Lake Azzure Apartments: Residents Battle Chronic Flooding Issues

Introduction

For many residents of Lake Azzure Apartments in Tampa, the short walk from their doors to their vehicles has become a daily ordeal. The complex has been grappling with severe flooding, a situation exacerbated by recent heavy rains and ongoing neglect.

A Treacherous Daily Commute

Glenn Geigler, a resident of the complex, expresses concern about the "treacherous" journey he faces daily. "To think that hundreds of families are living in this sewer, it’s absurd," he stated, highlighting the plight of residents who often find themselves wading through shin-deep water in the parking lot.

Current Situation: Standing Water and Neglect

The flooding crisis at Lake Azzure has persisted for several weeks, worsened by over seven inches of rainfall caused by Hurricane Debby earlier this month. Residents have reported water nearly reaching their knees, spilling onto sidewalks and creating hazardous conditions.

Management’s Response

Representatives from Goldelm Capital, the management company, assert they are actively working to resolve the issue. According to Rick Cowan, the regional manager, they have been navigating a challenging landscape of bureaucratic approvals with local and state agencies to address the water crisis.

"We understand that this has been a very difficult situation for the residents," Cowan said, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to pump out the water.

Residents’ Concerns

Residents have voiced frustrations regarding the flooding and management’s lack of prompt action. Issues contributing to the flooding include:

• Multiple pipe failures in the outfall system causing severe drainage problems.
• A blocked drain beneath Himes Avenue exacerbating the situation.

Personal Accounts: Living in Flooded Conditions

Residents have shared alarming experiences:

• Kiffani Irby was seen carefully stepping through flood waters to enter her vehicle, a daily struggle that detracts from her quality of life.
• Julianna Diaz, another tenant, is concerned about mold growth worsening since the flooding began. "The air feels damp, and I can see mold spores," she stated.

Management’s Inaction

Despite residents’ complaints about flooding and maintenance neglect—such as trash build-up and maintenance of facilities—Cowan claims he hasn’t personally witnessed such issues. The management’s lack of action has led some residents to resign themselves to the deteriorating conditions.

Historical Context of Neglect

Longtime residents argue this is not the first time they’ve faced issues at Lake Azzure. Complaints extend beyond flooding:

• Piles of trash near dumpsters reaching six feet high.
• Closed amenities, like pools, for extended periods.

Residents’ ongoing struggles paint a grim picture of life in the complex, leading some to consider moving elsewhere.

Plans for Resolution

Cowan reports that they recently received permission to resume pumping water from the lot. However, the outlook remains uncertain with rain forecasted, which could delay their efforts to mitigate flooding.

Collaboration with Local Officials

Efforts are being made to coordinate with Hillsborough County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, though both entities have indicated they lack jurisdiction over certain aspects impacting Lake Azzure’s flooding.

“We will continue to work with apartment management to pump the water and repair the pipes,” stated Josh Bellotti, Director of Engineering & Operations for Hillsborough County.

Conclusion

As Lake Azzure residents continue to navigate their daily lives amid challenging conditions, the urgent need for effective management and maintenance has never been clearer. With the situation worsening, residents hope for prompt action to alleviate their distress and restore their living conditions.

Related Resources

• For further information on tenant rights, visit [Florida Housing].
• Learn more about property management responsibilities at [Nolo].
• For details on flood management policies, see the [Southwest Florida Water Management District].

Stay informed. Explore more housing stories in Tampa Bay to understand the ongoing challenges tenants face.