Widow, 90, could lose home she has lived in for 70 years because neighbors complained the property fell into disrepair when her Air Force veteran husband died
Marie Louise Sikorski has built up thousands of dollars in violations
Neighbors think her 1952 home Sarasota, Florida, is in a poor condition
She is now struggling to pay the $500-a-day fines, living off $1,000 a month
Her neighbor, Miles G, has tried to do some of the repairs himself
Supporters have set up a GoFundMe page to help try and cover the costs
PUBLISHED: 19:55 EST, 31 May 2016 | UPDATED: 00:25 EST, 1 June 2016
A 90-year-old widow is facing eviction from the home she has lived in for 70 years after neighbors complained about its condition.
Marie Louise Sikorski has built up thousands of dollars in violations in her Sarasota, Florida, property she has lived in since it was built 1952.
Two years ago her neighbors started to complain the house had fallen into disrepair and the standoff has continued since.
Sikorski is now struggling to pay off the fines which have hit almost $500 a day, 14 years after her Air Force veteran husband died.
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Marie Louise Sikorski, 90, is facing eviction from the home she has lived in for 70 years after neighbors complained about its condition
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She has built up thousands of dollars in violations in her Sarasota, Florida, property she has lived in since 1952
These don't include the property taxes or the fee she needs to retain her attorney.
She only has $1,000 a month to live off, so others living near her have tried to help.
The elderly homeowner told SNN that the issues with her home were 'aggravating' but she wasn't scared about losing her home.As her's bills piled up, the young man staying next door decided he was going to pitch in.
Travelling nurse Miles G told WPTV: 'Someone needed to step in and help her because the city wasn't going to.
Miles ended up doing some of the repairs himself and had various contractors come in to do the rest.
He power washed the roof, replaced shingles and siding, and cleaned up the yard among other things.
But the city wasn't satisfied.
Ninety-year-old Sarasota widow speaks about threat to home
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Travelling nurse Miles G decided to help the elderly woman by helping do some of the much need repairs
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He put up signs in Marie Louise's yard, saying "I'M A 90 YEAR OLD WIDOW. I'VE LIVED HERE 70 YEARS. NOW THE CITY OF SARASOTA IS TRYING TO STEAL MY HOUSE! HELP!"
Miles said the city has not yet accepted the repairs, as they are required to be completed by a licensed contractor, so the fines have continued to add up.
He said at this point, the fees amount to around $150,000.
Miles is now seeking the help of local businesses while another supporter has set up a GoFundMe page.
He put up signs in Marie Louise's yard, saying: 'I'M A 90 YEAR OLD WIDOW. I'VE LIVED HERE 70 YEARS. NOW THE CITY OF SARASOTA IS TRYING TO STEAL MY HOUSE! HELP!'
On Twitter, the city of Sarasota said they have no interest in taking anyone's home and only got involved because of neighbor complaints and safety concerns.
They have also said they want to deal with her issues in a 'compassionate' way.
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Miles G and Mary Louise walk from her home arm-in-arm in the midst of a battle with Sarasota city officials
Pictures are just two of the violations that have been issued by Sarasota officials
-- Edited by Lawyerlady on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 10:08:55 AM
Sad. I can understand the neighbor's concerns, too, though. But at 90, there's a good chance they won't have to wait long for the house to change ownership.
Putting up a huge eyesore sign doesn't help with the aesthetics.
I'm not seeing anything standout either. It could use a little TLC, especially the yard. But given the bars on the front door, I'm guessing it's not a stellar neighborhood anyway.
Instead of complaining, why didn't the neighbors just pitch in to help this elderly lady?
Apparently another neighbor saw what needed to be done, and helped.
What's wrong with those complaining neighbors?
I can't see the pictures but agree that instead of complaining the neighbors should have pitched in to help. She's 90 yo. For that matter what about grandkids etc looking in on her & doing repairs?
Here is how I see. People need to stop being so nebby. And, she's 90. Of COURSE her house is going to fall into disrepair. But so what? Let her live in her home in peace. Sheesh. It's the Cycle of Life people. When you are young you buy a home, fix it up , have a family, then you grow older and age and you want to live the rest of your days out in your own home. Nothing BAD is going to happen for some overgrown weeds, chipped paint or whatever. So what? And, then, she will die, and the next Cycle begins. A new couple comes along and buys the home and applies their TLC and love of family to it and then again, it is a beautiful home. And, the cycle continues.
