Massive expansion of Sirata Beach Resort approved, will bring two new hotels to St. Pete Beach
/After months of deliberation and testimony from the public and parties involved, the St. Pete Beach commissioners approved the plans for the controversial Sirata Beach Resort expansion.
In a 3-2 vote Tuesday evening, February 27th, commissioners greenlighted the conditional use permit (CUP) for the construction of a 290-key luxury JW Marriott hotel, a limited-service 130-key Hampton Inn, and a massive revamp of the existing 382-key resort at 5300 Gulf Boulevard.
The narrowly passed vote is a continuation of the nearly 11-hour public hearing last week when the newly appointed commissioners made a motion to defer the decision.
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Contrary to recent reports, Jannus Live, the iconic open-air concert venue in downtown St. Petersburg, is not for sale and will continue operating, according to the property's owner.
The confusion began when a two-story, 10,500-square-foot commercial building at 200 1st Avenue North, immediately north of the courtyard music venue, was listed for sale for $11.5 million.
Although the two properties share a longstanding connection, they have separate owners.
The building listed for sale is owned by The Jannus Landing Retail Building, LLC, associated with local businessman Jeff Knight, while the courtyard concert venue is owned by St. Pete Jannus, LLC, led by Tony Amico.
"Jannus music venue is not for sale and will continue to operate," Amico said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “There may be a short pause due to a change of operators, but the music will continue.”
The distinction comes after several local publications reported that Jannus Live was being sold, raising concerns about the future of the courtyard that has hosted concerts in downtown St. Pete since 1984.