Save the Trees: Miami
Since the beginning of 2026 the City has cut over 300 trees with no apparent ending in sight. Along with a group of citizens which is growing everyday we are doing what we can to stop the chainsaws in Miami.
Since the appointment of a new Mayor Eileen Higgins, new Commissioners and the removal of Quatisha Oguntoyinbo-Rashad from her position as Environmental Resources Division Chief the tree permits have been approved without cause or care for the life of the trees or residents of Miami who have to suffer the ecological, physical, mental damage of such removals. Neighborhoods such as Liberty City, Allapattah, Overtown, and Little Havana are almost tree-less as a form of ecological racism fancier zip codes such as Bal Harbour and sections of Miami Beach enjoy lush green landscape which not only increases their property values but quality of life. However it seems these days zipcodes such as Coconut Grove, Edgewater, and Downtown are no longer safe from the City's hellbent mission to cut as many trees as possible.
A 100-year old Banyan Tree was cut in the month of May and has devastated the Edgewater community, citizens and animals alike. This tree ignited my activism as I was in the process of calling various departments to get more information as me and other concerned residents noticed the construction equipment being moved into the previously empty lot where the tree sat for years unbothered. After being assured by City official Shawn Smith that trees of that size are typically protected or attempted to be located. There are City codes and laws that are meant to protect the tree canopy and the citizen's rights to live in a lush green environment which are at this time being violated and even so these laws only protect a limited number of species. There was also an audit which showed that the Tree Trust Fund which is meant to be used to plant more trees, or relocate trees has been mismanaged and abused. Even in terms of tree relocations it is a risky process that should be a last resort. Developers can and should be encourage to incorporate existing trees in their design framework or build in lots that are already vacant. Miami has lost so much of it's tree canopy every last tree remaining needs to be feverently protected.
The City of Miami is in dangerous times being led by politicians who only seem to care about appeasing the desires of developers, and building new luxury condominiums. This has led to beloved businesses closing left and right, with Wynwood being entirely unrecognizable and devoid of all culture and flavor. The problem with catering to the millionaire and billionaire population, and foreign investors is that this population is not loyal to Miami and leaves during the summer or any time the weather is unfavorable. They can only contribute to the economy so much leaving a huge gap in the market. When the middle class cannot afford to live, work and spend in Miami the result is what we see now many mid-level businesses unable to survive. Upcoming elections will be important and the community needs to be vigilant to save Miami from the path of destruction it is currently on.
I have been extremely vocal on social media about these crimes against the environment and citizens and have garnered a lot of support with hundreds of people not only in Miami but around the world in shock at what is going on in Miami. Attached below are relevant links to follow along on ways to help and petitions and a GoFundMe we have to file tree appeals which is a way to stop the tree removal process.
Follow along on Tiktok and Instagram : @mimasroomtv
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