Deserted private party hotspot ‘Beer Can Island’ famous for boozy parties & all-night raves goes on sale for £11million

7 months ago 2

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YOU could become the new owner of a private party hotspot famed for boozy blowouts and all-night raves – but for an eye-watering price.

The once-popular Beer Can Island in Tampa Bay, Florida, has gone on sale for a staggering $14.2 million (£11.2 million) after it’s owners decided “all good things must come to an end”.

Located between MacDill Air Force Base and Apollo Beach, it is a partygoer’s paradise.

But the island, which earned its nickname for the beer cans left behind by boaters, has been closed to the public since hitting the market in February for cryptocurrency and cash offers.

A planned auction was scheduled to run between early March and April 1, yet an influx of “multiple cash offers” left the owners no choice but to cancel it.

As a result, however, the island remains up for grabs for anyone who can afford it.

The luscious, uninhabited paradise, which is officially known as Pine Key Island, is described as an “extraordinary haven” by its current owners.

Dating back to the 1940s, the vacant split of land encompasses “approximately nine acres of picturesque pine tree-covered upland, along with approximately 60 +/- acres of shoal area.”

But it’s stunning habitat became a mere afterthought for those who previously travelled to the island in their droves.

In the searing summer heat of Florida, there’s no other place you’d rather be.

Kitted out with a full-sized Tiki bar, a sand volleyball court, and a massive inflatable slide, fun was available in abundance on the island.

The unique space also hosted festivals, weddings, and concerts, making it ideal for any type of event.

There was a price for the enjoyment, however, with attendees needing to pay for a membership to enjoy all of the islands features.

But the offshore oasis continued to attract tourists from all around nonetheless, marking its place in Tampa Bay history.

Cole Weaver, James Wester, Russell Loomis, and John Gadd are now ready to pass on the baton to someone else.

“It’s been enjoyable. 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 FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

He added: “This opportunity is exceedingly rare, as Pine Key is one of the only privately owned islands in Tampa Bay.

“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.”

The quartet shelled out about $64,000 (£50,581) for the hotspot in 2017, according to the report, but will now sell it for more than 221 times the amount.

However, they poured an estimated $5m (£3.9m) into renovations, per Benzinga, and weathered significant damage last year from Hurricane Idalia.

In 2023, the owners grossed $750,000 (£592,000) and paid $1,800 (£1,400) in property taxes, the New York Post report.

There was also $1m (£790,000) spent on zoning-related attorney fees over the years.

Zoning has been a sticky subject for the best part, with the island not currently zoned for any use.

The county, however, is pushing for it to become a privately owned nature preserve, instead of a private party place.

In 2023, Hillsborough County leaders raised concerns about the activities on the island, claiming it was tough to get first responders on and off if someone got hurt or needed help, Fox13 report.

County Commissioner Michael Owen, at the time, wanted the island to be designated as a private preserve, which would close the bar.

But Weaver explained that the new owners do have options.

“I’ve had a permit for over a year now with the Port Authority, to build a dock,” Weaver said.

“We could have built a restaurant. We could have built some shelter for when storms do come in.”

Weaver told Fox 13 that the new owner could have the island zoned for residential use and build a house.

“I think there’s a lot of endless possibilities, but I think they will have to try to figure something out with the Board of County Commissioners moving forward,” Weaver said.

According to the island’s official website, the new owners can rename the island if they so choose.

The property is also described as “an evolving story of transformation and untapped possibilities”.

It’s listing reads: “Immerse yourself in the possibilities Beer Can Island presents.

“Explore the myriad opportunities, witness its enchanting beauty, and envision the lifestyle that awaits.”