Celtic Ray granted permit to pave overflow lot with shell

Punta Gorda City Council on Sept. 4 granted the owner of Celtic Ray Public House a temporary-use permit allowing covering for the tavern’s parking area with shell marl instead of sod, which would have cost more than $20,000.

Previously, Celtic Ray owner Kevin Doyle and partner S4 Global Investments, who own the parking area comprised of three adjoining lots across the street from the pub, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code. The code mandates land in the city cannot have exposed soil of 1 square foot or more.

Code officials said Doyle could come into compliance by putting down sod. Doyle countered that it would cost upward of $25,000 and within months would be ripped up anyway, as he plans to build a five-story hotel, brewery and English pub on the site.

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