Latest news with #DaniellaLevineCava
E&E News
2 days ago
- Politics
- E&E News
DeSantis rejects ‘Alligator Alcatraz' concerns, says detention center poses ‘zero' threat to Everglades
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday rejected environmental criticism of a proposed immigration detention center in the Everglades dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz.' 'There's zero environmental,' DeSantis said during a press conference in Tampa. 'You're talking about the guy who plowed how much money into Everglades restoration?' Details: Environmental groups and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava have raised environmental concerns about the detention center being built at a 10,500-foot air strip west of Miami owned by the county. Advertisement But DeSantis labeled the county's response as 'more posturing.' He insisted the facility will be temporary and said the state, which has offered to buy the property, eventually would let the Everglades 'grow over' the site.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Outrage grows over "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center rising in heart of Everglades
Immigration holding facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" said to be ready in days Immigration holding facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" said to be ready in days Immigration holding facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" said to be ready in days A controversial migrant detention center dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" is rapidly taking shape deep in the Florida Everglades. The facility is drawing sharp criticism from environmental advocates, tribal leaders and local officials who say the project threatens drinking water and protected land. Critics say plan endangers water and wildlife "When I saw it, I thought it was a joke," said Betty Osceola, an advocate for the Miccosukee Indian Tribe. But as construction began at the remote Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport off U.S. 41, Osceola realized it was not a joke but "reality—and moving fast." "It's in a preserve that supplies 40 percent of our drinking water," she said. State moves forward despite legal, environmental concerns Over the weekend, protesters—including renowned photographer Clyde Butcher, whose studio lies just eight miles from the site—lined the roadway in opposition. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed concern and said the county is reviewing legal options. The county had requested an environmental review before any construction, but Florida's Division of Emergency Management responded in a letter that they are proceeding. A social media post from Homeland Security stated the center could be finished in days and touted it as delivering "on the American people's mandate for mass deportations."
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
‘Alligator Alcatraz' migrant camp will cost $450m per year to run
Florida is constructing a new migrant detention center, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," on a former airfield in the Everglades, set to open in July. The facility, primarily consisting of tents, is estimated to cost $450 million annually to operate, with some funding support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, an ally of President Donald Trump, boasted that the remote, swampy location with dangerous wildlife would require minimal additional security. The project echoes President Donald Trump's past suggestions for border security, including proposals for moats with deadly creatures and using high-security locations for detention. Concerns have been raised by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava regarding environmental impacts and the rapid pace of the state's effort, while immigrant justice advocates also expressed alarm over the facility's potential conditions. Florida building 'Alligator Alcatraz' for undocumented migrants in the Everglades that will cost $450m per year to run
Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Wisk Establishes Miami as Early Market for U.S. Air Taxi Operations
PARIS & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S., today announced the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) – one with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and another with the University of Miami's Engineering Autonomy Mobility Initiative (MEAMI). These collaborations mark a significant step towards integrating safe, autonomous air travel to Miami, Florida, one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. Wisk establishes Miami as early market for air taxi operations. Share The MOU with MDAD focuses on strategic planning, infrastructure development, policy pathways, and the commercialization of autonomous AAM in Miami-Dade County and at MDAD airports. Under the terms of the MoU, Wisk and MDAD will collaborate to identify optimal locations and assess the development of vertiport infrastructure at MDAD airports, including Miami International Airport (MIA), Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), and Opa-locka Executive Airport (OPF), to enable Wisk's autonomous AAM operations. Wisk will provide technical guidance on vertiport needs for autonomous operations to inform the design and development of infrastructure and flight procedures, as well as plan for potential site expansion. MDAD will incorporate autonomous AAM considerations into existing planning efforts, including airport development, electrical infrastructure, and airspace management, and integrate AAM plans within Miami-Dade County, connecting MDAD airports to the broader region. The MOU with the