Residents forced out of Tampa Luxury Condo Tower after Sprinkler Flood

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

The Stovall Tower damaged by a broken sprinkler system.

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.

The water originated on the 11th floor of the 22-story condominium Tower that overlooks picturesque Hillsborough Bay that lies along Bayshore Boulevard. Reportedly a dry wall worker accidentally broke a sprinkler system water feed pipe resulting in thousands of gallons of water pouring into the Stovall's living units and common spaces. Responding firefighters turned off the water supply to the sprinklers ending the active phase of the emergency. No injuries were reported.

Gloria Giunta, President of the Stovall Condominium Association, stated that all residents were forced to move out of the complex because power remained turned off. Elevators also remain out of service and access is limited to the stairs. “We're all getting our exercise,” Giunta stated. At least 20 residential units were water damaged by the accident.

With two apartments per floor Giunta noted that the residents enjoyed a close-knit community. “This is the best condominium with the best neighbors,” which include former Tampa University President Dr. Bruce Sampson, and Tampa Sports Authority Chairman Don DeFosset.

Recovery and restoration is being handled by the nationwide disaster response firm SERVPRO based in Gallatin, Tennessee. Cleanup operations are being handled by two SERVPRO franchisees from Brevard County, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee. SERVPRO currently has some 1650 franchised operations throughout the United States.

Recovery operations began with vacuumed water removal, and continued using large numbers of heavy duty dehumidifiers and blowers to remove the remaining water from the Stovall. Resulting flood damage includes the building's electrical system, ruined dry wall and carpets, wood floors that have warped, as well as damage to residents' personal property. According to Giunta the accident's costs are being covered by a combination of contractor's and homeowners' insurance. She would not comment on possible legal action that may be taken against the contractor.