On this page you will find past past events or topics
or the day's Alert in regards to saving the Belleview Biltmore that once
were on the main web page. These topics are NOT relevant OR NO LONGER
valid! So do NOT respond to them!
Does
Mr. Cheezem really believe this! We do NOT. 90%
of the hotel has been destroyed by him! So many lies
were told to the public about the condition of the hotel,
and we know of course now from the demolition, that the
heart of pine wood was still strong enough to support the
hotel. At this point, all we can do is hope and pray
that Cheezem keeps his word.
Except for the small
historic 1897 portion of the Belleview
Biltmore, the rest of the beautiful hotel has been demolished,
end of 2016.
So far the Pagoda,
(this was a oriental-inspired style of architecture that did not
blend with that of the original hotel) the Candlelight Ballroom,
the Spa, both the interior and outdoor swimming pools and the Tiki Bar. They began the deconstruction of the South Wing,
including stripping the plaster/lath from the interior walls and
removing a couple of the dormers (which they seem to have
removed intact and set them gently on the ground. It is
our understanding that these will be sold through another
company.
The reason the
demolition has started is that the Pinellas County Court has not
yet heard our Save the Biltmore Preservationist lawsuit or
another lawsuit filed in Belleair to determine whether the hotel
can be demolished. Our lawsuit was filed January 7, 2015. As a
result of this delay, the Town of Belleair illegally gave
demolition permits to the current hotel owner to start
demolishing the Belleview Biltmore immediately.
Recently there was however another legal document requesting that the
demolition be stopped until the lawsuits can be heard in court.
The judge reviewed this and refused to dismiss the other
lawsuit. The date of this hearing is in November. Unfortunately, the current
hotel owner is continuing to demolish the hotel.
Save the Biltmore
Preservationists are still fighting to save all four
wings of the hotel. We feel that is what is
worthwhile.
We find it most interesting that
a few years ago, a group of people in Belleair filed TWO lawsuits to try
to prevent the demolition, and the Pinellas County Court reviewed both
of them within three months. Two lawsuits were filed in January
2015 of this year, and yet Pinellas County Court did not fully review
them yet. Why was there such a long delay this year 2015 when such an
urgent matter is at hand with the preservation or demolition of a
Pinellas County historic building?
TODAY'S ALERT: JUNE 2015
Parts of the Belleview Biltmore have started to be demolished. The reason is
that the Pinellas County Court has not yet heard our lawsuit or another lawsuit
to determine whether the hotel can be demolished. Our lawsuit was filed January
7, 2015. As a result of this delay, Belleair gave demolition permits to the
current hotel owner to start demolishing the Belleview Biltmore. There is
however another legal document requesting that the demolition be stopped until
the lawsuits can be heard in court. However, no date has been set for this
hearing either. We do not know when that hearing will be. Unfortunately as a
result, the current hotel owner can continue demolishing the hotel.
Please note we do NOT know
anything further than this! So please do not ask us what the
status is! The status is as above!
If you wish
to donate to our lawsuit, you may continue to do so below.
DONATE BY CHECK VIA U.S. MAIL AT OUR MAILBOX:
Make your check payable to Save the Biltmore Preservationists.
Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc. c/o Diane Hein, President 30725 U.S. Highway 19 North
#107 Palm Harbor, Florida
34684-4410
DONATE BY WIRE TRANSFER OR TO FUND THE ENTIRE LAWSUIT:
To donate via wire transfer to Save the Biltmore Preservationists nonprofit bank
account, or if you would like to sponsor the entire lawsuit,
email usfor information
on how to do this.
Lawsuit
Filed Wednesday January 7, 2015 by Save the Biltmore Preservationists
Press Release
Two
historic preservation advocates and a nonprofit organization are fighting to
save the historic 1897 Belleview Biltmore Hotel from demolition and have
filed a lawsuit to block its sale and demolition.
Save the Biltmore Preservationists and Diane Hein, president of the
nonprofit organization joined with Belleair resident T.C. Hayes as
plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Town of Belleair in the 6th
Circuit Court in Pinellas. Filing date was January 7, 2015.
The suit accuses the town of Belleair, Florida of approving a rezoning and
issuing a SCOA (Special Certificate of Appropriateness) for demolition of
the historic 1897 Belleview Biltmore Hotel that is inconsistent with Goal 1
of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan that specifically and expressly requires
“preservation of the historic 1897 Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel” and
specifically references the hotel and notes "The town has a grand landmark –
the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel – which, at the turn of the
century, was a playground for the leaders of American industry and society."
Town of Belleair Comprehensive Plan:
"Future Land Use Goal 1: Ensure that the park-like, residential/family
character of the Town of Belleair is maintained and protected while
supporting the continued economic viability of local resorts and the
preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel."
BELLEAIR – A lawsuit aimed at stopping
the demolition of the Belleview Biltmore hotel was filed
Jan. 7 in Pinellas County Circuit Court.
The suit contends that by allowing the demolition of the
hotel, the Belleair Town Commission is going against its
own comprehensive plan.
Cape Coral attorney Ralf Brookes filed the suit on
behalf of the Save the Biltmore Preservationists, its
President Diane Hein and Belleair resident T.C. Hayes. “There is a very specific requirement in
the town of Belleair Comprehensive Plan,” said Brookes.
“This is goal number 1 on page 1 of a very long
document. The goal of the town should be the
preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in the town
of Belleair.”
Brookes said not enough has been done to save the hotel.
“The hotel was built in 1897, it is of Victorian
Architecture and has been the cornerstone of the
Belleair Community ever since. All development shall be
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; we’re bringing
this case to enforce the Comprehensive Plan,” he said.
Town Attorney David Ottinger said the lawsuit has no
merit.
“Absolutely, it has absolutely no merit,” he said. “The
findings that were made at the hearings to issue the
Special Certificate to permit the demolition and the
redevelopment clearly show that the goals and agendas of
the Comprehensive Plan were followed.”
Ottinger said once the evidence was all in during the
hearings there wasn’t much else the town could have
done.
“The fact of the matter is that no one wanted to see the
hotel go, but the evidence was overwhelming, and in
spite of the town’s goals to preserve it, it couldn’t be
preserved. It is as simple as that.”
Brookes disagrees.
“There are practical ways to preserve the hotel,” he
said. “This is a piece of Florida and the whole state if
not the whole country should get behind and preserve
it.”
Brookes, who specializes in environmental and land use
issues, opened a window into their case.
“We will have experts in historic preservation that we
will present to the court at trial. I’ve worked with a
great deal of architects and builders in historic
preservation. All it takes is money and time,” he said.
During the years of debate on the future of the hotel,
no one ever doubted that with enough money and time the
hotel could be saved. But where would the money come
from?
“If there is not money in the private sector then
perhaps there is money at the public sector level in the
form of grants,” he said. “Some developers would enjoy
preserving history.”
Another issue sure to arise regarding this lawsuit is
the idea that the town, if it wins, go after the
plaintiffs for court costs and legal fees. That
discussion came up after two recent suits in federal
court were dismissed. Some wondered if the suits were
frivolous and that they were filed simply to delay the
process.
Ottinger cautioned against going after costs in those
instances because he didn’t feel the town could win.
However, several people, including Mayor Gary Katica,
indicated the town should go after costs in any future
lawsuits. Ottinger says it is a possibility. “We will definitely be considering whether to go
after legal fees,” he said.
Brookes says he isn’t concerned about that.
“I’m not familiar with the federal suits that were
dismissed. We’re filing under a state statute and we
have standing to enforce it and bring citizen action,”
he said. “I have brought similar cases around the state
and this case is on solid ground.”
The case is likely to find its way into court quickly.
The town has 30 days to file a response to the suit.
Ottinger said putting that response together has already
begun.
“We intend to try to move this along as expeditiously as
possible,” he said. “It is costing the town money,
jeopardizing the development plans and we want to limit
whatever damage the town is occurring.” Brookes said the fight is not over.
“People have fought for over a decade to preserve the
hotel and we’re not giving up,” he said.
FACEBOOK:
We are also going to be starting posting regularly on Facebook to raise
funds through donations and fund-raising events, so please "like" us on
Facebook or if you have not signed up on it, simply go to Facebook and
sign up. You do NOT have to post your photo or post any personal
information! But once you "like" Save the Biltmore
Preservationists, you will receive notifications of all my posts.
We will still be emailing our Biltmore Updates, so please sign up here,
they are free of course.
From the Belleair Bee, "In a five-page cover
letter that accompanied the application, the owners of the hotel, the Ades
brothers of Miami, indicated they were filing for the demolition permit because
the potential new owners of the property, Miami Architect Richard Heisenbottle
and his group, (Belleview Biltmore Partners) defaulted on their contract to buy
the property because they were unable to come up with the money. The letter
states “BBP (Heisenbottle) was unable to close on the loan and defaulted on the
contract. BB Hotel (Ades brothers) even provided an extension at no cost which
was not required by the contract but BBP was still unable to close on the loan.”
Despite that Richard Heisenbottle said the application will not
inhibit him and his partners from proceeding with their efforts to buy the
property.
“This has no effect whatsoever on our plans,” he said. “We are proceeding with
assembling our capital stack; the process is taking longer than we thought. We
just finished getting our tax exemption from the town.”
Heisenbottle said he was not bothered by the demolition application.
Per the October 4, 2012 Wall Street Journal article, "Architect
Richard Heisenbottle and his two partners, who have hired Miami investment bank
CGI Merchant Group LLC to raise capital for buying the hotel and restoring it to
its former glory.
"The group so far has assembled nearly $25 million through a
federal investment tax program for historic buildings, and Mr. Heisenbottle
anticipates landing a $75.5 million construction loan. He still is canvassing
potential investors for as much as $16 million in equity contributions, he
said."
If anyone reading this article is interested in becoming an
investor with Belleview Biltmore Partners so that the Biltmore may be saved,
PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY! Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore
Preservationists at Email us.
The current owner of the hotel has filed a demolition
application to destroy the Biltmore, and they are only willing to hold off until
December 31, 2012, so URGENCY is a necessity! Please note that the
demolition permit was incomplete and Belleair town council sent it back to KAWA
for them to write it correctly. Once resubmitted and if correct, Belleair
town council still would have to give approval for the demolition of the hotel.
The Pelican or Belleview Biltmore golf course is being
purchased for $13.5 million by the town of Belleair to make sure it will
not be redeveloped.
Or contact realtors and investors in your area and let them
know that the Biltmore immediately needs investors in order to be saved!
Welcome to the Belleview Biltmore Updates. Diane
Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists send these out
depending on events. This keeps Biltmore supporters, the news media,
preservation organizations and others updated on what is going in
regards to preserving this glorious Victorian hotel. If you would like
to be on our mailing list click:
Email Me Allow
24 to 48 hours to be put on the Belleview Biltmore Mailing List.
Bid now at our first online
silent auction! (Contest is now closed) Win a stunning Victorian Valentine's Day arrangement of a dozen
red roses in a vintage Czechoslovakia crystal vase that can later be used as a
candleholder! Sample photo of twelve roses to your right and the actual
stunning vase to the far right that you can win! The auction prize will
also include our beautiful $75 vintage Red Roof Print of the Biltmore, two
hand-painted glasses with hearts by Kim Kinney, local artist.
The retail value is
approximately a little over $200!
The red roses and
Czech glass vase are being donated by long time Belleview Biltmore Hotel supporter,
Renee Burrell. Her store is: Arbor Elle, Antique Alley, Belleair Bluffs, Florida.
We have a starting minimum bid of $30
after you donate just $5 to participate in our online auction.
Remember that
our nonprofit Save the Biltmore Preservationists is trying to stop the demolition of the historic 1897
Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida. All funds collected in this
silent auction will be used towards the costs and expenses of the lawsuit we
filed January 7, 2015 against the town of Belleair because they violated and
broke their major law, the Comprehensive Plan.
BID NOW AND WIN! Our Silent
Rose Auction ends Wednesday. February 11, 2015
Your credit card will only
be charged a $5 donation to enter the auction ONE TIME! After you click the red heart, enter a minimum
bid of $30.00 OR MORE. You will NOT be charged for your bid below unless
you are the winner!! REPEAT: Only a $5 DONATION to enter the auction
ONE TIME!
You will NOT be charged for your bid below unless you are the winner!
After the silent auction closes, whoever has the highest bid for the roses wins.
If you are the winner, we will set up an invoice for you to pay your winning bid
right after the auction ends before the roses AND vase can be picked up.
*Contest runs Jan 20 to Mon, Feb 2, 2015 11:59 pm
*Only $5 a guess! Tell all your friends!
*Win all the Hersey kisses in the vase
OR win a
*$25 Amazon gift card! Your choice if you win!
*Many runner-up prizes too!
*!
Guess number of kisses in vase.
Type
your number in this box.
Click RED HEART
to buy one guess and vote.
Kisses from the clear vase now in red box ready to be
shipped to the winner if he/she chooses this prize!
EXTREMLY IMPORTANT BELLEAIR TOWN HALL HISTORIC
BOARD MEETING THIS COMING WEEK:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT
4:00 P.M. AND THEN THE COMMISSION MEETING AT 5:30
P.M.
901
Ponce De Leon Blvd. Belleair, Florida (south of
Gulf to Bay Blvd--Route 60.)
Please
come to BOTH meetings and speak out for saving
the hotel, otherwise 95% of the Biltmore will be
demolished! LAST CHANCE TO SAVE THE
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL! Anyone who lives
in Belleair or outside of Belleair is welcome to
speak for up to 3 minutes as to why the hotel
should be saved.
The exclusive Belleair
Country Club (right next to the Biltmore)
who sadly wants the hotel demolished (yes
shocking isn't this, but they stand to gain
if the hotel is demolished ) has sent an
email to hundreds of their members urging
them to come to these meetings, thus
encouraging the demolition of the White
Queen of the Gulf! The Belleair Country
Club would be purchasing 3.2 acres if the
hotel is demolished. This is just one
reason they want the hotel down. Once the
developer builds condos and townhomes right
next to the country club, it's very likely
that a good portion of them would join the
country club. Increased memberships EQUALS
increased revenue for the country club. On
the other hand, if the hotel is restored,
the only increase in the club's revenue
would be if they reinstated the Bernie
Powell (former Biltmore owner) agreement,
which allowed hotel guests to play on the
golf courses for a fee.
And to all Belleair residents who are not
members of the Belleair County Club, do you
really want the country club to
run Belleair even more!?
It is imperative that you our
Biltmore supporter stand up
to these self-serving country club
members at these two
meetings!
Remember that if the Biltmore
is saved, over 800 jobs will be created for
the community! Just one reason the
hotel needs to be saved.
Why the State Historic
Preservation Office and State's Attorney who
have an obligation to enforce the CLG
Agreement with the town have failed to take
action yet is a mystery. One can only
speculate about the politics involved.
Peabody Hotels, mailed this oversized 8.5 by
11 inch postcard to all 3,400 Belleair
residents the first week of December, 2014.
"Peabody Hotels would like an opportunity to
restore the Belleview Biltmore to its
original grandeur" the text on the other
side of the postcard reads in part:
"The importance of your struggle to save
this iconic property in terms of its
historic value to this community can never
be overstated. Our goal would be to
rehabilitate and operate the Belleview
Biltmore Hotel as a luxury convention resort
and to obtain the Tampa Bay market's first
Forbes 4 (or 5) Star luxury rating."
The postcard goes on to detail Peabody's
experience in restoring historic properties
and successfully running them. The
card was signed by Craig Smith, Vice
President of Brand Development for Peabody
Hotels and Resorts.
For
more details, please read the Biltmore Update
after the map below, it will give ideas of what
you can do BEFORE the meeting to help save the
hotel!
13221 Southwest
69th
Court, Suite 200, Miami, FL 33156
TO
PURCHASE AND RESTORE THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE RESORT
Key
Step Toward Restoration of Historic Hotel Property
BELLEAIR, FL – March
31, 2014 -- Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC (BBP) today announced it has
secured a funding commitment to purchase and
renovate the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa, and purchase the Biltmore Golf Course
currently owned by the Town of Belleair.
"Restoration of one
of America's landmark vintage resorts would be a great step forward for the
entire community, and bring
an end to the division among town residents that has lasted for too long,"
said Gary Rosenberg managing
member of BBP. "Resolving the future of the Belleview Biltmore will also
provide a clear path to the future for the Town of Belleair and help restore
its tax base."
Rosenberg said the
funding commitment from a private equity source would allow BBP to close on
one or both transactions within 30 to 45 days, provided agreements can be
reached with the Town of Belleair and St. Petersburg developer, Michael
Cheezem, who currently holds a contract to purchase the hotel site. "We plan
to reach out immediately to Mr. Cheezem and town officials to see if we can
reach a win-win agreement for all parties," Rosenberg said.
Rosenberg, a
veteran hospitality professional who has been involved with more than 25
hotel transactions, was instrumental in the direction and restoration of The
Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, a small community similar to the
Town of Belleair. The significant impact and financial contributions to the
Hot Springs community was immeasurable.
"When pioneer
railroad magnate Henry Plant chose to build the Belleview Biltmore on this
bluff in 1895, he laid the foundation for the Town of Belleair," said
Rosenberg. "Since then, the hotel has been the centerpiece of the community,
and we are dedicated to preserving the past in order to help secure the
town's future.”
In keeping with
that commitment, Rosenberg said BBP will work with the town and Belleair
Country Club to resolve the club's parking issue without subdividing the
hotel property. "As a good neighbor, we will work closely with the club and
the town to find the right solution," he added.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Time: 6:30 P.M.
A second reading of RM-10 and discussion of mixed-use zoning option A final vote will be taken UNLESS you come out to delay the RM-10
zoning for six months!
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair, Florida
It is extremely important that the
RM-10 zoning
must be DENIED on April 15 by Belleair
Commissioners! Please read the press release and come to the April 15 meeting at the town hall!
Dear Mayor Katica and Commissioners:
There is absolutely NO need to reduce the plot size or change the zoning
now!
IMPORTANT APRIL 15 MEETING AT THE BELLEAIR TOWN HALL
On March 25, 2014, Town commissioners voted 4-1 to
approve a preliminary measure that would create a new type of zoning with a
density of 10 apartments or condos per acre with limited building heights of 32
feet, unless a development has a small enough footprint to qualify for more
height. The RM-10 zoning in Belleair which
would unfortunately set the stage for the demolition of the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel and allow condos to be built! This was only the first reading.
The new zoning does not
currently apply to the hotel property, but it could in the future at the request
of a developer.
If ultimately approved, it would allow a
developer to build condos in place of the Biltmore by demolition! Mayor
Katica (who never enforced "demolition by neglect" and allowed the hotel to
deteriorate) and Commissioners Picaretto, Shelly, and Wilkinson voted for the
changes.
Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Fowler was the sole dissenting vote, and wants the
zoning to remain the same because he continues to want the hotel saved.
We urge citizens in this area to attend this extremely important
meeting for a second and final vote on April 15 because other citizens in
Belleair like the Residential Planned Development (condos and surrounding homes
around the Biltmore) have been able to convince the commissioners and Mayor to
vote for the RM-10 zoning!
The final vote on RM10, as well as discussion of the mixed-use zoning option,
are both on the April 15 agenda.
The Biltmore has only been closed for five years, why are Town officials
not enforcing their own Comprehensive Plan and historic preservation ordinance
to save the hotel!?
