This month has been one for the Everglades history books.
During four days of hearings at the federal courthouse in downtown Miami, Friends of the Everglades and our allies made a strong case against the environmental catastrophe that political actors have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
We heard from a Florida panther expert who testified about the loss of 2,000 acres of habitat for this endangered species, due to stadium-style lighting and intense activity at the detention center.
Another witness, soil scientist and wetland expert Dr. Christopher McVoy, testified on at least 20 acres of new pavement at the site — and debunked the government’s claims that the pavement was applied to pre-existing concrete.
Two staff leaders for the Miccosukee Tribe — which joins us in this lawsuit — testified about the close proximity of tribal villages and sacred sites to the detention center, and the lack of consultation with the tribe.
We also heard testimony from Jessica Namath, who has documented heavy construction equipment, jet fuel tankers, waste trucks and federal government vehicles driving in and out of the site. She happens to be the daughter of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath, who attended the first day of hearings in support of our cause.
The federal and state defendants presented just one witness, who could not defend the government’s failure to comply with environmental law.
Our goal is simple: Require the government to comply with the law by completing an environmental impact study, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Environmental laws in our country stand on equal footing with other laws — and they were disregarded when “Alligator Alcatraz” was built. We’re standing up for law and order.
There’s hope that the state of Florida and federal government will be held accountable. We scored a preliminary win on Aug. 7, when Judge Kathleen Williams granted a 14-day restraining order halting new construction at the site.
The judge will issue a written decision by this Thursday, Aug. 21, on a preliminary injunction we’re seeking to wind down operations at the facility so additional environmental harm ceases and the law can be followed.
I have never been more proud to stand with each of you — our Friends of the Everglades — as we defend this public land in the middle of Big Cypress National Preserve.
Our legal team, led by Coffey Burlington and Earthjustice, are formidable. Our co-plaintiffs at Center for Biological Diversity are just as passionate as we are.
The summer of 2025 will prove to be a seminal moment for the Everglades.
For the Everglades,
Eve Samples
