Part 2

(11-4-21)

Florida, with its growing population, including the greatest number of seniors than any other State, is suddenly, now on top of that denial list and their supply of the treatment, of Regeneron, has been "dramatically" cut.

According to several sources, the manufacturers have confirmed supplies within the USA, are ample and there WAS NO SHORTAGE OF THE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENTS.

Due to the Defense Production Act, the only entities that can actually purchase and distribute the Monoclonal Antibody Treatments available in the US, are the White House and its Agencies. Why was this instituted as part of the Act?

DeSantis has said that move has resulted in cutting the essential supply by more than half to Florida. Which left the Governor and the State’s Health Agency scrambling and almost in limbo.

In addition, the Federal Government, who contracted two of three companies that produce the therapeutic, have made it so that Florida’s Governor, CAN NOT EVEN PURCHASE ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES TO MAKE UP FOR THIS SUDDEN SHORTFALL, DUE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S NEW RATIONING POLICY.

Left no other choice, Governor DeSantis was forced to purchase whatever number of doses they had available, from GlaxoSmithKline. Another pharmaceutical company that has the treatment, located in the EU and purchase these expensive treatments with State monies at $2,500 a dose, which he otherwise would have received from the Federal Government for free.

Heard on the news, that Nikki Fried, who is one of the Democratic candidates planning to run against Republican Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis in 2022, is also against the cut of Monoclonal Antibody Treatment dosages to the State of Florida. The report said she had asked Biden NOT to cut Florida’s dosages of the treatment. I attempted to contact Ms. Fried, but thus far received no confirmation of the report.

Proof, that saving lives, should be non-negotiable, regardless of party-affiliation!

This therapeutic was originally created, manufactured and stocked up under the previous Presidential Administration, where the plan was that any State could obtain as many dosages as each State deemed necessary. That plan was already set in motion, but completely underutilized until DeSantis’s initiation of it throughout Florida.

In fact, the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment was taken successfully by the previous President of the USA after he contracted the virus and as you may recall, he was back in business in 24 to 48 hours of taking it.

Florida is possibly, the first State in our Nation to make the Monoclonal Antibody Treatments available! Through the previous Administration and the Federal Government, it was made free to any State.

The President of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Dr Aruna Arora explained that many patients who receive this antibody treatment feel better within 24 to 48 hours!

In an article from NewsRescue, it is suggested that if someone tests positive for COVID-19, "IT CAN BE A LIFE-SAVER IF GIVEN WITHIN THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF SYMPTOMS."

Ms. Pushaw’s strong statement for Florida’s Governor, should be universally agreed upon, by ALL Americans, "VACCINATED OR UNVACCINATED- DENYING TREATMENT TO COVID PATIENTS IS WRONG"!

Significant to note, studies and the facts demonstrate, that in Israel, where there is a heavily vaccinated population, COVID-19 is still spreading amongst the vaccinated people! In fact, there has been reports that recently Israel has had a "dramatic surge of new COVID-19 cases".

Monoclonal antibodies are engineered immune system proteins that boost an immune response against an infection.

Recall, when the virus first began, the previous administration sent ventilators, hospital ships, doctors, nurses, supplies and more, to those States who said they were in need. That happened to be in "Blue" States. The former President of the USA, regardless of what you may have thought of him, with those actions, plus the initiation of the unprecedented "Warp Speed", which created the COVID-19 vaccines in record breaking time, manufactured and paid for, so that as soon as they were approved, could go into arms, were all accomplished without skipping a beat. Therefore, "What has changed, since then, that could justify any treatment that can saves lives, currently being denied in any State that is in need?"

The current HHS response is that the agency will, "determine the weekly amount of mAb products each state and territory receives based on COVID-19 case burden and (Monoclonal Antibody Treatment) utilization" and that the new system "will help maintain equitable distribution, both geographically and temporarily, across the country…." Is nothing but a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Especially, when this new policy, which begun around September 14, 2021 or so, had and still has no shortages of this treatment.

Life-saving treatments should always come before political policy decisions. That statement, comes from the fact, that at the time, the denial/rationing policy was made, coincidentally or not, the impacted States, were "Red" States only.

In a letter from Governor DeSantis to Biden and his Administration, the Governor stated that, as a result of DeSantis’s action, Florida has administered "100,000 treatments" and that Florida was "the first state in the nation to focus on early treatments for COVID-19 by setting up 25 treatment sites for monoclonal antibody treatments across Florida."

The Governor listed that due to his policy there was a "50% decrease in new hospitalizations; 24 consecutive days of declining hospitalizations; 2-month low in emergency room visits."

It appears that frustrated by the fact that DeSantis could not purchase any of the necessary treatments, due to the fact that the Federal Government has a lock on the two companies that manufacture the supply of the treatment in the USA, and the sudden over 50% decrease of the treatments by the Federal Government to Florida; must have led the Governor to accuse the current President, that this decision was, "….to make this about politics even if it means lives lost."

