Over the past month, more than 40,000 of you stood up for the Everglades — sending emails to Gov. DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, demanding a stop to the detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” that the state and federal government have ramrodded into the heart of the Everglades. That kind of response is powerful. And it’s proof that we’re not alone in believing this one-of-a-kind ecosystem deserves better.
Our legal battle continues, and we’ve had a meaningful development.
On July 30, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Willams granted the Miccosukee Tribe’s request to intervene in our lawsuit to halt environmental harm at the detention center site. We welcome the perspective of the Tribe, which is on the front lines of the impacts. The Tribe now joins us, along with our partners at Center for Biological Diversity and Earthjustice, in arguing that this case should remain in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida — right where it belongs.
We’re also approaching another key moment: A hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, during which Judge Williams will consider our request for a preliminary injunction. If granted, activities at the site would be halted so an environmental impact study can be completed, as required by federal law.
We’ll keep you posted as the case progresses. Much is at stake, as dump trucks continue to roll into Big Cypress National Preserve, new pavement has been laid, and industrial lighting fills the once-dark night skies in Florida panther territory.
We’re grateful to have you with us every step of the way.
