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Westchase Files Eviction Notice Against House

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By MICHELE SAGER

msager@tampatrib.com

Published: December 2, 2008

WESTCHASE - After sending numerous notices and imposing a collection of fines, Westchase leaders are taking the next step and trying to evict a household of residents.

The Westfield Community Association has filed for eviction of tenants at 10326 Springrose Drive in the Glenfield village in Westchase. The move comes after residents complained the association, known for strictly enforcing deed restrictions, wasn't doing enough.

Neighbors say the occupants have violated deed restrictions since March and that the association should have taken care of the issues months ago. Westchase leaders say they have to follow certain legal procedures. The Glenfield property is also in the process of foreclosure by the mortgage holder.

The owners of the house, Anthony and Anita Diaz, began receiving notices in March for violations involving landscaping and the number of occupants living in the home. Records show the owners rent the home to seven people from at least two different families, a deed violation.

Month after month, the violations piled up and additional letters were sent. The tenants were cited for an unkempt yard, dirty driveway, loud music and parking inoperable vehicles. At a recent resident forum, one Glenfield resident showed pictures of a crashed car stained with blood parked at the house for weeks.

Neither Diaz could be reached for comment.

A legal complaint was filed in court in October against the owners seeking thousands of dollars in fines. Now the association wants the tenants gone and filed an eviction notice Nov. 20.

The eviction process could take up to two months depending on legal issues.

At the forum earlier this month, Glenfield residents told Carlos Quiros, president of the WCA board, they want the tenants gone and they are tired of waiting and living in fear.

Resident after resident recounted tales of how they were verbally harassed by the tenants. One father said he is afraid to walk down the street, past the house with his children.

The residents didn't want their names used in this article for fear of retaliation from tenants at the house.

Residents say they are afraid to file police reports because they are public record and fear retaliation. Reports have been filed with police, though not necessarily linked to the house.

Owners have made some improvements to the house by cleaning the driveway and placing down new sod. But residents say it's too late and they want the tenants gone.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843.

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