Podcasts about champlain towers south

The "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" series is brought to you by the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Expert Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. The podcast features Miami Condo Expert Peter Zalewski interviewing Jose Pazos of A-Smart CAM LLC property management in Miami. Pazos' property management firm handles the administrative responsibilities of more than 6,000 residences condo and homeowners associations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in South Florida. It is an anxious time to be a property manager who advises, guides and provides support for condo associations in Florida. With less 90 days to go until condo associations are forced to adhere to a series of new administrative and financial measures instituted by the Florida Legislature, property management companies are scrambling to prepare for what is expected to be a volatile 2025. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ at PeterZalewski.substack.com. The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida. The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

The "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" series is brought to you by the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Expert Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. The podcast features Zalewski interviewing Carlos Villanueva, a veteran chief building engineer who has overseen the operations of condo towers, office buildings and retail centers in South Florida for more than 30 years. Villanueva, principal of SeeWhyConsultingLLC.com, said many condo buyers, owners and board members often obsess about cosmetic details, such as lobby flower arrangements, air fresheners and staff courtesy. As important as these measures may be to a condo association's vibe, they are unlikely to affect the big ticket items that directly impact a tower's life safety measures and special assessments in the runup to the Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ at PeterZalewski.substack.com. The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida. The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com.

The "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" series is brought to you by the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. This is a clip from a podcast with Richard Alfonso, the Director of Specialty Products at U.S. Century Bank in Miami. Alfonso provides insight into how monthly condo fees increase with a special assessment loan in Florida. Bank financing is an option for some Florida condo associations that are facing hefty special assessments to comply with the revisions of the Florida Condo Law. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ at PeterZalewski.substack.com The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida, The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

The "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" series is brought to you by the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Expert Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. This is a clip from a podcast with Richard Alfonso, the Director of Specialty Products at U.S. Century Bank in Miami. Alfonso provides a description of the steps necessary for a Florida condo association to successfully obtain a special assessment loan. Bank financing is an option for some Florida condo associations that are facing hefty special assessments to comply with the revisions of the Florida Condo Law. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ at PeterZalewski.substack.com The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida, The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

This is a clip from a recent episode of the "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" podcast series from the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. This is a clip of Richard Alfonso, the Director of Specialty Products at U.S. Century Bank in Miami. Alfonso said Florida condo associations are addressing the reserve requirements mandated by the Florida Legislature but are facing challenges with skyrocketing insurance rates. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ at PeterZalewski.substack.com The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida, The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

The "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" series is brought to you by the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Expert Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. The podcast features Miami Condo Expert Peter Zalewski interviewing Andy "Daro" Rotondaro, a Realtor and North Bay Village Commissioner. The conversation examines why Rotondaro is paying $50,000 in condo special assessments instead of selling his two units in the runup to the Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ at PeterZalewski.substack.com. The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida. The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

The "Special Report: Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff" series is brought to you by the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast. Expert Peter Zalewski of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. The podcast features Miami Condo Expert Peter Zalewski interviewing Andy "Daro" Rotondaro, a Realtor and North Bay Village Commissioner. The conversation examined strategies for owners facing condo association special assessments in the runup to the Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™. The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida, The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

This is a Special Report series from the Miami Real Estate Investing Podcast focusing on Florida's 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff. Peter Zalewski from the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ discusses the implications of the upcoming 2025 law requiring Florida condo associations to set aside reserves to prevent disasters like the Surfside condo collapse. The podcast features Richard Alfonso, the Director of Specialty Products at U.S. Century Bank, who explains condo association financing options. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. In response to the Surfside disaster, Florida is requiring associations that govern older condo projects to study the structural integrity of all buildings on their properties and begin funding the necessary repairs by January 2025, ending the practice of deferring work and costs. People are dubbing this moment as the 2025 Condo Association Financial Cliff as it expected to result in significantly higher costs for unit owners. Industry watchers are at odds as to the direction of the South Florida housing market through the end of 2024 and into next year. Bullish investors are predicting housing demand will reignite once the Federal Reserve begins to cut interest rates. Bearish investors contend that condo prices are too high from the run up in work-from-home buyers during the pandemic years and likely to collapse in the months ahead if the economy slows and these transplants leave South Florida. To stay abreast of the volatile South Florida condo market, we would encourage you to join the newly launched Miami Condo Market Investing Club™. The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida, The Club is ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can rely on our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. For South Florida condo resale information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com

It's not quite like the movies—bank robberies are still a regular challenge for security professionals, but theft trends continue to change as robbers seek faster, more convenient ways to get cash, says Robert Ross, VP of security and office services at Gate City Bank. Also in this episode of SM Highlights, learn how to improve your transition from the public service to private corporate security with Eric Kready, CPP. Then, RC Miles, CPP, explains how organizations can improve documentation and training to boost their defenses against lawsuits. Additional Resources For more about bank robberies and ATM crimes, check back with Security Management on 16 September. In the meantime, learn how banks are addressing vagrancy in ATM vestibules and bank property here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2021/11/coping-with-vagrancy-in-atm-vestibules/ Want a two-year timeline for a more effective career transition from the military or law enforcement to private security? Read Eric Kready's guide: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/09/career-transition/Two-year-map-for-career-transitions/ More tips and tough truths about career transitions are available in Security Management's content collection here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/09/career-transition/ Learn more about why security gets sued online here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/08/lawsuits/ Read more from RC Miles, CPP, about why security guards can be your forgotten risk mitigator here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/08/lawsuits/security-guard-risk-mitigator/ Read the checklist on guard training here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/08/lawsuits/training-documentation-checklist/ Learn about the Champlain Towers South building collapse and subsequent settlement here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2022/june/Contract-Security-Provider/ Learn about the security officer use of force lawsuit and charges in Milwaukee here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2024/july/Hotel-Operator-Fires-Security-Personnel/

