JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After receiving complaints from residents about broken windows, apartment doors left wide open and concerns about squatters, the News4JAX I-TEAM found that an apartment complex near Westside High School is tied to a landlord with a history of code enforcement complaints and properties facing foreclosure.
According to property records, the complex is owned by Jarek Tadla, a self-proclaimed billionaire who has faced complaints and code enforcement issues involving multiple properties across Jacksonville.
Court records show the Firestone Road complex, which was purchased in April 2021 for just over $1.1 million, is currently under foreclosure and was set to be sold this week. It is one of several properties tied to Tadla currently going through the same foreclosure process.
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A tenant of the Firestone Road complex at 103rd Street reached out to the I-TEAM, complaining about squatters and unsafe living conditions.
A spokesperson for Elon Management, the company now overseeing the property, confirmed those conditions, explaining it inherited them from the previous management.
“When we assumed responsibility, we encountered significant deferred maintenance, unsafe conditions, and unauthorized occupancy by individuals who are not legally permitted to be on the premises,” said in a statement to News4JAX.
We decided to take a look for ourselves, and upon arriving at the property, we immediately noticed filth and junk behind the buildings — along with people who appeared to be there without being residents or tenants.
When approached, those individuals left the area and appeared to warn each other that news cameras were present.
Walking the property, we observed areas and spots where fixtures appeared to have been removed — along with air conditioning units that did not appear to be running. Open apartment doors revealed debris-filled units, as well as utility closets filled with tires and clothes.
A no trespassing sign was posted on the property.
The few residents who appeared to still be living in the five-building complex were not eager to speak on camera. One resident, who asked not to be identified, described the squatter situation bluntly.
“It’s a gang of them,” the resident said. “There’s more of them out here than the people that pay rent.”
When asked how he handles living alongside unauthorized occupants, the resident said he keeps to himself.
“If they don’t bother me, I’ll stay in my house and have my business. Whenever it goes on, I don’t get into nobody’s stuff, you know what I’m saying?” he said. “When I close my door at night, man, I don’t come back outside, man, and I don’t be worried about what be going on out here.”
The I-TEAM reached out to the LLC listed on the deed — People’s Choice, which is owned by Tadla. People’s Choice said it no longer manages the property.
“We want to clarify that we no longer manage 5537 Firestone Road as of the first week of April,” the company said in a statement. “That property and several others are now managed by Elon Management.”
Since Jan. 1, 2025, the city of Jacksonville has received more than 20 complaints about the property, ranging from nuisance issues to individual unit concerns.
A spokesperson for Elon Management told News4JAX that the company was appointed as court-authorized management for a receiver covering this property and nine others previously managed by Tadla. They are looking to give residents a fresh start.
In a statement, an Elon Management spokesperson described what the company found when it took over, as well as other properties it took over to manage.
“Our company was recently appointed as the court-authorized management for the receiver for this property and several others from the same owner. When we assumed responsibility, we encountered significant deferred maintenance, unsafe conditions, and unauthorized occupancy by individuals who are not legally permitted to be on the premises.
Our immediate priority is the safety of the residents, the surrounding community, first responders and anyone who may attempt to enter the property. To address these concerns, we are taking steps to secure the sites, including preventing unauthorized access and reducing potential safety hazards.
We are working closely with city officials, law enforcement, and other local agencies to ensure this work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with all applicable regulations. We appreciate the City’s partnership as we begin the process of stabilizing this portfolio."
According to property records, the LLC listed as the property’s agent — JJTA 10 — remains active. State records show the LLC is still tied to Jarek Tadla and People’s Choice, a company the News4JAX I-TEAM has repeatedly investigated for subpar living conditions across Jacksonville.