SWEETWATER, FLA. (WSVN) - Deputies are kicking residents out of a nearly fully demolished mobile home park in Sweetwater, months after they were ordered to leave.
7News cameras on Monday captures the remaining residents of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park as they packed up their belongings.
Between Monday and Tuesday, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies served eviction notices for the around 220 residents who did not leave after a developer purchased the property and gave notice to the tenants.
“We don’t know where we’re gonna go,” said Enrique, a resident who turned down the developer’s settlement offer.
Locksmiths were seen changing locks at the entrances of several mobile homes in this community that provided an option for affordable living over the last 60 years.
Now it’s set to move into the future in a new direction — from mobile homes to a planned high-rise.
Enrique was one of the residents who were forced out on Monday.
“My contract, that I bought four months before the eviction, $170,000,” said Enrique. “I know I cannot come back here. Well, I’m gonna lose everything.”
The legal battle over the property has ensued for several months, as far back as November. Some residents refused the payouts by the developer; they argued they had nowhere to go as they were not given proper notice.
A Miami judge in September ruled the evictions could continue. Now the residents have been ordered out and must pack up.
David Winker, the attorney representing those 220 or so residents, told 7News that he plans to appeal those evictions.
“The fight continues. We actually do have confidence that we’ll win this case eventually,” said Winker. “We’re continuing to fight for these residents and their property rights.”
But staying at Li’l Abner while the case plays out in court is not an option.
Enrique said he and his neighbors aren’t sure what’s next for them, especially with how expensive it is to live in Miami.
“It costs too much, yeah, and many of the people here, you know how the rent is here in Miami,” said Enrique. “I mean, with the salaries we earn or maybe Social Security, no one will give you an apartment.”
These residents hope their evictions will eventually be overturned on appeal.
The management company for the property is working with residents to remove any belongings or their mobile home from the property.
Those residents who would like to take their trailers elsewhere are able to do so, but they have a period of about 10 days to work with the management office so they are granted permission and have deputies there while they are on the premises.
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