The Historic Preservation Board voted Sept. 4 to add 8345 Boca Ciega Drive, locally known as the “Pumpkin Shell,” to the city’s list of locally designated historic landmarks.

Lynn Rossetti, contract planner in historic preservation, presented the staff report and traced the house’s history: built circa 1925, the house was moved by truck in the 1930s from Saint Petersburg to the Long Key / North Beach area, and it retains characteristic bungalow/craftsman features. Rossetti said the property had been surveyed in 1987 and staff found it retains architectural integrity and is one of the older houses in North Beach.

Property family members Dennis and Sandra Sullivan, and their son Peter, spoke in support. Dennis Sullivan said the house has been in the family since 1946 (transferred to Sandra Sullivan in 1975) and that his research produced a booklet documenting the property’s history and continuity in the neighborhood; he provided that material to board members. He described the house as “well maintained” and noted family memories across generations.

Board members praised the research and the preservation of the property’s character. After a motion and second, roll call showed unanimous support and the board adopted local historic designation for the property (case 25082). Staff noted a forthcoming city-funded survey of North Beach that will inventory the area’s historic resources and support future district and designation work.

Designation adds the property to the city’s local register and makes it subject to the city’s local-review procedures for changes that could affect its historical character.