- October 31, 2024
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Significant water intrusion and black mold at the former Sears building were discovered by Flagler County’s General Services staff who had started preliminary work to ready the space for the Sheriff’s Office.
(Previous story: Sheriff's Office to move Palm Coast deputies into former Sears building)
Workers who were in the building during Monday’s rainstorm videotaped water pouring down the east wall of the former showroom. The team member immediately notified General Services Assistant Director Mike Dickson – who spent much of Tuesday thoroughly investigating the condition of the building – in turn reported his findings to County Administrator Jerry Cameron.
“Staff has concluded that this has been a long term problem which would have resulted in water running out onto the showroom floor during rain storm events,” Cameron reported to the Board of County Commissioners. “There was no disclosure to the county with regards to this problem by the owners or the selling agent.”
Forensic photographs were taken Wednesday morning showing black mold on removed sheetrock, wet insulation, rusted out bottom plates of multiple wall sections, failed gutter repairs on the roof, and the ground level of an exterior area of the building that is higher than the finished floor – leaving the interior wall wet.
Cameron notified Sheriff Rick Staly about the findings.
County Attorney Al Hadeed is presently drafting notices for remedies to the damages as uncovered to the former building owner, the owner’s selling agent, and Universal Engineering Sciences – the independent consultant hired by Flagler County to evaluate the building.
(Previous story: Sheriff's Office employees to sue over conditions at Operations Center)
Story courtesy of Flagler County.
