NewPortRicheyPatch says Walden Pond Mobile Home Park in New Port Richey, Florida is closing as the result of Tropical Storm Debby and residents must be out by July 31, 2012, according to a letter dated July 6 and sent under the letterhead Walden Pond LLC. Owner Paul Beraquit says because the residents were on month-to-month leases, Florida law allows either party to terminate by written notice at least 15 days in advance. He adds he cannot afford to maintain the community. The letter says, in part, the closure is “due to decreased occupancy at the park and ongoing issues with certain utilities.” Less than half of the 93 home sites are occupied, and some of the homes are rentals. One resident said she knew the owner was going to close Walden Pond but no one knew when. Pasco County was declared a federal disaster area following Debby, and at least half of the community was damaged by the flooding. MHProNews has learned Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are canvassing the community to determine how many of the residents, most of whom are low income or on fixed incomes, are eligible for rental assistance from FEMA.
