As northwest Miami-Dade and Broward residents are still reeling from the blasting caused by the rock mining industry, two state legislators are hoping to ease their anxiety.
The residents of Miami Lakes, Palm Springs North and Miramar have turned to Senator Rene Garcia and State Representative Manny Diaz Jr. for help, and the two lawmakers have responded by filing two bills in the House and Senator to protect residents’ properties from more damages caused by the explosions.
House Bill 195 and Senate Bill 354: Construction Materials Mining Activities, ask the state’s Fire Marshall, which controls the blasting, to modify ground vibration limits for mining activities.
Giving the state’s Fire Marshall the authority to lower intensity levels, while conducting a comprehensive study, will allow the Legislature and Fire Marshall the ability to make long term decisions to protect infrastructure while keeping up with the demand of Florida’s growing economy.
According to Diaz and Garcia, the legislation would not only protect properties but also ease the burden on the surrounding population, with an introspective look at the areas most susceptible populations, such as pets, seniors and children.
“This has been a problem in our community for some time,” said Diaz. “This legislation is a step forward to addressing this issue and protecting our residents.”
Said Garcia: “Our constituents need us to stand up for them in the legislature. I will continue to work with all stakeholders on this legislation to fix this issue.”
Miami Lakes Councilmember Frank Mingo, who’s running for Diaz’s seat in 2018, said he supports the two state lawmakers’ effort to help protect residents’ properties.
“Garcia and Diaz have filed a bill that will benefit the residents of Miami Lakes,” Mingo said. “I am proud to support this legislation with my colleagues.”