Holmes Beach Officials Report Surge in New Home Permits, Plan Demolition of Unsafe Gulf Drive Properties
City commissioners received an update on new residential construction and pending demolitions during the Feb. 19 commission meeting, highlighting ongoing redevelopment and safety concerns following the 2024 hurricanes.
Code Enforcement Officer Evan Harbus reported that 19 new homes are currently under construction in the city, with additional building permit applications expected for another 19 vacant lots. The increase in permit activity reflects continued rebuilding efforts and new development across Holmes Beach.
City officials also discussed several aging or storm-damaged structures that may soon be removed due to safety concerns.
One of the most notable properties slated for demolition is a blue stilt home located at 2416 Gulf Drive. Harbus said the city has been working with the property owner, who plans to demolish the structure. Temporary fencing has been requested to secure the site while discussions continue with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding plans for a future home.
Building Official Rob Perry described the structure as severely deteriorated and potentially hazardous. He noted that structural components beneath the house are failing and that the exterior stairs are pulling away from the building. City staff are coordinating with state officials to install protective fencing in the nearby dunes to prevent access to the unstable structure.
Officials believe the building is at risk of collapsing onto the beach if not addressed.
Another property expected to be demolished is an orange bungalow at 1203 Gulf Drive South. Harbus said the owner previously sought assistance through the Elevate Florida program but was denied funding after the structure failed inspection.
Elevate Florida, administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provides funding for homeowners in flood-prone areas to elevate their homes above potential storm surge levels. However, Perry explained that older wooden structures often cannot safely be elevated.
According to Perry, homes more than 50 years old can deteriorate during the lifting process, making them unsafe to raise and ineligible for the grant program.
City officials said they are continuing discussions with the property owner about plans to remove the bungalow.
Holmes Beach has seen significant rebuilding activity since the 2024 hurricane season. As of July 2025, a total of 33 hurricane-damaged homes had been demolished across the city as part of recovery and redevelopment efforts.
