Mold forces family to flee home

Published: Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 7:07 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 7:07 p.m.

Two stories sit on a grassy, corner lot that overlooks a pond, just a short walk to the community's pool. Stucco is adorned with decorative window shutters, and tropical landscape fences off the neighbors. Muffled shouts from young children playing can be heard throughout the small gated community.

Two ceramic garden gnomes still stand by the front door, their grins reminding Shaun and Jennifer Carlson of better days.

In the garage, a mountain of white trash bags store the couple's belongings, and a young girl's metal scooter leans against a wooden kitchen table darkened by mold.

Blotches of mold also can be seen throughout the abandoned house.

For the past two years, the Carlsons and their three children have battled constant illness, financial distress and emotional turmoil as mold overtook their home.

We didn't think we could afford a new house. It was a nice step up, Jennifer Carlson said. We thought we were making a good decision, but then very quickly, it all crashed down on us.

For that, they blame builder D.R. Horton, which they claim failed to remediate the mold spores quickly enough.

In a written statement, the national homebuilder stands by its response to the outbreak. The company says it has taken appropriate steps to find a solution and that most of the mold has since been remediated.

We did not develop the lots in Palmer Oaks; however, we are committed to resolving the drainage issue for our homeowners, the company's statement said. The satisfaction of our homeowners is a top priority, and we are committed to superior customer service and providing families with quality homes and neighborhoods in the Sarasota area.

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Mold forces family to flee home