The Governor had a valid point, when he wrote, "This is bigger than politics. Lives are at stake."

WHEN YOU PUT SO MANY RESTRICTIONS ON TREATMENTS/THERAPEUTICS, WHY WOULD WE BE SURPRISED THAT SO MANY MORE PEOPLE SO FAR, WITH VACCINES, HAVE GOTTEN SICK AND EVEN DIED IN 2021 OF COVID-19, THAN IN ALL OF 2020?

So, I leave you with the question that began this article, "Deliberately denying life-saving treatments, whatever they may be, for those that have contracted COVID-19, what rational reason can justify this action?"

(10-21-21)

Part 1

There should be universal agreement within the USA, that every American has the ability to receive lifesaving treatments which will allow those individuals that are ill due to a pandemic virus, receive the medication in time to help them get better before their illness becomes life-threatening. Especially, if this lifesaving treatment not only helps the ill person, but also can keep them out of the hospital.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT priorities that any Leader should have!

In today’s current environment, there is so much confusion about what is actually factual and what is really just political theatre. One day, government officials say it is okay to do things one way and then, a week or, even a couple of months later, it completely changes. Those actions that have heightened over time, have caused mass confusion and division among the American population. Especially, due to all types of supposed experts and various Officials’ insistence one way and then, they flip-flop to the other. The worst part is, most often, the advice at one point in time vs. another, proves to be wrong. The obvious end result of this chaotic management and sometimes demands, have not only caused the obvious division, but even, mistrust of the unknown. All of this, as we can see in the news and, hear from people we meet, has unnecessarily confused and even angered the public.

A seldom discussed category of people, are those with "Natural Immunity". Those individuals, have already contracted the virus and recovered. There are many millions in that category. It has been determined by scientists that those with "Natural Immunity" have at least 27 times stronger immunity antibodies and T-cells than any vaccinated person. Since, there are few publicized studies, we do not know if their immunity lasts for more than a couple of years or, like those who prior to vaccinations, got measles, mumps and chicken-pox, last as much as a life-time.

Instead of creating an environment where people are, "running around with their hair on fire", which appears to be the way things have become for so many since this pandemic has continued. Our Leadership NEEDS TO NOT ONLY MAKE VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO GET THEM, BUT JUST AS IMPORTANT, OR MAYBE EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, MAKE ALL THE THERAPEUTICS FOR COVID-19 AVAILABLE! SO THAT THE PEOPLE WHO DO CONTRACT THIS VIRUS CAN RECOVER! THOSE REALITIES NEED TO BE ABSOLUTE!!

Thus far, those treatments have either had little availability or even been denied to patients throughout the USA.

It is well known that Florida has quite a large population and is growing by leaps and bounds. Florida probably has THE HIGHEST senior population of any State. Florida and Texas are loaded with Veterans. Although, the vast majority of seniors in Florida have been vaccinated, those same vaccinated seniors, are still susceptible to different variants. Despite taking both vaccines and possibly even a third, they get what some call "break-through" COVID-19, in different levels of severity. This occurs because we now know, that the vaccines "LEAK" after a shorter period of months than anticipated.

Florida Health website states: "Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent hospitalization or death in high-risk patients with COVID-19 and are widely available in Florida." They go on to say that, "In clinical trials, monoclonal antibody treatment showed a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death."

There are other therapeutics that have had success when used properly, but at this time appear to be unavailable through government channels. In addition, there have been many reports of COVID-19 treatments as being denied to practitioners by local pharmacies in numerous States.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The website also states that it is NOT a substitute for a getting a vaccine.

According to Florida Health, COVID-19 Response, "High-Risk Populations", "older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19." They explain that "Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised…."

As to the fact that regardless of one’s vaccination status, excluding those with "Natural Immunity", who are thus far now still immune, Florida Governor DeSantis’s Press Secretary said that, "MORE THAN HALF THE PATIENTS GETTING THE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA ARE FULLY VACCINATED"!

The Governor’s spokesperson, Christina Pushaw stated, that those patients have "breakthrough infections."

Most significantly, as the spokesperson for Governor DeSantis, Pushaw insisted on behalf of Florida’s Governor, these monoclonal antibody treatments MUST BE GIVEN TO THOSE IN NEED!

FLORIDA, BEING ON TOP OF THAT LIST!

To be continued.

Yellow Journalism Practiced By Many Newspapers

(9-23-21)

How disappointing and unprofessional it has become so common place for "Yellow Journalism" to be practiced, instead of objective news reporting. It should be obvious for most thoughtful readers, that "Yellow Journalism" has become the norm in most newspapers, in order to serve a particular agenda and it is getting worse, every edition.

The particular subject matter being covered in this article, is the tragic collapse of a building, which happened to be a condo and the deaths that resulted from this horrendous accident that occurred in June, 2021 in the Town of Surfside, Florida.

"Yellow Journalism" is defined as a type of press and are American terms when a newspaper, "exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers" and is of questionable, or poor taste. "Techniques may include exaggerations of news-events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism."

