South Miami-Dade News

Congressman Carlos Gimenez has reintroduced the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act, aiming to incorporate the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA). This move is expected to enhance facilities and governance for the Tribe and improve water flow into Everglades National Park without affecting residents of Osceola Camp. The legislation has received support from the Miccosukee Tribe.

"As the Representative for the Miccosukee Tribe, I have seen firsthand the Tribe's dedication to being outstanding stewards of the Everglades, as well as their role as a vital community partner, fostering jobs and opportunities for South Floridians," stated Congressman Carlos Gimenez. "I am eager to continue collaborating with the Tribe to protect our cherished River of Grass and integrate the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area."

Congresswoman Maria Salazar also expressed her support: “The Miccosukee Tribe has called the Everglades home for centuries and have been critical partners in protecting the environment,” she said. “This bill, which incorporates the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA), further recognizes the Tribe’s connection to this land and allows them to have a significant role in protecting it from flooding. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and I encourage my colleagues to join in support as well.”

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart emphasized his commitment: “As a staunch supporter of our Native American tribes, I recognize the challenges faced by the Miccosukee Tribe, particularly with the Osceola Camp, which has been severely impacted by flooding following recent tropical storms. I am proud to join my South Florida colleagues in introducing this critical legislation, which aims to remove current mitigation barriers placed on the Tribe by federal government and enhance communication with Department of Interior. These joint efforts will ensure that we take appropriate actions in protecting structures within Osceola Camp.”

Senator Rick Scott highlighted cultural significance: “The Miccosukee Tribe’s Osceola Camp has been a home and site of cultural significance for generations of Tribal members and I am proud to introduce this bill with my colleagues to ensure its protection. I deeply appreciate partnership I have had with Miccosukee Tribe as Florida Governor, and will continue support their interests as U.S. Senator.”

Miccosukee Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypress remarked on legislative progress: “The passage of Miccosukee Reserve Area Act Amendment is an important step forward facilitating continued practice of Miccosukee traditions at Osceola Tribal Camp in advance increased water levels into Shark River Slough and Everglades National Park," he said. "As Everglades Restoration continues, our partners in Congress like Representatives Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart, Elvia Maria Salazar, Senator Rick Scott continue fulfilling Congress’s trust obligations toward Miccosukee Tribe balancing important work Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This small expansion tribal sovereignty allows our Tribe maintain traditional footprint empower raise Osceola Camp prevent flooding."