This is a 10-minute clip from the beginning of the August 2024 Monthly Meeting. To watch the entire video, you will have to sign up for he Club by clicking this link. What's the future of vintage condos - units at least 25 years old - in the tricounty South Florida region of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach? This topic was discussed at the fourth Monthly Meeting of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ that was hosted online on Aug. 14, 2024. Club founder Peter Zalewski - who is a former business journalist, Wall Street consultant, expert witness and licensed Florida real estate buyside broker - explained the three ways to differentiate condos - New, Used and Vintage - for resale purposes. After comparing the resale stats for each category based on age, Zalewski also discussed some of the key 2024 revisions to the Florida Condo Law. The topics are generating increased media attention as units in older condo projects are expected to face greater scrutiny in 2025. A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992 and led to more stringent building code requirements in South Florida. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. Zalewski also discussed the findings of a seven-part series examining how Florida condo living could change in 2025. This is a 10-minute clip from the beginning of the August 2024 Monthly Meeting. To watch the entire video, you will have to sign up for he Club by clicking this link. The objective of the Club is to create a community that shares realtime, actionable information on the latest real estate trends, opportunities and service providers in South Florida, Besides real estate professionals, developers and lenders, the Club is also ideally suited for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) condo buyers who can utilize our latest statistics, expert opinions and access to consulting services. We encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. Additionally, the podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. As a reminder, we are always available for consulting, expert witness work and buyside brokerage services just as we have been since 2006. If you want more information on condo resale units, please visit CondoVulturesRealty.com or call the office at 305.865.5859. This information is believed to be accurate and complete but cannot be guaranteed or warranted. Copyright © 2024 Condo Vultures®, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This latest issue of the Miami Condo Market Intelligence Report™ is the fourth of a five-part series examining dramatic changes coming as a result of the Surfside condo collapse. Volume 2024, Issue 25 To subscribe to the Miami Condo Market Intelligence Report™, please visit CondoVultures.com In this week's Miami Condo Market Intelligence Report™ newsletter, we explore some of the new Florida laws that went into effect this month (July 2024) that are aimed at stomping out corruption at condo association in the Sunshine State. Board members, property managers and management companies, alike, now face a wide range of sanctions ranging from criminal charges to fines, license revocation to removal from office for board members for offenses such as accepting or soliciting kickbacks, not disclosing conflicts of interest and refusing to share information with unit owners. The new laws are part of the 2024 revisions adopted by the Florida Legislature in March, signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in June and went into effect in July 2024. For context, there are about 13,000 condo associations with nearly 610,000 units located in the tricounty South Florida region of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. This is the fourth of a five-part series examining the repercussions of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County on June 24, 2021. To read the MIR newsletter, please visit: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/condo-association-corruption-targeted

In the aftermath of the Surfside condo collapse, the Florida Legislature has made a number of changes to the state's condo law in 2024. This is one of the change. It looks like it just got easier for board member and manager at Florida condo associations to be charged with a felony for accepting or soliciting “kickbacks.” During the 2024 Florida legislative session, the law was broadened – by deleting specific language – to allow condo board directors, officers and managers to be charged with third-degree felonies for “knowingly” soliciting, offering to accept or accepting “kickbacks.” The move is part of an ongoing effort by the Florida legislature in the aftermath of the Champlain Towers South condo collapse in Surfside to bring more transparency to condo associations, which have a reputation for being shrouded in secrecy, intimidation and corruption What is your outlook for South Florida condos? Take our anonymous survey. All results will be published in a report scheduled for July 23, 2024. Board members – who are usually volunteers and responsible for deciding which vendors to hire and fire – have increasingly been in the news in South Florida. Many of the allegations are related to purportedly accepting a variety of perks and benefits, including free renovations to the interior of their units. Read the report: https://peterzalewski.substack.com/p/florida-condo-directors-on-notice

Watch the Club's Monthly Meeting for July 2024 that was hosted by Miami condo expert Peter Zalewski. Miami condo expert Peter Zalewski - who is a former business journalist, Wall Street consultant, expert witness and licensed Florida real estate buyside broker - discussed the opportunities and pitfalls for buyers and sellers due to the rapidly approaching 2025 Florida Condo Association Financial Cliff. Zalewski spoke for about 75 minutes at the third Monthly Meeting of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™ that was held at Noon (EST) on July 10, 2024. (Please note, this is a segment from the Monthly Meeting video. To watch the entire video, you have to be a member of the Miami Condo Market Investing Club™. To join, please visit: https://condovultures.com/membership/) A lot has changed since June 24, 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on the barrier island in Miami-Dade County. Nearly 100 people died and a $1 billion settlement was reached with the families of the victims. Some industry watchers have compared it to an inflection point on par with the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew that devastated South Miami-Dade County in August 1992. Since the 2021 collapse, older units are said to be tougher to sell, insurance prices are spiking year-over-year and association maintenance fees and special assessments are squeezing owners to the brink. The discussion also focused on the South Florida condo stats for the first six months of 2024, a new four-part video series that provides a narration of the Florida Condo Act and the outlook for the tricounty market. We crunch a lot of statistics each week and then publish the results byway of a series of reports posted on CondoVultures.com. If you want the reports emailed to you, just sign up for the Miami Condo Market Intelligence Report With Peter Zalewski™ newsletter at: PeterZalewski.substack.com Additionally, we encourage you to listen or view our podcast wherever you get podcasts. Additionally, the podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. This information is believed to be accurate and complete but cannot be guaranteed or warranted. For more information, please call 305.865.5859 or visit CondoVulturesRealty.com Copyright © 2024 Condo Vultures®, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This week, we are honored to welcome our first and very special guest, Jenny Urgelles. On June 24, 2021, Jenny woke up to devastating news that changed her life forever. Champlain Towers South, the condominium where her parents resided, collapsed in the middle of the night. In this incredibly beautiful and emotional episode, Jenny shares the reality and stages of her grieving process and what it was like to mourn amid the spotlight of a major news story. Plus, she offers guidance on how you can support others who are grieving, discusses what brings her comfort on difficult days, and tells us a beautiful, never-before-shared story that will bring tears to your eyes. This episode is dedicated to Jenny Urgelles, her brother Danny Urgelles, their loving parents Mercy and Ray Urgelles, the 98 beautiful souls lost on this day who will never be forgotten, and to all the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragedy. 48:15 (Spotify) - In Loving Memory: Honoring the Lives Lost ___ Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Srna Stos ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jackie Shames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ricardo Mantilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @fillyourcup.pod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠

