Latest news with #Miami-DadeHomelessTrust
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Developers to replace Miami homeless shelter with luxury tower — but locals say they have nowhere else to go
A developer hoping to build a luxury high-rise in Miami Beach is offering city officials a controversial selling point: The closure of Bikini Hostel, a youth hostel that has recently become one of the only places on the island housing the homeless. As reported by WPLG Local 10 News, at a recent Miami Beach city commission meeting, attorney for the development Melissa Tapanes said the proposed development 'will result in the permanent elimination of the Bikini Hostel,' calling the site a 'plague on this community for a number of years.' Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) But advocates for the homeless say the hostel has filled a critical gap, especially after a drop in available beds at a nearby shelter. They argue that, rather than a nuisance, the hostel has become a source of stability and dignity for dozens of Miami-Dade County residents with nowhere else to go. The Bikini Hostel originally billed itself as a youth hostel with a colorful atmosphere, complimentary breakfast and 'a bed for every budget.' But since late October 2023, it has transformed into an emergency housing site for about 90 to 100 individuals experiencing homelessness. Most residents are referred by the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, the lead agency responsible for the operations and oversight of the county's Continuum of Care program. That shift happened, reports Local 10 News, as the Homeless Trust scrambled to find space after Camillus House in Miami reduced its bed capacity and the state's new law banning unauthorized camping and public sleeping took effect on October 1, 2024. Miami-Dade Homeless Trust Chairman Ron Book defended the arrangement and pushed back against criticism of the hostel. 'The city of Miami Beach doesn't think it has a homeless problem and doesn't have any responsibility to be part of the effort to house or shelter people on the island itself,' Book told Local 10 News. 'They think that burden falls on the other 34 municipalities in Miami-Dade County.' He added, 'Some people don't have a good image of unhoused individuals. I can't help that.' The hostel's owners initially resisted acquisition offers from the developer, reported Local 10 News. But with zoning changes allowing increased density, the developer can now afford to meet their price. A deal is now in the works, but the controversy is ongoing. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now The developer argues that replacing the hostel with a high-rise luxury building will improve quality of life and remove what some neighbors have long seen as a neighborhood blight. At the recent city commission meeting, Jessica Davis, vice-president of the Bay View Terrace Condominium Association, called the hostel 'a scourge and a blight on the neighborhood for 15 years now, long before its current iteration as a makeshift homeless shelter.' There are potential economic benefits. High-end housing typically boosts property values and tax revenue, and developers are often required to provide public benefits in exchange for zoning changes, such as park space, infrastructure improvements or relocation plans like the one proposed for Bikini Hostel residents. But, critics worry that closing the hostel without a viable replacement would displace already vulnerable residents and reduce emergency housing options at a time when few exist. 'This place has offered me something,' Bikini Hostel resident Angela Lovingood told the Miami Herald. After years of trying to find a shelter bed following the loss of her daughter in a fire, she finally found space at the hostel. 'Don't kick us while we're down,' she said. 'Help us get up, help us be a contribution to our society again.' Another resident, Michael Black, told the Herald that staying at the hostel 'makes you feel like a human being. You feel like you're a part of the community.' Courtney Caprio, an attorney for Bikini Hostel, said in a statement to Local 10 News that the owners are committed to ensuring no one is 'forcibly displaced.' They plan to use part of the proceeds from the sale to purchase a new facility that will continue to provide housing. Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in as the proposal returns to the Miami Beach city commission in late May. For those on either side of the issue, the debate raises larger questions: What role should the community play in addressing homelessness? And how do you balance economic development with social responsibility? Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Miami Herald
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Florida climate risks: Heat, flooding and insurance changes
South Florida Florida climate risks: Heat, flooding and insurance changes Florida faces increasingly complex climate threats, as seen in stories about extreme heat, flooding and contested insurance reforms. In Miami, nearly half of native trees are threatened by heat stress, putting cherished oaks and sabal palms at risk and prompting debate over whether to plant more heat-tolerant species. Communities scramble for resilience, from grassroots campaigns providing water for outdoor workers to city programs like Miami Beach's Fight the Flood initiative, which helps residents adapt their homes. On the coast, new research warns that over 23,000 people and 17,000 homes may face annual flooding by 2050, while FEMA pressures cities like Fort Myers Beach to rebuild higher or risk losing federal flood insurance. Meanwhile, a secret study exposes how insurers shifted billions to affiliates even as lawmakers debated reforms and residents endured soaring premiums and tightening eligibility. Jean Wilfred, 70, enjoys a bottle of water as the outreach team from the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust handed out bottles of water to individuals living on the street on Aug. 1, 2024, in Miami, Florida, during a period of sweltering heat. By Carl Juste NO. 1: 'WE NEED WATER.' HOW SOUTH FLORIDA GROUPS ARE HELPING THOSE HARDEST HIT BY EXTREME HEAT Miami-area nonprofits are helping those most vulnerable to the extreme heat South Florida is facing. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mimi Whitefield A damaged home caused by Hurricane Ian seen along Fort Myers Beach on Monday, October 3, 2022. By Al Diaz NO. 2: FEMA TO FLORIDA CITIES HIT BY HURRICANES: REBUILD HIGHER OR LOSE YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE Fort Myers Beach loses flood insurance discounts after a problematic rebuild from Hurricane Ian. | Published November 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris Kenneth Feeley, UM biology professor and Director of the Gifford Arboretum Department of Biology, measures a tree on campus. His research found that more than half of Miami's trees will be stressed by rising temperatures. By Ashley Miznazi NO. 3: ABOUT HALF OF MIAMI'S NATIVE TREES AT RISK FROM RISING TEMPS. WHAT SHOULD WE PLANT NOW? 