Florida Man Refuses To Give Up On His Family Home As It’s Engulfed By $600M Development

By Samantha in For The Win On 30th June 2021
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This Florida man refuses to give up on his family home and is adamant about fighting for it till the end even when it is getting engulfed by a massive $600 million commercial development. 

This brave man's story has drawn comparison with Disney's 'Up' where a balloon salesman clings to his house while huge buildings spring around it. 

Orlando Capote told CBS4 News in Miami that his father bought the humble single-family home in 1989, after escaping Cuba and working double jobs to achieve his American dream.

Miami Herald via AP

“The house is my soul,” said Capote. “So what good is it to sell your soul for all the money in the world?”

The surrounding construction zone “is the most mega commercial development in Coral Gables history,” according to the local report.

The Plaza Coral Gables, developed by Agave Ponce LLC, features shops, restaurants, residences, office space and even a 242-room luxury hotel.

According to the Plaza Coral Gables website, the development “will have a positive impact on the quality of life and safety of the community through the creation of new spaces for dining, recreation and the promotion of artistic, cultural and outdoor activities."

Miami Herald via AP
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Capote wants to save his family treasure that is his home and till now has refused offers of up to $900,000 for the two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,300-square-feet home — as many as 60 offers over the past six years.

This man's father passed away in 2005 and last year he lost his mother too, whose last promise before drawing her last breath was that her son would not sell the family home. 

Miami Herald via AP
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“This was my father’s dream house. It took 20 years for him to find it,” Capote told the Miami Herald. “This house is like a hard drive. As I look around and live in it and move through it, I relive a lot of memories. That I could not find in another house.”

The brave man not only refuses to dishonor his mother’s wishes, he’s fighting back against the developers and city hall.

Miami Herald via AP
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Capote says that the city has broken multiple codes while trashing his property.

He is also seen on video showing people around his property wearing a heavy-duty contractor’s mask to protect his lungs from dusty debris, while cranes and trucks blare noise from the other side of a towering green construction fence.

Miami Herald via AP

“Which would not happen if the building was actually 35 feet high or at least 50 feet away.”

Coral Gables officials claim the development has broken no laws or fire codes and told the Miami Herald: “The issues raised have been extensively reviewed and investigated."

Miami Herald via AP