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Report: Smart sensors in Florida multi-story condos should be mandated | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-04 09:09:00

(The Center Square) – Lawmakers should mandate smart sensors in multi-story condominium buildings to warn residents of potential structural failures, says a report by a Florida nonpartisan policy group released on Friday

The report by the nonprofit Florida TaxWatch group recommends that lawmakers mandate the embedded microelectronic sensors, which can measure structural degradation, metal fatigue, water leaks and stress, in high-rise buildings, bridges and dams.

They also are seeking incentives for retrofitting of the sensors for existing structures and the creation of a statewide sensor data platform to provide real-time monitoring. 

Florida has been hit hard by structural collapses. In 2021, 98 people in the Champlain Towers South condominium building died when one of the complex’s towers collapsed due to structural issues. In 2018, at Florida International University, a pedestrian bridge collapsed killing six.

The report also says there are 98 high-hazard dams and over 1,000 miles of levees protecting $100 billion in property.

According to a study from the University of Miami cited in the report, there is subsidence in 35 high-rise buildings in a 12-mile stretch from Miami Beach to Sunny Isles, with some of the buildings sinking up to 3.1 inches due to soil shifting. Half of these high-rise buildings, defined by state law as 75 feet or greater, were less than 10 years old. 

Many of these cases of subsidence are related to the deformation of limestone, which makes up Florida’s bedrock and is porous to water. The movement of tidal groundwater or stormwater injection used for flood management, according to the report, can also rearrange sand under the buildings.

The microelectronic sensors can be embedded into building columns, bridge piles (which are driven into the bedrock to support the deck structure) and used to determine water levels with dams to warn of potential collapses or breaches. Using wireless technology, these tiny sensors can report potential problems and allow the evacuation of residents and allow for possible repairs. 

“The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Sunrise, and the subsequent special session called by the Florida Legislature to enact new condominium safety requirements, allowed for immediate action to protect Floridians – but more work remains to be done to provide additional relief to condominium owners and associations,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro in a release. “Florida TaxWatch presents this report to underscore the critical need for early warning systems, like microelectronic smart sensors, in Florida’s vertical infrastructure to avert catastrophic failures, save lives, and preserve property values.”

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

Orlando Dreamers secure $1.5 billion in funding

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www.youtube.com – FOX 35 Orlando – 2025-04-25 20:12:17

SUMMARY: The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in funding to pursue a Major League Baseball team, marking a significant step for the initiative. Co-founder Jim Schnorf announced that investors have provided preliminary commitments, signaling serious intent to bring baseball to Central Florida. This funding is separate from the $1 billion earmarked for a proposed stadium near SeaWorld. As the Tampa Bay Rays struggle with their current stadium situation, Dreamers are watching closely, confident that Orlando is a prime location for an MLB franchise, whether through relocation or expansion.

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The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in investor commitments to bring a Major League Baseball team to Central Florida.

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Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session

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www.abcactionnews.com – Forrest Saunders – 2025-04-25 19:54:00

SUMMARY: As Florida’s legislative session nears its end, lawmakers are at an impasse over a tax cut package, with only seven days remaining. The main issue revolves around budget negotiations, specifically the details and extent of tax cuts. Both Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez acknowledge philosophical differences in their approaches. The House proposed a cut to the sales tax while concerns arose about reallocating tourism funds. Governor Ron DeSantis favors property tax reductions. Despite tensions, leaders are hopeful for an agreement before the new budget deadline of July 1.

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Florida woman accused of setting fires during burn ban

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www.youtube.com – FOX 35 Orlando – 2025-04-25 08:32:38

SUMMARY: A Florida woman, Amanda Clark, was arrested for allegedly starting multiple fires during a burn ban. While the Forest Service was working to contain an existing fire near Oberry Hoover Drive, a worker witnessed Clark igniting new flames and instructed her to stop, but she continued. A nearby resident called 911 after seeing heavy smoke. Concerns grew in Palm Bay as additional fires emerged, prompting police to monitor the area. Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb noted that multiple smoke columns appeared too dispersed to be linked. Palm Bay has since implemented a burn ban and plans to enforce it.

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A woman was arrested Wednesday in Orange County for allegedly setting multiple fires during an active burn ban, according to deputies. Forestry officials say they witnessed Amanda Clark starting fires near a residence and recorded video evidence before she was taken into custody. She was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of unlawful land burning, with bond set at $2,500. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

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