Melbourne apartment complex orders flood victims to leave by Friday

At least 87 families living at the Windover Palms apartment complex in Melbourne were told to leave their homes by Friday after historic flooding rendered the apartments unlivable, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported. The tenants received hand-delivered notices stating that repairs would take at least six months and could not proceed with residents inside.

The management of Windover Palms terminated leases and asked residents to vacate so cleanup and repairs could begin, according to FOX 35 Orlando. The sudden notice has left many tenants, including disabled senior citizens, worried about finding new housing on short notice.

One resident, Mark Kamins, a 70-year-old disabled man, expressed fear of becoming homeless after losing his belongings in the flood. Another tenant, Kris Long, said the floodwaters destroyed much of their furniture and personal items shortly after moving in this fall.

The city of Melbourne is working to set up shelters for displaced families, and property owners have stated that November's rent and security deposits will be refunded to tenants, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando added. The repairs are expected to take several months to complete before residents can return.