Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Immigration Detention Center in Everglades Sparks Lawsuit & Controversy
June 30, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Central Florida Times, an independent, reader-supported newsletter focusing on the Sunshine State. These are the most important stories you need to know from across Central Florida. To never miss an update, subscribe here:
Here’s the latest from Central Florida…
‘Alligator Alcatraz’: Florida’s $450M Immigration Detention Center Advances in the Everglades
Florida has begun construction on a controversial immigration detention center deep in the Everglades, a remote facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” by officials. Receiving approval from the federal government, the center is part of the state’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier. The site will be operated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management at an expected annual cost of $450 million, with partial reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. FEMA has already earmarked $625 million to support the Florida-led project. The 1,000-bed complex—made up of heavy-duty tents, trailers, and portable infrastructure—will house immigrants caught in deportation sweeps as the governor and Florida Cabinet have pushed for more autonomy to detain and deport immigrants. Located on Miami-Dade County-owned land within the environmentally sensitive Big Cypress National Preserve, the state began construction without finalized land ownership by leveraging emergency powers granted to the governor under a state of emergency declared in 2023 to address illegal immigration. The state offered $20 million for the largely wetland property, far below the appraised value of nearly $195 million. State officials say it will support Trump-era immigration priorities and will feature the capacity to quickly increase bed space during ongoing deportation operations. Environmental and human rights groups have raised serious concerns about the site’s ecological impact and the treatment of detainees. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called for a full review of the project’s scope, while tribal leaders and protesters have condemned the rushed and secretive process, criticizing the use of the state’s emergency powers to wrest control of the land. The facility is slated to open the first week of July, marking a bold—and controversial—shift in Florida’s immigration policy landscape.
Environmental Groups Sue to Stop Migrant Detention Center in Everglades
Two environmental organizations have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt construction of Florida’s controversial immigration detention facility in the Everglades, dubbed as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity allege that federal, state, and Miami-Dade County officials bypassed required environmental reviews and public input processes. The lawsuit, filed in Miami, calls for an immediate injunction to halt work on the planned 1,000-bed facility, which could begin housing migrants as early as this week. The site, located within Big Cypress National Preserve and surrounded by critical wetlands, is home to endangered species such as the Florida panther. Environmental advocates warn the center’s construction and operation threaten the fragile ecosystem, which has received billions in taxpayer-funded restoration efforts. The lawsuit further contends no such state authority exists to convert county-owned land into a federal detention facility without oversight or legislative approval. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier have defended the project, saying it supports federal immigration enforcement and utilizes pre-existing infrastructure. Critics argue the state is violating environmental law and local land-use regulations.
Hundreds Protest Immigration Detention Center in Florida Everglades
More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered along U.S. 41 in the Florida Everglades this past weekend to protest a new immigrant detention center under construction, with the nickname “Alligator Alcatraz.” The protest, organized by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, brought together Indigenous groups, environmentalists, and immigrant rights advocates concerned about the facility’s location, purpose, and construction process. The center is being rapidly built on a remote airstrip surrounded by Big Cypress National Preserve, an ecologically sensitive area that is also sacred land to the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes. Protesters voiced alarm over potential environmental damage, cultural disruption, and inhumane conditions for detained migrants expected to be held in tents and trailers during Florida’s sweltering summer. Miccosukee activist Betty Osceola led a cleansing ceremony and called on state leaders to “find their humanity.” Protesters held signs, chanted, and lined the highway at the edge of Tamiami Trail—on the border between Collier County and Miami-Dade County—as trucks brought materials into the fenced site, where construction has proceeded under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ emergency order. Critics say the facility threatens endangered species and violates tribal land rights. State officials, however, maintain the location is ideal and environmentally sound. The protest follows a lawsuit filed on Friday seeking to halt the project, which is expected to detain up to 5,000 migrants by early July.
