JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Residents at a Jacksonville senior living community say they are worried about safety and accessibility after learning one of their building’s elevators is expected to remain out of service for up to six weeks, leaving some unable to leave their apartments.
Residents at The Meetinghouse at Collins Cove in Ortega recently received a notice informing them that one of the building’s elevators is out of service and could remain down for four to six weeks while repairs are completed.
Residents said the notice did not mention specific accommodations for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or cannot safely use stairs.
For some residents, the outage means being effectively confined to their homes.
“This is my only way of getting out of here, is in the elevator. I can’t walk the stairs,” a resident said. She said many others on her floor face the same challenge. “Almost everybody on this floor can’t.”
When asked how the current outage compares to a previous elevator shutdown, Woods said conditions have become more concerning.
“Yeah, because it was out three weeks then. Now you’re talking six,” she said.
The situation has revived concerns from residents who say elevator issues have occurred before. In 2024, residents said they were unable to leave their apartments for weeks because of elevator problems.
Current residents say the prolonged outage also raises questions about emergency preparedness.
“I think about that sometimes, you know, if the building caught on fire, how we’re gonna get them up here,” a resident said. “I’m not only concerned for myself, but other people up here that can’t get up and down the stairs either.”
After hearing residents’ concerns, News4JAX contacted property ownership to ask what support is available for seniors and residents with mobility challenges while repairs continue.
Jimmy Carrion, CEO of Lloyd Jones LLC, said the company is seeking outside assistance for residents with mobility needs and has coordinated with local emergency responders.
“We’ll continue to work on trying to find third-party companies that can assist us in mobility,” Carrion said. “The local fire department is aware for any emergency evacuations or anything necessary.”
Carrion said the company’s priority is restoring elevator service as quickly as possible.
As a temporary measure, property owners say they are providing up to $100 to help cover Instacart grocery delivery fees for residents on the second and third floors who are unable to easily leave the building.
Despite the challenges, residents say neighbors are stepping up to support one another.
Residents like Denise Hibbler said she has been helping those who cannot navigate the stairs by taking out trash and assisting with other daily tasks.
“We all help one another,” Hibbler said. “Whatever I need to do to help my community.”
Facility management has not provided a specific date for when the elevator will be back in service, beyond the estimated four-to-six-week repair timeline, according to residents and the notice distributed to tenants.
Editor’s Note: Because the facility houses primarily senior residents, some residents who spoke with News4JAX requested anonymity due to concerns about potential repercussions.
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