WINDERMERE, Fla. — Residents at a Windermere apartment complex say management has extended the deadline for them to move their belongings out of their homes.
Several apartments were damaged in a fire Sunday, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.
Residents claim they were given until Tuesday evening to clear their belongings.
When Spectrum News returned Tuesday, residents said management held a meeting that morning and gave them seven days to move.
Spectrum News reached out to Buena Vista Place but did not receive a response. Personnel at the leasing office did not comment.
Many residents breathed a sigh of relief, but some said they had already spent the money and time to rush out of the apartment.
“The truck, you have to pay that daily, and we have people helping us that are probably not going to be here tomorrow,” said resident Francine Osorio.
Neighbors said they took time off work and hurried to find storage space.
“Thank God for credit cards, because I don’t have the cash,” said Shauna Alvarado.
However, residents say management is now helping them find available apartments and promising them priority when their own apartments are ready to be leased again Residents also say this month’s rent will be carried over if they move into a sister complex.
The Red Cross is assisting residents and Hatching Hope delivered comfort kits to families.