Owner explains decision to sell famous ‘Beer Can Island’
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s the end of an era, as Pine Key Island — better known as Beer Can Island — will be closed to the public after its owners have put the property up for sale.
The owners spent Thursday closing up the island, putting up signs that say “Island Closed, No Trespassing.”
The island located between Apollo Beach and MacDill Air Force Base.
“Been to Beer Can on multiple occasions, brought my kids out here when they were 5/6 years old, and other family members and stuff. So, it’s a fun little island to come to,” Captain Wes Burns said.
Now, the property is on the market, going for $14.2 million.
“Definitely when we bought the island, I think we had a lot more intentions with the island with being able to build a restaurant on the island and do some zoning issues that we’ve been going through,” said Cole Weaver, one of the owners of the island.
Weaver said over the years they have had several people camp out, held multiple concerts, put in a tiki bar, and have had weddings.
“I know Tampa Bay is a little nervous about the potential new buyer, but I think the owners are ready to take the next step in their lives and move forward,” Weaver said. “I think we’ve tried to do a lot for the Tampa Bay area and keep it open to the public.”
Weaver said he and a few friends bought the island back in December 2017.
He said throughout the years, they have owned the 9 acres above ground and all the submerged land around it.
Burns, who owns Gulfside Fishing Charters, said he takes people out there all the time.
“I get a lot of people from up north when I’m fishing this area right here and they go: We’re always hearing about Beer Can Island, where’s it at? And I bring them out here and the next thing you know, they’re out in the water having fun,” he said.
He hopes this isn’t the end for the boater’s paradise.
“I’d like to see it stay around just for the future and having fun out here in Tampa,” Burns said.
As the owners close this chapter, they said they will be taking the memories with them.
“There has been a lot of comradery and a lot of friendships made and we’re sad to kind of be moving on,” Weaver said.
