TAMPA, Fla. — Neighbors at a Tampa apartment complex are concerned that their water might get shut off in about two weeks.
“I loved it when I moved in,” said Lindsy Garlock. “But now with this letter with our water being shut off, it’s really alarming.”
It’s a slice of peace and quite tucked away off South West Shore Boulevard in Tampa.
Watch Mary O'Connell's full report
But peace turned to panic when Garlock saw a flyer on her door at the Delmar apartments.
“Yesterday, went to the grocery store, kind of go about my day, come home, and I noticed the letters actually as I was driving up, and I thought that was just a little bit strange,” said Garlock.
The letter from the City of Tampa stated they haven’t received payment from the company responsible for payment of their utility account and have exhausted all attempts to fix the problem.
The letter said there would be an interruption of services on May 21 unless they are paid.
“Frustration, panic, confusion,” said Garlock. “Frustration for sure when it comes to the lack of communication. I’ve gotten nowhere.”
Viewers reached out to ABC Action News to help find a solution.
“Every month we pay that utility bill as part of our lease, and where has that money gone?” Garlock asked.
“I pay money here, and I follow my part of the contract, so if I can do it, and you guys can’t, that’s unlawful,” said neighbor Hector Bernier.
A Water Department spokesperson said in a statement for months, they’ve attempted to work with the property owner to fix a growing balance for unpaid utility services, but despite repeatedly reaching out, they’ve gotten no payments, and the account remains significantly delinquent.
However, officials said there have been encouraging developments recently that may lead to a resolution.
“We’re not rich. We can’t just move out,” said Bernier. “I just want somebody that cares.”
ABC Action News stopped by the locked leasing office Tuesday afternoon and contacted property management and owners multiple times.
A spokesman for the Delmar said in a statement, “We are aware of the notice from the Tampa Water Department and we expect to have the issue resolved before May 21st without any impact on residents.”
Tenants also shared an email from the property with ABC Action News, which echoed the same message.
Still, they’re hoping there are no hiccups with essential services.
“I just hope it gets resolved,” said Garlock.
"The City of Tampa is deeply concerned for the residents of The Delmar Apartments, located at 4001 and 4003 S Westshore Boulevard, who are facing uncertainty through no fault of their own. The City recognizes the stress this situation is causing and is working to avoid utility service interruption wherever possible.
For months, the City has attempted to work with the property owner, Lurin Real Estate Holdings LVII LLC, to resolve a growing balance for unpaid utility services. Despite repeated outreach and formal notices, no payments have been received for several months, and the account remains significantly delinquent.
In recent days, there have been encouraging developments that may lead to a resolution. The City is in active communication with parties who have a vested interest in the property and is hopeful that progress will continue.
While tenants have been notified that water service may be interrupted as early as May 21, 2025, the City will make every effort to work with vested stakeholders to prevent service disruption. At the same time, the City must uphold its responsibility to all utility customers by ensuring that unpaid debts are not passed on to other ratepayers.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the City’s Utilities Call Center at (813) 274-8811. The City remains committed to transparency, compassion, and supporting residents during this uncertain time."
“I think, like more people feel compelled to say something now if they hadn’t been before.”
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