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Apartment complex cited for rat woes
By WAVENEY ANN MOORE © St. Petersburg Times, published November 26, 2000 ST. PETERSBURG -- The owners of Flagler Pointe Apartments are being cited for code violations stemming from a rat infestation of the 16-acre property. The city's investigation of the complex, at 2540 Roy Hanna Drive S in Pinellas Point, also could lead to related citations of neighboring properties. David Oliver, manager of the Codes Compliance Assistance Department, said the problem came to light because of residents' complaints. "Several units were investigated," Oliver said. "The investigator said there was evidence of rodent droppings in one of the units. He did an external examination of the complex and could not determine how the rodents were getting in. But potentially, rodents are following some type of plumbing pipes, gaining access to the units from underneath the sinks." The city requires owners to keep their properties free of insects, rodents and other pests. However, he added, apartment dwellers also must share responsibility for keeping rats at bay. He advised that food should be covered and garbage containers securely shut. Flagler Pointe, which has more than 400 units, has 20 days to remedy the situation. "We will be back out for a reinspection," said Oliver, adding that failure to stem the infestation could result in legal action. Neighbors of the Pinellas Point complex also could find themselves under scrutiny. "We'll be addressing high grass on adjacent properties. High grass could be conducive to rodent activity," he said. Flagler Pointe has agreed to take advantage of the city's free rodent program, which sets bait stations outside problem buildings, said Bill Sundstrom, a supervisor in the Sanitation Department. On Wednesday, the department sent a rodent technician to the complex. He set out 10 bait stations containing rat poison, Sundstrom said. "He will go out the first of the week and check and see what it's looking like and evaluate and see whether they need more or not. He's on top of it and I know we will be successful," he said. The complex has hired a private company to take care of the indoors, Sundstrom said. Flagler Pointe managers have declined to comment. But Josie Cartagena, who rallied fellow residents to fight the rat problem, said she is pleased with recent developments. "I know the city is going to monitor the situation," she said. "The only thing that I'm concerned about is that Flagler Pointe keeps their promise. ... It's not over till the fat lady sings. We can't really exhale yet."
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
