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Riviera Beach residents demand inspections, allege fraud at waterfront condo developments
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Summary
Multiple residents at the meeting alleged building defects, lost inspection records and denial of homestead status at a waterfront condo development (transcript names vary: 'Amrit'/'Amerenity'/'Amerenade'); they asked police and staff to pursue criminal referrals and immediate inspections.
A series of public commenters at the April 15 Riviera Beach City Council meeting said hundreds of residents of a waterfront condominium project have been harmed by construction defects and gaps in inspections, and urged the city to pursue enforcement and, in some cases, criminal referrals.
Speakers representing the building’s residents used several names for the complex in testimony (transcript uses variants including "Amrit," "Amerenity" and "Amerenade"). Anthony Curtis, who identified himself as a resident at the Amarette Ocean Resort, said his unit had been flooded and he believed residents were denied homestead exemptions after being “misled from day one” by the developer. Several speakers said the developer advertised homestead or owner‑occupant benefits that buyers later could not obtain.
Multiple residents described chronic building issues: sewage and water intrusion, black mold, nonfunctional fire alarms, and lost or incomplete inspection records. Milo Despovich and others said they have “compelling evidence” that previous city staff allowed hotel units to be sold as condominiums and asked the council to resolve the issue. Residents asked the police chief to refer the developer to the state attorney’s office; one commenter estimated “over 250 victims.”
City staff and the police reported follow‑up steps. City Manager Jonathan Evans said staff is working with a consultant retained by residents to seek an amicable solution. Chief Michael Coleman said a detective (Jennifer Jones) had been assigned and an open case exists; he said the police and staff will formalize a plan to obtain relevant documents and conduct further investigation next week. Public‑works, building‑official and code staff will also visit the site.
Council members directed staff to continue the enforcement response and indicated the building official will make an on‑site visit. Residents said they plan protests and further public engagement if they do not receive timely relief.
