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Gas Stations In Disrepair Fuel Code Enforcement Action

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By GEORGE WILKENS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 13, 2008

PLANT CITY Two abandoned gasoline stations have attracted the scrutiny of the Plant City Code Enforcement Board.

The properties are the former Petro Mart at 625 S. Collins St. and the former USA Grocers convenience store and gas station at Maryland Avenue and Baker Street.

At the board's Sept. 9 meeting, Code Enforcement Supervisor Dennis Sweeney testified there was no reply to a certified letter mailed to Petro Mart headquarters in Tampa in July, when the station was found to be in violation for failure to maintain a structurally sound building in good repair and failure to repair a damaged overhang.

As of the meeting, a $100-per-day fine levied for noncompliance of the property just south of the downtown historic district had accrued to $6,200, Sweeney said.

In the other case, a letter to California-based DBR Lease Exchange, owner of the former USA Grocers location at 1602 E. Baker St., produced no response, officials said. The board voted 7-0 to find the property in violation and allow 30 days for compliance.

Sweeney said the weathered plywood covering the building's windows is peeling and the gas pumps lack covers. He provided the board with photos.

Sweeney said the station was abandoned after the 2004 hurricane season.
"We've been getting complaints about this location," he told the board.

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