Actually, yes, the city DOES board unsecured homes when a responsible owner cannot be found. Irresponsible owners sometimes include absentee landlords and banks/mortgage companies. The city then puts a lien on the property for the cost to secure it.

This particular property is a foreclosure house that has been listed for sale for some time now. It's MLS listing is now showing as "pending" which may mean that it's about to be sold. The realtor will probably be the fastest route to a fix in this case. She is Stephanie See with Results Real Estate (727) 596-8181.

Really, nosey neighbor? So it is better to leave it as is. Then you will have squatters in the house and before you know it drug time.

The city gets involved because an unsecured home in bad condition is a codes violation. It is not uncommon for a foreclosed home like this one to have multiple violations - and liens because the entity that owns them doesn't take care of the issues. Houses in bad condition attract pests like rats. Empty unsecured houses attract vagrants and squatters.

I'm just curious here; how do you know that the person reporting this house is a nosy or over-critical neighbor? It sounds to me as though whomever reported it did the nearby property owners a favor - or they could be a nearby neighbor themselves. I've lived next door to one of these slowly rotting homes - it's hard on property values and not exactly great for health/safety either.

Thank you for reporting this issue to us via SeeClickFix St. Pete. We have forwarded the information you have provided to our Codes Compliance Assistance Department, and they will now inspect the location and take any necessary action. We appreciate your help! Sincerely, Mayor's Action Center

Update from the Codes Compliance Department: A case was already reported for the overgrowth and a new case has been started for the front door issue. Any further updates or action will be handled by the Codes department. To track the status of this case, or to find contact information for the assigned investigator, click here:

overgrowth: https://actiononline.stpete.org/Click2GovCE/casesearch.html?caseYear=15&caseNumber=20947

Front door: https://actiononline.stpete.org/Click2GovCE/casesearch.html?caseYear=15&caseNumber=22556

or call 727-893-7373 and refer to case number 15-20947& 15-22556

The issue that you reported previously has been addressed by the City, and this open work order is now closed. Please feel free to submit future requests to us via SeeClickFix St. Pete, and thanks again!