As a good friend of mine described, it was "Yellow Journalism" that caused the Spanish-American War in the 1880s, after William Randolph Hearst in his 27 National newspapers started, "yellow journalism showed the media could capture attention and influence public reaction". Unfortunately, it appears that technique is being practiced NOW on steroids, and the condo collapse is a perfect example of it.

It appears that the tragedy of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium and the deaths caused during this catastrophe, have been abused and used in an on-going series of articles, op-eds and other sad excuses for scaring the daylights out of folks, in order to make Florida condos appear unsafe. Possibly to also encourage rushed-draconian mandates and policies in the State of Florida.

About now, you may be asking yourself, "Why on earth would the press do that?" Well, there are various potentialities and, after covering this subject in more detail, the possible reason should come into clarity. So, let’s begin.

Knowing that Florida properties and moving to the State in the last couple of years has become known as a, "prima", incredibly desirable local to reside and invest in, plus, even visit- - has made this fear-mongering "Yellow Press" campaign, using the tragic collapse and deaths in order to amplify this catastrophe to its absolute maximum, a reality! A shameful and despicable way to make all kinds of "know-it-all" accusations, theories and opinions, appear like well researched news articles, including, expert OP-ED pieces.

An important fact to note: the larger newspapers throughout Florida, although they may appear to be local papers, are anything but. They are owned by very few, NON-Floridian, National news/media conglomerates. As for other large out-of-State well-known newspapers, also reporting by using this same scare-tactic method, like their sister Florida papers, all appear to have the same type of beat-down agenda. They are seemingly unified with the same goal, which is to propagate this constant fear-mongering in the news about Florida. By attempting to diminish its desirability or, defiling the State by the use of what was likely an "anomaly" and certainly a tragedy, using FEAR as their main staple.

There is much more of an agenda than a simplistic boost in readership or sales. One just has to look a little further than the obvious as to why this beat-down on Florida condominiums has been ramping up for months now. That will be revealed later in this article for readers to ponder.

The constant assault on the public’s psyche and their investments in Florida’s condominiums, kicked into high gear in August. The titles alone of the articles from NY, Washington DC and Floridian papers, were enough to enhance the fear with unsubstantiated theories as to why the collapse took place. Such as: "How a…could have caused a Florida condo building to fall"; "They were Bullies Inside the Turbulent Origins of the Collapsed Florida Condo"; "Corrosion Exposed in collapsed Fla condo"; "Designed to Fail"; "Aging condominiums in Florida"; "Up to nine Surfside victims may have survived collapse- - Questions over whether more could have been rescued" ( totally disgusting and insensitive article); "How a decade of dysfunction contributed to condo disaster"; "Surfside demands systemic changes" and more.

Important to note, Forensic Structural Engineer Kilsheimer told me, "A building DOES NOT KNOW, that it is a condo or any other kind of building"

He also made these significant statements, "BASED ON MY 63 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, I THINK IT WAS AN ANOMALY." When asked if a 40-year-old coastal condo/co-op building that is maintained, should have concern of a collapse, Kilsheimer said, "DOESN’T MEAN A 40-YEAR-OLD BUILDING THAT ISN’T MAINTAINED WILL COLLAPSE"!

He said that "SOMETHING IS THE INITIATING FACTOR". Also, he said, "THERE WAS A TRIGGER OF SOME TYPE AND IF THAT TRIGGER WOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED, MOST LIKELY IT WOULD NOT HAVE COME DOWN."

Kilsheimer said he will do a forensic investigation of every possibility, including: "AN EXPLOSION FROM BELOW; A CAR HITTING A COLUMN; PROBLEMS WITH THE ROOF SLAB DROPPING DOWN…" HE SAID HE WILL INVESTIGATE ALL KINDS OF PERTINENT INFORMATION.

As you may also recall in my previous article, I got responses from the top man in charge of the State of Florida, Governor DeSantis, regarding any policy changes in the aftermath of the condo tragedy. The Governor responded to my direct questions with, "IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO PREEMPTIVELY ASSUME THE CAUSES OF THE COLLAPSE BEFORE REVIEWING THE FINDINGS OF ANY INVESTIGATION." "A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED TO INFORM FACT-BASED, EVIDENCE-DRIVEN POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS." "IT WOULD BE RECKLESS TO SPECULATE WHAT LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE AT THIS POINT." "If anything needs to be changed in terms of policy, or regulations, those decisions will be made to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again."

In spite, or maybe because of all of these points made by Forensic Structural Engineer Kilsheimer and Florida’s Governor, it appears that, the various newspapers in Florida, New York and Washington DC, have ramped up the fear-mongering articles.

