Tensions are rising at Li'l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater as residents protest demolitions over concerns about asbestos exposure. Reports from Local 10 News highlight residents' fears of illegal asbestos removal and potential health risks. Michael Dib, a resident, said, “Yeah, the clock is ticking,” as the deadline for finding new housing approaches. The situation gained attention after Miami-Dade County inspectors found asbestos in four of the demolished mobile homes, leading to a fine for the park's owners.
Some tenants have refused to leave due to health concerns. Ariana Matienso, a resident, shared with CBS News Miami, "We can't breathe that well. I have a really bad sore throat." While residents have until mid-May to relocate, health concerns and the issue of compensation remain unresolved. The City of Sweetwater confirmed that demolitions have the necessary permits, but inspections, particularly regarding asbestos, are under scrutiny.
Activists and residents have protested outside the Miami-Dade County Permitting and Inspection Center. Melissa Martin, a community advocate, told Local 10 News, “We believe that he’s providing falsified results to the county,” referring to the property owner's private inspector. The protests call for better oversight to protect residents' health and interests.
The mobile home park was fined $108,466 after asbestos was discovered, fueling ongoing legal and ethical debates. Tenants and their legal representatives, including attorney David Winker, are demanding accountability. He told CBS News Miami, “Asbestos is a serious, serious problem,” adding, "And here we go. We're kind of just in the cycle, the cycle is we point out some thing we're told is ridiculous. There's no grounds for it and boom, we come full circle."
