New proposal could allow Daytona Beach Shores officials to deal with Treasure Island Hotel

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — Residents in Daytona Beach Shores say one eyesore property is holding their city back, the Treasure Island Hotel, which has been sitting empty for years along South Atlantic Avenue.

Now, even city officials say they've had enough.

Channel 9's Mark Joyella learned about a proposed ordinance that could finally allow the city to go in and deal with the property itself.

For years now, the city's sat helpless to clear away the remains of the hotel, vacant and storm damaged, and to the city, a huge obstacle to new development.

"The beachside is stagnant with these buildings just sitting there," said resident Ashley Robinson.

The city has drawn up an ordinance that would create new regulations for vacant or abandoned properties, including deadlines in which owners would be told, fix them up or tear them down.  If the owners don't handle the problem, the city would then be allowed to step in.

Under those rules, Treasure Island, with its uncovered windows, structural damage and a fence that's nonexistent, would be considered a dangerous structure. Instead of sitting vacant even longer, the city would be able to make a move within months.

City managers said many of the delays with Treasure Island were caused by an extended and drawn-out bankruptcy.

But the new city ordinance would strengthen the city's hand when it comes to simply taking action.

City Council will vote on the new rules for vacant properties next week.  At that time, they hope to have an update on when they could take action concerning the Treasure Island property.

WFTV