CLEARWATER, FL – Residents of a Clearwater condominium faced an urgent evacuation Tuesday night, echoing the fear and urgency reminiscent of the tragic Surfside collapse nearly four years ago. This alert was triggered by the discovery of significant structural damage in the building, raising concerns about the potential for another devastating incident.
Photographs released by Clearwater Beach Fire and Rescue depicted a troubling sight: a crack over a foot long in a support pillar within the building’s garage. The discovery of this growing fissure set off alarms, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of the 60 residents.
Scott May, one of the evacuees, expressed his surprise at the severity of the situation. “I had no idea it was that bad,” he said, noting his relief that authorities acted swiftly to evacuate the building. “I thought it was smaller. I had no idea the cracks were that severe.”
The damage was initially reported by a construction crew working on-site, who observed the crack expanding. Despite efforts to stabilize the structure, the situation remained precarious, necessitating further measures to prevent any potential collapse.
In an email to residents, it was stated that Karen’s Engineering would conduct a thorough reinspection before re-entry could be considered. This firm had previously inspected the building last year, at which time they reported no immediate safety concerns.
The Surfside collapse in 2021, which resulted in the loss of 98 lives, prompted Florida to enact stricter building inspection regulations. These new laws mandate more frequent inspections and require condo associations to maintain a reserve fund for necessary repairs.
Natalia Debbie Yossi, who manages several units in the area, recalled the challenges faced by residents following the Surfside incident. “It was tough. The building was closed for three years, and suddenly, those people had to find a new place to live,” she said.
The introduction of the new condo law affects over 12,000 buildings across the state, aiming to prevent another tragedy by ensuring that structural issues are identified and addressed promptly.