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Train depot reaches end of line

The Clearwater Train Station is being demolished after the owner and the city can't agree on transfer of the property to public ownership.

CLEARWATER - Former city commissioner and Pinch-A-Penny pool supply founder Fred Thomas says he would prefer not to tear down the Clearwater Train Station.

The last of five old-time depots in the city, the building has historic value despite its latter-day conversion to a hot dog stand, Thomas says.

But after Clearwater officials balked this spring at conditions he laid down as part of an offer to donate the station to the city, Thomas has decided to bring in the bulldozers.

"We gave it every shot we could," he said. "It's over with."

Last week, crews finished tearing off the station's outer skin as part of asbestos abatement requirements, according to Thomas.

And the site at 651 Court St. is surrounded by fence.

"Now the rest of the building can be demolished," said Thomas. "I would think it would be all over with in a couple weeks."

Local historians and city officials were disappointed to lose the train station.

"It's a landmark," said Mike Sanders, vice president of the Clearwater Historical Society. "I think it's a sad day for Clearwater to lose a rich part of its heritage."

City Manager Bill Horne said the city couldn't live with Thomas's demand that the station not be used for profit.

"He wanted us to accept the building and then tell us what to do with it," said Horne. "I mean, hello? That did not make sense."

Once the station comes down, Thomas said he plans to clear out Freedom Park next door in order to redevelop the entire downtown parcel.

His plans to build a gas station and convenience store on the property were denied by the city in June, but Thomas has appealed that decision.

Records show the city has not issued a permit to tear down the train station, which dates to 1924. But Thomas he said he expects to receive one soon.

As for Freedom Wall, the massive monument he erected bearing the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and words of Jesus Christ, Thomas was coy.

He said he will need cranes to remove the granite slabs, which stretch 10-feet tall and 120-feet long. Thomas declined to reveal the wall's destination.

"That'll be announced when it arrives," he said.

- Jennifer Farrell can be reached at 445-4160 or farrell@sptimes.com