9 Investigates: Blossom Park issues continue

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Frustration is building in Orange County with its ongoing issues surrounding an almost entirely vacant and structurally damaged housing complex, Blossom Park.

“Apparently things have changed in Blossom Park, the people that oversee the complex, the people that work for Blossom Park administration have decided to shut the place down Oct. 1,” Deputy County Administrator Dr. George Ralls said Tuesday.

However, less than 48 hours later, things seem to have changed.

“At this point in time, no definite decision has been made if or when Blossom Park will be closed,” wrote attorney Angela Stanley, who is representing court appointed receiver Shawn Singletary. “The Association and new Receiver are currently evaluating all options, which includes the possibility of closing the property on a temporary basis for construction and repair of the condemned areas.”

Those in charge of Blossom Park are now saying they plan to meet with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Code Enforcement within the next couple of weeks, well past Oct. 1.

Currently the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has deputies stationed at Blossom Park. In August, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told county commissioners that for the week of August 21-29 his deputies had logged 1,721 hours at the complex, costing the his office $47,846.

Orange County has attempted to force Blossom Park to fix its problems. County code enforcement is fining Blossom Park $3,500 per day but admits it does not expect to ever see that money.

“The drugs and the crime and structural failures all kind of were a perfect storm,” says Orange County Code Enforcement Director Bob Spivey. “The county is absolutely going to stay focused on this and be ready to act.”

One of the options the county is preparing for is the possibility that it may be forced to demolish Blossom Park.

Orange County Code Enforcement estimates demolishing the former Days Inn will cost at least half a million dollars. The county is also considering allowing county staff to use their purchasing cards to cover the cost of housing for about two weeks for the remaining 30 families at Blossom Park when they leave; whenever that happens.

WFTV