Here is a quote from the Tampa Bay Times
from February 18th:
"Wilkinson echoed Mayor Gary
Katica's statements that a full hotel restoration is preferred. Even if the
new zoning options pass, he noted, a preservationist could still come
forward to purchase the hotel."
Well Mayor Katica, the
preservationists by the name of Belleview Biltmore Partners HAVE come
forward so they now can save Belleair's historic hotel. You will get your
needed tax dollars you want so badly! So there is absolutely NO need to
change to change any zoning at this time!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 Second
reading and final vote of RM10 and discussion of mixed-use zoning option
Time: 6:30 P.M.
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Belleair, Florida
Hang this flyer everywhere for the
April 15 meeting and hand to anyone you know!!
SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER
IMPORTANT APRIL 1 and APRIL 15 MEETINGS AT THE BELLEAIR TOWN HALL
BELLEAR TOWN HALL (Town Hall map
is below) Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Time: 5:30 P.M.
A second reading for reduction of plot size of the Belleview Biltmore
property A final vote will be taken UNLESS YOU COME OUT TO DISCOURAGE THIS
REDUCTION!
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair, Florida
On April, 1, 2014, a second and final reading and vote will be given on
whether to approve the plot size reduction on the Belleview Biltmore Property to
sell to the Belleair Country Club. This would be most unfortunate for any
developer who wants to renovate the hotel so we encourage citizens to attend
this meeting and discourage Commissioners from voting for it but to vote against
it!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014 Second
and final vote of reduction of plot size of the Belleview Biltmore Property
Time: 5:30 P.M.
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Belleair, Florida
Results of January 21 and February 4 meetings: On
January 21, Commissioners Steve Fowler, Tom Shelly, and
Mike Wilkinson voted to DELAY the RM-10 zoning issue which would allow condos
and townhomes to be built where the Biltmore now stands! However due
to pressure from the Belleair Country Club and the RPD (Residential Planned
Development, which are the condos and homes around the Biltmore) these three Commissioners
failed to uphold this delay vote and now the RM-10 issue or another mixed use
zoning issue is again
going to be brought up on February 18th! We obviously are extremely
disappointed with this decision since the RPD represents such a SMALL area in
Belleair.
We urge EVERYONE both in and out of Belleair to attend this
extremely important meeting on February 18 to again ask the commission to DELAY
the RM-10 or any rezoning issue for six months. It is absolutely CRUCIAL
that you attend this meeting if you wish to save the Biltmore! This can
NOT be overstated!
The idea is to stand firm on NO ZONING CHANGES now in order to
force Mike Cheezem and JMC Communities to sell its contract to a preservation
developer so the hotel can be saved! If zoning changes are allowed right now,
Cheezem may wind up building tall high end condos and demolish the Biltmore!
If you plan on coming this Tuesday, February 18, PLEASE read
the top Save the Biltmore Update, dated Sunday February 16, it will give more
information for you to use when you attend.
http://savethebiltmore.com/BelleviewBiltmoreUpdates.htm
It is MUCH MORE important to COME TO THIS TUESDAY'S
MEETING! But if you live out of town and can not attend, please write the Belleair Mayor and Commissioners and
encourage them to continue to DELAY the RM-10 zoning issue just like three
of them did at the January 21 lst meeting! They need to keep to
stop flip flopping on their decision and stick with what they did on January
21st!
Bring family and friends
to the IMPORTANT AND URGENT meeting below!
We continue to seek investors via realtors or investment
groups to help purchase the hotel with Belleview Biltmore Partners. See below for
further details of how Belleview Biltmore Partners wishes to purchase the hotel
but they seek additional financial support. This is of utmost urgency, the
Biltmore's future is truly at stake now.
WONDERFUL NEWS! On Tuesday night, the commission agreed to
table a vote on changing the zoning for another six months.
It was a 3-2 vote. Remember however that JMC Communities
with CEO Mike Cheezem have a CONTRACT on the Biltmore to
purchase it and demolish it and build condos!!! So the
battle is NOT over yet at all! Also this was a preliminary
vote on January 21, 2014 and the absolute final decision will be
on February 4 starting at 5:30 p.m. at a final hearing on the
matter. So please plan on attending this meeting too!
Normally the vote on Jan 21 is confirmed on the final hearing,
but we ALWAYS encourage supporters to come out and make sure!
Mayor Katica: unfortunately voted no to delay the vote for
six months
Commissioner Piccarreto: unfortunately voted no to
delay the vote for six months
Commissioner Fowler: voted yes to delay vote for
another six months, thank you!
Commissioner Shelly: voted yes to delay vote for
another six months, thank you!
Commissioner Wilkinson: voted yes to delay vote for
another six months, thank you!
While obviously we had hoped they
would deny the vote, we are certainly happy for the delay vs
changing the zoning!
Feel free to send a "Thank You" to Belleair officials
(especially Commissioners Fowler, Shelly and Wilkinson) for
delaying the vote for six months and encourage them to SAVE THE
BILTMORE! Perhaps put THANK YOU AND SAVE THE BILTMORE in the
subject line!
EMAIL ADDRESSES OF BELLEAIR OFFICIALS: Mayor Gary Katica,
Commissioners Stephen Fowler, Tom Shelly, Kevin Piccarreto and
Michael Wilkinson and Town Manager, Micah Maxwell
A second and final
vote to DELAY CHANGING THE ZONING to RM-10 that would allow condo
development will be February 4 as noted above. PLEASE ATTEND to make
sure the vote remains at least 3-2!!!
Please note that ANYONE
outside of Belleair including all of Pinellas, Pasco and
Hillsborough County, ANYWHERE may attend this meeting and hear the public
hearing.
Bring the newspaper ad from the Tampa Bay times and wave it at
the meeting! Or you can cut off the top part and glue it to some cardboard
and bring that! Let's create action people!
Three minutes is the longest you may speak. You may read from notes of course.
FLYER for 2014 Meeting
on January 21, 2014 to stop RM-10 zoning changes.
Mayor Gary H. Katica Deputy
Mayor Stephen R. Fowler, Commissioner Tom Shelly, Commissioner Michael
Wilkinson, Commissioner Kevin Piccarreto
Dear Town of Belleair
Commission Members:
The Trustees of the Florida
Trust for Historic Preservation authorized this letter, urging your careful
consideration not only of the pending request for rezoning of the historic
Belleview Biltmore Hotel, but any actions impacting the hotel and the adjacent
golf course.
The Florida Trust recognizes that elected bodies must respond to properly filed
land use requests such as the one you are considering on Tuesday, January 21.
The Florida Trust and all those interested in the preservation of the Belleview
Biltmore expect that the City Commission, when considering this and any other
matter, would keep the following in the forefront of its consideration:
Goal 1 of the Future Land Use
element of the adopted comprehensive plan reads:
Ensure that the park-like, residential/family character of the Town of Belleair
is maintained and protected while supporting the continued economic viability of
local resorts and the preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel (see
page Comp.PIan-1, Future Land Use). This same language is restated on page 1-17
of the Future Land Use Element.
Any change in zoning should be evaluated in light of and in compliance with the
Town’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Belleview Biltmore is a viable
property that can be restored and utilized as a resort hotel. The University of
Florida Centers for Governmental Responsibility and Urban Policy Research have
published findings over the entire past decade demonstrating the economic
benefits of historic preservation in Florida. The research demonstrates that
monies spent in rehabilitation of existing residential and non-residential
property in Florida creates jobs, contributes to state/local and federal tax
collections, creates in-state wealth, generates heritage tourism and revitalizes
areas, thus bringing citizens, visitors and dollars back to the heart of
communities. The Belleview Biltmore Golf Course is integral to the hotel and
pivotal to its future success. Any action to sever the golf course from the
property, either by sale or by long-term leasehold, diminishes the very high
probability that a successful restoration can occur.
The Belleview Hotel was built by Henry Plant in 1897 to boost tourism along
Florida’s west coast. How prescient Mr. Plant was, given that heritage tourism
is now a significant driver in the upturn in Florida tourism statewide. Curious
adult travelers are seeking authentic heritage experiences, preferring heritage
travel to the cookie cutter experience of chain hotels. The Florida Trust has
long been interested in and concerned about the future of the Belleview
Biltmore, noted for its outstanding architectural features, with its unique
multiple gables of different sizes, green sloped roof, exterior white siding,
and extensive hand crafted woodwork. The Florida Trust recognized the Belleview
Biltmore on its 11 Most Endangered list for 2012 and 2013, primarily based upon
the threat of demolition of a viable historic property in an improving economy.
The Town of Belleair has the opportunity to build an environment the Belleview
Biltmore and other historic properties can be protected. Communities that have
an inventory of historic properties enjoy not only a rich visual experience, but
also a healthy economic boost. The Florida Trust will continue to monitor
actions that impact the Belleview Biltmore and strongly urges that your actions
ensure the protection of the Belleview Biltmore and other historic properties in
your community.
Sincerely,
Anne Peery, Executive Director, Florida Trust
Cc: Micah Maxwell, Town Manager
mmaxwell@townofbelleair.net , Belleair Commissioners
commission@townofbelleair.net
, National Trust for Historic Preservation ihildreth@savinqplaces.org, Executive
Committee, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
Here are the instructions for who can speak at the meeting:
People will be heard in the following order:
1. People of standing - (those who received public
notices; ie. those people whose property is immediately affected by the
development)
2. Belleair residents
3. Time permitting, the General Public - the general public will only be
able to make comments and NOT cross-examine. It is best to come very early
between 5:30 to 6 p.m. to be able to get a seat!
Belleair Planning and Zoning Board voted 4-2 on Monday
December 16, 2013 to approve zoning changes in Belleair to allow the zoning to
be changed which will allow multi-family or condos to be built in place of the
Biltmore! Belleair commissioners will be taking the final vote to approve
or disapprove these changes in January. This obviously is MOST unfortunate,
and we urge supporters to attend the January 21 meeting at 6:30 to urge
the Mayor and Commissioners to DENY and vote NO on the RM-10 zoning changes and
to continue to save the Biltmore as a hotel. RM-10 zoning would unfortunately
allow for condo and townhome development IN PLACE of the beautiful Belleview
Biltmore!
The current owner of the hotel has filed a demolition
application to destroy the Biltmore, and they are only willing to hold off until
December 31, 2013, so URGENCY is a necessity! Please note that the
demolition permit was incomplete and Belleair town council sent it back to KAWA
for them to write it correctly. Once resubmitted and if correct, Belleair
town council still would have to give approval for the demolition of the hotel.
From the Belleair Bee, "In a five-page cover
letter that accompanied the application, the owners of the hotel, the Ades
brothers of Miami, indicated they were filing for the demolition permit because
the potential new owners of the property, Miami Architect Richard Heisenbottle
and his group, (Belleview Biltmore Partners) defaulted on their contract to buy
the property because they were unable to come up with the money. The letter
states “BBP (Heisenbottle) was unable to close on the loan and defaulted on the
contract. BB Hotel (Ades brothers) even provided an extension at no cost which
was not required by the contract but BBP was still unable to close on the loan.”
Despite that Richard Heisenbottle said the application will not
inhibit him and his partners from proceeding with their efforts to buy the
property.
“This has no effect whatsoever on our plans,” he said. “We are proceeding with
assembling our capital stack; the process is taking longer than we thought. We
just finished getting our tax exemption from the town.”
Heisenbottle said he was not bothered by the demolition application.
Per the October 4, 2012 Wall Street Journal article, "Architect
Richard Heisenbottle and his two partners, who have hired Miami investment bank
CGI Merchant Group LLC to raise capital for buying the hotel and restoring it to
its former glory.
"The group so far has assembled nearly $25 million through a
federal investment tax program for historic buildings, and Mr. Heisenbottle
anticipates landing a $75.5 million construction loan. He still is canvassing
potential investors for as much as $16 million in equity contributions, he
said."
EXCITING NEWS!!! Belleview
Biltmore Resort Getting A Second Chance at Greatness
The renovation plans by Belleview
Biltmore Partners were approved Tuesday, April 17 in Belleair!
New Partnership Unveils Plans to Restore Gilded Age Hotel---PRESS
RELEASE A CONTRACT HAS BEEN SIGNED!!
BELLEAIR, FL (April 2) - In a major step toward giving the storied Belleview
Biltmore Resort a second chance at greatness, Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC
today unveiled its plan to restore the 115-year-old historic landmark to its
regal splendor.
"Our vision for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and Resort is rooted in the magical
experiences of historic Gilded Age hotels," said architect Richard J.
Heisenbottle, FAIA, at a morning meeting with the Town of Belleair Ad Hoc
Belleview Biltmore Committee, which advises the town on Biltmore-related
matters. "Our goal is to give the Belleview Biltmore a second chance at
greatness. With its distinctive Victorian architecture and prime Gulf Coast
location, an accurate restoration of the entire facility will ensure its
preeminence among worldwide luxury resorts."
On March 31, Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC
signed a purchase and sale agreement with Kawa Capital, the hotel's current
owner, for acquisition of the hotel, golf course, and cabana club
properties. This agreement gives Belleview Biltmore Partners six months to
perform due diligence and close on the purchase. "Belleview Biltmore Partners
has demonstrated it is the only party with the capability of restoring the
hotel," said Daniel Ades, principal of Kawa Capital Management. "As we promised
from the first day we acquired the property, we are going out of our way in
trying to make the restoration of the hotel possible by providing unprecedented
financing and a very extended due diligence period so that the project can
materialize."
In addition to Heisenbottle, Belleview Biltmore Partners, LLC's principals
include real estate developer Hector Torres, CGC, and entrepreneur and tourism
professional Charles J. Kropke. Belleview Biltmore Partners is represented in
this transaction by the Miami based Investment Banking Firm, CGI Merchant Group,
its CEO Raoul Thomas and Senior Associate Nelson Garcia.
"We all share a passion for historic restoration
projects and recognize the worldwide significance of saving the Belleview
Biltmore," said Kropke. "Our goal is to create one of the nation's finest
destination resorts, and one that will be unequalled on the west coast of
Florida."
Belleview Biltmore Partners plans, presented today to the town committee,
envision a complete historic restoration of the hotel in compliance with
standards set by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The redevelopment plan for
the property will remain substantially the same as illustrated in three
previously approved development orders for prior owners Legg Mason Real Estate
Investors.
Redevelopment plans include restoration of the historic 260-room hotel,
construction of a new 153-room east wing, and restoration of the historic
Magnolia, Palm, and Sunset Cottages. The plan also includes improvements to the
Biltmore Golf Club, which has remained open, and development of the beachfront
Cabana Club property into a 38-room boutique hotel. All structures on the hotel
property that do not contribute to the hotel's historic designation will be
removed, including the existing lobby and spa.
"This restoration will revive the Biltmore's exceptional architecture and design
features of a century ago, providing guests with a unique experience in a
luxurious, amenity-rich Florida setting," said Torres. "With our restoration
plan, the Belleview Biltmore will offer a unique fusion of the present and the
past - truly the best of both worlds." He estimates the project would take
three years to complete and generate approximately 4,500 temporary and permanent
jobs.
"We plan on working closely with the Town of Belleair, City of Clearwater,
Pinellas County, the Belleair Country Club and area residents to make this dream
a reality," said Heisenbottle. "With everyone's assistance, cooperation, and
support, we can restore one of the grandest historic hotels in the world to its
former glory."
Thank you to everyone who wrote Belleair
officials or attended the Tuesday, August 21 meeting.
Great news!! There were three out of
five "YES!" votes for the first reading of the tax abatement so it will go on to
the second reading in September, 2012. Each vote counts equally.
Only three votes out of five votes were needed.
Mayor Katica NO
Commissioner Kevin Piccarreto NO
Commissioner Tom Shelly YES
Commissioner Steve Fowler YES
Commissioner Mike Wilkinson YES
We STILL need people to attend the upcoming meetings in Belleair in September to
make sure there are three YES! votes for the second reading!
The second reading of the tax abatement Ordinance
No. 480 will be on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. Meeting starts at 5:30 pm
Belleair town hall: 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, Florida.
PLEASE ATTEND! We urgently need your help to Save the Biltmore! Numbers count!
There are still residents in the town who want the hotel torn down, and have
townhomes/condos/homes built, and you need to speak up and over them! The
town commissioners in Belleair have the authority to accept or deny the tax
abatement for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Urge them to vote "YES!" on the tax
abatement for the second reading! The tax abatement will allow Belleview Biltmore Partners to receive tax relief for
ten years after the renovations are completed. This will save them
thousands of dollars that can be used for renovation costs or to market the
hotel once it opens. Should Belleair officials vote YES! in September, the ordinance would become effective 30 days after the
final reading and adoption.
We urgently need your
help to show your support to Save the Biltmore! BE THERE!
If you are unable to attend any September meetings, we have a ONE MINUTE
EMAIL CAMPAIGN. Just one short minute of your time will help save the
Biltmore!
ONE-MINUTE EMAIL CAMPAIGN
We encourage everyone both RESIDING IN OR LIVING OUTSIDE
OF BELLEAIR to write or email
Belleair officials and urge them to continue to vote
"YES!" on the tax abatement!
So no matter where you live here in the USA or other
countries, write your own email or feel free to use the
sample copy below, three short paragraphs.
Just ONE MINUTE of your time could go a long way in
helping to save the White Queen of the Gulf.
Belleair officials: Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners
Stephen Fowler, Tom Shelly, Kevin Piccarreto and Michael
Wilkinson and Town Manager, Micah Maxwell
(Donna Carlen will forward to
Finance and Historic Boards)
Restoration of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel is
unquestionably the highest and best use of the
property. It will create new jobs, provide tax revenue,
new business opportunities, increase property values
while enriching the lives of Belleair residents and
surrounding communities. Please vote "YES!" on the tax
abatement so Belleview Biltmore Partners can obtain
valuable tax relief for ten years after the renovations
are completed.
The historic preservation ordinance in 2005 was passed
to SAVE THE BILTMORE. One of the goals of the
Comprehensive Plan of the town of Belleair is "the
preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Resort Hotel."
The Florida Trust preservation organization,
www.floridatrust.org, recommends that the Belleview
Biltmore Hotel be preserved. The National Trust
organization,
www.nationaltrust.org, recommends that the Belleview
Biltmore Hotel be preserved. Now is the time to keep
pushing forward to save this historic icon.
We are all counting on you to complete the task that was
started in 2005 so the historic Belleview Biltmore can
have that second chance at greatness.
Please send this email to the Finance Board and the
Historic Preservation Board. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Thank you to everyone who wrote Belleair
officials or attended any of the first two August meetings. Hector Torres of
Belleview Biltmore Partners wrote this after the second commission meeting:
"We were successful in having the commission move forward with putting the
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (tax abatement issue) on the agenda for a first and
second reading. That is a win for all of us!"
Please attend the following Belleair town
meeting below. We urgently need your help to Save the Biltmore! Numbers
count!The town commissioners in Belleair have the authority to accept or
deny the tax abatement for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Urge them to vote
"YES!" on the tax abatement! This will allow Belleview Biltmore Partners to
receive tax relief for ten years after the renovations are completed. Should
they vote to amend the current historic preservation ordinance there would
have to be two readings of the amended ordinance and the ordinance would
become effective 30 days after the second and final reading and adoption.
The meeting is at the Belleair town hall: 901 Ponce de Leon
Blvd. Belleair, Florida. We urgently need your help to show your support
to Save the Biltmore! BE THERE!
BELLEAIR COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Time: 6:30 P.M. Note time, Commission meetings are now at 6:30 p.m.
