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Orange County updates residents as Rialto apartments remain evacuated
Summary
Orange County officials said they have evacuated the Rialto apartments at 7343 West Sand Lake Drive after structural concerns; about 183 units (roughly 300 residents and pets) were relocated, with lodging, transportation and animal‑care assistance arranged.
Orange County officials on March 24 updated the Board of County Commissioners on the evacuation of the Rialto apartments at 7343 West Sand Lake Drive after structural inspections found the building unsafe for residents.
Mayor Demings said Orange County Fire Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management were on scene and that engineers from the Orange County Building Department were conducting structural evaluations. “All residents and pets have been safely evacuated,” the mayor said, urging residents not to re‑enter until engineers certify the structure.
County staff said 183 apartments in the mixed‑use building were affected, displacing roughly 300 residents. The county reported coordinated assistance: Lynx provided transport to temporary locations, Orange County Animal Services responded to care for pets, and the American Red Cross offered on‑site water and snacks. Several hotels in the area were secured at discounted rates for evacuees.
Byron Brooks, Orange County’s administrator, reiterated that the building owner—regional representatives of the Northland Corporation—was providing a phone number for residents to contact property management for assistance with personal property retrieval and other needs.
County staff said one‑time escorted access has been arranged for residents to retrieve essential belongings, and officials cautioned that re‑entry will not be allowed until structural engineers give clearance. “Allowing re‑entry before the engineers certify the building would expose residents to potentially life‑threatening risk,” the mayor said.
The commission did not take formal action on the update but asked staff to continue coordination with partner agencies and to brief the board if the status changes or if additional support is required for displaced residents.
The county asked residents who need assistance to call the listed Rialto management contact; officials said longer‑term housing and recovery needs will be handled through the county’s emergency management channels.
