Neighbors watch Lehigh Acres home deteriorate months after January fire

Neighbors have watched a home along Sixth Street West in Lehigh Acres deteriorate since a fire in January. "It's a rotten house just sitting here and bringing the value down around here in the neighborhood," said Stacy Seibal. It's a home that's barely holding on, while caution tape and overgrown grass tell the story of what's behind it. "We're lucky that we're not right next to it, because it would attract like snakes and rats and other animals," said neighbor Geo Perez. The biggest concern is safety. "If kids were to walk up on the property and something were to fall, it can potentially, you know, hurt them or if a hurricane were to come by and that house is in that state, it could easily blow it into a neighbor's house and damage it," said Perez. Deputies arrested Jasmine Saintil in January after they say she reportedly intentionally set the home on fire after an argument. According to the sheriff's office, the occupants of the home were able to evacuate safely and were not injured; however, the family's dog remained inside the home and died from smoke inhalation. Now, neighbors say the house just sits and rots. "Why does it take so long?" asked Seibal. Gulf Coast News reached out to Lee County to find out who is responsible for removing the burned-out home. The county says the responsibility falls on the property owner to maintain the property and correct any active code enforcement violations. The county says a notice of violation has been sent to the owner, outlining the details of the code violation and alternatives to gain compliance, which would include a remodel or demolition. However, a residential permit to remodel or demolish the primary structure has not been obtained and Code Enforcement has not received any communication from the owner. If the owner does not make active efforts towards compliance, the county says it may take the steps necessary to demolish the home. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.