'This is a generational decision:' Commissioners postpone decision on heated St. Pete Beach hotel battle

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. - St. Pete Beach neighbors came out in force against a proposed hotel expansion at the Sirata Beach Resort on Gulf Boulevard.

The owners of the hotel want to expand the property to include two new hotels, a 10-story JW Marriot and a 9-story Hampton Inn, totaling more than 600 hotel rooms when completed.

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Neighbors said they’re worried it would ruin the charm and feel of St. Pete Beach, bring additional traffic, and lead to over-development. 

"Pave paradise put up a parking lot, here we go again, nobody learns," said neighbor Vince Sullivan. "We are here trying to preserve the charm and simple town nature of St. Pete Beach. This is a generational decision."

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The meeting stretched for more than 10 hours Wednesday night into Thursday morning as city commissioners questioned project experts, and council members eventually adjourned to make the decision at a later date. 

City staff recommended approval of the permits for the hotels. 

The project was also seeking a permit to add a rooftop bar and restaurant for dining and dancing.

Representatives for the hotel owners pointed to several community benefits including dune restoration, crosswalk improvements, sea turtle protection, and public beach access.

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"We added a public access point running north to south 15 feet out of wet sand.  No matter how high the water line is. That means [the] public can walk to their property and not worry. Put a chair there. walk across and enjoy [the] beach," said attorney Elise Batsel, representing the hotel ownership. 

Neighbor Vince Sullivan said it's not just the residents who are against the project.  

"There are a significant amount of tourists that want it to remain," Sullivan said. "I walk the beach at 6 a.m, [and] It's always peaceful; walk the beach in Miami at 4 or 6 a.m., [and] it's never peaceful."

Commissioners decided at 2:30 a.m. on Thursday to delay their decision. They plan to deliberate and vote at their Tuesday, February 27, meeting at 6 p.m.