Miami Lakes council authorizes town attorney to seek court ruling on state blasting law

Miami Lakes — The Town Council on Thursday voted unanimously to authorize the town attorney to prepare and file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a Florida law that channels blasting damage claims into administrative hearings and away from the courts.

Councilman Steven Herzberg, who introduced the item, said the measure would seek declaratory and injunctive relief and, if successful, restore property owners’ ability to pursue damages in court before a jury. "This is not a lawsuit that stops the mining. I'm very clear. We're not trying to stop the mining," Herzberg said as he outlined the legal theory and timeline.

The item grew out of years of work by the town's Blasting Advisory Board and by residents who testified at the meeting about alleged damage to homes, pools, sidewalks and infrastructure. Dozens of residents from Miami Lakes and nearby neighborhoods urged the council to act. "We are blasting mad and we will not take it anymore," said Esprensa Reynolds during public comment. Miguel Martinez, a longtime…