Miami-Dade gives a lot of talk, few solutions, in trash incinerator debate | Opinion
Waste alternatives
In recent weeks, Miami-Dade County commissioners spent much time talking about a familiar topic: where to put the new incinerator. All had an opinion, but not many solutions.
An exception was Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who did her homework. Most of her comments focused on the importance of having the most affordable solution, including taking waste diversion off the table to have enough money for the $2.3 billion incinerator.
The reality is that burning garbage only accounts for about 20% of our total waste stream and is the most expensive way to dispose of trash. Other efforts to reduce waste are much more cost-effective. Readers should attend one of the county’s Zero Waste Workshops to learn more about options to creating toxic ash.
Noel Cleland,
Miami
An honest history
As a visitor to Miami, I was struck by the historical plaque commemorating Juan Ponce de León’s arrival in Florida in 1513 (situated in Bayside adjacent to the Torch of Friendship memorial.) While the marker celebrates this moment in documented history, it tells only part of the full and rich history of the land we now call Florida.
The plaque states that Ponce de León “found something better — a beautiful land that he claimed for Spain.” Yet, Florida was not an empty land waiting to be discovered. It was already home to thriving Indigenous civilizations — Tequesta, Calusa, Timucua, Apalachee and others — who had lived there for more than 14,000 years. They had complex societies, trade networks, languages and deep spiritual connections to the land. Their complete absence from the plaque is not a minor omission; it is an erasure of thousands of years of human history.
Furthermore, the popular notion that Ponce de León arrived searching for the Fountain of Youth is widely regarded as a myth. His true motivations were far more colonial — the pursuit of land, resources and power.
The plaque, donated by Spain’s government in 1976 and re-dedicated in 1995, reflects the attitudes of its time. However, Miami in 2025 is a city that prides itself on diversity, inclusion and a commitment to truth.
Cities across the United States are now revisiting public historical markers to ensure they reflect accurate, complete and inclusive narratives. Miami has an opportunity to update the plaque and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples, name the specific regional nations — particularly the Tequesta, whose homeland this was — and honestly address the displacement and suffering that followed European contact.
History belongs to all of us. Florida’s story did not begin in 1513. I respectfully urge the City of Miami and those responsible for this marker to bring it in line with the fuller, more truthful history that residents and visitors deserve to know.
Kameel Khan,
London, UK
Joyless halftime
Re: the Feb. 19 op-ed, “Bad Bunny’s performance failed, based on other standards,” written by Miami-based pianist Orlando Alonso. I say, “Thank you” to this young man who so brilliantly — having no anger, resentment or hostility — gave his honest review on the Super Bowl’s halftime show.
The all political and anti-Trump performance was inadequate, low class and vulgar, certainly not representing me and my culture. These, however, are times of moral and cultural decline. I wish for things to turn around and once more be able to enjoy a performance that is pleasant, entertaining and satisfying.
Sylvia Viyella,
Coral Gables
Troubled waters
I am a retired nurse, a Miami native and owner of a home constructed in 1925. I’m the third generation in the family owning this home. We wash our cars because going to a car wash can be an expensive treat. Many homeowners prefer to cut down trees and pave over their lawns to decrease lawn care. Most homeowners in the area do not have sprinkler systems, nor pools for that matter.
While I am ready and willing to conserve water at all times, including running full loads in my washing machine and dishwasher, I wonder how it is possible to continue constructing high-rises nonstop in this city. All along U.S. 1, Southwest 27th, 32nd and 37th avenues and further south, high-rise condos continue to be built.
If there is a water shortage, how are we going to guarantee all of this new construction will have access to adequate water? Are golf courses being asked to conserve water? What about other heavy users?
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Boundary is continually threatened by developers encroaching on the Everglades.
Isn’t there enough underutilized county land to avoid crossing the UDB? What plans exist to save excess rain water for future use? What about desalinization plants?
We need bright ideas that can be advantageous to all of us.
Susan Roberts,
Miami
Rich and richer
The Miami Herald’s editorial board did a fine job in the Feb. 6 and 15 editions analyzing what could happen with the repeal of Florida’s property taxes. However, not written is that in almost all the proposals, the benefit goes to the wealthiest in our communities. They know what they’re buying and can afford it. Many of them are recent residents.
Long-term residents feel like they’re being priced out of their homes due to higher real estate taxes. However, it is also the increasing insurance premiums and rising repair and replacement costs.
Our governor and state legislature should not be kowtowing to the wealthiest residents among us by giving them a tax break. That feels really wrong.
Gary P. Simon,
Pinecrest
A cruel state
As is so often the case, the Miami Herald has indicated that Florida ranks at the bottom of the 50 states in providing for its most vulnerable citizens (in this case, subsidizing life-saving AIDS medicine), while attracting billionaires due to its low taxes.
The seeming paradox is, of course, no paradox at all; taxes on the fortunate provide for those in poverty and against diseases or racism, among many of life’s misfortunes. If the mark of a civilized society is its benevolence for its weak and voiceless, Florida’s government is barbaric in not funding life-saving AIDS drugs for patients.
Florida has the dubious distinction of being the cruelest of states. It is beyond shameful. Our state legislature, while still in session, wastes precious time discussing how to refer to the West Bank. Meanwhile, AIDS patients panic and fear for their lives for lack of medicines.
L. Gabriel Bach,
Key Biscayne
Hear this
The Feb. 18 article “How to keep your hearing sharp” missed giving the most important ways for people to protect their hearing. Research shows that exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of acquired hearing damage.
To save their hearing, readers should pay attention to nearby sounds; move away from sources of loud sounds; turn down the volume; and wear appropriate hearing protection.
Adele Sandberg,
founder, president,
Ear Peace Save Your Hearing Foundation,
Miami
Trump’s restlessness
President Trump is punishing countries that didn’t vote to award him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Meanwhile, he started a short-lived (so far) shooting conflict with Venezuela and may start a war with Iran and Cuba. Apparently, he has a different view of peace.
Brian Scott,
Miami
Staged names
The recent Super Bowl game provided much conversation (good and bad) about the halftime performance. My observation is not about the show, but the name of the featured performer.
I have a hard time envisioning Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra or Perry Como calling themselves Bad Bunny. Similarly, I have difficulty envisioning Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand or Julie Andrews referring to themselves as Lady Gaga (a very talented singer who does not need a “gimmick name”).
Dave Oliver,
Miami Lakes