WOODVILLE, FL \u2014 An unfinished aquaponics project in southern Leon County has been demolished after years of delays and financial setbacks. The Hines Aquafresh fish farm was originally intended to raise fish and grow crops. <\/p>\n
The partially built structure, located near Woodville Park, had drawn concerns from residents<\/a>. Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban says safety issues were a major reason the county acted once legally able.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was a life safety hazard. There was rebar sticking out, cinder blocks everywhere. All it took was one child climbing the fence, falling, and getting seriously hurt,\u201d Caban said.<\/p>\n For a time, the property operated under an agricultural exemption, which limited the county\u2019s ability to enforce codes. When that exemption expired last summer and was denied upon reapplication, fines of $250 per day began accruing on December 1st, following a formal complaint.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce those fines started to accrue, I think the property owner made the decision not to pursue the fish farm and instead pull a demolition permit,\u201d Caban said.<\/p>\n Hines Aquafresh spokesperson Werner Randolph said the project stalled for nearly three years due to financial setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricane damage.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen COVID hit, our investor passed away. After that, we were funding it out of pocket. Then the hurricane came. It slowed everything down,\u201d Randolph said.<\/p>\n Despite appearances, Randolph says the team continued to maintain the property and grow crops.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was going to bring jobs to Woodville. We had plants in there. We were trying to keep it agricultural and support the community,\u201d Randolph said.<\/p>\n Demolition began on February 13th. Caban says fines will continue until all debris is cleared. Randolph says the team is working to remove materials efficiently and recycle concrete and steel.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re bringing the wall down, clearing the debris, and crushing the concrete to reuse it. It takes time and money, but we\u2019re doing it,\u201d Randolph said.<\/p>\n Last summer, the county board approved a motion allowing staff to explore whether the landowner might be willing to sell the parcel for potential public uses, such as park expansion or housing. No decisions have been made.<\/p>\n For now, the property remains privately owned.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n