Calypso III condo in Panama City Beach working on repairs that forced evacuations

PANAMA CITY BEACH — A local condo is working to make repairs that forced guests on all but two of its 23 floors to evacuate.

In a press conference on Monday, Mark McWaters, building code administrator for Panama City Beach, gave an update on the evacuation order that was issued by the city to Calypso III on Friday. City officials were notified Thursday evening that the internal fastening system of some of the building's guardrails were compromised.

"This is not a structural issue with the columns of support," McWaters said. "It is a guardrail issue, separate from the structural itself. ... Our first and foremost priority is the safety and security of our citizens and guests. We will always err on the side of caution, versus exposing anyone to any danger."

He noted Calypso III was only about 40% occupied when its guests were forced to evacuate. Most of the people there were snowbirds or other short-term guests.

The issue with the guardrails was discovered by the building's homeowner's association, which hired Slider Engineering Group to investigate. The engineer determined there was a safety threat for occupants and then notified PCB.

As repairs are made to the rails, McWaters expects for about two floors of residents to be let back into the building each day. He also said five floors already were open as of Monday afternoon.

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Those who were displaced were taken in by other local condominiums.

"The community here is still got somewhat of a small mentality, and these associations work together really well, even when we have displacements for different reasons," McWaters said. "They work together to take in those residents when they have availability."