City may get caboose from Panhandle diner
By TOM MICHALSKI
Article published on Friday, Jan. 20, 2006  |
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| This caboose, currently parked at a Panama City restaurant, would have a home in Pinellas Park. |
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PINELLAS PARK – A 50-year-old caboose outside a Panama City restaurant may soon have a new home at Park Station.
The 28,000-pound, 34-foot-long caboose that is painted bright pink has been parked at the Treasure Ship Restaurant for the past quarter century.
“The owners want to give it away,” Michael Gustafson, city manager, said. “We would like to have it here in Pinellas Park.”
Although the caboose is free, it could cost about $10,000 to have it moved here. Another $20,000 would be required to weatherize it, treat the wood body and make other improvements.
It is hoped that volunteers would cover the transportation and refurbishing costs.
Gustafson said the City Council has not yet agreed whether to go through with the project.
The caboose would most likely be parked on the tracks at Park Station that are now used by a faux historical handcar. It also may be placed on other nearby city property.
“It could be used for a commercial venture such as an ice cream stand,” Gustafson said.
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Article published on Friday, Jan. 20, 2006
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