Feds still deciding Cancun's next move
Property might be auctioned online or sold by Realtor
BY JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News joe@gulfbreezenews.com

Karen Murphy/Gulf Breeze News Signs on the windows of Cancun's inform the public how information can be obtained about its sale.

Interest is high in the vacant Cancun's Mexican Grill building and property in Gulf Breeze that was seized by federal authorities in December.

The property's former owner, Rogelio Galvan- Chavez, was sentenced to life in prison April 30 for operating a major drug ring from the business and violating immigration and firearms laws.

The U.S. Marshals Service seized the property May 2, and it might be mid-July or later before the federal government markets the property for sale.

"Obviously, there's a lot of interest because there is not a lot of land left in Gulf Breeze Proper to be acquired," a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service in Pensacola said, requesting her name not be published.

"I'm optimistically hoping mid-July that we'll start the sales process on it. It either will be put up for sale through a local Realtor, or we'll list the property on an online auction service."

The Cancun's Mexican Grill sits at 1385 Shoreline Drive. A monopoly on the local Mexican food retail scene and its proximity to Gulf Breeze High School made it a popular dining location for adults, teens and family alike.

The community was stunned when Galvan- Chavez and 25 employees and associates were arrested Dec. 3, 2007, and charged with dealing large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine in a drug ring that stretched to as far away as Atlanta.

The U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson said seized properties often are auctioned through a worldwide Web site (www.bid4assets.com). Since 1999, Bid4Assets has helped the U.S. Marshals Service sell everything from luxury vehicles, collector cars, residential, commercial and agricultural real estate, timeshares, boats, aircraft, artwork and jewelry, among other things.

"Sometimes we have properties for a long time," the spokesperson said. "I'm hoping this one won't sit too long."