Clearwater Condo Residents Await Return as Crews Stabilize Cracked Pillar

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) – On Wednesday, personnel were engaged in securing and mending a damaged column within a condominium structure on Clearwater Beach.

On Tuesday, Residents had to leave their homes. From the South Beach III condo complex on Sand Key. Work teams stayed at the location the next day.

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They reinforced both the ground level and the upper story, but they must still proceed with bracing all twelve stories of the structure," stated Clearwater Fire Division Chief Jevon Graham. "A supporting pillar had been damaged.

The division led to a significant reaction along Gulf Boulevard. A total of sixty individuals had to be evacuated, with several community members needing to be transported via stretchers.

Homeowners cannot go back to their residences until the completion of the project.

They needed to install at least 18 struts and 18 shoring mechanisms for the ground level," Graham explained. "When they move upward, their main focus is ensuring stability so that the load is properly distributed and supported. Steel struts and beams are utilized to guarantee that columns remain secure and floors as well as roofs stay steady and supported.

Authorities stated that the fissure was found during the condominium renovation work being carried out on the garage floor.

This is just one of numerous refurbishments happening over the past several months.

Sure, it’s frightening," stated resident Bruno Polunic. "Seeing something like this can be really terrifying; however, praise the Lord, everyone is safe. No one was injured. Everyone is fine.

An engineering company carried out a significant examination for the Clearwater Key Association, specifically for the South Beach III Condominium located at 1460 Gulf Boulevard last year.

The City of Clearwater issued the subsequent statement regarding the recent milestone inspection report carried out by Karins Engineering:

The community association received those documents in both August and September of 2024. However, the city has no records indicating they received the necessary building milestone inspection reports by the December 31, 2024, deadline. According to Florida law, structures built prior to July 1, 2022, which are at least 30 years old, must undergo an initial evaluation by December 31, 2024, and comply with all relevant legal standards to remain compliant.

On Wednesday, municipal authorities obtained the stage one milestone inspection reports released on August 8, 2024, and September 26, 2024.

According to the report, the engineer found no conditions that would jeopardize the structural safety of the building for its planned purpose and inhabitants.

The municipality granted permission to a general contractor for temporary support structures. Authorities mention that a checkpoint evaluation will take place to confirm the progress and to authorize the inhabitation of the structure. Further tasks must be executed to accomplish more significant renovations.

As stated by authorities, the Clearwater Building Official has decided against allowing occupants to go back into the building until a structural engineer provides a report verifying that the structure is secure and safe for use.

In the meantime, Aurora Donnelly is among dozens who were issued evacuation notices.

"What runs through your mind is Miami, isn't it? So, I was rushing downstairs exclaiming, 'Oh my goodness, I pray the building doesn't collapse,'" Donnelly stated.

Support columns in the back of the building were taped off. Leaders with the Clearwater Fire and Rescue Division said construction crews saw a crack in one of the beams, noticed the split was widening and called first responders.

"You have a support pillar that has shifted out of place, likely spanning several feet wide at minimum. It continues to crack, and once more, it serves as one of the primary supports for the entire structure," Graham explained.

The 12-story condominium with 140 units was built in 1980. As per the records on the Clearwater permitting site, the edifice underwent inspection in the previous May.

It's quite an inconvenience, but thankfully everyone managed to leave the building safely without anyone getting injured, and hopefully, no one will be harmed going forward," stated resident David Zusman. "I have great confidence that the engineers, firefighters, and police officers are taking appropriate actions.

The Red Cross is aiding those who have been displaced. Graham mentioned that there isn't a definite schedule for the repairs, adding that residents probably can't go back until structural engineers provide an "all-clear."

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