Military Leaders Answering to Senate Committee Amid Reports of Mold at MacDill

TAMPA (WFLA) – Military leaders are under fire after reports of substandard housing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa and other military installations across the country.

Families have been turning to 8 On Your Side for weeks about mold problems and now the Senate Armed Services Committee will demand answers during a hearing Thursday. 

Staff members at the Pentagon are taking steps by proposing new rules in a 12-point plan that could ensure safe homes for families.  Families at MacDill who said they’re dealing with mold issues in their homes have had enough. The “Tenant Bill of Rights” might give them a fighting chance.  Families would be able to have their rent put on hold during a dispute with a management company or property owner and could ultimately get a refund. A housing advocate will also be provided along with the guaranteed the right to live in homes that meet health and environmental standards.

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson saw it for herself during a visit with several families at MacDill to discuss their health and housing concerns. Some parents believe their children are suffering from health issues related to mold from their base-assigned housing. Several others tell 8 On Your Side they’ve moved out because of the ongoing problems. 

“What’s most upsetting about that is I have two neighbors who are displaced right now. One of them is in the ICU with cancer and she will not be able to return to her home till it’s fixed,” said base resident Traci Lenz. 

Secretaries of the Army, Navy, Air Force and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will go before the Senate committee at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. 

Written by Corey Davis, 8 on Your Side

Author: Carolyn Willbanks