Flood damage forces about 90 households out of Melbourne's Windover Palms apartments

About 90 households at the Windover Palms apartments off Eber Boulevard in Melbourne had to be out of their flood-damaged units by Friday, Nov. 13, so repairs can begin, according to the complex's management. News 6 WKMG first reported the move-out notices Thursday night.

In a statement shared with WESH, the property manager, Atlantic Housing Foundation, said the complex flooded on Nov. 2 and that damage to electrical, HVAC and fire-safety systems means the affected units can't be safely lived in during the work. It called the move "an emergency relocation, not an eviction" and said repairs should take about six months. Management told WESH that November rent will be refunded, tenants won't owe rent for the rest of their leases, and security deposits are being returned.

A City of Melbourne spokesperson told WESH that the city's Housing and Urban Improvement Division is contacting affected residents to connect them with services. Mayor Paul Alfrey told Florida Today the city is working with the American Red Cross on shelter, and the paper reported that the state's emergency response team was at the complex handing out information to residents.

Windover Palms is one of the larger housing losses from the Nov. 1-2 flooding in south Brevard, which also closed Sea Pines Rehabilitation Hospital. Displaced residents can reach the city's Housing and Urban Improvement Division at 321-608-7530 or huid@mlbfl.org, according to the city's website, and can get in-person flood help at the county's resource centers.