Please attend one or more of the following Belleair town
meetings below. We urgently need your help to Save the Biltmore! Numbers count! The
town commissioners in Belleair have the authority to accept or deny the tax
abatement for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Urge them to vote "YES!" on the tax
abatement! This will allow Belleview Biltmore Partners to receive tax relief for
ten years after the renovations are completed. All meetings are at the Belleair
town hall: 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, Florida. We urgently need your
help to show your support to Save the Biltmore! BE THERE!
You may pay online via credit card or PayPal after you click
the "Add to Cart" button. This beautiful canvas tote bag is perfect
for carrying books, papers, gifts, letters etc. Show it off proudly to
your friends and family that you are helping to preserve and promote
the Biltmore!
CUSTOMIZED TOTE BAGS
Send us YOUR photo of family, friends, pets, sports or clubs
and we will put it on a tote bag! This is a great way to help us promote
the Biltmore with another fund-raising idea. You may include JUST
the photo, or a photo and text OR just text. Have fun creating your own
design using your own artwork too! Once we receive your order we will ask
you to send us your jpg and or text. And yes if you want the above tote
featuring "Anna, Girls just want to have fun!" we can ship that one too, just
let us know on checkout under "Comments if any."
The cost of the customized tote bag with YOUR photo and text is only $22.
You may pay online via credit card or PayPal after you click
the "Add to Cart" button. This beautiful canvas tote bag is perfect
for carrying books, papers, gifts, letters etc. Show it off proudly to
your friends and family that you are helping to preserve and promote
the Biltmore!
The cost of the tote bag is only $15 plus $4.95
for mailer and shipping.
You may pay online via credit card or PayPal after
you click the "Add to Cart" button. This beautiful canvas tote
bag is perfect for carrying books, papers, gifts, letters etc. Show
it off proudly to your friends and family that you are helping to preserve and
promote
the Biltmore!
A contract to purchase the Belleview Biltmore Hotel was signed
on March 30, 2012 by Belleview Biltmore Partners, with Richard Heisenbottle, the
lead partner and architect. The town commissioners in Belleair have the
authority to extend the development order on the Belleview Biltmore Hotel so the
renovations can be completed over the next three years. They will be
reviewing this development order on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Show your support and attend this meeting to Save the Biltmore. Urge
them to EXTEND the development order! Numbers count!
Show this flyer to ten
people and bring family and friends! Or hang this flyer up around your
community. We urgently need your help to show your support to Save
the Biltmore! BE THERE!
Click here to see and print
flyer.
NO LONGER VALID, OLD NEWS!!! The Belleview Biltmore Hotel was purchased by Kawa Capital Management LLC. in December, 2010.
The hotel is now closed and
unfortunately is again under threat of demolition even though there is a
historic preservation ordinance in place passed in 2005!
The hotel was recently purchased by Kawa Capital Management LLC.
in December, 2010. The new owners, the Kawa brothers are looking for
investors to purchase either of the following options: 1.
Belleview Biltmore Hotel with the
Pelican Golf Course and Cabana Club on Clearwater Beach or 2. The Biltmore
with the golf course 3. The Biltmore with the Cabana Club. 4.
The Biltmore separately.
Please note, the Biltmore golf course, The Pelican,
is still open for business.
A representative for the owners has been having presentations to destroy
most of the 115-year-old hotel to build just over 80 townhomes. Now, he
says plans for the property may involve as many as 180 townhomes or
more. While our nonprofit organization is looking
for investors to purchase the hotel, I would encourage anyone interested in
purchasing the Biltmore to keep it as a historic hotel to contact
Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, immediately!
(For more information about our nonprofit click here.)
URGENT!! PREVENT DEMOLITION!! THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL IS FOR SALE.
NOTE: The
Belleview Biltmore Hotel is now closed and unfortunately is again under threat
of demolition!
Our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists played a large
role in obtaining community support to help save the hotel which was ultimately
saved from demolition in 2007 when Legg Mason Real Estate Investors purchased
the hotel.
The hotel was purchased by Kawa Capital Management LLC.
in December, 2010. The new owners, the Kawa brothers are looking for
investors to purchase either of the following options: 1. Belleview Biltmore
Hotel with the
Pelican Golf Course and Cabana Club on Clearwater Beach or 2. The Biltmore
with the golf course 3. The Biltmore with the Cabana Club. 4.
The Biltmore separately.
Please note, the Biltmore golf course, The Pelican,
is still open for business. The owners unfortunately if no
investor is found will seek to demolish the historic property and build not 80
townhomes, but 180 or more even though there is a historic preservation
ordinance in place passed in 2005!
A representative for the owners has been having presentations to destroy most of
the 115-year-old hotel to build just over 80 townhomes. Now, he says plans for
the property may involve as many as 180 townhomes or more. While our nonprofit organization is looking
for investors to purchase the hotel, I would encourage anyone interested in
purchasing the Biltmore to keep it as a historic hotel to contact
Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, immediately!
(For more information about our nonprofit click here.)
For a detailed article on the possible demolition of the Biltmore,
click here:
posted Friday, December 30, 2011.
ONE MINUTE EMAIL
CAMPAIGN: We
urge you to write
Belleair officials an
email encouraging them
to deny the demolition
permit and to continue
to save the Biltmore as
a hotel. Feel free
to write your own
thoughts or you may copy
this email below and
send it to them.
It will only take one
minute! WE NEED YOUR
SUPPORT!
Simply copy and paste
the eaddresses below to
your email program and
then either write your
own email or copy and
paste the enclosed email
and SEND IMMEDIATELY!
Mayor Gary Katica,
Commissioners Stephen
Fowler, Tom Shelly,
Kevin Piccarreto and
Michael Wilkinson and
Town Manager, Micah
Maxwell
Sample copy and paste
this email to send or
write your own:
Honorable Mayor Katica
and Belleair
Commissioners:
I urge you to continue
to save your historic
Victorian Belleview
Biltmore Hotel for my
generation and future
generations to enjoy.
The historic 2005
preservation ordinance
was passed by Belleair
officials to protect
this iconic structure
against demolition by
neglect and developers
who want to destroy it
for their own personal
monetary gain. I
hope you deny any
demolition permit that
is proposed to you this
year or any time in the
future. Citizens
placed their trust in
you to follow through
with and enforce your
own ordinance to save
The White Queen of the
Gulf now and forever.
KAWA Capital, current owners of
the Biltmore: Daniel Ades,
Raphael Ades and Alexandre
Saverin, Simply copy and paste
the eaddresses below to your
email program and then either
write your own email or copy and
paste the enclosed email and
SEND IMMEDIATELY!
We have included Belleair
officials email addresses also
so they may receive a copy also:
Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners
Stephen Fowler, Tom Shelly,
Kevin Piccarreto and Michael
Wilkinson and Town Manager,
Micah Maxwell
Both the National Trust for
Historic Preservation and the
Florida Trust for Historic
Preservation are lending their
support for saving the Belleview
Biltmore Hotel. It would be a
permanent black mark on your
company's legacy if you were to
demolish one of the most
important historic icons in the
town of Belleair and Pinellas
County to make way for yet
another condominium development.
Certainly, a huge public outcry
will ensue.
I urge you to continue to try
and find investors who are
committed to restoring the hotel
to its original glory.
Restoration of the hotel is
unquestionably the highest and
best use of the property. In the
long run it will be in the best
interest of all. Pinellas County
does NOT need another unsold
townhouse development. It could
take a decade to sell the ones
we already have, meanwhile the
White Queen of the Gulf would be
gone forever, as would your
firm's reputation.
To have kept the hotel on the
market for only one year during
the toughest economic times in
recent history is no
justification for you to
demolish it. I encourage you to
use your firm's expertise to
find creative ways to work with
investors who are committed to
saving this priceless landmark.
SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER:
Please print out this
flyer from the link
below and give to ten of
your friends and family
and urge them to attend
this meeting. Hang
it up around your
community in malls,
retail stores,
libraries, your work
place, car windows,
events, restaurants and
gas stations.
Show your support and urge Belleair
officials to DENY the
demolition permit!
This
is the last chance for
you to Save the
Biltmore.
Flyer to Help Us Save
the Biltmore
Save the Biltmore Preservationists is a
nonprofit organization which is dedicated to saving and preserving the historic
Belleair, Florida 1896 Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa. From the
beginning we wanted to save all four wings and its guest rooms so this beautiful
building would remain a hotel with authentic Victorian charm.
This web site was launched in November 2004 by Diane Hein, president of Save the
Biltmore Preservationists 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 Biltmore Update mailing list in
which I send out news about the Biltmore.
We are extremely happy for the huge turnout at
the Belleair commission meeting on January 17, 2012. Approximately 175
people showed up, almost all of those in support of saving the Biltmore!
So a big thank you to all who took the time to come out for this very important
meeting. The ball is rolling now, let's keep the momentum up and pass out
flyers, do the ONE-MINUTE email campaign and attend future meetings to show
Belleair how much they need to SAVE THE BILTMORE!
Shop at our
Biltmore Online Gift Shop, it's fun and you will help the Biltmore stand
tall for another 110 years! Order a Biltmore calendar and proudly display it at
home or at your workplace. Wear a Biltmore T-shirt, carry a Biltmore tote bag.,
send a Biltmore greeting card, wear a Biltmore charm, become a member of our
nonprofit organization or display a Biltmore license plate on your car. All
these will stir interest with the people around you and help us promote the
Biltmore! An honorary one-year membership will be given to anyone purchasing any
of our special Biltmore jewelry! See
memberships.
Belleview Biltmore Hotel, (Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa) Built 1896, Belleair
Florida
VICTORY!!
THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL WAS SAVED FROM DEMOLITION IN 2007!!
URGENT, URGENT, URGENT!
BELLEAIR TOWN MEETING: Tuesday January 17, 2011. 7:30 p.m.
Belleair town officials will be discussing the fate of the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel. It is EXTREMELY important that you contact all your friends and to
attend this meeting to speak out and show your support to SAVE THE BILTMORE!.
KAWA will be submitting a demolition permit shortly, possibly even at this
meeting, and it is imperative that
Belleair KNOWS that you continue to want
the Biltmore saved.
ONE MINUTE EMAIL
CAMPAIGN:
For those of you who are
unable to attend this
VERY important meeting,
I urge you to write
Belleair officials an
email encouraging them
to deny the demolition
permit and to continue
to save the Biltmore as
a hotel. Feel free
to write your own
thoughts or you may copy
this email below and
send it to them.
It will only take one
minute! WE NEED YOUR
SUPPORT!
Simply copy and paste
the eaddresses below to
your email program and
then either write your
own email or copy and
paste the enclosed email
and SEND IMMEDIATELY!
Mayor Gary Katica,
Commissioners Stephen
Fowler, Tom Shelly,
Kevin Piccarreto and
Michael Wilkinson and
Town Manager, Micah
Maxwell
Sample copy and paste
this email to send or
write your own:
Honorable Mayor Katica
and Belleair
Commissioners:
I urge you to continue
to save your historic
Victorian Belleview
Biltmore Hotel for my
generation and future
generations to enjoy.
The historic 2005
preservation ordinance
was passed by Belleair
officials to protect
this iconic structure
against demolition by
neglect and developers
who want to destroy it
for their own personal
monetary gain. I
hope you deny any
demolition permit that
is proposed to you this
year or any time in the
future. Citizens
placed their trust in
you to follow through
with and enforce your
own ordinance to save
The White Queen of the
Gulf now and forever.
Sincerely,
SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER:
Please print out this
flyer from the link
below and give to ten of
your friends and family
and urge them to attend
this meeting. Hang
it up around your
community.
Show your support and
attend this meeting to
Save the Biltmore.
Urge Belleair
officials to DENY the
demolition permit!
This
is the last chance for
you to Save the
Biltmore. BE
THERE!
SAVE THE BILTMORE FLYER
To view put your cursor over the picture. To stop it at
any time, hit the "escape" key located in the upper left hand corner of your
computer. To restart it, just put your cursor over the picture again,
right click and hit "play".
The video is about 18 minutes in length.
The hotel was recently purchased by Kawa Capital Management LLC.
in December, 2010. It has been reported that the new owners, the Kawa
brothers most unfortunately want to convert the historic hotel into an
assisted-living facility. The Biltmore golf course, The Pelican,
however is still open for business. I would encourage anyone interested in
purchasing the Biltmore separately to keep it as a historic hotel to contact
Diane Hein, President of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, immediately!
(For more information about our nonprofit click here.)
THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE IS NOW CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS!
The hotel will be closed for renovations for at least three
years with a grand opening in approximately 2013. The
Biltmore golf course, The Pelican, however is still open for
business.
Legg Mason Real Estate
Investment company from Los Angeles, California purchased the
Belleview Biltmore Wednesday, June 20th, 2007. On May 20,
2008 Belleair town council and mayor approved the final site
plans for the restoration of the Biltmore so this was wonderful
news! After a three year long battle with many struggles, the
war was won! Legg Mason has great plans for
preservation and restoration and plan to make the Biltmore a 4
or 5 star hotel. Legg Mason
presented their formal plans at a Belleair town meeting
Wednesday, September 19, 2007.
Please wait up to 25 seconds before the video downloads.
http://tbo.com/video/xml/MGBXR99NS6F.html The
representative of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors Joseph Penner,
the architect Richard Heisenbottle, as well as our vice
president Ed Jameson of Save the Biltmore Preservationists is
interviewed in this segment. This clip is from NBC channel 8 TV
local coverage in the Tampa Bay area by Peter Bernard.
There were two lawsuits filed in order to stop the renovations,
however, they have been resolved in the hotel's favor. Now the
hotel owners are seeking investors so they can start the
renovations.
Rendition of the Starlight Ballroom 2012
A rendering shows the new spa, one story instead of two, in response to the
concerns of some neighbors that views of the Intracoastal would be blocked
The town of Belleair approved the extensive
Legg Mason's renovation plans May, 2008. Unfortunately three men who live
in close proximity to the Biltmore filed a lawsuit protesting the
renovation plans. However, the Belleview Biltmore Hotel has received a
favorable decision from a three judge panel of the Circuit Court for Pinellas
County, Florida, sitting in its appellate capacity, regarding the restoration of
the historic property. On May 28, 2009, the Circuit Court entered an Order and
Opinion upholding the Belleair Town Commission’s grant of variances and approval
of site plans necessary for the restoration. The complaining parties have
thirty days from the date of that decision to take an additional appeal to the
District Court of Appeal of Florida, Second District. The Belleview
Biltmore Hotel also owns a parcel on Sand Key which it proposes to redevelop
with a 38 room boutique hotel as part of the overall project. The City of
Clearwater Community Development Board approved redevelopment of the Sand Key
site on September 16, 2008. Several neighboring residents appealed this
decision to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. On April 13, 2009,
the assigned Administrative Law Judge rejected this challenge to the approval
and upheld the decision of the Community Development Board. The residents have
now filed a Petition in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, Florida
challenging the decisions of the Community Development Board and the
Administrative Law Judge. That Petition remains pending before the Circuit
Court. The attorneys for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel expect the Circuit Court
to render a decision within the next thirty days as to whether the Petition sets
forth a sufficient basis for the appeal to proceed. Information from
http://www.ClearwaterGazette.com
June 4, 2009
Circuit judges Amy Williams, J. Thomas McGrady and Peter
Ramsberger found that the three petitioners’ claim that they were denied due
process by the time limits imposed by the commission for their individual
testimony failed the standard of proof, considering that they were only three of
the many interested persons to speak during the long commission meeting.
Belleair Bee June 3, 2009
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/060309_bee-02.txt?archiveview
Our nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore
Preservationists, created a Belleview Biltmore Hotel holiday Christmas tree) see
below for photos) for the 2009 Festival of Trees sponsored by UPARC Foundation,
Inc. More than 100 beautifully decorated trees from local artists,
businesses and community leaders are displayed at the Westfield/Countryside
Mall, Countryside, Florida. Our seven foot Save the Biltmore
Preservationist Christmas tree combines the old with the new. The Belleview
Biltmore Hotel opened during the Victorian era in 1897 and a popular Christmas
decoration at that time was the beautiful cone-shaped ornament, the cornucopia.
Vintage homemade cornucopias were constructed from paper, paper scrap, cotton,
scraps of cloth, yarn, tinsel, ribbon and filled with any assortment of candy,
nuts or other holiday decorations. Some had crepe-paper closures, while others
were left open at the top like our ornaments are.
See photos below with a description of our ornaments and tree after them.
Close-ups of four of our 50 hand-crafted ornaments.
14 karat gold Belleview Biltmore jewelry charm which we used
for half of our ornaments.
We made assorted cornucopia ornaments, all a little different so no two are
alike!
Our tree topper with enlargements of our gold charm
Our hand-crafted decorated tree with 50 cornucopia ornaments and charm topper.
Santa Claus visits our tree!
For our 50 Save the Biltmore hand-crafted cornucopias, we added decorations of
pine cones, silver and gold leaves, miniature craft pearls, apples, pears, gold
and silver-coated nuts, foil, ribbon, flowers and other Christmas
decorations. Half of our ornaments are adorned in the center with a
representation of our nonprofit’s Belleview Biltmore 14 karat gold jewelry charm
to represent the “charm of the Belleview Biltmore.” The top of our tree has
larger gold printed images of our charm in a circular fashion, decorated to
match the cornucopias, and you can see the distinctive chimney stacks on the
hotel. It took us approximately 65 hours to make and decorate the cornucopias
and tree topper.
Each of our cornucopias were decorated a little differently so no two are
alike! We carefully hand-crafted each ornament with a variety of festive
decorations for your holiday pleasure so we hope you enjoy each unique ornament
and our tree. Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist tree is located on the
first floor by Sears near the Santa Claus station.
We hope you make the time to attend this wonderful Festival of Trees.
The hours of the festival are Sunday, November 22, 2009 through Sunday November
29, 2009. Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist “A Victorian Christmas at the
Biltmore” will be displayed at the mall during these dates even if someone does
buy it on the gala night.
The public may attend the Premier Gala Night event for $75 per person Sunday
night November 22 at the mall to purchase a decorated tree. Patrons will have
the opportunity to enjoy fine food, refreshments and entertainment as they
search for that perfect holiday tree to purchase for home or office. Hours of
this Sunday night’s gala event will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enter at the
entrance near Toojay’s Restaurant. There will be both live and silent
auctions. Delightful culinary food and tastings will be provided by 16
caterers. A Swarovski crystal tree will be at Macy’s sponsored by Bijoux, and
entertainment will be provided throughout the mall. Ann Kelly from The New
Magic radio station 94.9 FM will also be there.
Our Save the Biltmore Preservationist tree will be for sale this year at their
show. We are offering a FREE $50 Save the Biltmore Copper Membership to anyone
who buys our tree so be sure to attend Sunday’s event if you want to be the
first one to buy our tree! Just remember to contact us via email if you buy the
tree so we can send you your membership. To purchase tickets for the Premier
Gala Night please contact the UPARC Foundation office at 727-797-8712. All
proceeds from tree sales go to UPARC.
Starting Monday November 23 at the Westfield/Countryside Mall, you may buy
raffle tickets to win a decorated tree that was not sold at Sunday’s gala
event. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20, cash, check or credit card
accepted
Volunteers are still welcome and needed for the Premier Gala Night as well as
during the tree show at the mall for the five “tree pods” of which there will be
a variety of beautifully decorated trees. For more information or to volunteer,
please contact the UPARC Foundation office at 727-797-8712.
