A building’s roof overhang collapsed again on Tuesday morning, prompting the evacuation of 36 residents following a similar incident earlier this month at the same apartment complex.
The roof collapse occurred at Lakeview Gardens, located at 17650 Northwest 68th Avenue. Thanks to prior evacuations, no one was inside the affected building at the time. However, other units within the complex remain occupied.
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On July 15th, a significant portion of the overhang of a roof collapsed also fell, resulting in evacuations and road closures. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Lakeview Gardens is a 47-year-old residential community. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced in July that the building had recently passed its 40-year recertification. An early structural evaluation had confirmed the building was structurally sound at that time.
Following Tuesday’s collapse, the condo association has committed to completing necessary repairs within the coming week, according to Mayor Levine Cava.
“In light of today’s event, the Construction Official and other County personnel met with the condo board again and emphasized that no further delays can be tolerated,” Levine Cava said. “The Association confirmed they have secured financing for the renovations and plan to start next week,” she added.
Before the collapse, the apartment showed visible signs of ongoing restoration and renovation efforts.
Tenants reported hearing debris fall and promptly called 911. A state lawmaker happened to be nearby, inspecting the building’s progress and assessing when residents might be allowed to return.
Roof Collapse Raises Safety Concerns Among Residents
Residents in the building are uncertain about when they will be permitted to return, while neighbors express their own concerns about safety. A taped-up “unsafe building” sign remains prominently displayed on one wall.
Tania Soto, an 80-year-old resident, shared that neither she nor her neighbors have received formal evacuation orders. “Even if we were asked to leave, I would have no place to go,” Soto explained.
Local 10 News attempted to contact the property management company on Tuesday afternoon for comments, but no representatives were available.
Context: Recent Miami-Dade Building Collapse and Safety Measures
This incident comes just two months after the tragic partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, which claimed 98 lives.
Mayor Levine Cava’s full statement on Tuesday emphasized the County’s commitment to resident safety:
“Following the initial incident at Lakeview Gardens, we ordered the immediate evacuation of the affected building to ensure the safety of all occupants. Miami-Dade County has been working closely with the building association over the past few weeks to expedite necessary repairs. After today’s incident, the Building Official and County staff met with the condo board again, making it clear that no further delay is acceptable. With financing secured, the Association plans to begin repairs next week. Given the roof’s current safety risk to tenants and neighboring properties, we are reviewing all options, including the removal of the existing mansard roof and reinforcing mansard roofs on other buildings — especially important during the ongoing hurricane season. Should the Housing Association fail to act promptly as promised, the County may initiate more stringent measures.”
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Further safety efforts continue under Miami-Dade’s initiative:
“Miami-Dade is taking immediate steps to safeguard residents and address issues with older structures. I have directed County teams to evaluate all buildings over 40 years old at the point of recertification and to promptly repair any identified defects. Additionally, we will collaborate with experts from engineering, law, construction, and development sectors, alongside policymakers at state, federal, and local levels, to thoroughly review all building safety concerns.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Lakeview Gardens evacuated?
Lakeview Gardens was evacuated due to repeated collapses of the building’s roof overhang, which posed a significant safety risk to residents.
2. Has the building been inspected recently?
Yes, the building passed its 40-year recertification and underwent an early structural evaluation earlier this year, which initially deemed it structurally sound.
3. What repairs are planned for the building?
The condo association plans to repair and possibly remove the unsafe mansard roof sections and reinforce roofs in other structures within the complex to prevent further incidents.
4. When can residents return to the building?
The timeline for residents’ return depends on the progress of the repairs. The condo association has committed to starting renovations next week, but no official re-entry date has been announced yet.
5. How is Miami-Dade County addressing building safety on a broader scale?
The County is conducting evaluations of all buildings over 40 years old, requiring prompt repairs of any issues found. They are also collaborating with experts and policymakers to enhance overall building safety standards.
