Miami, FL
Miami-Dade mayor seeks ongoing access to Alligator Alcatraz:
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is requesting regular access to the Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility, though she says she doesn’t intend to go alone.
“I have asked for my own monitoring access because I need a team of experts and I need to go in [on a] regular basis,” Levine Cava told CBS News Miami.
“So that is what I’ve asked for again in a letter to the director of the Division of Emergency Management today, and I hope I have an answer soon.”
The mayor’s request comes as state and federal lawmakers prepare to tour the remote facility this weekend, amid growing scrutiny over its conditions. Levine Cava has not yet been granted a scheduled visit.
Facility faces scrutiny
Located about an hour outside of Miami, the facility has drawn criticism from lawmakers and local officials who cite safety and transparency concerns.
Levine Cava said her concerns were initially referred to the Florida Division of Emergency Management by State Attorney General James Uthmeier. She emphasized the need for oversight from a professional monitoring team and expressed skepticism about the facility’s use of public funds.
“Not productive” spending, says mayor
When asked what troubles her most about the facility, Levine Cava responded, “I think we are spending money on things that are really not productive. We need to find pathways for those who are here contributing to our society, the vast majority are here with legal permission.”
Levine Cava also noted that the state seized control of the property from Miami-Dade County, raising further questions about local authority and oversight.
No response has yet been made public by the Florida Division of Emergency Management regarding the mayor’s latest request.
A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.
Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.
“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.
For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.
During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.
Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.
“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”
Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.
“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.
The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.
The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.
Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.
Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.
READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker
The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.
“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.
Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.
“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”
Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.
“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.
Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.
“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.
More About the 2028 Class
The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.
Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.
Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.
While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.
Follow all social media platforms to stay up to date with everything Miami Hurricanes- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and BlueSky.
Read More Miami Hurricanes News:
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
Skip to content
Contact Us
-
Georgia32 seconds agoGeorgia National Fair announces ticket pricing changes for 2026
-
Hawaii6 minutes agoHawaii economy remains resilient despite inflation – The Garden Island
-
Idaho13 minutes agoIdaho Targets Japanese Beetle in Caldwell to Protect Agriculture
-
Illinois16 minutes agoPedestrian fatally struck by Metra train in Palatine, Illinois
-
Indiana21 minutes agoMan dies after near east side apartment shooting
-
Iowa28 minutes agoIowa man injured in 3-vehicle crash on I-35 near Albert Lea
-
Kentucky31 minutes agoDemetrus Liggins disputes Fayette County board’s claim he resigned, attorneys allege misconduct
-
Kansas31 minutes agoWhere to watch St. Louis Cardinals vs Kansas City Royals: TV channel, start time, streaming for June 19
