Bob’s Boathouse threatened by unpaid bills

Published: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 3:40 p.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 3:40 p.m.

But the restaurant's revival could be short-lived: If owner Tom LeFevre does not pay county utility services by the end of the month, the restaurant could lose its temporary certificate of occupancy and be shut down.

Bob's owes $77,063.44 in utility fees, which date back to late October.

Several letters have been sent to the restaurant, Sarasota County spokesman Curt Prussier said. If some issues are not addressed and updated by the end of the month, the license will not be extended past its Dec. 30 expiration date.

LeFevre could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

A handful of contractors including Tim Mitten, whose company, Full Moon Promotions, was hired to promote events at the restaurant and other former employees also claim that they have not been paid for their work on or at the restaurant, 5515 S. Tamiami Trail.

LeFevre and his company also face a half-dozen liens placed on the Bob's property and others from his past.

Since the restaurant and bar opened, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies have responded to dozens of noise complaints made by neighbors who live in the Phillippi Creek area.

The Sarasota County Commission, which collected emails and phone call complaints from residents and withdrawal letters from construction contractors, brought the issues to light at a commission meeting in Venice on Tuesday.

Donald Murphy, owner of Sarasota-based D.E. Murphy Constructors Inc., submitted a withdrawal letter to the commission last week, asking that his information be removed from the planning services file as the general contractor on the property.

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Bob's Boathouse threatened by unpaid bills