CLEARWATER, Fla. — In the early morning hours after Hurricane Milton hit the Tampa Bay area, dozens of residents at The Standard Apartment complex in Clearwater had to be rescued from water rushing into their homes.
Less than two weeks later, they say they are being rushed out.
Residents said they were given less than 72 hours on Saturday to salvage what they could and get out before demolition began.
"Please be advised that if you were notified that your unit is no longer safe for occupancy, you must come and remove all of your belongings before Tuesday at 5 pm," the text read.
Paula Hawk emailed ABC Action News, hoping to give her and her neighbors more time.
"I have just over 24 hours to get everything out for over 4 feet of water," Hawk said Monday. "I know that I'm lucky with my insurance, but I also know that many of my neighbors here are not as lucky, and they don't have the options that I have."
Hawk continued, "I don't want them to lose everything if there is a chance they can get other things out."
Demetrius Mayes returned to his apartment with his mom on Monday to get his two TVs. He's also worried about many of his neighbors who don't have the means or time to salvage their items.
"I was glad I was off work for me to be able to get it," Mayes said. "But I know some people work during the week. It's going to be hard for them to get their stuff out by Tuesday at 5 pm."
According to Infinity BH, staff at The Standard's leasing office, want residents to clear out their apartments to begin demolition of most of the complex's first-floor units.
They have offered to return security deposits to residents within a few weeks.
Staff told ABC Action News they are willing to work with residents on a case-by-case basis who may need more time to remove their items or wait for an adjuster or FEMA to take pictures; however, residents need to contact the leasing office.
A South Tampa man turned to Susan Solves It after he said ADT told him he had to keep paying for a security system at his Hurricane Helene-damaged home, even though the system was so new that he never had a day of service.
