Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online

TBO > News

Judge Allows Peoples' Eviction

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Karen Peoples, right, holds her hand to her head as she talks with her 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 24, 2008

Updated: 09/24/2008 12:11 am

Related Links

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 that temporarily halted eviction proceedings against Peoples. She has been in violation of federal housing guidelines since November 2007 because she lives by herself in a four-bedroom apartment.

She also owed $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!" Peoples 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, if evicted, will be removed from the housing board.

The authority has tried to work with Peoples since January, offering to relocate her to a one-bedroom apartment at three different housing properties. Peoples refused each offer because it would have taken her out of the East Tampa neighborhood she calls home.

In recent months, Peoples has accused housing officials of professional misconduct and she prompted an internal investigation by the authority into allegations - which were later found to be untrue - that her former property manager had engaged in professional and sexual misconduct.

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.

At issue was Peoples' response to a court summons she received Aug. 26 that gave her two options: Pay $58 to the court, which the authority said she owed, or file a motion for the court to determine how much she owed.

By taking one of those options, Peoples could have challenged the eviction. Instead, she paid just $26 on Sept. 2.

Myers asked why. Peoples said that she didn't understand what she was supposed to do, and that she decided to pay what she did because she watches court hearings on television.

"If it was your idea, you should do it correctly," Myers said, chiding her.

Peoples filed a motion Sept. 8 to block the eviction, but it was too late.

Myers said he had no choice but to allow the eviction because Peoples did not follow the law, which was explained clearly on her summons.

"It's incumbent on you in terms of defending yourself to do certain things," he said. "That was not done."

Rhonda Stringer, a lawyer representing the housing authority, walked up to Peoples after court was adjourned and apologized. Stringer said she has worked with Peoples for years as a board member.

Stringer said Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies will deliver the eviction order to Peoples' apartment within three to five days. Peoples will then have 24 hours to vacate.

"Where can I go? I can't go to public housing. Housing is where you go to get up on your feet," Peoples said, standing outside court. "God isn't going to let them get away with this."

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

Share this:

* To:
Your Name:
Your Email Address:
Personal Message [optional]: