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Welcome to www.SaveTheBiltmore.com   Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Built 1897, Belleair Florida

TODAY'S ALERTS and CURRENT STATUS OF THE HOTEL

These donation buttons do not work! To donate click here:

VICTORY!!    THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL IS SAVED!

Welcome to Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc., a nonprofit organization.  A group of people dedicated to saving and preserving the 1897 Belleview Biltmore Hotel, all four wings and all guest rooms so this beautiful building remains a hotel with AUTHENTIC Victorian charm.  This web site was launched by Diane Hein, president of Save the Biltmore Preservationists in November, 2004 when it was first learned that the Biltmore might be demolished. We always welcome new supporters.  Email me Diane Hein, if you wish to be on my Save the Biltmore Update mailing list in which I send out news about the Biltmore and its events and activities.  There is exciting news to report!  

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Legg Mason Real Estate Investment company from Los Angeles, California has purchased the Belleview Biltmore as of Wednesday, June 20th, 2007!  After a three year long battle with many struggles, the war is won!    Legg Mason has great plans for preservation and restoration and plan to make the Biltmore a 4 or 5 star hotel!    The Biltmore is on the National Register of Historic Places, this offers NO legal protection for the hotel.  The Biltmore was also placed on the list of 11 most endangered historical buildings by the prestigious National Trust.  Florida Trust also placed the Biltmore on its list in 2006.  Again these preservation organizations provided absolutely NO legal protection to save the Biltmore!  These organizations only support and endorse historic protection.  

We have a brand new Save the Biltmore T-shirt and tote bag design by renowned watercolorist Janice James so click here to order it at our online store. 

EN FRANCAIS,  ESPANOL,  GERMAN
 

 

2007 Year at a Glance Save the Biltmore Calendar  $4.95 plus $4.50 handling and shipping

Sunset Splendor Clearwater Beach, FL  #5  Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY with every $25 donation!  We need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional nature or still life fine art photograph.  For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect  to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!  All 17 photos are by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the number or name of the fine art photograph you want!  

Belleair’s Historic Preservation Ordinance  Clearwater Gazette October 27, 2005
By Renee Burrell

Diane Hein President Save the Biltmore Preservationists, commented before the vote, “I do hope that all of Belleair’s commissioners vote "yes" to pass it to show their support of saving the Biltmore Hotel. It will take 30 days for the ordinance to go into effect once passed, but preservation attorney Nancy Stroud has been quoted as saying that Belleair's Comprehensive Plan will protect the hotel from demolition.”   Belleair’s planning and zoning meeting convened on the 18th, with the historic preservation board on hand. Attorney Stroud reviewed the changes previously recommended by board members and commissioners, including stronger language to protect the hotel interior’s most significant elements with regard to location, design, material and workmanship. Stroud incorporated language in the ordinance that will enable Belleair to become a certified local government, opening doors to preservation grants, preserving the town’s heritage and attracting historical tourism.  According to the ordinance, Urdang will have to abide by the ordinance codes along with other historical property owners. One of which gives the town the authority to fine property owners who intentionally or inadvertently neglect historic sites. Click on newspaper articles for full article. http://www.savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreNewspapersAndPublications.htm, second from top.

Belleair passes ordinance aimed at saving hotel from destruction  (readers note, only the first draft of the ordinance has passed)     By Leo Coughlin

BELLEAIR - The preservation ordinance aimed at keeping the historic Belleview-Biltmore hotel from being torn down was passed by the Town Commission on first reading October 4, but a leading advocate of preservation still isn’t satisfied.

Diane Hein, who led the fight to keep a developer from demolishing the hotel – the largest occupied wooden structure in the world - wants the Preservation Board to have enforcement powers.

Nancy Stroud, the lawyer whom the town engaged for the specific purpose of handling matters related to the hotel issue once plans were revealed that it might be torn down, said she favored the commission being the final authority on preservation matters.

Hein’s group had drummed up tremendous opposition to the DeBartolo’s group plans to demolish the hotel and build new residences.

Blocking Urdang’s plans boils down to a race to the barn, so to speak, because once the preservation ordinance takes effect in mid-November it will trump any plans to tear down the hotel.

The 25-page ordinance created by Stroud contains many elements including preservation of other historic homes and measures to prevent an owner of any designated historic structure from allowing the building to become decrepit through neglect.
 
 

Our Save the Biltmore Preservationists Take Flight!

A few weeks ago the Belleair Bee newspaper published on their front page a magnificent aerial photo of Clearwater Beach and a banner that says:  SAVE HISTORY: WWW.SAVETHEBILTMORE.COM

Tom Merrifield of Ad Air Force donated his banner and time to help save the Biltmore for us!

Click on this link to see this beautiful photo: http://www.savethebiltmore.com/SaveTheBiltmorePreservationistsTakeFlight.htm  The Belleair Bee headline was "Save the Biltmore Takes Flight" and the copy was: "Save the Biltmore Preservationists recently took their message to save the Belleview Biltmore Hotel to the skies over Clearwater Beach. Tom Merrifield of Ad Air Force, St. Petersburg, donated his time and banner to www.SaveTheBiltmore.com to help generate public support to save the Victorian hotel built in 1897." 
 
 

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20050929/biltmore.html  (for full article)

Biltmore preservation group wants no condo aspect in hotel  by Leo Coughlin
 

While it appears DeBartolo Development has backed off from its plans for a project on the site of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, a rival bidder for the property is a threat also, according to Diane Hein, president of Save the Biltmore Preservationists. (please note THIS web site!) Hein makes it clear that her group is opposed to the total demolition of the Biltmore. She wants complete historical preservation of the hotel. A lawyer specially engaged for the purpose, Nancy Stroud, has formulated a preservation ordinance that will be coming before the Belleair commission next month. Hein points out that the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is run as a successful hotel that has been extensively preserved through the efforts of a strong preservation ordinance. Other hotels in the country, she says, that are similarly run as successful hotels while being under preservation protection are Victorian Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island in Michigan and the Coronado Hotel in San Diego.

Note: This web site is against having Rory Hiller purchase the Biltmore.
 

READERS:  We here at Save the Biltmore Preservationists are pleased that DeBartolo has backed off because their most recent plan was to demolish the north and south wings as of their presentation to Belleair last week. They backed off due to public pressure and lack of support by the town officials for their plans. My www.SaveTheBiltmore.com web site has worked tirelessly to stop the total demolition of the Biltmore since April of this year, 2005.  I actually put up this web site in December, 2004, when I first heard the Biltmore was to be demolished.  I want to thank Biltmore supporters and Belleair citizens who attended town meetings and or wrote letters to help save the Biltmore over the past few months.

