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Dade City board records unanimous concern over neglected 13910 14th St.; staff outlines demolition procedures
Summary
Staff told the Dade City Historic Preservation Advisory Board on March 9 that 13910 14th Street (Hudson House, c.1912) is open to the elements and the owner has been unresponsive to certified mail and phone calls; staff outlined demolition procedures, liens and the prospect of a tax sale if unpaid taxes persist.
City staff asked the Dade City Historic Preservation Advisory Board on March 9 to note the deteriorated condition of 13910 14th Street (referred to as the Hudson House) and to support proceeding through established legal processes if demolition becomes necessary.
Staff said the rear stairwell had been removed during an earlier unauthorized remodel and that recent photos taken the prior Friday show missing windows and siding, leaving the structure exposed to the elements. The board heard that staff has repeatedly attempted to contact the recorded owner but that certified mail has been returned and phone calls have either gone to voicemail or the listed number is disconnected.
Staff told the board it is asking for a unanimous vote acknowledging the house’s unsafe condition and that the city’s building official would follow established procedures to ensure any demolition is conducted properly. "Staff has been in... contact the property owner and all mail will still continue to reach out to make sure that appropriate steps are taken, but as of now, we have not heard from them," staff said. Members noted additional concerns about safety because a school sits next door and that the property has changed hands multiple times since 2002.
Board members reported that taxes have not been paid for two years and said a tax sale could occur if taxes remain unpaid for a third consecutive year. The board discussed the typical outcome when demolition is performed by the city — a lien placed on the property — and emphasized that legal processes and the city attorney would be involved before any final demolition occurs. One board member asked whether salvage of historic materials for local restorations could be considered; members also noted ongoing preservation work at the depot and transfers of salvage to the Spencer Dayton House and a student project digitizing archives.
The board recorded its unanimous understanding of the situation and indicated the matter will proceed through the city's legal and administrative steps; staff will continue outreach and will pursue building‑official and legal avenues if no owner response is received.
