DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The city of Daytona Beach has officially declared the Daytona Gardens apartment complex a nuisance property following repeated police responses tied to violent crime.
The Daytona Beach Police Department said it presented evidence to the city’s Nuisance Abatement Board showing several violent incidents at the complex since November. The board voted last week to classify the property as a nuisance.
Police announced the decision in a video posted to social media Wednesday.
“We are committed to providing a quality of life for our residents, businesses and visitors to our great city,” the department said in a statement.
Residents say the police presence has become a regular part of daily life.
“Some of it was even close to your house? Yeah, right behind my bedroom window,” said Karena Pringle, who has lived at the complex for four years with her young children. “I’ve seen the police chase several people down.”
Pringle said frequent law enforcement activity has made her uneasy about letting her children play outside.
“A lot of times I’m scared to have my kids outside,” she said. “I’ve gained anxiety living here.”
Another resident, Carolyn Green, who has lived at the complex for about a year, said she hopes the designation leads to improvements.
“It’s been a lot of police activity. I can’t lie,” Green said. “That would be awesome if they can just get it together and get this place the way it should be for safety, for the little ones, for everyone.”
Police said they are now working with the property owner to negotiate conditions the complex must follow over the next year. Those stipulations are meant to improve safety and hold ownership accountable.
News 6 attempted to speak with the property manager Wednesday but was told to return later in the week.