University of Miami MEAMI establishes a framework for collaborative research and development that will further advance autonomous mobility technology. Under the terms of the MoU, Wisk and MEAMI will: Collaborate on research and development for advanced technology, operations, regulations, safety, and overall AAM development Develop business opportunities to advance autonomous mobility technology, specifically within U.S regulatory frameworks Utilize University of Miami resources and facilities, and pursue grant opportunities for joint projects and product development. "Miami has demonstrated long-standing support for AAM, making it a natural fit for future Wisk operations,' said Sebastien Vigneron, CEO of Wisk. "We're incredibly excited to deepen our roots here with both the Miami Dade Aviation Department and the University of Miami. These partnerships are helping us build the entire AAM ecosystem and unlock the full potential of autonomous operations at scale so we can bring safe, everyday flight to everyone.' 'I am extremely excited about this historic first step toward making Miami-Dade County one of the first areas in the country with advanced air mobility,' said Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor. 'This collaboration with Wisk allows us to strategically plan for the future of air travel, enhance connectivity, and explore new economic opportunities for Miami-Dade County. MIA is the busiest airport in Florida and the second busiest in the country for international passengers, which makes it the perfect launch site for AAM.' 'At the University of Miami, we are leveraging faculty expertise and cutting-edge research to help make autonomous air mobility a reality,' said Pratim Biswas, Dean of the University of Miami College of Engineering. 'Through our collaboration with Wisk, we are advancing core technologies like advanced sensors and next-generation battery systems that are essential to making AAM safe and scalable. This partnership exemplifies how academic innovation and industry leadership can come together to make autonomous urban flight possible.' Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami have been national leaders in local planning for AAM, bringing together industry and government. Wisk has been championing AAM in the Greater Miami region for the past couple of years as an inaugural member of the Florida Department of Transportation's AAM Advisory Council. Wisk was a contributing author to the Council's "AAM Land Use Compatibility and Site Approval Guidebook," the "AAM Working Group Final Report," and the "AAM Implementation and Outreach Plan.' The Miami region joins Houston, Texas, Los Angeles County, California, and Brisbane, Australia as key launch markets in Wisk's strategic plan to bring safe, everyday autonomous air travel to cities around the world. About Wisk Wisk is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company dedicated to creating a future for air travel that elevates people, communities, and aviation. Wisk is developing the first autonomous, passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi in the U.S. Wisk is a wholly-owned Boeing subsidiary and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with locations around the world. With over a decade of experience and over 1750+ test flights, Wisk is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban travel, safely and sustainably. Learn more about Wisk here.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami-Dade mayor decries Border Patrol agent's presence at Club World Cup party
MIAMI — Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has issued a statement saying the presence of a federal immigration agent at a South Florida barge party celebrating the advent of an international soccer tournament was 'deeply troubling.' The incident further ratcheted up anxiety ahead of this evening's opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place amid "No Kings Day" protests and a U.S. military parade in Washington, D.C.. The long-awaited international soccer tournament already was to kick off this evening in Miami under a cloud of immigration enforcement. Earlier this week, U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement issued an ominous social media post, which was subsequently deleted, declaring that "CBP will be suited and booted ready to provide security for the first round of games." Watch: No Kings protests video The Miami Herald reported on the June 11 incident involving the Club World Cup party on a floating barge. The barge was boarded by U.S. Coast Guard officials under what the agency said was a routine check, according to the report, but the inspection crew included a CBP official. The Herald reported attendees were asked for identification that purportedly would show their status. 'This should not have happened,' Levine Cava said in a statement quoted by the Herald. 'Ensuring that all community members feel safe and included is crucial to maintaining our county's reputation as a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.' The opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, pitting local favorite Inter Miami FC and global star Lionel Messi against Egypt's Al Ahly squad. The tournament showcases the world's best soccer teams and is a prelude to next year's World Cup, which will match 48 teams in games to be played in 16 North American cities, including Miami. One of the teams participating in the tournament, Real Madrid of Spain, is training in Palm Beach Gardens. Another, England's Manchester City, is training in Boca Raton. Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Are ICE immigration agents targeting the FIFA Club World Cup games?
