The Great Debate: July 29th

The Tropical Audubon Society and the Urban Environment League hosted a debate for Florida State Senate District 36 and Florida State Representative District 117 at South Miami City Hall. Oscar Musibay, Reporter for the South Florida Business Journal was the Moderator. We want to thank all the candidates that came. They answered some very tough questions.


Oscar Musibay prepares for the moderating job.


Marcus Rivchin and Ernie Martinez, Republican candidates for District 117.


Julio Robaina, the only State Senate District 36 candidate to show up out of a field of 5 candidates.


Lisa Lesperance, Democratic candidate for State Representative District 117.


Jose Pazos is also a Republican Candidate for District 117.

Catch Max Rameau at The Rusty Pelican Tonight: 7:30 pm. FREE!

Get to know Max Rameau who will be speaking tonight for free at 7:30 at the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne (The Dinner Portion of the program is sold-out):

In response to one of the worse epidemics of gentrification and low income housing in the United States, a small group of activists in South Florida lawfully seized control over public land, and started a desperately over due movement.

On October 23, 2006, members of Take Back The Land reclaimed publicly owned land in the Liberty City section of Miami, creating the self governed shantytown of Umoja Village. In the wake of public housing vacancies, corrupt city officials and flawed federal programs, a community found the unrelenting courage to fight back. Using minimal resources such as discarded plywood, packing palettes, and tin roofs, a collective group of activists, Umoja residents, and community supporters built temporary housing units for 53 displaced residents.

In spite of police arrests, court battles, interpersonal conflicts, and the devastating fire which would reduce the village to ashes, the Umoja clan stood strong with unbridled spirits, proving the power of determination and perseverance.

This book documents the planning, development, struggles and triumphs endured by Take Back The Land activists and Umoja Village residents, and tackles the larger fundamental issues of land and power distribution in black communities.