Millbrook: Old Tropical Paradise buildings come down, but serious Issues remain

By Sarah Stephens

Elmore Autauga News

While the old buildings related to the former Tropical Paradise are now destroyed, there is still much work to be done on the property in Millbrook off Deatsville Highway.

The legal wrangling over the dilapidated and vacant structures began with the owner and the City of Millbrook last year. There were reoccurring issues with trash and high grass. However, another serious issue were groups of people gaining access to the buildings and making videos. Most of those videos showed juveniles flashing gang signs, apparently using drugs and doing other illegal things such as displaying guns and other weapons.

The Millbrook Police Department worked with the City Clerk to have the building’s owner notified that something must be done.

Fast forward to this year, and finally the buildings have come down. The owner was in Millbrook Municipal Court today, and the case has been continued until April 25.

The major issue that remains is that debris from the deconstruction has been pushed into the old pool, which does not follow the law. The debris will have to be removed and the pool filled in properly, according to Millbrook officials. The owner has told officials that work will begin next week.

The debris-filled pool poses a danger with standing water, and in summer could attract mosquitoes. The fence around the property now is not secure, and officials fear anyone trespassing on the property could fall into the pool.

The almost two-acre property is currently listed for sale.

As the buildings began being razed, many have asked what could be located there next. That is a question that currently has no answer, and there are no immediate plans officials confirmed.