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE INTERIOR
LIQUIDATION SALE
There is a liquidation sale for the NONHISTORIC items at the
Belleview Biltmore Hotel. The liquidation will run for 45 days
and starts on Thursday, July 9 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday
through Saturdays. The hours change for Sunday when it will run
from 12 noon to 5 p.m. All historic items are NOT for sale and
are being marked as not for sale. For a list of items and photos
click here:
http://www.nclsales.com/BelleviewBiltmoreResortAndBeachClub.htmlFor more information, call (727) 441-9690
(Note, the liquidation sale is over.)
"BACK TO THE FUTURE" PARTY
On June 1, 2009 the Belleview Biltmore will close for renovations for
approximately three years. To celebrate the resort's amazing history, from its
origin when it was built in 1897, to the present, and to the future, when it
will reopen in 2012, UPARC, a local nonprofit organization, will hold the last
party at the venerable historic Biltmore. The party "Back to the Future" will be
on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. A variety of rooms in the
hotel will be set up to represent different eras so you can mingle from place to
place. Guests may also tour the hotel. The dress is casual but you may also
dress up in costume. Cuisine from past eras will also be served, and you will
be able to dance to a variety of live music. The event co-chairs are Chris
Daily and May Lynne Hawkins, and the honorary chairs are Karen Crown and Diane
and Dean Gobo. UPARC is an organization that serves individuals with
developmental disability. Individual tickets are $100. Patron level tickets,
which include a listing in the event program, are $150. Tickets for the Chinese
Auction also are available in advance for $20/8. Sponsorship opportunities are
still available. For tickets, call Elisa Fredericks at UPARC at 799-3330, ext.
7451. If no answer call (727) 797-8712. For Belleview Biltmore information,
call Mark Boyer at 373-3762.
MONDAY JUNE 1, 2009
On Monday, June 1, at 1 p.m. guests at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel will be
escorted to the door for their last checkout, serenaded by musical recordings
reminiscent of bittersweet parting with the promise of reuniting.
IDEAS FOR THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL
(formerly on the home page)
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.
Our nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore
Preservationists, created a Belleview Biltmore Hotel holiday Christmas tree for
the 2008 Festival of Trees. The Biltmore tree won a second place red ribbon in
the seven-foot tree division for handcrafted ornaments. The tree has 55
ornaments on it with photos depicting the historic journey of the Belleview
Biltmore Hotel from 1896 when it was built to the 2012 proposed renovations by
the new owner Legg Mason Real Estate Investors. UPARC Foundation, Inc. sponsors
the show, and more than 100 beautifully decorated trees from local artists,
businesses and community leaders are displayed along with craft items available
for purchase. The Biltmore tree took about 60 hours to complete including the
unique, hand-crafted tree topper gazebo that illuminates three historic views of
the hotel. Next to the tree are displays of other Biltmore memorabilia, antique
photos, furniture, a history of the hotel and some vintage apparel from
different eras, which add to the theme of the tree. The Festival of Trees is
located at the Harborview Center, Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL.
The show runs from Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30, 2008 For
times of the show click: To see a larger
view of our tree click here
Tickets are $8 per person
The hours of the festival are:
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Noon - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday November 27, 2008 - Thanksgiving Day
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday November 28, 2008
10:00 am - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
10:00 am - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
noon - 5:00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE 2008
We invite you and
yours to join us for a Clearwater Christmas
Celebration Join us for a Clearwater
festive Christmas Holiday 2008.
The Belleview Biltmore
Resort & Spa, Clearwater, Fl., invites you
to share in a Victorian Christmas
Celebration. Step back in time, sip on hot
apple cider while enjoying the melodies of
our carolers. Your eyes will dance in glee
gazing at the breathtaking gingerbread
house, eleven generations of Christmas trees
and the dazzling hotel decorations.
Thursday, December 25 Traditional Family
Holiday Dinner Reservations for a spectacular Christmas
Dinner will be taken for 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
in the Tiffany Ballroom
First seating 11 A.M., last seating 3 P.M.
Seatings on the hour.
Call our Holiday hotline
to make your reservations at 727-373-3768
Christmas Dinner Menu
Ice Glow
Station
Georgia Shrimp Served with Louis Sauce and
Horseradish Cocktail Sauce garnished with
Lemon Slices.
Imported and Domestic Cheese Display
Brie, Roquefort, Port Salut, Boursin,
Gruyere and Cheddar Cheeses Whole Grapes,
Assorted Berries, Walnuts and Tangerine
Served with Water Crackers and Sliced French
Brea. Chef's Special Selection of Terrines
and Pates with French Baguettes and Assorted
Crackers.
Salad
Station Waldorf Salad
Pasta Salad with Pancetta, Feta Cheese, Red
Pepper and Dijon Vinaigrette Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella and Basil
Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Sliced Beef Tenderloin Salad with Bermuda Onions, Spanish Olives
and Julienne Pickles
Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seed, Smoked Bacon,
Sweet Raisins with Honey Dressing
Watercress, Endive, Pear and Roquefort
Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette
Carving Station Honey Baked Ham with Sweet Dijon Marinade
Slow Carved Roasted Turkey Fresh with Cranberry Sauce and Herbed
Mayonnaise
Slow-Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus with Horseradish Creme Fraiche
Hot
Display Station Shrimp Bisque
Horseradish Potato Crusted Salmon
Stuffed Pork Loin with Dried Apricots
Crispy Duck A la Orange
Herbed Cornbread Stuffing with Apples
Roasted New Potatoes with Fresh Herb
Seasoning
Sweet Corn Casserole with Trio Pepper
French Cut Green Beans Almondiné and Baby
Carrots
$39.95 for adults. $17.95 for
children 13 and under.
Children under 3 will receive a
complimentary meal. Prices inclusive of tax and
gratuity.
Call our Holiday hotline to make your reservations at
727-373-3768
Dinner cancellations must be made 48
hours in advance.
Credit cards will be charged Saturday,
December 23, 2006 .
Hotel & Golf Gift Certificates
available by calling 727-373-3000
2 Night Package Price: *$250 Per Person Based Upon Double
Occupancy
1 Night Package Price: *$213 Per Person Based Upon Double Occupancy
Our packages include a standard guestroom (Tuesday and
Wednesday for the 2 night package and Wednesday only for the 1 night package),
Welcome Reception (2 night package only), Gourmet New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner,
Champagne Toast, Party Favors, Dancing To Live Music with "The Shawn Brown Band”
from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am, And an Open Bar from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am.
*Package Pricing is Inclusive of All Taxes and
Gratuities
Ala Carte & Upgrades
Upgrade to a suite for an additional $75.00 (Limited
Availability)
The New Year’s Eve Gala Buffet Dinner is $175.00
(inclusive) per person. (Does Not Include Guestroom)
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008
Champagne Welcome Reception with hors d’ oeuvres
6:00pm-8:00pm (If you will be dining in Palm Grill or Cabana Grill please
make your reservations in advance)
Wednesday, December 31st, 2008**
Cocktail Reception with Hors d’ oeuvres
8:00pm-9:00pm Dinner Stations 9:00pm-11:00pm
Ice Glow Station
Georgia Shrimp, Oysters on the Half Shell and Crab
Claws Served with Louis Sauce, Tabasco, Shallot Vinaigrette and Horseradish
Cocktail Sauce Garnished with Lemon Slices
Sushi Display
Assortment of California, Crab, Vegetarian and Spicy
Rolls Served with Pickled Ginger, Wasabi and Soy Sauce
Cheese Display
A Selection of Imported and Domestic Cheese Display to
Include:
Brie, Roquefort, Port Salut, Boursin, Gruyere and Cheddar Cheeses, Whole
Grapes, Assorted Berries, Walnuts and Tangerine Served with Water Crackers
And Sliced French Bread
Salad Stations
Grilled Vegetable with Balsamic Dressing Accompanied
With Crudités, Hummus and Grilled Pita Bread
Shaved Smoked Salmon with Mini Bagels and Assorted
Condiments
Spinach Salad Tossed with Roquefort, Walnut, Sundried
Tomatoes, Sliced Fresh Berries in a Honey and Orange Vinaigrette
Caesar Salad with Anchovies, Fresh Parmesan, Cheese
and Homemade Croutons
Carving Stations
Beef Tenderloin Encrusted with Cracked Pepper,
Béarnaise Sauce and Assorted Mustards
Pork Tenderloin with Raisins and Fruit Chutney
Sauté Stations
Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels and Oysters Sautéed in Herb
of Province Butter, Finished with Pernod, Fish Veloute and Julienne
Vegetables
Maryland Crab Cakes Sautéed in Olive Oil Served with a
Creole Mustard Sauce, Confetti of Asparagus, Roma Tomato, Bermuda Onion And
Sweet Vidalia Vinaigrette
Hot Display Stations
Chicken Saltimbocca Stuffed with Proscuitto,
Provolone, Sage Served With a Sage Demi Glaze and Basil Tomato Bruschetta
Baked Salmon Encrusted with Pecans, Pesto and Potato
Served Over Saffron and Lemongrass Butter Sauce with a Touch Of Dill and
Black Bean Salsa
Lollipop Lamb Chops Served with Kumquat Compote and
Mint Jelly
Zucchini Boat Stuffed with Grand Mariner Carrot
Mousse, Yellow Ring Squash Stuffed with Asparagus Tips and Garlic Butter
Sauce
Roasted Elephant Garlic Clove Mashed Potatoes
Herbed Rice Pilaf with Sliced Almonds
Dessert Station
Chef’s Selection of Assorted Gourmet Desserts
(**Please Note That Reserved Seating
Will Be Available For Parties of 10 Only, All Other Seating Will Be
Pre-Assigned By The Hotel)
For Reservations Please Call (727)
373-3768
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL
Thursday, November 27 Traditional
Thanksgiving Dinner Time: 11 A.M. until 3 P.M. in the The
Tiffany Ballroom
Seating every hour. Last seating 3 P.M.
Call our Holiday hotline
to make your reservations at (727) 373-3000
Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Ice Glow
Station
Georgia Shrimp Served with Louis Sauce and
Horseradish Cocktail Sauce Garnished with
Lemon Slices
Smoked
Salmon Display with Accompaniments
Imported and Domestic Cheese Display
Brie, Roquefort, Port Salut, Boursin,
Gruyere and Cheddar Cheeses Whole Grapes,
Assorted Berries, Walnuts and Tangerine
Served with Water Crackers and Sliced French
Bread
Salad
Station Ambrosia Salad
Beet Salad Marinated in Sweet Broth Carrot and Raisin Cole Slaw
Traditional Caesar Salad
Oriental Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Dried
Cranberries, Sweet and Nutty Spicy Dressing
Penne Pasta Salad with Pesto, Sundried Tomatoes and
Fresh Mozzarella
Three Bean Salad with Italian Dressing
Carving Station Bourbon Glazed Ham Pineapple Chutney
Slow Carved Roast Turkey Home-style Gravy
Roasted Prime Rib Rosemary Au Jus
Hot
Display Station Lobster Bisque with Cinnamon
Pan Seared Grouper with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Pumpkin Ravioli with Spicy Pecans, Smoked
Chicken and Sage Cream
Apricot and Grand Marnier Basted Pork with
Peach, Sausage and Wild Rice
Traditional Bread Stuffing with Walnuts and
Sage
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Caramelized
Sweet Potatoes
French Cut Green Bean Casserole
Grilled Vegetables with Balsamic Reduction
Desserts Pastry Chef's Selection of
Assorted Desserts
$39.95 for adults. $17.95 for
children 13 and under.
Children under 3 will receive a
complimentary meal. Prices inclusive of tax and
gratuity.
Call our Holiday hotline to make your reservations at
727-373-3768
Dinner cancellations must be made 48
hours in advance.
Credit cards will be charged Saturday,
December 23, 2006 .
Hotel & Golf Gift Certificates
available by calling 727-373-3000
PLEASE NOTE! 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.
NEW!! We are now offering
MEMBERSHIPS! We thank the community for all its support
in saving the Biltmore. Now you can join our nonprofit organization and
become a member. Your donation gift will help us continue to preserve and
promote the beautiful Victorian, 1897 Belleview Biltmore Hotel, "The White
Queen of the Gulf," Belleair, Florida. (Clearwater)
Please note that the demolition of the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel for now has been stopped. We need preservation-minded buyers
to save the Biltmore forever! We welcome all ideas on how to find
these buyers. Email Me
Thanks to Adrian Wyllie Webmaster and Editor, of TampaBayStart.com
for this photo.
HALLOWEEN AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
The following information is from a flyer from the
Belleview Biltmore: "Join us for a night of ghostly encounters interlaced
with the history of our Grand Hotel. Follow along with the Orlando Ghost
Tours team of paranormal investigation experts on an interesting journey inside
the Belleview Biltmore Resort. The package includes room accommodations,
Dinner for two in the Palm Grill and Ghost Tour for two. The tour starts
at 9 p.m. and lasts approximately 3 hours. Not recommended for children.
12 and under. Available October 31 and November 1, 2008
1 night package inclusive price for 2 guests: $239.00
727-373-3000
BELLEAIR – The Detective Dinner
Theater will extend its run of “The Poison Lounge!” through Dec. 29, at the
Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa.
Performances are Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., with doors open at 7.
“The Poison Lounge!”, written, directed and produced by Charla Garrison,
centers on the murder of the lounge’s new landlord Carmine. It seems that
everyone has a motive to want Carmine dead, and it will be up to the guests
to solve the crime. Suspects include Jack, the host and all-around handyman;
Bitsy, the cigarette girl; Poison , the headliner and proprietor; Desiree,
Poison’s sister; and Frankie, Desiree’s ex-boyfriend.
Cost is $49.95 a person plus tax. Price includes a four-course meal,
gratuity for the meal and the show. Reservations are required.
The town’s Planning and Zoning Board reviewed Legg Mason’s Belleview Biltmore
renovation site plan on Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. and approved them. Legg Mason will present the plan for
approval to the commission at its Tuesday, May 20 meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend this very important meeting!
There has been a few groups of people who are opposing some of the
changes.
Therefore it is extremely important for you to attend this meeting and voice
your support to Belleair officials so the renovation plans will be approved!
THE PLANS MUST BE APPROVED FOR THE BILTMORE TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HOTEL! Please show your support for the new renovation plans and attend this meeting at
the Belleair town hall at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Here are the
instructions for who can speak at the meeting:
People
will be heard in the following order:
1. People of standing - (those who received public notices; ie. those people
whose property is immediately affected by the development)
2. Belleair residents
3. Time permitting, the General Public - the general public will only be able to
make comments and not cross-examine the applicant
Anyone who wishes to speak must sign in with the Town Clerk - call 588-3769,
ext. 312 - ahead of time. You can sign immediately before the meeting but you
will have to get there early because as soon as the meeting starts they will stop
signing people in. Of course, anyone can attend and hear the public hearing.
We recommend that you come by at least 7 p.m. to sign in if you do not call
ahead of time! There will be many people attending this meeting so come
early!!
Celebrity and TV talk show hostess Ellen DeGeneres is
sponsoring a contest in which she is on the hunt for America's best hometown!
Will it be Belleair's where the famous and now saved Belleview Biltmore Hotel
is!? You can help Ellen choose Yes to Belleair by voting online at
http://ellen.aol.com/profile/fl/belleair/claim+to+fame/largest+occupied+wooden+structure/
Just vote "yes" near the photo where it says "I like this profile" You can help
Belleair and its Victorian Belleview Biltmore become famous and bring in
tourists long into the future!
We have a brand new Biltmore
T-shirt and tote bag design by renowned watercolorist Janice James so click here
to order it at our online
store. This NEW design now says
"Saved 2007"
Our nonprofit organization will now
continue to work towards promoting and preserving the Biltmore for future
generations. Help us to do this by shopping at our
online store and of course
booking a reservation at the Biltmore at their web site!
http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/
!
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!
There are many very festive days and nights planned for
the upcoming holiday season! Be sure to click on the links and
participate or stay at the Belleview Biltmore for any or all of them!
Chef Etienne and Chef Hueppi of the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel created a holiday gingerbread house for the 2007 Festival of Trees in
Clearwater this past weekend and won a first place ribbon! It took 16 man
hours to complete, and it was a popular stop at the show with children
posing in front of it for their parents to photograph them. And of course
the fragrant ginger aroma brought many people over to this edible house! The
chefs have won a first place award twice in the past four years. The
gingerbread house is now on display at the hotel along with many other
holiday decorations including a 22 foot Christmas tree.
For a larger photo
of the gingerbread house
click here
CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE:
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
For another TV segment that gives a wonderful synopsis of the
past few years plus interviews, click Pinellas County's TV web site.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/tv/
Then click on "Progressive Pinellas" which is about one half way down the page
and to the very right. This will take you to an interview with Pinellas
County Commissioner Karen Seel, Belleair Commissioner Stephanie Oddo and our
vice president Ed Jameson of our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore
Preservationists. There are some video clips in the segment also
including one of the Belleair meetings from 2005, the recent visit by Florida
Governor Charlie Crist at the hotel and also interviews with Belleview Biltmore
General Manager Martin Smith and his assistant Stephanie Delahanty. In the
TV segment, many of the beautiful and historic rooms of the hotel are shown.
The video is about 30 minutes long and the segment on the Biltmore is half way
through at the number 14:16 on their counter so you may fast forward to view it.
It is about nine minutes long. For those of you who live in the Tampa Bay
Area you may also view the program on TV. Progressive Pinellas airs
everyday at 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Their channel… PCC-TV… Pinellas County
Connection TV… airs on channel 622 on Bright House. Its on channel 18 for
Knology and very soon it will be on channel 44 on Verizon Cable.
THANKSGIVING AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE: Thursday,
November 22, 2007
BELLEAIR – Gov. Charlie Crist will be the keynote speaker at
the Belleview Biltmore Resort Monday, Nov. 19, 3:30 p.m., where he will address
Legg Mason Real Estate Investors’ preservation efforts for the Biltmore.
Anyone may attend.
The public is invited to view the plans at a 6 p.m. reception on Nov. 19 in the
Tiffany Ballroom.
Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles, plan to seek LEED certification
from the U.S. Green Building Council for the Belleview Biltmore. According to
Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason, the intent is to utilize a water
efficient landscape design, energy efficient equipment and construction methods,
reusable materials, ventilation improvements and other enhancements to achieve
“green” certification.
Legg Mason’s goal is to return the magnificent wooden structure to its former
glory and achieve a four- to-five star hotel rating. Plans include restoring the
hotel and surrounding historic homes in accordance with Department of Interior -
U. S. Park Service preservation standards, removal of the pagoda-like front
entrance, removal of the aluminum siding, adding an underground parking
facility, a new spa, the creation of a park surrounding the hotel and a façade
easement to protect the hotel forever.
“The achievement of LEED certification is an important step in
the life of this magnificent historic property,” said Penner. “The new design
includes underground parking and sculptured gardens which will help restore the
property to its grandeur, while creating a modern energy efficient destination
resort.” Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June.
HALLOWEEN NIGHT AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE: Wednesday October 31,
2007
Biltmore to host ‘Who Let
The Dogs Art?’
Belleair Bee, 2007
Article
published on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
BELLEAIR – On Sunday, Sept.
16, Fluffy Puppies will present its second art show on the grounds of
the historic (and dog-friendly) Belleview Biltmore Resort.
Proceeds from “Who Let The Dogs Art?” will go to Southeastern Guide
Dogs.