These articles and op-eds, have encompassed, attacks on: the developers’ backgrounds; digging up dirt on part-time building inspectors; corrosion and salt-air scare/fear-tactics; trying to find all kinds of "condos" in Florida that they claim "averted tragedy"; attacking condo owners for not moving fast enough on maintenance matters throughout Florida, (as if that would cause a condo to collapse); encouraging the public to panic if they need any kind of "structural" repairs-must have immediate attention, (or their condo could fall like a house of cards); attacking Florida’s " Condominium Act", which was the first State to create such documents in 1963 and have been updated; attacking or insinuating Condo Boards are made up of idiots and in need of government take-over; Stating that special assessments for various items, should be passed and levied on owners immediately, (or, that could cause a collapse); BLAMING FLORIDA’S RULING PARTY LEGISLATURE, FOR THEIR ACTIONS ON FUNDING; these and more, just to name a few, of the endless unconscionable things covered in the "Yellow Journalist" blame-game.

Worst of all, was the article giving THE NAMES OF SOME OF THE DECEASED AND DETAILS FROM THE AUTOPSY REPORTS. Making statements and insinuations of how these victims who perished from this catastrophe and practically, describing how they must have suffered before dying under the rubble of the collapsed condo. Starting by taking credit for the paper’s investigation and what it "suggests". Such as, "Some medical examiner’s reports listed injuries that would not, on their own, be considered lifethreatening or result in immediate death." Claiming, "The (Their) investigation raises questions about whether any of the victims COULD HAVE BEEN RESCUED, AND HOW THE BUILDING COLLAPSE"(D).

That article was abhorrent and totally insensitive! What purpose did it serve? Just to panic condo dwellers that their building could not only collapse with them in it, but they can suffer a long and painful death. Despicable "Yellow Journalism"!!

What do you think might be motivating this? To get more readership? Doubtful.

Is it possible that the goal, is as simple as political motivation?

No tragedy or deaths should be made political, regardless of how the newspaper’s owners lean, vs. the party affiliation of a Governor. Presuming that in fact is what this "Yellow Journalism" is being used for, as a means to damage a Governor’s credibility and by extension, also the State’s no-tax policies and its standing in our Nation. IN THE EVENT THAT THIS TRAGEDY IS BEING EXPLOITED TO DIMINISH AND DESTROY FLORIDA ECONOMICALLY AND ITS REPUTATION, IT IS SHAMEFUL AND REPREHENSIBLE! It appears, that is about the only thing THAT EXPLAINS WHY FLORIDA IS UNDER FIRE LIKE THIS. If that is the answer, what else would the yellow-press stoop to?

TO PLAY WITH THE LIVES OF FLORIDIANS AND PROBABLY THE BIGGEST INVESTMENTS THEY HAVE MADE IN THEIR HOMES, IS ABOUT AS LOW AS YOU CAN GO!

Governor DeSantis’s Responses To Policy Changes In The Aftermath Of Condo Tragedy

(8-12-21)

(EMPHASES Added)

In this journalist’s quest to find out what should be done at this point in time, in the aftermath of the tragic collapse of the Miami Champlain Towers South Condominium, regarding possible new regulations/legislation/policies, upon older Floridian condos and all types of buildings that are a few stories high; I decided to reach out to the one man in charge of running the State of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis.

The reason for wanting the views of the Florida Governor on this subject, has nothing to do with politics, but rather to keep people apprised of the facts and make sure Floridians that already own homes, rent, visit , or plan to buy, are accurately informed.

What lead me to seeking the top person in charge of policies and important decisions of the State, was the continual and ongoing fear-mongering reactions in the press. Through articles and even op-eds. All written by or about, supposed "know-it-alls", in the weeks following the building’s collapse.

I am grateful that with the incredibly busy schedule and time restraints that are required of a Governor, that I was able to get Governor DeSantis’s written responses to my questions on this most important subject.

Unfortunately, the press has been using this tragedy as their excuse for either: 1- Scaring the heck out of the public about older Floridian condos being unsafe and in danger of collapse, or 2- Insisting on reasons to make hurried and harsh new legislative and regulatory crack-downs on older condos and other residential buildings, claiming that they are unsafe and could collapse!

All property-owners/shareholders, should maintain their homes, whether they be multi-story buildings, duplexes, townhouses, or even single-family homes. Good maintenance though, or the lack there of, according to world-renowned Forensic Structural Engineer Allyn E. Kilsheimer, IS NOT THE REASON FOR A MULTI-STORY BUILDING COLLAPSING! As Kilsheimer told me, "Doesn’t mean a 40-year-old building that isn’t maintained, will collapse"!

My questions to Florida’s Governor, came as a result of all of the unsubstantiated, onerous and frightening news articles/op-eds, circulating in Local and National press and the fact that most of the publications contain unnecessary negativity that are frightening the public.

This misrepresentation of why the collapse occurred, could instigate premature changes with impulsive new over-reactive regulations, policies, legislation, with dire code enforcement consequences and more. All when, NONE OF THE REAL FACTS ARE IN, AS TO WHY THERE WAS AN UNPRECEDENTED COLLAPSE OF A CONDO IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

The concern is these changes could happen, without decision-makers waiting to find out the real "cause(s)", "trigger(s)", or the "initiating factor(s)", as described by Kilsheimer, as to the real reasons why this catastrophe actually occurred.