I see a lot of people freak out when mom or grandma can no longer maintain the home to previous standards. So, instead of just accepting that things decline and nobody is going to die over some unmowed grass, they plop grandma into Assisted Living or the home. Instead, how about just letting things be? Or , better yet how about helping an old woman maintain her home? I always thought that it would be cool if churches had some type of Helping Hand ministry to go around and help the widows. Some churches probably do.
Here is how I see. People need to stop being so nebby. And, she's 90. Of COURSE her house is going to fall into disrepair. But so what? Let her live in her home in peace. Sheesh. It's the Cycle of Life people. When you are young you buy a home, fix it up , have a family, then you grow older and age and you want to live the rest of your days out in your own home. Nothing BAD is going to happen for some overgrown weeds, chipped paint or whatever. So what? And, then, she will die, and the next Cycle begins. A new couple comes along and buys the home and applies their TLC and love of family to it and then again, it is a beautiful home. And, the cycle continues. I see a lot of people freak out when mom or grandma can no longer maintain the home to previous standards. So, instead of just accepting that things decline and nobody is going to die over some unmowed grass, they plop grandma into Assisted Living or the home. Instead, how about just letting things be? Or , better yet how about helping an old woman maintain her home? I always thought that it would be cool if churches had some type of Helping Hand ministry to go around and help the widows. Some churches probably do.
I disagree that homes should just be allowed to fall into disrepair. I just don't think this particular one is in that bad of state.
__________________
I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
Read the Bible. If you think Jesus was a Liberal and only showed that side of his teachings you are sorely mistaken. He had no problem with fire and brimstone for those who continue to sin.
__________________
“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” ― Julia Child ―
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
How can you find out if zoning is trying to be changed or if a business is trying to buy it?
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
Pulled that right out of your ass didn't you? Nice try...
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
Pulled that right out of your ass didn't you? Nice try...
Why must you always be so rude? Is it possible for you to discuss anything without getting so nasty?
ITS MY OPINION for goodness sake and many believe the same as I do, its no secret. Jesus was a Liberal.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
Pulled that right out of your ass didn't you? Nice try...
Why must you always be so rude? Is it possible for you to discuss anything without getting so nasty?
ITS MY OPINION for goodness sake and many believe the same as I do, its no secret. Jesus was a Liberal.
With the other Liberal Canadian on vacation, the ire falls upon you, apple.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
Pulled that right out of your ass didn't you? Nice try...
Why must you always be so rude? Is it possible for you to discuss anything without getting so nasty?
ITS MY OPINION for goodness sake and many believe the same as I do, its no secret. Jesus was a Liberal.
I really, really do not care about a non-believer's opinion of Jesus. That's just stupid. True Christians know that Jesus was not a liberal.
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
Pulled that right out of your ass didn't you? Nice try...
Why must you always be so rude? Is it possible for you to discuss anything without getting so nasty?
ITS MY OPINION for goodness sake and many believe the same as I do, its no secret. Jesus was a Liberal.
With the other Liberal Canadian on vacation, the ire falls upon you, apple.
flan
Gosh, does that mean I'm off to banned camp soon too? I'd better pack. :)
I realize that to many, Liberal is a dirty word, such is the animosity between the political parties, at an all time high it seems.
What is interesting is that most democrats in the USA would be considered conservatives here, not liberals. Our parties do not really align to yours. Still, Jesus was IMO a Liberal thinker.
I realize that today's conservatives may be horrified by this fact but there is no getting around it. Jesus was a liberal, his principals align with the very core of Liberal Beliefs. IMO
I realize that today's conservatives may be horrified by this fact but there is no getting around it. Jesus was a liberal, his principals align with the very core of Liberal Beliefs. IMO
You keep telling yourself that.
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
FOR THE TIME, his teachings were Liberal.
flan
No.
He was/is just.
Sovereign.
Not liberal. Not republican.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I wonder if they've written her congressman and have a lawyer. I would sue the city for harassment and release the names of the nosey neighbors to the press. I've seen houses in much worse condition.
