Bayshore Eyesore Comes Tumbling Down

The source of a 13-year stalemate came tumbling down in 35 minutes.

"The Gibson House," an unfinished, unoccupied and dilapidated concrete and plywood structure with black tar paper siding at 1813 Bayshore Blvd., was demolished early April 1, marking the end of the city's longstanding stalemate with property owner Robert Gibson.

Only the finished, pinkish-orange garage was left standing.

Truckloads of rubble were hauled to a site in Pasco County.

"The timing of the demolition couldn’t be any better, as this property will also be added to the MLS in the next couple of weeks," Matthew Campbell, assistant city manager, wrote in an email.

A Realtor working for the city will list the former Gibson parcel as a "surplus property" for potential buyers. The city commission would have to approve any offers before it is sold.

The land has a just market value of $57,606, according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser.

Gibson, 57, and his wife, Rita, bought the land for $37,000 in 2000, according to property records.

The Gibsons attempted to construct on the property based on an outdated 1997 building permit given to previous applicant, according to city records.

The incomplete house, fence and detached garage, which were built without updated permits, were against city code.

They were charged $50 daily for the violations, accumulating more than $30,000 in fines by 2008, according to city records.

Gibson went into foreclosure, refused to vacate, and engaged in a lengthy legal battle with city officials.

Because this is not the Gibsons' homestead property, they were not protected under state laws for homestead exemptions. 

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