At least one person dead and 10 injured in collapse of condo building near Miami Beach, mayor says. Charles Burkett, mayor of Surfside, Florida, told CNN that at least one person had died in the collapse of the 12-story building. Miami-Dade Rescue Fire said on Twitter that more than 80 technical and rescue teams were on the scene, picking up survivors from the rubble and carrying them from the wreckage. Ref. USAToday.
Authorities are finding out that there were warning letters about the state of the building but apparently they were ignored. Serious lawsuits are coming and perhaps even some jail time.
International Level: Specialist / Political Participation: 54 5.4%
Workers discovered extensive concrete damage and suspended a repair effort last fall at the collapsed Florida condo, exclusive new documents show. A nine-page report obtained by USA TODAY from a family member of a missing resident in the building suggests information was being reported incrementally rather than comprehensively to building owners, making it harder to recognize the severity of the problems. Ref. USAToday.
Florida officials abruptly move up plans to demolish remaining part of Florida condo structure as threat of second collapse looms. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a Saturday news conference that the state will pay for all costs of the demolition, which he said should take place within 36 hours. He said officials believe the building can come down before Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the area early next week. Ref. USAToday.