Mila Ortiz presents Pinellas County housing plan to local committee

The Local Planning Agency (LPA) meeting held on April 10, 2025, in Pinellas County, Florida, featured a detailed presentation by Mila Ortiz, the sole owner of Mila Mania Properties. Ortiz addressed the agency regarding her proposal to convert a property, referred to as the "purple monster," into three residential units.

Ortiz began by outlining her background, emphasizing her local roots and commitment to community development. She expressed her intention to revitalize underutilized properties in Pinellas County, focusing on creating middle-class housing. Her plan involves converting a house and its oversized garages into living units, which she believes are suitable for either a three-bedroom or two-bedroom configuration.

During her presentation, Ortiz highlighted discrepancies in the LPA staff report concerning the zoning and land use of surrounding properties. She noted that while her property was classified as a duplex, it had previously functioned as a quadplex and even a five-plex. Ortiz pointed out that the surrounding properties varied significantly in size and use, suggesting that the current zoning classifications do not accurately reflect the reality of the neighborhood.

She also shared the history of her property, explaining that the previous owner had attempted to renovate it for four units but was denied a permit due to its classification as a legally nonconforming property. This denial led to the abandonment of the building, which Ortiz described as unlivable at the time of her purchase.

Ortiz urged the committee to consider the unique characteristics of her property and the surrounding area when making decisions about zoning classifications. She emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to zoning that takes into account the diverse nature of properties in the vicinity.

The meeting concluded with Ortiz requesting the LPA to reconsider the zoning designations in light of her findings and to support her vision for revitalizing the property. The agency's response and any subsequent actions regarding her proposal remain to be seen as they continue to evaluate the implications of her presentation.