ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 The City of Orlando is taking legal action against a Lake Eola Heights couple, filing a lawsuit to foreclose on their property over more than half a million dollars in code enforcement violations.<\/p>\n
Walking through the home of Holly Joffrion and Mikhail Vaysberg is a testament to their travels. Every room features a different look, and every piece of art tells a story. But city officials are now questioning whether the couple actually lives there.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has become stressful,\u201d one of the homeowners said when asked about the toll the legal battle has taken on their family.<\/p>\n
Fines topping $500K<\/p>\n
News 6 found the city began fining the couple in 2023. Some of those fines are accruing at up to $2,000 per day, pushing the total well past $500,000. The largest single fine exceeds $341,000.<\/p>\n
At the heart of the dispute: The city accuses the couple of not living in the home, but instead renting it as an Airbnb and hosting concerts on the property.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no business here. I make zero money on anything they claim I make,\u201d Vaysberg said.<\/p>\n
Vaysberg denies the allegations, saying the gatherings held at the home are simply for family and friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also have a big family, and why should I not have friends over?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Neighbors tell a different story<\/p>\n
But residents who live in the condo complex directly behind the property describe something far different.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are events they\u2019re having \u2014 they\u2019re not family,\u201d said Paul Stocksdale, president of the homeowners association for Justin Place Condos.<\/p>\n
Stocksdale says the sound carries directly over the fence and into the neighboring units.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have the loud music \u2014 it\u2019s like a studio, it\u2019s like a concert. It\u2019ll shake your windows,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat loud?\u201d a reporter asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it\u2019s that loud,\u201d Stocksdale replied.<\/p>\n
Homestead exemption at issue<\/p>\n
The couple told News 6 they did explore using the property as an Airbnb, but changed their minds once they realized how much work the historic home requires. However, News 6 found they are also claiming a homestead exemption on the property \u2014 something the city calls improper.<\/p>\n
Neighbors say the situation has worn thin.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have total disregard for the neighbors. They don\u2019t care,\u201d Stocksdale said.<\/p>\n
The City of Orlando released a statement to News 6, saying in part: \u201cWe remain committed to protecting the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood and will continue to follow all applicable legal procedures as the case moves forward,\u201d a spokesperson said via email<\/p>\n
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