SURFSIDE CONDO COLLAPSE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 90
Officials say the Surfside building collapse death toll rose to 90 yesterday.
Seventy-one of the 90 victims have been identified, with notice given to their families, officials said, while 31 people remain unaccounted for.
One of the victims had ties to Tennessee. Judy Spiegel was the co-chair of the Arts Committee at the Erlanger Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga.
A family’s cat was found alive during recovery efforts last week after more than two weeks.
After inclement weather paused recovery efforts Friday, first responders resumed on the following day. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised Surfside’s recovery team for assembling the largest non-hurricane response in the state’s history.
On Saturday night, families of Surfside victims, along with first responders and members of the Israeli Defense Forces team assisting with the effort, joined together for a memorial walk on Collins Avenue. The walk commemorated, gave thanks and recognized “the enormous tragedy and extraordinary efforts” of all those who have worked together to contribute to rescue efforts.
Cava further emphasized the support of the Israeli team and presented keys to the county “in recognition of their unrelenting dedication and passionate service to our community” to the Israeli commander and colonel. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue presented them with badges, as well. The team departed Saturday and Sunday after a sendoff.
Recovery efforts will continue until all of the unaccounted for are found.