Clearwater, Fla. (WFLA) – Dozens of residents forced to evacuate from a Clearwater condo can temporarily return for their belongings.
The South Beach apartment complex has been under repair since Tuesday after inspectors discovered a large crack in one of the building’s support pillars.
On weekends, residents will be allowed to return inside the condo for emergency access. They are allowed to go in for 15 minutes and get everything you need.
“I was in the condo with my son and all of a sudden there was a really loud voice at the door. I said, it was a bit strange. Then I opened the door and two firefighters were fully dressed in their gear and you said you had to leave immediately,” Scott May said.
Scott May has been renting a condo in South Beach III for almost five years. He said he originally thought evacuation was a false alarm.
“So I said I needed to go back, but they said you weren’t back. So that alone made me feel quite stressful and I couldn’t get up and get yours,” he said.
A letter was sent on Friday saying residents could enter the condo for emergency access. Residents must sign up for a time slot, be escorted and only 15 minutes.
Karins Engineering has given written permission to grant access.
Many of the people who had to evacuate were waiting for the opportunity to get some of their belongings.
“I’m extremely grateful because I have to get prescriptions, maintenance prescriptions, clothing, what’s that nature,” May said. “I’m grateful that they’ve given us the opportunity, 15 minutes, you’re on the clock, but two of us can go up. So my son and I can get things and come back as soon as possible.”
The Condominium Association said they are still working to approve long-term re-entry. For now, they said that if things go according to the plan, residents can expect it to happen on Tuesday.
“There’s a story that they might come back on Tuesday, so I think the most difficult part is the unknown. Is this a week, maybe a month, will it be a long time? I think that’s the biggest mystery at this point,” May said.
Can’t get home yet, May says he’ll get the hotel until they receive all the clear things to come back.
“I’m sure the first night will be a little scary, but yes, it’s great to be back,” he said.
Time slots for residents to have a 15-minute window are from 8am to 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday
