Miami Beach Shines a Light for Surfside Neighbors

(Miami Beach, FL) Jul 1, 2021 -

The victims of the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse will be remembered at 9 p.m. on July 4 when Miami Beach residents are asked to shine a light in a symbolic gesture of unity.

 

Residents can light a candle, phone flashlight — anything they have available — and stand outside for a moment of remembrance. This small acknowledgment is meant to pay tribute to all of the Surfside victims, their families and first responders involved in this horrific tragedy.

 

The city’s planned “Fire on the Fourth” festival, which was scheduled to take place on July 4, has been canceled out of respect for the families and victims affected by the building collapse in the neighboring Town of Surfside. Presented by Coca-Cola and supported by T-Mobile, the outdoor Miami Beach festival was to have been held at 72 Street and Collins Avenue to mark the nation’s 245th birthday.

 

On Sunday, June 27, Miami Beach declared a state of emergency relating to the partial collapse of Champlain Towers, steps away from the city’s northernmost border with Surfside. Miami Beach emergency responders were among the first on the scene and have continued to provide ongoing support.

 

A significant portion of the staging for the emergency response has taken place within Miami Beach, including the use of city streets, property and other facilities for search and rescue command centers, the use of city parking lots for personnel and equipment as well as the use of city property to support the significant media presence.

 

The disaster claimed at least 18 lives and left 145 people unaccounted for as of Thursday evening.

 

What: Miami Beach Shines Light for Surfside Neighbors

When: July 4 at 9 p.m.

Where: Citywide