City reports Gulf High School purchase agreement in due diligence; council hears updates on waterfront projects and a new hotel

City Manager Manns told the council on Aug. 19 that a purchase agreement for the Gulf High School property has been executed and the city has a 90-day due-diligence period; he said a closing date has not been set and that staff will report back publicly when the date is determined.

Manns said, “the purchase agreement has been executed and that we have 90 days of due diligence, and a closing date has not been set at this time. But once it has, I’ll report fully and loudly.” Council members asked for a further report on timing and expressed interest in a follow-up work session.

Council members thanked developers for an Aqua Harbor presentation and discussed potential amenities—including conference space and kayaking access at nearby Schwetman—that they say could draw visitors and support downtown businesses. One council member urged that grant-seeking and design partnerships be prioritized to ensure the project meets community needs without encroaching on recreation facilities used by children and seniors.

Separately, Manns announced a Hampton Inn is planned on US Highway 19 at the Green Key site. Council members discussed possible coordination with the CRA and county staff on a separate land swap or purchase for the old West Pasco Press building in the Railroad Square area; the CRA was suggested as a potential purchaser to address valuation and redevelopment questions.

Next steps: staff will report back when closing dates or other agreements are finalized and the council indicated interest in an agenda item or work session to discuss site planning, CRA involvement and potential partnerships with county or federal funding sources.