Orange County commissioners on Tuesday directed staff to move forward with a plan to demolish the remaining buildings at the troubled Tymber Skan condominium complex, relocate residents, and eventually sell the property. The county plans to use a legal process under Florida law to dissolve the condominium ownership structure, allowing the property to be sold as a single parcel. “It’s time. In fact, it’s past time,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. County officials said only eight of Tymber Skan’s original 49 buildings remain standing, leaving 56 condominium units. Some residents are living in units without running water, while county staff said the remaining buildings continue to accumulate life safety code violations. Officials also cited unmaintained fire hydrants, illegal dumping, and deteriorating conditions throughout the property. Staff told commissioners Orange County has spent about $3.5 million since 2014 to stabilize the complex, including demolishing unsafe buildings, repairing infrastructure, cleaning lots, providing social services, and forgiving utility fees. Even with those efforts, officials said conditions have continued to worsen. “When we say it’s unsafe, it’s unhealthy for them to live there, that’s a problem,” Demings said. The county’s proposal relies on what an outside law firm determined is the strongest option under Florida law: an “equitable termination” of the condominium. Officials said that approach does not require consent from individual condo owners because of the property’s condition and would allow a termination trustee to oversee the sale of the property. The county expects the legal process to take at least two years if there are no significant delays or appeals. During that time, Orange County plans to assign every remaining household a dedicated case manager to help residents relocate and connect them with county and community services. Officials estimate about 10 units are owner-occupied, although only four currently have a homestead exemption. The county also may purchase eligible owner-occupied units before the property is sold. Other owners would receive compensation through the eventual sale of the property. WESH 2 News has reported on problems at Tymber Skan for years. County officials said approximately 84% of the complex has already been demolished, but the remaining buildings continue to pose safety concerns. “I don’t want the blood of these people who might be subjected to something untoward to be on my hands, okay? And I hope our board doesn’t,” Demings said. Commissioners unanimously supported moving forward with the plan. A formal vote is expected at the Aug. 25 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Orange County commissioners on Tuesday directed staff to move forward with a plan to demolish the remaining buildings at the troubled Tymber Skan condominium complex, relocate residents, and eventually sell the property.

The county plans to use a legal process under Florida law to dissolve the condominium ownership structure, allowing the property to be sold as a single parcel.

“It’s time. In fact, it’s past time,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.

County officials said only eight of Tymber Skan’s original 49 buildings remain standing, leaving 56 condominium units. Some residents are living in units without running water, while county staff said the remaining buildings continue to accumulate life safety code violations. Officials also cited unmaintained fire hydrants, illegal dumping, and deteriorating conditions throughout the property.

Staff told commissioners Orange County has spent about $3.5 million since 2014 to stabilize the complex, including demolishing unsafe buildings, repairing infrastructure, cleaning lots, providing social services, and forgiving utility fees. Even with those efforts, officials said conditions have continued to worsen.

“When we say it’s unsafe, it’s unhealthy for them to live there, that’s a problem,” Demings said.

The county’s proposal relies on what an outside law firm determined is the strongest option under Florida law: an “equitable termination” of the condominium.

Officials said that approach does not require consent from individual condo owners because of the property’s condition and would allow a termination trustee to oversee the sale of the property. The county expects the legal process to take at least two years if there are no significant delays or appeals.

During that time, Orange County plans to assign every remaining household a dedicated case manager to help residents relocate and connect them with county and community services. Officials estimate about 10 units are owner-occupied, although only four currently have a homestead exemption. The county also may purchase eligible owner-occupied units before the property is sold. Other owners would receive compensation through the eventual sale of the property.

WESH 2 News has reported on problems at Tymber Skan for years. County officials said approximately 84% of the complex has already been demolished, but the remaining buildings continue to pose safety concerns.

“I don’t want the blood of these people who might be subjected to something untoward to be on my hands, okay? And I hope our board doesn’t,” Demings said.

Commissioners unanimously supported moving forward with the plan. A formal vote is expected at the Aug. 25 Board of County Commissioners meeting.