Large beehive threatens Leesburg neighborhood

Hive in abandoned house can't be removed without homeowner permission, officials say

LEESBURG, Fla. – Neighbors in one Leesburg community are worried a large beehive filled with the swarming insects puts children and pets at risk.

"I just don't want anyone to get attacked," said neighbor Cathy Wall.

People who live in the neighborhood want it gone, but no one has taken responsibility for the abandoned house to which the hive is attached. The house is on Fern Drive off U.S. 441.

Neighbors tell Local 6 they've called Lake County Code Enforcement several times to report their concerns, but the hive is still there.

A county spokeswoman says code enforcement is working on locating the homeowner's next of kin following his death several years ago, but can't remove the hive without permission. The county also says it's the homeowner's responsibility, not the county's.

"Something needs to be done. I don't know what, but we need to come together and get something done before someone gets hurt," said Nikki Sides, who lives in the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, the neighbor that first reported the concern to Local 6 says she may take it upon herself to pay to have the hive removed. She says she was quoted several hundred dollars.


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