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Florida High-Rise Evacuated Over Structural Crack Concerns

Residents of South Beach Condos III in Clearwater await safety clearance after evacuation prompted by a growing pillar crack.

Aerial drone photo of Indian Rocks Beach looking to the North toward Sand Key on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021 in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
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Overview

  • A growing crack in a support pillar of the 12-story, 161-unit South Beach Condos III led to the evacuation of approximately 60 residents.
  • Construction workers identified the structural issue, prompting swift action by local authorities and rescue teams to ensure resident safety.
  • Stabilization work, led by private contractors and engineers, is ongoing and expected to continue overnight before re-entry can be considered.
  • Officials emphasized heightened caution following lessons from the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, which killed 98 people due to structural failures.
  • The building remains cordoned off as investigations proceed, with no injuries reported during the evacuation.