A Seminole County homeowner, Diane Goglas, has been ordered to replace a community drain pipe she plugged with concrete within 10 days, or the county will step in to complete the repair at her expense. The emergency injunction was issued by Judge Donna Goerner after two days of testimony, during which Goglas admitted to hiring a crew to plug the pipe. Goglas claimed she took the action due to sinkholes forming on her property, which she believed were caused by breaks in the pipe.
Her decision, however, has worsened flooding in the neighborhood, especially on N. Shadowbay Boulevard, where cars have gotten stuck and water has seeped into homes. The flooding even caused a neighbor to struggle with receiving an oxygen delivery.
Goglas previously sent a letter to her neighbors warning them about potential property damage and asking for money to fix the pipe. Despite facing a looming $250-per-day fine starting October 1, Goglas indicated she was working with an engineer to assess the cost of replacing the pipe. She suggested that the entire neighborhood should bear the cost of the repair, saying it “should be a united thing.”
The judge’s ruling allows Seminole County to replace the pipe if Goglas fails to meet the deadline, billing her for the work regardless of who performs it. Neighbors expressed relief, with the homeowners association treasurer, Robin Rodriguez, saying they were “so very grateful” after enduring six months of flooding.
Goglas declined to comment further on her ability to meet the deadline but maintained her belief that the neighborhood should collectively fund the repair.
