DeSantis’ gift to Cuban exiles is a gift to the entire Miami community | Editorial
Few historic buildings offer Miami’s Cuban exiles a flashback to one of the most significant moments of their lives. The Freedom Tower, their Ellis Island, is like no other. It’s where they received their paperwork to begin life in a new country.
“Cuando llegué a Miami, me procesaron en La Torre de la Libertad” — “When I arrived in Miami, I was processed at the Freedom Tower.” It was part of every exile’s story, from 1962 to 1974. They passed on the history of their arrival in Miami to their kids and grandkids, and the significance of the tower by the bay in the Cuban exile experience is locally universal.
Monday, events in Cuba again brought attention to the aging building on Biscayne Boulevard, now owned by Miami Dade College.
While in Miami to show support for the massive demonstration planned in Cuba that day — which ultimately failed to materialize — Gov. Ron DeSantis used the opportunity to pledge a $25 million allocation from the Florida Legislature to restore and preserve the 96-year building and enhance its museum component.
It was a stroke of political genius by the governor, a touching and savvy gesture aimed at the heart strings of some of Miami-Dade’s most loyal voters, older Cuban exiles. Well played, governor. It’s a worthy cause.
Now, we hope Miami Dade College will beef up the tower into a museum capturing what a refuge Miami was for 1 million people who began fleeing Cuba 60 years ago. MDC President Madeline Pumariega understands the task at hand.
“This crucial funding will ensure our beacon of freedom, the Freedom Tower, shines brightly for future generations, and against oppression and tyranny,” Pumariega said.
Plans have been long in the works to open a Cuban museum at nearby Museum Park. There is also the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora on Coral Way. But the Freedom Tower has always seemed the best-suited keeper of exile history.
DeSantis said he will signal to lawmakers that the request is an easy “lay-up” for them, and it should be a sure thing. The budget request will be part of DeSantis’ multibillion dollar proposal for the 2022 legislative session and is subject to approval by state lawmakers.
“We will continue to make sure the Freedom Tower remains one of the premier symbols of freedom and liberty in our nation,” DeSantis said.
The 96-year-old National Historic Landmark building is significant not only to Cuban exiles, but to anyone interested in preserving Miami’s early history. The Mediterranean-style tower, which opened in 1925 on Biscayne Boulevard, is the original home of the long-defunct Miami News, which back in the day was the city’s premier newspaper.
After the Miami News moved out in the early 1960s, the building sat empty. Then, as refugees began to flow to South Florida after the 1959 Cuban revolution, the U.S. government needed a one-stop structure to process them, vaccinate them, give them government cheese and ham, and find them jobs and apartments. The building was already named the Freedom Tower, and easy to find. Perfect.
The tower used to be the highlight of Miami’s bayfront skyline, one of the tallest buildings in downtown. Today, it’s still an eye-turner. Any visitor driving down Biscayne Boulevard can’t help but notice its special architectural touches and beauty.
Given the significance of this historic architectural gem, every local resident should commend the governor’s gesture to this community.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat's an editorial?
Editorials are opinion pieces that reflect the views of the Miami Herald Editorial Board, a group of opinion journalists that operates separately from the Miami Herald newsroom. Miami Herald Editorial Board members are: opinion editor Amy Driscoll and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What's the difference between an op-ed and a column?
How does the Miami Herald Editorial Board decide what to write about?
The Editorial Board, made up of experienced opinion journalists, primarily addresses local and state issues that affect South Florida residents. Each board member has an area of focus, such as education, COVID or local government policy. Board members meet daily and bring up an array of topics for discussion. Once a topic is fully discussed, board members will further report the issue, interviewing stakeholders and others involved and affected, so that the board can present the most informed opinion possible. We strive to provide our community with thought leadership that advocates for policies and priorities that strengthen our communities. Our editorials promote social justice, fairness in economic, educational and social opportunities and an end to systemic racism and inequality. The Editorial Board is separate from the reporters and editors of the Miami Herald newsroom.
How can I contribute to the Miami Herald Opinion section?
The Editorial Board accepts op-ed submissions of 650-700 words from community members who want to argue a specific viewpoint or idea that is relevant to our area. You can email an op-ed submission to oped@miamiherald.com. We also accept 150-word letters to the editor from readers who want to offer their points of view on current issues. For more information on how to submit a letter, go here.
This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 1:01 PM.