Clearwater Condo Evacuated After Cracked Support Beam Found

Condo Evacuation and Discovery

• 🚨 First responders ordered the evacuation of a 12-story condo building in Clearwater, Florida, after discovering cracks in a concrete support column.
• ⚠️ The cracks were found in the first-floor parking garage by a worker during a concrete restoration project.
• 🏠 Approximately 60 residents were evacuated from the building.

Resident Concerns and Management Response

• 🗣️ A resident expressed concerns from February 2024 about safety protocols being overlooked during a recent concrete restoration project.
• 👂 The resident feels his concerns were not heard by management.

Engineering and Stabilization Efforts

• 🏗️ Karen's Engineering is working with the city and contractor Sun Coast Restoration and Waterproofing to stabilize the building.
• 🛠️ Steel struts and beams are being used to support the compromised column and the floors/roof above it.
• 📈 An engineering company spokesperson stated they are evaluating the building to determine an appropriate repair plan.

Building History and Safety Regulations

• 🏢 The condo building was constructed in 1978.
• 📜 A milestone inspection report from last year, provided to the city, stated that Karen's Engineering found no immediate safety compromises.
• ⚖️ Florida law, enacted after the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, requires structural inspections for aging buildings every 10 years.

Re-entry and Support

• 🔑 City officials will not allow residents back into the building until a structural engineer deems it safe.
• 🤝 The Red Cross is offering assistance to displaced residents.
• ⏳ Residents have been told they will be unable to return for at least another 48 hours.