Clearwater Condo Evacuated After Crack Found in Parking Garage Pillar

Condo Evacuation on Sand Key

• 🚨 South Beach 3 condos on Sand Key were evacuated after construction workers discovered a large crack in a concrete pillar in the parking garage.
• 👥 Approximately 60 people were cleared from the building by law enforcement.
• 😟 Residents expressed concern about the structural integrity of their units, describing the situation as "nerve-wracking."

Emergency Response and Stabilization Efforts

• 🛠️ Emergency crews responded quickly, using steel struts and beams to support the compromised pillar and ensure the stability of the floor and roof above.
• 👷 Construction workers were observed jackhammering underneath the building, particularly around the damaged pillar.

Damage Assessment and Safety Concerns

• 🧐 A private contractor, Karen's Engineering Group, is assessing the damage, with city engineers also involved in the evaluation.
• 📄 Previous inspection reports from August and September 2024 noted hairline cracks but did not indicate any compromise to the building's safety.
• ⚠️ The city will not permit residents to re-enter the building until a structural engineer gives the all-clear.

Community Reaction and Comparisons

• 💬 Residents are concerned about potential structural problems, with one owner hoping the issue is fixable.
• 😔 The situation drew comparisons to the 2021 Surfside building collapse, with one resident noting the importance of the community's response to prevent a similar tragedy.