First Responders Rescue More Than 500 People At Apartment Complex

Published on October 10, 2024

Update from 10/12: Today, the Clearwater Police Department worked with management at The Standard apartment complex to allow residents from first-floor units back into their residences to retrieve some of their personal belongings. The city is now awaiting reports from the apartment complex's contractors before determining the next steps. Multiple social service organizations were on hand to offer help, including the Hispanic Outreach Center.

Clearwater Police, Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department, along with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and multiple other agencies, rescued more than 500 people today at a flooded apartment complex in Clearwater.

Calls started coming in overnight from residents trapped by rising waters at The Standard, 2690 Drew St. First responders, however, were unable to respond due to the high winds from Hurricane Milton. Shortly before sunrise, the winds subsided and Clearwater police and fire crews were able to respond.

They found chest-deep and neck-deep water in some locations after heavy rains related to the hurricane. Some vehicles were totally submerged. Residents were trapped in their homes.

Clearwater first responders realized the enormity of the rescues at the apartment complex, so they requested other agencies to help. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bay County Sheriff's Office and Okaloosa County Sheriff's Officer were among those assisting.

Crews used a variety of high-water vehicles to access the residents and bring them to safety. Many were taken to local shelters provided for evacuees from the hurricane.

First responders went door-to-door to make sure no victims were trapped. A couple of evacuees were checked out by fire medics at the scene, but there were no significant injuries.

A total of 449 adults and 116 juveniles were rescued by first responders. They lived in 178 different units.