9 Investigates: Windsor Cove apartment owner facing $15K a day in code violation fines

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orlando apartment complex plagued with violence, and health and safety issues is being fined $15,000 a day for code violations.

The owner of Windsor Cove missed a deadline to make dozens of repairs.

Investigative reporter Daralene Jones found out that could cost the owner $1.4 million.

There are 31 violations at the complex on Mercy Drive.

In July, 9 Investigates found residents are living with apparent mold, leaks, flooding and damaged electrical outlets that could spark a fire.

Four months later, the complex still isn't 100 percent up to code and many residents said they are afraid to speak up.

“The kids, cause if they come up here and run too hard, they could probably flip right over,” said a resident who asked not to be identified. He was referring to a staircase that needed bolts on the railing replaced.

Global Ministries Foundation in Memphis owns the complex.

The ministry has faced code violations in Memphis, Jacksonville and Atlanta.

Carolyn Salzmann is one of six code enforcement board members who will ultimately decide whether to enforce the fines.

“I don't want people out there to think, ‘Oh who cares about the fine cause we're just going to reduce it,’ because that's certainly not the case,” she said.

The owner could petition the city to reduce any fines.

Salzmann said the decision depends on medical or financial hardships, or permitting issues.

“All of us are cognizant of that, we're just not going to rubber stamp a reduction,” she said.

At least one resident thinks it's just time for the city to take over the property, a process that could take years.

The fines have to run 90 days before the city can begin that process.

City leaders would not comment on whether it will foreclose, however, they will file liens on the property sometime next week, which is the first step.

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