Kris Logan-Walker, owner of Fluffy Puppies in Clearwater, put a call out
to artists earlier this year. Fifteen have committed, along with
sponsors Whitney Bank, Walker Law, Merrick Pet Foods, Natura Pet
Products, Dogswell, Belleview Biltmore, Dowling Graphics and “The New
Barker,” Tampa Bay’s top dog magazine.
The variety of artwork represented will feature traditional and
non-traditional, including sculptures, glassworks, jewelry, watercolor,
acrylic, charcoal and oil. The common theme and subject of each piece of
artwork will be dogs. Southeastern Guide Dogs will be on hand with their
dogs and handlers giving demonstrations.
It’s first year, “Who Let The Dogs Art?” raised $2,000 for the SPCA
Tampa Bay. Once again, Sandy Snider has donated the original artwork for
the poster and T-shirts which will be on sale the day of the event.
Call Anna Cooke at 214-7453 or Kris Logan-Walker at 446-7999.
Legg Mason will be presenting
their formal renovation plans for the Biltmore Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30
in Belleair, Florida. Be
sure to attend!
Lomi Lomi Salmon, Hawaiian Cole
Slaw, Sweet Potato Salad, Rum Basted Suckling Pulled
Pig, Grouper in Banana Leaves with Fruit Chutney, Sweet
Glazed Steak Kabobs with Vegetables, Citrus Grilled
Chicken Breasts with Papaya Salsa, Polynesian
and much more...!!
Sunday Sept. 2rd
Sunday Pool Party
Pool
Party 11 A.M. to Close Live Music by
Panokolada Steel Drum Band
4 P.M. ~ 8 P.M.
Pasta Salad, Coleslaw, Seasonal
Fruit Salad, Potato Salad, Pork Ribs, Chicken and Beef
Tri-tip Trio of Barbecue, Shredded Pork Sandwich, Sweet
Italian Sausage, Key West Marinated Shrimp, Smoked Baked
Beans, , Corn on the Cobette, Hushpuppies, Homemade
Biscuits and Cornbread, Pecan Pie, Peanut Butter Pie and
Cherry Pie!
and much more...!!
Don't forget to
make your Sunset Reservations at the Cabana Grill & Bar
727-595-1807
For more information about Labor Day Specials,
Book a Room or make an event reservation,
call our Holiday Hotline at(727) 373-3768.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL: There
is exciting news to report! Legg Mason Real Estate Investment company has
a contract to purchase the Biltmore and the closing date has been scheduled for
June 20, 2007. They have great plans for preservation and restoration and
plan to make the Biltmore a 4 or 5 star hotel! Click here for more
details:
http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/060707_bee-01.txt
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 provide
absolutely NO legal protection to save the Biltmore! These organizations
only support and endorse historic protection. The current hotel owner who wanted to demolish the
hotel has been granted an indefinite continuance for the redevelopment and demolition
permit review.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL: The hotel owner is currently taking bids for the purchase
of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida. Email me Diane Hein if
you are interested in purchasing the Biltmore OR if you would like to join a
group of investors to purchase the hotel.
Please
note that although 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. Again these preservation organizations provide
absolutely NO legal protection to save the Biltmore! These organizations
only support and endorse historic protection. Only local laws in
Belleair will save the Biltmore. DeBartolo has backed off from buying
the hotel September 16 due a huge public outcry with over 300 people in
attendance! The preservation ordinance to save the Biltmore in Belleair
was passed October 26, 2005. It took effect Thursday, November 25, 2005.
The hotel owner Urdang and Associates (under the name of Belleview Biltmore
Resorts LTD) is continuing its efforts to demolish the hotel. The
redevelopment permit application for demolition of the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel was reviewed by the town’s Planning and Zoning Board on Monday, January
9 and they voted to DENY the demolition permit application 7-0! This
is wonderful news! The hotel owner who wishes to demolish the
hotel has been granted an indefinite continuance for the redevelopment and demolition
permit review.
To help save the Biltmore, PLEASE spread the word around
via email, letters, phone calls that the Belleview Biltmore needs a buyer
who is interested in preserving it! We need this action immediately!
There are also flyers to print
out and yard signs available
to spread the word.
May 30, 2007
CLEARWATER'S WEEK LONG JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
CLEARWATER, FL - Clearwater's July 4th celebration is a week-long event at
the Belleview Biltmore Resort. The historic resort invites guests and the
public to attend its week-long festivities that include activities for all
ages, friends and families. Events are focused around the resort's
waterfall-pool and include special holiday menus, live music, all day drink
specials, special seafood and BBQ buffets, even poker nights and a festive
night of Karaoke in the St. Andrew's Pub.
No Clearwater Independence Day is complete without fireworks, and the resort
offers great views of the firework displays. Guests and the public are
invited to watch the fireworks, starting at dusk, from the resort's dock or
from its Beach Club on Sand Key, where more special events are held at the
Cabana Grill & Sunset Bar.
"The week-long celebration allows us all to get together to honor the great
events that founded this country. Recall and honor its defenders and renew
our understanding of the how blessed we are to be free," said Martin Smith,
Managing Director and VP. " The Beach Club on Sand Key is an ideal location
to view the city's spectacular displays without the overwhelming crowds. We
look forward to making our pool terrace, beach and facilities available to
our neighbors."
This year the Biltmore has expanded to a seven day event, adding
some new items such as karaoke night, poker tournament and special menus at
pool side. It really is a week with something for everyone, all ages." To
find out more you can view the full schedule at contact the resort's
holiday hotline at (727) 373-3768
This year's events are all planned around pool parties at the hotel's
waterfall pool area. Some of the scheduled events will include:
Friday, June 29th ~ GET READY POOL PARTY Holiday menus, Live DJ, drink
specials, complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and a Victorian Seafood Buffet.
Saturday, June 30th ~ ANNUAL POOL PARTY! Holiday Menus, Live DJ, Drink
Specials, and the resort's famous "Victorian Prime Rib Buffet"
Wednesday, July 4th ~ POOL PARTY & FIREWORKS. Yahoo! Holiday Menus, Live DJ,
drink specials and FIREWORKS! Watch the fireworks at sundown from the
resort's docks or on the beach at the Cabana Grill & Bar or Sunset Bar, Sand
Key
Thursday, July 5th ~ POOL & POKER! Drink specials, Live DJ and FREE Texas
Hold'em Poker Tournament
Friday, July 6th ~ POOL, SEAFOOD & KARAOKE Drink specials, Live DJ, Seafood
Buffet and karaoke at St. Andrew's Pub
Saturday, July 7th ~ THE POOL TURNS INTO MARGARITAVILLE! Margarita specials,
Live DJ ~ 4:00 to 8 P.M. Prime Rib Buffet and Ghost Tours.
Clearwater Beach Hotel.............is...
.....now demolished!
"Hiller has worked as a development consultant on several
projects, including the Marriott Suites Clearwater Beach on Sand Key and
the Sandpearl Resort and Belle Harbor projects on Clearwater Beach."
Readers note: The Sandpearl is the resort that
is REPLACING the once beautiful but now demolished Clearwater Beach Hotel.
Rory Hiller is the developer who wants to purchase the Biltmore and put
in ultra modern condo/hotel units which this web site is against!
FIRST FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3,
2006, AT THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE HOTEL, BELLEAIR, FLORIDA
First Friday at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, wine tasting and
fund raising event for "Support our Troops" sponsored by the Indian Shores
Women's Club and the Republican Party. The information below is from an
article by reporter, Renee Burrell of the local newspaper, the Clearwater
Gazette.
"The Town of Indian Shores and the
Indian Shores Women’s Club have embraced an on-going project collecting needed
items for our men and women in Iraq. These items are boxed and mailed to various
military sources in Iraq to be shared with our troops. To date, over 400 boxes
have been sent. We receive many thank –you letters from our soldiers.
Our goal is to keep the source of supply continuous until our troops can return
to the U.S. We need your help to provide this source. Indian Shores hopes that
towns can join together to be a continuous source of items for our troops.
Various approaches or ideas of collecting items are possible. Be creative!
Indian Shores Town Hall has a display, an item list, and a plastic bin in the
foyer for drop-offs during working hours. Condos have taken on the project and
different clubs may sponsor an event, including item drop-offs. Memorial Day and
July 4th are the perfect Holidays to include collections.
I have included a list of items approved for sending. We will be happy to pick
up items and get them to the packing location. You will receive personal
thank-you notes. I will be glad to help with any set-up or speak to any group to
help you “kick this off.” My phone numbers and e-mail address are listed below.
We say, “Indian Shores is the Little Town with a Big Heart.” We believe we have
many other Big Hearts on the Barrier Island.
MISCELLANEOUS: bandanas (khaki or camo), socks, pens, stationary, post cards,
phone cards (international), disposable cameras, batteries (AA and AAA), CD's,
DVD movies, magazines, books, hand-held battery-operated fans.
Silver Plate Bowl
A new silver plate bowl with a
clear glass liner from Neiman Marcus with
all over pierced design and bright cut
decoration. The base is 4" and the
top diameter is 10" A beautiful item
to own or to give as a gift.
Fill it with flowers or fruit or
champagne punch for any festive occasion.
It comes in original box and packing
Donor: Robert Burrell, Esq.
Indian Shores, FL
Price: $30 plus shipping and handling
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING, November 8, 2005.
Steve Cottrell, Belleair town manager discussed that the Comprehensive
Plan of Belleair is being reviewed as it must be every 7 to 10 years.
There are proposed changes to this Comprehensive Plan that will eventually
be discussed at a workshop meeting. One proposed change has to do
with redevelopment of the Biltmore Hotel! One other proposed change
is for the Biltmore golf course, for redevelopment purposes.
Here is part of the memo:"Potential Major Issues: (order of importance-
1 essential; 2 important; 3 somewhat important; preliminary ranking without
benefit of P & Z board recommendations).1.
Historic Preservation (1): including, - a. Potential redevelopment of the
hotel and surrounding land (1); b. Potential hotel golf course redevelopment
and future land use issues (1); and c. Preservation of the town's character
and other historic resources (3)."There are
three other potential major issues after this, so for a copy of the entire
memo contact Belleair Town Hall, 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. We are not exactly
sure what any of this will entail so BE SURE to attend the proposed workshop
on this...DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED.
SPECIAL WORK SESSIONS: More workshops will be coming up in the near future for presentation and review of the proposed Evaluation and Appraisal Report for Belleair's Comprehensive Plan. Check back often for dates and times. We urge you to attend these extremely important workshops on the Comprehensive Plan to ENSURE the preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and its historic golf course. If you want this legal entity to continue to stand as is in regards to the hotel and golf course, please tell your neighbors to attend this meeting with you and start speaking up.
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE SETTING FOR ABC
DOCUMENTARY TONIGHT!
CLEARWATER, FL Ð Tonight from 9pm-11pm ABC
will air a 2-hour special on the mysterious story of Clearwater's Charles
Stopford. Ê The Historic Belleview Biltmore was where ABC producers chose the
Belleview Biltmore as the setting to film several interviews the reunion for the
documentary.
Martin Bashir investigates one man's life
of deception. Ê Charles Stopford a poor boy from Florida pretended to be an
English lord under the false name of Christopher Buckingham, fooling everyone
for more then 20 years. Find out how he got away with it tonight on ABC's
ÒPrimetime.Tune in to see exclusive interviews and the reunion between his
American and British families filmed at Clearwater's Belleview Biltmore Resort,
Beach Club, Golf Club & Spa.
ABC's Primetime 2-hour special will air
tonight, July 11th from 9pm-11pm.Ê For more information regarding the
Belleview Biltmore Resort, Beach Club, Golf Club & Spa contact 727-373-3000.
TOWN MEETING JUNE 20, 2006 7:30 p.m. At the town meeting in Belleair, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. we encourage the community to attend this meeting to voice your opinion that a STRONGLY worded Comprehensive Plan continue in Belleair to ensure the viability of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and its historic golf course. Citizens may speak for 3 minutes on this subject. There still may be further workshop dates on rewriting the Comprehensive Plan, no dates available as of yet. If you want this legal entity to continue to stand as is, then tell your neighbors to attend this meeting with you and start speaking up that you want a STRONGLY worded Comprehensive Plan for the Biltmore and the golf course! It's up to you.
SPECIAL WORK SESSION: JUNE 21, 2006 2:00 P.M. Presentation and review of the proposed Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the Comprehensive Plan. We urge you to attend this extremely important workshop and any further workshops on the Comprehensive Plan to ENSURE that the preservation of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and its historic golf course. If you want this legal entity to continue to stand as is in regards to the hotel and golf course, then tell your neighbors to attend this meeting with you and start speaking up.
TOWN MEETING JUNE 20, 2006 7:30 p.m. At the town meeting in Belleair, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. we encourage the community to attend this meeting to voice your opinion that a STRONGLY worded Comprehensive Plan continue in Belleair to ensure the viability of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and its historic golf course. Citizens may speak for 3 minutes on this subject.
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
- Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce De Leon Blvd Belleair, FL 33756 Topic of Discussion: The topic of Saving the Biltmore
may be brought up by anyone.
BELLEAIR FINANCE BOARD MEETING Wednesday, March 08, 2006 Time: 4:00 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore and the golf course may be brought up by anyone.We need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these
meetings for the long-term future of the hotel!
BELLEAIR PLANNING AND ZONING
BOARD MEETING Monday, March 13, 2006 at 5:30 PM Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, FL 33756 Topic of Discussion: The topic of Saving the Biltmore
and the golf course may be brought up by anyone. We need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these
meetings for the long-term future of the hotel!
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING AND WORK
SESSION Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 5:30 PM Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
- Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce De Leon Blvd Belleair, FL 33756 Topic of Discussion: The topic of Saving the Biltmore
and the golf course may be brought up by anyone.
OTHER PRESERVATION EVENTS IN FLORIDA:
Sunday, February 19, 2006 12:30 to 4 p.m. There is a
Hollywood, Florida Historical Home Tour sponsored by the Hollywood
Historical Society. Contact Linda Wilson at
lb_wilson@earthlink.net for
more information on tickets and location.
We have found Marcus Hotels and Resorts and a
philanthropic investment trust fund who both want to purchase the Biltmore
and restore it to its full Victorian glory!
BELLEAIR PLANNING AND ZONING
BOARD MEETING Monday, February 13, 2006 Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, FL 33756 Topic of Discussion: The topic of Saving the Biltmore
and the golf course may be brought up by anyone.
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
- Special Meeting and Work Session Tuesday, February 07, 2006 Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, FL 33756 Topic of Discussion: There will be a
discussion of process for evaluation and appraisal of the Comprehensive Plan.
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING, November 8, 2005.
Steve Cottrell, Belleair town manager discussed that the Comprehensive
Plan of Belleair is being reviewed as it must be every 7 to 10 years.
There are proposed changes to this Comprehensive Plan that will eventually
be discussed at a workshop meeting. One proposed change has to do
with redevelopment of the Biltmore Hotel! One other proposed change
is for the Biltmore golf course, for redevelopment purposes.
For a copy
of the proposed changes contact Belleair Town Hall, 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
The topic of Saving the Biltmore
and the golf course may be brought up by anyone.
BELLEAIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING -
January 24, 2006, Tuesday Time: 4:00 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel may be brought up by anyone!
We URGENTLY need
donations for newspaper ads that we want to put in the local paper to advertise
the importance of Belleair and Tampa Bay area citizens to attend this meeting.
To donate for these advertisements click: Donate
BELLEAIR COMMISSION MEETING TONIGHT!! Tuesday, January 17, 2006 Time: 7:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion: The hotel owner who wishes to demolish
the hotel has been granted a continuance for the redevelopment and demolition
permit review. There will be NO final vote tonight! The
topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel maybe brought up by anyone at any
time by any citizen! We
need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these meetings for the long-term
future of the hotel!
THE BILTMORE
IS NOT SAVED YET!! So PLEASE ATTEND the meeting on JANUARY 17, 2006, the commission meeting at 7:30
p.m. THIS Tuesday, where the fate of the Biltmore will be decided that night!
If you live in Belleair, Pinellas County or anywhere in the Tampa
Bay area, PLEASE ATTEND THIS
MEETING AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS! The Biltmore needs your help!
This is your last chance to save the Biltmore! See newspaper articles
below on this.
BELLEAIR COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 17, 2006 Time: 7:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion: The town manager and commissioners
will decide whether to accept or deny the redevelopment and demolition
permit application on the Belleview Biltmore Hotel submitted by hotel owner
Urdang and Associates. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MEETING FOR
EVERYONE TO ATTEND IN PINELLAS COUNTY! The Biltmore is NOT
saved yet! Encourage the denial of the demolition of the Biltmore
at this meeting!!
If you would like to be a "Save the Biltmore Volunteer,"
how would you like to help?
1. Speak at town meetings
2. Distribute save the Biltmore flyers
3. Organize fund-raising activities
4. Be involved in fund-raising activities
5. Other (We welcome other ideas
on how you want to help save the Biltmore!)
BELLEAIR PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETINGURGENT!!! TONIGHT AT 5:30 P.M. PLEASE ATTEND! January 9, 2006, Monday Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion - The redevelopment application
permit for the demolition submitted by hotel owner Urdang and Associates
for the Biltmore will be discussed. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MEETING
FOR EVERYONE TO ATTEND IN PINELLAS COUNTY! We do NOT understand why they
are having this extensive review after the preservation ordinance to save
the Biltmore was passed in October. The Biltmore is NOT saved yet! So PLEASE
ATTEND THIS MEETING AND ALL MEETINGS JANUARY, 2006!
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING AND WORK
SESSION January 3, Tuesday 2006 Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion: 1. Town Manager's report. 2. Town Attorney's report. 3. Mayor and commissioners' report/Board and committee
reports. 4. Discussion of Belleview Biltmore Hotel fire code
compliance. 5. The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may
be brought up by anyone. We need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend
these meetings for the long-term future of the hotel! The Biltmore is NOT
saved yet! So PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING AND ALL MEETINGS JANUARY, 2006!
December 20, 2005, Tuesday Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone.
We
need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these meetings for the long-term
future of the hotel!Remember that the
Biltmore is NOT saved yet despite the passing of the preservation ordinance!!
The town manager and commissioners still have to deny the redevelopment/demolition
permit application for the Biltmore to be saved. Come to this and
all meetings in January to encourage them to SAVE THE BILTMORE FOREVER!!
Why is public involvement so important, and how can
I participate? Citizen participation and public input play important
roles in establishing the content of a comprehensive plan, because ultimately
the people who live in a community have the greatest stake in its future
and should help determine its future course. If you want to give us your
ideas about the future of Pinellas County, you may call us at 464-8200,
or contact them by e-mail
planningtostay@co.pinellas.fl.us
To Whom it May Concern:
I am a concerned citizen who values
historical buildings, our heritage and saving our beautiful past treasures. 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.
Please do what you can to preserve
this valuable landmark, a jewel in Pinellas County, a gem in peoples' hearts.
Sincerely,
BELLEAIR FINANCE BOARD MEETING December 14, 2005, Wednesday Time: 4:00 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone.We need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these
meetings for the long-term future of the hotel!
CURRENT EVENT: DECEMBER 13, 7 p.m.
The Friends of the Largo Library will be sponsoring Who Wants to Meet a
Millionaire, a live re-enactment of the life of Henry Plant who built the
Belleview Biltmore Hotel by Dr. Kelly Reynolds on Tuesday evening,
December 13, at 7 pm. The program is free and open to the public and will
be held in Room B of the new Largo Public Library at 120 Central Park Drive.
Dr. Reynolds does a great show!
