ENGLEWOOD — Phillip Cadez’s mobile home was demolished because of Hurricane Ian, but he continues to pay for water and sewer he no longer can use.
Cadez said even after the water was cut off, Charlotte County Utilities charges him $68 a month.
“I have never heard of anything like that in my life,” Cadez said. “I’ve tried asking them — I don’t know how many times — to make an exception.”
The mobile home in Village of Holiday Lakes, in the Gulf Cove area of western Charlotte County, was ideal for Cadez because of its affordable utilities and association fees. Cadez is living on a strict budget with income from only his Social Security.
In addition to the $68 a month for water, Cadez also has to pay $130 in homeowners fees. That’s in addition to his current rental in Englewood.
“I understand the homeowners (fees) because I still own the lot, but I haven’t been able to sell it,” he said. “Other people are trying to sell, too, and they’re just giving stuff away — but I’m not in that position.”