safety
Broward medical building report many people trapped in their elevators: "It's a danger zone"
By Bri Buckley at CBS4 Miami
· June 18, 2026
· 3 min read
Tenants and patients at the Emerald Lake Plaza on Sterling Road in Hollywood are calling for action after recurring malfunctions with the building's elevator have left visitors trapped and others unable to access essential services.The situation has caused significant distress for those visiting med
Key takeaway Rick Valente, a patient who visits a third-floor doctor's office several times a month, said he has been forced to climb the stairs despite relying on a cane for stability.
Why this matters in The Miami
The elevator malfunctions at Emerald Lake Plaza in Hollywood raise concerns about accessibility and safety in Miami -Dade County's medical facilities. The fact that patients, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility, are forced to climb stairs or be carried up flights of stairs is alarming. This issue is particularly relevant in a region with a large senior population and a high demand for medical services. The situation at Emerald Lake Plaza may be a symptom of a broader problem with building maintenance and infrastructure in South Florida, where many buildings are aging and in need of upgrades. As the region continues to grow and attract new residents, ensuring that public and private buildings are safe and accessible will be crucial. The response of Firm Realty and TK Elevator will be closely watched, and residents will be looking for a timely solution to this problem to prevent further distress and potential harm to those who rely on these medical services.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Tenants and patients at the Emerald Lake Plaza on Sterling Road in Hollywood are calling for action after recurring malfunctions with the building's elevator have left visitors trapped and others unable to access essential services.The situation has caused significant distress for those visiting med
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bri Buckley at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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