Neighbors blame Margaritaville Resort construction for rat infestation

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Oak Island Harbor neighborhood near Kissimmee said rats are overtaking their homes -- and they believe it's all because of nearby construction on a resort.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando is currently undergoing construction, but for years, it sat vacant after the old Splendid China theme park closed. The resort will include a hotel, vacation cottages, shopping and a water park on site, according to the Margaritaville website.

Neighbors think that over time the empty theme park attracted rodents and the new construction is pushing groups of rats out of the property and into their neighborhood.

"It's creepy, it makes you feel like you're unclean and we're not unclean, we take care of our house we're clean people," said David Weber.

The resident said he has spent more than $7,000 for damages caused by the rat infestation and to get rid of the rodents.

"It's a big problem," he said, adding that out the infestation happened shortly after construction started across the street at Funie Steed Road.

The Oak Island Harbor homeowners association sent out a letter last month, saying at least nine homes are under a rat attack.

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News 6 stopped by the construction site's offices Wednesday, where crews admitted off camera rodents fleeing these types of construction sites is common, especially when the ground is shaking.

News 6 asked Margaritaville Resort Orlando owners for comment.

"We have no comment at this time, this is the first time that we heard about it,” Margaritaville Resort spokeswoman Veronica Figuerora, with Hemsworth Communications, said.

Homeowners Association community manager Leslie Ludlum told News 6 she contacted the resort in early July and was only told, “No comment.”


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