Our group is for historical PRESERVATION OF THE BILTMORE BOTH INSIDE AND OUT! The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables/Miami, Florida is run as a successful hotel which has been extensively preserved through the efforts of a strong preservation ordinance giving many decisions to their historic preservation board. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida does NOT have high-end condo/hotel units in their historic hotel!!!   The historic Victorian Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island is run successfully with NO condo/hotel units!  The Victorian Hotel del Coronado Hotel in San Diego and the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas is successfully run with NO condo/hotel units!

ART OF TONY BLUE
Click here to see the new posting of the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel series by local artist  Tony Blue.  Total of eight.

"The White Queen of the Gulf"       "Gardenias on the Veranda" For all eight series click:  Tony Blue
 
 

FUND-RAISERS NEEDED!
If you have any experience with holding fund-raising events or have participated in them and want to help in this regard to save the Biltmore, please email me.

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

We need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every
$25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional fine art or still life nature photograph. For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All photos by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photograph you want!
 

Path to Serenity Clearwater, FL   #6    Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!

    "On Wednesday, Richard Wilhelm, the president of the company managing the resort, said the Biltmore has doubled its   gross revenues since 2002. There is no termite problem now, he said, and the resort is regaining momentum.

     "The hotel has not been sold. Period," Wilhelm said. "The hotel is operating fine and looking forward to a very busy holiday season. The first quarter of 2005 is very solidly booked."

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/011205_bee-01.txt  January 12, 2005

     “We’re looking forward to an incredible first quarter,” Richard Wilhelm, president of the hotel’s management company, Trust Hotels, said Tuesday. “Bookings are 50 percent ahead of the first quarter of 2004.”

     But Wilhelm was less forthcoming when it came to long-term plans for the resort.

     “I have no comment about ownership except to say that we’re looking forward to a strong first quarter of 2005,” he said. “I’m glad that we’re in a very good, stabilized situation.”

You CAN make the difference in saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  Just start talking, calling, emailing!

NATIONAL TRUST PLACES THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE ON ITS 11 MOST ENDANGERED LIST
The National Trust included the Belleview Biltmore in a list it released Thursday, June 2, 2005 of America's 11 most endangered historic places.   The National Trust has helped save many historical buildings through its efforts in bringing national awareness to historic places.  The Belleview Biltmore already has been placed on the Florida Trust's 11 most endangered historic places as a result of this save the Biltmore web site with so many people writing to this preservation organization and raising Florida State awareness per the ONE MINUTE EMAIL campaign.  The following quote is from the National Trust web site:   “Today, the Belleview Biltmore is still one of West Florida’s most picturesque and beloved landmarks–and a thriving destination as well, attracting thousands of guests yearly.  "Like other historic hotels, the Belleview Biltmore is a link to America’s past, offering guests top-quality accommodations with an appealing taste of history,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust. “But unlike many other historic hotels that are threatened, this one is still doing a thriving business. That makes it doubly hard to understand why its demolition is necessary–or even sensible.”   For the complete National Trust article:  http://www2.nthp.org/11Most/2005/belleview.html Click the link below for the full story in the St. Petersburg Times, "Historic hotel added to endangered list  Belleview Biltmore supporters hope a national list will give them traction against demolition plans." By Lorri Helfand, Times Staff Writer Published June 3, 2005 http://sptimes.com/2005/06/03/Tampabay/Historic_hotel_added_.shtml
Please write to National Trust, President Richard Moe, and John Hildreth, Director of National Trust, Southern Office to encourage them to find ways to save ALL four wings of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  This web site supports saving the entire hotel, and we need support letters to them in this regard.
    Richard Moe, President, National Trust
    richard_moe@nthp.org
    National Trust for Historic Preservation, Southern Office
    John Hildreth, Director
    John_Hildreth@nthp.org

YARD SIGNS ARE AVAILABLE!  

It will take some time to completely update this web page, so please do not ask for yard signs since the hotel is now saved!

While we will provide yard signs free, feel free to donate $10 for each yard sign when you pick them up to help cover expenses.  Thank you!   NO money is ever collected at this web site.  Let's have a "sea of red" yard signs across Pinellas County to save the Biltmore!  We still need people to distribute yard signs in NORTH Pinellas so email if you can do this.  To obtain a yard sign click: Locations

CALENDAR
Check out upcoming events right below this paragraph- put them on your calendar.

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

We need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional fine art nature or still life photograph.  For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All 17 photos are by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photograph you want!

Nature's Canopy #3     Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!
 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:   (bring a car load of your friends and family to all meetings!)

For a complete list of events at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel click Activities

FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL, BELLEAIR, FLORIDA

Every first Friday at the Biltmore is open to the public where cocktails and appetizers are served.  Bring your friends and neighbors, have fun and enjoy meeting new people at the Biltmore!

ABOUT US

Welcome to Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc., a nonprofit organization.  A group of people dedicated to saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, all four wings and all guest rooms so this beautiful building remains a REAL historic hotel.   We welcome volunteers interested in helping us save the Biltmore.   We will NEVER own the hotel, and we are AGAINST any group that wants to put ultra modern hotel/condo units in the Biltmore that would require extensive remodeling and against anyone wanting to put condominiums around the Biltmore!   Diane Hein, is president, Edward Jameson, vice president, Doug Mann, Secretary/Treasurer.   To be on my Save the Biltmore Update mailing list to receive news of the Biltmore and hotel events and activities Email me Diane Hein.

I, Diane Hein, launched this web site, www.SaveTheBiltmore.com  up in December, 2004 after it was reported that the Belleview Biltmore was to be torn down.  I wanted to use this web site to help generate ideas to help save the entire hotel. Fortunately there was enough public support voiced that this did not happen, and the Biltmore was spared the wrecking ball!  At that time I mailed out my photography and poetry greeting cards, called Hellocards,  along with my bookmarks (each bookmark has a photo of the Biltmore) to announce this web page to various people who hopefully would take an avid interest in saving the Biltmore PERMANENTLY!   (My other Hellocards, photography and poetry are located at www.DianeHein.com if you wish to know more about me.  I love historical buildings and artifacts, hence my interest in saving the Biltmore.)

