{"id":10361,"date":"2025-03-13T05:47:27","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/?p=10361"},"modified":"2025-03-13T05:47:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:47:27","slug":"residents-fear-for-health-safety-amid-looting-unsafe-conditions-at-sweetwater-mobile-home-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/03\/13\/residents-fear-for-health-safety-amid-looting-unsafe-conditions-at-sweetwater-mobile-home-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Residents Fear for Health, Safety Amid Looting, Unsafe Conditions at Sweetwater Mobile Home Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Crisis<\/h2>\n

SWEETWATER, FLA. (WSVN) – Residents at a Sweetwater mobile home park are speaking out on the health and safety conditions of the community. About a dozen people who remain living at the Li\u2019l Abner Mobile Home Park protested Wednesday evening against the deterioration of the neighborhood since the company who owns the property told residents they had to leave by May.<\/p>\n

Background of the Issue<\/h2>\n

The ongoing saga began last November when residents were told the company planned to demolish all of the homes so they were being evicted. Hundreds of families followed the notice, packed up and left. Some even took the incentive of thousands of dollars if they left early enough. But for the families who stayed behind to fight for their community, they said they are losing their sense of safety.<\/p>\n

Current Conditions and Concerns<\/h2>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s people that came in and stole toilets,\u201d said Yesenia Guadalupe. \u201cThey\u2019re being exposed to hazardous chemicals,\u201d said Melissa Martin. Many of the homes are said to be abandoned, leading to shattered windows, open doors, exposed insulation and trash on the streets. Some homes are even pushed from their proper foundation. Over the weekend, one of the homes erupted in flames. Guadalupe said it is due to a recent increase in criminal activity. \u201cThe trailer that was burned was because people had been coming into these trailers and looting, to these trailers, and squatting,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Health Risks and Asbestos Concerns<\/h2>\n

Now, with the looming demolition of the abandoned trailers, demonstrators said another concern arises: asbestos in the air. \u201cSome of these people are going to vacate due to health reasons. If they\u2019re actively demolishing 600 vacant trailers around them, 600 vacant trailers that are most likely going to test positive for asbestos,\u201d said Martin. Those who choose to stay behind are suing Miami-Dade County, the City of Sweetwater and the developers.<\/p>\n

Demands for Fair Treatment<\/h2>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re still paying rent here. They still have the right to feel safe in the space that they\u2019re paying to be in,\u201d said Yesenia Guadalupe. The community they call home now looks like a war zone, and to them, it\u2019s starting to feel like one. \u201cIt is their right to fight for what\u2019s fair, and what\u2019s fair is more money, more time, a relocation program, because a lot of these trailers, like I said, are homes,\u201d said Guadalupe. The longer residents wait to leave, the less money the company will offer them. The company said if residents leave by the end of March, they will be offered $7,000, but all residents have until May 19 to completely vacate the property.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The situation at the Li\u2019l Abner Mobile Home Park is dire, with residents facing significant health and safety risks due to the abandonment and deterioration of the community. The looming demolition of homes with potential asbestos poses an additional threat. Residents are fighting for fair treatment, including more time, money, and a proper relocation program, as they believe it is their right to feel safe in the space they are paying for.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n