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Code violations served to Manna Christian RV Park

By WINK News

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Lee County Code Enforcement formally served violation notices to the owner of the Manna Christian RV Park on Friday, said spokeswoman Joan LaGuardia.

The violations are mainly for the illegal structures on 168 homes in the park and for trash.

As of Friday, only 30 homes were up to code.

Flood waters from Tropical Storm Fay forced hundreds of people out of their homes in the Manna RV Park and nearby Saldivar Park.

More than 300 people continue to seek shelter with the Red Cross at the Estero Community Center.

Nereyda Oviedo has called the shelter home for more than a month now.

"The kids are a bit stressed lately...the kids are tired and bored all of the time," said Oviedo.

She says they're trying to find a home they can afford after flood waters destroyed nearly everything they own in their Saldivar Park home.

She hasn't been back since evacuating, "The kids are not even allowed to go in because they're afraid of them getting sick, so we just stay here."

Lee County Enforcement says all 48 homes in Saldivar Park have passed code inspection.

Sill, the Oviedos say they would rather rebuild their lives somewhere else.

Nereyda Oviedo told WINK News, "As soon as we can find a place to move in, we'll be glad to go."

Code Enforcement says the main problem is at Manna Christian RV Park where only 30 of the 198 homes are up to code.

LaGuardia says a majority of the homes have illegal additions, like sheds and car ports, which are not allowed because the area is zoned as an RV park.

The park has 30 days to comply with county standards, requiring the illegal additions to come down and ensuring that all of the of RVs work, meaning they must be able to drive away if need be.

Even though some homes have been cleared, no one will be able to move back in until the Lee County Health Department clears the way.

Charles Walther, with the Health Department, says recent well testing at both parks have come back clean. However, tests must come back clean for two consecutive days.

Walther said testing would begin on Monday, and if all goes as planned people could back home by late next week, if their homes are up to code.

The reality is, some families will be permanently displaced.

The Red Cross says it has helped find housing for more than 50 families, a number that grows daily.

It is working to transition the remaining 321 people out of the shelter.

FEMA and several area charities are assisting the families in rebuilding their lives, whether it's at one of the parks or somewhere else.
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