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Eatonville Home Town Suites partially reopens after 6-month shutdown

EATONVILLE, Fla. — Following a six-month shutdown over code violations, the embattled Eatonville Home Town Suites has partially reopened.

The owner told Channel 9 he spent the last few months making sure everything was up to code. On Tuesday, six rooms were reopened

In January, the motel shut down due to deplorable living conditions, and dozens of tenants were kicked out.

Since then, Anthony Grant said he's made all required repairs and the business has been given the green light from inspectors to reopen.

Some of the upgrades include new water heaters, fresh paint and new pavement in the parking lot.

"I am officially open for business as of today. As of right now, actually," said Grant.

Now that the motel is back open, Grant said he's preparing for a battle with town leaders. That might be an expensive legal fight to recoup the more than $130,000 he said he lost during the nearly six-month shutdown.

"At some point, I'm going to try to get damages. They didn't do this process right," he said.

Former tenant Devy Jefferson began gathering her belongings to move back in on Tuesday.

"I am ecstatic.  I am, I am," she said.

"We're excited to reopen for the community," said Grant. "There's a need for a motel in our community."