Hundreds of residents at Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater, Florida, are refusing to leave despite a May 19 eviction deadline. The park, home to over 900 people, was served eviction notices in November after its owner, CREI Holdings, announced plans to redevelop the property into new housing.
As demolitions began, many homes were abandoned, while others stood amid piles of rubble and spray-painted warnings reading “no tocar” (“don’t touch”). Though CREI offered financial incentives to residents who moved out early, around 200 families have stayed and joined a class action lawsuit against the property owner, challenging the legality of the eviction.
“We’ve paid for this land for 30 years,” said resident Danilo Oriarte. “You’re not going to toss us out like a dog.”
Another resident told NBC6 he has nowhere else to go and will remain until forcibly removed. Advocates, including Melissa Martin, are calling attention to vulnerable residents still living in the park during active demolition.
“There are people in home hospice care here,” Martin said. “I can’t stand by while people are being taken advantage of.”
The lawsuit claims that both CREI Holdings and Miami-Dade County failed to provide proper relocation assistance, violating legal requirements.
CREI Holdings has not yet issued a statement regarding the situation.
