WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Nearly 50 residents from Temple Court Apartments, who lost their homes in a devastating fire and shooting, have been relocated to Motel 6 in West Miami-Dade.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, leaving many residents seeking refuge at a temporary shelter in Jose Marti Park.
On Wednesday, the residents were loaded onto trolleys and transported to Motel 6 at 7330 NW 36th St.
“Well, I can definitely say that we’re a lot more comfortable here now, everyone can definitely say the same,” said Joe Enrique, a resident of the burned apartment complex.
“Feels a lot comforting now that I’m able to have a space of my own and not have everyone to sleep around,” he continued.
They will stay there for the next two weeks before city officials find more permanent housing solutions.
Local nonprofits like the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and Share Your Heart arrived at the Motel 6 to show their support for the displaced residents, who are left to pick up the pieces and start fresh.
“We’re making a list of everything that they need because this is not just about today, this is ongoing help. This is a long haul and we’re not hear for the day we’re here for the long haul, ” said Cari Turner with Share Your Heart.
“It’s a really difficult time right now, so if they can have one less logistic to take care of we want to make sure that they know that we’re in the backyard and we’re rooting for them and we’re here to help whenever we can,” said Kimberly Bentley with GEM.
State officials were seen at the motel making sure that everyone was OK and getting their necessities such as medicine.
“Cares team is here…alliance for aging. Make sure they have any medication needs any home health needs,” said Florida Elder Affairs’ Michelle Branham.
The fire tore through the wood-framed building, destroying units with flames, smoke, and water damage.
“I’ve got a cat. He’s like a son to me,” one resident tearfully said, fearing the worst for his pet that he was unable to rescue from the fire. “I’m very worried.”
Hansel, who is concerned about his handicapped grandmother’s first-floor unit, visited the shelter to inquire about when or if she would be allowed to salvage her belongings, including her wheelchair.
“We understand that it’s for our safety,” he said. “We are just calling for understanding and see if there is at least a possibility to go inside some apartments that were not specifically damaged by the fire. At least to save the important documents there.”
City officials, including Mayor Francis Suarez, have been in talks with the affected residents, ensuring them that after their two-week stay at the motel, they will be moved to permanent housing.
“We are committed to finding a permanent solution for these residents,” the mayor stated. “Many of them are Section 8. We’re already having people from the community reach out, saying that they have apartments available for Section 8 recipients.”
Officials are trying to extend the motel stay an additional two weeks so that residents would only have to move once they get those permanent housing arraignments.
One resident who will not be joining the tenants of Temple Court Apartments is Juan Figueroa, who has been charged with four felonies, after he set the complex on fire after shooting a maintenance worker, 30-year-old Feder-One Biotte.
“This is for attempted felony murder,” said Judge Mindy S. Glazer during is court appearance.
Figueroa’s charges include attempted felony murder with a firearm and first-degree arson. On Tuesday, the judge ordered he be held without bond. According to the arrest record, he told police “he knew what he had done and expected to be in prison for the rest of his life.”
Coincidentally, 33 years ago to this month, Figueroa was arrested for a different crime and charged with assault and attempted murder. He served a few years behind bars for that case.
The company who employed Biotte, Atlantic Housing Management, released the following statement on Wednesday:
Our Lead Service Technician, Feder Biotte, who was shot on-site at Temple Court Apartments in Miami on the morning of June 10, 2024, is currently in stable condition. He is loved by his family, friends, co-workers, and Temple Court residents, and we are all rooting for his recovery.
Since the June 10, 2024 Temple Court fire, we have been working with charitable organizations and city officials to ensure we are taking care of residents. The Red Cross provided shelter for the first night. Some residents have been able to stay with family, and we are providing hotel accommodations for the rest over the next two weeks while we work with HUD and the Department of Health and Human Services to help them find alternative housing during the interim.
We have so much gratitude for the City of Miami officials and departments, all law enforcement officials, and all organizations who have helped us so far. We want to thank the Miami Fire Department for bravely battling this fire and rescuing our residents. Their dedication and sacrifice helped ensure that each one was safe. Thank you to the Miami Police Department for swiftly investigating these events and apprehending a suspect. Thank you to Mayor Suarez, HUD, and the Department of Health and Human Services for helping us to connect residents with vital resources in this time of need. And thank you to the Red Cross for providing shelter, food, water, and other essentials during the first 24 hours. The Red Cross continues to help us in providing meals and medicines during this time. We have seen such an outpouring of support and generosity from the people of Miami, and we are so grateful.
Atlantic Housing Management
Biotte is currently listed in stable conditions, he is expected to recover and be released from the hospital. He was scheduled for another surgery on Wednesday.
As the affected residents navigate this challenging time, the community and city officials continue to work together to provide support and ensure a smooth transition to permanent housing.
“It’s heartwarming knowing that there’s people out there in groups that want us to get back up. We’re getting the support that we need and I’m glad that this is getting a lot of coverage, that the City of Miami and Red Cross, all of them are coming together to just help us out and get us out of this situation,” said Enrique.
In addition to the nonprofits on site, state workers from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs will be doing wellness checks every day on each resident staying at the motel as well as helping them get their medications.
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