Introduction to the Conflict
A boat battle is brewing on Miami Beach. It’s a fight between people living on land and those living on the water. The city wants these boats out, but the people who live on the boats are fighting to stay.
The Residents’ Perspective
Leon Carlos has been leading the charge to remain anchored in Biscayne Bay. He showed us around the boat that is now his home. Leon, his girlfriend, and their dog moved on board during the pandemic. Leon Carlos: “Your pursuit of happiness is living in a square box in a building. My pursuit of happiness is living in a triangle in the water.” They may be loving it, but his neighbors living on land are not.
Concerns from Land Residents
Tom Hawkins, a Miami Beach resident, moved to his condo for the views of the bay. But he says these boats have been sitting here for years now, some without motors. He believes many are polluting the water. Tom Hawkins: “It’s a serious problem.” Hawkins and other residents want Commissioner David Suarez to get rid of these boats. Commissioner David Suarez: “At the end of the day it’s just a homeless encampment on the water.”
Environmental Concerns
Suarez took 7Investigates on a boat ride to see for themselves. Commissioner David Suarez: “One can only assume that they are emptying their contaminants and their sewage into the bay.” But Leon says that assumption is wrong. Heather Walker: “So you are saying you are not putting any of your waste into the water?” Leon Carlos: “No, I do not because at the end of the day that’s my, that’s where I swim, that’s where my dog swims.” Leon says they empty their waste, like any boat, at a marina.
Investigation Findings
A late-night sewage check from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seems to confirm that. Only two of the 39 boats inspected were dumping their waste into the water. Water was sampled around the boats. Results showed it was safe to swim. Leon Carlos: “They don’t like us there. We are not paying property taxes. You know that’s it.”
Ongoing Dispute
Commissioner Suarez insists his concerns are purely environmental, like this pile of trash on shore next to the boats. Commissioner David Suarez: “Look at that, it’s ridiculous.” There are about a hundred of these boats in Miami Beach, a hundred more in Miami, and officials say the numbers are growing. To force these people to leave, the city is cutting off their access to land, but as our camera shows – it is not working. Leon Carlos: “I let you live, let me live. This is state waters. I’m not doing anything illegal here.”
Conclusion
The dispute between Miami Beach residents and those living on boats in Biscayne Bay continues. While some see the boats as an environmental hazard and an eyesore, others view them as a legitimate way of life. The city’s efforts to remove the boats have been met with resistance, and it remains to be seen how this situation will be resolved. Commissioner David Suarez wants to change the law to limit how many days you can anchor, but until then, the battle continues.
FAQs
- Q: How many boats are currently in Miami Beach and Miami?
A: There are about a hundred of these boats in Miami Beach, a hundred more in Miami. - Q: What are the concerns of the land residents?
A: They believe the boats are polluting the water and are an eyesore. - Q: What do the boat residents say about waste disposal?
A: They claim to empty their waste at a marina, like any other boat. - Q: What are the city’s plans to address the situation?
A: The city is trying to cut off access to land and wants to change the law to limit anchoring days. - Q: Is it legal for people to live on boats in Biscayne Bay?
A: Yes, it is currently legal, but Commissioner Suarez wants to change that.
