Residents at The Morgan apartments still had running water on Thursday night, although the City of St. Petersburg had warned that service could be cut if the property owner did not clear its overdue balance.

“An interruption of services is a last resort,” said Alizza Punzalan-Randle, the city’s managing director of communications, in an email.

Lurin Real Estate Holdings, which owns the complex, owed $452,995.33 as of July 24. By Thursday, the company had paid $290,063.37, with two additional payments—$70,000 on Wednesday and $72,647 on Thursday—still pending clearance. Even if processed, the city says Lurin would still owe $162,931.96.

For longtime tenants, the situation is frustrating.

“I’m paying rent, and water’s supposed to be included,” said Michael Williams, a 14-year resident. “So where’s the money been going?”

Paulette Hines, who has lived there for a decade, echoed the concern: “As long as I’ve been here, I’ve never been through anything like this.”

Both tenants said conditions at the complex have declined—pointing to a tarp-covered roof still unrepaired after last year’s storms, closed pools, and overgrown grass. “Not even the ducks want to swim in it,” Hines said of one pool.

In an email to residents, The Morgan’s management said past-due water bills had been sent to the city and would be reflected soon. Lurin spokesman Ed Cafasso issued a similar statement, thanking tenants for their patience and promising to “catch up on certain maintenance needs.”

City officials previously advised residents to explore backup housing options in case service is cut off, but some say that’s not feasible.

“It’s a horrible situation because I’m on a fixed income,” said Williams, noting his VA benefits don’t arrive until the start of the month. “If we have to leave now, I have no money and no place to go.”

Hines, who lives with her two daughters, called the prospect “a big stressor and financial burden.”

The city says residents will get notice if a shutoff becomes imminent. In the meantime, tenant groups and city staff have been offering legal resources and aid, including at the Enoch Davis Center and South Branch Library, and distributing flyers about renters’ rights.

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