Is It Worth Saving The Historic Hollywood Beach Resort In South Florida? In this episode of the "Miami Reporters Roundtable Podcast With Peter Zalewski of Condo Vultures®," a panel of four current and former journalists discuss the threats facing the historic Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel in the aftermath of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla. The discussion is based on this story from the Miami Herald: "Hollywood Beach's ‘Grand Lady' Needs A Lot Of Help If She's Going To Reach 100" Here's a link: 'https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article282140553.html This week's panel is comprised of Zalewski (@PeterAZalewski) along with former business reporters John Fakler (@JTFakler), Jean Gruss (@JeanGruss) of GrussPR.com and current business journalist John Pacenti (@JPacenti) of the KBIndependent.org. This program features current and former journalists discussing the biggest stories from the previous week. The objective of this program is to cut through the fluff and hyperbole of South Florida real estate marketing, in hopes, of assisting the audience to better understand the key points impacting decision making. The Miami Reporters Roundtable Podcasts can be viewed or heard wherever you get your podcasts. Alternatively, this podcast is available on the YouTube.com channel: CondoVulturesTV. Check out the new line of merchandise from the Miami Reporters Roundtable Podcast at: 'https://www.CondoVultures.com. Please send all questions and comments to @MiamiRRP on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok. To ask a question or make a comment, please reach us at inquiry@condovultures.com or 305.865.5859 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/condovultures/message

On today's PoM Podcast I sit down and talk with author and speaker Mike Noriega who just released his book "Uncollapsable Soul" Mike Noriega shares with his readers how he has navigated grief and been inspired to maintain hope. On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 98 innocent people. Among them was Hilda Noriega, grandmother of Mike Noriega. While the family was in shock and overcome by grief in the aftermath of the tragedy,https://www.uncollapsablesoul.com/Join The Herd Community & Support The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribeGet connected to The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/Support the show

Subscriber-only episodeOn today's PoM Podcast I sit down and talk with author and speaker Mike Noriega who just released his book "Uncollapsable Soul" Mike Noriega shares with his readers how he has navigated grief and been inspired to maintain hope. On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 98 innocent people. Among them was Hilda Noriega, grandmother of Mike Noriega. While the family was in shock and overcome by grief in the aftermath of the tragedy,https://www.uncollapsablesoul.com/Join The Herd Community & Support The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribeGet connected to The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/

How Has The Cost Of Miami Condo Living Changed Since The Surfside Collapse? NBC6's Alina Machado examines South Florida's insurance market on the two-year anniversary of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo tower tragedy in Surfside, Fla. The entire piece can be viewed at: 'www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/the-cost-of-condo-living-after-the-surfside-collapse/3058218/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/condovultures/message

Was The Champlain Towers South Condo Tragedy An Inflection Point For South Florida's Condo Market? NBC6's Alina Machado examines South Florida's insurance market on the two-year anniversary of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo tower tragedy in Surfside, Fla. The entire piece can be viewed at: 'www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/the-cost-of-condo-living-after-the-surfside-collapse/3058218/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/condovultures/message

Why Are Special Assessments A Growing Trend In The Miami Condo Market? NBC6's Alina Machado examines South Florida's insurance market on the two-year anniversary of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo tower tragedy in Surfside, Fla. The entire piece can be viewed at: 'www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/the-cost-of-condo-living-after-the-surfside-collapse/3058218/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/condovultures/message

On this episode of the Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with SNC-Lavalin lead BIM manager Jean-Pierre Rivard and local and provincial public sector director Mathieu Latouche talk about using digital twins to design health infrastructure and not only address that sector's unique needs but also maintain health facilities by catching potential equipment problems before they occur. Daily Commercial News daily editor Lindsey Cole joins Warren for the news segment starting the show, featuring a Vaughan gondola project that's ‘speculative', a new amphitheater design for the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver and an RFQ has been issued for the contentious George Massey Tunnel replacement project.   Our final segment of the pod is an interview with Ayers Saint Gross principal Glen Birx about the ongoing investigations into the tragic Champlain Towers South condo collapse in Surfside, FL on June 24, 2021. Birx moderated a session about the collapse at the American Institute of Architects conference held recently in San Francisco and gave insights as to the timeline of the collapse and what elementsof the building's structure could have contributed to the disaster.  You can listen to The Construction Record on the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music's podcast section. Our previous episode featuring an interview with Deltek director of product marketing Megan Miller about the company's 44th annual Clarity Architecture and Engineering Industry Study is here. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services   Gondola plans for Vaughan are ‘conceptual only,' city makes clear Illinois drywall tapers among the ‘Best-Paying Jobs in Homebuilding' RFQ goes out for $4 billion George Massey Tunnel replacement PNE Amphitheatre design contains the largest free-span timber roof in the world

Fannie and Freddie have a growing blacklist for certain properties that they won't lend to, but it's not public and it could surprise you when you're trying to close on a deal. The Los Angeles Daily News first reported on this, saying the government-sponsored enterprises are placing condos, associations, and co-ops on the list for a variety of reasons, including deferred maintenance. (1)   Hi, I'm Kathy Fettke and this is Real Estate News for Investors. Please remember to subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review.   The president of Philadelphia-based condo and co-op lending service provider CondoTek told the Daily News that the blacklist has now grown to more than 1,400 properties. Orest Tomaselli says just 16 months ago, there were only 900 properties on the list.   New Tighter Standards After Condo Collapse   Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tightened their standards after the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida. The catastrophic failure of the 12-story condo building resulted in the deaths of 98 people and $1B in property losses.    HOAs started seeing a new questionnaire months later at the beginning of last year. According to the Daily News, Fannie and Freddie are using data from this questionnaire to determine whether a property has deferred maintenance, structural issues, or a lack of funds or insurance to cover needed upgrades or repairs.   Concerns That Questionnaire Creates Liability   The questionnaire has been controversial. Other than questions regarding maintenance and upkeep, they also include questions that could presume future liability for any deficiencies – questions like: “Is the HOA or Cooperative Corporation aware of any deficiencies related to the safety, soundness, structural integrity, or habitability of the project's buildings?”   The Orange County Register reported on a survey by the Community Associations Institute that shows 89% of the participants felt they might be held liable in the future because of questions they didn't know how to answer. Almost as many also feared liability exposure because they refused to answer those questions. (2)   News reports say that some condo associations and property management companies feel the questionnaires are “draconian” and have chosen instead to boycott Fannie/Freddie loans.   Questionnaire Alternative Not Well Received   The mortgage giants are offering an alternative although that hasn't gotten a great reception either. Instead of the questionnaire, the underwriter can provide reviews of board minutes from HOA meetings, engineering inspections, and local government inspections. Lenders weren't thrilled with that option because it could expose the lender to future liability issues.    Mortgage broker Jeff Lazerson says in the Orange County Register article, that 50% of the loans that his shop runs through Fannie and Freddie require a limited review and a shorter list of HOA questions. A Freddie Mac spokesperson says that: “Freddie Mac's requirements are designed to help ensure residential buildings with aging infrastructure are safe for their residents and the condos and co-ops needing critical repairs have a plan to do so.”   Safety is of utmost importance, but with affordable housing in short supply, the questionnaire and the blacklist add two more obstacles for homebuyers looking for a lower price tag.   Secret Blacklist for Lenders & Servicers   As for the blacklist, it's reportedly available to lenders and servicers, but not the property owners or the public in general which includes potential buyers. That means buyers counting on a loan from Fannie or Freddie might not find out until the last minute.   Tomaselli says: “It's a crapshoot. The only way for you to find out if a project is on that list is if you apply for a mortgage and the lender runs that project to see if it's unavailable. And only then, typically, is the buyer informed.” Buyers must then turn to riskier, more expensive mortgages to complete their transaction.    You'll find links to articles about the blacklist and the HOA questionnaire at newsforinvestors.com. As always, I ask that you join RealWealth for free to learn more about real estate, and subscribe to this podcast! We'd also appreciate a review on whatever podcast platform you are using.   Thank you! And thanks for listening, Kathy Fettke   Links:   1 - https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/capital-markets/secret-blacklist-of-condos-co-ops-means-some-buyers-ineligible-for-fannie-freddie-financing-118544   2 - https://www.ocregister.com/2022/02/24/condo-questionnaire-causing-some-boards-to-boycott-fannie-freddie-financing/

