Holmes Beach treehouse to be demolished
The treehouse at Angelinos Sea Lodge had its final holiday over the July Fourth weekend. Owner Lynn Tran opened the property to fans, giving them a chance to take photographs and say their goodbyes before the treehouse is demolished.
Tran noted that the holiday was a fitting way to bid farewell to the beloved structure, which first appeared in The Sun's July Fourth issue in 2011.
Built in an Australian pine and supported by pilings wrapped in material resembling tree trunks, the treehouse has been a unique feature. Tran and co-owner Richard Hazen maintain that they contacted the Holmes Beach Building Department before construction to ask if a permit was needed and were told it was not. However, after the treehouse was completed, they were cited for building without a permit.
The city's building official claimed the initial inquiry was for a simpler platform supported by a tree, not the elaborate two-story structure with windows that was eventually built. The city denied Tran and Hazen’s after-the-fact permit application because the structure was too close to the erosion control line.
After a prolonged legal battle with the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) starting in 2011, a final ruling by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas in February mandated the removal of the treehouse. Tran and Hazen initially moved to appeal the decision but ultimately dropped the appeal, agreeing to tear down the treehouse, as confirmed by their attorney during a June case status conference.
While the demolition date has not been set, the treehouse is planned for removal by the end of July in accordance with a DEP permit expiring on July 31.
Over the July Fourth weekend, fans and community members visited the treehouse to reminisce and express their feelings about the pending demolition. Many shared their memories on social media.
“My husband proposed at the benches to the right of the treehouse,” said Misty Turcotte.
“Always enjoyed walking and checking out the treehouse,” added Jan Fitzgerald. “I loved all the animals in it.”
Over the years, the owners added quirky accents, including several animal statues, such as a leopard lounging above a window, a monkey swinging from a vine, and various other creatures.
One couple mentioned they were married on the beach in front of the treehouse, while another visited out of curiosity about its removal.
“It will seem weird on our next visit not to see it there,” commented Anne Douglas Johnson on The Sun’s Facebook page. “It is sad because it isn’t hurting anything where it is.”
Many expressed dismay over the demolition but appreciated the chance to see it one last time.
“It’s such a shame they have to demolish this beautiful treehouse,” said Beverley Thomas.
“It’s such a cool spot,” added Michelle Rose-Castillo. “Too bad they couldn’t have worked something out.”
“That was a long fight,” Brandy Orlando noted. “I wish it didn’t come to this; many fought for it to stay.”
“They fought a good fight,” Ali Spaid said of the owners. “It’s truly a shame the city wouldn’t work out a way for it to remain. It’s become an island staple for the last 13 years, lasted through major storms, and this discrepancy is what is taking it down. So much for our unique island. I hope the owners find comfort knowing how many locals are with them.”