Above video: Lawmakers pass condo reform bill amid growing safety concerns.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — After nearly a week of uncertainty, some residents are finally able to return to their homes following an evacuation from a Clearwater condominium due to structural issues.
On Monday night, residents of The South Beach III Condominiums on Gulf Boulevard were informed through a notice that they could go back to their units “effective immediately.”
While many residents got the go-ahead to return, those residing on stacks 4-5 still have to wait, as officials pointed out that these units are directly above the support column that initially raised the alarm.
Sixty people were forced to evacuate from the 12-story building on May 6 after engineers found the column splitting in the first-floor parking structure.
Residents — some of whom left with only the clothes of their backs — were given 15 minutes to retrieve their belongings as crews continued to work to stabilize the building over the weekend.
The condo association said Monday it could be an additional week before residents are allowed to return to units on stacks 4-5, and an additional emergency access plan is being considered.
Those who were returning to their units Monday night were asked to abide by a set of restrictions. Some of those restrictions included maximum occupancy limits, designated parking areas and no deliveries over 75 pounds.
“This has been a long process,” the condo association wrote in the notice. “While residents may be excited to re-enter their units, adherence to these instructions is imperative to the safety of all our residents.”
Officials said contractors will be frequently inspecting the temporary safety shoring apparatuses that were installed, and there will likely be tightening and other adjustments — all of which is “normal and expected.”
