FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2000 

STILTSVILLE PRESS RELEASE

 For the past four years, Stiltsville owners have been negotiating with The National Park Service to find a way to preserve one of Miami’s most unique, cultural and historical assets, Stiltsville. 

The National Park Service has recently taken a heavy handed approach against Stiltsville, and has avowed that its ultimate goal is “the removal of the Stilt homes”, despite overwhelming public and Congressional sentiment and support for preservation. 

The National Park Service has no formal management plan, no idea of the extensive maintenance required, and no budget to for proper preservation, for the houses.  With a December 1, 2000 deadline imposed by the National Park Service, as a last resort to try to preserve this precious piece of South Florida history for generations to come, the Stiltsville owners had no alternative but to commence a lawsuit today in Miami U.S. District Court against the National Park Service requesting that the Court deny the National Park Service the right to remove the Stiltsville homes, and for a determination that Florida, and not the Federal Government, has the right to decide the fate of Stiltsville.  Florida has stated it would renew Stiltsville leases for 20 years like it did in 1999 with all other similar campsite leases.  This would assure preservation of these Florida treasures, at no cost to any tax payer.

For More Information, Call:  Bill Tuttle (305) 371-9575 or Duff Matson (305) 662-3852