The knowledge from Forensic Structural Engineer Kilsheimer, who said that this unprecedented tragic collapse of an older condo/multi-story building in Florida is, "BASED ON MY 63 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, I THINK IT WAS AN ANOMALY", gave me the impetus to ask the questions I did to the Governor.

These are the written responses I received from DeSantis to my questions.

1- When asked if the Governor thinks that new Legislation, Policies, or Regulations should be enacted regarding the possible collapse of older Condos/Co-ops and other multi-story buildings in Florida, prior to the final forensic report conclusions being made public?

THE GOVERNOR STATED UNEQUIVOCALLY, that: "A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED TO INFORM FACT-BASED, EVIDENCE-DRIVEN POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS."

GOVERNOR DESANTIS: "We expect the investigation process to reveal a clearer picture of the factors that contributed to the collapse, which is a necessary condition to determine whether changes to State requirements or legislation should be considered- - and if so, what those changes might entail."

Most importantly, GOVERNOR DESANTIS RESPONDED: "If an investigation determines that the collapse was caused—in part, or in whole—by factors that could be mitigated via state-level policy change" He "would certainly give due consideration to any proposed reforms that could prevent such a tragedy from happening again."

The Governor also included with the responses, that he has offered the State of Florida engineering expertise to aid in the investigations. DeSantis fully supports the investigations by Forensic Engineer Kilsheimer’s firm, as well as the federal government agency National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) having started their own investigation, and OSHA, who is also doing an investigation. The Governor, "has committed to providing whatever resources are needed from the state."

In addition, the response included the following: "Local authorities are responsible for building code enforcement. Not only in Florida, but throughout the country."

2- "What would you like to say to the people of Florida and the Nation about this fear of older buildings collapsing in Florida?"

GOVERNOR DESANTIS’S RESPONSE: "Local authorities in Miami-Dade County (including Forensic Structural Engineer Allyn Kilsheimer), did emergency inspections of older residential buildings after the Surfside tragedy. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. Even the Champlain Towers North, the sister building to the one that collapsed, was inspected by the local authorities (and most significantly, by Kilsheimer) and found to be in good condition."

GOVERNOR DESANTIS’S RESPONSES CONCLUDED WITH: "Once we learn from those investigations IF ANYTHING NEEDS TO BE CHANGED IN TERMS OF POLICY, OR REGULATIONS, THOSE DECISIONS WILL BE MADE TO PREVENT SUCH A TRAGEDY FROM EVER HAPPENING AGAIN."

According to the, 8/2/21, Sun Sentinel, it was reported that there are municipalities, for example in Palm Beach County, that are already proposing "Beefed-up safety program may affect hundreds of buildings in…", "to prevent another tragedy like the June 24th collapse in Surfside…." And goes on to say, "affect buildings older than 30 years and taller than three stories or 50 feet." Implying that it is, "because of saltwater’s corrosive effect on structures". The article explained that the City’s staff, not the private homeowners and their Board of Directors, will "establish a schedule of needed repairs and begin sending notices to building owners…" The article went on to say that building owners in this municipality would, "typically be given six months to complete those repairs." Even more excessive over-reach, is, when it stated that if the owners do not comply to whatever the city staff determine and "…fail to do the required work by the deadline, code enforcement and a special magistrate can issue fines…".

Important to note: It takes longer than that time period to notify multi- property owners or shareholders; to special assess them for the repairs, only after a duly noticed meeting takes place; to find a good and reputable contractor; to schedule the work to be done; to get the permits, to give owners a chance to find other places to live during the repairs; to get the work completed and inspected on time and; to give owners/shareholders the opportunity and time to arrange a way to finance the special assessment.

All caused by unproven and unsubstantiated hypotheses.

Worth repeating, as Forensic Structural Engineer Allyn E. Kilsheimer told this journalist, "Based on my 63 years of experience, I think it was an anomaly."

Plus, that the public reads what Forensic Structural Engineer Kilsheimer says about why THERE IS NO NEED AT ALL TO FEAR OLDER BUILDINGS IN FLORIDA COLLAPSING LIKE THE CONDO IN MIAMI!

Forensic Engineer Kilsheimer Describes How His Investigation Will Proceed

(7-29-21)

This article will outline the investigation as specialist Forensic Structural Engineer Allyn E. Kilsheimer described it.

During my 7/7/2021 interview with Kilsheimer, among the most significant statements that he made about the partial collapse of the Miami, Champlain Towers South Condominium, through the lens of his 63 years in the field, was when he said that he believes the tragic event, "WAS AN ANOMALY" and also, "WE DON’T KNOW THE CAUSE YET".

That is exactly what his forensic investigation is seeking to find. As Kilsheimer informed me during our interview, "SOMETHING IS THE INITIATING FACTOR", what the "TRIGGER" was, because he said there was "A TRIGGER". The purpose of this forensic investigation process, is that after a thorough investigation, hopefully the "the trigger" will be revealed to all.

