Imagine turning a hidden gem in Florida’s coast into a money bag. Sounds too good to be true? Well — you are about to find out.
Fez – What happens when four friends, a deserted island, and a big dream collide? You get the incredible transformation of Pine Key Island — formerly known as Beer Can Island — just off the coast of Tampa, Florida.
And the plot twist? It’s now up for grabs with a jaw-dropping $14 million price tag (140M MAD approximately).
In 2017, these friends snagged the 9-acre slice of paradise for just $65,000 ( 650K MAD approximately) . Think of it as the ultimate “fixer-upper,” except instead of renovating walls, they were reshaping an island.
Over the past seven years, they turned the once-neglected party spot into a dreamy destination, hosting weddings, concerts, and events that could rival any Pinterest board.
“We had big plans,” said Cole Weaver, one of the proud owners, in a chat with WFLA News.
“We dreamed of building a restaurant and making it even more accessible, but zoning issues threw us some curveballs.”
Locals affectionately called it “Beer Can Island” for its party vibe, but the makeover gave it a new identity.
“Pine Key” became a hub of fun and connection, blending natural beauty with a touch of luxury.
The transformation was fueled by a mix of grit, vision, and more than a few late-night brainstorming sessions among the friends. But now, it’s time to pass the torch — or, in this case, the island.
“We’ve poured our hearts into this place, but we’re ready for the next chapter,” said Weaver to WFLA News.
“We’ve done our best to keep it public and accessible for the Tampa Bay community, but we know change is coming.”
Tampa locals are understandably nervous about the future of their beloved hangout.
What if the new owner slaps a “No Trespassing” sign on it? Weaver gets it, but he’s hopeful the next buyer will preserve the spirit of the island.
What’s included in the sale? Nine lush acres of land, 90 acres of submerged property, and a ton of memories made under the Florida sun.
While the island’s future remains uncertain, one thing’s for sure: it’s been an epic journey from a $65,000 fixer-upper to a $14 million showstopper.
So, what’s the moral of the story? Dream big, work hard, and maybe, just maybe, your slice of paradise isn’t so out of reach.
Who knows? The next chapter of Pine Key Island might be even better.
Read also: Forgotten Jobs That Shaped History