On April 12, 2005, The St. Petersburg Times newspaper published an article indicating that the Belleview Biltmore AGAIN was under contract to be sold and destroyed.   They mentioned this web site, www.SaveTheBiltmore.com, as I had kept it up and running, as I felt that it would only be a matter of time until another attempt would be made to destroy it.  My worse fears came true.  Honeywell and Urdang had a contract to sell the Belleview Biltmore to the DeBartolo group and put condos in its place and possibly another hotel.  For nine months with much public support and the efforts of this web site, the Biltmore has been spared demolition.  However, the redevelopment/demolition permit will be voted upon this month, January 17, 2006.

My personal vision, along with another Biltmore friend, would be to have the Belleview Biltmore as a world class golf, tennis and tourist resort.   We could include more museums inside, woodworking and stained glass artifacts, classes and stores, to pick up on the fact that the Biltmore is the largest continually occupied wooden structure in the world.  (The Biltmore has an authentic glass Tiffany ceiling in the Tiffany ballroom.) We could include a Victorian lobby, Victorian decorated rooms for a higher price, beautiful gardens for people to walk around in and then later they could enjoy afternoon lunch or tea on Biltmore's lovely out door veranda.  A recent article in the St. Petersburg Times newspaper indicated that people are wanting more historical sites to visit, so the Victorian Biltmore would have a grand future ahead of her! And with Baby Boomers heading into retirement, they will want to go to historic places even more.  So how about it Supporters and Friends of Belleview Biltmore, this is the perfect opportunity for YOU to help us Save the Belleview Biltmore so that tourists have a historical place and perhaps all kinds of interesting museums inside the Biltmore to visit right here in Florida!

Write local newspapers, the editorial columns, public officials, television stations and historical societies such as those listed above to get the ball rolling and make more public awareness.  Time is running out!   We need to build a support system to Save the Biltmore.

To view some of the historical rooms of the Belleview Biltmore click:  Photos of the Biltmore. For more history on the Biltmore Hotel click: History of the Hotel

To donate money for a newspaper advertisement to save the Biltmore Hotel click here:  Newspaper Display Advertising.
We will put your name or your business name on the ad for your donation.  A sample display advertisement for a newspaper or magazine is on that page.  Your name will be on the ad.  Email me for more information.

The purpose of this web site is to gain community, county, state and national awareness and attention to help save and preserve this historic Victorian hotel, the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, largest continuously occupied wooden structure in the world, built in 1896, Belleair, Florida, Pinellas County.   The Belleview Belleair Biltmore Hotel was built in shingle architectural style, Queen Anne, by Henry Bradley Plant and is on the National Historic Register.  Many famous dignitaries have been guests at this hotel including President George Bush, President Jimmy Carter, President Gerald Ford, the former King of England, (the Duke of Windsor) the Vanderbilts, the Pew family of Sun Oil, the Studebakers, the DuPonts, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Lady Margaret Thatcher.

If we all combine our efforts as a team, we can save the Biltmore forever!  There are 400 employees working at the Biltmore, so not only must we save this precious hotel but we must save these employees' jobs!

For a direct link to the Belleview Biltmore's web site click:  http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com

Here is a copy of the poetry from the Hellocard greeting card I have sent out.
 

                                                                                           The Biltmore poetry below is inside the Hellocard shown above

Save The Historic Belleview Biltmore! By Diane Hein,President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists and owner of this web site

The Belleview Biltmore, you're an aging lady with a rich, youthful past
What can we do to save you, to help you forever stand fast.

It has been said that your business expenses are much too high
Now sadly developers would destroy you without one cry.

I and the community will rally round your cherished walls
To save you and to preserve your heritage and honored halls.
 

Thought for the Day by Diane Hein

We are not just saving a hotel, we are saving history.
 

Smile for the Day by Diane Hein

I don't want to go before my time and neither should the Biltmore!  :)

To purchase a package of six Save the Biltmore Hellocards (greeting cards) for $13.50 click here:  Greeting Cards

To purchase a package of six Save the Biltmore booksmarks for $5.70, click here.  Bookmarks
 
 
 

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

We urgently need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional fine art nature or still life photograph. For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All 17 photos by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photograph you want!

    Cozy and Quaint Belleair Bluffs, FL   #9    Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!
 

IDEAS FOR THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL AFTER WE SAVE IT:

A Supporter of the Belleview Biltmore wrote me this.  It is a more detailed description of what I wrote above under "General Information."   He prefers not to use his name, but I felt his ideas were very creative and intriguing, so here they are:  Since the Belleview Biltmore is the largest wooden structure in Florida and the largest continually occupied wooden structure in the world, it would be terrific to use this to develop the Biltmore's reputation. For example,  have a school for woodcrafts including:  woodworking, such as restoring and making anything with wood, wooden boats, antique reproductions, wood carving, veneering, wood joining, cabinet making and marquetry.  Small stores could be set up to sell this merchandise, and retailers would be paying rent to sell their merchandise.  He said the Belleview Biltmore could also have a wood craft museum, a wood product museum through the ages and pay as you go classes.  Since the hotel is Victorian, he said we should have a Victorian lobby, furnish some guest rooms with Victorian themes (charge more for those of course) and have a Victorian school of cooking with original recipes. Since the magnificent Tiffany ballroom has original Tiffany glass in the ceiling, stained glass classes would fit right in and it would be a wonderful idea too.  See Biltmore photos on the web page for the photo of the Tiffany ceiling.

If you share this vision, and have a plan and or the money (a group of dedicated golfers perhaps?) to save the entire building, please email me.

I have received many emails for this web site as a result of many media publications so I want to thank all of them for mentioning www.SaveTheBiltmore.com.   I also want to thank everyone who who emailed their support at this web site to save the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.   May everyone who loves this historic hotel join together to preserve it now so that it will be saved for our generation and for future generations to come.

The Belleview Biltmore is not losing money or nor has it out-lived her use fullness.  It is not a fire hazard and does not have termites beyond some window problems.

The hotel has been late in payments to the condo association and others, but given the problems the current management group has faced since taking over it is not surprising. This group took over the property over just before 9/11. They have been hit with an unprecedented hurricane season and news of the hotel's demise.   9/11 hit the tourism industry hard, and these events had to have affected occupancy.  Even so, the hotel is doing well.  Richard Wilhelm, CEO of the current management group, Trust Hotels, attests to this view in an editorial published in the Tampa Tribune, on December 19th of last year.

