What started as an early-morning call about a stuck door at The Rialto apartments in Dr. Phillips turned into a full evacuation today, after Orange County Fire Rescue crews spotted signs the building might not be structurally sound.
According to officials, a resident told firefighters she could not open her front door and was hearing popping noises inside the building. Worried the structure might be collapsing, crews forced the door open, got her out, and then widened the operation to clear the rest of the complex. Property managers also emptied ground-floor businesses along the Sand Lake Road side while inspectors headed in to check for damage. Fire officials stayed on site and said more information will come as they learn it.
Orange County Fire Rescue said it first responded around 5 a.m. and “found signs of structural instability,” triggering an immediate evacuation, according to ClickOrlando. Crews had to force open the one resident’s door before moving unit to unit through apartments and retail spaces to get everyone out. The station reported that a News 6 crew was also on scene while authorities continued to evaluate the condition of the building.
Where This Happened
The Rialto is a mixed-use complex on West Sand Lake Road near Turkey Lake Road in Orlando’s Restaurant Row/Dr. Phillips corridor. The property’s website lists the address as 7343 W. Sand Lake Road. Residential units sit above ground-floor restaurants and shops, which officials said were included in the evacuation as a precaution. The site also provides leasing and contact information for current and prospective tenants.
What Officials Say And Next Steps
Inspectors were brought in to determine how extensive the damage might be and whether any of the units can be safely reoccupied, authorities told ClickOrlando. County leaders and property representatives are expected to share more once those assessments wrap up. In the meantime, people in the area can expect to see emergency crews on site and to receive official updates while the scene is secured and inspections continue.
