JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Friday, there were teary, red eyes as Jacksonville City Council members walked through a tenant's apartment at Eureka Garden.
"It's really upsetting to me," said Councilman-at-Large Samuel Newby.
That's why members of a task force that was put together by the mayor showed up to see the complex for themselves.
It was an emotional job for the 57 officials dispatched to the complex from several different agencies. The agencies included the City of Jacksonville's Social Services, Building Inspections and Code Enforcement divisions, as well as the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and more.
Council members are upset with the property owners for what they call horrible living conditions.
"They've had other properties in other states and cities with the same conditions. We're putting the management on notice this isn't going to happen here in Jacksonville," said Councilman Garrett Dennis.
The fire chief found several issues with the stairwells and possible gas leaks, and neighbors pointed out mold and mildew problems, something neighbors said they've been living with for years.
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Seeing the people from the agencies go to each of the 400 units is comforting for Gail Thomas, who knows help is finally on the way.
"God done sent us some angels today," said Thomas.
Thomas couldn't feel more at ease to be surrounded by so many city leaders and local agency employees.
"Because they're concerned, they're concerned about us," said Thomas.
Thomas showed Action News Jax why they are concerned.
"This is where bullet holes, all these bullet holes, where they had to come fix it," said Thomas.
On top of the evidence of crime in the neighborhood, council members and inspectors walked around to see the rusty staircases and nasty mold in some places.
The officials checked out the tenants' complaints that were sent to the mayors office a couple of days ago.
"Making sure these residents get what they need and the apartments get fixed," said Dennis.
Action News Jax learned it could take days to inspect each of the 400 units. Action News Jax checked to see how much all these resources will cost but right now, the city said so many agencies are involved and they don't have the estimates.
Regardless of the price, Thomas said it's a potential bill that could bring some hope and change their current disgusting lifestyle.
"This should be a lesson and a lesson learned so the situation won't happen to anyone else," said Thomas.
Action News Jax also checked with the city to see if they'll have to pay out any overtime for all of the workers who responded Friday. We're waiting to hear back.
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