Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida on October 24, 2005, and her strong winds caused serious damage to almost every variety of tree. Numerous trees were blown over and most trees suffered some branch damage. Unfortunately, and unbelievably, some individuals and organizations took advantage of the situation to butcher or destroy trees that survived the hurricane rather than do everything possible to save surviving trees.

In the weeks after the hurricane, the MDX (Miami-Dade Expressway Authority) butchered or destroyed numerous native shade trees (Live Oaks and Gumbo Limbos) along the Gratigny Parkway from the LeJeune/Douglas Connector to the westbound Red Road entrance ramp. The Gratigny Parkway (State Road 924) was built in the late 80's/early 90's and opened in 1992. These trees were several years old when planted by the State of Florida Department of Transportation in 1991/1992 so they were approximately 17 to 20 years old or more. The expressway was beautifully landscaped by the state to placate community opposition to it being built. The MDX was created in 1997 by the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County and they took over several toll expressways in Miami-Dade County including the Gratigny Parkway. How executives of a publicly funded agency can destroy publicly owned trees like this gallery depicts is beyond any reasonable comprehension. Perhaps the costs of replacing these trees should be deducted from their hefty salaries on a multi-year payment plan? MDX Executive Director Servando Parapar is retiring at the end of 2006 so perhaps his retirement payoff can reimburse the public for the destruction of the trees owned by the taxpayers?

The MDX Board of Directors and Executive Staff are pictured at < http://www.mdx-way.com/about/structure.htm
Florida Governor Jeb Bush appoints 5 of the board members and the Miami-Dade County Commission appoints 7 of the board members.

If you wish to voice your displeasure over the tree destruction and waste of tax dollars (tolls), you can access the MDX website at < http://www.mdx-way.com/
Their address is: Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, 3790 NW 21st Street, Miami, FL 33142
Telephones: 305.637.3277, Fax: 305.637.3282