ORANGE CITY, Fla. – More than 50 people were forced out of their hotel after a truck crash last week — and Thursday night, they’re still waiting for answers.
The owner of the 1876 Heritage Inn said repairs would take just a week. Unfortunately, that won’t happen.
Now, displaced guests say they’re running out of time, out of money, and out of options.
“This position that we’ve been put in, we have to start over again. It’s been really inconvenient, especially the unknowing,” said Ian Jacobs, who was displaced from the 1876 Heritage Inn.
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No one will be returning to the hotel this week, even though the owner previously said repairs following a truck slamming into the historic building last Tuesday — forcing Jacobs and about 50 other guests to leave — would only take one week to fix.
Jacobs said he had paid just two days before the crash and has been trying to find a way to get his money back.
He’s is staying at the emergency shelter at the First Presbyterian Church in New Smyrna Beach, set up for those displaced, set to close Wednesday night.
Jacobs said he and his teenage son will take an overnight bus to Atlanta to stay with family — without his money back, or any of their property.
“His laptop was in there, clothes, everything — all our belongings. We’ve pretty much lost everything,” Jacobs said.
Owner Stacey Conte said access to the property is restricted and guests will be able to retrieve their belongings once it is safe to do so. She said none of the guests will be charged for the days they have not been staying at the hotel and that their insurance will handle refunds and other related claims.
Conte also said the city has not yet approved the permits needed to begin repairs. Orange City officials said Tuesday that they reviewed the plans and determined key documents were missing, and a comment letter was sent to the contractor.
That same day, the owners spoke with the building official, who explained what was needed. The owners said they plan to continue working with the city.
On Feb. 25 the plans and documents were reviewed and a Comment Letter was emailed to the contractor requesting insufficient or missing documents that are required for the permit to be issued.
On Feb. 25 owners Stacey and Justin spoke with the building official. They read the comment letter items to the building official that they had with them. The building official explained all items required on the comment letter over the phone call with the fire sprinkler contractor also present. The City is currently waiting on the owners, fire contractor and building contractor to submit the requested documentation that was requested and explained.
Email from the city
The Red Cross said they’ve opened a resource center in Orange City to continue helping out. The center is located at the City Council Chambers at 201 North Holly Ave.
Conte says they plan to continue to work with the city to fix the damage to the hotel.
Read below for the full statement from owner Stacey Conte:
Timeline for Repairs
Immediately following the incident, we anticipated repairs could be completed within approximately one week based on the initial damage assessment and a standard permitting timeline. However, the process has taken significantly longer than expected due to delays in approvals and additional procedural requirements that extended beyond what is typical for repairs of this nature. We remain fully prepared to complete the work as soon as authorization is granted, but at this time we are unable to provide a firm completion date.
Permit Application Documentation
Detailed repair plans and supporting documentation, including drawings and scope of work, were submitted. Since that time, repeated requests for additional information and revisions have been made. We have continued to respond promptly and provide the requested materials. Despite these efforts, the permit has not yet been issued, which has prevented repairs from moving forward.
Cause of the Damage
Based on the information available to us, the vehicle impact caused structural damage and affected building systems, including utilities. The precise sequence of events involving the water line and electrical systems remains part of the ongoing evaluation and repair planning.
Resident Refunds
We understand the disruption this incident has caused for guests. The insurance process has now been activated and is taking the lead in handling claims, including refunds and related expenses. Guests who recently made payments or were displaced as a result of the incident will be addressed through that process to ensure fair and appropriate resolutions.
Access to Personal Belongings
Access to the property is currently restricted due to safety requirements and insurance conditions while inspections and repair approvals are pending. These restrictions are in place to protect guests and workers. Once safe access is authorized, guests will be notified and arrangements will be made for them to retrieve their belongings.
We recognize that this situation has been difficult for guests and remain committed to restoring the property safely and as quickly as possible. We are ready to proceed with repairs immediately once the necessary approvals are issued.
Stacey Conte
[MORE: Vehicle crashes into historic Orange City hotel, displacing over 50 guests]