Joel Figueroa-Vallines, P.E., F.ASCE, is a structural and forensic engineer and president of SEP+A Engineering Consulting, headquartered in Orlando. He left home to drive south for Surfside, Florida, last summer in the aftermath of the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium. He wound up staying for three weeks, helping where he could. In episode 123 of ASCE Plot Points, Figueroa-Vallines reflects on the tragedy a year later and how he's seen it change the industry.

One year ago on June 24, a small beachside town in South Florida was asleep. It was the summer, past 1 a.m., when the section of the Champlain Towers South that pointed to the beach collapsed. Twelve stories of apartments pancaked in about 30 seconds. Ninety-eight people died; most of the victims were Latinos and Latinas. To mark the first anniversary of the collapse, we visit Surfside with producer Elisa Baena, who lives there with her Cuban grandmother. She brings us a story about memory, community, and how your relationship to a place can change after a tragic event.

On this episode of Cut to the Chase:, one of the lead attorneys of the Surfside Class Action, Adam Moskowitz, comes on 1 year to the day of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South killing 98 people and leaving over 100 others homeless to discuss the settlement of the case.   Adam discusses some of the shocking details of the collapse and how this settlement was done so quickly.   With 48 defendants involved, you would have thought that this case could have dragged out for a decade with each of the defendants pointing their fingers at each other.   Adam, along with several other prominent attorneys, worked long and tireless.  Judge Michael Hanzman did a remarkable job pushing this case at a pace not seen before.    Now that the settlement has been approved, those eligible for their settlements need to go through the claims process.   There is a deadline so PAY ATTENTION TO THE DEADLINES.   Some of the victims are not represented by attorneys, but they can still file their claims. AGAIN THE CLAIMS MUST BE DONE PROPERLY AND TIMELY.    Adam has graciously offered to talk to any of the victims or family members of victims to guide them through the claims process.   Here is Adam's link to contact him.  https://moskowitz-law.com/adam-moskowitz A big shoutout to Adam, Judge Hanzman, and many others that secured justice for the victims of this tragedy.        

A un año del desplome de Champlain Towers South, un condominio frente al mar de 12 pisos y 39 años de antigüedad,  hablamos con la periodista de Univision Maria Alesia Sosa, quien ha cubierto esta tragedia desde aquel fatídico día.Vamos a platicar con ella para tratar de entender qué fue lo que pasó en Surfside, por qué se desplomó ese edificio, cuál fue el destino de los sobrevivientes y de los familiares de las víctimas y, sobre todo, para saber si es posible evitar que algo así vuelva a ocurrir.

Condo law expert Evan McKenzie talks about changes in condo oversight since the collapse of Champlain Towers South one year ago Friday. Pablo Rodriguez, who lost his mother and grandmother in the deadly collapse, also joins us. And, Mashama Bailey of The Grey in Savannah, Georgia, was honored by the James Beard Foundation with the Outstanding Chef award this month. Bailey joins us.

On June 24, 2021, at about 1:22 a.m., a 12-story beachfront condo building near Miami suddenly collapsed.   Hundreds of first responders spent countless hours and days literally crawling through the rubble of what was once the Champlain Towers South.    Families clinched onto any bit of hope they could.  In the end, 98 people died. Only four people were rescued from the rubble as  35 were saved from the uncollapsed portion of the building.    There is still a full investigation underway, with teams determining exactly what caused the building to collapse, but it can't ever be said this happened without warning.    Lawsuits and preliminary reports show the condo board failed to keep up the maintenance and assessments required to keep the building in safe conditions. This tragedy has not gone unnoticed to lawmakers. While nothing was done earlier this year during the regular legislative session, there was something given to the governor during last month's special session.    This will mean big changes beginning in December 2024. Beyond the Soundbite co-hosts Greg and Gary were in Tallahassee for that special session and there is where we want to start breaking down the legislation, what we know, what still needs to be known and the impact on you.    And it's all in the latest Beyond the Soundbite podcast.   ABOUT THE SHOW   Political figures and influencers are often heard in brief bites that don't capture the context of the whole story. “Central Florida: Beyond the Soundbite” expands the conversation with these newsmakers along the I-4 corridor and beyond. Join award-winning Spectrum News 13 anchor and Orlando Woman of the Year Ybeth Bruzual, political reporter Greg Angel, and veteran producer Gary Darling for a must-hear interview each week and learn about the issues affecting Central Florida.

