On Ocean Drive in Punta Gorda Isles, you expect to see beautiful homes and well-kept canals. For years, 56 Ocean Drive stuck out like a sore thumb.
The owners of the property had passed away and left the home to an out-of-state relative. When Hurricane Ian wrecked the roof in 2022 causing massive internal damage, the city couldn't reach the deceased's estate.
Grass grew, blinds melted and the interior of the house turned into a free-for-all for local wildlife. Despite notice after notice, nothing changed. The city put an $18,000 lien on the property in August 2023.
In Wednesday's city council meeting, City Manager Greg Murray provided an update on the code compliance issue. He said a new owner purchased 56 Ocean Drive in May.
Since then, three permits have been applied for and approved.
- roof permit
- interior renovations
- installation of dock and boat lift
Visiting the property now, you can see a vast difference. Shingles stacked in piles on the roof show work is being done. The yard is mowed. A dock is installed in the backyard.
Neighbors are hopeful the improvement continues and the eyesore that once was never returns.