SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. – Your home is probably where you feel the safest, but unfortunately, this was not the case for people who live in one Marion County neighborhood.
Beth Campbell sent News 6 a message on ClickOrlando.com saying there is a drug house in Silver Springs that law enforcement cannot control.
Our community is Silver Springs Village, 34488. We have a drug house law enforcement can’t control. 7-8 deaths since 2013. Plz help.
Beth Campbell
“We see people coming in and out of our neighborhood, all hours of the day and all hours of the night in their vehicles. We see them riding their bikes back and forth. We have them walking down our streets stumbling and falling in the streets because they are so high on something,” Campbell said.
When News 6 went to speak with Campbell about her concerns, nearly a dozen of her neighbors showed up, fed up and fearful.
Carol Lane said she put bars on her windows.
“It’s just mind boggling, trying to go to sleep and then somebody’s banging on your house. You worry – is someone in trouble? Can I help?” Lane said.
Timothy Santrock said drugs are not the only crime.
“I’ve had hitches stolen from my vehicle. I’ve had a generator stolen out from under my house. If it ain’t nailed down, they will steal it,” Santrock said. “Nothing is safe in this neighborhood.
Residents said this property has been a problem for years. In fact, they even have a binder that keeps track of case numbers and complaints they have made to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
“We have our kids and grandkids frequent a lot, and we’re afraid to have them out in our yards,” Campbell said.
News 6 investigated and we found out the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the property nearly two dozen times since January 2022.
News 6 asked Sheriff Billy Woods if there is anything that can be done to address neighbors’ concerns. He refused to be interviewed, but his spokesman said the sheriff is aware of issues in the neighborhood and his district commander is addressing any concerns.
Sheriff Woods will not be available for an interview on this. He is aware of certain issues there and his district commander for that area is addressing any concerns.
Lieutenant Paul Bloom, Marion County Sheriff's Office
News 6 asked if we could speak with the district commander. We were told the Sheriff’s Office was not going on camera for this.
No. Sorry. We will not be going on camera for this.
Lieutenant Paul Bloom, Marion County Sheriff's Office
On the same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at that home. According to investigators, they found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and used needles inside the home.
News 6 uncovered that three people were arrested. One of them, David Biaza, is accused of cooking crack cocaine and selling it out of the house. The two other men, Donald Burns and Lance Shackelford were arrested on felony drug charges.
News 6 checked back in with neighbors after the arrests. They told us there are more law enforcement patrols and that it is quieter and safer.
“We’re hoping it stays that way, but I think everybody can say that we’re happy that we got Channel 6 involved to help us out,” Campbell said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: