Capt. Steve Friedman’s resolution opposing the construction & operation of a prison in the Everglades.

RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA — WIDELY KNOWN AS THE SPORT FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD — OPPOSING THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF “ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ” MIGRANT DETENTION FACILITY IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA: PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 

WHEREAS, the State of Florida has built and is operating a migrant detention facility commonly known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades (the “Facility”); and

WHEREAS, the Everglades is an ecological treasure and fragile ecosystem that supplies 70% of South Florida’s drinking water and is home to many endangered and protected species, including the Florida panther and the manatee, as well as to many other types of wildlife; and

WHEREAS, the construction and operation of the Alligator Alcatraz Facility has been undertaken without meaningful environmental impact studies and has the potential to cause damage and disruption to the critical wetlands and wildlife habitat, with the potential for causing harm to the Everglades and Florida Bay, upon which the economy of the Village of Islamorada (Village”) is so dependent; and

WHEREAS, the location and construction of the Facility, which include large heavy-duty tents and portable trailers in a floodplain, may cause flooding and other risks to the detainees and surrounding environment, including during hurricane season; and

WHEREAS, the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes of Florida and other Native American tribes with historical and cultural ties to the Everglades have raised strong objections to the construction and operation of the Facility on their sacred land, threatening their cultural heritage and traditional way of life; and

WHEREAS, the Facility was rushed through under emergency powers without any meaningful land use reviews, public procurement rules or transparency, raising serious legal and ethical questions; and

WHEREAS, the Village Council wishes to oppose the construction and operation of the Facility, and urge the State of Florida to suspend operations at the Facility and find a more suitable location and environment for the construction and operation of a detention facility. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.  Recitals Adopted.   The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated into this Resolution by this reference.

Section 2.  Opposition to Alligator Alcatraz and Urging Suspension of Operations.   The Village Council opposes the construction and operation of the Alligator Alcatraz Facility in the Florida Everglades. The Village Council urges the State of Florida to immediately suspend the operation of the Alligator Alcatraz Facility.  

Section 3.   Request that the State Seek Alternative Facility Site.  The Village Council further urges the State of Florida to identify and select an alternative more suitable location and environment for the construction and operation of a detention facility.

Section 4.  Solidarity.  The Village Council stands in solidarity with the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes of Florida, the environmental organizations, and all concerned residents in the efforts to protect the Everglades. 

Section 5.   Transmittal; Direction to the Clerk.  The Village Clerk is directed to transmit and furnish copies of this resolution to:  Governor Ron DeSantis, State of Florida; Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez; Representative James Vernon “Jim” Mooney, Jr.   

Section 6.  Authorization of Village Officials.  The Village Manager and/or his designee and the Village Attorney are authorized to take all actions necessary to implement this Resolution.

Section 7.    Effective Date.    This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.