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The former Cuban Major League player, Yunel Escobar, publicly denounced the structurally unsafe conditions of the building where he resides in Miami-Dade and called for immediate actions to protect the residents.
Through several posts on Instagram, Escobar shared his personal experience and issued strong criticisms of the judicial system, condominium associations, and insurance companies, which he accused of negligence and corruption.
In a strong message, Escobar shared an official statement from the City of Miami's Unsafe Structures Section, issued under the Miami-Dade building code, which certifies that his building The Ivy Condominium, located in Brickell, presents hazardous conditions for human life and health.
Among the main identified risks are toxic black mold, active water leaks, risk of structural collapse, and indoor air contamination, in addition to multiple violations of construction and safety standards.
"This is not just a piece of paper", Escobar wrote. "It is an official statement certifying that the building I live in is dangerous to life".
The former player reported that he has been living in these extreme conditions for nearly four years, documenting his situation with medical reports, lab results, and photographs.
He also revealed that the Condominium Association and its lawyers are trying to dismiss his case on May 6, while his own attorney abandoned the process claiming that Escobar was “too difficult” to represent. "Of course I am difficult! I refuse to accept crumbs from those who have not lived my pain,” he emphasized.
Escobar stated that the system is "soaked in corruption," accusing lawyers of "stealing from victims, defrauding the government, and enriching themselves at the expense of others' suffering."
"I will not be silenced. I will not be sold. The truth is not for sale", he stated.
In his posts, the former baseball player directly appealed to the conscience of society, asking: "Would you let your mother sleep under a roof covered in black mold?"
Escobar made an urgent call to share his story and publicly expose this situation. "If you don't hear me speak, you'll hear me scream. This is not just about me; it's about exposing a system that feeds off the pain of victims while laughing in their face."
Yunel Escobar was born in Havana in 1982 and immigrated to the United States in 2004 after a journey on a raft. He played as a shortstop and third baseman for 11 seasons in MLB, being part of teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels. With a batting average of .282 and 90 home runs, he was considered one of the most consistent hitters of the Cuban contingent in the last decade.
After his retirement in 2017, he maintained an active presence in the Cuban-American community in Miami. In 2024, he participated in the "Patria y Vida" team of the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE), an initiative aimed at bringing together Cuban ballplayers in exile. However, he later distanced himself from the project, expressing disagreements with the leadership and objectives of the organization.
Escobar has also been involved in business ventures, such as opening a virtual reality salon for playing baseball in Miami. In 2021, he declared a hunger strike to demand justice over legal and contractual issues related to this business, a situation that led him to face financial and personal difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions about the complaint of Yunel Escobar and the housing situation in Miami
What dangerous conditions does Yunel Escobar report in his building in Miami?
Yunel Escobar reports that his building has toxic black mold, active water leaks, structural collapse risk, and indoor air pollution. These conditions have been confirmed by an official statement from the Unsafe Structures Section of the City of Miami, posing a danger to the life and health of the residents.
How has Yunel Escobar reacted to the attempt to dismiss his case?
In the face of attempts to dismiss his case, Yunel Escobar has expressed his intention not to be silenced and to continue fighting for justice. He criticizes the corruption in the judicial system and condominium associations, and has called on society to become aware of his situation.
What similarities exist between Yunel Escobar's situation and other cases in Miami?
Yunel Escobar and other residents in Miami are facing similar issues of negligent management and unsafe housing conditions. This problem is common in the area, where a lack of maintenance and real estate speculation have led to housing crises, as seen in the case of the Coral Gate East condominium and the Lil' Abner mobile home park.
What impact does the real estate crisis in Miami have on Cuban residents?
The real estate crisis in Miami is severely affecting Cuban residents, who often face evictions and high rental costs. The situation is critical due to the shortage of affordable housing, forcing many families to confront economic and social uncertainty.
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