In regard to being a fire hazard and termite infested, the frame of the building is made of heart of pine. This is a lumber with a very unusual property.  It petrifies over time making it impervious to termites and fire.  In addition to this she has one of the best fire suppression systems ever designed.  If properly maintained the Belleview Biltmore could out live every structure in Pinellas County if not the southeast.

The Belleview is in jeopardy because of two simple reasons.  One, she sits on a valuable slice of land and two, she has been cosmetically neglected for many years.  If you want to learn more about the hotel take the tour offered every day at 11:00.  It will be one of the most enjoyable hours you have ever spent.  We would suggest doing it soon because if Honeywell, Urdang and Debartolo prevail, this Grand Dame will soon be a pile of rubble.

If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive current events information and Belleview Belleair Updates about saving the Biltmore, just click Belleview Biltmore Supporters Mailing List and I, Diane Hein, will add your name and email address to our mailing list.

In saving the golden treasures of the past, we bank on enriching the present and the future.

We are not just saving a hotel, we are saving history.
 

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

We need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every
$25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional fine art nature photograph.  For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All 17 photos by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photograph you want!

Red, White and Blue Forever!   #13   Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!
 

It will take some time to completely update this web page to reflect the new owner, so PLEASE do NOT do any of the below except #11 and #12 since the hotel is now saved! 

The hotel owner is currently taking bids for the purchase of the Biltmore.  Email me if you are interested.

If you want to know what to do help, here are the answers:
 

The Belleview Biltmore is a public jewel for both Pinellas County and the State of Florida.   Preserve this treasure by taking just ONE MINUTE of your time and writing to the addresses below and forwarding that same letter to all of them.  We need an outpouring of letter writing to Urdang and Associates, the real estate owners of the Biltmore, but if you have only one letter to send, send it to Belleair officials: letter #1 below.

Do your part today, VOTE with YOUR ONE MINUTE LETTER, tell them that you want to save all four wings of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  Then feel good that you helped save this elegant lady.  The power of the ONE MINUTE LETTER multiplied by hundreds and thousands will SAVE THE BILTMORE.

Be part of changing history, of saving history and of securing AMERICAN history.

We have had a very successful campaign in getting local Biltmore coverage in newspapers and television to the point that they asked us not to write so many letters!  So now the NEXT step is to get FLORIDA state coverage to keep the momentum strong.  The email addresses below include the media for the State of Florida.

If you feel you are not adept at letter writing or do not have enough time, simply cut and paste the following letter, parts of it or add to it.  There are also longer letters sent to this Message Board which you are free to use all or part of it or to simply give you ideas on what to say.
 

Sample letter #1:
 

    To Whom it May Concern:

    The Belleview Biltmore Hotel has a rich history in Pinellas County, Florida, and we need to fight to save
    this elegant lady. I want to voice my opinion that we need to save the ALL four wings, east, west,
    north and south of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel for my generation and generations to come. In January
    please deny the redevelopment/demolition permit that has been submitted by the hotel owner.

    Please do all you can to preserve this valuable landmark, a jewel in Pinellas County, a gem in peoples' hearts.

    Sincerely,
 
 

Email your own letter or email the above sample letter to ALL of these addresses below by simply cutting and pasting these email addresses into your an outgoing email with the subject line of:      SAVE THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE!    Only ONE MINUTE is required!   The list below includes the email addresses on this web page PLUS email addresses of the State of Florida news media.   Feel free to write any of them individually of course!  We must continue writing letters as it is working!

Most email programs will handle 100 outgoing emails at one time.  If for any reason all these do not fit into your email program, simply sent out to twenty to fifty addresses at time.   It is MOST important to send your ONE MINUTE LETTER now to them!

YOU can save the Belleview Biltmore!
 

gemarianijr@cs.com, tmanager@tampabay.rr.com, fowlerarch@aol.com, gmkatica@highstream.net, bruggles@tampabay.rr.com, tshelly@tampabay.rr.com, mimaxwel@tampabay.rr.com,sppilink@aol.com, surdang@urdang.com, vsanfilippo@urdang.com,rgodwin@urdang.com, scoopchik@urdang.com, Adminstrator@ushs.com, publicaf@co.pinellas.fl.us, dferro@dos.state.fl.us, tebeaulib@aol.com, richard_moe@nthp.org, John_Hildreth@nthp.org, director@floridatrust.org, saveamericastreasures@nthp.org, members@nthp.org, Info@npi.org, Jeannie_McPherson@nthp.org, Mary_Billingsley@nthp.org, Mary_RuffinHanbury@nthp.org, enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk, napc@uga.edu, info@usicomos.org, Dunhist@Compuserve.com, rduncan@pinellascounty.org, charris@pinellascounty.org, slatvala@pinellascounty.org, jmorroni@pinellascounty.org, kseel@pinellascounty.org, rstewart@pinellascounty.org, ktwelch@pinellascounty.org, fl_ltgov@myflorida.com, president@whitehouse.gov, senator@billnelson.senate.gov, bill.young@mail.house.gov, WVENTV@entravision.com, jcarr@wxel.org, news@wftx.emmis.com, wbcc@brevardcc.edu, wceu@wceu.pbs.org, desk@wesh.com, dadams@water.net, winknews@winktv.com,tv20news@wcjb.com, news5@wuft.org, mailbox@wb39.com, bbrooks@ccjax.com, jmiller@wawsfox30.com, wjeb@wjeb.org, news@wjxt.com, newstips@firstcoastnews.com, wb18wkcf@wb18.com, greenepub@greenepublishing.com, wscf-tv@bellsouth.net, upn33@wbfs.com, info@wdlptv.com, info@americateve.com, info@wirn.org, newsdesk@wsvn.com, fox49@fox49.com, info@t51.com, wtvjnews@nbc.com, wogx@wogx.com, johnny.Langley@mybrighthouse.com, newsdesk@cfnews13.com, desk@wkmg.com, wmfe@wmfe.pbs.org, wrbw@wrbw.com, wpbfnews@hearst.com,wjhg@wjhg.com, admin@wmbb.com, business@wpgxfox28.com, blab@blabtv.com, wbqp@wbqp.com, news@weartv.com, wfgx@emeraldcoast.com, dmayo@whbr.org, tshields@wpmi.com, donguercio21@msn.com, wwsbnews@wwsb.tv, lori@wtcn.com, news@wtxl.com, mail@wfsu.org, dlethers@tbci.org, newstips@wpecnews12.com, NC5@scripps.com, ZCREW@ZRADIO.COM, am950wtln@aol.com, wflnradio@earthlink.net, tom@wwbf.com,us1radionews@aol.com, iynstyne@aol.com, wjed911fm@bethanybc.edu,wrmb@moddy.edu, wbrdradio@aol.com,wwjb@innet.com, otiodai@galsa1030.com, robbie@gladesmedia.com, wqba@netmio.com, amor107@netmio.com, wrto@netmio.com, waq1@netmio.com, mail@wave94.com, amor107@netmio.com, wrto@netmio.com, waq1@netmio.com, mail@wave94.com, waazwjsb@earthlink.net, oldies1027@atlantic.net, wapn@wapn.net, mwilliams@wndb.am, ccherry106@aol.com, wrod@cfl.pp.com, wzep@wzep1460.com, manager@oysterradio.com, qax@qqwjbx.com, theblizzard933@msn.com, wafg@crpc.org, corporate@jamescrystal.net, sales@wsrf.com,wayj@wayfm.com, jyo@aol.com, manantial1350@aol.com, wgcunews@fgcu.edu, gator1019@aol.com, energi1440@aol.com, info@wqes.org, production@star.newsouth.net, wpsm@aol.com, kiss1053@aol.com, wygc@atlantic.net, jeremy@thejoyfm.com,radio@wuft.org, istephens@wayradio.org, info@gospel903.com, wrzn@atlantic.net, suetreccase@clearchannel.com, staff@citrus95radio.com, angie@wafz.com, wcgl@aol.com, planet@planetradio933.com, wioj@wioj.net,wktz@jones.edu, wjctradio@wjctpbs.org, gary@salesmjax.com, oldies@cool969.com, thepoint@1029i.com, kaye.delo@aol.com, wybf@bbnradio.org, wnpb@bbnradio.org, bankbk@isgroup.net, 913fm@email.com, 97country@wpcv.com, wlvo@alltel.net,wmaf@sumnet.tv, programmers@wlog.com, kathykovry@bellsouth.net, jharris3@tampabay.rr.com, twebb003@tampabay.rr.com, Sharon970@tampabay.rr.com
 
