Historic board approves multiple local designations and two demolition certificates at Jan. 9 meeting

St. Pete Beach’s Historic Preservation Board approved six local historic designations and granted two demolition certificates at its Jan. 9 meeting, taking a series of largely uncontested votes that advanced preservation and cleanup decisions across the city’s beach neighborhoods.

Staff and applicants presented each nomination, and board members voted on each case after brief public comment. The items approved were local historic designations for the residences and structures listed below and certificates of appropriateness allowing demolition of two damaged buildings. All motions passed by roll call vote.

Why it matters: The designations formally recognize buildings the city says reflect Pass‑a‑Grille and St. Pete Beach architectural and community history; the demolition approvals allow removal of storm‑damaged structures so the city or owners can plan rebuilding or site cleanup.

What the board approved (case number, address, outcome): - Case 24102 — 1601–1603 Pass‑a‑Grille Way: Designation of the primary residence and secondary garage apartment as local historic resources. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicant/owner: Beth Jostren.) - Case 24107 — 111 10th Avenue: Designation of the two‑story primary residence, garage and guest house as local historic resources. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicant/owner: Eileen Gunther.) - Case 24109 — 3211 Gulf Boulevard: Designation of the single‑family residence as a local historic resource. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicants/owners: Kevin and Patricia Hughes.) - Case 24110 — 105 17th Avenue: Designation of the duplex residence as a local historic resource. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicants/owners: Ivy and Blake Bevel.) - Case 24113 — 3501 Casablanca Avenue: Designation of the single‑family residence as a local historic resource. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicants/owners: Kevin and Natalie Looney.) - Case 24114 — Pass‑a‑Grille Women’s Club, 2201 Pass‑a‑Grille Way: Redesignation of the clubhouse as a local historic resource. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicant: Pass‑a‑Grille Women’s Club; representative: Laurel, club president.) - Case 24118 — Shuffleboard Court Clubhouse, 101 9th Avenue: Certificate of appropriateness granted for demolition of the clubhouse building. Staff recommended approval without a demolition stay due to extensive storm damage. Motion approved by roll call. - Case 24119 — 2105 Gulf Way: Certificate of appropriateness granted for demolition of a two‑story single‑family residence deemed contributing to the Pass‑a‑Grille National Register Historic District. The board declined to impose a 30‑day stay. Motion approved by roll call. (Applicants/owners: Bill and Corey Stover.)

Public comment and staff notes: Owners and residents who spoke at the meeting described storm impacts to interiors, landscaping and docks; several owners noted their intent to rebuild. Staff repeatedly reminded applicants that the historic board cannot deny a demolition request but can impose a stay (30–90 days depending on the designation and circumstances) and encouraged applicants to coordinate early with city planning staff on potential reconstruction designs and funding opportunities. Staff also said FEMA and county grant options are being explored for some public structures.

Process notes: Each designation was supported by staff presentations that summarized the building’s age, architectural style, historic survey findings and photographs. For redesignation of properties placed on the local registry before the city became a certified local government, staff said a re‑documentation (photographs and updated nomination information) is required to secure certain federal and state preservation benefits.

Next steps: Owners of properties set for demolition or major repair were advised to coordinate with the city’s permitting staff, to preserve or document features the board noted (for example, historic site walls where feasible), and to watch for available grant cycles that could support reconstruction of historic resources.

Votes at a glance — roll call tallies: The minutes record the motions carrying by roll call for each item; individual yes votes recorded in the minutes included Chair Lowery, Vice Chair Hockensmith, Member Young, Member Hurley and Member Daschle (as indicated in the meeting roll calls).