CITRUS CO., Fla. — Homeowners in a new community in Inverness say they’re feeling forgotten about.
It comes as “Inverness Village 4” development continues and as more homes go up, roads are showing signs of wear-and-tear in combination with flooding and drainage issues.
“The main concern that people are worried about is losing their homes to some sort of shifting and the drainage and flooding,” said resident Karleen Sempert.
Since September, Sempert has called Inverness Village 4 ‘home.’ She bought her property back in May, after living thru Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers.
“We looked all over the State of Florida,” said Sempert. “We definitely wanted to be away from the coast because of the flooding. But when we drove around and visited all of the places, we loved Inverness just because it was a very small, cute town. We’re originally from the country, and it’s a beautiful area.”
But since moving in, issues have followed, coming with a warning. As homeowners have posted signs- warning potential buyers of a risk.
“The more research that I did, I did discover that the drainage was not in place,” says Sempert. “Now what we’re having is homes are suffering with shifting areas. It’s mostly in the land.”
Taking a drive around the community, you can see what Sempert is talking about. With drainage pipes lying in trenches. An issue these homeowners have taken to the county.
“Basically, what they’re saying is, because the builder does not have the proper permits from the water management district, they can’t hold up a permit for construction of a home,” said Sempert.
Elsewhere in the community, further evidence of shifting land is in sight. In a neighbor’s backyard, a large trench has formed.
“All of that sand that’s there right now is just flushed through and is, eventually, going to make its way to her pool,” said Sempert.
A worrisome sight for Sempert looming in the back of her mind. Imposing as a potential outcome if something is not done soon. But Sempert is keeping belief.
“We feel abandoned out here,” she says. “But I truly believe the harder we push and the more we can work together with the county.”
Calvin Lewis
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