We're still looking for answers Friday as to why the Villa del Sol condos in Jensen Beach were evacuated a day prior.
According to a St. Lucie County spokesperson, a structural engineer hired by Villa del Sol discovered extensive damage during an inspection. The structural engineer alerted St. Lucie County and upon inspection, the buildings were “red-tagged,” rendering them unsafe for occupancy. As a result, residents were evacuated to ensure their well-being.
In total, 11 people were asked to evacuate.
Flynn Fidgeon, communications manager for St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, told WPTV that the county was notified about structural damage by a private structural engineer hired by the homeowners association. Their building officials then corroborated what the private engineer discovered. Fidgeon did not know what exactly was discovered.
Only three buildings in the complex were deemed unsafe.
Residents told WPTV's Kate Hussey on Thursday night they each spent about $43,000 per unit for assessments for repairs. The inspections are part of a state law enacted after the Surfside condo collapse in 2021.
The statute states:
- Any three-story, 30-year-old condo, or 25 years if near saltwater, must be checked every 10 years
- Condo boards then have one year to begin necessary fixes
We asked the property manager of Villa del Sol, Stephanie Bualat, what an engineer found during that inspection. WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield was told:
"It's just years of deterioration... We're one of the oldest associations here on the island so you're just looking at 50 plus years of just, you know, weather induced issues structural integrity."
WPTV asked the county if there are code enforcement records from any previous issues at Villa del Sol. A response from the communications manager read: "Our code department does not have any records of violations against the condo association."
WATCH: Interview with Flynn Fidgeon, communications manager for St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
WPTV viewed an email sent to residents Thursday afternoon from the property manager, informing them that the building is unsafe after a final inspection.
Villa del Sol residents react to evacuation
Resident Eric Johnson says around 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon they received an email saying there was an inspection and residents would need to evacuate. He adds that he has a 13-year-old son who is supposed to start school on Monday and his wife does dialysis at home, and now they have to make other arrangements.
"Long term we're not sure what we're gonna do yet," he said.
WATCH: Resident Eric Johnson
