According to a new survey from WalletHub, Fort Lauderdale was ranked as the least safe city in America. The poll looked at the most populated cities in America and ranked them based on home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety. The Florida city was followed by Detroit, Birmingham, San Bernadino, and St. Louis.
WalletHub stated in the article ranking the 182 cities, "Aside from the types of hazards that can cause bodily injury or other physical harm, taking out an unaffordable second mortgage, forgoing health insurance or even visiting unsecured websites are also ways people run into danger. Some cities are simply better at protecting their residents from harm."
Coronavirus cases have been surging in Florida, with South Florida emerging as the epicenter of the pandemic in the state. Broward County has reported 111,629 cases and 1,721 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Fort Lauderdale also ranked 179th in "home and community safety," which focuses on things like the presence of law enforcement and the number of aggravated assaults. The city also ranked 170th for financial safety due to unemployment rates, underemployment, and job security.
Dean Trantalis, the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, reacted to the ranking, stating, "As far as COVID-19 cases go, Fort Lauderdale has been an example that others have followed in terms of safety protocols. We were the first city to shut down the beach for Spring Break and have continued to stay vigilant in keeping people safe."
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