Miami-Dade County regains control of Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport property

Miami-Dade County has formally regained control of the County-owned Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT) property following the State’s termination of operations at the “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility.  

The transfer followed the completion of a joint inspection conducted today by Miami-Dade County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). The inspection identified impacts to the airfield and surrounding environment resulting from the construction and operation of the detention facility. The County is documenting those impacts and expects the state to fulfill its commitment to return the property in the required condition and address any necessary remediation resulting from its use of the site. 

“The return of this property to Miami-Dade County marks an important turning point. From the beginning, I have been clear that this detention facility should never have been built, and now we have an opportunity to shape a better future for these lands,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our immediate responsibility is to fully understand and address the impacts left behind. At the same time, we are moving forward with our goal of permanently protecting this land and restoring it as part of the greater Everglades ecosystem. We will work with our federal, state, Tribal, and environmental partners to chart the right path forward and ensure these lands are protected for generations to come.” 

With control of the property back with Miami-Dade County, the County is advancing its work toward the potential sale or transfer of all or a portion of the TNT property for permanent conservation and ecological restoration. That work includes reviewing ownership interests, aviation requirements, environmental considerations, and the legal and financial implications of potential transfer options. 

Once that work is complete, the Administration will return to the Board of County Commissioners with recommendations for any actions requiring Board approval. 

Editor’s Note: A copy of FDEM’s letter to Miami-Dade County is available for download.