedule appointments with the Mobile Home Park Office to assess their needs and explore tailored solutions. Meanwhile, according to Local 10, Sweetwater commissioners are set to hold their first meeting since the closure announcement, where they will listen to residents' concerns.
In tandem, a new affordable apartment building is under construction at the park's edge, though it's uncertain whether it will offer a viable solution to those now facing eviction.
Mayor Díaz, along with County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other commissioners, are working to identify funds and resources to ease the plight of those affected. However, records reveal that in 2022, Díaz sponsored a resolution allocating over half a million dollars to the developer of the new affordable housing project, raising questions about his prior knowledge of the land sale.
Residents Rally for Viable Housing Solutions
Residents are organizing to present their demands to authorities, with the chief concern being finding viable alternatives for seniors and low-income families in a real estate market where rental costs are prohibitive for many. "We've priced it, and it doesn't go below $2,300," lamented Zaira Sandoval, one of the residents.
The park's closure presents a challenge for both residents and local authorities, who must seek a balance between property owners' rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The situation demands immediate attention to prevent further hardship for those already struggling in an unforgiving housing market.