ST PETERSBURG
Historic designation process started for Westminster Presbyterian Church
St. Petersburg City Council unanimously passed an application for the local historic designation of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Old Northeast. The church, located at 126 11th Avenue Northeast, was built in 1926. Owner, the Presbytery of Tampa Bay recently listed the church for $2.3 million. The property consists of two parcels, the church property and a separate parking lot to the south a total of seven total lots, all designated for NT-3 single family zoning. Monica Kile, executive director of Preserve the ‘Burg, spoke in favor of initiating the historic designation process. She warned that without the historic designation, the church would eventually be demolished to make way for unaffordable single-family homes.
Salt Palm Development’s newest project, The Royal broke ground in mid-December on 13 units in the heart of Downtown St. Pete/ They feature sleek architectural lines, expansive glass windows, sustainable building elements, built-in smart home technology and more.
Salt Palm is Florida’s 1st and only Certified B Corporation developer and has committed 1% of its revenues to environmental causes and at least 50% of its profits to the betterment of the St. Pete community and Florida at large. Mayor Kriseman and Trevor Burgess spoke alongside Salt Palm CEO and developer Jared Meyers, founder of St. Pete For Good.
ExperienceCentralAve.com has won a second top award.
The innovative content experience won “The Henry”—the top honor—from Visit Florida’s 2019 Flagler Awards for Mixed Media Campaign. Earlier this year, Experience Central Ave., was also recognized by the Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) with Best Travel Website and Best of Show Website awards. The multi-layered digital journey showcases the many different experiences with more than 50 local businesses (ranging from boutique shopping to culinary to nightlife, history, art and more) that help make Central Avenue St. Pete’s coolest street.
Grand Central Brewhouse
Kevin Milkey and crew started work on, The Grand Central Brewhouse.
The ambitious concept will consist of a craft beer taproom, serving approximately 16 beers, and a second-story, outdoor roof terrace. In total, nearly 250 people will be able to enjoy the indoor and outdoor spaces at any given time, so start inviting your friends. The microbrewery will also be home to an open-air beer garden, hosting an additional 375 guests.
St Petersburg City Council has approved the creation of a new zoning category, Neighborhood Traditional Mixed Residential (NTM) to allow duplexes, triplexes and skinnier homes to be built in St. Petersburg neighborhoods. An amendment allows a variety of “low to medium density” building options, allowing a maximum density of 30 units /acre, with no more than four units per building. The category also allows accessory dwelling units. Design standards for the buildings will require buildings to be no higher than 36 feet, limiting the structures to two stories, in line with the current standards of the neighborhood.
They must be adjacent to a public alley, fronting to a “future major street” and outside of the Coastal High Hazard area – or the designated area of the city that would flood during a category 1 hurricane.
Property Markets Group (PMG) a New York-based developer, has offered the city $12 million to purchase the existing Municipal Services Center, an 11 story building on a 0.8-acre site that sits on Central Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets. It is currently the primary office building for city services and houses departments such as the planning department, code enforcement, and parking management.
As part of the deal PMG would build a mixed-use development on city land across from City Hall to include 100,000 square feet of Class A office space on top of a 500-car parking garage along with 220 residential apartments with additional parking. The city would control the office portion of the project while PMG would independently develop the residential portion.
The City would lease the office space with an option to purchase the office building at cost. If the city chooses not to purchase the office space, PMG would sell the building after five years and the City would be entitled to 50% of net profits from the sale.
According to the unsolicited offer, the development would contain:
- 100,000 square feet of office space
- 100,000 square feet of retail space
- 200+ room hotel
- 500 residential units
- 1,000 parking spaces
Mayor Kriseman had spoken about developing a new Municipal Services Center back in 2018, shortly after winning reelection.
ST PETE BEACH
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce – is holding their 2020 Business Expo February 6, 4:30 – 6 PM at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort before their annual dinner.
OTO Development, a hotel development and management company headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has bought the Howard Johnson by Wyndham in St. Pete Beach. OTO Development paid $34.5 million for the St. Pete Beach hotel, and simultaneously recorded a $45 million construction mortgage with Fifth Third Bank on the same day. The hotel, at 6100 Gulf Blvd., has 136 units with 14 suites and a 450-square-foot meeting room, according to Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. It also houses the Toasted Monkey Sports Bar & Grill. Brownlee Reagan Revocable Trust paid $5.9 million for it in 1992. OTO manages the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown, one of five Florida properties listed on its website. OTO Development, with a total of 64 management properties nationwide, is the 19th largest hospitality management company in the United States, based on gross annual revenue.
