Code Enforcement Orders Punta Gorda AA Hotel LLC to Sod Former Hotel Site within 120 Days

The Punta Gorda Code Enforcement Board found Punta Gorda AA Hotel LLC in violation of Punta Gorda demolition and site-restoration rules on Oct. 21, 2025, and ordered the respondents to bring the property at 300 West Retta Esplanade into compliance within 120 days.

Nick Faulkner, Code Compliance Supervisor for the City of Punta Gorda, told the board that his inspection on March 17, 2025, showed exposed soils and remaining parking surface after demolition of the hotel and restaurant, which he said violated chapter 26, section 16.5(c)(1) and section 16.5(h) of the Punta Gorda Code. Faulkner submitted 13 photographs and an invoice for case costs of $28.37.

Derek Rooney, attorney for the property interest appearing on behalf of Punta Gorda AA Hotel LLC, told the board the respondent had been working with the city and contractors and was studying the highest and best use of the site. Rooney said the owner has plans and updated quotes to finish demolition but that completing the subsurface drainage removal would add roughly $200,000 to the cost. He said his client would prefer to remove the surface parking, sod the site and post a bond or letter of credit to cover later removal of underground drainage structures when reconstruction moves forward. "We are moving — we do have plans, and we have updated quotes to demo the remainder and to sod the property," Rooney said.

Ron Evertz, Public Works Director, told the board Public Works required removal of the underground chamber stormwater system where present, but that the department would consider a bond to ensure future removal if the owner sods the surface now. Rachel Berry, Zoning Official, said she had observed people entering the site when gates were left open and urged that the city see progress or keep the property secured while restoration proceeds.

Carl Rich moved that the board find the respondents violated the cited sections of the Punta Gorda Code, issue a cease-and-desist for future violations, require compliance within 120 days, and require payment of case costs of $28.37 within 30 days; the motion carried. The board warned that failure to comply could lead to fines of up to $250 per day plus interest.

Rooney told the board his client is finishing a study to determine the site’s best use and hoped to finance demolition costs as part of future construction loans; he and city staff said they would continue to coordinate on a schedule and any bond or letter-of-credit terms.