Residents Evacuated from Clearwater Condominiums Due to Safety Concerns

Emergency crews respond to safety concerns at Clearwater's South Beach III Condominiums.

News Summary

Approximately 60 residents were evacuated from the South Beach III Condominiums in Clearwater after a crack was found in a concrete support column. The evacuation, ordered as a precaution due to concerns about structural integrity, involved local emergency services and followed scrutiny over condominium safety in light of past incidents like the Surfside collapse. Authorities are ensuring residents will not return until a structural engineer confirms the building’s safety.

Clearwater – Approximately 60 residents were evacuated from the South Beach III Condominiums located on Sand Key in Clearwater on Tuesday evening due to potential structural issues identified in a support column. The evacuation was prompted when construction workers noticed a crack in a concrete column in the first-floor parking garage, raising immediate safety concerns about the building.

The Clearwater Police were informed of the situation at 3:55 p.m., leading to a rapid response from emergency services. By 6 p.m., all residents had been safely evacuated from the 12-story building, which houses a total of 161 units, approximately 40% of which were occupied at the time. Emergency response teams, including at least two fire trucks, were on-site to assist with the evacuation and perform assessments of the situation.

Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala confirmed the evacuation via social media, citing a splitting support beam as the primary reason for the urgent measure. As the crack in the support beam continued to grow after the alert was issued, concerns intensified regarding the structural integrity of the building. Clearwater Fire Division Chief Jevon Graham indicated that the evacuation was conducted as a precautionary measure, referring to past incidents, such as the tragic Surfside condo collapse in 2021, which led to heightened scrutiny of condo safety.

Following the evacuation, technical rescue engineers were called in to evaluate the building. By approximately 9 p.m., the responsibility for stabilizing the structure was transferred to a private contractor, reflecting the severity of the situation and the need for expert intervention. Earlier inspection reports from August and September 2024 revealed hairline cracks but did not flag any critical safety issues. However, authorities only received these inspection records the day after the evacuation, highlighting potential discrepancies in communication regarding the building’s condition.

Residents, including David Zusman, expressed understanding of the evacuation’s necessity and showed adaptability by planning to seek alternative accommodation while awaiting further information. The City of Clearwater has announced that residents will not be allowed to return to their condos until a structural engineer provides confirmation of the building’s safety, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect the inhabitants’ well-being.

In light of recent events, local authorities have ramped up their scrutiny of condominium safety standards following the Surfside disaster. This has resulted in stricter regulations and increased costs for condominium associations, aiming to prevent future incidents and protect residents. Clearwater Fire and Rescue, along with local transit authorities, have stepped in to provide aid and support for displaced residents during this challenging time.

As the situation develops, officials are urging residents to stay informed and vigilant regarding the safety of high-rise buildings and the importance of timely inspections to avoid potential tragedies like the one witnessed in Surfside.