A villa in foreclosure is becoming a neighborhood eyesore in The Villages.
The home at 7856 SE 171st Harleston St. in the Cameron Villas in the Village of Calumet Grove was the subject of a public hearing this week at the District Office at Brownwood.
James Whitby known as “Farrell” was the owner of the villa and died there in 2023, according to his obituary. He had served as a Marine Corps sergeant in the Vietnam war, from 1965 to 1969, and was laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
A complaint about the condition of the villa was lodged in December with Community Standards. A representative from Community Standards verified there is overgrown grass as well as overgrown bushes and weeds at the property. Community Standards tracked down Whitby’s son, who indicated that the bank had taken possession of the home. Community Standards confirmed that the home is in foreclosure.
The homeowner was given seven days to bring the property back into compliance. If the property is not brought into compliance, the Community Development District 4 Board of Supervisors will hire a contractor to maintain the property. Fines will be assessed against the homeowner.