06/30/2025
Everglades Day Safari strongly opposes the proposed "Alligator Alcatraz" development within the Big Cypress National Preserve. To date, there has been no public input or environmental assessment regarding this project. It poses serious threats not only to the ecosystem but also to the well-being of the Indigenous communities and wildlife that call this region home.
For nearly 25 years, our tours have utilized the public-access Jetport Road, which leads to the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. This road has allowed us to showcase the importance of conservation and the rich history of the land, including those sacred to the Miccosukee Tribe. Unfortunately, this access was closed on June 23, 2025, to facilitate the construction of a detention facility for up to 5,000 migrant detainees.
The Dade-Collier Airport was originally constructed in the 1960s, with plans to build an international airport in the Everglades. However, various groups united to prevent that development, and only a single runway has been in use since. Contrary to some claims, "Alligator Alcatraz" is not being built on an abandoned airfield. It is being constructed on land owned by Collier County, leased to Miami-Dade County, and appropriated by the governor under emergency powers. The runway was primarily used for aviation training, and it remained operational until June 23, 2025.
This land is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve and should be protected, not developed. The plan does not account for the significant negative impacts it will have, including vehicle traffic, noise, air and light pollution, as well as human waste disposal.
The establishment of this facility in such a sensitive and protected environment raises numerous ethical and ecological concerns. We are deeply worried about the potential harm to local ecosystems and the sustainability of ecotourism, which is a critical economic driver for local communities and vital conservation efforts. This project disregards the holistic health of the Everglades, the wildlife, and the people who depend on its preservation.
We stand in solidarity with conservationists, tribal leaders, and fellow ecotourism professionals in calling for the preservation of Big Cypress National Preserve. This land deserves protection, not exploitation. We will continue to advocate for responsible, sustainable practices that respect both the environment and the cultural heritage of this extraordinary region.
