Overgrown grass and weeds have become a problem at a dead man’s home in the Village of Tamarind Grove.
The home at 2403 Hook Hollow Terrace was owned by William Cataldi, who died March 6 at age 71.
The New Yorker purchased the cottage-style home in 2012. The home is now vacant and the utilities have been shut off, including water.
“That means there is no irrigation,” said Community Development District 8 Supervisor Dennis Hayes, during a public hearing Friday regarding the property.
A complaint was received by Community Standards on July 11 concerning the overgrown grass and weeds. The complaint was verified the following day.
The board agreed to maintain the property twice a month in the summer for a cost of $100 per each maintenance. Other fines will be imposed.
Candy Dennis of Community Standards said the district has been “very fortunate” in recouping the money at the time a property is transferred or goes to auction.
In this case, there appears to be no mortgage on the property. But finding the heir has been difficult as Community Standards’ check of emergency numbers left behind by Cataldi revealed they have been disconnected.
Board members asked about conditions inside the home, but were reminded that Community Standards can only address external deed restrictions.