EVERGLADES CITY, Fla. — Collier County Growth Management has issued a demolition order for the historic Everglades City Railway Depot building.
The building was constructed in June 1928 and served as a rail station, community hub, restaurant, and city center for more than 100 years.
“It’s the history. We are losing our history. If we don’t salvage a little bit, what are my great-grandchildren going to have to look back on? It’s important we say something,” said Glenda Hancock, a longtime Everglades City resident and former employee of the depot’s restaurant.
NBC2 received a copy of Collier County’s notice sent first to Everglades City Code Enforcement and then to property manager Bill Odrey in mid-August.
It states: “The building noted above was found to be dangerous and unsuitable for the safe occupancy of its intended purpose. Immediate repairs up to and including demolition of the structure are required.”
The depot suffered severe damage from Hurricane Ian, including a partially collapsed roof, destroyed docks, and water damage.
“With some repair, I don’t believe it’s a dangerous building. This building will be standing when a lot of other buildings in the city are gone,” added Hancock.
Collier County’s demolition order includes a 30-day time frame to demolish the building. As of September 1st, that timeline now sits at 16 days.
“It feels like we’re in a pool and just treading water,” described Hancock.
In the meantime, property manager Odrey and Hancock are working on finding financial backing to support repairs.
You can join their movement via their website.
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