In June of 1983 residents of Tarpon Pass Estates
were stunned to receive word they were being
evicted from their homes, and that they must
leave by August 10. The reason given by rental
agent Homer Addison was that beach erosion
over the years, and in particular within the last
two years, had become so severe it was
threatening the property. He said the homes
could no longer be insured because of the
weather and erosion issues, and that a letter had
been issued to Tarpon Pass stockholders explaining
concern for the safety of the residents there.
It was determined that the property would be
condemned, and there was talk of giving the land
to the county or the state.
In the January 15, 1984 edition of the Boca
Beacon a small article appeared on the bottom
of the front page titled, “Quarters moved.” It
read, “Those concerned about the displacement
of the black community in Boca Grande with the
removal of the “quarters” (Tarpon Pass Estates)
on the south end, need not be.
This page and facing page,
damage from the storm at Tarpon
Pass Estates.