A trial has been set for August 2026 in a lawsuit seeking to block the transfer of a parcel of prime Miami real estate to be used for President Donald Trump’s presidential library.
The decision Monday by Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz in Miami will further delay Miami Dade College’s plans to formally transfer the sizable plot of land to the state of Florida, which intends to gift it to the foundation for the planned library.
Miami activist Marvin Dunn, a retired professor and chronicler of local Black history, filed the lawsuit arguing that the college board violated Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law by not providing sufficient notice for its special meeting on Sept. 23, when it voted to give up the nearly 3-acre (1.2-hectare) property.
Last month, Ruiz sided with Dunn and granted a temporary injunction that bars the transfer of the property, at least for now.
Attorneys for the college had asked the judge to stay the trial proceedings pending an appellate court’s review. Instead, Ruiz scheduled the trial to begin Aug. 3, though she acknowledged that could change, depending on how the appeals court proceeds.
College schedules second special meeting
Miami residents will get a chance to voice their opinions on the proposed library next week, but Dunn is not happy with the timing.
Miami Dade College announced Tuesday that there will be a second special meeting, a week from today, to finalize a vote on turning a faculty parking lot into a presidential library.
Historian questions timing and notice
Dunn said the notice of time and location for the meeting isn’t enough.
“They’re going to have a meeting that just rubber stamps what they did back in September,” Dunn said.
Board to meet Dec. 2 in Hialeah
On Dec. 2, the college’s board of trustees is set to meet at the Hialeah campus to discuss the future of the library. Dunn said the timing is strategic.
“If someone wanted to appear before the board, they have to make that application today or tomorrow. It’s Thanksgiving weekend… When they come back Monday or Tuesday, they’re going to find out well, Trump got the library,” Dunn said.
College defends integrity of earlier vote
In a statement, Miami Dade College said: “The Board values public engagement and community input. Miami Dade College affirms the integrity of the original vote, held on September 23, 2025, which adhered to the Sunshine Laws outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 286. This second special meeting will provide the community an additional opportunity to address the Board regarding the land conveyance.”
Critic says process lacks transparency
Dunn responded: “What was that? They’re going to do the same thing, except we’re going to get to see them do their dirt publicly. We will watch them give away land that should be kept entrusted for our children and their future.”
Property valued at millions of dollars
The property is a developer’s dream and is valued at more than $67 million, according to a 2025 assessment by the Miami-Dade County property appraiser. One real estate expert wagered that the parcel — one of the last undeveloped lots on an iconic stretch of palm tree-lined Biscayne Boulevard — could sell for hundreds of millions of dollars more.
Judge sets trial date for 2026
Despite the board of trustees moving forward with the process of transferring the land, Ruiz set a trial date for Aug. 3, 2026. The case will examine whether the public was properly included in the process under Florida’s Sunshine Law.
