Water rushed into the Standard apartments, residents say they are being kicked out

CLEARWATER, FL. 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 pouring into their homes.

Less than two weeks later they say they are being kicked out.

Residents said Saturday they were given less than 72 hours to salvage what they could and get out before demolition began.

“Keep in mind that if you have been notified that your residence is no longer safe to occupy, you must come and remove all of your belongings by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday,” the text reads.

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Paula Hawk emailed ABC Action News hoping to buy her and her neighbors more time.

“I have a little over 24 hours to get everything out to over 4 feet of water,” Houck said Monday. “I know I’m lucky with my insurance, but I also know that a lot of my neighbors here aren’t as lucky and don’t have the same opportunities that I have.”

Hawk continued, “I don’t want them to lose everything if there’s a chance they could get something else.”

Demetrius Mayes returned to his apartment with his mother on Monday to pick up two televisions. He also worries about many of his neighbors who don’t have the resources or time to save their belongings.

“I was glad I didn’t have a job and I was able to get this,” Mayes said. “But I know some people work on weekdays. It will be difficult for them to get their things out by Tuesday at 5 p.m.”

According to Infinity BH, leasing office staff at The Standard want residents to vacate their apartments so they can begin demolishing most of the apartments on the ground floor of the complex.

They offered to return the security deposits to the 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 belongings or wait for an installer or FEMA to take photos; however, residents must contact the leasing office.