'Unfortunately many trees will be lost and that's a consequence of modern climate change' | Published December 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi A damaged home caused by Hurricane Ian seen along Fort Myers Beach on Monday, October 3, 2022. By Al Diaz NO. 4: SECRET STUDY FOUND FLORIDA INSURERS SENT BILLIONS TO AFFILIATES WHILE CRYING POOR The 2022 study, which has never been made public, was released to the Herald/Times after a two-year wait for public records. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lawrence Mower A light dusting of pollen is seen on the hood of a vehicle on April 1 in Dunedin. By Chris Urso NO. 5: WHAT'S THE MIAMI ALLERGY FORECAST? JUST FOLLOW THE SNEEZING — AND THE WEATHER PATTERN Take a look at what the medical experts are saying. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante A resident walks with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida's Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal NO. 6: FLORIDA MOST AT RISK OF 'SEVERE COASTAL FLOODING.' NEW RESEARCH SHOWS WHERE 'This is a level of exposure that's going to require a massive amount of planning and investment in coastal resilience.' | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby Victor Corone, 66, pushes his wife Maria Diaz, 64, in a wheelchair through more than a foot of flood water on 84th street in Miami Beach on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Diaz had a doctor's appointment, and they had to ditch the car in the parking lot on Collins Ave and walk more than 20 minutes to get home. By Photograph by Al Diaz NO. 7: HOW TO GET MONEY TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM FLOODING IN MIAMI BEACH 'We want to do incremental adaptation, you know, things that we can build upon over time, and things that are going to stand the test of time' | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Miami Herald
10-04-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Rising tides and fires: Seven climate stories shaping Florida
South Florida Rising tides and fires: Seven climate stories shaping Florida Florida remains at the forefront of climate change, with surging tides, stronger hurricanes and extreme heat. Slow-moving disasters like sea-level rise and groundwater flooding amplify risks to infrastructure, homes and ecosystems, while events like Hurricane Milton spotlight the growing intensity of storms fueled by warming oceans. Communities are rallying through initiatives tha tinclude cooling stations for vulnerable residents and house-raising projects. Nonprofits and local governments are leading efforts to expand green infrastructure, advocate for worker protections and increase climate education. The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Jean Wilfred, 70, enjoys a bottle of water as the outreach team from the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust handed out bottles of water to individuals living on the street on Aug. 1, 2024, in Miami, Florida, during a period of sweltering heat. By Carl Juste NO. 1: 'WE NEED WATER.' HOW SOUTH FLORIDA GROUPS ARE HELPING THOSE HARDEST HIT BY EXTREME HEAT Miami-area nonprofits are helping those most vulnerable to the extreme heat South Florida is facing. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mimi Whitefield President Joe Biden arrives in St. Pete Beach to delver remarks just days after Hurricane Milton tore across Florida, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. By Alicia Devine/USA TODAY Network NO. 2: FLORIDIANS 'HEARTBROKEN' AFTER MILTON, HELENE, BIDEN SAYS AFTER ST. PETE BEACH VISIT 'Small business owners here and homeowners have taken a real beating,' Biden said. | Published October 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Divya Kumar Dr. Meghan Martin's home in St. Petersburg was gutted after Hurricane Helene flooded her floors with water from the bay. Martin is moving on plans to raise her home 12 feet. By Ashley Miznazi NO. 3: A TIKTOKER'S FLORIDA HOME FLOODED 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. NOW, SHE'S RAISING IT BY 12 FEET Even at about $400,000, Dr. Meghan Martin said it's the easiest and most affordable option she has. | Published October 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers ride a flats boat through the flooded N 12th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida's Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal NO. 4: HURRICANE MILTON BROUGHT A SHOCKING DELUGE. THE REASON WHY DOESN'T BODE WELL FOR FLORIDA 'Hurricanes are more intense, they're wetter and seem to be moving at a slower pace.' | Published October 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi Ana Claudia Chacin A driver blinks their hazard lights on Arthur Street in Hollywood, Florida, as heavy rain floods the surrounding neighborhood on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. By MATIAS J. OCNER NO. 5: THE TRILLION-DOLLAR HIDDEN THREAT FROM CLIMATE CHANGE: RISING GROUNDWATER Up to 70% of residents between North Carolina and Florida could be impacted by the end of the century with just over three feet of sea rise. | Published December 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenny Staletovich Oakley and Casey Jones, tourists from Idaho Falls, navigate the flooded streets of Miami Beach as they try to make their way to their hotel on Collins Ave and 30th Street during a King Tide. By Emily Michot NO. 6: HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IN FLORIDA? WE WANT TO HEAR THEM — AND ANSWER THEM How much sea level rise do we expect? Does a hotter world mean more mosquitoes? | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris An orange, floating berm used to collect garbage and debris stretches across the Little River just north of the South Florida Water Management District's flood control device near NE 82nd St and NE fourth Pl. Friday October 15, 2021. The berm also marks the end point for any water vessels heading east along the Little River. To continue along the river past this point boats would have to be lifted out of the water and carried across NE 82nd St. By Emily MIchot NO. 7: BISCAYNE BAY IS POLLUTED. MIAMI-DADE HOPES THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY WILL HELP CLEAN IT UP Three pilot projects have been installed in Miami-Dade rivers and canals. | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Courtney Heath This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