Florida Universities May Raise Out-of-State Tuition for First Time Since 2012
Florida's public universities may soon increase out-of-state tuition for the first time since 2012, after the State University System Board of Governors granted university trustees the authority to implement hikes of up to 15%. This policy, approved unanimously, permits a 10% increase for Fall 2025 enrollments and an additional 5% for Fall 2026. Florida currently boasts the third-lowest out-of-state tuition nationwide at $21,690, significantly below the national average of $30,780. If all institutions utilize the full 15% increase, the Board estimates a potential $105 million revenue boost. The University of Florida, which hasn't raised undergraduate out-of-state fees since 2009, is already considering a 10% increase for Fall 2025 to address rising operational costs. While public university tuition in Florida remains about 28% lower than the national average, the move signals a shift for out-of-state students. The Board also mandated that institutions maintain their Fall 2024 in-state to out-of-state student ratio.
Gov. DeSantis Bans Oil Drilling Near Apalachicola River
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed House Bill 1143 into law, officially prohibiting oil drilling along Northwest Florida's Apalachicola River. This move delivers a significant victory for local fishermen and environmentalists who championed the ban as vital for protecting their livelihoods and way of life. The bipartisan bill, overwhelmingly approved by state lawmakers this spring, targets a roughly 234,000-acre area, banning oil and gas exploration within 10 miles of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The new legislation prevents future threats to the region, known as Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” where fishing and oyster harvesting are the cornerstone of the local economy. Previously, a Louisiana company had sought a drilling permit in the area, which the state denied. Environmental groups and community members praised DeSantis' decision after exerting substantial public pressure to encourage his support for the bill, including a large local rally organized to advocate for stronger protections of the critical natural resource. The new legislation also strengthens state requirements for evaluating pollution risks and environmental impacts from any future oil permits. Meanwhile, Apalachicola faces a separate water crisis, with damaged infrastructure following Hurricane Helene. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into the city’s handling of the situation.
Florida's Unemployment Rate Remains Unchanged at 3.7%
Florida's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.7% in May, according to FloridaCommerce, marking the 55th consecutive month the state's jobless figure has been below the national rate of 4.2%. However, this figure is the highest recorded in Florida for 2024, having steadily increased from 3.4% at the end of last year. The current rate represents a 0.4 percentage point increase from May 2024's figure of 3.3%. Approximately 414,000 Floridians were unemployed last month out of an 11.2 million-person workforce. Despite the static overall rate, the private sector saw an increase of 22,900 jobs, with professional business services leading the growth. Regionally, South Florida continues to show the strongest employment picture, with Miami recording the lowest rate at 2.7%. Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and West Palm Beach hovered between 3.4% and 3.6%. In contrast, the Fort Myers and Pensacola areas registered the state's highest unemployment among major cities at 3.8%—a 0.1% month-over-month increase and significant year-over-year jumps.
Hillsborough County Unveils $138M Van Dyke Road Upgrade Plan
Hillsborough County is moving forward with an ambitious $138 million project to widen and enhance a 3.47-mile stretch of Van Dyke Road, one of northern Hillsborough’s busiest corridors. The project, which extends from Whirley Road to Tobacco Road, just past the Suncoast Parkway, aims to improve safety and accommodate growing traffic volumes projected to reach up to 33,500 vehicles per day by 2048. Key features include widening more than two miles of the roadway to four lanes, installing 12-foot multi-use trails on both sides to connect with local trail networks, and constructing two roundabouts — one of which is an innovative “infinity-shaped” dual roundabout near Lake Reflections Boulevard. Between 2017 and 2021, the road experienced 284 crashes, resulting in 108 injuries. Public feedback on the safety improvements for the increasingly congested thoroughfare has been positive, with residents praising the safety improvements but requesting additional traffic lights and reconsideration of dual trails. The project is currently in the design and study phase, and no completion timeline has been set.
Thanks for reading this edition of the Central Florida Times. To never miss an update, subscribe for free:
In the meantime, if you learned something or found this read interesting, please consider sharing it to grow our community!
America’s Auschwitz