Development Cranes in St. Pete Pose Significant Risk

ST PETERSBURG — The downtown St. Pete skyline is littered with cranes as condo towers continue to be built at a breakneck pace. Some are on ground level, but many rest atop massive structures that could pose a severe risk as Hurricane Milton bears down on Tampa Bay.

The City of St. Petersburg has issued a safety advisory regarding tower cranes due to anticipated wind gusts exceeding 100 mph from Hurricane Milton. These high winds could potentially exceed the safe operational limits for tower cranes, posing a risk of malfunction.

As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies offshore, it is projected to make landfall with eye wall hurricane force winds directly impacting the St. Pete area. The following four construction sites downtown are of particular concern due to the height and design of the tower cranes present at these sites, which are vulnerable to the forecasted high winds.

400 Central Ave. (downtown)

275 1st Ave. S (downtown)

1000 1st Ave. N (downtown)

101 Main St. N (Carillon)

The city has been in touch with the private developers who are managing these cranes. Due to the specialized nature of crane operations, lowering or securing a tower crane is scheduled weeks in advance and is not a feasible option within the timeframe of an approaching storm due to the rapid intensification and forecasted path.

Safety Recommendations for the Affected Areas:

• The City is advising residents and businesses near the affected construction sites to either relocate or shelter in place.

The City’s top priority is the safety and well-being of its residents, and your cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated. In an abundance of caution, roads, sidewalks, and parking zones within the affected areas will be restricted due to the potential public safety hazard.

• This advisory is being issued due to the potential hazard posed by the tower cranes during hurricane-force winds. For those choosing to shelter in place, interior areas near elevators or stairwells are considered the safest locations within buildings.
• For information on evacuation routes, shelters, and additional details, please visit: disaster.pinellas.gov .

Details: https://www.stpete.org/news_detail_T30_R1180.php

More information on hurricane information and resources at www.stpete.org/hurricane.