SWEETWATER, FLA. (WSVN) - Dozens of Sweetwater residents were seen gathered in front of City Hall to protest the decision that is forcing them to move from their mobile homes in Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park.

Many of the families impacted by the decision arrived to the meeting to make their voices heard as they are upset that the land their homes were on was sold for new development.

“The city is facing the largest humanitarian crisis in it’s 85 year history,” said one resident.

The protest at the meeting comes after residents received a notice in November that their community would be closing, and they would need to leave their homes by May 19th, 2025.

Samantha Morales is one of the many residents who feels blindsided by the decision. She, her husband and four children moved into the neighborhood in November. Now, her dreams of having that forever home have shattered.

“I went into this community, thinking that we were going to be able to form our forever home,” she said. “Not even a week living there, I go out to pick up my kids from school, and paper is posted on the door. They even put the eviction notice. I have four kids.”

According to Florida law, the owners of the property, Urban Group, have to give residents a mandated amount for a trailer park closure. In addition, they are offering an incentive of thousands of dollars to those who leave early. However, that amount will continue to decrease as the date of the park’s closure draws near.

Urban Group says more than 600 people have already taken the maximum payout.

However, there does remains 200 others who have instead taken to suing the property owner, the City of Sweetwater and Miami-Dade County.

Although it wasn’t on the agenda, residents vowed to make their voices heard on this topic during the public comment section.

One woman asked city commissioners what she’s supposed to do, and where she’s supposed to go, adding that the payout is not enough.

Sweetwater Commission Vice President Marcos Villanueva explained to the crowd what the city currently can and cannot say.

“Based on litigation, anybody who knows basic law, nobody is supposed to say anything,” he said. “You guys have all the right in the world to speak. You guys have all the right in the world to be heard. You guys have all the right in the world to scream. I can tell you wholeheartedly that we sympathize and empathize with what’s happening to you. But there are certain things that are beyond our control.”

The crowd then moved their protests to the city streets, hoping someone will listen.

“They will be able to see that there is an entire community assembled outside ready to demand accountability for what’s been going on in Sweetwater,” said William Suarez, a supporter.

The attorney representing the residents in the lawsuit said a study has not been done, which is required by law.

7News has reached out to officials with the City of Sweetwater for further comment. They responded, “Unfortunately, the City of Sweetwater is not at liberty to speak due to the pending litigation.”

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