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A group of party-loving friends shelled out $64,000 (R1.1 million) for a private island in 2017 and turned it into a famous, and infamous, private party pad colloquially known as Beer Can Island.

The party however seems to be over now as the tropical hotspot has been listed for sale at $14 million.

Cole Weaver, James Wester, Russell Loomis, and John Gadd, splashed out on the rowdy patch of paradise in the hopes of “creating 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.

 

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For a while, the party was indeed pumping, with the offshore oasis attracting tourists but also trouble — one Hillsborough County commissioner even called it an “eyesore”.

In 2022, 11 people had to be rescued after their boat capsized near Beer Can Island, and soon the county began pushing for it to become a privately owned nature preserve, instead of a private party place.

The idea to have a private island to party seemed to have merit, but zoning issues saw the group spending nearly $1 million (R18 million) on zoning-related attorney fees over the years, as well as a whopping $5 million (R93 million) on renovations and reconstruction following Hurricane Idalia. All the expenses seemed to have become too much for the group, and the private island is now back on the market.

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.”

Beer Can Island is located in the middle of Tampa Bay, three kilometres offshore from Apollo Beach and three kilometres from Mac Dill Air Force Base. The buyer can rename the island if they so choose.

The owners are now accepting cash, as well as crypto offers.

[source:beercanisland]