VIRGINIA KEY, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami Seaquarium released another response to the county’s eviction notice, with weeks to go before they have to vacate the property.
The theme park said the county’s grounds for their lease termination are factually and legally unfounded.
“We assert that the grounds for lease termination, as stated, are unfounded factually and legally- which we are prepared to defend through legal channels, if necessary,” said Miami Seaquarium Executive Director Edwin Gonzalez.
Last week, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava ordered the Dolphin Company to leave the property, they’ve occupied since 1955, by April 21 amid growing concerns and criticism over the care of the marine life.
“When a tenant fails to maintain the property, they are in direct violation of the lease,” Cava said.
In the eviction notice, county officials lay out their reasons for the decision, including a “long and troubling history of violations,” “failing to provide for the safe and adequate maintenance of the animals in its care.”
The notice also cites “alarming observations and conclusions documented by the [U.S. Department of Agriculture].”
Terminating the lease, county officials said, is the best path forward.
In a 9-page letter on Monday, the Seaquarium said it has made significant upgrades in their facilities and animal care programs, including over $200,000 to replace the floating dock in the Flipper Stadium.
The park said they also closed the last row of “The Golden Dome” to visitors after the county requested it following an inspection where the inspector noticed cracking and sprawling in the wall above that row.
The letter also pointed to the recent purchases of the new parrot trailers and said they have addressed all the concerns regarding the dolphin pools and sea lion area.
They even pointed to a building dedicated to Miami-Dade students who participate in park programs. They insist that it also addressed a 2022 non-compliance complaint by the USDA.
In the letter, the park writes “The USDA removed its concern in the subsequent Inspection Report on Nov. 14 2022. In other words, the USDA’s removal shows compliance by the Seaquarium. The Seaquarium has never been the subject of an USDA administrative enforcement action.
The park included photos and exhibits, which they said, “will clarify our position and demonstrate the proactive steps we have taken to adhere to our lease obligations and regulatory requirements.”
The seaquarium claimed that all of its animals are in a safe environment with no concerns, which makes the lease termination illegal.
Monday’s letter is the park’s response to their own document last week, which said, they intended to provide proof that none of the claims from the county are true.
A few days ago, 7News cameras captured Eduardo Albor, the president of The Dolphin Company, as he tried to speak with Levine Cava.
“She cares about the animals? Why doesn’t she come to see the animals?” said Albor.
Albor claimed changes and improvements have been made at the park.
“I will just let my lawyers defend our rights, because it is offensive to speak about my people, my people that are responsible for the animals, so I’ll let the lawyers do their work,” he said.
The Seaquarium said they would like to sit down with the county to come to some sort of resolution so they can stay on the property.
“We are hopeful that the enclosed response will pave the way for constructive dialogue between our organizations. Our goal is to find a mutually beneficial resolution that allows us to continue our important work without disruption,” the letter read.
7News has reached out to the county for comment but has not heard back.
District Seven Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado denied 7News’ request for comment.
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