On this Tuesday, Jan. 7, episode of Sundial:
Puerto Rico Earthquakes
Puerto Rico's governor, Wanda Vázquez, has declared a state of emergency after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the island early this morning. The earthquake was followed by an aftershock measuring 6.0.
There’s heavy damage reported in some areas and widespread power failures. U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida wrote in a statement to President Donald Trump, “Puerto Rico local agencies are taxed to their limits by their fiscal condition and the continuing larger recovery effort.”
They’re asking the president to approve a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico. Miami Herald’s Jim Wyss is at the epicenter in Guanica,a town and municipality in southern Puerto Rico. Wyss joined Sundial for an update.
Fort Lauderdale Sewage Breaks
Fort Lauderdale residents are facing some serious water problems. Since December, six city sewage lines broke spewing nearly 127 million gallons of sewage into streets, yards and waterways. City officials have been rushing to address the crisis.
“We anticipate replacing the entire main from its beginning to its end,” City Manager Chris Lagerbloom told WLRN at a meeting on Monday where city leaders discussed how to fix the problems.
WLRN’s Jenny Staletovich was at Monday night’s meeting and joined Sundial for an update on the story.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Florida’s coral reefs have been devastated by disease, warming ocean temperatures and outstretched development. Last year, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary released a restoration blueprint that is focused on reviving the area’s marine life. The blueprint also laid out proposed changes to marine zoning for fishing and recreation, which has raised concerns among locals and businesses that work in the Keys.
Sarah Fangman, superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is currently in Washington, D.C., to speak with federal lawmakers’ staff and key marine organizations about the proposed changes. The public can comment on the changes until Jan. 31.
A Film About The Holocaust Survival Band
The film “Saul & Ruby, To Life!” tells the story of two Holocaust survivors who have found a deep passion in music.
“When I play music I am alive,” said Ruby, one of the main characters in the film. “Music is my life.”
Saul, a 94-year-old drummer, and accordionist Ruby, 90, are the dynamic duo and members of the 'Holocaust Survivor Band’ which has been performing for years. Tod Lending, director of the film, which documents Saul and Ruby’s passion for music and friendship.
Lending joined Sundial to speak about the production of the film ahead of its opening at the Miami Jewish Film Fest on Thursday Jan. 9, 2020 at the Palace Theater in Coral Gables and at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.
WLRN producer Chris Remington contributed to the production of this episode.