Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
WILL VAN SANTCounty inspectors, already familiar with the Bayport Inn, found the structure's floor dangerously close to collapsing into a marsh - home to a resident alligator.
BAYPORT - Citing safety concerns about Bayport Inn's expansive outdoor deck, county inspectors ordered the platform closed Monday.
The order comes just as cool summer breezes off the Gulf of Mexico beckon families and bikers to the restaurant's back deck to enjoy fried grouper and cold beer while watching local marshes and wildlife.
Seizing on a tip that restaurant managers believe came from recently fired employees, six inspectors from the county Development Department arrived in the afternoon armed with a list of alleged code violations.
Inspectors were familiar with the Cortez Boulevard address, since the restaurant has run afoul of building and county Health Department rules before.
Inspectors examined recent renovations to a game room, but found little that was troubling. A bar had been relocated; some electric wiring rerouted. They saw some problems with the bar's plumbing, but nothing that could result in fines. A new boat dock mentioned to officials could not be located.
Then inspectors came to the deck area, where they found boards that sagged dangerously under their weight. With dismayed looks, they considered the 4-by-4s that were supposed to be supporting the edge of the deck. The wooden supports were suspended above the marsh, with what appeared to be only a very little mud to rest on.
"I'm more concerned about that deck than anything else," said deputy building official Ralph Zanello, shortly after the inspection. "We consider it a life and safety issue."
The deck is at ground level, so any catastrophe like Sunday's third-floor porch collapse in Chicago, which killed 12, is not a threat. However, as inspectors examined the deck, they debated the size of a resident alligator, Wally, that lurked underfoot.
Wally appeared to be about 5 or 6 feet long.
"If someone fell in," Zanello said, "they could be a meal to that gator."
Restaurant owner Bruce Hammond accompanied the inspectors. While hardly enthusiastic, Hammond said he would keep patrons off the deck and cooperate with officials to get it rebuilt, a process that may involve building plan and engineering reviews.
"Obviously," Hammond said, "we need a new deck."
Three years ago, Hammond had threatened to sue the county and Health Department for harassment after his restaurant was ordered closed.
Officials found that untreated sewage from the Bayport Inn was being discharged into nearby marshland.
It was also revealed that an inspector with the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation charged with ensuring the restaurant's compliance had business ties to Hammond.
The Bayport Inn was removed from the inspector's route.
Since then, the restaurant has largely addressed the Health Department's concerns and hooked into the county sewer system.
Another owner, attorney Thomas Hersem, said relations with county officials have improved since the sewerage controversy, and that he intends to keep the tone cordial.
"You don't want to be a bad neighbor," said Hersem, who added that the welfare of customers was a primary concern. "We will cooperate with them any way we can."
The county will send Hammond a letter outlining the results of their inspection and ordering the deck rebuilt.
From the date the letter is sent, the owners have 10 days to get a permit for the work, then 15 more days to begin the project.
There is no timeline for completion, but Zanello said officials would monitor work on the deck to ensure steady progress.
In the meantime, the deck remains off-limits.
"If we come by here and see people sitting out there," Zanello said, referring to Hammond, "we will shut him down."
- Will Van Sant covers Hernando County government and can be reached at 754-6127. Send e-mail to vansant@sptimes.com