Orange County moves to take homes they say are problem properties

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County wants to take over 10 homes owned by one man, because the county said they are riddled with problems.

This isn't the first time the county has moved to foreclose on the properties owned by Antonio Dimauro.

Kevin Darden is a lifelong resident of his Orange County neighborhood. He said he has seen it go downhill over the years.

"There are more houses around this neighborhood than you can count that's in bad shape," said Darden.

County officials said they have found at least 10 of Dimauro's rental homes to be in violation of county codes. Those violations have resulted in millions of dollars in fines.

Neighbors said they attract crime. 

"See, if you keep places like that," Darden said, pointing to one of the boarded up properties. "That's hiding spots for the people who do that stuff."

The county wants to take over the properties that are located around South Orange Blossom Trail.

County documents say code officers would inspect the homes and likely demolish nine of them.

Affordable housing could be put up in the area.

A home along Woods Street might be turned over to the Community Redevelopment Agency, and possibly turned into a park.

The county is in the process of seeking a final judgment to take the homes.

Commissioners will discuss the issue at a meeting next week.

WFTV