Now the county is taking steps to force
the issue. Lisa Todd the owner of the Treasure Ship signed a demolition permit
on June 2nd. The permit has since expired, and now the county is threatening to
tear down the building as early as the end of next week.
For 33 years the Treasure Ship
Restaurant attracted thousands of locals and tourists. Then in April of 2010 a
fire ripped through the landmark building destroying the structure and causing
hundreds to lose their jobs.
"I miss it you could see it from
everywhere off shore," said David Bright, Bay County
But, the last 18 months have turned the
once iconic building into an eyesore.
"It breaks my heart its a shame
its a landmark in Panama City and has been for all the life I remember,"
Michael Grubs.
"It kind of an eyesore now, but
other than that I miss it around here," said Bright.
If property owner Lisa Todd does not
submit a new permit to the county by October 14th, the county has warned her it
will have the property demolished and charge her for the work.
"The county does have the ability
to take the building down and lien the property, but we really don't want to go
that route its quicker, easier, and less expensive for the property owner to do
it themselves," said Dan Shaw, Assistant County Manager.
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Treasure Ship Restaurant destroyed by fire
|
Todd wouldn't comment on when the
building would be taken down, referring questions to her Jacksonville
Todd said the situation was complicated
and that the permit could be renewed. But she wouldn't put a timeline on when
action could be expected. In the meantime, the damaged structure sits on the
edge of a parking lot, a reminder of the way things used to be.
"I much rather see them fix it
back the way it was," said Grubs.
County officials say it's an unsafe
building and needs to come down as soon as possible at least before next years
hurricane season.
Source: WJHG.com. By Amber Southard. 6 October 2011
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