Jackie Talarico has become an outspoken advocate for military families nationwide. The former Sigsbee Park resident and military spouse in Key West is at the forefront of a mass lawsuit filed March 27 against the U.K.-based infrastructure company Balfour Beatty, which manages much of the U.S. military’s housing and which the suit claims “concealed the horrific conditions from unsuspecting service men and women and their families.”
Talarico, along with 191 other military residents, allege a wide range of health issues stemming from their time in military housing in the Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point and Truman Annex housing neighborhoods. The reported symptoms include “asthma and other respiratory issues, sinusitis, migraines, memory loss, brain fog, blurred vision, compromised immune systems and other serious health issues.”
In addition to the health concerns, many families say the housing conditions placed an undue financial burden on them.
“We’ve been living on an air mattress — me, my two kids and our dog. The last six months of Anthonie’s shore duty were taken from us because there wasn’t viable housing in Key West,” Talarico said.
The Talarico family was forced to separate for Anthonie’s remaining time in Key West after Balfour Beatty issued an eviction notice.
“Our family’s only other option was to take a home that faced the same systemic issues we had already endured, such as roof and ceiling leaks,“ she said, “and sign a new universal lease that states mold is habitable.”
Talarico felt her only option to keep her family safe was to move off base and continue advocating for other families’ health and safety to ensure no one else is harmed by these alleged claims against Balfour Beatty. She has since refused to sign any non-disclosure agreements sought by the company. Jackie and her children moved in with her parents while her husband, Anthonie, completed his shore duty in Texas. They’ve been trying to recover health-wise and financially ever since as Tricare – the health insurance offered to all service people and their dependents – doesn’t cover mold testing and related medical treatment.
The 175-page lawsuit includes testimonies from 55 families who report neglect and harm caused by Balfour Beatty’s alleged mismanagement.
Hints of a lawsuit had been circulating for nearly a year. Before that, many affected families connected through a private Facebook group called “Sigsbee Housing Issues/Health Issues,” created eight years ago by Astrid Trotter — another plaintiff in the suit.
The Facebook page is filled with complaints, warnings and photos from current and former residents — images of mold-covered ceilings, crumbling walls, and deteriorating floors. Talarico was an active member of the group, using not only that platform but also her personal Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts to raise awareness.
Her motivation, she insists, isn’t financial. It started with her children’s health.
“It’s about so much more than that. It’s about wanting justice and accountability, because I know I didn’t harm my children. I did everything right as a mother, and I trusted these people when they said they had remediated the mold properly. I trusted them, and they harmed us,” she said.
When asked if she feared retaliation from the company, she responded, “I’m not threatened, because I know everything I say is backed up. I’m just here to advocate and educate — to get everyone the help they deserve.”
Talarico’s story is one of many in the lawsuit from families who feel Balfour Beatty knowingly placed them in dangerous living conditions.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson from Balfour Beatty Communities said, “We are aware of the lawsuit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously. The wellbeing of residents will always remain our number one priority.”
This isn’t the first time Balfour Beatty has faced serious allegations. In 2021, the company paid over $65 million in fines and restitution after admitting to a fraud scheme involving U.S. military housing repairs.
With nearly 200 plaintiffs involved, the case could take significant time to unfold. Meanwhile, the housing crisis in Key West remains under strain, as more military families are choosing to live off base — something that doesn’t always sit well with local non-military residents who feel they’re competing for housing with military members who receive a generous monthly housing allowance.
NAS Key West spokesperson Danette Baso Silvers said the Navy does not comment on pending litigation. However, when asked what actions the Navy is taking to support families dealing with these issues, the response was: “The Navy Housing Service Center continues to support families with any issues or concerns with their homes or property maintenance. The Navy’s focus is on the thorough remediation of any impacted homes to ensure the health and safety of residents. Since last year, the Navy has been proactively evaluating every home at NAS Key West to address family housing concerns. Experts from NAS Key West, the Navy & Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, and NAVFAC Southeast are leading these inspections, targeting critical life, health and safety hazards such as mold and moisture, asbestos and lead-based paint.”
