A temporary electrical repair in southwest Miami-Dade has drawn significant safety concerns from residents, following the collapse of a power pole that left one homeowner fearful for her family’s safety.
In June 2024, a power pole near the 19000 block of Southwest 326th Street collapsed, causing wires to detach from the meter box of local resident Lisa Spires, resulting in a power outage. Although Florida Power & Light (FPL) promptly replaced the pole, the subsequent repair was deemed temporary by Spires and has since prompted safety worries.
According to Spires, the electrical line now runs hazardously through her property, stretching over her fence, across her driveway, and tangled along the side of her yard. ‘The fix was temporary, and this line has been running across my yard for months,’ Spires explained. ‘It’s just not safe.’ Her anxiety is heightened by the fact that the live wire is not only unsightly but poses a danger. She described incidents where her dog has come close to the wire and expressed fear that mowing the lawn might inadvertently result in a harmful encounter with the line.
Despite multiple attempts to resolve the situation, including calls and emails to FPL, Spires has seen little progress. For six months, promises of equipment and permits have gone unfulfilled, leaving her and her neighbors in limbo. FPL admitted to the use of a temporary solution involving a ‘ground strap,’ a temporary fix likened to an extension cord, intended to maintain reliable service safely until a permanent fix could be implemented.
FPL spokesperson Kira Rodriguez noted that the required equipment for a permanent solution has now arrived, and efforts are underway to coordinate with Spires to complete the necessary work. ‘We understand how important it is for customers to have reliable electricity,’ Rodriguez commented, assuring that steps are being taken to finalize the installation as soon as possible.
Spires remains apprehensive, worrying that action only becomes urgent if an incident occurs. Her concerns extend beyond her immediate family to include neighbors who might also be at risk under these unforeseen circumstances.
The situation in southwest Miami-Dade underscores the challenges of temporary fixes in utility services, highlighting the importance of timely and effective permanent repairs to ensure community safety. While progress is underway, the lingering concerns of residents like Spires serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance in addressing such hazards promptly.
Source: Local10