Significantly, Kilsheimer also stated, that "IF NOT FOR THE TRIGGER", it "WOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED. MOST LIKELY, IT WOULD NOT HAVE COME DOWN", referring to the collapse of the condo.

Important to also note: that whether a condo or other type building is well maintained or not, Mr. Kilsheimer asserted to me, "DOESN’T MEAN A 40-YEAR-OLD BUILDING THAT ISN’T MAINTAINED, WILL COLLAPSE"!

Just as significant, he also proclaimed, "I DON’T THINK THIS TYPE OF SITUATION IS SOMETHING THAT 40-YEAR-OLD BUILDINGS OR MORE, SHOULD WORRY ABOUT"!

As it is imperative, when a strange death occurs, an autopsy is performed before determining the specific cause of death. A forensic investigation on the collapse of a building, which was unexpected and the loss of lives, with the subsequent report to the Town of Surfside, who retained Kilsheimer, going out to the public, is a more high-tech type of scientific process than an autopsy.

The following was taken from another interview with Allyn Kilsheimer. I saw this on a local Miami news outlet, "Straight Arrow News". The video was taped prior to my interview with Mr. Kilsheimer. He described the process that he will take with this important forensic investigation. Which will result in a detailed and thorough final report giving the conclusions about what caused this catastrophe.

Keep in mind, this was prior to the search process for those lost souls being halted. As recent as Friday, 7/23/21, the halt of that search was announced.

1st "You collect drawings, to the extent that they exist."

2nd "You listen to all the people that are experts and know exactly what happened and why it happened WITH NO INFORMATION AND NO BACKGROUND. Absolutely, but you have to listen to them. You have to pay attention to them."

3rd "We come up with 30 or 40 things (triggers) that might have happened."

5th "And that is kind of where we are now."

6th "WE USUALLY TAKE A LOT OF SAMPLES: STEEL SAMPLES, CONCRETE SAMPLES AND OTHER CRITICAL MATERIALS."

7th "We keep collecting and finding things to understand it better."

8th "I looked at the two other buildings that are similar to this to understand it better." "I have looked at some other buildings at Surfside. Now, I just looked at another one in an adjacent Town." In one news report, Kilsheimer said, he would let his grandchildren stay in any of those buildings, without fear of a collapse.

10th Kilsheimer had said at that time, that unfortunately, "The people we would want to talk to, are not around now. You learn a lot from the first minute or two. We have paid attention to some of the eye witnesses that said, ‘I was in my apartment and this is what I heard’." At the time of that interview with Kilsheimer, he stated, "I have not yet asked to interview those people first-hand, because I think they are still under shock. No reason to put them in anymore grief."

11th Just as Forensic Structural Engineer Kilsheimer told me, he announced in this interview, "WE ARE LOOKING FOR A TRIGGER TO SEE WHY THIS HAPPENED."

12th "WE TRY TO GET IT DOWN TO ONE, TWO, THREE TRIGGERS" (possibilities). He admitted the goal is to get it down to THE trigger, but sometimes that is difficult. "We are trying to do everything factually…"

In another short interview, Kilsheimer stated, "The bottom line is we will be able to do everything we have to do, IT JUST TAKES TIME TO DO IT."

In the process of my research, I found that Allyn Kilsheimer was asked, if he had a sense that Florida Building Codes or Code Enforcement will change significantly at all depending on what he finds?

Mr. Kilsheimer’s response, is important to take note of, he declared, "I THINK THE ANSWER IS, THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODES ARE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY, BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE. BUT, UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT ACTUALLY OCCURRED HERE, WE DON’T KNOW IF WE’RE GOING TO SUGGEST THAT THEY MIGHT MAKE ADDITIONAL CHANGES TO IT."

As an update on the Champlain Towers South tragedy. We now know that 98 people perished. We also know that the search for bodies has been halted, the site is mostly flat now and the rubble has been moved to a Miami warehouse. We know that Allyn Kilsheimer and the forensic work is ongoing, including examining the debris at the warehouse.

As a demonstration of Kilsheimer’s knowledge and expertise: As recently as last week, Kilsheimer wrote a letter that warned the Town of Surfside and Miami-Dade County that due to the void caused by the collapse in the hollowed out foundation , "If the wall were to collapse or rotate substantially, the retained soil under the street, (area of Collins Ave. near the collapsed condo), and sidewalk could move around it and could cause portions of the street to collapse and could seriously compromise the utilities under the street."

As a response to Kilsheimer’s warning, Miami-Dade sent in crews to shore up the remaining underground walls. Apparently, Kilsheimer knew that the underground walls from the condo, no longer had the support of the street level floors and heavy rains or more, could increase risks greatly.

Which clearly shows, Kilsheimer’s expertise and his statements to this journalist, about other older buildings, whatever type they are, are coming from decades of his knowledge and work experience.

