Punta Gorda, Fla. City Manager Issues Ultimatum: ‘Tear Down, Rebuild, or Face Heavy Fines’

Punta Gorda, Fla. property owners have received an ultimatum from City Manager Howard Kunik, tear down or completely rebuild buildings damaged by Hurricane Charley, or face heavy fines.

Hurricane Charley hit Punta Gorda almost 18 months ago and Kunik has lost patience with property owners who have put off tearing down or rebuilding their buildings.

“At first we were trying to be sensitive regarding Charley, but now we are beyond that point. We need to clean it up. We need to get property owners to get moving forward. They are either going to rebuild, renovate or the structures need to come down for the benefit of the community,” Kunik told WBBH NBC-2 News in Punta Gorda.

The message is getting across. Nearly 50 buildings are on the city’s hit list, including a popular night spot.

Owners of damaged buildings received a letter which says their structures are a health hazard and need to be torn down or completely rebuilt. Otherwise they’ll face heavy fines and could be taken to court.