Search and rescue efforts at the Champlain Towers South site have resumed after a 15-hour pause related to concerns regarding the structural integrity of the remaining building. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava confirmed the building remnants will likely be prepared for demolition. The death toll remains 18 with 145 people unaccounted for at the site.
On a related note, during his visit to Surfside on Thursday, President Biden said the federal government will pick up 100% of the costs of the search, rescue, and recovery efforts at the Champlain site for 30 days. Biden was complimentary of state and local officials, which was reciprocated.
In other news, all of South Florida remains in the cone of uncertainty for Tropical Storm Elsa with the potential of tropical storm conditions Monday into Tuesday. Florida’s gulf coast remains the most likely to see a direct impact.
According to AAA, Florida will see near-record level travel this weekend. This includes 2.6 million Floridians expected to be on the move this weekend. Florida is the top state for those traveling out of state and Orlando is the top destination this weekend for the entire country.
A new law enables Florida drivers to legally use hazard lights when in bad weather on roads with speed limits which are 55mph or higher.