 

E. SCOTT URDANG
surdang@urdang.com
Chief Executive Officer of Urdang and Associates
630 West Germantown Pike, Suite 300
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 818-4614 Direct
(610) 818-4615 Fax

Dear Mr. Urdang and Mr. Sanfilippo:

    I am writing to urge your company to save the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida.  As owners of this

If you would like to write separate letters to other individuals click: WHO TO WRITE TO INDIVIDUALLY

Do it now!
 
 

2.  Click Save the Belleview Biltmore Flyer and you can print these flyers out and distribute to your friends, neighbors, place in stores, restaurants, churches, organizations, offices, car or home windows.    This flyer is shown in color but it may also be printed in black or white just depending on your printer.  Or print one flyer out and take it to a printer and have 100 or more of them printed in black and white to pass around for just $5.  This flyer is an easy way for you to help save the Biltmore by spreading the word!

3.  Display advertisements to put in newspapers, we need donations for this.  Email Me for further info.

4.  Belleair town meetings to attend.

5.  If you live in Pinellas County please send a letter asking your Mayor to support this initiative.

6.  Spread the word
        1. Tell 10 - ask family and friends to help, ask them to tell 10, etc, etc. etc…
        2. Tell groups - you're church, civic club (Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
        3. Check our distribution list - if you have one to add or an inside connection at a place on the list, let us know.

7.   If you have a web page, personal or business, just link our web site www.SaveTheBiltmore.com to it, and the search engines will pick up up the link creating a large web ring so this site will get more hits.  Feel free to use this jpg for a link also in your web site back to this web site.

8.  Sign up to be on the Belleview Biltmore Supporters Mailing List  to receive current Belleview Biltmore Updates.

9.  If you belong to ANY organization such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, PTA, sports groups, garden clubs, church groups, civic organization, political parties, churches, fraternities, sororities etc, have your organization print out the Save the Belleview Biltmore Flyer and distribute to stores, restaurants, offices and friends etc.  Print one out in black and white and take them to a printer and have 100 printed out for only about $5!

10.  Pick up a yard sign
While we will provide yard signs free, feel free to donate $10 for each yard sign when you pick them up to help cover expenses.  Thank you!   NO money is ever collected at this web site.  Let's have a "sea of red" yard signs across Pinellas County to save the Biltmore!  We still need people to distribute yard signs in NORTH Pinellas so email if you can do this.

11.  Spend a night, a weekend or a week at the Biltmore!   Feel its Victorian charm while you stay there, take the historic tour at 11 a.m., lounge the day away at the pool, enjoy the spa there, and remember that the Biltmore is just minutes away from beautiful Clearwater Beach.  The Biltmore also has its own golf course, the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club, red clay tennis courts and has an off the site restaurant on Sand Key, the Cabana Club which serves excellent food with a beautiful view overlooking the water.  Catch a glorious Florida sunset while you dine there.   Staying at the Biltmore will help its financial viability!

12.  Book a luncheon, meeting or convention at the Biltmore.  There are many meeting and conference rooms, the Tiffany ballroom and other facilities to make your meeting a success!
 

We urgently need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional nature fine art or still life photograph. For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo! Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All 17 photos by Diane Hein, photographer, poetry and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photograph you want!

Golden Glow   #10    Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!
 

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

WHO TO WRITE TO INDIVIDUALLY

It is important to again have a HUGE PUBLIC OUTCRY in order to save the Biltmore Hotel.  This helped save this magnificent hotel a few months ago.  So PLEASE write to newspaper editors, televisions stations, developers, owners, historical organizations and email addresses above and below, and voice your opinion to SAVE this wonderful hotel.  We MUST keep fighting to save the Biltmore.  All individual email addresses below are also listed in the mass mailing addresses above but if you wish to write individual letters feel free of course.

Newspapers, Television and Publications:

It will take some time to completely update this web page to reflect the new owner, so PLEASE do NOT do any of the below!

From now on we will be sending out press releases to all local and national news media as our local systems have been overloaded with emails from Biltmore Friends and supporters!   However, since we have very limited state or national coverage at this point, if you live out of the Tampa Bay area, please feel free to email your letters of support to your local newspapers, television and radio stations to increase state and national exposure.   Many thanks to the media for continuing to cover this important story.

