Dear John,

Two years ago, our community experienced a devastating tragedy when Champlain Towers South collapsed, claiming 98 lives. 

And two years later, we’re still feeling the impact of that loss on all of our lives. 

Today, I want to express my heartfelt grief for the victims, the survivors, and the families who lost loved ones that day. 

But I also want to make sure that all of us remember how our community came together in light of this tragedy — how together, we showed our resilience, strength, and compassion, and our unfailing commitment to supporting one another through our most challenging moments. 

From the firefighters, police officers, and first responders who worked day and night to find survivors and bring hope to our community, to the members of our community who offered comfort and compassion to families waiting for news in the days after the collapse, South Florida came together to mourn, to heal, and to move forward. 

Two years after Surfside, we need hard-working leaders in Tallahassee who will work hand in hand with local governments to prevent another tragedy. Partnership between state government, local governments, and our condo associations must be a priority as we address building safety and resiliency. 

So today, I hope you’ll join me in continuing to mourn the lives lost and honor their memories, but also in thanking our first responders for their bravery and selflessness in the face of such devastation. 

We will never forget those we lost two years ago today, and together, we will do everything we can to make sure nothing like this tragedy ever happens again. 

With gratitude,

Joe