Map to Belleair Town Hall at 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.:
BELLEAIR
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING
TONIGHT!!
December 12, 2005, Monday
Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone.We need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these
meetings for the long-term future of the hotel!
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING AND WORK SESSION December 6, 2005, Tuesday Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion: The
topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone.
We need Biltmore supporters to continue to attend these meetings for the
long-term future of the hotel! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
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, DeBartolo Development, the reported buyers
and historical preservation organizations.
. PLEASE write to the mass mailing
list or write to people individually on the mass
mailing list on this MAIN web page, with support comments to help
save the Biltmore. We need this action immediately!
We will send out necessary press releases to the media. There are
TWO sample letters, the first letter to a large
mailing list. The second letter to the current
owners of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Urdang and Associates. The
third
letter is for the town of Belleair.
SAMPLE LETTER
#3 TO THE TOWN OF BELLEAIR:
Below is a sample letter direct from
National Trust www.NationalTrust.org
in which you can copy and paste and send to the Town Manager of Belleair,
Steve Cottrell, and copies to the Belleair mayor, George Mariani, and Belleair
commissioners:
George Mariani, Mayor of Belleair Stephen Fowler, Belleair Commissioner Gary Katica, Belleair Commissioner Bonnie Ruggles, Belleair Commissioner Tom Shelly, Belleair Commissioner Steve Cottrell Town Manager of Belleair, Florida where
the Biltmore Hotel is located Micah Maxwell (Assistant to the Town Manager of Belleair,
Florida) Finance
Dear Mr. Cottrell,
I am writing to
urge you, as the Town Manager of Belleair, to save the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel
in your town.
As stewards of the public trust and guardians of community livability and
beauty,
the town has a
vital role to play in determining the fate of this valuable and historic
building.
The Belleview
is a grand hotel that has graced Belleair for 108 years. Through
responsible stewardship
on the part of
the town the Belleview can continue to contribute to the vitality of your
community.
Please take whatever
actions you can to preserve this building. There are numerous alternatives
and
other development
companies that can provide the town with a viable development and preserve
a rare
and beautiful
historic building.
I urge you to
work with the owners and developers, preservationists and the National
Trust for
Historic Preservation
to find a preservation alternative for the Belleview.
Thank you.
OUR ONLINE AUCTION NOW STARTED! Bid on a beautiful silver bowl with a glass liner...click
here to see photo and start the bidding!
FOR THOSE WHO CAN NOT ATTEND BELLEAIR TOWN MEETINGS: If for any reason you can not attend this month's
town meeting or if you live out of town, just send your ONE-MINUTE EMAIL
to the town council and Mayor of Belleair. A sample is below. Ask
them to continue to push forward that the preservation ordinance be written
as soon as possible to forever preserve the Biltmore. This way they
will know where you stand! Anyone may send an email to Belleair:
Biltmore friends, public officials, preservation organizations, out of
towners and the news media. So please send a ONE-MINUTE EMAIL to
have the preservation ordinance written immediately and to save all four
historical wings of this hotel! Of course even if you attend the
meetings, feel free to email the town of Belleair your opinion.
SAMPLE EMAIL Here is a sample ONE-MINUTE email you can simply copy
and send to the town of Belleair or write your own. Or feel free
to read it at the town council meeting this Wednesday or write your own.
Dear Mayor Mariani and Belleair Commissioners:
The Belleview Biltmore Hotel must be preserved in its
entirety including all hotel guest rooms. It MUST remain as a true hotel
to ensure its historical relevancy and beauty in Belleair. We urge
you to have a strong preservation ordinance written and passed as soon
as possible in order that this magnificent hotel in your town is saved
forever. This Victorian hotel is an American treasure so important
to your history, to the history of our lovely State of Florida and to our
country. The National Trust has placed the Biltmore on its list of
historic places to be saved so they recognize the importance of this wonderful
hotel. We ask that you take action TODAY to ensure that a preservation
ordinance be written IMMEDIATELY and approved by you so that the Biltmore's
future is secure for my generation and generations to come. We are
counting on you.Thank you.
The Town of Belleair email addresses for your ONE-MINUTE
EMAIL campaign are:
George Mariani, Mayor of Belleair Stephen Fowler, Belleair Commissioner Gary Katica, Belleair Commissioner Bonnie Ruggles, Belleair Commissioner Tom Shelly, Belleair Commissioner Steve Cottrell Town Manager of Belleair,
Florida where the Biltmore Hotel is located Micah Maxwell (Assistant to the Town
Manager of Belleair, Florida) Finance
Feel free to send me a copy of your email to the town
of Belleair at email me,Diane
Hein, Lead Preservationist and President, Save the Biltmore Preservationists,
Inc.I always enjoy knowing our supporters
better.
We need a strong preservation ordinance in Belleair
like they have in Coral Gables/Miami for their historic Biltmore Hotel.
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT Please read in full!"This
is to announce that I, Diane Hein, am no longer associated with or cooperating
with Rae Claire Johnson and her group "Friends
of the Belleview Biltmore" or also called "Friends of the Biltmore" to
save the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. However, I will continue to try to stop
the demolition and to save the Biltmore, that is to save ALL four wings,
through my web site www.SaveTheBiltmore.com
which I first put up in December 2004 when there were reports that the
Belleview Biltmore would be demolished. By saving the entire hotel,
we will be saving the Biltmore's historical relevancy as the world's largest
continually-occupied wooden structure, the largest wooden structure in
Florida, and its Victorian beauty for future generations! The Belleview
Biltmore was integral to the development of Pinellas County, Florida, therefore
a part of American history. We must safeguard this history!
To read the full letter and why I have done this, click June
6, 2005If you support
saving the entire structure, please sign up for our mailing
list, Friends and Supporters. Once you are on this mailing
list, you will receive my Belleview
Biltmore Updates which I periodically send out concerning current events
etc. regarding saving this beautiful historical hotel.
URGENT!! EMAIL POTENTIAL BUYERS OF THE BILTMORE
For new readers, I, Diane Hein,
owner of this web site, www.SaveTheBiltmore.com,
support saving all four wings of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel INCLUDING
the guest hotel rooms inside. It was reported in the St. Petersburg
Times in the past and other newspapers and also this week, that Rory Hiller,
Clearwater resident and real estate developer wants to tear down the south
wing and replace it and the north wing with condo/hotel units thus DESTROYING
the historical relevancy and beauty of Belleair and Pinellas County's Victorian
hotel! The Belleview Biltmore must be saved in its entirety, not
only the four wings BUT ALL INSIDE guest hotel rooms.
It was reported in the St. Petersburg Times by Lorri
Helfand this week that Mr. Hiller will be meeting with Urdang and Associates
(current owner of the Biltmore) early this week. I urge you
to write a ONE MINUTE EMAIL to Mr. Rory Hiller AS SOON AS POSSIBLE at rhiller@ourflorida.net,
joannehiller@NUMBER1EXPERT.com,
where he works and ask him to NOT buy the Biltmore since he will be destroying
Biltmore history if he does so and going against the wishes of approximately
400 people in Belleair who signed two petitions in which this referendum
would rezone Belleair and STOP CONDO development! This is extremely
strong evidence that Belleair citizens do NOT want condo/hotels in their
lovely town!Also the comprehensive plan of
Belleair STILL has to be interpreted by Belleair's preservation attorney
as to the legality of condominium development and also whether it is legal
or illegal to tear down any of the Biltmore wings!
Why is Rory Hiller going to invest in the Biltmore,
some $40 million, when all the legal concerns are not even finalized?
And why is he pushing his plan to buy the Biltmore when approximately 400
Belleair citizens want to change Belleair zoning to STOP CONDO DEVELOPMENT!
In the Belleair Bee week of June 20th, www.TBNweekly.com,
there is an article in which Rory Hiller was quoted that he is going to
"rescue" the Biltmore. This is an absurd statement! He is going to
"rescue" the Biltmore by destroying the beautiful inside Victorian guest
hotel rooms of the north and south wings and put in condo/hotels in place
of them? That is not a rescue. His plan is demolition!
If the White House needed renovating, would we "rescue" the West Wing by
gutting the inside and putting in hotel/condos to save money!?
NO! Of course not.
The Biltmore has NOT been included in the American
tourist "Bible" the well-known AAA, American Automobile Association, for
at least the past three years. Why I do not know. But as a result
millions of Americans never had the opportunity to read about let alone
visit the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Yet these Florida
hotels: the Vinoy, the Casa Monica (Victorian hotel in St. Augustine),
the Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora, and the Don CeSar are ALL advertised in the
AAA! No wonder why the Biltmore has been losing money, it never has
been properly marketed or promoted to the public through one of the most
popular American tourist guides!
On June 5th, the day before I parted ways with Rae
Claire Johnson and her Friends of the Belleview Biltmore, I asked her about
the legality of Rory Hiller tearing down two Biltmore wings and building
condos if we were also trying to stop another developer, DeBartolo from
building condos! This is her reply:
"Diane First we don't know
for sure what we are going to do. If the town will allow the wings
to be taken down they may be. Rae Claire"
To repeat myself....Why is Rory Hiller going
to invest in the Biltmore, some $40 million, when all the legal concerns
are not even finalized as to whether he can proceed with his plan!! ??
In the Belleair Bee, June 8, there is a big question
mark if Hiller can even buy the Biltmore according to an article by Wayne
Ayers. It said: "Johnson also said
that she is unsure whether the current DeBartolo offer to purchase the
hotel and reportedly replace it with condos is an ironclad contract.
“We are getting conflicting information on this,” she said."In an earlier
article in the Tampa Tribune on June 4th by Carlos Moncada, Rory Hiller
was quoted as saying: "Our
intent is to present our plans to the community and the town before we
approach the owners,'' he said. "We want to make sure what we're doing
is acceptable to the people of Belleair and the town.'' Rory Hiller
CLOSING THOUGHTS: Now isn't this most interesting
that Hiller and his group feel they are going to buy the Belleview Biltmore
this week and yet they have NOT let all the legal work go through! ?And
isn't it interesting that Rory Hiller has NOT fully taken into consideration
of what is really acceptable to the town of Belleair or acceptable to the
approximately 400 citizens who signed petitions to STOP CONDO DEVELOPMENT!!
?Again write Rory Hiller a ONE MINUTE EMAIL
at rhiller@ourflorida.net,
joannehiller@NUMBER1EXPERT.com,
and tell him to STOP destroying Belleview Biltmore Hotel history and to
STOP his purchase of it and to STOP any condo/hotel development at the
beautiful Biltmore Hotel. Remember that Rory Hiller is the developer
who is tearing down our landmark beautiful Clearwater Beach Hotel and putting
in condo towers and a small hotel in place of it! We need someone
who truly loves the Biltmore to preserve it all!If
you want, feel free to carbon copy me your letter to Mr. Hiller at email
me. Just be sure to write him!Let's
save all four wings and the hotel rooms of the beautiful Victorian Belleview
Biltmore Resort and Spa so it may continue to be a real hotel!
Many other hotels have escaped the wrecking ball like
the Del Coronado in California, the Wes Baden in Indiana, the Royal Hawaiian
in Hawaii, Wentworth by the Sea in New Hampshire, and the Don Cesar, the
Casa Monica, the Vinoy and the Lakeside Inn, the last four hotels all saved
in Florida. They all were saved through a combination of preservation
organizations or someone bought them with preservation in mind. They
are true inspirational stories for potential buyers!
However, my web site is AGAINST putting hotel/condo
units as being proposed by Rory Hiller who now is next in line to buy the
Biltmore! What has happened is that one developer has backed
off, and another developer has signed on to make millions of dollars with
his condo/hotel units built inside the Biltmore north and south wings to
be bought by investors.
BELLEAIR COMMISSION MEETING - A VOTE TO BE TAKEN ON
THE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE!!! PLEASE ATTEND! Wednesday, October 26, 2005 Time: 7:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 The preservation ordinance will be presented for a
vote October 26. If it passes, as it appears that it will, then 30
days from this vote, it will go into effect. October 26 will be a
very historic day if the preservation ordinance is passed so please attend
to encourage that it is adopted! The preservation ordinance will
strengthen Belleair's Comprehensive Plan, certify that Belleair is in synch
with other legally proven preservation ordinances and will allow for grants
to be applied for. The Belleview Biltmore Hotel will be saved forever once
this ordinance is passed! Bring your family and friends to
this historic meeting! NOTE: This web site supports the purchase of the Biltmore
Hotel by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic trust fund who
will save the hotel, and preserve and restore it fully, keeping the guest
rooms and the interior historically accurate. This web site is AGAINST any or all demolition of
the Biltmore and AGAINST any condo or high-end ultra modernization of condo/hotel
development by other developers as has been reported in the news media!! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
DeBartolo Development,
Ed Kobel, President and COO, is the company who plans on buying the Biltmore
and razing it so email him IMMEDIATELY to stop the purchase of the Biltmore!
. Below is his email and street addresses, his phone number and fax
numbers. Their address is listed below in addition to being listed
above in the mass mailing addresses above.
Belleair Town Commission - Cancelled!
Thursday, October 18, 2005 at
7:30 PM
901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 There was to have been a vote taken at this meeting
on whether to adopt the preservation ordinance or not. Because only
two commissioners, Gary Katica and Bonnie Ruggles, will be in attendance
that night, NO vote will be taken on the preservation ordinance on whether
to adopt it. A new date will be set up when the vote for the ordinance
will be taken. In order to adopt the preservation ordinance,
a majority or three out of five town officials must approve it. These
five include Mayor George Mariani and the four commissioners, Steve Fowler,
Gary Katica, Bonnie Ruggles and Tom Shelley. NOTE: This web site supports the purchase of the Biltmore
Hotel by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic trust fund who
will save the hotel, and preserve and restore it fully, keeping the guest
rooms and the interior historically accurate. This web site is AGAINST any or all demolition of
the Biltmore and AGAINST any condo or high-end ultra modernization of condo/hotel
development by other developers as has been reported in the news media!! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
STATUS OF PRESERVATION ORDINANCE DRAFT:
There was to have been a vote taken at the meeting on Tuesday, October
18 whether to adopt the preservation ordinance or not. Because only two
commissioners, Gary Katica and Bonnie Ruggles, will be in attendance that
night, NO vote will be taken on the preservation ordinance on whether to
adopt it. A new date that night will be set up when the vote for the ordinance
will be taken. In order to adopt the preservation ordinance, a majority
or three out of five town officials must approve it. These five include
Mayor George Mariani and the four commissioners, Steve Fowler, Gary Katica,
Bonnie Ruggles and Tom Shelley.
Belleair Special Joint Meeting - Planning & Zoning
Board and Historic Preservation Board
October 10, 2005, Monday Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The preservation ordinance draft for the Biltmore Hotel will be discussed
and reviewed. NOTE: This web
site supports the purchase of the Biltmore Hotel by Marcus Hotels and Resorts
and or a philanthropic trust fund who will save the hotel, and preserve
and restore it fully, keeping the guest rooms and the interior historically
accurate.This web site is AGAINST any
or all demolition of the Biltmore and AGAINST any condo or high-end ultra
modernization of condo/hotel development by other developers as has been
reported in the news media!! Map:
Speak out at TONIGHT'S Wednesday night meeting, September
21, in Belleair at 7:30 p.m. that the preservation ordinance needs to give
more power to the historic preservation board. We must stop extensive
remodeling to the Biltmore and we must continue to push for historic PRESERVATION
of the INSIDE of the magnificent historic Biltmore! Our Save the
Biltmore Preservationists are going to be there on a long term basis to
educate, influence, and inspire the community regarding the responsibilities
and sensitivities involved with its preservation. This web site has contacted
and sent the St. Petersburg Times news article from today, Tuesday, September
20, to Marcus Hotels and Resorts and the philanthropic trust fund organization
for them to contact Urdang to try to purchase the hotel since DeBartolo
has backed off. Email me to attend
a meeting this coming Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in Clearwater for location of
meeting to help fight condo/hotel units in the Biltmore!
BELLEAIR SPECIAL WORKSHOP
MEETING - TODAY!!
October 4, 2005, Tuesday Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion: The preservation ordinance
draft will be discussed.
Please voice your opinion that the preservation ordinance
draft written by Nancy Stroud needs to be strengthened. More power must
be given to the historic preservation board in Belleair so the inside and
outside of the Biltmore is protected against extensive remodeling
and more of the hotel is preserved no matter who buys it! The preservation
ordinance in Miami/Coral Gables for the Biltmore Hotel is a strong ordinance
giving many decisions to the historic preservation board. This is the way
a preservation ordinance should be written! We need your support,
please attend! Also please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
including the original hotel rooms! We do NOT want hotel/condo rooms in
there as these involve extensive remodeling! This is very important
for everyone to do this at this meeting! This will preserve the historical
relevancy, beauty and charm of this Victorian hotel. This web site supports the purchase of the Biltmore
by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic trust fund who will
save the hotel, and preserve and restore it fully, keeping the guest rooms
historically accurate. NOTE: This web site is AGAINST any or all demolition
of the Biltmore and AGAINST any condo or condo/hotel development by other
developers as has been reported in the news media!! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
SAVE THE BILTMORE MEETING:
Sunday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. Clearwater We are holding
a Save the Biltmore meeting this coming Sunday at 6:30 p.m.. We will
be discussing fund raising ideas and how to continue to gather ideas to
save the Biltmore (all four wings) and how to STOP CONDO/HOTEL development
in the Biltmore as there is extensive remodeling involved! Please
note this meeting is only for people who are against putting condominiums
around the Biltmore and for people who are AGAINST the developer who will
be buying the Biltmore and who wants to put ultra modern condo/hotel units
in the Biltmore wings! Email for
location of meeting and directions.
(Readers please note that
Rory
Hiller's plan who wants to buy the Biltmore (he contributed to destroying
our landmark Clearwater Beach Hotel!
Click
to see before and after photos of this once beautiful hotel) wants
to put in condo/hotel units which this web site is AGAINST because of his
extensive REMODELING plan! We want to save the Biltmore as a real
hotel with all its historical AUTHENTICITY and Victorian charm with preservation
inside the guest rooms. Come to our Sunday meeting at 6:30
p.m. and help us stop condo/hotel development at the Biltmore. Email
me for directions and location.)
SAVE THE BILTMORE MEETING:
Sunday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. Clearwater We are holding
a Save the Biltmore meeting this coming Sunday at 6:30 p.m.. We will
be discussing fund raising ideas and how to continue to gather ideas to
save the Biltmore (all four wings) and how to STOP CONDO/HOTEL development
in the Biltmore as there is extensive remodeling involved! Please
note this meeting is only for people who are against putting condominiums
around the Biltmore and for people who are AGAINST the developer who will
be buying the Biltmore and who wants to put ultra modern condo/hotel units
in the Biltmore wings! Email for
location of meeting and directions.
(Readers please note that
Rory
Hiller's plan who wants to buy the Biltmore (he contributed to destroying
our landmark Clearwater Beach Hotel!
Click
to see before and after photos of this once beautiful hotel) wants
to put in condo/hotel units which this web site is AGAINST because of his
extensive REMODELING plan! We want to save the Biltmore as a real
hotel with all its historical AUTHENTICITY and Victorian charm with preservation
inside the guest rooms. Come to our Sunday meeting at 6:30
p.m. and help us stop condo/hotel development at the Biltmore. Email
me for directions and location.)
BELLEAIR REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
September 21, 2005, Wednesday Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone.
