A Villager believed to be in an Ocala nursing home has left behind a home now inhabited by rats, roaches and snakes.
Neighbors pleaded with Community Development District 4 supervisors on Friday to take action at the home at 9143 SE 172nd Santee Place in the Village of Woodbury.
Neighbors said the owner, Lucy Leuthard, could no longer take care of herself and has been put in a nursing home in Ocala.
The home has since been neglected.
The grass has not been cut, weeds have sprung up and a variety of pests have taken over the home, the neighbors said.
“We don’t know who is responsible for the property. No one has been in there for months,” said Eileen Bakhart, who lives across the street from the property.
Betty Lou Davies, who lives next door, said roaches are invading her home as a result of a thriving roach population at the deserted property.
“Vines are all over the front of the house,” she added.
Leuthard left no emergency contacts. The mortgage is held through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community Standards attempted to reach out to HUD, but the government agency would not provide information regarding the status of the mortgage.
“We are seeing a lot of this. Not just in your neighborhood, but all over The Villages,” said CDD 4 Supervisor Don Deakin.
He lamented the fact that Leuthard apparently had not made arrangements in case she was to die or become incapacitated.
After a public hearing, CDD 4 supervisors found the property in violation of deed compliance.
Fines are to be imposed and the District will maintain the property with an additional $250 fine imposed each time it is maintained.
