The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center faces a precarious future after months of legal and political wrangling over its right to remain on Crandon Park, leaders of the nonprofit told the Anti-Social podcast.
“We’re going to move forward, but we’re hesitant,” said Executive Director Theodora Long, who said many harmful things have happened. “If the mayor [Daniella Levine Cava] really liked us, why did she send the letter in the first place?”
Long described the day she learned about the County’s attempt to evict the center after more than 50 years of community service. “I received a registered letter. I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness. What could this be? Big, heavy, heavy envelope.’ And I opened it and said, ‘Oh, my goodness gracious,’” Long recalled.
Unable to immediately share the news with colleagues, she said, “I have an emergency at my house. I have to leave right away.” At home, she contacted environmental leader Bruce Matheson, whose family gift decades ago created Crandon Park. : “I’ve just been evicted… I’m going to email you the letter as soon as I get home.”
Mayor Levine Cava apologized for the letter sent by the Parks Department, and it was eventually rescinded. But the nature enter’s leaders say the damage has already been done – and now the onus is on the County to show good faith.
The first step, says center’s president Mark Diaz, is for the County to come forward with an actual proposal. ”We’re a small nonprofit. What are we here to negotiate and, and the second point is, what are we negotiating to?”
A lease between Miami-Dade Public Schools and the County runs until 2039.
Long said her hope is that another 40-year sublease will extend the Nature Center’s programs — and the legacy of its namesake until 2080.
“I’m hoping,” Long said. “Marjory Stoneman Douglas lived to be 108, you know.”
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