Keith Overton, long time general manager of the TradeWinds Resort, which was recently sold, has announced his next venture. “I have formed a resort development and management company that will lead the development of new large-scale, unique and innovative waterfront resorts consisting of first-class traditional resort amenities and meeting space, luxury cottages and up to Class A RV accommodations. Our mission will be to bring the awesome natural resources, fisheries and wildlife of Florida to our customers through all forms of outdoor recreation and the same fantastic aggressive service culture that was created and cultivated at TradeWinds.
Pioneering Resort Management, with new development partners, will create three new resort and restaurant projects that will open in late 2020 and mid-2021, with others to follow. These Florida projects are outside of Pinellas County, but I will continue to be a proud St. Pete Beach resident. You’ll be reading more about these offerings in the near future. Here is a taste of our new Anclote River Resort development scheduled open in late 2020. “With the commitment of 1754 Properties, the new ownership here at TradeWinds, to retain the excellent management team and staff, I am sure TradeWinds will continue to grow and reach its maximum potential. I certainly wish the new ownership the very best and continued successes.”
St. Pete Beach resident and Jewish historian Marcia Jo Zerivitz’s new book is already a hit, and she will be speaking at Dunedin Fine Arts Center on Jan. 16th during Florida Jewish History Month. “Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories” is published by Arcadia Publishing and traces the migration and contributions of Jews from 1763 to current. Her other books include “Jews of Tampa” and “Jews of Greater Miami.”
TREASURE ISLAND
23nd Annual Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition and Festival.
Being held on Treasure Island Beach, January 18 & 19, 2019. 23rd Annual Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition & Festival January 18-19t (10am-5pm). The 23rd Annual Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition and Festival returns to Florida in 2020 for your enjoyment! Taking place on Treasure Island Beach, Florida behind the host hotel, the Thunderbird Beach Resort.
Windworks is sponsoring and gathering competitors from around the U.S. to perform on Treasure Island Beach during the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend. Come be amazed by the talented kite flyers performing to music at this two-day event that includes dual-line and multi-line sport kite flying. Kite Ballet and Hot Tricks Competitions threw out each day for your entertainment. Contact Joe Fala Windworks at John’s Pass 727.320.9463
Should Treasure Island have a say on short term rentals?
The Greater Treasure Island Association (TGTIA) will be sponsoring a round table panel discussion on impending rental property legislation in Tallahassee that would preempt the City of Treasure Island’s authority to regulate short-term rentals. The event will take place February 13th at Treasure Island City Hall from 6 to 8 pm. The Panel will include representatives from various levels of government and civic/quasi governmental organizations.
Recently, the number of single-family homes being converted into mini-hotels has significantly increased. The proliferation of these converted rentals is overtaking residential neighborhoods and posing significant public safety risks. Tallahassee wants to prevent us from locally determining what is allowed at the city level. This public informational meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13th, 6pm, at Treasure Island City Hall Auditorium.
MADEIRA BEACH
Officials in Madeira Beach report a wild coyote wandering through city streets. If you spot a coyote contact Pinellas County Animal Control.
GULFPORT
Gulfport Community Support Grants
The Gulfport Merchant’s Chamber (GMC) is calling for applicants. Applicants must be certified tax-exempt non-profit organizations, government entities requesting funds for public purposes, or schools and colleges at any level. Applications available at www.VisitGulfportFlorida.com. Apply by March 31, 2020. Decisions by end of April 2020.
The GMC also gives back to the community in other ways during the year, including sponsoring “Gulfport’s Get Rescued” each February, benefitting animal rescue groups. And a monthly Clothing Swap benefitting CASA is held during the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market. Public art installations have also been commissioned and installed with GMC funding. For more info, contact GMC Board Member Brittney Sherley, GeckoWorldGrant@GulfportMA.com.
The 11th annual So Classic Car Show is set for February 1st in Trolley Market Square, 4901 Tangerine Ave S. Judging will be done in 10-year increments starting with the oldest registered car. Some of the proceeds to go to Vet sports. Founded in 2012 by three combat Wounded Veterans, VETSports aims to set the standard for how to improve Veteran’s physical, mental, and emotional health through sports, physical activity, and community involvement. Visit SO49.org, email JSRtraining@aol.com or call Phil at 727-439-0164 for a car show form.
TIERRA VERDE
The Marriott Residence Inn has opened where the Port-O-Call once sat at the Tierra Verde Marina. Apartment style rooms have full kitchens, a breakfast buffet and there’s a top floor restaurant with a view. Guests can get fresh Italian, French and Chinese food delivered from Tierra Verde restaurants, as well as the incredible Island Grille restaurant adjacent will ensure guests never go hungry.
Sea Beyond Marine Group is well established next door to the new hotel. Now there is a place for visiting buyers to stay while they are perusing the selection of new and pre-owned luxury yachts being offered including the New Center Consoles by Streamline Boats.
