NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)June 24, 2026Sarasota County
Reflecting on the Surfside Collapse: Five Years Later
Florida official Jimmy Patronis reflects on the fifth anniversary of the Surfside condominium collapse, highlighting the emotional toll on first responders and the subsequent changes in state building safety and insurance policies.
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)Why It Matters
The article outlines the ongoing impact of the 2021 Surfside disaster on state policy, specifically regarding building structural requirements, insurance risk assessments, and funding for teams.
Key Facts
- The Surfside condominium collapse resulted in 98 deaths.
- The fifth anniversary of the collapse was recently observed.
- Federal investigators found that Champlain Towers South had been failing for weeks prior to the collapse.
- Florida state law now requires stronger building reserves.
- Insurance companies have reassessed risk profiles for older buildings following the collapse.
- The My Safe Florida Home program is cited as a tool to reduce damage and insurance costs through home-hardening.
- Patronis advocates for continued investment in urban search and rescue teams and infrastructure resilience.
Who's Mentioned
otherHurricane Michael“2018 disaster used for comparison of response scale”otherMy Safe Florida Home“State program for home-hardening and storm resilience”locationChamplain Towers South“The site of the condominium collapse”organizationTask Force 7“Tallahassee-based urban search and rescue team”personJimmy Patronis“U.S. Representative and former Florida Chief Financial Officer”