This resolution commemorates the four-year anniversary of the Surfside, Florida building collapse by honoring the victims, survivors, and the dedicated rescue and recovery teams.
Rick Scott
Senator
FL
This resolution officially commemorates the four-year anniversary of the tragic Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021. It honors the 98 victims and survivors of the disaster while expressing deep sympathy to their loved ones. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes and praises the tireless efforts of all local, national, and international first responders who participated in the rescue and recovery operations.
Senate Resolution Marks Four-Year Anniversary of Surfside Collapse, Honors Rescuers
This resolution is the Senate taking a moment to formally acknowledge the four-year anniversary of the devastating Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, which occurred on June 24, 2021.
The Purpose of a Formal Acknowledgment
While this resolution doesn't change any laws or regulations—it’s purely commemorative—it serves an important function: official recognition. The Senate is using this formal statement to honor the 98 people who lost their lives and to express deep sympathy to their families and loved ones. It also sends a message of ongoing support to the survivors and the entire Surfside community as they continue to recover from the tragedy.
Honoring the First Responders
A significant portion of the resolution is dedicated to recognizing the massive, complex rescue and recovery operation. It specifically calls out the courage and dedication of the first responders who rushed to the scene. This isn't just a nod to local fire and police. The resolution highlights the incredible coordination that took place, recognizing teams from across Florida, as well as specialized National Urban Search and Rescue Response System teams deployed from states like Virginia, Ohio, and New Jersey. They even make a point of thanking international crews from Israel and Mexico who assisted in the search.
The Bigger Picture: Acknowledging the Investigation
Beyond the emotional acknowledgment, the resolution notes that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) formally began its investigation into the cause of the collapse shortly after the event, on June 30, 2021. This detail anchors the resolution in the context of the ongoing work to understand what happened and prevent future disasters. For those focused on infrastructure and building safety, this serves as a reminder that the official inquiry into the structural failure is a matter of public record and legislative concern.
In short, this resolution is the government doing what it should after a major tragedy: remembering the victims, acknowledging the heroism of the responders who worked around the clock, and formally expressing solidarity with the community that was impacted.