Dozens of families were evacuated from their Pasco County homes due to a leaky roof and heavy rains.
According to Pasco County Fire Rescue, water damage at the Park at Barrington Place Apartments on Plaza Drive off U.S. 19 in Holiday forced 85 people out of their homes late Tuesday.
Officials said residents were evacuated from 36 apartments as a safety precaution. A leaky roof caused water damage to multiple units. Officials have not released the extent of the damage to the building but said there is no structural damage.
No one will be allowed back in the apartments until inspectors say the building is safe.
Residents at the complex say they have been complaining about a leaky roof during the summer. As the recent heavy rains pounded the area, the problem just got worse.
"I opened the door and saw the firemen," said resident Nikki Lavita. "Of course, I didn't realize what was going on."
The heavy rains peeled stucco off the side of the building, and some residents said there has been a mold problem inside units.
"(There's been) a lot of the maintenance issues that's going on with here," said resident Melba Chapin. "And they can't keep up with them."
Apartment officials have not commented as of yet.
Meanwhile, residents spent the rest of the night at local hotels.
Code Enforcement officials forced the evacuation and will handle the building inspection.
"That (leaky roof) has been happening like that for years," Lavita said. "And it has gotten worse."