Holly Hill commission orders demolition if owners do not clear fire‑ruined house at 4 William Drive

Holly Hill — The City Commission on Monday found that a house at 4 William Drive is a public nuisance and authorized city employees to demolish the structure if it is not brought into compliance within seven days.

Staff reported the house was destroyed by fire on Dec. 21, 2024, the special master found the structure “dangerous to life and safety,” and certified notices were sent to interested parties. At the time the staff report was prepared (March 3, 2026), outstanding fines and liens totaled $37,050 and magistrate fees totaled $500. Staff recommended the commission declare a nuisance under the city code and allow the city to remove the structure if it is not demolished or repaired by April 1, 2026, with demolition costs to be recorded as a lien on the property or added to the non‑ad valorem portion of the tax bill.

During questions, a commissioner asked whether there was a mortgage on the property; staff said the title report did not list any bank mortgage of record and that no probate estate had been opened, limiting parties staff could contact. Staff explained that unpaid taxes can lead to tax‑warrant purchasers eventually seeking a deed, and that the city can institute foreclosure or place an assessment on the property to recoup demolition costs.

A resident, Mike Servo of 719 North Flamingo Drive, urged the city to treat the site as an “imminent hazard” and confirmed the process staff described — including city seizure and lien placement — would be the city’s remedy if the property posed a public danger.

The commission moved to approve staff’s recommendation and voted to authorize the demolition process as described. The motion passed unanimously.