Photo courtesy of the City of St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary off-site valet parking lot on Gulf Boulevard on July 28 after adding new controls intended to prevent the property from becoming public beach parking.
The approval covers four parcels at 3815, 3855, 3859, and 3861 Gulf Blvd. under a permit held by Miramar Property Holdings LLC. The permit will expire after three years or when the City approves a new development on the land, whichever occurs first.
Commissioners also rescinded older parking approvals previously granted to Hotel Zamora and TradeWinds for the same properties.
Valet-only Operation After Transition
The property may operate only as a valet parking lot for St. Pete Beach hotels and related businesses located on hotel properties, including restaurants, spas, and lounges.
The permit prohibits self-parking, public commercial parking, and parking for special events. Miramar may contract with other hotels but remains responsible for violations caused by those businesses or their valet operators.
The City may revoke the permit if the property is used for prohibited activities, including parties, tailgating, or loud music.
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That’s not all that happened at the July 28 St. Pete Beach’s Commission meeting. Read about fees, projects, and events, Fire Station 22, property tax, tourist tax, and wastewater.
First 120 Days Allow Limited Parking
Miramar has 120 days to complete the permanent improvements required under the permit. During that transition period, the company may use the property for construction vehicles and allow hotels to park employee and valet guest vehicles through written agreements.
The lot cannot operate between midnight and 7 a.m. during the transition period. Miramar must change the locks at both entrances, secure the property with chains when it is not in use, and post signs stating that the site does not provide public or beach parking.
After residents raised concerns about unauthorized beach parking, Commissioners added another condition requiring the lot to remain locked or attended on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the first 120 days.
District 3 Commissioner Al Causey said weekends have created the biggest problems because beach visitors have entered the unsecured property and parked without permission.
“If it’s unlocked and unattended, people park there, and then they try to get to the beach,” Causey said.
Permanent Operations Require Controlled Access
After the transition period, Miramar must operate the property exclusively as a valet lot. Self-closing gates must remain closed except when vehicles enter or leave.
During busy periods, gates may remain open briefly if an attendant actively monitors traffic and prevents unauthorized vehicles from entering.
Property Upgrades Required Under Permit
Within 120 days, Miramar must install gates at least 20 feet from the sidewalk, repair, or replace the front fence, add landscaping and irrigation, mark parking spaces, and create crushed-shell driving aisles.
The property must also include an access lane capable of supporting a 70,000-pound fire vehicle.
Within 45 days, the company must install temporary screening along the seawall to prevent vehicle headlights from shining across McPherson Bayou into nearby homes. Permanent landscaping or screening must be installed after completing the seawall work.
Seawall and Dock Work Remain Separate Requirements
Miramar must submit permits to repair or replace the deteriorated seawall and address damaged docks. Unless government permitting delays prevent completion, the seawall must pass final inspection by May 31, 2027.
The company may repair or remove the docks but cannot use them without additional approval from the commission.
The lot also cannot provide regular overnight parking until permitted pedestrian-scale lighting is installed.
Commissioners Approve Permit in Separate Votes
District 1 Commissioner Karen Marriott said the City should avoid creating conditions that become unworkable during the temporary transition period. She said the City should allow the new operator an opportunity to demonstrate responsible management of the property.
Commissioners approved the permit and the two resolutions ending the Hotel Zamora and TradeWinds approvals in separate 4-0 votes.
The St. Pete Beach Commission’s next meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.
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