That’s a lot of clams.
Pine Key — an uninhibited, uninhabited 9-acre paradise in Tampa Bay, Florida, that’s known colloquially as Beer Can Island — is for sale for $14.2 million.
Cole Weaver, James Wester, Russell Loomis, and John Gadd shelled out about $64,000 in 2017 for the hotspot between MacDill Air Force Base and Apollo Beach, FOX 13 Tampa Bay reports. But now, the party’s over.
“We thought that we brought something fun and enjoyable to Tampa Bay, and I think it’s just time for us to kind of close the chapter and move on,” Weaver told the news station.
The soused sanctum, now closed to the public, went on the market in February for cryptocurrency and cash offers.
A planned auction was canceled “due to multiple cash offers,” Loomis told The Post on Wednesday, but “we have yet to accept or sign off on any deal thus far.”
The owners describe the vacant spit of land that dates back to the 1940s as an “extraordinary haven” that encompasses “approximately 9 acres of picturesque pine tree-covered upland, along with approximately 60 +/- acres of shoal area.”
Loomis told the Tampa Bay Times that when they splashed out for the sandy sanctuary their “vision was no different than a state park with adult amenities.”
People who purchased memberships got to enjoy features such as a full-sized tiki bar, a sand volleyball court, and a massive inflatable slide. The unique space also hosted festivals, weddings, and concerts.
The offshore oasis attracted tourists but also trouble — one Hillsborough County commissioner called it an “eyesore” last year and expressed concern about access for first responders in the event of an emergency evacuation.
In 2022, 11 people had to be rescued after their boat capsized near Beer Can Island.
Zoning has also been a sticky subject — the island is not zoned for any use.
The county is pushing for it to become a privately owned nature preserve, instead of a private party place. Activities have ceased while the zoning imbroglio is worked out.
The Times reports that the owners dropped $1 million on zoning-related attorney fees over the years — in 2023, they grossed $750,000 and paid $1,800 in property taxes.
They poured an estimated $5 million into renovations, per Benzinga, and weathered significant damage last year from Hurricane Idalia.
Weaver told Fox 13 that the new owner could have the island zoned for residential use and build a house.
“This opportunity is exceedingly rare, as Pine Key is one of the only privately owned islands in Tampa Bay,” Weaver explained. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the community and our members over the years, but all good things must come to an end at some point, and for us, that time is now.”
