West Hernando Pools update: 77 pools remain unfinished, permitting privileges still suspended

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hernando County’s Special Master ruled this week that a pool builder that’s been at the center of a Better Call Behnken investigation has not made sufficient progress in finishing 18 pools.

Even though West Hernando Pools and Spas got that number down to 77, county officials said that’s not enough to get his permitting privileges back.

Company owner Frank Bierwiler appeared before the Hernando County Special Masters hearing to answer for his progress on 118 unfinished pools. The progress wasn’t good enough for Special Master Kenneth Warnstadt.

“My concern is the now seven open holes,” Warnstadt said. “I would be amendable to giving you your permit pulling privileges back once those seven are taken care of and we stop the bleeding.

“The first house that falls in the hole, the party is over for me,” he said. “And the party is going to be over for you.”

Warnstadt ruled that all seven with dangerous holes must be finished before Bierwiler can pull additional permits.

Homeowners packed the chambers, some pointing out that their permits are closed only because they paid other contractors to finish the work they already paid Bierwiler for.

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