I wonder if they've written her congressman and have a lawyer. I would sue the city for harassment and release the names of the nosey neighbors to the press. I've seen houses in much worse condition.
The VFW could probably help, too.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
FOR THE TIME, his teachings were Liberal.
flan
No.
He was/is just.
Sovereign.
Not liberal. Not republican.
I agree to a point. Liberal thinking however, is something that I believe Jesus was, a liberal thinker.
So why is Jesus loved by Conservatives yet the Liberals here keep telling us God doesn't exist? You'd think the Liberals would be all for Jesus if he was so liberal...
__________________
“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” ― Julia Child ―
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
FOR THE TIME, his teachings were Liberal.
flan
No.
He was/is just.
Sovereign.
Not liberal. Not republican.
I agree to a point. Liberal thinking however, is something that I believe Jesus was, a liberal thinker.
Can you tell me what this has to do with the OP?
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
FOR THE TIME, his teachings were Liberal.
flan
No.
He was/is just.
Sovereign.
Not liberal. Not republican.
I agree to a point. Liberal thinking however, is something that I believe Jesus was, a liberal thinker.
Can you tell me what this has to do with the OP?
I could but I believe this is a rhetorical question.
Perhaps you should read the thread and figure it out yourself.
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
FOR THE TIME, his teachings were Liberal.
flan
No.
He was/is just.
Sovereign.
Not liberal. Not republican.
I agree to a point. Liberal thinking however, is something that I believe Jesus was, a liberal thinker.
Can you tell me what this has to do with the OP?
No.
When I last posted on the thread about the Chicago holiday weekend shootings, we were talking about cats with little guns...
It sad that you can't see the forest for the trees. Such is the divisiveness and polarization in your country.
Jesus was a pluralist Liberal He taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion and life. He REJECTED greed, violence and the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth WITHOUT SOCIAL BALANCE and the personal judging of others.(discrimination).
-- Edited by apple on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 12:59:36 PM
On the contrary.
He said there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, Himself.
He said for us to judge ourselves before judging others but He also said to be careful of snares and to separate ourselves from the world.
He taught to pay to the government what is owed to the government and to pay to the church what is owed to the church. But He also taught us to be prepared and to store up in the days of plenty for the days of want.
He taught us to minister to the needy but He also taught us to know when the message isn't being heard and to walk away knowing we tried our best and not worry about it.
FOR THE TIME, his teachings were Liberal.
flan
No.
He was/is just.
Sovereign.
Not liberal. Not republican.
I agree to a point. Liberal thinking however, is something that I believe Jesus was, a liberal thinker.
You would be wrong.
Unless you mean by liberal thinker he was totally against things like freedom of religion--in that aspect, he was very liberal. There is no room for other religions in his teachings.
-- Edited by huskerbb on Wednesday 1st of June 2016 02:14:02 PM
__________________
I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I realize that today's conservatives may be horrified by this fact but there is no getting around it. Jesus was a liberal, his principals align with the very core of Liberal Beliefs. IMO
Nope. Jesus is neither liberal nor conservative. He is both, but neither. Sorry, you can't peg Him into your box.
Here is how I see. People need to stop being so nebby. And, she's 90. Of COURSE her house is going to fall into disrepair. But so what? Let her live in her home in peace. Sheesh. It's the Cycle of Life people. When you are young you buy a home, fix it up , have a family, then you grow older and age and you want to live the rest of your days out in your own home. Nothing BAD is going to happen for some overgrown weeds, chipped paint or whatever. So what? And, then, she will die, and the next Cycle begins. A new couple comes along and buys the home and applies their TLC and love of family to it and then again, it is a beautiful home. And, the cycle continues. I see a lot of people freak out when mom or grandma can no longer maintain the home to previous standards. So, instead of just accepting that things decline and nobody is going to die over some unmowed grass, they plop grandma into Assisted Living or the home. Instead, how about just letting things be? Or , better yet how about helping an old woman maintain her home? I always thought that it would be cool if churches had some type of Helping Hand ministry to go around and help the widows. Some churches probably do.
I disagree that homes should just be allowed to fall into disrepair. I just don't think this particular one is in that bad of state.
To a point. Obviously, i am talking about more cosmetic issues. Which is what people tend to focus on.