After removal of stairs at Eureka Gardens, Sen. Rubio calls condition of complex 'unacceptable'

A set of stairs were the latest safety issue at the Eureka Gardens apartment complex on Thursday.

The stairs were being removed and replaced and the apartments have a second entrance, but some tenants say they’re not happy.

“They can’t have but one way in and they don’t have another way out in an event of a fire,” said tenant Mona Lisa Arnold

We were told the removal of stairs led to evacuations of units. Audrey Young, a spokesperson for Global Ministries Foundation, the owner of Eureka Gardens, said the permits allow the residents to stay.

Along with concerns of only having one way in and out of their apartments, neighbors said they’re not happy with the way their doors were boarded up when the stairs were removed. Sharp nails and screws could be seen coming through the wood.

“How long before I can open my door and not have nails sticking there cause I do have small kids,” said tenant Alexis Laury.

Thursday evening, Sen. Marco Rubio spoke exclusively with our Washington bureau, saying he wants to see an end to this cycle.

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“I want to see them (Global Ministries Foundation) sell the property, and while they’re trying to find a buyer, they need to maintain it,” Rubio said.

GMF said it has put the complex up for sale, a change those living here say can't happen soon enough.

“Lord just send your help to bless your people,” Arnold said.

Action News Jax has been investigating the concerns at the apartment for months. Moldy apartments, dirty water and broken stairs are just some of the things residents at Eureka Gardens have been living with for years.

"This is unacceptable. We're going to go there tomorrow. I'm going to see it with my own eyes and we're going to make sure this doesn't happen again," Rubio said.

Rubio will be joined by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and other city leaders when he tours Eureka Gardens on Friday.

Cox Media Group