PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Safety precautions remain at the center of the South Beach III condo building on Sand Key that was evacuated Tuesday, even as evaluation and repair work moves forward.

Engineering crews evaluating the large cracks discovered in condo building columns are now putting rods in place to support the beams.

Once the support rods, which are running up through several floors of the 12-story building, are in place, the entire structure will have to be inspected again before residents will be allowed to return.

About 60 residents are still not allowed to return to their homes.

Meanwhile, officials are looking into safety reports for the condo.

An Aug. 8, report from Karins Engineering concluded then: foundation, overall structure, concrete beams and columns were in good condition, stating no structural deterioration was noted.

A September inspection made recommendations for structural concrete and other exterior repairs to restore the building, but the report went on to say: “We have not observed any conditions that would compromise the safety of the building for its intended use and occupancy.”

Officials did not say how long it will take before residents can return.

“At this point, nobody’s allowed back in,” said Clearwater Fire Resvue Division Chief Jevon Graham. “The company has to shore from the first floor and second floor and then all twelve floors to make sure that the support column is safe so until that’s done   

“They’ll have to get an engineer to look at it and then our City will have to come out as well and make sure it’s safe before anybody’s allowed to go back in.” 

Emergency officials evacuated residents at South Beach III Condos on Gulf Boulevard as crews investigate the structural integrity of the building. (Spectrum News image)