One of our battles is for the public to continue to demand that the Belleview Biltmore must be saved.  So I urge Belleview Biltmore Friends to write letters to the editor to keep our cause going in the media.  Remember your ONE MINUTE EMAIL to an editor will help keep the general public aware that we are continuing to fight!   This Victorian lady needs your help.  YOU can make a difference.

St. Petersburg Times: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/

Tampa Bay Newspapers including the Belleair Bee:  editorial@tbnweekly.com

Tampa Tribune:  http://feedback.tbo.com/

 I want to thank the following for their coverage of saving the Biltmore and or for mentioning the www.SaveTheBiltmore.com web site.  The St. Petersburg Times Biltmore article, Lorri Helfand, April 17.    Local NBC TV channel 8 for Biltmore coverage Friday, April 22.  The Weekly Planet Biltmore article by Mary Mulhern, April 20.  The Tampa Tribune, TBO, for the Biltmore article by Carlos Moncada.  There have been many other newspaper articles concerning saving the Biltmore and they are all at: Newspaper Articles and Publications.

Real Estate Developer:

(Please note that all the email addresses shown below are also included in the mass email list above!)

Please note that DeBartolo has backed off from buying the Biltmore due to efforts of this web site and many others!
 

Ed Kobel
President/COO
DeBartolo Development
14934 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33613
(813) 676-7682 or Office: (813) 676-7677
Toll Free: (866) 209-8958
Fax: (813) 676-7696
ekobel@debartolodevelopment.com

Geza Henni
CFO, DeBartolo Development
14934 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33613
(813) 676-7682
ghenni@debartolodevelopment.com

Daniel Sharpe
SVP Site Development and Construction, DeBartolo Development
dsharpe@debartolodevelopment.com
 

Historical Preservation Organizations:

It will take some time to completely update this web page to reflect the new owner, so PLEASE do NOT do any of the below!

If historical preservation organizations become aware that a number of citizens are concerned about preserving the Biltmore Hotel, perhaps these organizations can help stop any potential demolition and preserve the Biltmore Hotel as part of Florida's heritage.    Here are a few organizations that have been found so far.  Feel free to write them immediately!

(However please note that all the email addresses shown below are also included in the mass email list above!)

http://www.preservationdirectory.com
A wonderful list and web site of over 1,300 online preservation organizations, programs and historical societies in North America including ours from this web site: Save the Biltmore Preservationists:
http://www.preservationdirectory.com/preservationorganizations_fl.html  and
http://www.preservationdirectory.com/endangeredhistory.html
 

St. Petersburg Preservation, Inc.
http://www.stpetepreservation.org/
P.O. Box 838
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
(727) 824-7802
Email: sppilink@aol.com

Their email address is also listed in the mass mailing list above.

For 25 years St Petersburg Preservation has worked to seek the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, maintenance and acquisition of important natural, scenic, historic and architectural sites and structures.  In the past this has been accomplished by defining historic districts and sites, seeking landmark status for structures, and by fostering an appreciation of St Petersburg's built environment, whether it be the homes that compose our neighborhoods, the hex blocks that make our sidewalks, or the schools that date to the City's early years.  In all the activities SPPI may take upon itself, the overarching goal is to instill in the citizens of St Petersburg an appreciation of our shared heritage and culture.   Membership meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at at 7:30 p.m., in the Mirror Lake Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N, St Petersburg, FL 33701.
St. Petersburg Preservation, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

St. Petersburg Museum of History
335 Second Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Clearwater Historical Society
Clearwater, FL  33757
http://www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.com/
E-mail - museum@sktc.net

Heritage Village
Largo, Florida 33774
http://www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage/
publicaf@co.pinellas.fl.us

Dunedin Historical Society
Dunedin, Florida  34697-2393
http://www.ci.dunedin.fl.us:/dunedin/historical-society.htm
dunhist@compuserve.com
http://www.andrewsmemorialchapel.com/   Andrews Memorial Chapel, a Victorian chapel, 1888, that was preserved by the Dunedin Historical Society.   To see photo of the chapel click:  Andrews Memorial Chapel

Florida Historical Commission
http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/preservation/
Frederick Gaske, Director
Florida Division of Historical Resources
FGaske@dos.state.fl.us
Supervisor: David Ferro, dferro@dos.state.fl.us

Executive Director of the Florida Trust is Kathleen Kauffman
director@floridatrust.org

Florida Historical Society Alma Clyde Field Library
tebeaulib@aol.com

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Please note that due to public support for the Belleview Biltmore, the National Trust just recently placed the Belleview Biltmore Hotel on the 11 most endangered historical places in America.   This is a great honor, and will help bring national awareness to save our beautiful Victorian hotel in Belleair, Florida.  Please write to them to encourage ways to save ALL four wings of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.  This web site supports saving the entire hotel, and need support letters to them in this regard.
http://www.nationaltrust.org  A small form is there for contacting them OR use these email addresses below
Richard Moe, President, National Office
richard_moe@nthp.org
members@nthp.org
1785 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036-2117
1-800-944-6847

    National Trust for Historic Preservation, Southern Office
    John Hildreth, Director
    John_Hildreth@nthp.org
    456 King Street
    Charleston, SC  29403
    1-843-722-8552.

     Historic Hotels of America (partnered with the National Trust and same address as theirs)
    Thierry Roche, Director of the Historic Hotels of America program.
    hha@nthp.org
     1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20036
    Phone: (202) 588-6295

    Save America's Treasures  (partnered with the National Trust and same address as theirs)
    http://www.saveamericastreasures.org/
    http://www.saveamericastreasures.org/contact.htm   (online form)
    National Trust for Historic Preservation
    1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20036
    202-588-6202 or 877-TREASURES (873-2787)
 

National Preservation Institute
Info@npi.org

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
napc@uga.edu

US Committee of the international Council on Monuments and Sites
info@usicomos.org

British National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk

More National Preservation Organizations

alpresal@BellSouth.net, info@arkansaspreservation.orginfo@azpreservation.org, oha@alaska.net, calshpo@ohp.parks.ca.gov, cpf@californapreservation.org, sahps@sahps.org, kslick@dca.state.nm.us, NJHPO@DEP.STATE.NJ.US, info@presnc.org, info@heritageohio.org, bpawlak@heritageohio.com, ttaylor@wittenberg.edu, ess@bgnet.bgsu.edu">ghess@bgnet.bgsu.edu, Eyunghans@aol.com, andersoc@xavier.edu, help@oasfc.state.oh.us, wayne.lawson@oac.state.oh.us, julie.henahan@oac.state.oh.us, peter.beyer@oac.state.oh.us, shannon.ford@oac.state.oh.us, laura.garcia@oac.state.oh.us, carolyn.mcclaskey@oac.state.oh.us, earl.meadows@oac.state.oh.us, carla.oesterle@oac.state.oh.us, jdbritton@ohiohistory.org, bsuch@ohiohistory.org, ohc@ohiohumanities.org, OhioPresAlliance@aol.com, cobbj@oclc.org

Recent Past Preservation Network
Christine Madrid French, President madridfrench@mission66.com
www.recentpast.org   A special thank you for posting our Save the Biltmore banner photo on their web site!
 