There is a Sunday Market in Downtown Tierra Verde every Sunday until May, from 9am-2pm.
ISLA DEL SOL
Sushi Rock Grill and the Deck have settled nicely into Isla Del Sol Shoppers Village, especially now that the weather has cooled a little. We sat on the back porch at Sushi Rock by the water listening to music from the Deck and enjoyed a terrific Thai and Sushi meal in a pet friendly environment. That is hard to beat.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony
Couples wanting to make the most romantic day of the year extra special, with a wedding or vow renewal, are encouraged to register for the Pinellas Clerk’s 14th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony. Up to fifty couples are expected to be joined together in a group wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14 in the picturesque Florida Botanical Gardens.
Couples must register online no later than Friday, February 7, 2020 by visiting https://clerkvalentinesdaywedding.eventbrite.com Contact the Clerk’s office at (727) 464-3008 or email recording@mypinellasclerk.org. For information about the Florida Botanical Gardens, visit www.flbg.org.
The Karol Hotel, our first Tribute Portfolio hotel opening at Feather Sound this month announced named Jon Atanacio as Executive Chef to oversee the hotel’s signature K Club Bar & Bistro and Vantage Rooftop Bar, while overseeing food and beverage offerings for meetings, corporate events, local catering functions and special occasions in the hotel’s 7,340 square feet of event space. Named by Fred Bullard, a veteran developer in the hospitality industry, in honor of his energetic and accomplished wife, Karol Bullard, this unique hotel focuses on delivering carefree comfort combined with intuitive design.
Atanacio has been a member of the Mainsail Lodging & Development family (managers of The Karol) since 2013, when he joined the Epicurean Hotel, near Bern’s. Prior Atanacio worked at several esteemed New York City restaurants. Scheduled to open January 2020, The Karol Hotel will feature 123 guest rooms and suites; a signature lobby bar and restaurant; a dazzling rooftop bar overlooking the waters of Tampa Bay; a combined 7,340 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and executive conference rooms; and a pool and fitness center. The Karol is centrally located in beautiful Feather Sound. For more info, visit TheKarolHotel.com. The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater, 727.273.7850
SKYWAY MARINA DISTRICT
District Update
Registration has begun for the May 1 May Day 8K night race
The “Old Kmart” was demolished for construction of The Addison, 308 class A rentals.
The Flamingo Resort has begun demolition for Marina Walk Apartments Miami style construction.
Sur Club (Old Home Depot site) is starting demolition for construction of 296 luxury apartments.
Woody’s Car Wash (Old Regions Bank), no update on demolition date.
Old Ponderosa – still available for purchase.
Self Car Wash – Under Contract.
Skyway Diner leased for BayCare Urgent Care.
Getaway Restaurant (closed after a year) – multiple inquiries and interest.
Bluster on the Bay Hobie Races January 18 ‐20
Division 8, Fleet 5, Fleet 36, Fleet 80 and Fleet 42 Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove
The regatta is open to all boats of the A‐Cat, Hobie 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, and Wave, F16, F18, Nacra 15 and Weta classes. Eligible boats may enter online through the Hobie Division 8 website / Regatta Fees after Jan 3rd Double handed boats $190 Single handed boats $140
A portion of the entry fee will be donated to the My Sail Foundation
TAMPA BAY
Tampa Bay Water awarded $25,500 in source water protection mini-grants to Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Pinellas County Schools’ Journeys in Journalism program and the Coffee Pot Bayou Watershed Alliance for projects that help protect the region’s drinking water sources. Tampa Bay Water is funding four of the 10 mini-grant applications they received.
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful will receive $10,000 to support education initiatives and presentations to school groups and community groups through its Environmental Education Program. The program teaches students the importance of putting waste in its place.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful will receive $10,000 to increase its K-12 educational curriculum on watershed health, water quality, source water health and habitat improvement. It also will expand its Annual Student Summer Workshops to include watershed stewardship education across Pinellas County and grow its Youth Advisory Council.
Pinellas County Schools’ Journeys in Journalism program, which includes students from Melrose Elementary, John Hopkins Middle, and Lakewood High, will receive $3,500 to increase media literacy and develop a community and civic engagement campaign to promote the value of a clean and safe water system in our community.
The Coffeepot Bayou Watershed Alliance will use $2,000 for quarterly volunteer cleanup events in and around the bayou located in St. Petersburg. It includes trash and invasive plant removal, horticulture services to support new native plants, monthly water sampling, and bird surveys. The alliance will engage public and private schools, including the Canterbury School of Florida, North Shore Elementary, and Shorecrest Preparatory School, and with Boy Scout Troop 219.
For more info visit tampabaywater.org/grant.