On the morning of the collapse, at an emergency editorial meeting, before they even knew the scale of the loss of life, the editors at the Miami Herald made a commitment to write a full obituary of every single person who died in this unthinkable tragedy. In the twelfth and final episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, we honor the memory of the victims of one of the worst structural failures in history, and hear from the editors and writers who carefully compiled 98 life stories, as well as the life story of the community of Champlain Towers South, which vanished in an instant.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2015, construction on an ultra-luxury high-rise condo named 87 Park got underway just 15 feet from Champlain Towers South. Champlain's residents howled about the noise, vibrations, dust, disruption, and worried about potential damage to their building—but found that because it was just over the municipal border between Surfside and Miami Beach, there was little they could do about their unwelcome new neighbor. In the tenth episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, we take a deep historical dive into the bad relations between these two buildings—right next door to each other but worlds apart, economically and politically. In the aftermath of the disaster, the developers and general contractor of 87 Park were among the targets of the class-action lawsuit filed by survivors and relatives of the dead, but have denied their work had anything to do with the catastrophe. Narrated by journalist Paul Beban.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did Champlain Towers South come into existence? In the ninth episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, we profile the men who developed, designed and built this apartment complex. And, we also trace the building boom in south Florida that fueled condo construction there in the late 1970's and early 80's. At the time, Surfside was a small seaside town of low-rise buildings with money troubles, insufficient infrastructure, and outsized political dysfunction—until a group of Canadian developers stepped in with the plans, financing and motivation to erect big buildings in tiny Surfside. Were corners cut? Mistakes missed? Are other buildings still at risk? Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost a year after the tragic fall of the Champlain Towers South, we discuss why the Florida legislature has been hesitant to act to ensure it never happens again, and how the long-range consequences of the event are still unclear. We discuss the unique nature of the 40-year recertification process for buildings in Miami-Dade County, and the reason why buildings in the rest of Florida are not required to collect funds for repairs. We also explore how decisions made by lawmakers and the condo board could have caused the collapse of the building. Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the only video of the disaster, an entire wing of Champlain Towers South seems to suddenly crash to the ground without warning. But the video doesn't tell the whole story. The collapse sequence actually took a full seven minutes to unfold, culminating in what was caught on camera. The fifth episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside is the first of a two-episode investigation into exactly what happened during those seven minutes, reconstructed through the eyes and ears of key witnesses: a security guard, a tourist, a family of night owls, a couple coming home from dinner, a woman with a guardian angel and a model who watched the structure cave in around her. Split-second decisions meant the difference between life and death. Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A settlement has been reached for the families of victims and survivors of the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside. Plus, new research predicts Florida will have one of the fastest growing rates of Alzheimer's Dementia by the middle of this decade.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Florida judge approves 83 million settlement for victims families and owners in Champlain Towers South collapse Navy Plane Crashes Along Virginias Eastern Shore, Killing One Crew Member Naomi Irion, 18, found deceased in Nevada after being kidnapped from Walmart parking lot police Bruce Willis to give up acting due to poor health Disney exec vows more gay characters amid huge inclusivity push Russia Ukraine war what we know on day 36 of the Russian invasion Ukraine war Putin being misled by fearful advisers, US says Will Smith Chris Rocks first comments since Oscars slap Opening statements in IS Beatle jihadist trial Why burner phones are the talk of Washington French intelligence chief Vidaud fired over Russian war failings Why the White House says Biden cant condemn Will Smith slap of Chris Rock at Oscars Biden news live US government weighing release of up to 1 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve Oklahoma governor explains reasoning behind signing Save Womens Sports Act, addresses critics Pennsylvania State Police said six people were killed in Mondays massive pileup on I 81 in Schuylkill County Wears Valley wildfire Crews continue to battle flames despite overnight rain Two Palestinians killed during Israeli raid in West Bank Cheng Lei Australian journalist on trial in China for spy charge Ukraine war Ukraine sends buses to Mariupol for rescue effort US astronaut and Russian cosmonauts back on Earth