Please voice your opinion that the preservation ordinance
draft written by Nancy Stroud needs to be strengthened. More power
must be given to the historic preservation board in Belleair so the inside
of the Biltmore is protected against extensive remodeling!!
Currently the power on this preservation ordinance draft is given to Belleair
commissioners, thus making decisions on the Biltmore political ones and
not preservation! This is a weak ordinance draft!! The preservation
ordinance in Miami/Coral Gables for the Biltmore Hotel there is a strong
ordinance giving many decisions to the historic preservation board.
This is the way a preservation ordinance should be written! It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible!
We need your support, please attend!Also
please voice your opinion that you wish the entire Belleview Biltmore Hotel
be saved: the east, west, north and south wings including the original
hotel rooms! We do NOT want hotel/condo rooms in there! This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! This will preserve the historical relevancy of this
Victorian hotel and its beauty. This web site supports
the purchase of the Biltmore by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic
trust fund who will save the hotel, and preserve and restore it fully,
keeping the guest rooms historically accurate. NOTE: This web
site is AGAINST any or all demolition
of the Biltmore and AGAINST any condo or condo/hotel development by other
developers as has been reported in the news media!! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR SPECIAL MEETING
- URGENT!!
September 15, 2005, Thursday
Time: 7:00 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
DeBartolo Development will be here to present a discussion of their development
plans for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.
They were to appear last week, but they cancelled. (See newspaper
under this paragraph for their plans which would include destroying the
historic south and north wings!) This corporation currently has a contract
since April of this year with the hotel owner, Urdang and Associates.
Urdang and Associates has recently taken out a development permit to completely
destroy the Biltmore. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that DeBartolo must
be stopped. Belleair's Comprehensive
Plan, a legal document, states numerous times that the Belleview Biltmore
Hotel must be preserved! We need your support,
please attend! This web site supports
the purchase of the Biltmore by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic
trust fund who will save the hotel, preserve it and restore it fully, keeping
the guest rooms historically accurate. NOTE: This web
site is totally AGAINST any or
all demolition of the Biltmore and totally AGAINST any condo or condo/hotel
development by other developers as has been reported in the news media!! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
LETTERS FROM SAM CASELLA
AND PINELLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER KAREN SEEL: Email from Sam Casella
to this web site: "County Commissioner Karen Seel sent the following
message providing information on a county program in support of historic
preservation. It is encouraging to know that our county officials
are sensitive to the issue and in the future may be able to coordinate
with the town and contribute to a plan of action."
"Dear Sam, Thank you for your intelligent
research and sound plan approach. It looks like you have provided an excellent
framework. Last night at the County
Commission meeting, we approved 13 historic St. Pete properties for tax
abatement on improvements for 10 years. Residential plus small commercial
properties were included. There is a countywide ordinance which
allows this IF the city has an ordinance in place, too. BCC members did question
the criteria for what improvements are allowed. My point is that this
may be something you could discuss with Brian Smith to see if a similar
ordinance could help the Biltmore. I so appreciate all you
are doing. Please let me know if
I can help. Again, thanks!!! Karen"
CONVERSATION WITH PINELLAS
COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND SAM CASELLA Email from Sam Casella
to this web site: "I just had a very encouraging conversation with
Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni. Commissioner Morroni supports
saving the Belleview Biltmore and encourages Friends of the Belleview Biltmore
to contact all the county commissioners to let them know that the public
strongly supports efforts to preserve the historic hotel."
BELLEAIR BEE ARTICLE AUGUST 3, 2005
Town Commission talks preservation "BELLEAIR – Attorney Nancy Stroud has presented the
Town Commission with criteria that are necessary when writing a historic
preservation ordinance that could potentially save the Belleview Biltmore
Resort and Spa from demolition. Stroud will be back for the Tuesday, Sept.
6 meeting with a draft of the historic preservation ordinance." (To
read full article click: http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/080305_bee-03.txt
GREAT NEWS! The Historic Preservation
Committee voted to accept the town attorney's recommended resolution to
deny Urdang's demolition request at Tuesday's meeting, May 17, in Belleair.
For the full details read the St. Petersburg Times article by Lorri Helfand:
"Preservation
board: Don't raze Biltmore" http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/18/Northpinellas/Preservation_board__D.shtml
Read Demolition Reprieve: Sam
Casella's letters and documents. Sam
Casella's hard work made this possible!
EMAIL FROM PINELLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER RONNIE DUNCAN: "I have created a preservation task force - county
wide - so that hopefully this type of event does not continue to occur
in our community. Thank you" Ronnie Duncan, Pinellas County Commissioner
(Please note that since Mr. Duncan wrote this, the Pinellas Task Force
is NOT considering the Biltmore in their immediate plans to help save the
Biltmore!)
LETTER FROM FLORIDA TRUST
FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION I received a wonderful letter from Kathleen Slesnick
Kauffman, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, and she informed us
that the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Belleair, Florida has been placed on
their 10 Most Endangered List. Note that she has received
HUNDREDS of support letters, and I want to thank anyone who sent out these
letters to her! Keep writing letters to addresses below. Also
note her stressing the importance of our city or town's commission to act
in saving the Belleview Biltmore. County commission email addresses
are listed on this web site below. To read her complete letter
click
here. She wrote another letter dated May 9, 2005 and click
here to read it.
BELLEAIR FINANCE BOARD MEETING September 14, 2005, Wednesday Time: 4:00 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible!
This web site supports
the purchase of the Biltmore by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic
trust fund who will save the hotel, preserve it and restore it fully, keeping
the guest rooms historically accurate. NOTE: This web
site is totally AGAINST any or
all demolition of the Biltmore and totally AGAINST any condo or condo/hotel
development by other developers as has been reported in the news media!! We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING - SPECIAL
MEETING!!
September 13, 2005, Tuesday Time: 4:00 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The preservation ordinance draft for the Biltmore Hotel will be discussed. This web site supports
the purchase of the Biltmore by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic
trust fund who will save the hotel, preserve it and restore it fully, keeping
the guest rooms historically accurate. NOTE: This web
site is totally AGAINST any or
all demolition of the Biltmore and totally AGAINST any condo or condo/hotel
development by other developers as has been reported in the news media!! We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting!
BELLEAIR RECREATION BOARD MEETING September 12, 2005, Monday Time: 5:00 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible! We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR PLANNING AND
ZONING BOARD MEETING
September 12, 2005, Monday
Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs to be passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible! We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
URGENT!! BELLEAIR
TOWN - SPECIAL MEETING - PRESERVATION ATTORNEY NANCY STROUD September 7, 2005 Wednesday Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
Preservation attorney, Nancy Stroud, will be presenting her FIRST draft
of the Preservation Ordinance she is writing. We URGENTLY need your
support that the town of Belleair will continue to push forward with a
STRONG preservation ordinance. PLEASE ATTEND! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING the hotel guest rooms AND that you want a STRONG Preservation
Ordinance to be written and passed! This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
Belleair to consider preservation ordinance that might save Biltmore
By Lorri Helfand Times Staff Writer
Published August 27, 2005 St. Petersburg Times
BELLEAIR - Town leaders will soon consider a historic
preservation ordinance that could provide stronger protections for landmarks
such as the Belleview Biltmore. The ordinance would put teeth into
the town's current preservation policy, which chiefly educates and advises
property owners who are considering changes to historic properties.
The new ordinance could do more than that. If passed, it could give
the town the authority to prevent destruction of historic properties such
as the hotel. Town Attorney Nancy Stroud, who is drafting the historic
preservation ordinance, said the Biltmore's owner would have to comply
with the new policy. That has prompted an attorney for the owner to threaten
legal action and accuse the town of changing the rules in midstream. The
existing rules protect the Biltmore, Stroud said, but she added that it
would be better protected with an ordinance that has the details and procedures
for preservation outlined. For complete article click: http://www.sptimes.com/2005/08/27/Northpinellas/Bellair_to_consider_p.shtml Click here for location of
this Belleair town meeting, Wednesday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m. with attorney
Nancy Stroud who is writing the first draft of the Preservation Ordinance.
PLEASE ATTEND! An extremely important meeting!
Belleair to consider preservation ordinance that might save Biltmore
By Lorri Helfand Times Staff Writer
Published August 27, 2005 St. Petersburg Times
BELLEAIR - Town leaders will soon consider a historic
preservation ordinance that could provide stronger protections for landmarks
such as the Belleview Biltmore. The ordinance would put teeth into
the town's current preservation policy, which chiefly educates and advises
property owners who are considering changes to historic properties.
The new ordinance could do more than that. If passed, it could give
the town the authority to prevent destruction of historic properties such
as the hotel. Town Attorney Nancy Stroud, who
is drafting the historic preservation ordinance, said the Biltmore's owner
would have to comply with the new policy. That has prompted an attorney
for the owner to threaten legal action and accuse the town of changing
the rules in midstream. The existing rules protect the Biltmore, Stroud
said, but she added that it would be better protected with an ordinance
that has the details and procedures for preservation outlined. For complete
article click: http://www.sptimes.com/2005/08/27/Northpinellas/Bellair_to_consider_p.shtml Click here for location of
this Belleair town meeting, Wednesday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m. with attorney
Nancy Stroud who is writing the first draft of the Preservation Ordinance.
PLEASE ATTEND! An extremely important meeting!
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING August 23, 2005 Tuesday Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
Pertaining to utilities but we always need volunteers to speak and promote
saving the Biltmore! We URGENTLY need your
support that the town of Belleair will continue to push forward with the
preservation ordinance. PLEASE ATTEND! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING the hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
August 16, 2005, Tuesday Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs to be written by preservation attorney Nancy Stroud and
passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible! We need your support,
please attend! Also please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
including INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of this
Victorian hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR PLANNING AND
ZONING BOARD MEETING
August 8, 2005, Monday
Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs to be written by preservation attorney Nancy Stroud and
passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible! We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR FINANCE BOARD MEETING August 10 2005, Wednesday Time: 4:00 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs to be written by preservation attorney Nancy Stroud and
passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible! We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING all hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR TOWN COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING AND WORK
SESSION August 2, 2005 Tuesday Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
Belleair preservation attorney Nancy Stroud will be making a presentation
and report to the town council. We URGENTLY need your
support that the town of Belleair will continue to push forward with the
preservation ordinance. PLEASE ATTEND! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING the hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
BELLEAIR REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
July 19, 2005, Tuesday Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. It is very important
to attend and speak to the commissioners and Mayor that the preservation
ordinance needs to be written by preservation attorney Nancy Stroud and
passed by the town of Belleair as soon as possible! We need
your support, please attend!Also
please voice your opinion that you wish the entire Belleview Biltmore Hotel
be saved: the east, west, north and south wings including the original
hotel rooms! We do NOT want hotel/condo rooms in there! This will preserve the historical relevancy of this
Victorian hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
Belleair Town Commission – Special Meeting and Work
Session July 5, 2005 Tuesday Time: 5:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
INCLUDING the hotel guest rooms. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=910+ponce+de+leon&csz=belleair+florida&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
BELLEAIR REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
June 21, 2005, Tuesday Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. We need your support,
please attend!. Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings
including the original hotel rooms! We do NOT want hotel/condo rooms
in there! This will preserve the historical relevancy of this
Victorian hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de+Leon+Blvd&city=Belleair&state=Fl&zipcode=
BELLEAIR FINANCE BOARD MEETING June 15, 2005, Wednesday Time: 4:00 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=910+ponce+de+leon&csz=belleair+florida&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
BELLEAIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
June 15, 2005, Wednesday Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=910+ponce+de+leon&csz=belleair+florida&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
BELLEAIR PLANNING
AND ZONING BOARD MEETING
June 13, 2005, Monday
Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. We need your support,
please attend! Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=910+ponce+de+leon&csz=belleair+florida&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
TAMPA TRIBUNE ARTICLE,
THURSDAY MAY 26: Biltmore Granted Hurricane
Reprieve By Carlos Moncada, Published: May 26, 2005 "Belleair - Demolition
of the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa won't happen before December
- if it happens at all. In a letter to the town, a Tampa attorney
for the resort's owner said there is no intent to conduct demolition activities
during the hurricane season, which runs until Nov. 30." To read full
article: http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGB7ETKC69E.html
Check your retirement
and financial institutions where you have money and see of Urdang is managing
your funds. If so, then write to these groups to pull your funds
and place them in organizations that support preservation.
Write them IMMEDIATELY to SAVE THE BILTMORE! See sample
letter above. Their address is below in addition to being listed
above in the mass mailing addresses listed above.
Honeywell...Large
Stockholder:
The St. Petersburg Times
reported that Honeywell, Inc., (one office located here in Clearwater)
is one of the larger shareholders in the Biltmore, said in a statement
that decisions are made by the Pennsylvania Company. Their contact
information to write them to help save the Biltmore however is: http://www.honeywellaerospace.com/contactus.htm
Honeywell's Corporate
Offices
David Cote CEO 101 Columbia Road Morristown, NJ 07962 Telephone: 973-45-2000
Honeywell - Board Members,
other board affiliations are listed right of their names. With the exception
of Mr. Berthune, correspondence should be sent the CEO and Board members
at
Gordon M. Bethune CEO Continental Airlines,
Inc Continental Airlines 1600 Smith Street Houston, TX 77002
Jaime Chico Pardo
- Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Telefonos de Mexico, S.A.
de C.V. (TELMEX)
Lord Clive Hollick
- Chief Executive of United Business Media plc.
James J. Howard
- Chairman Emeritus of Xcel Energy Inc, Director Ecolab, Inc. and Walgreen
Bruce Karatz - Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of KB Home; Director, Edison International
and Avery Dennison Corporation.
Russell E. Palmer
- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Palmer Group, Director of
The May Department Stores Company, Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. and Verizon
Communications Inc.
Ivan G. Seidenberg
- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Communications Inc. Director of Verizon Communications
Inc., Viacom Inc. and Wyeth
Bradley T. Sheares
- President, U.S. Human Health of Merck & Co., Inc.
Eric K. Shinseki
- General United States Army (Ret.)
John R. Stafford
- Consultant; Retired Chairman of the Board of Wyeth Director of J.P. Morgan
Chase & Co. and Verizon Communications Inc.
Michael W. Wright
- Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Board
of SUPERVALU INC., Director of Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Cargill,
Inc., S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. and Wells Fargo & Company.
Thanks to all of you who have
contacted Friends of the Belleview Biltmore for a 'Save the Biltmore' red yard sign. We apologize for
the delay of the availability of the signs, as our first run was snapped up, and
we had to wait 2 weeks for the 2nd run to be complete.
Please make every effort you can to display as many
yard signs in as many locations as you can. While there has been some favorable news regarding
the demolition permit and future of the Biltmore, the
Belleview Biltmore is still in major jeopardy. We must press on.
The signs are FREE, but Friends of the Belleview Biltmore,
kindly requests a $10 donation when you pick them up so that we have
the funds to crank more of these signs out. Let's have a "sea of red" save the Belleview Biltmore
signs across Pinellas County! Also, please take moment to thank the volunteers who
have offered to use their offices as distribution points when you pick
up the signs. See distribution locations below. Signs are available NOW!
Sincerely,
Jeff Francis
FRIENDS OF THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE
BELLEAIR TOWN MEETING June 7, Tuesday Time: 5:30 P.M. 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida Topic of Discussion -
The topic of saving the Belleview Biltmore may be brought up by anyone. We need your support.
Please voice your opinion that you wish the entire
Belleview Biltmore Hotel be saved: the east, west, north and south wings. This will preserve the historical relevancy of the
hotel and its beauty. This is very important for everyone to do this at
this meeting! Map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=910+ponce+de+leon&csz=belleair+florida&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
We need help in marketing and sales of this T-shirt
so email me if you would like to stock these
T-shirts in your place of business or to sell to friends or family.
I will put you in contact with the man heading up marketing and sales.
This is a great fund raising opportunity to save the Belleview Biltmore
for teenagers, children and adults so help us now to buy one or to sell
them!
You may purchase a Biltmore T-shirt with a credit card
or with PayPal. Any purchase is secure with PayPal. $15.00
each + $3.90 shipping. All funds are deposited in the
non profit organization: Friends of the Belleview Biltmore Fund.
NO money is ever collected at this web site.
We always need VOLUNTEERS for working behind the scenes
and some people for picketing on street corners. Email
if interested. We will provide all signs and give you further details
on the dates and locations. While we will provide yard signs free,
feel free to donate $10 for each yard sign to help cover expenses.
Thank you!
Donor List Bernie Powell Jeff Francis Lois Tomsic Laura Mann Irma Wehle Barbara A. Myrick
There is a picketing campaign
going on so you can join that or help with it.
Email
Me for further info. If some or all want to wear Victorian costumes
in the era of the original Biltmore this would be most welcome. Maybe
someone could wear the famous "ghost" of the Biltmore costume!
The costumes can be easy to make. A basic long skirt and frilly or
ruffled blouse for women with a fancy hat. For men, white trousers,
white shirt, straw hat. Research "Victorian costumes" on the internet
for more ideas and photos of costumes. If any of your teenage children
would like to help, that would be great fun for them and much help to save
the Biltmore. These ideas have been suggested by two of the
Friends of the Biltmore from the mailing list. We need people
to either participate in the picketeting, make posters, and video the event.
Our first peaceful picket was at the Town of Belleair Workshop Meeting.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 5:30. 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Belleair, Florida
Other:
Do you have a special skill or service you could lend or donate to help
in the cause. We are looking for a travel agent, artist, caterer, printer,
t-shirt company, costume house. We're looking for someone to take on fund
raising activities - if you are willing to take on a project please Email
Me.
PETITIONS NEEDED We need to make
a visual impact and are asking Supporters and Friends of the Biltmore to
send a letter of support to: Citizens to Save the Biltmore c/o Steve Johnson 1717 Indian Rocks Road Belleair, Florida 33756
It just simply needs to say
"Do NOT allow the Belleview Biltmore be demolished."
1. Signature 2. Print name, 3. Indicate if you are a Belleair resident or
not
DONATIONS:
"Bill$ for the Belleview" Please send a check for donations for newspaper
ads, legal fees etc to: Friends of the Belleview Biltmore Save the Belleview Campaign c/o Rae Claire Johnson 1717 Indian Rocks Road Belleair, FL 33756 Your financial support is needed to fan the fire.
Donations are tax deductible. Even a dollar will help! If the funds
exceed expenditures the balance will be donated to another preservation
activity. While we will provide the yard signs free, feel free to
donate $5 towards the cost of one yard sign. Click for donor
list. You may make a donation with a credit card OR you may use PayPal.
Please note that ANY donation is secure with PayPal. All donations are
deposited in the Friends of the Belleview Biltmore fund. NO money
is ever collected at this web site.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR: 1. Media watchers
- to let us know when articles or letters to the editors show up in any
of the local papers. Email me if interested. 2. People willing
to write on behalf of this effort. Email me
if interested. 3. People who have
special memories of this grand hotel. We are looking for people who
worked, were stationed, stayed or married there. If you have a special
story to tell or memorabilia you would be willing to share, please contact
us. Please send your stories and contact information you would be
willing to share to
email me.
Here is a copy of the poetry
from the Hellocard greeting card I sent out in 2004 to help bring awareness to
stop the demolition.
