PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Pasco County Tax Collector said a government entity designed to help Florida homeowners fortify their homes for storms, is taking homes away from people and forcing them to be sold at auction.
Tax Collector Mike Fasano said the program called ” Florida Pace Funding Agency” is run by Sarasota County Commissioner Mike Moran.
‘They had no fear’: Group tracked Tampa Bay business owners, broke into their homes, stole $1.7M, Judd says Fasano claimed Moran racked up thousands of dollars in bills from lavish spending on food and drinks in Las Vegas and other places around the country.
Fasano is now calling for a full investigation by the Florida Attorney General.
“The killer is, a lot of people are not realizing what they got themselves into until they got that tax notice,” said Fasano.
He said the program is selling roofs and other improvements to people at a high cost with high-interest rate loans, that are then attached to a homeowners tax bill.
“The interest rates are very high, there is no collateral because it’s on your tax notice,” said Fasano. “So, you don’t pay your tax notice, what happens is you eventually your home is going to be auctioned by the clerk of the court, so these investors are guaranteed their money.”
He said receipts show Sarasota County Commissioner Moran spent huge sums to entertain friends and board members of the Florida Pace funding agency.
St. Petersburg leaders consider utility rate increase “I don’t say he was overspending money, he was spending money foolishly, to wine and dine himself, board members and others,” said Fasano.
Moran did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Records from the tax collector’s office show 273 people in Pasco County have fallen behind on their property tax after signing up for Pace, while 24 people have had their homes sold at auction when they could not pay their taxes.
Fasano said he will no longer allow Pace to operate in Pasco County.
“I’ve sent them a letter telling them that we are canceling their contract as of October 1st.”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Local News
