The old Winn Dixie is slowly degrading as it stands vacant along State Road 121 in Williston. Photo by Linda Cooper

By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                Williston City Council members were united Tuesday in their determination to do something about eliminating an eyesore on State Road 121 – the vacant Winn Dixie shopping center.

            City officials want to talk to the owners before a final decision is made on how to handle the $80,000 in code enforcement liens pending against the property.

            The subject of the old shopping center was raised by Mayor Jerry Robinson when he asked City Attorney Fred Koberlein what could be done about the property.

            Williston Code Enforcement Officer Wayne Carson said he spoke to the owners of the property, an Orlando family, and they have agreed to visit Williston within two weeks to discuss the old Winn Dixie.

            Carson said he plans to bring the family to City Hall to introduce them to city officials and then walk the property with them to discuss the future of the abandoned shopping center.

            With $80,000 in pending liens on the property, Koberlein said the city has leverage to negotiate with the owners for a reduction of liens or it could foreclose on the property.

            “You obviously have a lien that’s worth tens of thousands of dollars,” Koberlein said.

            Koberlein added that there is no advantage in allowing the liens to continue accumulating. He said there is a state law that prohibits excessive code enforcement fines, but the meaning of the term “excessive fines” is debatable. Waiting too long to take action wouldn’t work to the city’s advantage.

            Robinson said children live in the neighborhood behind the property. They could be injured playing around the old Winn Dixie. He said it is the owner’s responsibility.

            He said a decision needs to be made by the city after the owners meet with city officials. He said everyone in the city wants to see something done about the property, “even if it’s a level piece of ground.”

            Councilman Charles Goodman said the place needs to be cleaned up, but he wants to discuss options for the property including tearing it down.

            “It’s been an eyesore coming into the city for years,” he said.

            Councilman Elihu Ross wondered what would happen if the city did nothing. Could the city be held liable if someone got hurt on the property?

            City Manager Scott Lippmann said the city has active liens on the property. He said the city is working to resolve the problem.

            Council President Nancy Wininger said she wants the council to discuss the property as an agenda item in two weeks. She said she doesn’t want to let the issue drop, “and we keep kicking it down the road.”

            The council agreed with her assessment.

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City of Williston Regular Meeting February 4, 2020; Posted February 4, 2020