Hemp helps build a house in Tarpon Springs, likely first in Florida

Tony Marrero, Times Staff Writer
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Bob Clayton leaned over the gleaming, industrial-grade oven, his crystal blue eyes focused as he slathered crab spread on golden-brown pieces of bread.

While Clayton prepared the crostini, his dozen or so guests sipped beer and sparkling wine in the kitchen and combined living-dining room of his Florida-style ranch home. Scott McKenzie’s San Francisco played softly on the Bose sound system. The Saturday afternoon gathering had the feel of any one of a thousand house parties likely happening in Florida at that same moment.

Clayton’s guests, though, felt like they were making a little bit of history as they mingled.

After more than two years of fits-and-starts construction, the 62-year-old retired mechanical engineer was hosting the first party in his house made of hemp.

“I’m excited they’re excited,” Clayton said. “There’s a real buzz in this crowd.”

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