MIAMI --
Police and firefighters marched outside of Miami City Hall on Thursday to protest the deal for a new Marlins ballpark at the Orange Bowl site.
Crews have started to take down the old Orange Bowl, and controversy over who will supply police and fire services at a baseball stadium on this site could take down the stadium deal.
Union members said that, from a public safety standpoint, the stadium is dangerous being in the middle of Miami.
"Within a three-mile area of that stadium there are over 40 fire rescue units staffed around the clock," said Miami Firefighters Union President Robert Suarez.
However, the city is giving the new stadium land to the county, and last week, county commissioners said that they want county police and fire officials to work the new stadium.
Police and firefighters marched for commission support for city public safety unions if they are to work at the stadium.
Commissioners offered that support.
"I think it's even crazy we're having this discussion," said Miami City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. "It's city land."
City and county managers and mayors must resolve the dispute by late March.
"I think there should be a shared pool of officers to participate," said Miami City Manager Pete Hernandez.
Hernandez said that city and county should share the work.
One commissioner agreed and told city police that the job was big enough to share.
"Eighty-one games with out number of officers is going to put a strain on you," said Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.
However, a joint pool of city and county officers would post logistical challenges, officers said.
"We're not even on the same radio frequencies," one officer said.
Still, commissioners unanimously urged the manager to support the unions' claims on stadium work.
"This was a clear message to the administration," said Stan Hills of the County Firefighters Union. "They're going to have to fight for city police and fire."
City unions complained that their county counterparts have been unyielding in negotiation.
"Our people want to work games," said City Police Union President Armando Aguilar. "Their people want to work games. I don't know why we can't share."
A police and fire compromise must be decided within 23 days.
