It’s not every day the city of Holmes Beach considers giving property away.
Richard and Shelley Wheeler, owners of 302 34th St., a rental property, and 202 35th St., a four-unit rental property, have asked the city to vacate an adjacent 50-by-100-foot right of way.
The property is at the dead end of Fourth Avenue and, according to a report completed by building official Jim McGuinness, is unused and heavily overgrown with vegetation. A sand path runs through the vegetation to provide access for area residents to the Gulf of Mexico. McGuinness’s report said he observed the path being primarily used by residents and visitors of adjacent properties.
McGuinness recommended commissioners grant the application to vacate the property if they determine the city will not want to put Fourth Avenue into service in the future.
The Wheelers are in process of purchasing two other adjacent parcels.
In their application, the Wheelers state that if the city vacates the property, they would like to create a dune habitat, plant sea oats and maintain the sand path for beach access.
An ordinance granting the Wheelers request to vacate the right of way was scheduled for a public hearing and first reading at the Feb. 9 commission meeting at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
— Kristin Swain
