Eight-story Tower Project Sparks Controversy And Local Funding Concerns Again

The project, which aims to convert a portion of the existing structure into a new eight-story tower, received approval from Commissioners Karen Marriott and Betty Rzewnicki, but not Mayor Adrian Petrila and Commissioner Lisa Robinson, who expressed concerns about the building's compliance with the city's comprehensive plan and FEMA regulations.

According to Kevin Bowden, managing partner of Miramar Beach Resort, the new tower will feature 30 rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and will be the first new hotel space in St. Pete Beach since Hotel Zamora opened in 2014. However, the project has not been without controversy... with Mayor Petrila and Commissioner Robinson citing a lack of additional financial contributions from the resort to address the city's budget shortfalls.

The crisis facing the city includes a $25 million sewer system repair bill that will need to be addressed over the next five years, as well as ongoing costs of $770,000 annually to operate the Freebee service, "a popular transportation hub in St." Pete Beach. At the meeting, Commissioner Moholland expressed frustration with the resort's decision not to provide additional funding to help alleviate these expenses, "stating," "There was no contribution for Freebee or intermodal or anything to help with the sewer... You folks have made your position on that clear." Baynews9. com reported that the proposal underwent a lengthy public discussion before the commission voted on the matter... and it is unclear what the long-term implications of the decision will be for the city and the residents of St. Pete Beach.

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Kevin Bowden, a managing partner of the Miramar Beach Resort, is the key figure associated with the development project. He is responsible for receiving approval and conveying the project's potential benefits to the community. Bowden has exhibited leadership skills, as he is willing to invest in a new project and ensure its economic benefits for the city.

However... his reluctance to contribute to the city's budget shortfalls may raise concerns about his commitment to the community's well-being.

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ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The owners of the Miramar Beach Resort narrowly received approval from the St. Pete Beach city commission earlier this month to renovate a portion of the existing hotel and build a new eight-story tower. "It's going to be great to have something new open," said Kevin Bowden, Miramar Beach Resort managing partner. "Give people something to look forward to."