Despite round-the-clock search teams since the collapse of Champlain Towers South, there have not been any signs of life from the rubble. Conditions in the debris are getting more difficult and dangerous with each passing day. In the fourth episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside we're still in the private briefing room as families wait in anguish for word of their loved ones. The heartbreaking shift from search and rescue to search and recovery is made and President Biden arrives to support and mourn with the families, behind closed doors. We also hear from the Miami Herald's investigative team as they start to turn up clues about what went wrong at Champlain Towers South. Why did the building come down? Who's responsible? And are others in danger? Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this third episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, the story pivots to the emotional scene playing out behind closed doors, day after day, in the “family reunification center.” This large room at the Grand Beach Hotel is away from the media frenzy, but not far from where Champlain Towers South once stood. Over the next two weeks, first responders from Miami Dade Fire Rescue update the loved ones of those still missing on the state of the search. Using live-stream Instagram video and rare documentary footage, we go inside that room where emotions are raw, nerves are fractured, and hope is waning. Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For many residents of Champlain Towers South, life or death hinged on where their apartments were located. A few feet down the hallway meant the difference between life and death. In the second episode of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, we remain at the scene. The reality of the tragedy is beginning to sink in as search and rescue teams, journalists and the world struggle to comprehend how and why this apartment building filled with sleeping families was reduced to rubble. There are so many questions, and no answers at this point. Fears that the remainder of the condo could fall any minute are compounded by a dramatic race to find survivors. Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buildings don't just fall, for no reason, in the middle of the night. But, at 1:22 am on June 24, 2021, a 12-story wing of the Champlain Towers South condo partially pancaked to the ground — a catastrophe so rare, it's difficult to find an equivalent in modern history. Collapse: Disaster in Surfside investigates whether the tower was doomed from the moment it was built, who is potentially to blame, and what's being done to make sure this never happens again. We hear the tragedy unfold in real-time, through 911 calls, police body cam footage, fire rescue dispatch audio, interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, and family members. The developing story is tracked by the Miami Herald reporters covering this unthinkable event in their own backyard. Narrated by journalist Paul Beban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Florida Legislature begins its 2022 session on January 11.  Among the bills filed are those seeking enhanced insurance consumer protection, greater safety for high-rise condominium buildings following the Surfside collapse, COVID-19 relief, controls on prescription drug costs, and legislative redistricting. Former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller sat down with state capitol reporters Mike Vasilinda of Capitol News Service and Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida, to discuss which bills may get serious consideration and why.Show NotesWith 2022 being an election year for the Governor and many legislators, one of the questions is whether lawmakers decide to wait and see if the 2019 and 2021 insurance consumer reform measures previously passed into law are having enough of an impact on Florida's “dire” property insurance market as recently described by Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier – or maybe at least go for minor adjustments?“I don't think we can discount that this is an election year.  I think that you can frame a lot of issues in that context and property insurance is one of them,” said Saunders, who is Executive Editor of the News Service of Florida.  He noted that certain proposed measures in this session would drive up costs, including a failed mandate from last session that would have required actual cash value instead of replacement coverage for roofs.  “I think the real key is how far Governor DeSantis wants to push on doing something about property insurance.  You know, if he comes down and says we have to do something, maybe the legislative leadership will do it, but he's going to be in a reelection campaign and does he want to take that on in an election year?  I'm not sure at this point as we haven't heard a lot from him about it,” said Saunders, who has covered legislative sessions for the past 24 years. “I think the Governor's got to pay attention,” countered Vasilinda, who is founder and chief reporter for Capitol News Service, covering the legislature for 49 years for television stations across Florida.  “It was Charlie Crist who stalled Citizens (Insurance Corporation) rates when he was governor in 2007 for two years where they couldn't raise their rates and then they created the 10% glide path, which, for whatever reason, Citizens never ever got to 10% across the board on anybody.  And now they're proposing 11 and 12%, across the board on everybody.  There is going to be some political pressure for the Governor.  He's going to hear about it in The Villages and everywhere else he's going.  And he's going to know that Governor Crist at the time was the guy that froze those rates.  And he'll try and use that against the former governor,” who is running again for governor against DeSantis.Another question is how the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) will act on Citizens request for those maximum rate increases statewide, even in Miami-Dade County, where Citizens' actuaries had indicated a 3.2% rate increase.  “I think OIR feels political pressure as well.  To think otherwise is probably a little naïve,” said Saunders. Host Miller noted that the Florida Senate last year passed a bill containing actual cash value for roof claims but the House rejected it.  “I think we have to start at the roofing manufacturers, educate consumers that there's no such thing as a 30 year shingle, especially in Florida.  Consumers, in my opinion, should have a choice if they want to have skin in the game and have a lower premium with actual cash value.  For those that want replacement costs, let them have it.  But those choices were not offered in the legislature and unfortunately, who knows where that's going to go this session,” said Miller. The other big story in Florida in 2021 was the collapse of the Champlain Towers South high-rise condominium in Surfside which killed 98 residents.  A Miami-Dade County Grand Jury this month recommended that such buildings be re-inspected every ten years for recertification of occupancy and that condo associations be required to annually certify building repairs and maintenance.  That grand jury report will create “real pressure” on the legislature to act, said Vasilinda. “Now remember, hearken back I think to 2005 2006, the legislature passed a bill requiring inspections every 10 years.  And then by 2010, the condo boards were so upset, flexed their muscles, gave a lot of money out, and ended up getting that legislation repealed,” said Vasilinda.  “Part of it is a financial pressure on these condo boards,” added Saunders.  “There's been an issue in the past about retrofitting buildings with fire sprinklers and it kept getting pushed.  As far as I know, it's still getting pushed off.  And the reason it keeps getting pushed off is it costs a lot of money to go into these old buildings and retrofit them with fire sprinklers.   That's just one example of the types of issues that that these boards might be confronted with, if all of a sudden, they have to bring their buildings more up to modern standards or codes.”At the time of this podcast recording, no bills had been filed in the legislature pertaining to re-inspections beyond HB 771 by Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola) which would direct the Florida Building Commission to develop statewide standards for the maintenance and periodic inspection of existing building structures or facilities, as well as consider allowing local deviations.  Another bill, HB 329 by Rep. Nicholas Duran (D-Miami-Dade) would require the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to establish a searchable database of condominium and homeowners' associations' information, including whether the association has reserve accounts for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance, and if they are fully funded.  Another bill, SB 880 by Senator Jason Pizzo (D-Miami), would expand the jurisdiction of DBPR in investigating complaints about condo associations and revise criminal penalties for misdeeds.   “Condo boards themselves are very dysfunctional quite often.  I think there's a lot of competing factors there that do make it more complex than you might think,” said Saunders, noting that condo bills historically are “complex and convoluted.”Host Miller and guests also discussed the coronavirus pandemic, with both expressing doubt that the Capitol would close to the public during session, despite the new Omicron COVID-19 variant.   Also discussed were measures filed that would further regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers, who are third-party administrators that serve as middlemen between drug manufacturers and retail pharmacies.   “People are complaining about their drug prices, and they are complaining about less benefits on their health insurance policy for the things they're doing.  So this might be one way, if the legislature were to try and thread that needle, to try and lower those costs in some way,” said Vasilinda.Both reporters expressed doubt that such potentially complex and time-consuming legislation would reach completion this session, given the once-a-decade required legislative and congressional redistricting the legislature must tackle by law.  “It is kind of a food fight,” said Saunders.  “The legislature this year, like they did 10 years ago, are saying how transparent they are and how legal this is going to be.  But that's what they told us 10 years ago, and then the courts came down on them hard for all the behind the scenes shenanigans that went on to draw these maps.  But that's the way it's always been.  It's not only parties looking for advantages, but it's individual legislators looking to save their careers,” he said.“This year, you've kind of got the Senate being the good guy,” added Vasilinda.  “Everybody's raving.  The Democrats in the Senate are saying, ‘hey, these maps are all pretty good. We could probably live with these.'  But then the House is the one that's playing some games, it appears, to distract perhaps the attention and how that all plays out.  But we will see it in court.  I can't imagine we won't,” he said.“I think that redistricting, drawing those maps, and those meetings are going to be the most important, and will just hover over everything else that's happening, including the budget,” predicted Host Miller. “So we'll wait and see.” Links and Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeFlorida Insurance Market “Dire” (LMA Newsletter, October 4, 2021) Major Provisions of SB 76 (2021 Reform)Major Provisions of HB 7065 (2019 Reform)The Surfside Condo Collapse Tragedy: Recommendations to Make Buildings Safer (Miami-Dade County Grand Jury report, December 15, 2021)SB 742 Pharmacies and Pharmacy Benefit ManagersAssignment of Benefits & Insurance Litigation Webpage (Lisa Miller & Associates)Capitol News ServiceNews Service of Florida ** The Listener Call-In Line for your recorded questions and comments to air in future episodes is 850-388-8002 or you may send email to LisaMiller@LisaMillerAssociates.com **The Florida Insurance Roundup from Lisa Miller & Associates, brings you the latest developments in Property & Casualty, Healthcare, Workers' Compensation, and Surplus Lines insurance from around the Sunshine State.  Based in the state capital of Tallahassee, Lisa Miller & Associates provides its clients with focused, intelligent, and cost conscious solutions to their business development, government consulting, and public relations needs.  On the web at www.LisaMillerAssociates.com or call 850-222-1041.  Your questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome!  Date of Recording 12/20/2021. Email via info@LisaMillerAssociates.com   Composer: www.TeleDirections.com  © Copyright 2017-2021 Lisa Miller & Associates, All Rights Reserved

