Story perspectives

Miami-Dade Seizes Fisher Island Fuel Depot, Execs Resign

6/6/2026

Summary

Miami-Dade Acquires

Miami-Dade County filed eminent-domain proceedings to acquire the Fisher Island fuel depot for PortMiami.
Negotiations with Chicago developer HRP failed because its $400 million asking price exceeded the county’s limit.
The county will fund the purchase with port fees and no taxpayer dollars.
Fisher Island residents sued the eminent-domain action in federal court, which led to retirements of the county administrator and the PortMiami director.

Summary

Gilbert Warns

The county’s 2025 feasibility report said a new PortMiami fuel farm is impossible because no contiguous 6- to 10-acre parcel exists.
The analysis estimates the infrastructure would exceed the $400 million cost of acquiring the Fisher Island property the county plans to buy.
Commissioner Oliver Gilbert warned the fuel-facility shortfall could force ships to divert.
Fisher Island Association sued, claiming the eminent-domain action serves a private cruise industry, not a public need.

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Miami-Dade Acquires

Miami-Dade County filed eminent-domain proceedings to acquire the Fisher Island fuel depot for PortMiami.
Negotiations with Chicago developer HRP failed because its $400 million asking price exceeded the county’s limit.
The county will fund the purchase with port fees and no taxpayer dollars.
Fisher Island residents sued the eminent-domain action in federal court, which led to retirements of the county administrator and the PortMiami director.

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