Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger announced his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins for Florida Governor by praising his backing of condo safety reforms in a statement this week.
Surfside was the location of June 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse that left 98 dead and many injured in one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history.
"When the Champlain Towers South collapse changed our community forever, Jay Collins stood with Surfside," Danzinger said. "He supported the condo safety reforms Florida needed and backed relief measures that helped seniors and working families stay in their homes while maintaining critical safety standards."
Mayor Danzinger also praised Lt. Gov. Collins' military pedigree in his support.
"Jay is a proven leader who understands service and sacrifice," Danzinger added. "He lost a leg serving our county as a Green Beret and continuing answering the call to serve. Whether helping families recover after disasters through Operation BBQ Relief or fighting for Floridians in Tallahassee, Jay shows up when people need him most. Surfside has learned the difference between leaders who seek attention and leaders who deliver results. Jay Collins delivers results, and I'm proud to endorse him for Governor of Florida."
Danzinger was elected mayor of Surfside after defeating Vice Mayor Tina Paul in a runoff election in April. He also served as mayor from 2022 to 2024.
Lt. Gov. Collins thanked Danzinger for his endorsement.
"Mayor Danzinger has earned the trust and respect of the people of Surfside through steady leadership during some of the communities most difficult moments," Collins said. "I am honored to have his support."
"The people of Surfside understand resilience," Collins added. "They understand what it means to face adversity and come back stronger. Florida has succeeded because we've had leaders willing to make tough decisions, stand on principle, and put Floridians first. "As Governor, I'll build on the success of the DeSantis administration, protect our freedoms, keep our economy strong, and ensure Florida remains the best place in America to live, work, raise a family, and pursue the American Dream."
Danzinger's endorsement follows the support of Dundee Mayor Joe Garrison in May. Collins has also been endorsed by several Florida sheriffs, including Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and more.
Collins is in a Republican primary with U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
The primary is Aug. 18.
