JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Greenery is the root of a problem in Neptune Beach. Neighbors said trees are not only blocking their view, they’re creating all kinds of problems. Action News did some digging Tuesday to find out who’s responsible for what.
When Patricia Owen and her husband left Vermont and started renting their beach home 10 years ago, they did so with the ocean in mind.
"It was very nice to have the view. It was a real plus for our piece of property," Owen said.
That's all changed, thanks to a mini beach forest. Both palm and mulberry trees are blocking Owen's second-floor view. And she's not alone. Neighbors up and down Florida Boulevard have noticed the inconvenience.
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We've learned the homeowner at the end of the block planted several few palms, so we went to verify. He said this is the first he's heard of a tree problem.
"No one's ever asked us to trim them either. And if I was a neighbor and wanted to have something done, I think I'd knock on my door and say, 'Hey, can you help us? I want to have an ocean view and your tree is blocking,'" the man said.
That man went on to say most of the trees are on city property. We've been calling the planning and zoning department for the last two days but haven't been able to talk to a live person.
Owen said she just wants what she paid for: a view.
"I absolutely feel like I should have that right," Owen said.
In addition to blocking the view, neighbors said the trees and brush are also creating a drainage problem. Neighbors said they're so passionate about these trees that they're going to get together and present a plan to the City of Neptune Beach and ask for them to keep them maintained.
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