Fredrick Gaske,  Director Florida Division of Historical ResourcesDeputy State Historic Preservation Officer and Chief, Bureau of Historic Preservation wrote us.  To read his letter click:  Letters From Organizations
 

Kathleen Slesnick Kauffman  has written us two letters, to read them click: Letters From Organizations
Executive Director
Florida Trust For Historic Preservation
director@floridatrust.org
P.O. Box 11206
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 224-8128
 
 
 

Local Contacts:

rduncan@pinellascounty.org
charris@pinellascounty.org
slatvala@pinellascounty.org
jmorroni@pinellascounty.org
kseel@pinellascounty.org
rstewart@pinellascounty.org
ktwelch@pinellascounty.org
 

State Contacts:

Governor Bush
Jeb.Bush@myflorida.com

Lt. Governor Toni Jennings
fl_ltgov@myflorida.com

Attorney General Charlie Criss
ag@oag.state.fl.us

CFO Tom Gallagher
gallaghert@doi.state.fl.us
 
 

National Contacts:

President Bush
president@whitehouse.gov

Senate
Mel Martinez
202-254-2573

Bill Nelson
202-224-5274
senator@billnelson.senate.gov

U. S. Representatives
Mike Bilarakis
202-225-5755
mike.bilarakis@mail.house.gov

Bill Young
202-225-5961
bill.young@mail.house.gov

Jim Davis
202-225-3376
davis.jim@mail.house.gov

Charlie Crist
Office of Attorney General
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL  32399-1050
Phone (850) 414-3300
FAX (850) 410-1630
Toll Free 1 (866) 966-7226

We urgently need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional fine art nature photograph.  For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All photos by Diane Hein, President of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photograph you want!
 
 

FREE FINE ART  PHOTO with every $25 donation!

The Great American White Egret  #2     Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!

More more cartoons click drawing above, there are 5 total.

MISSION
 

Welcome to Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc.   A group of people dedicated to saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, all four wings and all guest rooms so this beautiful building remains a true hotel.   The hotel owner is currently taking bids for the purchase of the Biltmore.  Email me if you are interested.
 
 

NEWSPAPER AND PUBLICATION ARTICLES

Below is a newspaper article from the St. Petersburg Times, April 12, 2005 relating to the destruction and preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel; it is in this article that this web site, www.SaveTheBiltmore.com, was first mentioned in the news media.

NOTE!!!  No matter what you read in the newspaper articles, the hotel owner is currently taking bids for the purchase of the Biltmore.  Email me if you are interested.

For the complete list of all newspaper and publication articles since that time click:

Newspaper and Publication Articles
 
 

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/820812301.html?MAC=07be4c2b165589982c11220509ab67f4&did=820812301&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Apr+12%2C+2005&author=AARON+SHAROCKMAN&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=Developers+set+to+buy+historic+hotel

Developers set to buy historic hotel
A company that planned to raze the Belleview Biltmore last year and build condos has the property under contract.

By AARON SHAROCKMAN and LORRI HELFAND

Published April 12, 2005

[Times files: Scott Keeler]
The Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa was opened in 1897 by railroad magnate Henry Plant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BELLEAIR - The developers who tried to raze the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa and replace it with condominiums last year have the property under contract again, the company said Monday.

This time, however, the Tampa developers are not revealing their plans for the 19th century landmark.

DeBartolo Development, a company that primarily builds shopping centers, has had a deal in place for almost two weeks to buy the 244-unit resort, said Jay Adams, the company's development officer.

But no one from DeBartolo or the resort's current owners would discuss terms of the proposed sale or the future of the 160-acre resort, which includes a golf course and beach club.

"I can verify we do have it under contract," Adams said Monday afternoon, referring other questions to the company's president, Ed Kobel. Kobel did not return messages Monday.

DeBartolo was part of a group last year that proposed demolishing the hotel and replacing it with hundreds of condominiums, an idea that infuriated many residents in the small waterside community.

That plan flopped in January after developers said they could not win public support for the project.

Whispers of a second proposed sale swirled through Belleair over the weekend. Many residents have already promised another vociferous fight if plans include scrapping the historic hotel.

"There is no reason to tear it town. It's ridiculous, destroying your history," said Rae Claire Johnson, who is partnering with the not-for-profit St. Petersburg Preservation Inc. to save the property. Johnson, 56, has been calling government officials and e-mailing fellow residents to stir up support. Someone else has started a Web site: www.savethebiltmore.com

For their part, town officials said on Monday they were again left in the dark. None of Belleair's five commissioners had heard a deal had been struck; they were upset the last time when they read about the potential sale of their most prized asset in the newspaper.

"I hope it's not true," said Commissioner Gary Katica. "It's such a part of this town I would think the people of Belleair would be in an uproar."

"It's going to stir up a lot of people," Commissioner Ernst Upmeyer said. "Basically, I have a great love for that building and I would hate for anything to happen to it."

Further fueling speculation about the hotel's fate, a local construction company asked the town last week about the procedure for demolishing a commercial property, though it would not say what it was.

The town of Belleair, which is about 2 square miles, has just a handful of commercial properties. The company, Cross Construction, would not discuss the project it is researching.

"That question should answer itself in a couple of days," said Dwight Hopkins, a representative.

An executive with the resort's current owners, Urdang and Associates, a Pennsylvania investment management firm, said Monday the firm does not comment on individual investments. Honeywell Inc., one of the larger shareholders in the Biltmore, said in a statement that decisions are made by the Pennsylvania company.