The shocking collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, destroyed a tight-knit community in an instant. As neighbors, the Estefans watched in horror as only 35 people were rescued from the rubble. In this powerful episode, the family pays tribute to the lives that were forever changed with stories of grief, survival, and love. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing illustrates the tragic consequences of building decay more than the June 24, 2021, collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, which claimed the lives of nearly 100 residents. The event raises questions about the building inspection process not only in Florida but around the country. What caused this calamity? Who is responsible? How many other buildings are in similar condition? Any compensation for the loss of life, injuries, and property damage will likely be astronomical. Where will any financial awards come from? Experienced construction law attorney Judah Lifschitz of Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram  spoke with me about the near- and long-term impacts of the Surfside condo collapse and how it has reverberated around the country.  Judah has extensive experience in construction  matters, including power and energy construction representing clients in engineering, procurement and construction contracts and disputes. He represents governmental and private owners, regional, national and international contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, design professionals, sureties and insurance companies in disputes, trials, ADR proceedings and negotiations. Judah won one of the largest liquidated damages awards in the history of the construction industry.  Education: George Washington University, J.D.; Yeshiva University, B.A., magna cum laude. This podcast is the audio companion to the Journal on Emerging Issues in Litigation, a collaborative project between HB Litigation Conferences and the Fastcase legal research family, which includes Full Court Press, Law Street Media, Docket Alarm and, most recently, Judicata. If you have comments or wish to participate in one our projects, or want to tell me how insightful and informative Judah is, please drop me a note at Editor@LitigationConferences.com. Thanks to Judah for speaking with me about this important topic. I was especially proud that I pronounced his name correctly on the first try, though he assured me that I could in no way do more damage to it than those who have come before me. (Clearly he doesn't know me well.)Tom Hagy(pronounced HEY-ghee, for the record)

In the wake of the Champlain Towers South condominium building collapse, insurance companies are looking to tighten their underwriting requirements on Florida condo association policies.  Policy renewal premiums are expected to increase up to 25% for those that can't show a good building maintenance record.  While the commercial residential market tightens, Florida's homeowners insurance market is going through an upheaval of its own.  One insurance litigation reform measure passed into law is now coming into play in court: presuit settlements.Former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller talks with two professionals on the underwriting and legal side for their insight on market changes afoot and advice for insurance companies trying to navigate the changes.Show NotesThis Florida Insurance Roundup podcast covered two topics that have one thing in common: how to clamp down on rising premiums, rising costs, and excessive litigation expense.  Condominium Association Underwriting:Florida's commercial residential insurance companies are actively looking at how to avoid insuring another condominium building collapse or similar major catastrophe.  The Champlain Towers South collapse in June killed 98 residents in Surfside, Florida.  At least five other high-rise buildings in Miami-Dade County have since been partially or fully evacuated for being deemed unsafe.  Brian Squire, Managing Executive Senior Vice President at Hays Companies, a national insurance consulting agency, said there's a systemic issue at play with how condo buildings are maintained and how their associations are governed.  “You have a board of directors that make decisions on behalf of the association, but then the condominium association's governing documents allow its members to veto the board's decision.  These decisions made regarding the maintenance of these associations, on a lot of cases, are based on cost first, then life safety.  This mindset needs to change,” he said, noting there have been multiple associations who've had decisions levied against them recently.In the wake of the disaster, Surfside officials are moving up building recertifications for occupancy from every 40 years to every 30 years and requiring sign-off by both a structural engineer and a geotechnical engineer checking the foundation and subsurface soils.  But Squire insists the age of the building shouldn't be the sole factor.  “I've seen newly constructed buildings have issues similar to a Champlain Towers.  So we really need to wipe away the mindset that this is only needs to be applied to a 40 year building,” said Squire, who has been in the insurance business for 21 years and is based in the condominium-popular Destin, Florida.In his recent conversations with many insurance companies, Squire said there's many potential new underwriting requirements now under consideration.  They include:  More detailed on-site inspections of buildings annually; Requiring board of directors of buildings to sign affidavits, confirming there are no outstanding maintenance issues; Review of past board minutes; and  Review of condo association financial statements Among the solutions he suggested, is requiring engineering studies of all existing condominium buildings, pre-qualification of underwriting through insurance carriers, and possibly legislative changes.   Squire said associations should be proactive prior to policy renewal, too.  “What's going to make it look better is replacing or maintaining a roof and making sure that you have impact windows.  Those are really the two items that can easily be addressed,” he advised.Host Lisa Miller noted that the Building Officials Association of Florida recently held a summit to address structural safety issues and potential changes with other groups.  They included the International Code Council, the National Institute of Building Sciences, the Building Owners and Managers Association, and the Florida Bar's Condominium Law and Life Advisory Task Force.  Proposed legislation is being drafted as well for the Florida Legislature to consider in its January 2022 session.Presuit Settlements:The new presuit settlement law is part of SB 76, Florida's broader new property insurance reform law that took effect in June.  It requires that insurance companies receive a ten-day notice and demand before a lawsuit is filed by first-parties, such as homeowners or commercial building owners.  And it establishes how carriers need to respond.  Michael Monteverde, an insurance defense attorney with the Zinober Diana & Monteverde law firm, said the purpose was to allow insurance companies to resolve conflicts and reduce Florida's “out-of-control litigation.”  But he said some of the intended benefits haven't played out yet, including whether plaintiff attorney fees, a driver in expensive litigation, will ultimately be reduced.With the elimination of Florida's one-way attorney fee statute that encouraged inflated claims, the new law “creates more of a chess game, to try to get everybody to a place where there is a reasonable number,” said Monteverde, who manages the firm's Fort Lauderdale office.  “Because of the way that the fee provision kind of shifts under the new statute and SB 76, what the insurance carriers can do is they can set up the offers in response to the demands in a way that really kind of dares the plaintiff attorneys to reject the offer, because now we are setting up a situation where the fees are either limited or completely done away with and each party to bear its own fees and costs depending on what you are ultimately able to recover in the lawsuit.”He said the new law also takes away from the incentive for a plaintiff attorney to overly demand.  “So if you have a $70,000 case, there's no reason to come in and demand $600,000 to try to move the needle, because you may just be shooting yourself in the foot based on the way that the insurance carrier ultimately responds to that presuit demand,” said Monteverde, who appeared in a June podcast on how SB 76 works.Monteverde added that it seems most of the policyholder attorneys are trying to comply with the presuit notice requirement “and some of the results have been somewhat encouraging,” but there's confusion whether the law applies to actions filed after the effective date of the law (June 11, 2021) or the policy date.Monteverde also weighed-in on the condominium association underwriting issue, noting past catastrophes, such as hurricanes, have revealed that some associations are not keeping statutorily-required reserves for basic functions.  “If I were advising a carrier, I would say look at your underwriting processes, make sure that people are properly reserving, and make sure that the maintenance funds are going where they're supposed to be because they're turning the insurance policies in some instances into maintenance contracts.  And that's not what they are,” he said.“'Maintenance first' sounds like the theme of this podcast for those that are in the commercial residential space,” concluded host Miller.  “Having impact windows, making sure your roof is intact, and of course, consulting with your insurance professional.” Links and Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeBuilding Officials Association of FloridaSurfside's Ripple Effect (LMA Newsletter of July 12, 2021)Legislature to Review Condo Inspection Rules (LMA Newsletter of July 26, 2021)Insurance Impacts of the Surfside Collapse (LMA Newsletter of July 26, 2021)Who Will Insure Florida's High-Rise Condos? (LMA Newsletter of August 9, 2021)Hays CompaniesFlorida Senate bill SB 76 (the presuit settlement section is in lines 1138-1173)DFS Property Insurance Intent to Initiate Litigation portal Zinober Diana & Monteverde law firm Florida Legislature 2021 Bill Watch summary (Lisa Miller & Associates)Florida one-way attorney fee statuteProperty Insurance Reform (The Florida Insurance Roundup podcast, May 23, 2021)Assignment of Benefits & Insurance Litigation Webpage (Lisa Miller & Associates)** The Listener Call-In Line for your recorded questions and comments to air in future episodes is 850-388-8002 or you may send email to LisaMiller@LisaMillerAssociates.com **The Florida Insurance Roundup from Lisa Miller & Associates, brings you the latest developments in Property & Casualty, Healthcare, Workers' Compensation, and Surplus Lines insurance from around the Sunshine State.  Based in the state capital of Tallahassee, Lisa Miller & Associates provides its clients with focused, intelligent, and cost conscious solutions to their business development, government consulting, and public relations needs.  On the web at www.LisaMillerAssociates.com or call 850-222-1041.  Your questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome!  Date of Recording 8/25/2021. Email via info@LisaMillerAssociates.com   Composer: www.TeleDirections.com  © Copyright 2017-2021 Lisa Miller & Associates, All Rights Reserved

