The people who still live at a troubled condo complex in Orange County have a new problem on their hands.
At least a dozen people overdosed on heroin this week at the Blossom Park Condos, near the Florida Mall, including three fatal overdoses. It’s believed the heroin was laced with something else.
Orange County deputies are now patrolling the complex and trying to stop the problem.
On Saturday, deputies searched bags and questioned every driver who tried to enter the complex that sits on Landstreet Road. Deputies said if they stop people who don’t live in the complex, they can be arrested for trespassing. On Saturday, about seven people were arrested for trespassing.
Deputies said on Friday people were also arrested for burglary, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. However, one resident said the law enforcement presence isn’t going to help the deteriorating complex.
"If they truly want to help and make this place nice,” said resident Larry Agosto. “I mean for people not to have any problems here, why they don’t help us to put a gate?”
Agosto also said in recent months, a new fence has helped keep some people away. But it’s not keeping squatters and outside drug dealers from coming in.
On Saturday, deputies were still picking up used needles scattered throughout the parking lot. The heroin overdoses reported Thursday came days after Orange County announced the creation of a heroin task force to help curb the problem.
"This is something that happens many times a day and I would be kidding myself if I thought we could totally solve this by simply an enforcement strategy. It has to have the awareness and the prevention, intervention and treatment modes as well,” said Sheriff Jerry Demings.
At least six deputies will patrol the complex until further notice. In addition, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs has directed the installation of a mobile intervention team, which will be onsite at Blossom Park next week.