Miami‑Dade sets mediation, readies eminent‑domain trigger as port fuel fight intensifies

The Miami‑Dade County Commission directed the county mayor and attorneys to pursue confidential mediation with HRP — the new owner of the Fisher Island fuel facility — and to prepare an eminent‑domain resolution that would be triggered if the mediator declares an impasse or if negotiations fail to produce an agreement within 60 days of Oct. 20.

The action followed weeks of warnings from cruise‑line executives, stevedores and unions that the fuel farm is critical to PortMiami’s operations. Peter James Campbell of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce told commissioners the facility underpins a maritime economy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. “Any uncertainty about fuel reliability strengthens competitors’ case,” Campbell said during public comment.

Mayor Levine Cava said her team has been negotiating and confirmed HRP has submitted a proposal and…