Joining us for a second time on People of Pod is Nachman Shai, Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, to discuss his new role and his critical work supporting Jews around the world, including a recent visit to Surfside, Florida, following the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South.  Then, stick around for a special tribute from colleagues and friends to our longtime co-host Seffi Kogen, including Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and AJC CEO David Harris, as Seffi ends his tenure at AJC. ____ Episode Lineup  (0:40) Nachman Shai (24:00) Seffi Kogen (27:26) Manya Brachear Pashman (28:55) Special guests including Ted Deutch and David Harris ____ Fill out our audience survey here Check out Nachman Shai's first appearance on People of the Pod

Two weeks ago today, the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Florida collapsed. 54 people are confirmed to have died, while 86 remain missing. The collapse has begun to spark a broader conversation about aging condo buildings, which house around one out of every five Americans.  Dan talks to Peter Coy of Bloomberg Businessweek about the fundamental flaws of condo management and the conflict surrounding owners and maintenance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The death toll in the Florida condo collapse has risen to 28, with 117 others still unaccounted for. Structural engineer Allyn Kilsheimer was hired by the city of Surfside to investigate the cause of the collapse. He and Los Angeles-based structural engineer Kit Miyamoto talk to AC360 about the demolition of the Champlain Towers South building and the investigation. Plus, new preliminary data from the Israeli government shows a decline in the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine as the Delta variant spreads. Dr. Leana Wen weighs in on this new development. And, Elie Honig, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and CNN Senior Legal Analyst, talks to AC360 about his new book: “Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor's Code and Corrupted the Justice Department." Airdate: July 5, 2021 Guests: Allyn Kilsheimer Kit Miyamoto Dr. Leana Wen Elie HonigTo learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

First, Chris discusses the breaking news on indictments filed against the Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg with Elliot Williams and Barbra Res. Then, Chris discusses Bill Cosby's release from prison after courts overturn his sexual assault conviction with Cosby's attorney Jennifer Bonjean. Chris wraps up the show with a resident of Champlain Towers South that survived the collapse of the condo building.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

In 2017, the Chicago Dyke March ejected Jewish marchers carrying rainbow flags emblazoned with Stars of David. This year, it promoted its upcoming event with a cartoon image showing the burning of Israeli and American flags. To discuss why the Chicago Dyke March has been exhibiting such hostility towards supporters of Israel, we sit down with Ethan Felson, a progressive activist for more than thirty years and Executive Director of A Wider Bridge, a nonprofit that connects American and Israeli LGBTQ communities and works to strengthen LGBTQ inclusion in Israel.  Then, AJC Miami/Broward County Director Brian Siegal shares his personal reflections on the collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida, and how the community has come together in the wake of this immense tragedy. ______ Episode Lineup: (0:40) Ethan Felson (16:32) Brian Siegal (19:19) Manya Brachear Pashman (22:22) Seffi Kogen ______ Show Notes: Fill out our audience survey for a chance to win a spot on the show! www.AJC.org/PodcastSurvey  

First, Chris discusses the breaking news on indictments filed against the Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg with Elliot Williams and Barbra Res. Then, Chris discusses Bill Cosby's release from prison after courts overturn his sexual assault conviction with Cosby's attorney Jennifer Bonjean. Chris wraps up the show with a resident of Champlain Towers South that survived the collapse of the condo building. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Join us as we discuss the tragic collapse of the Chaplain Towers South here in Miami, hundreds missing, and only a handful found through the rubble.