ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Residents of Dockside At Ventura Condominiums in Central Florida are still waiting to return to their homes nearly three years after Hurricane Ian caused severe flooding and damage. The first-floor units of the 19-building complex were heavily impacted, requiring extensive repairs.
Nicole Kolling-Carter, a resident, expressed her frustration over the prolonged recovery process. Despite having insurance and following all necessary protocols, she has been unable to return home and continues to pay her mortgage, homeowners association fees, and rent for her temporary residence.
[Watch video below to learn why it’s taken so long to fix these condos]
News 6 reporter Laverne McGee asked her, “How does that make you feel?”
“Frustrated,” she said. “Because I did everything I was supposed to have insurance. Make sure. And that’s the first time the place has been flooded. And then we get hit with all this other stuff and people doing crooked things, and then we’re stuck with a hole in the bag.”
Work is currently underway at the property, but residents have faced repeated delays in moving back in. Nadina Truini, the property manager, noted that internal controversies and legal issues have hindered progress.
“There was a lot of controversy, changing of board members and such, and then they were ready, litigation had already started at that point and then we’ve been ever since trying to get things restarted,” Truini explained.
About 49 owners are still waiting to get back into their homes. The management team hopes to have all residents back in their homes by Christmas.