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
BELLEVIEW BILTMORE T-SHIRT The absolutely beautiful Belleview
Biltmore T-shirt is now available for sale to anyone for an online
purchase or by check! Belleview Biltmore T-Shirt. More info
is there on the artist who designed this T-shirt plus there is the street
address if you want to pay by check. We need help in
marketing and sales of this T-shirt so
email
me, Diane Hein, if you would like to stock these T-shirts in your place
of business or to sell to friends or family. I will put you in contact
with the man heading up marketing and sales. This is a great fund
raising opportunity to save the Belleview Biltmore for teenagers, children
and adults so help us now to buy one or to sell them! The T
shirt has the Belleview Biltmore Hotel on the front, with the words "Save
The Belleview Biltmore" also on the front and "Built 1897" underneath this,
and on the back of the T-shirt are the words:
www.SaveTheBiltmore.com
for people to contact us. Only $15.00 for one T-shirt plus $3.90
shipping. Currently not for sale.
DONATIONS We need donations to
help with newspaper display advertisements, legal fees and yard signs.
You may make a donation with a credit card or PayPal. Please note
that your donation is secure with PayPal. All funds are deposited
in the non-profit organization: Friends of the Belleview Biltmore
Fund. No money is ever collected at this web site.
ORGANIZATIONS TO OUR RESCUE! Jeff
Francis, one of our core supporters, reported that CONA (The Council of
Neighborhood Associations) wants to back our efforts 100%.
He will speak to them about our efforts next week, and they will take hundreds
(if not thousands) of signs and post them. Also, he told them about
the need for donations to support our campaign. Also, several
young men from the Boy Scout Troop (Troop 301), have volunteered to post
signs, write letters, and help us raise money. If you would like
your organization to help save the Biltmore
email
me.
I was researching the saving of the Albert Whitted
Airport, Pinellas County, after Jeff Francis mentioned it to me a few days
ago in an email. The Albert Whitted Airport was on the chopping block
just a few years ago in 2003 to be replaced by condos. The online article
said that ORGANIZATIONS were the key to getting lots of participation in
saving the airport. So if you belong to ANY organization such as
Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, PTA, sports groups, civic organization, political
parties, churches, fraternities, sororities etc, contact Email
to set up getting flyers for your organization to distribute and to help
with volunteering etc.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We urgently need volunteers for helping us distribute
Save The Belleview Biltmore yard signs in Belleair and North Pinellas.
Email
if interested. We will provide all yard signs, but we need
people to be available to distribute them at their place of business during
regular office hours.Sometime this week
via this web site OR one of my Belleview Biltmore Updates, we will give
you a location where to pick up the yard signs. To receive
this information, via email sign up for Mailing
List...Friends and Supporters
This absolutely wonderful headline is in the St. Petersburg
Times, Saturday May 14, 2005. "Hopes rise that Biltmore can be saved."
"Belleair's town manager says the plan to demolish the historic hotel runs
counter to basic town rules. Town officials now believe they can
derail a plan to level the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa because
the request is incomplete and inconsistent with the town's fundamental
rules. "Now that the permit can be rejected, the town can move to
the next issue: How do we develop a stronger set of protections for our
historic and scenic resources?" said Sam Casella, a professional planner
who has fought the redevelopment, raising many of the arguments made in
the memo by the town manager." By Aaron Sharockman and Lori Helfand.
For full article: http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/14/Northpinellas/Hopes_rise_that_Biltm.shtml
St. Petersburg Times Article, May 11, 2005. This
article in the St. Petersburg Times by Lorri Helfand was very uplifting
as time is more on our side to save the Biltmore. The headline was
"Asbestos may slow hotel razing." Subheading: "Nobody
knows how much of the hazardous material is in the resort. But its removal
is complicated." To read her complete article: http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/11/Northpinellas/Asbestos_may_slow_raz.shtml
But urgency is always there to save the Biltmore, so help us by passing
out flyers. You may print this flyer
out
from your computer and either take it to a printer and have dozens made
or print them out and hand to friends, family, office workers, post in
windows, stores etc.
"SAVE THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE"
YARD SIGNS ARE IN! Come one, come all to
pick them up and start a "red sea" of Save The Belleview Biltmore red yard
signs across Pinellas County!
The location to pick up
the yard signs is off Tyrone Blvd across from Tyrone Square Mall in St.
Petersburg. Some volunteers will be working here on Biltmore related things
also. The yard signs are FREE, but we do ask for $10 donation
to cover costs which will allow us to keep producing them. The location
to pick up the yard signs is Jeff Francis's office. Next week,
a more expanded distribution system will be in place, where Belleair and
north county residents can get their signs without having to travel to
St. Petersburg.
Detailed directions:
The north side of the Tyrone Overpass (use small frontage road near Hooters
Restaurant, go through two stop signs, and straight into gate). There are
four vacant acres with two large blue buildings onsite. The signs are located
at the small block house near the gate. It is a large site.
May 13 and 14, Weekend (cancelled
but planning on rescheduling this)
PJ Party at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel 25 Belleview Boulevard Belleair, Florida We have an exciting and fun fund raising event this
weekend at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, called the "PJ Party at the Belleview."
It starts Friday, May 13, and it includes a two night hotel stay at the
beautiful Victorian Belleview Biltmore. The event includes
a meet and greet Friday night, hors d’oeuvres, Saturday night dinner buffet,
historic tour, entertainment, sepia photos, nationally syndicated cartoonist,
pool, tennis, caricatures, antique car show, a champagne brunch and on
Sunday an optional ice cream social and optional golf package. Bring the
family! Also there will be a cocktail party Friday night 6:30 p.m.
till 8:30 p.m. at the East Gate Cottage. Anyone can attend
the cocktail party for free! What better way to help your children
learn about volunteering and community support? It's going
to be fun - something for everyone. For the delicious menu, complete details
of the event or if you have any questions, email the contact on the PJ
page, click PJ party. Sorry
we are unable to answer any questions about the event at this web page.
May 13, Friday Meet & Greet Social Lawn Party Save the Biltmore! 6:30 - 8:30 PM East Gate Cottage (This is the Victorian
House just inside the Belleview Guard house, you will see it set up to
the right of the house in the side yard.) Use the hotel's parking
to the left of the driveway 295 Belleview Blvd Belleair, FL 33756 Wine & Hors d'oeuvres *Donation Station *T-Shirt Sales *Yard Signs *Petition Drive Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=295+Belleview+Blvd&csz=belleair+fl&country=us&new=1&name=&qty= EVERYONE is welcome to
attend! Come join us to socialize with other Friends of the Belleview
Biltmore and to share your ideas with how to save your hotel. Belleair
Resident, Mr Timothy Dennis was gracious enough to allow us to use his
property to gather together for this social.
Belleair Special Town Meeting URGENT!!!
PLEASE ATTEND!! Friday, May 13, 3:00 p.m. 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Belleair, Florida Agenda: Hiring of new attorney
It is imperative that we get people there to assure
they do not hire a TEW recommended attorney. Sam Casello has compiled
a list of well respected individuals in the area of land use and planning.
These are people who are neutral with no ties to our community.It is obvious
that this meeting is being schedule to dissuade attendance. We can
not let that happen. Please make every effort to attend.
May 13 and 14, Weekend PJ Party at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel 25 Belleview Boulevard Belleair, Florida We have an exciting and fun fund raising event this
weekend at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, called the "PJ Party at the Belleview."
It starts Friday, May 13, and it includes a two night hotel stay at the
beautiful Victorian Belleview Biltmore. The event includes
a meet and greet Friday night, hors d’oeuvres, Saturday night dinner buffet,
historic tour, entertainment, sepia photos, nationally syndicated cartoonist,
pool, tennis, caricatures, antique car show, a champagne brunch and on
Sunday an optional ice cream social and optional golf package. Bring the
family! Also there will be a cocktail party Friday night 6:30 p.m.
till 8:30 p.m. at the East Gate Cottage. Anyone can attend
the cocktail party for free! What better way to help your children
learn about volunteering and community support? It's going
to be fun - something for everyone. For the delicious menu, complete details
of the event or if you have any questions, email the contact on the PJ
page, click PJ party. Sorry
we are unable to answer any questions about the event at this web page.
1. Results of Tuesday
night's Town Meeting, May 3, 2005 (some 300-400 people attended!
Thank you Biltmore supporters!)
1. Attorney Joel Tew has resigned his position as Belleair town attorney.
2. The extension of the demolition for permit did not pass.
Commissioner Gary Katica motioned
to pass a 30-day extension, Commission Bonnie Ruggles (who by the way sits
as the Commission Adviser to the Belleair Historic Preservation Board)
seconded the motion, however, when the vote was taken (3 yes, 2 no)
Yeas-Katica, Fowler, Upmeyer. Nays Mayor Mariani and Commissioner
Ruggles.
They needed a super majority of 4/1 but only had 3/2.
However
later Bonnie Ruggles changed her vote from nay to yea.
3. The Town Manager, Steve Cottrell was not fired, however, MANY
believe he should submit his
resignation today. The citizens of Belleair do not believe he has
their best interest at heart. His
address
is below if you wish to contact him in this or any regard.
Steve Cottrell, Belleair Town Manager
Phone: (727) 588-3769 ext. 310
Fax: (727) 588-3778
Email:
tmanager@tampabay.rr.com
4.
The Urdang group (owners of the Biltmore) will press on and attend Thursday's
meeting with the Belleair
Historic Preservation Board scheduled at Town Hall for 4PM. 5.
Our Biltmore attorney, Ken Weiss, is pursing more legal actions and looking
into comprehensive planning attorneys
to help us.
Honeywell...Large
Stockholder:
The St. Petersburg Times
reported that Honeywell, Inc., (one office located here in Clearwater)
is one of the larger shareholders in the Biltmore, said in a statement
that decisions are made by the Pennsylvania Company. Their contact
information to write them to help save the Biltmore however is: http://www.honeywellaerospace.com/contactus.htm
Honeywell's Corporate
Offices
David Cote CEO 101 Columbia Road Morristown, NJ 07962 Telephone: 973-45-2000
Honeywell - Board Members,
other board affiliations are listed right of their names. With the exception
of Mr. Berthune, correspondence should be sent the CEO and Board members
at
Gordon M. Bethune CEO Continental Airlines,
Inc Continental Airlines 1600 Smith Street Houston, TX 77002
Per information in the St. Petersburg Times newspaper,
Saturday, April 30, 2005, regarding behind the scenes proceedings unknown
to all of us until today, PLEASE contact Charlie Crist, Florida Attorney
General and request that his office look into the relationship between
DeBartolo Development, Belleair Mayor George Mariani, Belleair Attorney,
Joel Tew, and Town Manager, Steve Cottrell and their actions and
relationship including other business holdings and relationships.
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 To file a complaint go to the web site: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/ConsumerComplaint.pdf
BELLEAIR REGULAR COMMISSION
MEETING - VOTING ON THE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MEETING TO ATTEND! October 18, 2005, Tuesday Time: 7:30 PM 901 Ponce de Leon Belleair, Florida 33756-1034 Topic of Discussion - The preservation ordinance draft
will be reviewed a final time, and a vote will be taken by Belleair town
officials. Bring everyone you know and urge the town officials
to vote "yes" in passing the preservation ordinance to ensure that the
beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel will live on for future generations! NOTE: This web site supports the purchase of the Biltmore
Hotel by Marcus Hotels and Resorts and or a philanthropic trust fund who
will save the hotel, and preserve and restore it fully, keeping the guest
rooms and the interior historically accurate. This web site is AGAINST any or all demolition of
the Biltmore and AGAINST any condo or high-end ultra modernization of condo/hotel
development by other developers as has been reported in the news media!! Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=901+Ponce+de
Please note that preservation attorney Nancy Stroud
hired by Belleair has said this review by the Planning and Zoning Board
is NOT necessary and the commissioners have the right to deny this demolition
permit application. And
yet there is going to be an extensive review on this redevelopment/demolition
permit! ??? We do NOT understand why they are having this extensive review
after the preservation ordinance to save the Biltmore was passed in October.
Preservation attorney
Nancy Stroud who was hired by Belleair has said that this review is NOT
necessary and that the commissioners have the power to deny this redevelopment/demolition
permit. And yet there is going to be an extensive review on this
redevelopment/demolition permit! ???
Readers please note that
Rory
Hiller's plan who wants to buy the Biltmore (he contributed to destroying
our landmark Clearwater Beach Hotel! Click
to see before and after photos of this once beautiful hotel) wants
to put in condo/hotel units which this web site is AGAINST because of his
extensive REMODELING plan! We want to save the Biltmore as a real
hotel with all its historical AUTHENTICITY and Victorian charm with preservation
inside the guest rooms. There are THREE Victorian hotels which are
run successfully as a real hotel WITHOUT such modern condo/hotel units.
The del Coronado in San Diego, California. The Biltmore Hotel in
Coral Gables/Miami, Florida. The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island,
Michigan.The Driskill in Austin, Texas.
After the newspaper mentioned this web site on April
12, Rae Claire Johnson, who had contacts with developers to buy the Belleview
Biltmore for $40 million with "preferential development rights" emailed
this web site. We then began to work together. Also at that
time other concerned citizens contacted this web site. Eventually
a core group of hard-working people formed with Rae Claire Johnson and
myself, Diane Hein, and these now also include Jeff Frances, Laurie Adams
and Julie Kleckner. We all work in conjunction with this web site
to help save the Belleview Biltmore.There
are other volunteers who also help us.Rae
Claire Johnson had started a group called Friends of the Belleview Biltmore.
I am not part of this group having broken away from her on June 6, 2005
in order to try to save all four wings of the hotel, as we differed in
opinion in how to save the hotel.
Please note thatmany of
the views expressed on this web site are still my own, and one of them
is to save the ENTIRE Biltmore Hotel as one unit. Rae Claire
Johnson's group of developers have discussed in recent newspaper articles
that they only want to save the core of the Biltmore, meaning the older
parts. That is, they would save the east and west wings and destroy
the newer wings, the north and south wings and build condominiums around
the remaining core of the Biltmore. I will keep you updated if the
developers change their mind on this.
(Update: As of June 4, 2005, the developers with their names were
revealed who want to destroy the north and south wings and replace with
condo/hotel units which resulted in my breaking away from this group to
save the entire hotel.)
On June 6, 2005 after I split away from Mrs. Johnson,
I started up another preservation effort. Our new nonprofit organization
is called Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc. I, Diane
Hein, am president, Edward Jameson, vice president, Doug Mann, director
and Barbara Walters, director.
WE HAVE TWO BUYERS FOR THE BILTMORE! Through the efforts of this web site www.SaveTheBiltmore.com
and our new nonprofit organization of five people, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc., we have
found TWO preservation-minded buyers for the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.
One buyer is a hotel, Marcus Hotels and Resorts, and the other is an investment
trust fund with philanthropic money available to purchase the Biltmore.
Marcus Hotels and Resorts have purchased other historic hotels and have
successfully marketed and restored them. This is GREAT news for the
Biltmore and the public that we have found these two buyers! We hope
that discussions with the current Biltmore hotel owner, Urdang and Associates
will prove fruitful in a successful purchase with them and one of these
preservation-minded buyers. We always welcome more ideas on how to
find preservation-minded buyers for the Biltmore. Email
me, Diane Hein, Lead Preservationist, if you have any!
If you would prefer to give a donation by check, make
it payable to our nonprofit organization:
Save the Biltmore Preservationists and send it to:
Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc. Diane Hein, President 30617 U.S. Highway 19 North # 420 Palm Harbor, Florida 34684-4410
Welcome to our Save the Biltmore online store below!
Here you will find a variety of items including T shirts, tote bags,
artwork,fine art photography, Save the Biltmore greeting
cards (Hellocards),bookmarks all of which will help us continue
to Save the Biltmore.PLEASE NOTE! You may pay
online via credit card OR via PayPal after you click the "Add to Cart"
button. Either way your payment is completely secure whether
you use credit card or Paypal. When you go to pay and see this line:
"If you do not currently have a PayPal account,"
then simply click that button, and you may then pay with
your credit card.
Save the Biltmore Hotel T-shirt
The cost of the T-shirt is only $15 plus $4.95 for
mailer and shipping.
You may pay online via credit card or PayPal after
you click the "Add to Cart" button.
Wear it proudly to your friends and family that you
are helping to save the Biltmore!
This beautifully designed rendition of the Belleview
Biltmore Hotel, Belleair, Florida was designed by St. Petersburg artist,
Betsy Schott, so we sincerely thank her for helping us save the Biltmore.
She also designed the T-shirt for the "Save the Vinoy Hotel", in
St. Petersburg in the early 80's. Betsy has been studying Yoga for
many years and teaches at the Yoga Energy Center in downtown St. Pete,
also at Gold's Gym, and The Vinoy Hotel. She also is an artist who
paints in oils and acrylics and also paints murals, does faux finishing,
and specializes in painting walls for children's rooms. Betsy has
lived in St. Petersburg for over 45 years. She definitely supports
saving historical buildings and the environment. Please
note that the actual size of the art work on the T shirt you purchase is:
10" x 7.5". In order to protect the artist's work from copycats,
I have purposely decreased the size of the photo.
The web site name "www.SaveTheBiltmore.com" is on the back of the
T-shirt.
Save the Biltmore Hotel Tote bag
The
cost of the tote bag is only $15 plus $4.95 for mailer and shipping.
You may pay online via credit card or PayPal after
you click the "Add to Cart" button. This beautiful canvas tote
bag is perfect for carrying books, papers, gifts, letters etc. The
width is 14 inches and the height is 14.5 inches.
Show it off proudly to your friends and family that
you are helping to save the Biltmore!
Silver Plate Bowl
A new silver plate bowl with a clear glass liner from Neiman Marcus with all over pierced design and bright cut decoration. The base is 4" and the top diameter is 10" A beautiful item to own or to give as a gift. Fill it with flowers or fruit or champagne punch for any festive occasion. It comes in original box and packing
Donor: Robert Burrell, Esq. Indian Shores, FL
Price: $30.
You
may pay online via credit card or PayPal after you click the "Add to Cart"
button.
If you would like to be on the mailing
list, for Belleview Biltmore Supporters, news media, preservation
organizations or others to receive current event information and Updates
about saving the Biltmore, OR post messages to the Message Board, just
fill out this form and I, Diane Hein, will add your name and email address
to our mailing list, post your messages, and you will receive Biltmore
Updates from me.
If you have
any old/historic photos of the Biltmore and/or of your family at the hotel,
please send them to us and we will post them. We are especially
looking for photos of the interior of the hotel before World War II before
all the furniture was removed when the Biltmore housed the military.
Comments for the Message Board are below.
If you are just signing up to be on the Belleview Biltmore Supporters Mailing
List, you do NOT have to fill in the comments section.
Please check one of these circles below by placing
your mouse curser over the circle and left click on it with your mouse.
If you make a mistake simply place the curser over
the other circle and left click on it.
YES ! You may use my name and support comments
on the Message Board web page
NO! Do not use my name and
support comments on the Message Board
web page
Please check one of these circles below by placing
your mouse curser over the circle and left click on it with your
mouse.</font></b>
<p><b><font size=+1>If you make a mistake simply place the curser over
the other circle and left click on it.</font></b>
<br>
<br>
<p><b><font size=+1>YES ! You may use my name and support comments
on the <a href="BiltmoreMessageBoard.htm">Message Board</a> web
page</font></b><input type="radio" name="R1" value="V3" checked>
<p><b><font size=+1>NO! Do not use my name and
support comments on the <a href="BiltmoreMessageBoard.htm">Message Board</a>
web page </font></b><input type="radio" name="R1" value="V4">
<p>
and much more...!! 
The
cost of the tote bag is only $15 plus $4.95 for mailer and shipping.