Cutler Bay and the Miccosukee Tribe: Striving to Build a Sustainable Future Together
Cutler Bay, FL – August 20, 2024 - In a significant step towards fostering environmental stewardship and enhancing community programs, Mayor Tim Meerbott and Town Manager Rafael Casals recently met with Miccosukee Tribe Lawmaker Petties Osceola, Jr., and his executive team. The meeting focused on the Tribe’s sustainability efforts, particularly concerning water flow and the restoration of the Everglades.
As a member of both the Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board and the Biscayne Bay Commission, Mayor Meerbott emphasized the importance of understanding how activities in the Everglades directly impact Biscayne Bay. "This meeting provided us with invaluable insights into the intricate relationship between the Everglades' water flow and the health of Biscayne Bay," stated Mayor Meerbott. "We are committed to doing all we can to preserve our environment and ensure the vitality of Biscayne Bay."
The meeting also opened discussions on potential collaborations between the Town of Cutler Bay and the Miccosukee Tribe, particularly in areas such as the Town’s Active Adults program, After School program, STEM camp, and Summer programs. The Miccosukee Tribe graciously hosted Mayor Meerbott and Town Manager Casals on a tour to one of their islands in the Everglades, where they further discussed the history of water flow and the shared commitment to environmental conservation.
Mayor Meerbott highlighted the Town of Cutler Bay's ongoing efforts to enhance local sustainability. This includes the purchase and restoration of the 8.4-acre conservation site along Old Cutler Road, the development of the 16-acre Legacy Park and Municipal Complex, and the collaborative wetland restoration project with Miami-Dade County. Additionally, the Mayor reaffirmed the Town’s full support of the County’s impervious ordinance, which includes stringent pollutant discharge standards aimed at protecting Biscayne Bay.
Click below for more details on this meeting and to watch a video of Mayor Meerbott’s airboat tour to Tigertail Island:
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