Hurricane Milton Topples Crane at West Florida’s Tallest Residential Tower

Hurricane Milton toppled a crane being used to build West Florida’s tallest residential structure Wednesday night, damaging a nearby building and blocking off several streets in downtown St. Petersburg.
The crane, which was working on a 46-story condominium and office project, crashed into the Tampa Bay Times building.
At the height of the hurricane, the building sustained damage when twisted metal gouged a hole in one corner, leaving wires dangling and debris scattered around the site.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the newspaper’s offices were unoccupied at the time of the collapse. City officials quickly cordoned off several blocks surrounding the scene.
The extent of the damage is still being evaluated, and efforts are underway to safely remove the fallen crane.
According to developer Red Apple Group, the upper section of the crane’s mast fell during the incident. The company is now collaborating with city authorities to assess the situation.
The crane was used to construct 400 Central, a 515-foot skyscraper designed to be the tallest residential building on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The development will feature 301 luxury condos, priced at a minimum of $1 million each, and ample retail and office spaces.
400 Central is part of a wave of construction that has been transforming the city’s skyline in recent years. As development has increased, so have concerns about safety during extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch had issued a warning ahead of the storm, cautioning residents near construction sites to evacuate due to the risk posed by cranes during high winds.
“Even on a seemingly calm day, you’re going to see that boom move a little,” said crane expert Tom Barth, who has operated and inspected cranes for nearly 40 years.
Barth explained that most cranes are designed to withstand winds of at least 100 miles per hour. However, “there is only so much force a crane can handle,” he said.
Tropicana Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, also suffered from the hurricane, as portions of its roof were torn off in the flurry.
In hurricane-prone areas like Florida, cranes often have higher wind resistance, but Hurricane Milton’s strength proved to be more than the crane could manage.
Barth added that when a crane is shut down, it is put into “weather vane” mode, allowing the boom to turn with the wind to reduce resistance.
Without this ability to pivot, the structure would face significantly more stress. Still, the risk remains high in severe weather, especially with towering cranes used in skyscraper construction.
The process of dismantling a damaged crane can be complex, often requiring another crane to assist in the operation. Given the current conditions, removing the toppled crane could take several days, if not longer.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.