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3 officials resign in South Florida town where Surfside condo building collapsed, killing 98 people

By AP staff
Published  December 15, 2022 1:12pm EST
Florida
Associated Press

One year later: Lessons from Surfside

A highly-specialized team from the Bay Area is looking back on its recovery efforts following the deadly Surfside condo collapse.

SURFSIDE, Fla. - The town manager, police chief and assistant town manager resigned from their posts this week in the small South Florida community where 98 people died last year in a beachfront condominium collapse.

Officials in Surfside offered no explanation in a news release Thursday for the departures of Town Manager Andrew Hyatt, Police Chief Rogelio Torres and Assistant Town Manager Jason Greene.

"All departments continue Town business as usual," the news release said.

RELATED: Surfside condo building collapse survivors, victims' families reach $997 million settlement

Public Works Director Hector Gomez was appointed acting town manager, and Police Capt. John Healy was named interim police chief.

How to prevent another Surfside tragedy

State Sen. Jason Pizzo and other experts told FOX 13 that state law requires rigorous inspections during construction, including foundation, framing, and structure. But after those are signed off, it's up to local governments to order additional screening.

The community of 6,000 drew international attention last year after the abrupt collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South. The federal agency investigating the collapse hasn't yet released conclusions.

The enclave just north of Miami Beach is a mix of older homes and condos like the collapsed tower, built decades ago for middle-class people. Newly built luxury condos recently have drawn wealthier residents, including former first daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner.

Florida