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Housing Commissioner's Effort To Block Eviction Fails

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Karen Peoples holds her hand to her head as she talks with Tampa Housing Authority attorney Rhonda Stringer, left, after a court hearing today in Tampa. Hillsborough County Civil Judge Eric Myers agreed to lift an order blocking eviction proceedings against Peoples.

By JOHN W. ALLMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2008

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Karen Peoples

TAMPA - Tampa Housing Authority Commissioner Karen Peoples sobbed Tuesday after an effort to fight her eviction from public housing failed.

Hillsborough County Civil Judge Eric Myers agreed to lift an order blocking eviction proceedings against Peoples, who has been in violation of federal housing guidelines since November 2007 because she lives by herself in a four-bedroom apartment.

She also owes $58 in past-due rent, according to the authority. Peoples pays $26 a month to live in the apartment, which is subsidized by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Tuesday's action clears the way for the housing authority to take possession of Peoples' apartment at C. Blythe Andrews, possibly as early as next week. She has lived there since 1984, and has served as the resident appointee to the housing board since 1998.

Peoples appeared stunned as she left Myers' courtroom.

"I don't have nowhere to go. They lied! They lied!" she wailed, as she rushed down a hallway toward the elevator. "Jesus, it's not right, it's not right. It takes me off the board."

Peoples could file a motion for a rehearing. However, based on Tuesday's proceedings, it did not appear likely that Myers would grant it.

Myers and Peoples argued back and forth during her hourlong court appearance with Peoples interrupting the judge several times.

Rhonda Stringer, a lawyer representing the housing authority, walked up to Peoples after court adjourned and apologized. Stringer and Rick Gilmore, the authority's chief lawyer, have known Peoples for years.

"It's unfortunate," Stringer said, "but they [the authority] have to uphold the lease."

Reporter John W. Allman can be reached at (813) 259-7915 or jallman@tampatrib.com.

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