December 8, 2014

Tampa – Renovation of an 11th floor condo in the luxurious Stovall Tower accidentally created a disastrous flood that forced evacuation of the entire 33-unit complex. Since the accident the Stovall’s residents remain stranded in hotels, or with friends and family, while electricity to the entire complex remains turned off. Recovery and restoration repair work is being performed by the disaster response firm SERVPRO of South Brevard. The condominium’s residents are expected back in their homes before Christmas.

Firefighters responded to an automated alarm triggered by the flooding at Stovall Tower, located at 3203 Bayshore Boulevard. According to Jason Penney, Tampa Fire and Rescue Spokesman, water was already dripping from the ceiling into the lobby as firefighters first entered the Tower. “You can’t turn off gravity,” he added. A Fire and Rescue Captain involved in the emergency response added that parts of the Tower looked like Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme park ride, with water cascading down stairs and pouring through ceilings from floor to floor. Reportedly, when firefighters entered the apartment where the flood started standing water was already inches deep.  Read more: