Construction of a Florida detention facility was halted after a federal judge found the state failed to evaluate environmental impacts before expanding an existing airstrip. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued under the National Environmental Policy Act, requesting a temporary shutdown; a judge ordered construction paused. State officials and the Trump administration argued the project caused no environmental harm, citing the preexisting airstrip. Court testimony cited runoff, wastewater discharge, and new lighting that reduced Florida panther habitat by about 2,000 acres, and tribal testimony described lost access to hunting and plant-harvesting trails. The judge found no stakeholder consultation or environmental evaluation.
Both the DeSantis and Trump administrations have said the facility has had zero impact on the environment, citing the airstrip that was already on the site before they built the facility. Yes, but: The court cited expert testimony that repurposing the site has resulted in "a myriad of risks" to its sensitive surroundings, including runoff and wastewater discharge that could harm the Everglades. She noted testimony indicating the new lighting alone had reduced the habitat for the protected Florida panther by 2,000 acres.
Catch up quick: Shortly after DeSantis administration officials announced plans for the facility, environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, arguing it violated the National Environmental Policy Act. The law requires that environmental studies be conducted before any "major" federal action or construction project. The groups had requested that the site be temporarily shut down while the lawsuit played out. Construction was paused earlier this month, following a judge's order.
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