DR. PHILLIPS, Fla. – Nearly two weeks after residents were forced out of the Rialto apartment complex due to structural concerns, frustration is growing among those displaced, with some now pursuing legal action in search of answers.
Tenants say they have struggled with limited communication and restricted access to their homes, leaving many unable to retrieve essential belongings, including medications.
“I’ve waited a week to get my heart and blood pressure medication along with my blood thinner,” resident William Amann said. “They wouldn’t let anyone in the building.”
Amann is one of many residents still navigating the aftermath of the sudden evacuation, as uncertainty continues into a second week.
“I’m beyond frustrated,” another resident said.
As residents attempt to recover their belongings, concerns are also emerging about damaged property. A restoration company, ServPro, has been on-site assisting with moving items out of units, but at least one resident claims her belongings were returned damaged. ServPro is not listed as a moving company.
Irman Malik, an attorney representing several impacted residents, said the situation may have caused more than just property loss.
“Some of them have sustained not just damage to their property or damage from having to leave the property, but some have actually sustained physical damages, physical injuries, mental injuries,” Malik said.
Malik said his firm is taking on individual cases tied to the evacuation and is warning residents to carefully review any agreements offered by the property.
“If you sign this agreement, you are giving up your right to sue them or to pursue further damages against them,” Malik said. “And we don’t even know what those damages are until we figure out what happened with that building.”
In the days following the evacuation, the Rialto offered residents $1,000 in assistance. By Friday, that offer increased to $2,000, along with two months of free rent and help with moving costs for those willing to relocate to another property within a 25-mile radius.
Residents, however, say financial assistance does not replace the need for clear answers about what led to the evacuation — and what comes next.
Apartment complexes in the surrounding area have been offering discounted rental agreements to those impacted.
Solstice Apartments offered this statement to News 6.
“What occurred at Rialto was an unexpected and highly disruptive situation for residents, and housing stability is essential now more than ever. The Solstice team has stepped in to help minimize stress and uncertainty by making the transition to a new home as smooth as possible.
To support displaced residents, we are waiving various move-in fees to help reduce the immediate financial burden. We are also providing quick application approvals and ensuring units are ready for immediate move-in to limit displacement time. Additionally, the Solstice team has maintained open lines of communication and regular updates to ensure residents feel informed and supported every step of the way."
The situation remains under investigation.