CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents of the South Beach III Condos on Clearwater’s Sand Key Beach are being allowed to return, a week after an emergency evacuation forced them out of their homes.
“It’s been pretty crazy,” said Scott May, a building resident. “From the very beginning, when we came downstairs for the evacuation, I didn’t realize we wouldn’t be able to go back up, so naturally, for the first few days, I wore the same clothes.”
May said he’s happy to be back and just a little apprehensive.
“I’m excited,” he continued. “I think there will be a little bit of anxiety during the first night back; I’ll probably sleep with one eye open, just to make sure everything is okay.”
The residents were given little time to prepare on Tuesday, May 6, when they were told to get out of their homes.
A construction crew said they found damage to a support pillar under the building.
Building managers said they have consulted with the City of Clearwater and an engineering firm to determine it’s safe for most residents to return.
“I’m very happy to be able to come back home,” said Aurora Donnelly as she came back to her home. “I’ve been staying with a friend with a friend across the street. I have wonderful, wonderful friends which I’m grateful for, because I think some of my neighbors had to stay in hotels.”
Building managers sent out an email, advising condo owners of units directly above the damaged pillar that they will not be able to return until more repairs can be made.