Forensic Structural Engineer Allyn E. Kilsheimer’s assertions that the public should NOT BE CONCERNED this type OF COLLAPSE TAKING PLACE IN OLDER BUILDINGS, coastal or not, because it is likely an anomaly, are sound and extremely factual statements.

Therefore, it is imperative that this unnecessary fear that is being communicated, with unsubstantiated claims, for example: that the cement from older buildings is disintegrating, along with the rust of rebars, salt-air, salt-water, lack of enough and swift maintenance, lax code enforcement, climate change and other hypotheses, theories and opinions, from "experts" anonymous or even named, public officials and mostly the press- - NEEDS TO STOP!

NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAUSED THIS UNPRECEDENTED TRAGEDY AND UNTIL, as the 63-years of experience, Forensic Structural Engineer, Allyn E. Kilsheimer stated in another interview:

It would be sound reasoning and in the best interest of those owners and visitors to be impacted by any changes, stricter laws or regulations and enforcement, that UNTIL THAT INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETED AND THE REPORT BECOMES PUBLIC, however many months it may take - -that NO State Legislatures, NO Counties and NO Municipalities should create NEW regulations, legislation or, force condos or any older buildings, to engage in panic driven maintenance actions. ESPECIALLY WHEN, THEY MOST LIKELY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH A BUILDING COLLAPSING!

Renowned Forensic Structural Engineer Retained By Surfside Clarifies Escalating Rumors In Interview

Photo provided by 

KCE Structural Engineering of world-renowned Forensic Structural Engineer, Allyn E. Kilsheimer, who has been retained by the Town of Surfside, Florida, to do a forensic

investigation of the collapse of Champlain Towers South Condo in Miami, Florida.

(7-15-21)

I had the privilege of a phone interview on 7/7/2021 with esteemed and world-renowned Forensic Structural Engineer, Allyn E. Kilsheimer. He has been hired by the Town of Surfside, Florida, to do a forensic investigation of the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium in Miami, Florida.

According to the N.Y. Post and my research, Allyn Kilsheimer is "world-renowned", a respected consultant retained on major disasters, like the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon and the collapse of the Florida International University pedestrian bridge in 2018. He also examined the Miami-Dade College garage collapse in 2012 and the partial collapse at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris in 2004. (According to Florida Politics).

Kilsheimer, owner of KCE Structural Engineers in Washington, DC, a forensic structural engineer, has overseen more than 400 projects, conducted more than 100 investigations, including more than 30 for structural collapse. Quite impressive.

I contacted Mr. Kilsheimer after reading about him in recent N.Y. Times and N.Y. Post articles, researching the tragedy in Surfside and listening to local Miami news reports when he spoke. This all lead me to go to the top and speak to the man who could clarify and quiet the swirling rumors.

I stated my goal right up front to Structural Engineer Kilsheimer. To get the facts and try at the same time to hopefully diminish or abate the panic that is overtaking many: condo/co-op owners, their Boards of Directors, potential buyers, State Lawmakers, County and Municipal Leaders.

Kilsheimer’s response to me was, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS TO ACCOMPLISH TOO. He also said, "I want to try and help some people feel not as panicked about where they live if I can."

When asked if a 40-year-old coastal condo/co-op building that is maintained, should have less concern of a collapse, Kilsheimer’s response was quite revealing. He said, "DOESN’T MEAN A 40-YEAR-OLD BUILDING THAT ISN’T MAINTAINED, WILL COLLAPSE"!

I asked him about the growing fear that older coastal condos/co-ops were possibly less safe than newer buildings. Kilsheimer’s response is an important one, "I DON’T THINK THIS TYPE OF SITUATION IS SOMETHING THAT 40-YEAR-OLD BUILDINGS OR MORE, SHOULD WORRY ABOUT." He has said, "The age of the building did not bring the Champlain South Towers down."

Is the age of a building the tipping point for possible collapse? Mr. Kilsheimer made the analogy to me that "speaking from experience, I’m 80-years-old. That doesn’t mean I’m in bad shape, right? The building being 40 years old, it doesn’t mean it’s in bad shape or will collapse either."

We talked about the fact that some articles suggest that cracked concrete or spalling in a parking garage under or between buildings, or water intrusion and improper waterproofing might cause the sudden collapse. He said that "Waterproofing has nothing to do with holding up the building."

In an interview on a Miami news program, Kilsheimer was asked about the photos of concrete spalling in the garage and other places from an engineering report and if it could have caused the collapse? He responded, referring to the photos, "Remember, those are very limited areas and you don’t know if that is one square foot out of a million square feet or not. He then made a very important statement, "I DIDN’T SEE ANYTHING IN THOSE PICTURES THAT WOULD MAKE ME SAY, ‘I THINK THIS BUILDING IS IN IMMINENT DANGER OF COLLAPSE’."

There is a theory that the pool was pitched in a way to get into the underground garage and the sub-foundation supports of the building and, that is what caused the building to collapse. Kilsheimer responded that, "THAT IS NOT WHAT MADE THIS THING FALL DOWN".

