Take it easy, Canada. Here we are, ready to inflict a crushing blow to the US
in retaliation for those dreadful tariffs, by just not going to Florida, Ha!
In point of fact, Canadians represent a mere 2.3% of Florida's influx of tourists,
and that's in a good year. Canada could stop sending tourists altogether and the
annual increase in domestic tourism would more than compensate.
That's the less appreciated side of tourism. The greatest number of visitors
to Florida are from - wait for it - Georgia. G neighbors on Florida, but is inland.
And that's the reality of it: people want to go to the beach, experience the seaside
and the seaside air. Something like the cottage country phenomena in Ontario
where folks in the summer week-ends empty Ottawa to go get bug-eaten in the Gatineau
hills. Fun!!
Climate change is making things harder for the wealthier in Florida, as well. The
spontaneous collapse of a highrise in Miami has led to a study of how the very
high rise hotels and condos in Miami are faring and all of them are showing structural
stess. They are all sinking, which is normal settling because they are heavy, but they
are doing so in a wobbly fashion, because they are very tall, and that causes dangerous
stress that deforms the building. So those hurricanes are accelerating the process.
What might be the ideal outcome for Florida?? Maybe a little week-end tourism,
perhaps for golf and dinner, from wealthy visitors prepared to bunk in shared
accomodations in a low-rise...hum...
Certainly! A recent study from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School examined subsidence hotspots affecting high-rise buildings along Miami’s coastline. The research, published in December 2024, found that 35 buildings in areas like Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, and Miami Beach are experiencing subsidence—a process where the ground sinks or settles.
Key Findings:
Subsidence rates ranged from 2 to 8 centimeters between 2016 and 2023.
The phenomenon is likely caused by load-induced creep deformation of sandy layers within the limestone, construction vibrations, and tidal groundwater movement.
Some iconic buildings affected include Trump Tower II, Ritz-Carlton Residences, and the Surf Club Towers.
Researchers used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to track ground displacement over time.
The study suggests that stormwater injection, used for flood management, may contribute to subsidence and requires further investigation.
While subsidence is common in areas with porous limestone foundations, the study raises concerns about long-term structural stability and the impact of rapid coastal development.
Would you like more details on how this might affect Miami’s real estate market or future construction regulations?
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