Richard Wilhelm, who runs the hotel, did not return calls seeking comment.

Former Town Commissioner Connie Mudano said it would be a tragedy if developers bulldoze the hotel, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

"This is a very valuable building. It's the center and soul of the town of Belleair," Mudano said. "It's the reason that Belleair exists."

Built by railroad tycoon Henry Plant and opened in 1897, the 820,000-square-foot Belleview Biltmore is regarded as the largest occupied wooden structure in the world and is one of Florida's few remaining historic hotels.

Presidents George Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford have all been guests, as have baseball legends Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth. The Duke of Windsor once wintered there.

But more recently, the resort has struggled to stay afloat financially.

While managers have consistently said the hotel is solidly booked, some employees have said otherwise. In fact, the property has a history of steep losses for past owners.

Atlanta hotelier Salim Jetha, who bought the hotel for $16-million with his family in 1997, said a year later they were losing $228,000 a month.

Mido Development, the Japanese ownership group before that, at one point was reportedly losing more than $400,000 a month on the property it bought for $27-million.

Last month, a judge ordered the resort's owners to pay $36,000 to three companies - including the Tampa Tribune - it had neglected to pay. Brad Cranston, who runs a temp agency, said resort managers gave him the runaround when he tried to collect the $13,012 the resort owed him.

"They were pretty much playing games with me," said Cranston, franchise owner of Adecco Employment Services, which had at least three people working at the hotel for three months starting in April 2004.

Cranston took the resort to court. He said his company received half the money Monday morning.

[Last modified April 12, 2005, 05:57:09]

Click Newspaper and Publication Articles to read many, many more articles.
 

We need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional nature fine art or still life photograph.  For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All photos by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the photo you want!

Elegant Lady   #14    Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!
 

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

Here is a link to the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville.  I am placing this link in the hopes that a search engine will pick this link and help people to read this web site!  www.Biltmore.com

For a direct link to the Belleview Biltmore Hotel's web site in Belleair, Florida click:  http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com

Hotel Location

Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel and Spa
25 Belleview Blvd. - Clearwater, Fl, Us 33756
244 rooms
The Belleview Biltmore Hotel is set atop of the highest coastal bluffs on the West Coast of Florida. The resort overlooks Clearwater Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. One and a Half Miles South of Downtown Clearwater.
International Airport.
To Tampa Intl Airport - 23 Miles
Nearby Points of Interests:
- Dolly Museum 30 Minutes
- Busch Gardens 40 Minutes
- Lowry Park Zoo 40 Minutes
- Countryside Mall 25 Minutes
- Sea World Orlando 90 Minutes
- International Mall 45 Minutes
- Wet-n-Wild Orlando 90 Minutes
- Disney World Parks 90 Minutes
- Islands of Adventure 90 Minutes
From Tampa International Airport: Turn right onto 60 West to Alternate 19 South. Go about 2 miles to Belleview Boulevard and turn right.

Experience Golf at the totally renovated Donald Ross-designed course built in 1925. A local favorite, the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club is a full service facility with practice facilities, pro shop, bar and grille, and home of Ken Venturi Golf Academy.

The Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa is a luxurious hotel located on the inter-coastal waterway overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Guests have been experiencing the Belleview Biltmore's distinct elegance and historical charm, from atop the white bluffs of Clearwater, spanning 3 centuries of American life. Since 1897, the resort has continued its heritage as an American treasure, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
 

Enjoy the resort's largest pool on the South Lawn with its cascading waterfall, elevated whirlpool and tanning island. Offering a world full of class shop the quaint boutiques along the Promenade or take the resort's complimentary Historical Tour to capture the essence of one of Florida's remarkable destinations. The Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel is one of Clearwater Beach Hotels most luxurious properties.
Check Our Discount Rates
 

Hotel Rooms
Nestled amidst 300 acres of velvet lawns and tree-lined walkways, from newly renovated, large Victorian accommodations to world-class modern amenities, the hotel successfully provides the perfect getaway, a relaxing oasis.
Bed Type Options: 1 Queen, 2 Queen or 2 Double Beds
Amenities:
- Air Conditioning
- Alarm Clock Radio
- Coffee/Tea maker
- Hair Dryer
- Handicap Accessible
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Mini Bar
- Remote Control Cable TV
- Telephone
 

Available By Request:
- - - Connecting Rooms - - - Large Suites - - - Handicapped Rooms - - - Kitchenettes - - - Cribs
- - - Non Smoking Rooms.
Hotel Facilities and Services
The Terrace Cafe, an indoor and outdoor facility overlooks the South Lawn and offers breakfast, a lunch and Florida's finest ingredients for dinner. The Bay Breeze, located poolside, offers refreshments to keep guests cool in the Sunshine State.
 

Facilities: Playground - Heated Outdoor and Indoor Swimming Pool - Health Club - Bus Parking - Free Parking - Jacuzzi - Poolside Snackbar - Golf - Parlor - Putting Green - Beauty Salon - Boutiques - Bar - Day Spa - News Stand - Restaurants - Four Red-Clay Tennis Courts - Sand Volleyball Court - Game Room With Billiards - 18-Hole Donald Ross Designed Golf Course
Health Club and Spa 14,000 Square Foot with Indoor Swimming Pool - Jacuzzi - Steam Bath - Sauna - Massage Therapy and Holistic Treatments - Full Service Beauty Salon - Aerobics - Yoga Classes
and more...
Services: Baby Sitting - Baggage Storage - Bell Hop - Bicycle Rentals - Express Check In / Out - Laundry Valet - Room Service - Security - Daily Maid - Children's Activities - Massage - Valet Parking
Business Services: Mail And Postage - Fax - Free Transportation - Copy Service - Notary Public -
Audio Visual Equipment

All information in this web site is copyright protected, 2005, Diane Hein
 
 

FREE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH with every $25 donation!

We need donations to spread the word in our community that we need more help to save the Biltmore!  With every $25 donation, you will receive a FREE 8 by 10 inch professional nature fine art or still life photograph.  For every donation of $55, you will receive a matted AND framed fine art photo!  Perfect to decorate your home, office or give as a gift!   All photos by Diane Hein, photographer, poet and president of this web site's nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists.  When donating be sure to give the name or number of the fine art photo you want!

Morning at the Docks St. Petersburg. FL    #4    Free 8 by 10 inch fine art photo with $25 donation!

Online Store Items--These plus more!

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         * Mass Mailing Letter..Easiest
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