Neighbors say house still reeks even after cleanup

[December 08, 2009]  SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Residents of a South Florida neighborhood are plagued by a horrible stench. It's coming from inside the home of their neighbor.

City officials have already investigated homeowner Debra Jean Higgins, after a utility worker stopped by and called police because he thought someone had died inside. The 55-year-old Higgins, who lives with two dogs, seven cats and piles of rotting garbage, was alive and well. She has been fined $600,000 for code violations, but that apparently hasn't made a difference.

The city finally cleaned up the yard, but neighbors said the stench remains.

Mark Sierens said he can't walk by without gagging. "The entire house is a litter box," he says.

Sunrise's police chief said building inspectors found the home structurally sound, so there's not much the city can do.

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Information from: South Florida Sun Sentinel, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/

[Associated Press]

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