CLEARWATER — When Peggie Hughes moved
into On Top of the World Clearwater in May, the elevator was a big selling
point.
"I don't like living on the bottom floor. I originally moved to Florida in
1977, and so I know about hurricanes and flooding, and I don't like living
on the bottom floor, and also safety. I like being up on top," she said. "I
saw it at elevators, so I purchased it."
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Hughes, who needs knee replacement surgery, fears that without a functional elevator, her recovery will be impossible.
"There’s no way I can get up those
stairs once I’m post-op," she said.
Hughes reached out after seeing the initial story about the elevator issue.
This isn't the first time over the years that we've covered issues at the
condo.
"I was happy that somebody is paying attention and putting it out there that
we're having a lot of difficulties here. It's been really tough on all of
us," she said, explaining why she reached out.
The elevator hasn't worked since the end of January in the 55 and older
condo building.
Condo owners say the best communication they can get is a paper taped to the
elevators, last updated Feb. 13.
“It is a slap in the face because they won't address [the issue]. They take
our HOA fees every single month without hesitation, but they can't bother to
send the residents a decent email or an update on when the elevator will be
fixed," said Jim Johnson.
Another resident, Ann Cornell, had to spend thousands of dollars on special
equipment just to be able to leave her condo.
We reached out to On Top of the World Clearwater to find out why the
elevator stopped working and when it will be fixed.
A spokesperson responded to my request for a statement, saying “Nope. We 'R'
good. Thanks.”
"They're minimizing the situation. You know, it’s only three floors, and
it's just a convenience for them," said Hughes. “But not my 60s.”
The Pinellas County tells us the Department of Business and Professional
Regulation and the local fire marshal are currently in charge of leading any
code enforcement violation investigation.
The county urges residents to report the issue by calling 727-464-4761,
downloading the SeeClickFix app, or visiting the " Report a Problem in Your
Community - Pinellas County page.
Clearwater Fire Department tells us they received one call about the
elevator. That caller was told by an inspector that there is nothing in the
fire code that requires an elevator. The appropriate agency that handles
such issues is the Florida Department of Business and Professional
Regulation.
We have also reached out to the Florida Department of Business and
Professional Regulation. They told us they are looking into the matter.
As frustrations mount among residents, many are left wondering how long they
will have to endure this inconvenience and whether their concerns will be
adequately addressed. ABC Action News will continue to follow this
developing story and provide updates as they become available.