County Code Enforcement clears damaged property in interest of public safety

County Code Enforcement clears damaged property in interest of public safety

Pinellas County has demolished a fire-damaged home in south unincorporated county, eliminating longstanding public health and safety hazards following two fires and years of code violations. The demolition was completed in September.

Built in 1978, the home became a safety hazard following a fire in early 2022. Subsequent inspections by County Code Enforcement and environmental staff revealed additional hazards, including raw sewage flowing into a neighborhood retention pond. Despite numerous citations and court hearings, the violations remained unresolved.

A second fire in early 2026 left little more than a cinderblock shell, prompting the County to install a security fence to keep the public away from the dangerous structure. When the estate responsible for the property failed to address the ongoing violations, a Special Magistrate approved the County's request to demolish the structure and pursue foreclosure of existing liens to recover associated costs.

"After two major fires and years of serious sanitation problems, the property posed an unacceptable risk to public health and safety," said Jude Reazin, Pinellas County Housing Official. "Demolition was necessary to eliminate those hazards and protect nearby residents."

Pinellas County Code Enforcement works closely with local fire departments, law enforcement and environmental staff to identify and address hazardous property conditions. While the County makes every effort to work with property owners to resolve violations, on rare occasions legal action up to demolition becomes necessary to protect public health and safety.

Residents concerned about unsafe or abandoned properties can report potential violations by calling 727-464-4761 or submitting a complaint online.