SUBJECT:
Title
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution to Close and Abandon SE 136th Court within the Lake Weir Beach Section, Plat Book C, Page 54
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Steven Cohoon, P.E., County Engineer |
Office of the County Engineer |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
This is a request by Petitioner Anthony P. Mendola, representing Black Rock Lake Weir, LLC, to close and abandon SE 136th Court within the Lake Weir Beach Section (Plat Book C, Page 54), thereby renouncing and disclaiming the rights of the County and the general public within the subject corridor.
The location at SE 136th Court, historically identified as West Canal Avenue, was established through the original 1926 Lake Weir Beach Section plat. The roadway is located immediately west of the “Lake Weir Atlantic Canal” and is identified by the Office of the County Engineer (OCE) as a County maintained subdivision unpaved local roadway. The corridor has historically provided residential access to properties to the west, including the petitioner's property, and has been utilized for canal maintenance.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) considered and denied the request on September 14, 2026, determining that the proposed abandonment was not in the public interest. The County Engineer also does not support the proposed abandonment due to the roadway's historical use, existing public access and maintenance functions (including maintenance of the canal), and the potential need to preserve public rights within the corridor. As part of the utility outreach effort related to this request, Duke Energy has responded that they object to the closing.
The petitioner is pursuing abandonment in connection with a proposed replat of the adjoining property and is requesting closure of the entire platted roadway. Although staff does not support the abandonment, a Resolution has been prepared should the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) elect to approve the request. The proposed Resolution reserves an easement for County access for canal maintenance, along with any existing utility rights.
Pursuant to Section 336.09, Florida Statutes, the BCC has the authority to determine whether the roadway should be abandoned in whole, in part, or retained for public use.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to uphold the Development Review Committee's September 14, 2026, decision and deny the petition to close and abandon SE 136th Court, finding that the proposed abandonment is not in the public interest.
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