Concerns Over Asbestos Exposure in Mobile Home Park

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News Summary

Residents at Sun Retreats Dunedin in Pinellas County face health fears due to asbestos found in demolished homes, raising safety concerns.

Concerns Over Asbestos Exposure in Mobile Home Park in Pinellas County

In Pinellas County, Florida, a troubling situation has emerged at Sun Retreats Dunedin, a mobile home and RV park located off Alternate 19. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has led to the demolition of multiple homes in the park, raising serious health concerns among the residents, particularly regarding the presence of asbestos, a potentially lethal substance.

Family Life Amidst Uncertainty

One family residing in this park, led by a mother of two young boys aged three and seven, is living out of an RV, having expressed their appreciation for the community. They describe their living situation as enjoyable and affirm that they love their neighbors. However, the emotional tranquility of their home life is being disrupted by fear and uncertainty as the effects of the hurricane make themselves felt.

The Alarming Discovery

As demolition crews began clearing out damaged homes, this mother discovered a startling fact: some of the demolished structures contained asbestos. The CDC has long warned of the dangers of asbestos exposure, noting its links to fatal diseases, including cancer. This news has understandably raised alarms in the community, as residents grow increasingly concerned about potential health risks.

Warning Signs and Unsafe Conditions

The situation is compounded by the presence of a dumpster located a mere 20 to 30 feet from their RV. This dumpster, reportedly filled with asbestos debris, shows visible signs of deterioration including being aged and rusty, with multiple holes evident across its surface. A warning sign indicates the dumpster contains asbestos, cautioning it could lead to serious health issues such as cancer or lung damage.

However, many residents have pointed out that the warning was not entirely visible until recently, raising concerns over whether proper protocols were followed. Initially covered by a plastic sheet sealed with duct tape, it was noted that the sealing was inadequate, allowing the constant sea breeze to lift the plastic, increasing the risk of exposure for nearby residents.

Local Reactions and Governance

In response to the developments, Pinellas County’s Air Quality Division has begun monitoring the ongoing asbestos abatement and demolition of 27 mobile homes in the park. County officials assert that all operations are in line with existing environmental standards. Inspections were conducted on two occasions, March 28 and April 15, to assess the state of the asbestos waste storage container following multiple complaints from residents.

JES Abatement Inc., which manages the dumpster, confirmed its ownership and compliance with safety regulations. A commitment was made to relocate the dumpster after receiving complaints, but skepticism lingers among residents, particularly from the concerned mother who had previously been told the dumpster would move on a different date.

Community Concern and Vigilance

This mother, along with many residents, has voiced her apprehensions regarding her family’s safety and the timeline of the company’s response. Despite potential repercussions for raising these concerns, her commitment to advocating for proper safety measures underscores the gravity of the situation. The frustrations surrounding the resolution of such matters have been palpable, revealing what many believe to be a lack of consumer-friendly practices and transparency in the management’s actions.

As the community grapples with these issues, the future of Sun Retreats Dunedin hangs in the balance. The psychological toll on families residing in the park is immense, as they navigate life amidst ever-looming fears about health and safety. With critical developments unfolding in the coming days, many residents are left with a heavy heart, hoping for a speedy resolution to an unsettling episode in their lives.