Miami super-rich lose their minds over a plan to move homeless to their wealthy island

While the full effects of the niche insult can only be enjoyed by anyone who has suffered through Miami’s illogical two-line rail system, it speaks volumes about the public sentiment around the plan to erect up to 100 “tiny homes” on a historic barrier island with a stained racial history. The encampment plan has spurred outrage from every type of Miamian: environmentalists who are worried about destroying the island’s already endangered ecosystem, outdoor enthusiasts concerned about ruined recreational activities, and homeless advocates sounding the alarm about the lack of infrastructure in the area off Rickenbacker Causeway, which could leave relocated people without transportation, sewerage systems, and even access to food.

Not to mention that Virginia Key is just yards from two of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city—Key Biscayne and Fisher Island, a members-only island only accessible by a boat whose former residents include Oprah Winfrey, Derek Jeter, and Mel Brooks.

The comments about the proposal in the District 7 Zoom chat soon took on an aggressive tone. “Are the homeless that are going to be housed illegal immigrants or are we first going to house homeless US Citizens?” one resident commented. After taking some heat from another chat participant, they added, “if we’re putting tax dollars to not even take care of US citizens then we need to refocus altogether.”

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