He told me that he is getting all kinds of emails and hearing experts and various opinions about the cause for this collapse. Kilsheimer has said, "none of them either have the expertise or, they don’t have enough data to make those decisions, (hypotheses or theories), about what was the cause." He also said to me, without the forensic investigation results, they, "Don’t know what the h… they are talking about."

Clearly, since he expressed this frustration to me as well as in other news TV and video, it is borne out of the fact that Allyn Kilsheimer repeated to all, that, "NO, WE DON’T KNOW THE CAUSE YET." As he told me, this forensic investigation will take many months and must be done meticulously and methodically, BEFORE coming up with a thorough report and conclusions.

The reason that Mr. Kilsheimer is disturbed by all the frenzy that has come from the news reports, experts and their "opinions", is due to the fact that it has created an unnecessary panic about coastal Condos and Co-ops.

Since, rumors, opinions and theories are creating a frenzy of fear, even though NO ONE KNOWS WHAT REALLY CAUSED THE PARTIAL COLLAPSE, we can only hope that State, County and Municipal leadership, DO NOT JUMP THE GUN prior to the completion of Kilsheimer’s forensic report results! They all need to show restraint and wait the many months until the forensic investigation is complete with proof of the facts and causation revealed to everyone. Anything less would be a disservice to the public.

It appears, however, that without all the facts and forensic conclusive evidence in, some Floridian coastal Municipalities and even Counties are drawing their own conclusions. They seem to be considering enacting their own regulations/new policies upon older condo/co-ops, but not other buildings. DOING SUCH, WOULD BE PREMATURE, WHEN THE FINAL CONCLUSIONS, WHATEVER THEY MAY BE, WILL PROVE THE CONDO COLLAPSE IN MIAMI TO LIKELY BE AN ANOMALY!

Moreover, the worst thing to occur, would be IF BEFORE THE FORENSIC INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETED, State, County and Municipal Governments ENACT MASSIVE OVER-REGULATIONS on older Condo/Co-ops. This over-reaction will do more harm than good for those most impacted.

In another article, more facts from Kilsheimer on how this forensic investigation will proceed.

Tragedy Strikes When Miami Condo Collapses

(7-1-21)

When a tragedy strikes, it is only human to attempt to immediately find explanations for the horror and loss of lives. Rushing to judgment though, although with good intentions, is NOT necessarily what a thorough investigation will confirm.

Around 1:30 AM on June 24th there is video proof of the sudden collapse of the Surfside, Champlain Towers South Condo. The partial collapse of the building came down as if it were imploded and the collapse happened all at once. A video showed the center going down first and then within seconds, the tower, which is facing the ocean, collapsed immediately after. The 136-unit building had around 80 units occupied and there were residents and guests there at the time of this catastrophe.

Nothing like this has ever happened before, except during an implosion of an empty building, or when the Towers were struck on 9-11 and also in Oklahoma City from a bombing, but nothing like this in the USA specifically in a residential building without a deliberate reason.

Surfside’s Mayor, Burkett said on twitter and to the news that he felt that "there is no reason for this building to go down like that unless someone literally pulls out the supports underneath or they washed out. Or, there is a sinkhole or something like that, because it just went down."

The Mayor went on to say that, "Buildings in America do not fall down like this." He also told the News, "Something very wrong happened here and we need to understand what happened." Burkett concluded with, "I mean it looks like a bomb went off, but they are pretty sure a bomb didn’t go off."

Governor DeSantis issued a State of Emergency Declaration.

Both the Republican Governor, DeSantis and Democrat Mayor Levine Cava of Miami-Dade, agreed that there needs to be "a definitive explanation for how this could have happened."

DeSantis said that a "definitive explanation is needed in a timely manner." He also said, "It’s an explanation we don’t want to get wrong." The Governor explained at a press conference that it needs to be thorough, timely and absolute because, "You have families here that lost loved ones in this building collapse. They have the right to know. You have other folks who were able to get out safely, but then lost their homes… They have a right to know as well."

At the press conference he went on to say, "There is a lot of other people throughout this community and throughout Florida, who want to know: ‘Well how can a building just collapse like that?" DeSantis called this "a unique tragedy."

The Governor has had more than one press conference and had immediately flown down to Miami to the site. He said the State will support local investigative efforts that are already underway.

Due to the unusual circumstances of this catastrophe, the Israeli Defense Forces who specialize in this type of situation have been sent to assist.

At the White House, Biden was reminded by VP Harris before he left a press conference about the collapse and he said that the federal government is prepared to send federal monies.

Recently, there have been reports of MAJOR ISSUES BELOW THE POOL DECK of the partially collapsed condo. Most experts though, who referred to this and ANY OTHER PROBLEMS THEY FOUND, said that they did not know for sure that any of the issues found were the reason for the collapse.

None the less, hopefully this terrible catastrophe was an anomaly, but the loss of precious lives, including all those missing 150 people as of this writing, should be mourned by the State and even the Federal Government. Answers really need to be found. A thorough investigation is a necessity.