KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Dozens of people living in and working at the Magic Castle Inn and Suites in Osceola County said they’re being forced out, with hardly any notice.
People who have lived at the Magic Castle on US Route 192 in Kissimmee for years told Channel 9 that they just found out on Monday that they have 24 hours to pack up and leave.
Residents told Channel 9 that they have been asking the manager for at least a month for details and she told them they had nothing to worry about.
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On Monday, residents said they woke up to dumpsters and bins outside their doors.
John Daniel said he’s worked at the inn for five years in exchange for a room. Daniel and others told Channel 9 that manager Deborah Buxton called them Monday and said the motel was getting sold and everyone’s cars and belongings had to be off the property by Tuesday.
“I told them, that’s impossible,” Daniel said. “Five years of working here, and I expected at least a modicum of a little bit of decency.”
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Channel 9 spoke with the manager, Deborah Buxton, to try and get some answers, but she told us that she can’t answer any questions.
Property records Channel 9 found show that Buxton is the current owner of the inn and that the Magic Castle is registered with the state as a motel.
That means no matter how many years someone is living there they’re not considered tenants and can get kicked out at any time.
“They owe me money. I’m paid till Friday. What do I do? I’m here with my son. I don’t know what to do anymore,” said resident Todd Phillips. “They told me I can’t get my money back.”
A spokesperson with Osceola County told Channel 9 that the owners of the Magic Castle Inn have discussed redevelopment with the county.
While Channel 9 was there working on this story, the people trying to buy the property showed up, as well as County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry who brought organizations to help people find somewhere to go.
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The commissioner said this issue is going to keep happening as developers keep moving in to convert old properties.
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