LARGO, Fla. — The owners of a Largo gas station damaged during Hurricanes Helene and Milton face a daily fine of $850 for violating several city codes.
People who live near the property on Indian Rocks Road say they are concerned the collapsed canopy and dilapidated state of the site are a safety hazard.
“Just catastrophe, I’m so blown away that something hasn’t happened already,” said Carl Galler who lives nearby.
While the homeowner says he recognizes the recovery process is ongoing across the community, he’s worried about potential dangers of the abandoned space.
“It’s not just an eyesore, it was electrified, the lights came on overnight with that awning sitting sideways, it was left unfenced,” said Galler.
The Largo officials say a fence was installed in April and electricity was turned off in March. They say Code Enforcement went before the Largo’s Special Magistrate in June and September, when they say the property owner was found in violation of several city codes, including: property maintenance, unsafe structure, unsafe equipment, accessory structure in disrepair and overhang extension in disrepair. A daily fine of $850 has been adding up since Aug. 7.
The disrepair concerns Galler. He posted about it online and has received a variety of responses.
“If you don’t like it just look away or it’s fenced,” said Galler.
“I think of my 14-year-old self, 50 years ago and I would have been all over that. Would have been like the biggest, coolest, and the fence would have made it even more attractive,” said the concerned resident, who believes someone should be held accountable soon.
“At the very least, just remediate it, basic remediation, get rid of that awning,” said Galler.
Largo officials say the property owners did apply for a repair permit in July but did not supply all the required documents. A permit was eventually issued in September, but the city officials say there has been no movement on repairs. That permit expires in March.
Officials say they are looking into additional repair and abatement options they can take, since a permit has been issued.
Spectrum Bay News 9 attempted to reach the property owner, but got no response.
A Largo official responded saying, “The city of Largo is taking all necessary steps to bring the property at 1737 Indian Rocks Road South into compliance with the City Codes as well as the Florida Building Code. We understand and share residents’ concerns and remain committed to ensuring public safety and neighborhood quality.”
Melissa Eichman
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