Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor, P.A. case against Ryland Homes

A Florida woman’s five-month-old home sustained thousands of dollars in water damage after the fall 2004 hurricanes, and her home has been declared inhabitable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor, P.A. has filed a suit on her behalf against Ryland Homes of Florida Realty Corporation, alleging that after the woman purchased the home, and continuing until the present, there have been construction defects with the home, including but not limited to water intrusion, mold and settling due to improper construction.

The suit also alleges that Ryland Homes has violated a number of Florida building codes, including improper drainage in and around the foundation, and lack of waterproofing of interior and exterior walls. Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor, P.A. is seeking compensation for the loss of the home, as well as damage to personal property that had been inside the home.

Ryland Homes, a Fortune 500 company, is also facing complaints from hundreds of other homeowners who suffered unusual and extensive water damage in the wake of the three hurricanes that hit Orlando within a six-week period. Though Ryland insists the water intrusion is a result of hurricane-force winds and rain, county building officials have stated that no wall should leak.

Driver on cell phone kills two children

If an Orlando couple gets its wish, Florida drivers will be required to use hands-free earpieces when using cell phones in their cars.

Anjelica Velez, 5, and her sister Victoria, 2, were killed by a driver who was talking on a cell phone. The two little girls were crossing the street when a University of Central Florida student sped through a red light and hit them.

The driver of the car has denied being on the phone at the time.